A multicenter study on laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in Japan

Wound infection in colorectal cancer resections through a laparoscopic approach: a single-center prospective observational study of over 3000 cases

OBJECTIVES

This prospective observational study aimed to clarify the incidence and independent risk factors of wound infection after laparoscopic surgery for primary colonic and rectal cancer.

METHODS

A prospective surveillance of surgical site infection (SSI) was conducted in consecutive patients with primary colorectal cancer, who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery in a single comprehensive cancer center between 2005 and 2014. The outcomes of interest were the incidence and risk factors of wound infection.

RESULTS

In total, 3170 patients were enrolled in the study. The overall incidence of wound infection was 3.0%. The incidence of wound infection was significantly higher in rectal surgery than in colonic surgery (4.7 vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001). In rectal surgery, independent risk factors for developing wound infection included abdominoperineal resection (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 11.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.04-24.8), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.041, OR = 1.97, 95% CI, 1.03-3.76), and chemoradiotherapy (p = 0.032, OR = 2.18, 95% CI, 1.07-4.45). In laparoscopic colonic surgery, no significant risk factors were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic rectal surgery has a higher risk of wound infection than colonic surgery. Laparoscopic rectal surgery involving abdominoperineal resection, patients with higher BMI, and chemoradiotherapy requires careful observation in wound care and countermeasures against wound infection.

Improved oncologic outcomes with increase of laparoscopic surgery in modified complete mesocolic excision with D3 lymph node dissection for T3/4a colon cancer: results of 1191 consecutive patients during a 10-year period: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic modified complete mesocolic excision (mCME) with D3 lymph node dissection has been performed with increasing frequency, but the oncological safety remains unclear. This study investigated the oncological safety of laparoscopic modified CME with D3 dissection for pT3/4a M0 colon cancer.

PATIENTS

Consecutive patients with pT3/4a M0 colon cancer undergoing curative colectomy at a comprehensive cancer center between 2004 and 2013 were included. Outcomes were compared between early (2004-2008, n = 450) and late (2009-2014, n = 741) periods. Prognostic factors were investigated by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1191 patients were eligible. Median follow-up was 57 months. Laparoscopic surgeries were more common in the late period (early vs late: 53.6% vs. 91.8%, p < 0.01). Patients in the late period showed lower blood loss (20 mL vs. 10 mL, p < 0.01), higher number of harvested lymph nodes (18.1 vs. 21.6, p < 0.01) and fewer patients with < 12 harvested nodes (13.6% vs. 5.8%, p < 0.01). Postoperative complication rates were similar between periods (2.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.97). Five-year relapse-free survival rate (RFS) (75.3% vs. 82.7%, p < 0.01) and overall survival rate (OS) (86.9% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.01) were higher in the late period. Multivariate analysis revealed laparoscopic surgery as an independent favorable prognostic factor for both RFS (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.99, p = 0.03) and OS (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.37-0.83, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Improved oncologic outcomes and more frequent laparoscopic surgery during the 10-year period of the study were demonstrated for modified CME with D3 dissection, suggesting the safety of this procedure performed by experienced surgeons for pT3/4a M0 colon cancer.

Factors related to short-term outcomes and delayed systemic treatment following primary tumor resection for asymptomatic stage IV colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of primary tumor resection (PTR) for asymptomatic stage IV colorectal cancer patients to continue prolonged and safe systemic chemotherapy has recently been re-evaluated. However, postoperative complications lead to a prolonged hospital stay and delay systemic treatment, which could result in a poor oncologic outcome. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for morbidity and delay of systemic chemotherapy in such patients.

METHODS

Between April 2016 and March 2018, 115 consecutive colorectal cancer patients with distant metastasis who had no clinical symptoms and underwent PTR in all participating hospitals were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (CD ≥ 2, n = 23) or absence (CD < 2, n = 92) of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The proportion of combined resection of adjacent organs was significantly higher in the postoperative complication group (p = 0.014). Complications were significantly correlated with longer hospital stay (p < 0.001) and delay of first postoperative treatment (p = 0.005). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that combined resection (odds ratio 4.593, p = 0.010) was the independent predictor for postoperative complications. Median survival time was 8.5 months. Postoperative complications were not associated with overall survival, but four patients (3.5%) could not receive systemic chemotherapy because of prolonged postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PTR for asymptomatic stage IV CRC patients showed an acceptable prognosis, appropriate patient selection is needed to obtain its true benefit.

Patterns of Life Lost to Cancers with High Risk of Death in China

To inform public health policy and research, we analyzed the patterns of life lost to cancers and evaluated the cancer burden in China. Based on the published Chinese Cancer Registry Annual Report and related literature in 2013, we calculated the cancer-related mortality and potential years of life lost (PYLL) by age, sex, districts (urban or rural), to describe the patterns of life lost to cancers. The high death-risk cancers in China were lung, liver, stomach, esophageal, colorectal, breast, pancreatic, brain and nervous system, and ovarian cancers, and leukemia. Liver and esophageal cancers were more prominent among males, while breast and colorectal cancers were more prevalent among females. The most obvious differences of mortality between urban and rural areas were found in liver, esophageal, and colorectal cancers. Cancer-related mortality increased significantly after the age of 30 years, and peaking at 70–79 years. The PYLL rate of cancer in urban areas was higher than that in rural areas (21.49 vs. 19.20/1000), and significant regional and gender differences of PYLL ranks can be observed. For people aged over 60 years, cancer PYLL mainly came from lung, stomach, and esophageal cancers; for middle-aged people, it was mainly induced by liver, colorectal, and female reproductive systems’ cancers; and for those under 30 years, life lost to cancer was mainly caused by leukemia and brain, nervous system cancers. Moreover, disparities in age distribution of PYLL from different regions and sexes can be found. In short, three categories of people, including those in urban areas, males and people over 60 years, were suffering from more serious cancer deaths and life lost. These variations pose considerable challenges for the Chinese health care system, and comprehensive measures are required for cancer prevention and treatment.

Laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

Laparoscopic surgery has been relatively contraindicated in patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPS) because of concerns about the effect of the pneumoperitoneum on shunt function. However, there have been recent reports of laparoscopic surgery on the gallbladder and cecum. This is the first report of laparoscopic high anterior resection for rectal cancer without manipulation of the VPS catheter in a patient with VPS. We made a diagnosis of advanced rectal cancer in a 77-year-old man who had a VPS to treat hydrocephalus after a subarachnoid hemorrhage. We performed the procedure with the patient in a 15° head-down tilt and with 10-mmHg pneumoperitoneum pressure. There were no postoperative complications. We concluded that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer can be safely performed in patients with VPS.

The feasibility of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of residual or recurrent tumor localized in therapeutic scar tissue

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

 Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is used to treat superficial colorectal tumors. Previous studies have reported the efficacy of ESD for treating residual or local recurrent colorectal tumors. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of ESD in treating these lesions and to assess factors that prevent successful ESD.

METHODS

 This retrospective study assessed 25 cases of residual or local recurrent lesions that were previously treated using EMR (18 lesions), TEM (5 lesions), ESD (1 lesion) or surgery (1 lesion), and 459 primary lesions treated using ESD between April 2008 and September 2015. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment outcome and adverse events were compared between groups with or without scar tissue. Factors related to perforation and a prolonged treatment time, which indicate the likelihood of technical difficulties, were identified using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

In residual or local recurrent lesions groups, patients experienced more perforations (32 % vs 4 %, P  < 0.001) and required a longer treatment time (117 min vs 61 min, P  < 0.001) compared with the primary lesions group. Both groups showed a similar curative resection rate. Emergency surgery was not needed in any case. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that tumor location and therapeutic scar tissue were high risk factors for perforation, and that large tumor size and therapeutic scar tissue were high risk factors for prolonged treatment time.

CONCLUSIONS

ESD for residual or local recurrent colorectal tumors is a technically challenging, but effective and minimally invasive treatment. When performed carefully with sufficient proficiency, it is a useful treatment option.

Success rate of informed consent acquisition and factors influencing participation in a multicenter randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic versus open surgery for stage II/III colon cancer in Japan (JCOG0404)

INTRODUCTION

Successful completion of randomized controlled trials (RCT) is dependent on informed consent (IC) acquisition from patients. The aim of this study was to prospectively calculate the proportion of participation in a surgical RCT and to identify the reasons for failed IC acquisition.

METHODS

A 30-institute RCT was conducted to evaluate oncological outcomes of open and laparoscopic surgery for stage II/III colon cancer (JCOG0404: UMIN-CTR C000000105). The success rate of obtaining IC, which was supported by a DVD that helped patients understand this trial, was evaluated in eight periods between October 2004 and March 2009. In addition, reasons for failed IC acquisition were identified from questionnaires.

RESULTS

A total of 1767 patients were informed of their eligibility for the trial, and 1057 (60%) were randomly assigned to either the laparoscopic surgery (n = 529) or open surgery (n = 528) group. The success rate of IC acquisition ranged from 50% to 62% in eight periods. The most common reasons for failed IC acquisition were anxiety/unhappiness about the randomization, patients' preference for one form of surgery, and strong recommendations from referring doctors or relatives.

CONCLUSIONS

With the assistance of a DVD, high success rates of IC acquisition were obtained for an RCT of laparoscopic versus open surgery for stage II/III colon cancers. To obtain such a rate, investigators should make efforts to inform patients, their relatives, and referring doctors about the medical contributions a surgical RCT can make.

Have early postoperative complications from laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery improved over the past 20 years?

AIM

Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery has been increasingly used since 1991 following the publication of the first case series. Since then, several studies have confirmed that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is challenging with associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine if the rates of early postoperative complications in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery have improved over the past 20 years.

METHOD

A literature search of the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases between August 1991 and August 2011 was conducted using the keywords laparoscopy, rectal cancer and postoperative complications. Data were analysed using linear regression ANOVA performed in GNUMERICS software.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven studies were included for analysis. Over the last 20 years there has been no significant change in the rate of any early postoperative complications (anastomotic leak, conversion, sexual, urinary or faecal dysfunction, wound infection, overall morbidity or mortality). However, in the last 3 years, the rate of positive resection margins has decreased significantly (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence of a statistically significant change in early postoperative complications until 3 years ago. This may reflect the inherent morbidity associated with rectal surgery regardless of the approach used, the limitations of the current laparoscopic instrumentation or the relatively long learning curve. With increasing experience, a repeat analysis in the near future following the publication of ongoing randomized clinical trials might show improved outcomes.

Laparoscopic-assisted versus open complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation for right-sided colon cancer

BACKGROUND

A concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME) and central vascular ligation for colonic cancer has been recently introduced. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare perioperative and oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic-assisted CME (LCME) and open CME (OCME) for right-sided colon cancers.

METHODS

The study group included 128 patients who underwent an LCME and 137 patients who underwent an OCME for right-sided colon cancer between June 2006 and December 2008. The propensity scoring matching for sex, body mass index, tumor location, and pathologic T and TNM stage produced 85 matched pairs.

