Laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure tumors

A systematic review and meta-analysis of intraperitoneal anastomosis versus extraperitoneal anastomosis in laparoscopic left colectomy

Background

The effectiveness of the anastomosis method for laparoscopic left colectomy (LLC) remains inconclusive. Thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the outcomes between intraperitoneal anastomosis (IPA) and extraperitoneal anastomosis(EPA)in LLC.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and WanFangData were systematically searched for relevant literature. The literature was screened independently by two groups, and data were extracted and evaluated for bias. Meta-analysis was performed using Revman5.4 software.

Results

Twelve studies with a total of 1,278 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Compared with the EPA group, the IPA group had less blood loss [odds ratio (OR)=-20.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-27.98-12.65), p<0.00001], a lower overall complication rate [OR=0.45, 95% CI (0.33-0.63), p<0.00001], fewer non-severe complications [OR=0.44, 95% CI (0.30-0.64), p<0.0001], and fewer surgical site infections [OR=0.39, 95% CI (0.21-0.71), p=0.002]. Additionally, a longer operation time appeared in the multicenter and propensity score matching (PSM) subgroups of the IPA group. Furthermore, patients in the IPA group had an earlier exhaust time and shorter hospital stays. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding severe complications, anastomose-related complications, postoperative blood transfusion, ileus, reoperation rate, time to stool, pathologic sample length, and lymph node dissection number.

Conclusion

IPA seems more advantageous than EPA for patients receiving LCC in terms of complications and postoperative recovery and has similar oncological outcomes. However, it may take longer and be more difficult to perform.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails PROSPERO, identifier (CRD4202454391).

Intracorporeal Versus Extracorporeal Colo-colic Anastomosis in Minimally-invasive Left Colectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The primary aim was to investigate the operative outcomes of intracorporeal (IA) and extracorporeal (EA) anastomosis in left-sided minimally-invasive colectomy.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted for studies comparing operative outcomes and follow-up data of IA versus EA in minimally-invasive left colectomy. Studies that investigated recto-sigmoid resections using transanal circular staplers were excluded. Data from eligible studies were extracted, qualitatively assessed, and included in a meta-analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and mean differences with 95 per cent confidence intervals were calculated.

RESULTS

Eight studies with a total of 750 patients were included (IA n = 335 versus EA n = 415). IA was associated with significantly lower overall morbidity (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.26-0.61, p < 0.0001) and less frequent surgical site infection (SSI) (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12-0.61, p = 0.002) as primary outcomes compared to EA. Of the secondary outcomes, length of incision (SMD -2.51, 95% CI -4.21 to -0.81, p = 0.004), time to first oral diet intake (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.76 to -0.22, p = 0. 0004) and time to first bowel movement (SMD -0.40, 95% CI -0.71 to -0.09, p = 0.01) were significantly in favor of IA, while operative time was significantly shorter in the EA group (SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.59, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

IA proves to be a safe and feasible option as it demonstrates benefits in terms of lower overall morbidity, fewer rates of SSI, smaller incision length, and faster postoperative gastrointestinal recovery despite a longer operative time compared to EA.

Short-term outcomes following intracorporeal vs. extracorporeal anastomosis after laparoscopic right and left-sided colectomy: a propensity score-matched study

BACKGROUND

To compare the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) during laparoscopic colectomy to those undergoing extracorporeal anastomosis (EA).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The study was a single-centre retrospective propensity score-matched analysis conducted. Consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy without the double stapling technique between January 2018 and June 2021 were investigated. The main outcome was overall postoperative complications within 30 days after the procedure. The authors also performed a sub-analysis of the postoperative results of ileocolic anastomosis and colocolic anastomosis, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 283 patients were initially extracted; after propensity score matching, there were 113 patients in each of the IA and EA groups. There were no differences in patient characteristics between the two groups. The IA group had a significantly longer operative time than the EA group (208 vs. 183 min, P =0.001). The rate of overall postoperative complications was significantly lower in the IA group ( n =18, 15.9%) than in the EA group ( n =34, 30.1%; P =0.02), especially in colocolic anastomosis after left-sided colectomy (IA: 23.8% vs. EA: 59.1%; P =0.03). Postoperative inflammatory marker levels were significantly higher in the IA group on postoperative day 1 but not on postoperative day 7. There was no difference in the postoperative lengths of hospital stay between the two groups, and no deaths occurred.

CONCLUSION

The data suggest that performing IA during laparoscopic colectomy can potentially reduce the risk of postoperative complications, especially in colocolic anastomosis after left-sided colectomy.

Surgical site infection after intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic left colectomy for colon cancer: a multicenter propensity score-matched cohort study

BACKGROUND

Intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) is associated with reduced surgical site infection (SSI) and other postoperative complications in laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC). However, evidence is inadequate for IA in laparoscopic left colectomy (LLC). This study aimed to determine the effect of IA and extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) on SSI and other short-term postoperative complications in LLC.

