One-stage segmental colectomy and primary anastomosis after intraoperative colonic irrigation and total colonoscopy for patients with obstruction due to left-sided colorectal cancer

Usefulness of intraoperative colonoscopy and synchronous scoring system for determining the integrity of the anastomosis in left-sided colectomy: a single-center retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to evaluate the utilization of intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) for determining the integrity of the anastomosis and to establish an IOC scoring system.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2021 to June 2024, we analyzed the clinical data of 160 patients registered in a database who underwent laparoscopic left-sided colectomy at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital. IOC was performed on all patients, and Mucosal color (MC), stapled line bleeding (BL), proximal redundancy (PR), and bowel preparation (BP) were evaluated and scored as variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) and Cohen's kappa was applied to assess the reproducibility of the evaluation.

RESULTS

Of 160 patients, 10 (6.25%) experienced AL. All the IOC variables had kappa values of 0.8 or higher, indicating good agreement. The logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences in the MC 2 (P = 0.017, OR 12.86), PR 2 (P = 0.001, OR 27.64), BP 2 (p = 0.016, OR 10.50) PR 2 score (P = 0.016, OR 10.50) and the sum of the scores (p = 0.001, OR 3.51).

CONCLUSION

IOC can be performed as a reference procedure to assess the integrity of the anastomosis during left-sided colorectal surgery.

Detection methods of synchronous colorectal lesions in proximal colon for patients with obstructive colorectal cancer: a literature review

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal cancer holds a high morbidity and mortality rate. As a common method for colorectal cancer detection, colonoscopy has difficulty in passing through the malignant stenosis in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer, which results in incomplete detection and missed diagnosis. The missed synchronous lesions increase the risk of metachronous cancer. Therefore, detecting proximal synchronous lesions in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer should be appreciated before operation.

AREA COVERED

This review evaluates related literature, aiming at providing clinicians with more ideas and attention for detecting proximal synchronous lesions in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer.

EXPERT OPINION

In patients with obstructive colorectal cancer, missed diagnosis of lesions proximal to the obstruction may lead to metachronous colorectal cancer. Except for preoperative colonoscopy which is difficult to pass through malignant stenosis, other methods that can evaluate proximal colon segment are critical. This article introduced several preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative measures for synchronous lesions detection. The choice of methods should base on patients' conditions, aiming at a high diagnostic yield and low risk. Early detection and resection of synchronous lesions in the proximal section of malignant obstruction are expected to minimize the risk of metachronous colorectal cancer and even effect follow-up treatment strategy, which deserves the attention of clinicians.

Intraoperative Colonic Irrigation for Low Rectal Resections With Primary Anastomosis: A Fail-Safe Surgical Model

Aim

Regardless the technological developments in surgery, the anastomotic leakage (AL) rate of low rectal anastomosis remains high. Though various perioperative protocols have been tested to reduce the risk for AL, there is no standard peri-operative management approach in rectal surgery. We aim to assess the short-term outcome of a multidisciplinary approach to reduce the rates of ALs using a fail-safe-model using preoperative and intraoperative colonic irrigation in low rectal resections with primary anastomosis.

Methods

Between January 2015 and December 2020, 92 patients received low rectal resections for rectal cancer with primary anastomosis and diverting ileostomy. All these patients received pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) without antibiotics as well as intraoperative colonic irrigation. The intraoperative colonic irrigation was performed via the efferent loop of the ileostomy. All data were analyzed by SPSS for descriptive and inferential analyses.

Results

In the study period, 1.987 colorectal surgical procedures were performed. This study reports AL in 3 (3.3%) of 92 recruited patients. Other postoperative complications (Dindo-Clavien I-IV) were reported in 25 patients (27.2%), which occurred mainly due to non-surgical reasons such as renal dysfunction and sepsis. According to the fail-safe model, AL was treated by endoscopic or re-do surgery. The median postoperative length of hospitalization was 8 days (4–45) days.

Conclusion

This study validates the effectiveness of a multi-disciplinary fail-safe model with a pre-operative MBP and an intraoperative colonic irrigation in reducing AL rates. Intraoperative colonic irrigation is a feasible approach that lowers the AL rates by reducing fecal load and by decontamination of the colon and anastomotic region. Our study does not recommend a pre-operative administration of oral antibiotics for colorectal decontamination.