RESULTS

The median time to soft diet (LCME 6 days vs. OCME 7 days, p < 0.001) and the possible length of stay (7 vs. 13 days, p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the laparoscopic group. The median operation time (179 vs. 194 minutes, p = 0.862) and number of harvested lymph nodes (27 vs. 28, p = 0.337) were comparable between groups. The morbidity within 30 days after surgery was comparable between the groups (12.9 vs. 24.7 %, p = 0.050). The 5-year overall survival rates of the OCME and LCME groups were 77.8 and 90.3 % (p = 0.028), and the 5-year disease-free survival rates were 71.8 and 83.3 % (p = 0.578), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Herein, we demonstrated the feasibility and safety of LCME for right-sided colon cancer, and in terms of better short-term outcomes, LCME was more advantageous than OCME. Although LCME for right-sided colon cancer was associated with better 5-year overall survival, compared with an open approach, the long-term oncologic outcomes between the groups were comparable.

Managing the changing burden of cancer in Asia

Asia accounts for 60% of the world population and half the global burden of cancer. The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase from 6.1 million in 2008 to 10.6 million in 2030, due to ageing and growing populations, lifestyle and socioeconomic changes. Striking variations in ethnicity, sociocultural practices, human development index, habits and dietary patterns are reflected in the burden and pattern of cancer in different regions. The existing and emerging cancer patterns and burden in different regions of Asia call for political recognition of cancer as an important public health problem and for balanced investments in public and professional awareness. Prevention as well as early detection of cancers leads to both better health outcomes and considerable savings in treatment costs. Cancer health services are still evolving, and require substantial investment to ensure equitable access to cancer care for all sections of the population. In this review, we discuss the changing burden of cancer in Asia, along with appropriate management strategies. Strategies should promote healthy ageing via healthy lifestyles, tobacco and alcohol control measures, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, cancer screening services, and vertical investments in strengthening cancer healthcare infrastructure to improve equitable access to services.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic-assisted right-hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy versus open surgery for colon carcinoma

PURPOSE

To investigate the applicability, safety, short-term and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of right-sided colon carcinomas with D3 lymphadenectomy.

METHODS

Between June 2003 and September 2010, 324 patients with right-sided colon carcinoma underwent surgical treatment in the same hospital, 177 cases were treated by laparoscopic surgery (LRH group) and 147 cases by open surgery (ORH group). We performed a retrospective analysis of the differences between the two groups in terms of the clinical data.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups in the demographic data; however, the recovery time was significantly shorter in the LRH group, the number of overall lymph nodes harvested and principle lymph nodes harvested in the LRH group was significantly higher than in the ORH group, the incidence of postoperative complications was 12.99 % in the LRH group and 22.45 % in the ORH group (P < 0.05), and the recurrence rate in the LRH group was lower than that in the ORH group, although the difference was not significant (15.25 vs 19.73 %). The cumulative overall survival for all stages at 1, 3 and 5 years in the LRH group (97.18, 83.73 and 70.37 %) were not significantly different compared to those in the ORH group (94.56, 77.84 and 66.97 %).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy for colon carcinomas is safe and effective, while it is also superior to open surgery regarding the short-term outcomes, and the long-term outcomes are similar to those of open surgery.

Laparoscopic colectomy for transverse colon cancer in an automated peritoneal dialysis patient: A case report

INTRODUCTION

To date, intra-abdominal surgery in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD) has been considered to be associated with increased risk even when it is performed laparoscopically. To our knowledge, this is the first case of laparoscopic colectomy for transverse colon cancer in a patient undergoing automated PD (APD).

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 67-year-old man undergoing APD for end-stage chronic renal failure secondary to diabetic nephropathy was diagnosed with transverse colon cancer. Laparoscopic tumor resection without removal of the PD catheter was performed uneventfully. After surgery, PD was interrupted for 4 weeks and then safely resumed after confirming no severe complications of anastomotic leakage or intra-abdominal abscess.

DISCUSSION

In patients undergoing PD, the safety of laparoscopic surgery without removal of the catheter and the optimal timing of resuming postoperative PD with or without temporary hemodialysis remain controversial.

CONCLUSION

We believe that laparoscopic colectomy can be safely performed in patients undergoing PD. Further case reports and investigations on this procedure with special reference to safety are warranted in future.

Long-term results of laparoscopy-assisted radical right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy: clinical analysis with 177 cases

PURPOSES

To study the feasibility, safety, and short-/long-term outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy for colon cancer.

METHODS

The clinical data of 177 cases that underwent laparoscopy-assisted radical right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy for colon cancer between Jun 2003 and Sep 2010 was collected; the safety of operation, status of recovery, complication, oncological outcomes, and results of short-/long-term follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

No case died in this study; five cases (2.82 %) were converted to open surgery. Four cases (2.26 %) underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The average operation time was 133 ± 36 min, and the blood loss was 94 ± 34 ml. The average time for passage of flatus, liquid food eating, and hospitalization were 2.1 ± 0.7, 3.2 ± 0.5, and 10.4 ± 2.7 day, respectively. The total number of lymph nodes removed was 15.2 ± 10.1. Postoperative complications were observed in 23 of 177 patients (12.99 %). The median follow-up period was 54 months; port-site recurrence was observed in one patient; local recurrence was found in five cases (2.82 %); distant metastasis was found in 21 cases (11.86 %). The cumulative overall survival of all stages at 12, 36, 60, and 72 months was 97.18 %, 83.73 %, 70.37 %, and 68.99 %, respectively. The cancer-specific survival was 98.73 % (12 months), 87.81 % (36 months), and 80.17 % (60 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy-assisted right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy can be successfully performed for right colon cancer with the advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Moreover, the results implied appropriate short- and long-term outcomes.

Oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy: a single-center safety and feasibility study

Background

Indications for laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) for early stomach cancer have spread worldwide and evaluation of short-term outcomes has been favorable. The present study aimed to evaluate both technical feasibility and safety of LG and short-and long-term outcomes after LG.

Methods

The study group comprised 231 patients who underwent LG during the period from August 2001 through December 2011 at Gifu University School of Medicine.

Results

Concomitant resection of other organs was performed in 16 (6.9 %) of the 231 patients, and conversion to open surgery was performed in 5 (2.2 %) patients. The final clinical stage of the patients, according to the Union for International Cancer Control classification, was stage IA in 183 (79.0 %), stage IB in 26 (11.3 %), stage IIA in 9 (2.6 %), stage IIB in 6 (2.6 %), stage IIIA in 5 (2.2 %), and stage IIIB in 2 (0.9 %) patients. Average values of total blood loss and operation time were 133.7 ± 129.0 ml and 328.1 ± 70.1 min, respectively. Postoperative complications were detected in 29 patients (12.6 %), and one patient died. According to the Clavien–Dindo classification of surgical complications, the rate of severe complications of grade ≥3a was 6.1 % and that of grade ≥3b was 1.3 %. There were no significant differences in complications in relation to clinicopathological or operative procedures. Cancer recurrence was detected in 2 (0.9 %) patients. In the patient with peritoneal dissemination, tumor size and macroscopic type were critical. Five-year overall survival rates were 99.3 % for stage IA, 95.2 % for stage IB, and 50.0 % for stage IIB patients. One recurrence each was detected for stages IA and IIB cancers.

Conclusion

The present study showed LG to have a safe postoperative course and to benefit oncologic outcomes.

Laparoscopic cecal cancer resection in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt: A case report

INTRODUCTION

The presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt has been considered to be a contraindication for laparoscopic surgery till date; however, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was recently reported as safe for patients with this shunt.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present the first case, to the best of our knowledge, of laparoscopic colectomy for cecal cancer in a patient with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. A 59-year-old woman with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus was referred to our hospital with cecal cancer. Laparoscopic cecal cancer resection was performed successfully and uneventfully by manipulating the shunt.

DISCUSSION

Clamping of the shunt catheter at the subcutaneous region was performed before insufflation of carbon dioxide to prevent adverse effects from the pneumoperitoneum.

CONCLUSION

We believe that laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer can be performed safely in patients with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt by optimal manipulation of the shunt.

Outcome of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal cancer: a critical appraisal

Despite the wide application of laparoscopic surgery for various common surgical conditions, the development of laparoscopic colorectal surgery has been slow. The obstacle for its advancement is formed by a steep learning curve and concerns about the oncologic safety in cases of malignant diseases. With refinement in instrumentation and improvement in surgical techniques in recent years, laparoscopic colectomy has become a safe and feasible procedure. The short-term advantages in terms of quicker recovery of bowel function, less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stay of laparoscopic colectomy over conventional treatment seem to be indisputable. Results from large prospective randomized trials revealed the oncologic outcome to be comparable between the two treatments. Furthermore, the incidence of port-site metastasis was shown to be similar between the two approaches. For rectal cancer, laparoscopic-assisted total mesorectal excision has been shown to be a safe and feasible procedure. The incidence of postoperative morbidity including anastomotic leakage appears to be comparable between the two treatments. However, the long-term outcome especially for local recurrence and overall survival remains uncertain. Prospective randomized study with long follow-up is required to elucidate this issue.

Laparoscopic versus open colectomy for TNM stage III colon cancer: results of a prospective multicenter study in Italy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is still debate about the practicality of performing laparoscopic colectomy instead of open colectomy for patients with curable cancer, although laparoscopic surgery is now being performed even for patients with advanced colon cancer. We compared the long-term results of laparoscopic versus open colectomy for TNM stage III carcinoma of the colon in a large series of patients followed up for at least 3 years.

METHODS

The subjects of this prospective non-randomized multicentric study were 290 consecutive patients, who underwent open surgery (OS group; n = 164) or laparoscopic surgery (LS group; n = 126) between 1994 and 2005, at one of the four surgical centers. The same surgical techniques were used for the laparoscopic and open approaches to right and left colectomy. The distribution of TNM substages (III A, III B, IIIC) as well as the grading of carcinomas (G1, G2, G3) were similar in each arm of the study. The median follow-up periods were 76.9 and 58.0 months after OS and LS, respectively.

RESULTS

There were 10 (6.1 %) versus 9 (7.1 %) deaths unrelated to cancer, 15 (9.1 %) versus 5 (4 %) cases of local recurrence, 7 (4.2 %) versus 5 (4 %) cases of peritoneal carcinosis, and 37 (22.5 %) versus 14 (11.1 %) cases of metastases in the OS and LS groups, respectively. There was also one case of port-site recurrence after LS (0.8 %). The OS group had a significantly higher probability of local recurrence and metastases (p < 0.001) with a significant higher probability of cancer-related death (p = 0.001) than the LS group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support that LS is safe and effective for advanced carcinoma of the colon. Although the LS group in this study had a significantly better long-term outcome than the OS group, further investigations are needed to draw a definitive conclusion.

Open versus laparoscopic resection of primary tumor for incurable stage IV colorectal cancer: a large multicenter consecutive patients cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the hypothesis that laparoscopic primary tumor resection is safe and effective when compared with the open approach for colorectal cancer patients with incurable metastases.