METHODS

In this retrospective multicenter propensity score-matched (PSM) cohort study, we enrolled consecutive patients who underwent LLC with IA (TLLC/IA) and laparoscopic-assisted left colectomy with EA (LALC/EA) at two medical centers between January 2015 and September 2021. Propensity score matching with a 1:2 ratio was employed. The primary outcome was SSI occurrence. Secondary outcomes were operating time, intraoperative hemorrhage, other postoperative complications, and pathological outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 574 and 99 patients received LALC/EA and TLLC/IA, respectively. After PSM, 84 patients with TLLC/IA were matched with 141 patients with LALC/EA. Thirty patients (13.3%) patients experienced SSI (17.0% in LALC/EA vs 7.1% in TLLC/IA). IA was associated with a reduced risk of overall SSI and superficial/deep SSI compared with EA after PSM, with OR of 0.375 (95% CI, 0.147-0.959, P = 0.041). and 0.148 (95% CI, 0.034-0.648, P = 0.011), respectively. Multivariate analysis of unmatched patients indicated similar results. In the analysis of secondary outcomes, LALC/EA may have a shorter operating time (absolute mean difference - 13.41 [95% CI, - 23.76 to - 3.06], P = 0.002) and a higher risk of intraoperative hemorrhage (absolute risk difference 4.96 [95% CI, - 0.09 to 9.89], P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

IA in LLC is associated with a reduced risk of overall SSI and superficial/deep SSI. However, it may require a longer operating time.

European multicenter propensity score match study of laparoscopic vs. open colectomy for splenic flexure carcinomas: Results from the Splenic Flexure Cancer (SFC) Study Group

AIM OF THE STUDY

This European multicenter study aims to compare the results of laparoscopic versus laparotomy approach for the resection of splenic flexure colon carcinoma (SFC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with SFC who required curative resection by laparoscopy (LAP) or laparotomy (OPEN) between 2000 and 2018 were included. Three types of interventions were considered: extended right hemi-colectomy, left hemi-colectomy and splenic flexure resection. The LAP and OPEN groups were matched according to propensity score and compared with Chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests, and multivariate regression models. Overall survival and recurrence-free survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 399 patients, including 297 operated by LAP and 102 by OPEN. Extended right hemi-colectomy was performed in 35.8% of cases, left hemi-colectomy in 32.8% and splenic flexure resection in 31.4%. After propensity score matching, the LAP (n=64) and OPEN (n=64) groups were comparable for all pre-operative variables and tumor characteristics. The LAP group showed less blood loss and a shorter interval to return of transit and feeding compared to the OPEN group, regardless of the resection technique. There were no differences between the groups in terms of overall survival and 5-year recurrence-free survival.

CONCLUSION

These results support the application of laparoscopy for the resection of SFC.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for left flexure colon cancer: A propensity score matched analysis from an international cohort

AIM

Surgical treatment of splenic flexure cancer (SFC) still presents some debated issues, including the role of laparoscopic surgery. The literature is based on small single-centre series, while randomized controlled studies comparing open and laparoscopic treatment for colon cancer exclude SFC. This study aimed to determine the role of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of SFC, comparing short- and long-term outcomes with open surgery.

METHOD

This was an international multicentre retrospective cohort study that analysed patients from 10 tertiary referral centres. From a cohort of 641 cases, 484 patients with Stage I-III SFC submitted to elective surgery with curative intent were selected. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 130 patients in the laparoscopic group (LapGroup) were compared with 130 patients in the open surgery group (OpenGroup).

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, the two groups were comparable for demographic and clinical parameters. OpenGroup presented a higher incidence of overall (P = 0.02) and surgery-related complications (P = 0.05) but a similar rate of severe complications (P = 0.75). Length of stay was notably shorter in the LapGroup (P = 0.001). Overall (P = 0.793) as well as cancer-specific survival (P = 0.63) did not differ between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Elective laparoscopic surgery for Stage I-III SFC is feasible and associated with improved short-term postoperative outcomes compared to open surgery. Moreover, laparoscopic surgery appears to provide excellent long-term cancer outcomes.

What Is the Optimal Elective Colectomy for Splenic Flexure Cancer: End of the Debate? A Multicenter Study From the GRECCAR Group With a Propensity Score Analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal elective colectomy in patients with splenic flexure tumor is debated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare splenic flexure colectomy, left hemicolectomy, and subtotal colectomy for perioperative, histological, and survival outcomes in this setting.

DESIGN

This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic splenic flexure tumor who underwent elective colectomy were included.

PATIENTS

Between 2006 and 2014, 313 consecutive patients were operated on in 15 French Research Group of Rectal Cancer Surgery centers.

INTERVENTIONS

Propensity score weighting was performed to compare short- and long-term outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end point was disease-free survival. Secondary end points included overall survival, quality of surgical resection, overall postoperative morbidity, surgical postoperative morbidity, and rate of anastomotic leakage.