Preoperative diagnosis of obstructive colitis in colorectal cancer patients who underwent self-expandable metallic stent insertion as a bridge to surgery

PURPOSE

Obstructive colitis (OC) is a risk factor of anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer resection. We aimed to clarify the relationship between the severity of OC and clinicopathological findings and to detect predictive factors of OC.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 43 cases of colectomy after self-expandable metallic stent placement for left-sided colorectal cancer. Preoperative diagnosis of OC was made by multiple modalities (initial computed tomography (CT), presurgical CT, and colonoscopy). We classified OC macroscopically in resected specimens into five groups (Grade 0: none, 1: mild [mild edema], 2: moderate [severe edema, redness, erosion], 3: severe [ulceration, bleeding], 4: very severe [necrosis, perforation]), and investigated the relationship between the preoperative assessment, surgical findings and the severity of OC.

RESULTS

OC of Grade 2 or more (53.5%) was significantly correlated with severe edema in initial CT. There was no significant correlation between OC and anastomosis rate. The creation of covering stoma was significantly higher in the Grade 2 or more OC group. No leakage was observed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial CT may be most useful for prediction of OC. It is important to make a preoperative diagnosis of OC by combining multiple modalities, which enables to determine the appropriate location for resection, anastomosis, and construction of a covering stoma.

A 10-Year Evaluation of Short-Term Outcomes After Synchronous Colorectal Cancer Surgery: a Dutch Population-Based Study

BACKGROUND

Synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) has been associated with higher postoperative morbidity and mortality rates compared to solitary CRC. The influence of improved CRC care and introduction of screening on these outcomes remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate time trends in incidence, population characteristics, and short-term outcomes of synchronous CRC patients at the population level over a 10-year time period.

METHODS

Data of all patients that underwent resection for primary CRC were extracted from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (2010-2019). Analyses were stratified for solitary and synchronous colon and rectal cancer. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with pathological and surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 100,474 patients, 3.1% underwent surgery for synchronous CRC. A screening-related decrease for surgically treated left-sided solitary and synchronous colon cancer and a temporary increase for exclusively right-sided colon cancer were observed. Synchronous CRC patients had higher rates of complicated postoperative course, failure to rescue, and mortality. Bilateral synchronous colon cancer was more often treated with subtotal colectomy (25.4%) and demonstrated higher rates of surgical complications, reinterventions, prolonged hospital stay, and mortality than other synchronous tumor locations.

DISCUSSION

National bowel screening resulted in contradictory effects on surgical resections for synchronous CRCs depending on sidedness. Bilateral synchronous colon cancer required more often extended resection resulting in significantly worse outcomes than other synchronous tumor locations. Identification of low volume, high complex CRC subpopulations is relevant for individualized care and has implications for case-mix correction and benchmarking in clinical auditing.

Safety evaluation of preoperative stent insertion and clinical analysis on comparison of outcomes between preoperative stent insertion and emergency surgery in the treatment of obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer

Objective

To evaluate the safety of preoperative stent insertion and compare the short- and long-term outcomes between preoperative stent insertion and emergency surgery in the treatment of obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 302 patients who underwent surgery for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer from January 2009 to May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to whether to receive stenting for the success rate and complications of stent insertion in colonic lumen by colonoscope, and the number of cases of primary resection and anastomosis, and short-term complications such as incision infection, anastomotic leakage, spleen tear and abdominal abscess as well as mortality and survival rate during hospitalization were compared.

Results

The success rate of endoscopic nitinol alloy memorial stent insertion in colonic lumen was 97.62%, and the overall incidence of complications was 14.5%, of which the incidence of serious complications (perforation, stent migration) was 4.76%. The primary anastomosis rate was significantly higher in the stent insertion group (85.71%) than that in the emergency surgery group (36.24%). The overall complication rate in the stent insertion group (14 cases) was significantly lower than that in the emergency surgery group (102 cases). There was no significant difference between survival curves (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Preoperative stent insertion in colonic lumen by colonoscope for decompression is an ideal auxiliary method in the treatment of obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer, and may increase primary anastomosis rate, avoid neostomy, reduce short-term complications, and improve the long-term survival compared to emergency surgery.

Intraoperative colonoscopy in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: A review of recent publications

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic colorectal resection is becoming the gold standard for treating colorectal cancers because it offers superior short-term and comparable long-time outcomes compared to open surgery. Intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) is increasingly performed for tumor localization and mucosal assessment. The aim of this report was to review the safety and efficacy of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHOD

A MEDLINE search of studies of IOC in laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed. We focused on three aspects of IOC use: (i) IOC for intraoperative tumor localization; (ii) colonic irrigation and IOC for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancers; and (iii) IOC for assessing colorectal anastomosis.