BACKGROUND

There are only a few reports with small numbers of patients on laparoscopic tumor resection for stage IV colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients who underwent palliative primary tumor resection for stage IV colorectal cancer between January 2006 and December 2007 were collected retrospectively from 41 institutions. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared between patients who underwent laparoscopic or open resection.

RESULTS

A total of 904 patients (laparoscopic group: 226, open group: 678) with a median age of 64 years (range: 22-95) were included in the analysis. Conversion was required in 28 patients (12.4%) and the most common reasons for conversion (23/28: 82%) were bulky or invasive tumors. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality in either group. The complication rate (NCI-CTCAE grade 2-4) after laparoscopic surgery (17%) was significantly lower than that after open surgery (24%) (P = 0.02), and the difference was greater (4% vs 12%; P < 0.001) when we limited the analysis to severe (≥grade 3) complications. The median length of postoperative hospital stay in the laparoscopic group was significantly shorter than that in the open group (14 vs 17 days; P = 0.002). In univariate analysis, overall survival for the laparoscopic group was significantly better than that for open surgery (median survival time: 25.9 vs 22.3 months, P = 0.04), although no difference was apparent in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with open surgery, laparoscopic primary tumor resection has advantages in the short term and no disadvantages in the long term. It is a reasonable treatment option for certain stage IV colorectal cancer patients with incurable disease.

Comparison of survival of patients receiving laparoscopic and open radical resection for stage II colon cancer

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to compare the survival of patients receiving laparoscopic vs. open radical resection for stage II colon cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and twenty patients with stage II colon cancer were enrolled from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2000 to December 2009, including 61 patients in the laparoscopic radical resection group and 159 patients in the open radical resection group. The survival data in both groups were compared using the log rank test based on Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in the 3-year survival (88.5% vs. 80.5%; X(2)=1.98, P=0.159) and the 5-year survival (81.9% vs. 69.2%; X(2)=1.98, P=0.159) between both groups. However, statistically significant difference was found in median overall survival (mOS), which was 102.6 (95% CI: 76.8-122.7) months in the laparoscopic group and 90.0 (95% CI: 70.4-109.6) months in the open radical resection group (X(2)=4.183, P=0.041). mOS was 96 (95% CI: 68.6-111.4) months and 92.6 (95% CI: 56.8-107.2) months in those with and without postoperative chemotherapy, respectively (X(2)=6.389, P=0.011). For patients older than 75 years the mOS was 90.0 (95% CI: 25.3-105.0) months and 83.4 (95% CI: 13.1-96.9) months in the laparoscopic and open group, respectively. The difference between the both groups was statistically significant (X(2)=6.191, P=0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The mOS of patients receiving laparoscopic radical resection was better than open radical resection for stage II colon cancer, especially for patients over 75 years old.

Short-term and medium-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery for colorectal cancer: a single center retrospective case-control study

Background

Laparoscopic procedure is a rapid developed technique in colorectal surgery. In this investigation we aim at assessing the diversities of short-term and medium-term clinical outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted versus open surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

A total number of 519 patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer were enrolled for this study. The patients underwent either laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LAP) (n = 254) or open surgery (OP) (n = 265). Surgical techniques, perioperative managements and clinical follow-ups were standardized. Short-term perioperative data and medium-term recurrence and survival were compared and analyzed between the two groups.

Results

There were no differences in perioperative parameters between the two groups except in regards to a trend of faster recovery in laparoscopic procedures. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complications, reoperation rate, or perioperative mortality. Statistically significant differences in a faster return of gastrointestinal function and shorter hospital stay were identified in favor of laparoscopic-assisted resection. In colon and rectal cancer cases separately, the overall survival, cancer-free survival and recurrence rate were similar in two groups. There was also no tendency of significant differences in overall survival, cancer-free survival and recurrence in stage I-II and stage III patients in two cancer categories between the two groups, respectively. pT, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage were independent predictors of overall death risk, while pT, pN, lymph node metastasis and clinical stage were found to be the independent predictors of recurrence risk in enrolled patients database.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic-assisted procedure has more benefits on postoperative recovery, while has the same effects on medium-term recurrence and survival compared with open surgery in the treatment of non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous metastatic liver tumor

Laparoscopic colorectal resection has been applied to advanced colorectal cancer. Synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer would be treated safely and effectively by simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal and hepatic resection. Seven patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis treated by simultaneous laparoscopic resection were analyzed retrospectively. Three patients received a hybrid operation using a small skin incision, 2 patients underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery using a small incision produced for colonic anastomosis, and 2 patients were treated with pure laparoscopic resection. The mean total operation duration was 407 minutes, and mean blood loss was 207 mL. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all cases. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 16.4 days. No recurrence at the surgical margin was observed in the liver. For selected patients with synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, simultaneous laparoscopic resection is useful for minimizing operative invasiveness while maintaining safety and curability, with satisfying short- and long-term results.

Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

Purpose

The long-term results of a laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer have been reported in several studies, but reports on the results of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer are limited. We investigated the long-term outcomes, including the five-year overall survival, disease-free survival and recurrence rate, after a laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer.

Methods

Using prospectively collected data on 303 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent a laparoscopic resection between January 2001, and December 2003, we analyzed sex, age, stage, complications, hospital stay, mean operation time and blood loss. The overall survival rate, disease-free survival rate and recurrence rate were investigated for 271 patients who could be followed for more than three years.