RESULTS

The most performed surgery was splenic flexure colectomy (59%), followed by subtotal colectomy (23%) and left hemicolectomy (18%). Subtotal colectomy was more often performed by laparotomy compared with splenic flexure colectomy and left hemicolectomy (93% vs 61% vs 56%, p < 0.0001), and was associated with a longer operative time (260 minutes (120-460) vs 180 minutes (68-440) vs 217 minutes (149-480), p < 0.0001). Postoperative morbidity was similar between the 3 groups, but the median length of hospital stay was significantly longer after subtotal colectomy (13 days (5-56) vs 10 (4-175) vs 9 (4-55), p = 0.0007). The median number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly higher after subtotal colectomy compared with splenic flexure colectomy and left hemicolectomy (24 (8-90) vs 15 (1-81) vs 16 (3-52), p < 0.0001). The rate of stage III disease and the number of patients treated by adjuvant chemotherapy were similar between the 3 groups. There was no difference in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival between the 3 procedures.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its retrospective design.

CONCLUSIONS

In the elective setting, splenic flexure colectomy is safe and oncologically adequate for patients with nonmetastatic splenic flexure tumor. However, given the oncological clearance after splenic flexure colectomy, it seems that the debate is not completely closed. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B703.

CUL ES LA COLECTOMA ELECTIVA PTIMA PARA EL CNCER DE NGULO ESPLNICO FIN DEL DEBATE UN ESTUDIO MULTICNTRICO DEL GRUPO GRECCAR CON UN ANLISIS DE PUNTAJE DE PROPENSIN

ANTECEDENTES:La colectomía electiva óptima en pacientes con tumores del ángulo esplénico continua en debate.OBJETIVO:Comparar la colectomía de ángulo esplénico, hemicolectomía izquierda y colectomía subtotal para los resultados perioperatorios, histológicos y de supervivencia en este escenario.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo multicéntrico.ESCENARIO:Se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados de tumores del ángulo esplénico no metastásicos que se sometieron a colectomía electiva.PACIENTES:Entre 2006 y 2014, 313 pacientes consecutivos fueron intervenidos en 15 centros GRECCAR.INTERVENCIONES:Se realizó una ponderación del puntaje de propensión para comparar los resultados a corto y largo plazo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El criterio de valoración principal fue la supervivencia libre de enfermedad. Los criterios de valoración secundarios incluyeron la supervivencia general, la calidad de la resección quirúrgica, la morbilidad posoperatoria general, la morbilidad posoperatoria quirúrgica y la tasa de fuga anastomótica.RESULTADOS:La cirugía más realizada fue la colectomía del ángulo esplénico (59%), seguida de la colectomía subtotal (23%) y la hemicolectomía izquierda (18%). La colectomía subtotal se realizó con mayor frecuencia mediante laparotomía en comparación con la colectomía de ángulo esplénico y la hemicolectomía izquierda (93% frente a 61% frente a 56%, p <0.0001), y se asoció con un tiempo quirúrgico más prolongado (260 min [120-460] frente a 180 min [68-440] frente a 217 min [149-480], p <0.0001). La morbilidad posoperatoria fue similar entre los tres grupos, pero la duración media de la estancia hospitalaria fue significativamente más prolongada después de la colectomía subtotal (13 días [5-56] frente a 10 [4-175] frente a 9 [4-55], p = 0.0007). La mediana del número de ganglios linfáticos extraídos fue significativamente mayor después de la colectomía subtotal en comparación con la colectomía del ángulo esplénico y la hemicolectomía izquierda (24 [8-90] frente a 15 [1-81] frente a 16 [3-52], p <0.0001). La tasa de enfermedad en estadio III y el número de pacientes tratados con quimioterapia adyuvante fueron similares entre los 3 grupos. No hubo diferencias en términos de supervivencia libre de enfermedad y supervivencia general entre los 3 procedimientos.LIMITACIONES:El estudio estuvo limitado por su diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIONES:En un escenario electivo, la colectomía del ángulo esplénico es segura y oncológicamente adecuada para pacientes con tumores del ángulo esplénico no metastásicos. Sin embargo, dado el aclaramiento oncológico tras la colectomía del ángulo esplénico, parece que el debate no está completamente cerrado. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B703.

Surgical management of splenic flexure colon cancer: a retrospective propensity-matched study comparing open and minimally invasive approaches using the national cancer database

PURPOSE

Minimally invasive resection of colon cancer at the splenic flexure can be technically challenging with concerns for a suboptimal oncologic outcome. We aimed to compare open and minimally invasive approaches following curative resection.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with non-metastatic colon adenocarcinoma at the splenic flexure who underwent resection from 2010 to 2016. Cohorts were separated into open and minimally invasive approaches, and demographic and clinicopathologic variables were compared. Propensity-score matching (PSM) was utilized to balance potential confounding covariates between cohorts to elucidate the independent association between surgical approach and outcomes. Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox-proportional hazards regression were used to analyze survival. Secondary outcomes were analyzed by way of logistic regression or Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

After matching, 842 patients were compared between approaches. Patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery had no significant difference in regional nodes ≥ 12 examined, positive margins, negative circumferential margins, unplanned 30-day readmission, or time from surgery to initiation of chemotherapy when compared to patients who underwent open surgery. Minimally invasive surgery was significantly associated with decreased odds of 30-day mortality, 90-day mortality, and decreased mortality hazard for 5-year overall survival compared to open surgery.