RESULTS

During laparoscopic colorectal surgery, IOC enables accurate localization of early mucosal tumors, detection of lesions in the proximal unexamined colon for obstructive left-sided cancer, and visual assessment of anastomosis. Additionally, IOC allows for proper surgical resection, management of concomitant lesions, immediate maintenance of hemostasis, suture repair of leaks, and the creation of a protective stoma as necessary.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Experienced surgical endoscopists should be trained to safely perform IOC.

Preoperative Colonic Decompression With Decompression Tube Insertion Versus Stent Insertion in Patients With Malignant Left Colonic Obstruction

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical effectiveness of preoperative colonic decompression (PCD) performed with stent or decompression tube insertion in patients with malignant left colonic obstruction (MLCO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between September 2014 and September 2018, 63 patients with MLCO underwent PCD (decompression tube: 35; stent: 28) in our center. Elective surgery was performed for patients with clinical success of PCD.

RESULTS

The rates of technical success for PCD with tube and stent insertion were 91.4% (32/35) and 96.4% (27/28), respectively (P=0.773). Clinical success rates for PCD with tube and stent insertion were 90.6% (29/32) and 85.2% (23/27), respectively (P=0.811). Tumor resection with primary anastomosis was performed in all patients with clinical success in both groups. No significant differences were found between 2 groups regarding the duration of surgery and rates of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Decompression tube and stent insertion had similar effectiveness for PCD in patients with MLCO.

The Dudley colectomy in urgent and emergent situations: a 10 patient case series

Left-sided colon pathology that needs to be treated in an emergency situation usually requires a partial colectomy and colostomy with a Hartmann’s pouch. Primary anastomosis is avoided with an unprepped left colon due to the risk of post-operative anastomotic leakage. In this series, 10 patients were treated with on-table lavage to wash out the colon, and left colectomy with primary anastomosis in urgent and emergent situations without a protective ileostomy (the Dudley colectomy). All patients acutely recovered and none had an anastomotic leak. There was a single superficial wound infection, and a single late mortality due to heart failure. On-table colonic lavage and left colectomy with primary anastomosis without a protective ileostomy is a safe and effective way to treat left-sided colon emergencies without a protective ileostomy.

Efficacy of 18-fluoro deoxy glucose-positron emission tomography computed tomography for the detection of colonic neoplasia proximal to obstructing colorectal cancer

Identification of secondary colonic neoplasia proximal to obstructing colorectal cancer is essential for determining the range of colorectal resection.We examined the accuracy of 18-fluoro deoxy glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for detection of colonic neoplasia.We recruited patients with obstructing colorectal cancer from our registry. Preoperative FDG-PET was performed, and the detection rate for colonic neoplasia was estimated. Preoperative colonoscopy or postoperative colonoscopy within a year after operation was employed as the indexed standard.Ninety-three patients were included in this study. Colonic neoplasia proximal to obstruction was confirmed in 83 cases. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of FDG-PET were 25.3% and 77.8%, respectively. The sensitivity was higher in larger lesions (3.2% for <5 mm, 29.4% for 6-10 mm, 45.5% for 11-20 mm, and 71.4% for >21 mm) and in higher pathological grade lesions (14.6% for low-grade adenoma, 38.5% for high-grade adenoma, 66.7% for carcinoma in situ, and 100% for invasive carcinoma). The round shape in PET images was a predictor for neoplasia, with an area under the curve of 0.75293 at an aspect ratio of 1.70.FDG-PET should be used as a screening modality for invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) proximal to obstructing colorectal cancer.

Feasibility and Safety of Intraoperative Colonoscopy after Segmental Colectomy and Primary Anastomosis

Patients presenting with near-obstructing colon lesions requiring segmental colectomy may benefit from intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) after primary anastomosis for a more timely and accurate diagnosis of synchronous lesions. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this technique. A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing single-stage segmental colectomy and anastomosis at a single tertiary care institution from 2011 to 2013 was performed. One Hundred and sixty-eight consecutive patients underwent segmental colectomy and primary anastomosis of which 78 (46%) were unable to receive preoperative colonoscopy (POC) because of near-obstructing lesions and received IOC after the anastomosis. IOC detected synchronous adenomatous polyps in 24.4 per cent, diverticular disease in 19 per cent, and colitis/proctitis in 2.5 per cent. The IOC group was not significantly different from the POC group with regard to overall morbidity (31% vs 39% P = 0.45), anastomotic leakage (1.3% vs 0%, P = 0.46), or wound infection (5.1% vs 1.1%, P = 0.18). Operation time was 19 minutes longer in the intra-operative group, but overall length of hospital stay was not significantly different (6.4 ± 2.9 days vs 7.3 ± 4.6 days). In patients unable to receive POC because of partial obstruction, IOC after primary anastomosis is both feasible and safe for detecting proximal synchronous lesions.