Results

Tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage I cancer was present in 55 patients (18.1%), stage II in 116 patients (38.3%), stage III in 110 patients (36.3%), and stage IV in 22 patients (7.3%). The mean operative time was 200 minutes (range, 100 to 535 minutes), and the mean blood loss was 97 mL (range, 20 to 1,200 mL). The mean hospital stay was 11 days and the mean follow-up period was 54 months. The mean numbers of resected lymph nodes were 26 and 21 in the colon and the rectum, respectively, and the mean distal margins were 10 and 3 cm. The overall morbidity rate was 26.1%. The local recurrence rates were 2.2% and 4.4% in the colon and the rectum, respectively, and the distant recurrence rates were 7.8% and 22.5%. The five-year overall survival rates were 86.1% in the colon (stage I, 100%; stage II, 97.6%; stage III, 77.5%; stage IV, 16.7%) and 68.8% in the rectum (stage I, 90.2%; stage II, 84.0%; stage III, 57.6; stage IV, 13.3%). The five-year disease-free survival rates were 89.8% in the colon (stage I, 100%; stage II, 97.7%; stage III, 74.2%) and 74.5% in the rectum (stage I, 90.0%; stage II, 83.9%; stage III, 59.2%).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is a good alternative method to open surgery with tolerable oncologic long-term results.

Comparison of short, long-term surgical outcomes and mid-term health-related quality of life after laparoscopic and open resection for colorectal cancer: a case-matched control study

BACKGROUND

A multicenter randomized study is high quality, but it is also true that there are differences between institutions. The quality of treatment is consistent in a single center so comparisons in a retrospective study can be matched for many variables.

METHODS

This single-center study examined short-term and long-term outcomes for colorectal cancer in 258 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection (LC) and 258 matched open resection (OC) cases. The health-related qualities of life (HRQOL) at 1-2 years after the operations in 62 patients (35 LC and 27 OC) were compared by SF-36.

RESULTS

The conversion rate was 5.0%. Mean follow-up periods in LC and OC were 62.3 and 62.1 months, respectively. Operation time was longer in LC than in OC, although the difference was not significant in the later period. Bleeding and postoperative stay were reduced in LC. The morbidity rate was 18.6% in LC and 26.4% in OC. The 5-year overall survival in LC and OC were 94.6% vs. 92.0% for stage I, 95.2% vs. 91.8% for stage II, and 80.9% vs. 79.1% for stage III, respectively. The corresponding 5-year disease-free survival were 94.0% vs. 88.4%, 92.1% vs. 84.0%, and 64.3% vs. 65.4%, respectively. Recurrence rates did not differ between groups. In the analysis of HRQOL scores, role physical, bodily pain, social functioning, role emotional, and physical component summary scores in LC were better than in OC.

CONCLUSIONS

In LC for colorectal cancer, short-term outcomes except operation time and mid-term HRQOL were better than in OC, and there were no adverse effects relating to long-term outcomes.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual/locally recurrent lesions after endoscopic therapy for colorectal tumors

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Residual or locally recurrent lesions may occur after endoscopic therapy for epithelial colorectal tumors. Additional endoscopic mucosal resection is difficult for large lesions. Endoscopic submucosal dissection may be useful for such lesions, but may be more technically difficult for residual/locally recurrent lesions than for primary lesions. This study evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual/locally recurrent lesions in comparison with primary lesions.

METHOD

This retrospective case-control investigated 34 residual/locally recurrent lesions and 384 primary lesions treated using endoscopic submucosal dissection. Tumor size, resected specimen size, procedure duration, en bloc resection rate, curative resection rate, histology, associated complications, and recurrence rate were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Procedure duration tended to be longer (85 ± 53 min vs 73 ± 55 min) and tumors were significantly smaller (20 ± 13 mm vs 33 ± 20 mm; P < 0.001) in the residual/locally recurrent group, compared with primary lesions. Both groups showed similar percentages of en bloc (100% vs 97.4%) and curative resection (88.4% vs. 83.6%). Perforation rate was significantly higher in the residual/locally recurrent group (14.7% vs 4.4%, P < 0.05). However, emergency surgery was only needed in 1 of 5 cases in the residual/locally recurrent group, with the remaining 4 cases conservatively managed using endoclips.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for residual/locally recurrent lesions was curative and efficacy. This procedure could help to avoid surgical resection and frequent follow-up examinations in many patients.

Laparascopic colon resection for cancer: evidence based results

About 90-92% of patients with carcinoma of the colon are treated surgically. For other surgeons, laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of malignancies remains controversial because of concerns about the adequacy of lymphadenectomy, the extent of resection, early findings of port-site metastasis and the lack of data on long-term results. In our experience, there are no differences between the laparoscopic and laparotomic techniques, and only advantages if the laparoscopic technique is use correctly. We essentially agree with the good results of many studies published in the last ten years, but we are extremely confident that it is necessary to have a good learning curve and a high-volume cases hospital to obtain good results through a laparoscopic approach. So laparoscopic colorectal surgery should be performed only by surgeons who have completed training in this approach and who perform the procedure often enough to maintain a good level of competence.

Evolution of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in Brazil: results of 4744 patients from the national registry

BACKGROUND

Since its introduction, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has raised intense debate and controversies regarding its safety and effectiveness.