CONCLUSION

The optimal approach for surgical management of splenic flexure colon cancer has not been standardized given its rarity and exclusion from randomized controlled trials. Our retrospective review suggests that minimally invasive resection of splenic flexure colon cancers in carefully selected patients is associated with equivalent oncologic outcomes as well as improved short and long-term survival compared to an open approach.

Extended right colectomy, left colectomy, or segmental left colectomy for splenic flexure carcinomas: a European multicenter propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

The surgical resection of the splenic flexure carcinoma (SFC) is challenging and the optimal surgical procedure for SFCs remains a matter of debate. The present study aimed to compare in a multicenter European sample of patients the short- and long-term outcomes of extended right (ERC) vs. left (LC) vs. segmental left colectomy (SLC) for SFCs.

METHODS

This retrospective multicenter study analyzed the surgical and oncological outcomes of SFC patients undergoing elective curative intent surgery between 2000 and 2018. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were first conducted on the whole sample. Outcomes of the different procedures (ERC vs. LC vs. SLC) were then compared using propensity score matching for multilevel treatment. Overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

From a total of 399 SFC patients, 143 (35.8%) underwent ERC, 131 (32.8%) underwent LC, and 125 (31.4%) underwent SLC. Overall, 297 (74.4%) were laparoscopic procedures. An increase in operative time, time to flatus, time to regular diet, and hospital stay was observed with the progressive extension of SFC resection. ERC was associated with significantly increased risk of postoperative ileus compared to both LC and SLC. A significantly greater number of lymph nodes were retrieved by ERC, but the objective of at least 12 retrieved lymph nodes was achieved in 85% of patients, without procedure-related differences. No differences were observed in OS or DFS between ERC, LC, and SLC.

CONCLUSION

The present study supports the resection of SFCs by colon-sparing surgical techniques, such as SLC.

Clinical-Pathologic Characteristics and Long-term Outcomes of Left Flexure Colonic Cancer: A Retrospective Analysis of an International Multicenter Cohort

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer seldom presents at the splenic flexure. Small series on left flexure tumors reported a high occurrence of negative prognostic factors called into question as causes of poor prognosis. However, because of the small number of cases, no definite conclusions can be drawn.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare clinical-pathologic characteristics and short- and long-term outcomes of left flexure tumors with other colonic locations.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for tumors at the splenic flexure. Each tumor was paired in a 1 to 1 fashion with a right-sided and sigmoid tumor.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in 10 international centers.

PATIENTS

A total of 641 patients with left flexure tumors were included in the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall survival and cancer-specific survival were measured.

RESULTS

Left flexure tumors presented more frequently with stenosis (30.5%; p < 0.001), with lesions infiltrating beyond the serosa (21.9%; p = 0.001) and with a high rate of mucinous histology (8.8%; p = 0.001). Looking at long-term prognosis, no differences were observed among the 3 groups, both considering overall and cancer-specific survival. However, left flexure tumors recurred more frequently as peritoneal carcinomatosis (20.6%; p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited because of its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS

Although left flexure tumors display several negative prognostic factors, they are not characterized by a worse prognosis compared with other colon cancer locations. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B395. CARACTERÍSTICAS CLÍNICO-PATOLÓGICAS Y RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO DEL CÁNCER DE COLON DE ÁNGULO IZQUIERDO: UN ANÁLISIS RETROSPECTIVO DE UNA COHORTE MULTICÉNTRICA INTERNACIONAL: El cáncer colorrectal rara vez se presenta en el ángulo esplénico. Pequeñas series sobre tumores de ángulo izquierdo informaron una alta incidencia de factores pronósticos negativos cuestionados como causas de mal pronóstico. Sin embargo, debido al pequeño número de casos, no se pueden sacar conclusiones definitivas.El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las características clínico-patológicas, los resultados a corto y largo plazo de los tumores de ángulo izquierdo con otras ubicaciones de colon.Análisis retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos que se sometieron a cirugía por tumores en el ángulo esplénico. Cada tumor se emparejó de forma individual con un tumor del lado derecho y sigmoide.El estudio se realizó en 10 centros internacionales.Se incluyeron en el estudio un total de 641 pacientes con tumores del ángulo izquierdo.Supervivencia general y específica del cáncerLos tumores de ángulo izquierda se presentaron con mayor frecuencia con estenosis (30.5%, p <0.001), con lesiones infiltradas más allá de la serosa (21.9%, p = 0.001), y con una alta tasa de histología mucinosa (8.8%, p = 0.001). En cuanto al pronóstico a largo plazo, no se observaron diferencias entre los tres grupos, considerando la supervivencia general y específica del cáncer. Sin embargo, los tumores de ángulo izquierdo recurrieron con mayor frecuencia como carcinomatosis peritoneal (20,6%; p <0,001).Este estudio fue limitado debido a su naturaleza retrospectiva.Aunque los tumores de ángulo izquierdo muestran varios factores pronósticos negativos, no se caracterizan por un peor pronóstico en comparación con otras ubicaciones de cáncer de colon. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B395.

Colonic splenic flexure carcinoma: is laparoscopic segmental resection a safe enough oncological approach?