The Usefulness of Intraoperative Colonic Irrigation and Primary Anastomosis in Patients Requiring a Left Colon Resection

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to assess the short-term outcome of intraoperative colonic irrigation and primary anastomosis and to suggest the usefulness of the procedure when a preoperative mechanical bowel preparation is inappropriate.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 38 consecutive patients (19 male patients) who underwent intraoperative colonic irrigation and primary anastomosis for left colon disease between January 2010 and December 2016. The medical records of the patients were reviewed to evaluate the patients' characteristics, operative data, and postoperative short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients had colorectal cancer, 7 patients had perforated diverticulitis, and the remaining 2 patients included 1 with sigmoid volvulus and 1 with a perforated colon due to focal colonic ischemia. A diverting loop ileostomy was created in 4 patients who underwent a low anterior resection. Complications occurred in 15 patients (39.5%), and the majority was superficial surgical site infections (18.4%). Anastomotic leakage occurred in one patient (2.6%) who underwent an anterior resection due sigmoid colon cancer with obstruction. No significant difference in overall postoperative complications and superficial surgical site infections between patients with obstruction and those with peritonitis were noted. No mortality occurred during the first 30 postoperative days. The median hospital stay after surgery was 15 days (range, 8-39 days).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative colonic irrigation and primary anastomosis seem safe and feasible in selected patients. This procedure may reduce the burden of colostomy in patients requiring a left colon resection with an inappropriate preoperative mechanical bowel preparation.

Reviewing the Management of Obstructive Left Colon Cancer: Assessing the Feasibility of the One-stage Resection and Anastomosis After Intraoperative Colonic Irrigation

BACKGROUND

The management of obstructive left colon cancer (OLCC) remains debatable with the single-stage procedure of primary colonic anastomosis after cancer resection and on-table intracolonic lavage now being supported.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with acute OLCC who were admitted between January 2008 and January 2015 were distributed into 5 different groups. Group ICI underwent emergency laparotomy for primary anastomosis following colonic resection and intraoperative colonic lavage; Group HP underwent emergency Hartmann's Procedure; Group CON consisted of patients treated by conservative management with subsequent elective open cancer resection; Group COL were colostomy patients; and Group INT consisted of patients who had interventional radiology followed by open elective colon cancer resection. The demographics of the patients and comorbidity, intraoperative data, and postoperative data were collected, with P < .05 as significant.

RESULTS

There were 4 deaths in 138 cases (2.90%). There was only 1 patient who had anastomotic leakage (5.56%) in Group ICI, compared with none in Group HP and Group COL, 1 case in Group INT (7.69%), and 2 cases in Group CON (6.06%) (P > .05). Group INT and Group CON, when compared to the three surgical groups, Groups ICI, Group COL, and Group HP, individually, were statistically significant for the duration of surgery (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Primary anastomosis following colonic resection after irrigation can be safely performed in selected patients, with the necessary surgical expertise, with no increased risk in mortality, anastomotic leakage, and other postoperative complications.

Intraoperative colonoscopy in patients with colorectal cancer: Review of recent developments

The use of intraoperative colonoscopy has increased alongside progress in the development of colonoscopy-associated devices and techniques, including the colonoscope itself. In the present review, we focus on four circumstances in which intraoperative colonoscopy is beneficial to colorectal surgery: (i) intraoperative determination of a tumor's location; (ii) observation of the proximal colon in cases of obstructive colorectal cancer; (iii) confirmation of the integrity of anastomosis; and (iv) novel surgical techniques that combine laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. In light of the findings of our review, a combination of colonoscopy and surgery-especially laparoscopic surgery-is expected to facilitate the optimal handling of a variety of colorectal tumors, ranging from benign cases to advanced and obstructive cases.