METHODS

This multicentric registry reports the experience of 28 Brazilian surgical teams specializing in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

Between 1992 and 2007, 4744 patients (1994 men--42% and 2750 women--58%) were operated upon, with ages ranging from 13 to 94 years (average 57.5 y). Benign diseases were diagnosed in 2356 patients (49.6%). Most diseases were located in 50.7% of the left and sigmoid colon, 28.2% in the rectum and anal canal, 8.0% in the right colon, and diffuse 7.0%. There were 181 (3.8%) intraoperative complications (from 0% to 14%). There were 261 (5.5%) reported conversions to laparotomy (from 0% to 16.5%), mainly during the early experience (n=119 -59.8%). Postoperative complications were registered in 683 (14.5%) patients (from 5.0% to 50%). Mortality occurred in 43 patients (0.8%). Surgeons who performed less than 50 cases reported similar rates of intraoperative (4.2% vs. 3.8%; P=0.7), postoperative complications (20.8% vs. 14.3%; P=0.07), and mortality (1.0% vs. 0.9%; P=0.5), but the conversion rate was higher (10.4% vs. 5.4%; P=0.04). Two thousand three hundred and eighty-nine (50.4%) malignant tumors were operated upon, and histologic classification showed 2347 (98%) adenocarcinomas, 30 (0.6%) spinocelular carcinomas, and 12 (0.2%) other histologic types. Tumor recurrence rate was 16.3% among patients followed more than 1 year. After an average follow-up of 52 months, 19 (0.8%) parietal recurrences were reported, 18 of which were in port sites and 1 in a patient with disseminated disease. There was no incisional recurrence in the ports used to withdraw the pathologic specimen. Compared with other registries, there was a 75% increase in the number of groups performing laparoscopic colorectal surgery and a decrease in conversions (from 10.5% to 5.5%) and mortality (from 1.5% to 0.9%) rates.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) The number of patients operated upon increased expressively during the last years; (2) operative indications for benign and malignant diseases were similar, and diverticular disease of the colon comprised 40% of the benign ones; (3) conversion and mortality rates decreased over time; (4) surgeon's experience did not influence the complication rates, but was associated with a lower conversion; and (5) oncologic outcome expressed by recurrence rates showed results similar to those reported in conventional surgery.

Conversion from laparoscopic to open colonic cancer resection - associated factors and their influence on long-term oncological outcome

PURPOSE

Comparisons of open and laparoscopic colon cancer resection have shown that laparoscopy offers an oncologically safe option. However, there are no data on long-term influence of converted resection, despite conversion rates of up to 30% and the general observation that short-term outcome is significantly worsened. The aim was to compare the long-term results of primary open resection (OR), purely laparoscopic resection (LR-p) and converted resection (LR-c).

METHODS

In a prospective study at 282 German hospitals demographic, tumor- and treatment-related data and disease-free survival were compared in the three groups.

RESULTS

8015 of 8307 patients with OR, 280 of 290 patients with LR-p and 55 of 56 patients with LR-c were followed for 39.5 months (median). Overall, no statistically significant differences were seen for five-year DFS (74.8%, 81.3% and 65.6%). However, for patients in stage II with conversion, the five-year DFS was significantly poorer (43.3%) than for OR (80.5%; p=0.003) and LR-p patients (92.5%; p=0.001). For stages I and III no differences were observed.

CONCLUSION

Conversion of laparoscopic colon cancer resection worsens DFS in locally advanced stage II carcinoma. There is a need to reduce the conversion rate by adequate patient selection for laparoscopic resection by experienced surgeons.

Clinical evidences of laparoscopic versus open surgery for colorectal cancer

Laparoscopic surgery has widely spread in the treatment of colorectal cancer. In Japan, a nation-wide survey has shown that a rate of advanced colorectal cancer has increased gradually and reached 65% of the total cases for colorectal cancer in 2007. For colon cancer, many randomized controlled trials regarding short-term outcome demonstrate that laparoscopic surgery is feasible, safe and has many benefits including reduction in a peri-operative mortality. In terms of long-term outcome, four randomized controlled trials insist that there are no differences in both laparoscopic and open surgeries. However, there are still more important issues including long-term oncological outcome for advanced colon cancer, cost effectiveness and the impact on quality of life of patients. Meanwhile, for rectal cancer, a controversy persists with regard to the appropriateness of laparoscopic surgery because of concerns over the safety of the procedure and a necessity of lateral lymph node dissection for lower rectal cancer. At present, laparoscopic surgery is acceptable for Stage I colon cancer, whereas there are controversies for Stage II/III colon cancer and each staged rectal cancer because of inadequate clinical evidences. Whether laparoscopic surgery further spreads to be applied for colorectal cancer or not, it would be confirmed by Japanese large-scale phase III trial (JCOG0404) estimating oncological outcome for Stage II/III colon cancer and a Phase II trial estimating the feasibility for Stage 0/I rectal cancer in near future.

Is laparoscopic surgery acceptable for advanced colon cancer?

Laparoscopic surgery is widespread in the treatment of colorectal cancer. In Japan, a nationwide survey has shown that the rate of advanced colorectal cancer has increased gradually to 65% of total laparoscopic surgeries in 2007. Many randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that in the short term, laparoscopic surgery is feasible, safe, and has many benefits, including reduction of peri-operative mortality. In terms of long-term outcomes, four randomized controlled trials suggest that there are no differences in laparosupic and open surgery for colon cancer. However, important issues, including long-term oncological outcome, cost effectiveness, and the impact on the quality of life of patients, should be addressed in well-designed large-scale trials. In Japan, a retrospective multicenter study has demonstrated that the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery are beneficial, and the long-term outcomes are the same as for open surgery. In 2004, a prospective large-scale randomized controlled trial (JCOG0404) to compare laparoscopic surgery with open surgery was started to evaluate oncological outcomes for advanced colon cancer. This trial is supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Cancer Research from the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. In the present study, laparoscopic surgery is found to be acceptable for stage I disease of colon cancer, whereas it is controversial for stage II/III disease because of inadequate clinical evidence. Whether laparoscopic surgery is acceptable for advanced colon cancer or not should be confirmed by the Japanese large-scale prospective randomized controlled trial (JCOG0404) in the near future.