BACKGROUND

The surgical approach to the colonic splenic flexure cancer (SFC) is yet to be technically standardized. The aim of this study has been to retrospectively evaluate the oncologic long-term results of our cases comparing our data with other authors' experiences.

METHODS

Clinical data of patients with SFC operated on at our institute were retrospectively analyzed. The laparoscopic approach was used in the whole series, with limited resection distally and proximally to splenic flexure and the origin ligation of left colic artery and left branch of middle colic artery. Data on the oncological long-term safety were compared to our laparoscopic series of extended right colectomy for proximal two-third transverse colon cancer and high anterior resections for sigmoid-high rectal cancer and to the main evidences in the literature, found after a comprehensive review.

RESULTS

From March 2008 to May 2018, we completed 53 laparoscopic splenic flexure resections (26 female and 27 male, age 71.5 ± 15.4 years). The conversion rate was 3.8%. Most of the cases were stage II (pT3 73.5%, the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 19.1, with positivity for malignancy in 45.3%). During the FU (43.5 months), 2 patients dropped out. Out of the 51 residual cases, 37 were alive (72.5%) and 14 are deceased (27.5%).

DISCUSSION

Compared to the literature, our survival rate does not show significant differences. The other oncological outcomes seem to be comparable with the data evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

More extended resections seem not to confer an increase of the overall survival rate.

Segmental Colonic Resection Is a Safe and Effective Treatment Option for Colon Cancer of the Splenic Flexure: A Nationwide Retrospective Study of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology-Colorectal Cancer Network Collaborative Group

BACKGROUND

Global experience with splenic flexure cancer is limited because of its low incidence. Both limited (segmental) and extended resections are performed, because agreement on which is the adequate procedure has not been reached.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether segmental resection is as safe and effective as extended resection.

DESIGN

This nationwide retrospective cohort study included all consecutive resections of splenic flecure cancer between January 2006 and December 2016 using data from the National Colorectal Cancer Network of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology following the guidelines set out in the STROBE statement.

SETTING

Data were obtained for 31 Italian Referral Centers for Colorectal Surgery.

PATIENTS

A total of 1304 patients were submitted to resection of the splenic flexure (n = 791, 60.7%) or extended procedures (extended right and left colectomies; n = 513, 39.3%).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We evaluated Clavien-Dindo ≥3 postoperative complications and oncological (number of lymph nodes removed, length of free proximal and distal margins, rate of R0 resections) and survival outcomes.

RESULTS

The 2 arms were well balanced in regard to sex, BMI, ASA and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scores, and disease stage. Limited resection was performed more frequently using a minimally invasive approach (62.1% vs 50.9%, p < 0.001) and with shorter operation times than extended procedures (165 vs 189 minutes, p < 0.001), but the same Clavien-Dindo ≥3 postoperative complications (6.44% vs 6.43%, p = 0.99), 30-day mortality (0.63% vs 0.38%), oncological outcomes, and survival rates (5-year overall survival 0.84 vs 0.83, 5-year progression-free survival 0.85 vs 0.84).

LIMITATIONS

There are limitations inherent to the retrospective nature of the study and a potential lack of consistency in treatment across centers over time. Indications as to why a specific operation was chosen were based mostly on surgeons' beliefs.

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental resection is a safe and effective treatment option for cancer of the splenic flexure. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B307. LA RESECCIÓN DE COLON SEGMENTARIA ES UNA OPCIÓN DE TRATAMIENTO SEGURA Y EFICAZ PARA EL CÁNCER DE COLON DE LA FLEXIÓN ESPLÉNICA: UN ESTUDIO RETROSPECTIVO A NIVEL NACIONAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ITALIANA DE ONCOLOGÍA QUIRÚRGICA - GRUPO COLABORATIVO RED DE CÁNCER COLORRECTAL: La experiencia global con el cáncer de flexión esplénica es limitada debido a su baja incidencia. Se realizan resecciones limitadas (segmentarias) y extendidas, ya que no se ha llegado a un acuerdo sobre cuál es el procedimiento adecuado.El propósito de este estudio fue investigar si la resección segmentaria es tan segura y efectiva como la resección extendida.Este estudio de cohorte retrospectivo a nivel nacional incluyó todas las resecciones consecutivas de cáncer de flecura esplénica entre enero de 2006 y diciembre de 2016 utilizando datos de la Red Nacional de Cáncer Colorrectal de la Sociedad Italiana de Oncología Quirúrgica siguiendo las pautas establecidas en la declaración STROBE.Se obtuvieron datos para 31 centros de referencia italianos para cirugía colorrectal.Un total de 1304 pacientes fueron sometidos a resección de la flexión esplénica (n = 791, 60.7%) o procedimientos extendidos (colectomías extendidas derecha e izquierda; n = 513, 39.3%).Evaluamos Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complicaciones postoperatorias y oncológicas (número de ganglios linfáticos extirpados, longitud de márgenes proximales y distales libres, tasa de resecciones R0) y resultados de supervivencia.Los dos brazos estaban bien equilibrados en cuanto a sexo, IMC, ASA y puntajes ECOG, y etapa de la enfermedad. La resección limitada se realizó con mayor frecuencia utilizando un enfoque mínimamente invasivo (62.1% versus 50,9%, p < 0.001) y con tiempos de operación más cortos que los procedimientos extendidos (165 min versus 189 min, p <0.001), pero el mismo Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complicaciones postoperatorias (6,44% versus 6,43%, p = 0.99), mortalidad a los 30 días (0,63% versus 0,38%), resultados oncológicos y tasas de supervivencia (5-y OS 0,84 versus 0,83, 5-PFS 0,85 versus 0,84).Existen limitaciones inherentes a la naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio y una posible falta de consistencia en el tratamiento entre centros a lo largo del tiempo. Las indicaciones de por qué se eligió una operación específica se basaron principalmente en crieterios de los cirujanos.La resección segmentaria es una opción de tratamiento segura y efectiva para el cáncer de la flexión esplénica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B307. (Traducción-Dr. Adrian Ortega).