One-Stage Colectomy with Intraoperative Colonic Irrigation for Acute Left-Sided Malignant Colonic Obstruction

BACKGROUND

One-stage colectomy with intraoperative colonic irrigation (OCICI) may be useful in early resolution of acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction (ALMCO). However, the clinical benefit of this technique has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and July 2014, 451 patients underwent left hemicolectomy or sigmoidectomy for colon cancer, of whom 25 underwent OCICI for ALMCO. The medical records of the patients who underwent OCICI for ALMCO were compared to 174 medical records of a control population (without ALMCO) who were matched for tumor characteristics.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in regard to age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status, location of tumor, preoperative CEA levels, and previous abdominal surgeries. The OCICI for ALMCO group was associated with a longer operation time (153 ± 33 vs. 111 ± 47 min, p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were found in patient morbidity, the duration of the postoperative hospital stay, or the tumor pathology between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that OCICI for ALMCO did not increase the risk of postoperative morbidity in patients with left-sided colon cancer.

CONCLUSION

OCICI for ALMCO did not increase the rate of morbidity or prolong the hospital stay duration compared to treatment of a control population.

A Japanese prospective multicenter study of self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction: short-term safety and efficacy within 7 days of stent procedure in 513 cases

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement has been used as an alternative to surgery for malignant colorectal obstruction; however, factors affecting its clinical outcome are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the short-term safety and efficacy of endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement for malignant colorectal obstruction and to identify factors associated with its clinical and technical failure.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical cohort study.

SETTING

Fourteen academic centers and 32 community hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 513 consecutive patients with malignant colorectal obstruction.

INTERVENTION

Endoscopic self-expandable metal stent placement, sharing of stent placement methods among participating facilities.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary endpoint was clinical success, defined as symptom and radiological finding resolution within 24 hours. Secondary endpoints were technical success and adverse events. The follow-up period was 7 days.

RESULTS

The clinical and technical success rates were 95.5% and 97.9%, respectively. Major adverse events included perforation (2.1%), stent migration (1.0%), and stent occlusion (0.8%). The main causes of perforation were the procedure itself (0.8%) and comorbidities (obstructive colitis and impending perforation) not apparent before stent placement (0.6%). Extrinsic tumor origin was independently associated with the clinical failure after stent placement (odds ratio 4.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-14.79; P = .02). Stricture marking trended toward a negative association with technical failure (P = .09).

LIMITATIONS

Noncomparative study.

CONCLUSION

Strict inclusion criteria and stricture marking may improve the technical and clinical success of stent placement.

Comparative study of postoperative complications in patients with and without an obstruction who had left-sided colorectal cancer and underwent a single-stage operation after mechanical bowel preparation

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare postoperative complications for single-stage surgery after mechanical bowel preparation in patients who experienced obstruction and those who did not.

Methods

From 2000 to 2011, 1,224 patients underwent a single-stage operation for left colorectal cancer after bowel preparation. Nonobstruction (NOB) and obstruction (OB) colorectal cancer patients were 1,053 (86.0%) and 171 (14.0%), respectively. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between groups.

Results

The OB group had poor preoperative conditions (age, white blood cell, hemoglobin, albumin level, and advanced tumor stage) compared with the NOB group (P < 0.05). Mean on-table lavage time for the OB group was 17.5 minutes (range, 14-60 minutes). Mean operation time for the OB group was statistically longer than that of the NOB group (OB: 210 minutes; range, 120-480 minutes vs. NOB: 180 minutes; range, 60-420 minutes; P < 0.001). Overall morbidity was similar between groups (NOB: 19.7% vs. OB: 23.4%, P = 0.259). Major morbidity was more common in the OB group than in the NOB group, but the difference was without significance (OB: 11.7% vs. NOB: 7.6%, P = 0.070). Postoperative death occurred in 16 patients (1.3%), and death in the OB group (n = 7) was significantly higher than it was in the NOB group (n = 9) (4.1% vs. 0.9%, P = 0.001). Twelve patients had surgical complications, which were the leading cause of postoperative death: postoperative bleeding in five patients and leakage in seven patients.

Conclusion

Postoperative morbidity for a single-stage operation for obstructive left colorectal cancer is comparable to that for NOB, regardless of poor conditions of the patient.

Strategies to evaluate synchronous carcinomas of the colon and rectum in patients that present for emergent surgery

It is not always possible to evaluate patients that present acutely with carcinoma of the colon and rectum for synchronous lesions. Patients that require emergent surgery necessitate urgent and efficient operation. Patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, or obstruction represent a challenging subset of patients with colorectal cancer. An organized approach to these patients in the effort not to overlook a synchronous carcinoma is important. The present paper provides an evidenced-based approach to this special situation.