Laparoscopy in gastrointestinal malignancies

This paper presents an update of the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in gastrointestinal malignancy. A review of indications, surgical technique, and radicality of laparoscopy in the field of gastrointestinal cancer surgery is discussed. The feasibility and safety of laparoscopic procedures are compared with established and implemented standards in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological disorders. It is important to appreciate that only the "access" is different with all its attendant advantages. The use of laparoscopy in tumor staging and palliative and curative resection is evaluated on review of the literature, and special indications for a laparoscopic approach in gastrointestinal malignancy in different organs are discussed. In conclusion, MIS is safe and feasible, with many short-term advantages; long-term results should be further assessed in randomized controlled studies. Until the outcomes of such studies are available MIS for malignant disease should be performed by experienced surgeons in specialized centers.

Resultados do registro nacional brasileiro em vídeo-cirurgia colorretal - 2007

Este trabalho multicêntrico reúne a experiência de 28 equipes brasileiras em vídeo-cirurgia colorretal. No período de 1992 a 2007 foram operados 5259 pacientes, sendo excluídos 515 (9,8%) doentes devido a dados incompletos. Foram avaliados 4744 pacientes, sendo 1994 homens (41,4%) e 2750 mulheres (58,6%), cuja idade variou de 1 a 94 anos (média de 57,5 anos). Doenças benignas foram diagnosticadas em 2355 pacientes (49,6%). A maioria das afecções (50,7%) localizava-se no cólon esquerdo e sigmóide, 28,2% no reto e 0,3% no canal anal, 8,0% no cólon direito e 7,0% difusa. Ocorreram 29 óbitos (1,6%). Foram operados 2389 (50,4%) pacientes portados de tumores malignos, estando localizados no reto em 48,5%, cólon esquerdo e sigmóide 30,7%, cólon direito 16%, cólon transverso 3,2% e canal anal 0,6%. Os tipos histológicos foram 2347 (98%) adenocarcinomas, 30 (0,6%) carcinomas espinocelulares e outros tipos histológicos em 12 (0,2%) pacientes. A recidiva global foi de 15,3%. Houve 180 (3,8%) complicações intra-operatórias, sendo as mais comuns lesões vasculares de cavidade e lesões de alças intestinais, com incidência de 1%. Foram relatadas 261 (5,5 %) conversões para laparotomia, sendo a causa mais comum a dificuldade técnica em 1,4%. Complicações pós-operatórias foram registradas em 683 (14,5 %). Em período médio de 52 meses de seguimento houve 19 (0,8%) recidivas no local de inserção de trocártes. Não houve recidiva parietal em incisão utilizada para retirada da peça. CONCLUSÕES: 1) Nos últimos anos, a experiência brasileira em vídeo-cirurgia colorretal teve aumento expressivo; 2) As indicações operatórias para câncer e doenças benignas foram semelhantes, sendo que a doença diverticular representou 40 % das doenças benignas tratadas; 3) Os índices de morbi-mortalidade foram baixos e semelhantes aos relatados na literatura; 4) Os resultados oncológicos avaliados demonstram que as ressecções laparoscópicas determinam índices de recidiva parietal semelhantes aos encontrados em operações convencionais.

Laparoscopic vs. open total mesorectal excision in unselected patients with rectal cancer: impact on early outcome

PURPOSE

This study was designed to compare laparoscopic vs. open total mesorectal excision for cancer of the rectum on perioperative outcome and quality of life.

METHODS

A total of 187 consecutive unselected patients with rectal cancer who underwent total mesorectal excision during a seven-year period were prospectively evaluated. Patients were monitored 30 days for postoperative complications. Quality of life was evaluated before and at one year after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 108 patients underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision, whereas 79 underwent open. Conversion rate was 12 percent. In the laparoscopic group, operating time was 33 minutes longer (P = 0.03) and intraoperative blood loss was lower (P = 0.001). Tumor stage and the number of lymph nodes that were intraoperatively collected were similar in the two groups. The overall morbidity rate was 29.6 percent in the laparoscopic and 27.8 percent in the open (P = 0.78) group. No patient died during the postoperative period. Anastomotic leak rate was similar in the two groups (14.8 percent in laparoscopic vs. 12.6 percent in open; P = 0.88). Patients in the laparoscopic group recovered earlier bowel function (P = 0.01) and experienced a shorter length of stay (P = 0.003). At one-year follow-up, overall quality of life was similar in the two groups. In the laparoscopic group, social functioning item was significantly better (P = 0.05) and trend to a better physical status was observed (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision is safe and feasible, does not jeopardize the complication rate, and has the benefits of much less blood during the operation and shorter hospitalization.

["Fast track" colorectal surgery]

Many factors have effect on the enhanced recovery after colon surgery. Not only the technical skill but the perioperative events needed to be optimized by the pre- and postoperative issues. Articles were obtained with search for keywords in Medline electronic database and evidences have been ranked according to the recommendation of the Oxford Evidence-Based Medicine Centre. Multicentric, randomised studies have proved that preoperative bowel emptying could not decrease the number of anastomotic insufficiency and wound infection rate; the use of abdominal drains is not necessary in every case; the proper, early oral intake is safe and well tolerated in colo-rectal surgery, and with laparoscopic surgery the same results can be achieved as with open ones. The evidences found even are not used completely. The advantage of laparoscopic surgery can be improved with fast track methods. To use correctly the affecting factors it is essential to know the current literature.