Laparoscopic resection with complete mesocolic excision for splenic flexure cancer: long-term follow-up data from a multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Splenic flexure cancer (SFC), identified as tumors raised in the distal transverse colon and proximal descending colon, accounts for 2 to 5% of all surgically treated colorectal cancers. Despite the fact that the laparoscopic approach has become the gold standard for many colorectal procedures, it has never been extensively investigated in SFC due to lack of an agreed consensus on the appropriate operative procedure. The aim of this multicenter retrospective study is to evaluate the oncologic value of laparoscopic segmental resection with complete mesocolic excision (CME) for cancer located in the splenic flexure.

METHODS

All data of consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic resection with CME for SFC from January 2005 to December 2017 at five different tertiary centers were retrospectively analyzed. The Kaplan-Meier (KM) test was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and the disease-free survival (DFS) rates after surgery. Univariate Cox regression was used to explore the association between OS and other independent factors.

RESULTS

Recurrence was observed in 13 (11.6%) patients and a significant association between disease stage and recurrence (P < 0.001) was found with a higher proportion of stage IV patients in the recurrence group (46.1% vs. 7.1%). During a median follow-up of 43 months (range 12-149), 13 deaths occurred, all of them due to disease progression. KM curves for all stages showed an estimated survival rate of 51% at 148 months.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic segmental resection with CME appears to be an oncologically safe and effective procedure for treatment of SFC and may be considered as a standard surgical method for elective management of the disease. In the future, routine lymph node mapping could be used to confirm this hypothesis.

Safety and Oncological Outcomes of Laparoscopic NOSE Surgery Compared With Conventional Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Diseases: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: To evaluate the safety and oncological outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery using natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) compared with conventional laparoscopic (CL) colorectal surgery in patients with colorectal diseases.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective non-randomized trials and retrospective trials up to September 1, 2018, and used 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), lymph node harvest, surgical site infection (SSI), anastomotic leakage, and intra-abdominal abscess as the main endpoints. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the different study types [RCT and NRCT (non-randomized controlled trial)]. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the outcomes. RevMan5.3 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Fourteen studies were included (two RCTs, seven retrospective trials and five prospective non-randomized trials) involving a total of 1,435 patients. Compared with CL surgery, the NOSE technique resulted in a shorter hospital stay, shorter time to first flatus, less post-operative pain, and fewer SSIs and total perioperative complications. Anastomotic leakage, blood loss, and intra-abdominal abscess did not differ between the two groups, while operation time was longer in the NOSE group. Oncological outcomes such as proximal margin [weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.49 to 1.42; P = 0.34], distal margin (WMD= −0.11; 95% CI −0.66 to 0.45; P = 0.70), lymph node harvest (WMD = −0.97; 95% CI −1.97 to 0.03; P = 0.06) and 5-year DFS (hazard ratio = 0.84; 95% CI 0.54–1.31; P = 0.45) were not different between the NOSE and CL surgery groups.

Conclusions: Compared with CL surgery, NOSE may be a safe procedure, and can achieve similar oncological outcomes. Large multicenter RCTs are needed to provide high-level, evidence-based results in NOSE-treated patients and to determine the risk of local recurrence.

Laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure colon cancers: a retrospective multi-center study with 117 cases

The objective is to investigate the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic resections of splenic flexure colon cancers in three Italian high-volume centers. The laparoscopic resection of splenic flexure colon cancers is a challenging procedure and has not been completely standardized, mainly due to the technical difficulty, the arduous identification of major blood vessels, and the problems associated with anastomosis construction. In this retrospective cohort observational study, a consecutive series of patients treated in three Italian high-volume centers with elective laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure for cancer is analyzed. The observational period was from January 2008 to August 2017. Patient demographics and clinical features, operative data, and short- and long-term outcomes were prospectively recorded in a specific database and were retrospectively analyzed. During the observation period, 117 patients were selected. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in 15 patients (12.8%). Of 102 complete laparoscopic procedures, multi-visceral resection was performed in 13 cases (12.7%). Postoperative surgical complications occurred in 13 patients (12.7%), with 3 cases of anastomotic leak (2.9%) and 3 cases of re-operation (2.9%). The postoperative mortality in this population was null. The 5-year overall survival rate was 84.3%, and the 5-year disease-free survival rate was 87.8%. Laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure is feasible and safe in high-volume centers. Compared to the results of other laparoscopic colonic resections, the short- and long-term outcomes are similar, but the conversion rate is higher.

