Male sex and history of ischemic heart disease are major risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer

The Ratio of Visceral to Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Is Associated With Postoperative Anastomotic Leakage in Patients With Rectal Cancer With Gender Differences in Opposite Direction

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe postoperative complication in colorectal cancer and exerts negative impacts on patients' outcomes. Studies have found that body composition measured by CT images was associated with increased overall postoperative complications in colorectal cancer; however, few focused on postoperative AL in rectal cancer. This study aimed to explore the association between body composition parameters measured by CT images and postoperative AL in patients with rectal cancer, with an emphasis on subgroup analysis by gender.

METHODS

From February 2014 to January 2020, a total of 444 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent radical proctectomy were included. Out of all patients, 21 developed AL after surgery. Body composition parameters, including the areas, mean CT values, height-normalized indices of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and skeletal muscle (SM) were derived from preoperative contrast-enhanced arterial phase CT images at the third lumbar level. The ratio of visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue (VSR) was calculated. Clinical and body composition parameters were compared between the AL group and the non-AL group in all patients and separately in different genders.

RESULTS

Body composition parameters were not significantly different in the AL group and the non-AL group in all patients. However, most body composition parameters were significantly different between male and female patients. After separately analyzing by gender, VSR was significantly associated with postoperative AL in male and female. After multivariate regression, VSR remained an independent predictor for AL (OR: 0.1, p = 0.041 for male and OR: 39.1, p = 0.045 for female).

CONCLUSION

The VSR measured by CT images is an independent predictor for postoperative AL in patients with rectal cancer; however, it shows gender differences in opposite directions, serving as a protective factor in males, whereas as a risk factor in females.

The impact of transanal drainage tube on the incidence of anastomotic leakage and small bowel obstruction in radical surgery (Dixon) for rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) and small bowel obstruction (SBO) are common complications after rectal cancer radical surgery (Dixon). Although the commonly used defunctioning stoma (DS) can reduce the incidence and harm of AL, it increases the probability of other adverse consequences, including SBO. Therefore, a safe and effective method for preventing the complications related to the radical surgery of rectal cancer is urgently needed. Previous studies have found that transanal drainage tube (TDT) can have a positive impact on the incidence of these two complications by draining gas and feces from the intestinal lumen, without causing other serious consequences. Therefore, this article further explores the clinical benefits that TDT can bring by analyzing the clinical data of postoperative patients with rectal cancer.

Methods

This study included 221 patients who underwent radical surgery (Dixon) for rectal cancer in Hubei Cancer Hospital from September 2020 to February 2023, determine whether it meets the inclusion criteria of this study based on preoperative examination, intraoperative exploration results, and treatment methods. DS was used in 70 patients and TDT in 88 patients during the surgery; meanwhile, no protective anastomotic measures were applied in 63 patients. Seventy patients subjected to DS were categorized as group 1, 88 patients subjected to TDT as group 2, and 63 patients with no protective measures for anastomosis as group 3. Through postoperative clinical manifestations, imaging examinations, and laboratory tests, a total of 18 cases of AL and 30 cases of SBO were identified in the three groups. The effectiveness of TDT and that of other surgical procedures in preventing complications, accelerating postoperative recovery, and reducing surgical costs were compared through univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

The clinical features of the three groups have baseline comparability. No statistically difference was noted in baseline characteristics between three groups (all P>0.05). The incidence of AL and SBO in group 1 are 7.1% and 27.1%, in group 2 are 3.4% and 4.5%, and in group 3 are 15.9% and 11.1%. Compared to patients in no protective anastomotic measures with TDT and DS, TDT has a lower incidence of postoperative AL (P<0.05) and SBO (P>0.05), and faster postoperative recovery (P<0.05). The cost of inpatient surgery is not significantly different (P>0.05). Although DS can reduce the incidence of AL to a certain extent (P>0.05), it significantly increased the incidence of SBO (P<0.05), delayed postoperative defecation time (P<0.05) and caused higher cost (P<0.001). Compared to DS, the incidence of AL in TDT is not significantly different (P>0.05), but the incidence of SBO is noticeably lower (P<0.001), with faster postoperative recovery and less cost (P<0.05).

Conclusions

TDT is a safer, more effective, and more economical surgery for preventing postoperative complications.

Safety and Efficacy Analysis of Radical Surgery for 403 Patients with Colon Cancer over 80 Years Old

Aim: To investigate the safety and efficacy of radical surgery in colon cancer patients over 80 years old. Methods: Data from colon cancer patients aged ≥80 years who underwent radical surgery at the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and affiliated Heji Hospital of Changzhi Medical College from January 2011 to December 2022 were retrospectively analysed. Data on clinical characteristics, pathological features, perioperative data, and long-term prognosis were collected. Severe complications were classified as grade III-V. Logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors for severe postoperative complications, and a Cox regression model was used to determine prognostic variables. Results: A total of 403 eligible patients were included in the study. A total of 118 (29.3%) patients developed postoperative complications, of which 51 (12.7%) experienced grade 3-5 severe complications. Two (0.5%) patients died of pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction during the perioperative period. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative albumin levels <35 g/L and right colon cancer were independent risk factors for grade 3-5 postoperative complications. In terms of prognosis, multivariate analysis revealed that overall survival was significantly affected by TNM stage III and grade 3-4 postoperative complications. In addition, TNM stage III and perineural invasion were the independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival. Conclusion: Radical surgery can be performed safely in elderly colon cancer patients aged over 80 years, with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. Patients with preoperative albumin levels <35 g/L or tumors in the right colon should be alerted to the development of severe postoperative complications. In addition, the occurrence of severe complications can significantly affect the prognosis of elderly colon cancer patients.