Is Segmental Colon Resection an Alternative Treatment for Splenic Flexure Cancer?

Background: Optimal elective surgery for splenic flexure cancer is unclear. Three types of surgical treatment methods are commonly used, subtotal colectomy (STC), left hemicolectomy (LHC), and segmental colon resection (SCR), but consensus is lacking as to which is the optimal method. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively compared clinicopathological and operative results, morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival in patients with splenic flexure cancer who underwent surgery between 1998 and 2018. Results: The study included 124 patients in the study. Following retrospective evaluation of the database, patients were classified into one of three groups according to the surgical approach: (1) STC (n: 41), (2) LHC (n: 55), and (3) SCR (n: 28). No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding operative results, hospital stay, pathological data, mortality, recurrence, or long-term survival outcomes. Conclusion: Our results suggest that surgical procedures such as STC and LHC have no statistically significant clinical benefits over less aggressive approaches such as SCR. We thus conclude that SCR seems both a safe and effective alternative for splenic flexure tumors.

Robotic left colectomy with complete mesocolectomy for splenic flexure and descending colon cancer, compared with a laparoscopic procedure

BACKGROUND

Its relatively low incidence and its surgical complexity mean that a standardized technique for left colectomy has not yet been established for splenic flexure and descending colon cancer (SF-DCC).

METHODS

Seventy-three patients (robot-assisted left colectomy with complete mesocolectomy [R-LCCM], n = 20; laparoscopic left colectomy with complete mesocolectomy [L-LCCM], n = 53) with SF-DCC were enrolled at the Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea).

RESULTS

R-LCCM conveniently enables dexterous dissection for the multi-directional approaches during left mesocolic mobilization. A conversion to open surgery was required in two patients of the L-LCCM group, but not in the R-LCCM group. A positive circumferential resection margin was exclusively identified in two patients in the L-LCCM group. Mean lymph node harvest was 21 with no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although R-LCCM provided few remarkable advantages over L-LCCM, it could be considered as an efficient approach in patients with SF-DCC.

Analysis of feasibility, safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation of splenic neoplasm

The present study aimed to analyze the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation of splenic neoplasm. A total of 62 patients with splenic neoplasm admitted to Second People's Hospital of Liaocheng between January 2009 and December 2012 were selected, and randomly divided into the observation group (n=31) and control group (n=31). The control group was treated with open ablation, while the observation group was treated with ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation. The splenic hemodynamics and ablation effects of patients after treatment were detected via color Doppler ultrasound. The changes in peripheral blood cell count before treatment, and at 3, 7 and 14 days after treatment were monitored. The side effects and complications were compared between the two groups. Patients were followed up for 5 years to observe the survival rates of the two groups. At 1 week after treatment, the peak velocity of splenic artery in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group, and the diameter, velocity and flow of splenic vein were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the white blood cell and platelet counts in both groups were significantly increased compared with those before treatment, and the counts in observation group were obviously higher than those in control group (P<0.05). There were no significant changes in the red blood cell counts in both groups before and after treatment (P>0.05). The ablation volume, ablation ratio and 1-week shrink ratio in both groups had no significant differences (P>0.05). The incidence rates of side effects and complications in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The 5-year survival rates of both groups were >50%, and the survival time and survival rate were not significantly different (P<0.05). The curative effects of open ablation and ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation in the treatment of splenic neoplasm were significant, and the 5-year survival rate of patients was higher; compared with open ablation. The ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation is characterized by the small trauma, lower incidence rates of adverse reactions and complications and better safety, which can increase the peripheral blood cell count, and improve the splenic blood flow and coagulation function, playing a role in the regulation of the patient's body status.

Propensity score analysis of postoperative and oncological outcomes after surgical treatment for splenic flexure colon cancer

PURPOSE

The surgical treatment of splenic flexure colon cancer (SFCC) is somehow not yet well standardized. Postoperative and oncological results of the three surgical techniques most commonly used to treat SFCC: extended right colectomy (ERC), egmental left colectomy (SLC), and left colectomy (LC) were evaluated.

METHODS

The study included all patients with stage I-III SFCC treated by ERC, SLC, or LC between 2005 and 2016. Postoperative and long-term outcomes after the different surgical techniques were analyzed: Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to compare the outcomes between these surgical techniques and survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

A total of 170 SFCC patients were operated; ERC was performed in 71 (41.76%), SLC in 36 (21.18%), and LC in 63 (37.06%). There were no significant differences in the short and long-term postoperative outcomes. Three comparison groups were developed so that PSM could be performed between the surgical technique cases: ERC (n = 59) vs. LC (n = 50); ERC (n = 50) vs. SLC (n = 33); and SLC (n = 32) vs. LC (n = 44). No differences in the short or long-term outcomes of these techniques were observed.

CONCLUSION

The short and long-term outcomes between ERC, SLC, and LC are similar. SLC should be considered oncologically as appropiate as the other more extensive resections.

How we do it: totally laparoscopic complete mesocolon excision for splenic flexure cancer

BACKGROUND

Splenic flexure (SF) cancer is not a common condition and its treatment is still under discussion. Although laparoscopic surgery is well accepted for the treatment of colon cancer at any stage, complete mesocolon excision (CME) with selective vascular ligation using the laparoscopic approach for SF cancer remains technically demanding and represents a real challenge for surgeons.

METHODS

We present a single-institution experience of laparoscopic CME for SF cancer. Intra-operative, pathologic, and post-operative data of patients who underwent laparoscopic SF resection were reviewed to assess the technical feasibility and oncologic safety. Technical features, histopathology, morbidity, and mortality were evaluated.

RESULTS

From February 2015 to October 2017, a minimally invasive approach was proposed to 17 patients (M/F 14/3) affected by splenic flexure cancer. In all patients, the procedure was completed by laparoscopy. The anastomosis was completed intra-corporeally in 89% of cases. The distal margin was 3.1 ± 2.6 cm and the proximal margin was 6.5 ± 3.3 cm from the tumor site. The number of mean harvested nodes was 13.9 ± 7. The mean operative time was 215.5 ± 65 min, and blood loss was 80 ± 27. In one case, a laparoscopic partial gastrectomy was associated due to tumor invasion. The mean post-operative stay was 6.7 ± 3.3 days. Readmission was necessary for two patients. No major morbidity was recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the wide spread and increasing confidence in laparoscopic colectomy, SF resection remains one of the most challenging procedures in colorectal surgery with a complex learning curve. SF resection with CME and CVL is feasible and safe for the treatment of early-stage and locally advanced SF cancer.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis after laparoscopic left colectomy for splenic flexure cancer: results from a multi-institutional audit on 181 consecutive patients

Although intracorporeal anastomosis has been demonstrated to be safe and effective after right colectomy, limited data are available about its efficacy after left colectomy for colon cancer located in splenic flexure. A multi-institutional audit was designed, including 92 patients who underwent laparoscopic left colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) compared with 89 matched patients who underwent a laparoscopic left colectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, BMI, and ASA score between the two groups. Post-surgical history and stage of disease according to AJCC/UICC TNM were also similar. IA and EA groups demonstrated similar oncologic radicality in terms of the number of lymph nodes harvested (18.5 ± 9 vs. 17.5 ± 8.4; p = 0.48). Recovery after surgery was also better in patients who underwent IA, as confirmed by the shorter time to flatus in the IA group (2.6 ± 1.1 days vs. 3.4 ± 1.2 days; p < 0.001) and higher post-operative pain expressed in the mean VAS Scale in the EA group (1.7 ± 2.1 vs. 3.5 ± 1.6; p < 0.001). Laparoscopic left colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis was associated with a lower rate of post-operative complications (OR 6.7, 95% CI 2.2-20; p = 0.001). However, when stratifying according to Clavien classification, the difference was consistently confirmed for less severe (class I and II) complications (OR 7.6, 95% CI 2.5-23, p = 0.001) but not for class III, IV, and V complications (OR 1.8, 95% CI 0.1-16.9; p = 0.59). Our results were consistent to hypothesize that a complete laparoscopic approach could be considered a safe method to perform laparoscopic left colectomy with the advantage of a guaranteed faster recovery after surgery. Further randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain a more definitive conclusion.

A standardised and simplified technique for laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure

The splenic flexure is an uncommon location of colorectal cancer, being involved in 2%–3% of cases. The low chance of being engaged in resecting cancer of the splenic flexure can make it difficult for surgeons to build their learning curve and to achieve a reliable experience. As the majority of colectomies are still performed by low-volume surgeons, there is growing agreement that providing local services with adequate surgical education and training could be an effective strategy to improve outcomes and global health. Arming surgeons with simplified and easy-to-learn surgical techniques could be an important step of this strategy. A novel simplified technique for laparoscopic resection of the splenic flexure is presented, which combines laparoscopic mobilisation of the right colon with extracorporeal vascular ligation and bowel anastomosis.

Surgical Treatment of Colon Cancer of the Splenic Flexure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis on the surgical treatments of splenic flexure carcinomas (SFCs). Medline, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from January 1990 to May 2016. Studies of at least 5 patients comparing extended right colectomy (ERC) versus left colectomy (LC) and/or laparoscopy versus open surgery for SFCs were retrieved and analyzed. Overall, 12 retrospective studies were selected, including 569 patients. ERC was performed in 23.2% of patients, whereas LC in 76.8%. Pooled data suggested that ERC and LC had similar oncologic quality of resection and postoperative outcomes. Laparoscopy was used in 50.6% of patients (conversion rate: 2.5%) and it was associated with significantly shorter time to oral diet, fewer postoperative complications, and shorter hospital stay than open surgery. In conclusion, the optimal extent of SFC surgical resection, that is, ERC or LC remains under debate. However, laparoscopy provides better postoperative outcomes and fewer postoperative complications than open surgery.