Impact of Anastomotic Leak on Long-term Oncological Outcomes After Restorative Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak after restorative surgery for rectal cancer is a major complication and may lead to worse long-term oncological and survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with anastomotic leak and to assess the perioperative and long-term oncological impact of anastomotic leak in our cohort of patients with rectal cancer.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis was performed on data from the prospectively maintained Cabrini Monash colorectal neoplasia database. Patients who had undergone rectal cancer resection and subsequently received anastomosis between November 2009 and May 2020 were included in this study. Patient and tumor characteristics, technical risk factors, and short-term and perioperative as well as long-term oncological and survival outcomes were assessed.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 693 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Univariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between anastomotic leak and patient and technical risk factors, as well as perioperative and long-term outcomes. Univariate and multivariate proportional HR models of overall and disease-free survival were calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses assessed disease-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

Anastomotic leak rate was 3.75%. Males had an increased risk of anastomotic leak, as did patients with hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Patients who experience an anastomotic leak were more likely to require reoperation and hospital readmission and were more likely to experience an inpatient death. Disease-free and overall survival were also negatively impacted by anastomotic leaks.

LIMITATIONS

This is a retrospective analysis of data from only 3 centers with the usual limitations. However, these effects have been minimized because of the high quality and completeness of the prospective data collection.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomotic leaks after restorative surgery negatively affect long-term oncological and survival outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C81 .

IMPACTO DE LA FUGA ANASTOMTICA EN LOS RESULTADOS ONCOLGICOS A LARGO PLAZO TRAS CIRUGA RESTAURADORA PARA EL CNCER DE RECTO UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE RETROSPECTIVO

ANTECEDENTES:La fuga anastomótica tras una cirugía restauradora para el cáncer de recto es una complicación mayor y puede conducir a peores resultados oncológicos y de supervivencia a largo plazo.OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio fue identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con la fuga anastomótica y evaluar el impacto oncológico perioperatorio y a largo plazo de la fuga anastomótica en nuestra cohorte de pacientes con cáncer de recto.DISEÑO:Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de datos obtenidos de la base de datos Cabrini Monash sobre neoplasia colorrectal la cual es mantenida prospectivamente. Se incluyeron en este estudio pacientes que fueron sometidos a una resección del cáncer de recto y que posteriormente recibieron una anastomosis entre noviembre de 2009 y mayo de 2020. Se evaluaron las características del paciente y del tumor, los factores de riesgo relacionados a la técnica, los resultados oncológicos y de supervivencia perioperatorio, así como los resultados a corto y largo plazo.AJUSTES:El estudio se realizó en tres hospitales terciarios.PACIENTES:Un total de 693 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión para este estudio.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se realizaron análisis univariados para evaluar la relación entre la fuga anastomótica y aquellos factores relacionados al paciente, a la técnica, así como los resultados perioperatorios y a largo plazo. Se calcularon modelos de razón de riesgo proporcional univariante y multivariante de supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad. Los análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier evaluaron la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y la supervivencia global.RESULTADOS:La tasa de fuga anastomótica fue del 3,75%. Los hombres tenían un mayor riesgo de fuga anastomótica al igual que aquellos pacientes con hipertensión y cardiopatía isquémica. Los pacientes que sufrieron una fuga anastomótica tuvieron mayores probabilidades de requerir una reintervención y reingreso hospitalario, así como también tuvieron mayores probabilidades de sufrir una muerte hospitalaria. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad y general también se vio afectada negativamente por las fugas anastomóticas.LIMITACIONES:Este es un análisis retrospectivo de datos de solo tres centros con las limitaciones habituales. Sin embargo, estos efectos han sido minimizados debido a la alta calidad y la exhaustividad de la recopilación prospectiva de datos.CONCLUSIONES:Las fugas anastomóticas después de una cirugía restauradora afectan negativamente los resultados oncológicos y de supervivencia a largo plazo para los pacientes con cáncer de recto. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C81 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Risk Factors of Anastomotic Leakage After Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer Patients

OBJECTIVE

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the serious complications after anterior resection for rectal cancer. Defunctioning stoma (DS) is one of the most widely used approaches to prevent it; however, the effect of DS on the occurrence of AL remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate risk factors of AL and assess the effect of DS after anterior resection for rectal cancer patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted for the data of 1840 patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer from January 2014 to December 2019.

RESULTS

The results showed the overall AL incidence was 7.5%. Multivariate analyses revealed that males [odds ratio (OR) 1.562] and T3-T4 stage (OR 1.729) were independent risk factors for all patients. After propensity score matching analysis, the AL incidence was 14.1% in the group with no DS and 6.4% in the DS group (P<0.001). The clinical AL (grade B + grade C) incidence was 12.4% in no DS group and 4.6% in the DS group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The study suggested that males and T3-T4 stage were independent risk factors of AL. In addition, DS could reduce the rate of symptomatic AL.

Role of transanal drainage tubes in preventing anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The transanal drainage tube (TDT) is thought to reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with low anterior resection (LAR). However, results from different clinical trials are inconsistent, although nearly all meta-analyses agree on the efficacy. In contrast to results of many previous studies, 2 recent independent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that the use of TDT does not prevent AL. We performed a meta-analysis including only RCTs to compare patients with TDTs vs. those without TDTs in terms of AL rate.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases, Clinicaltrials.gov and WHO/ICTRP from inception until February 14, 2022. RCTs that evaluated the role of TDTs in AL prevention in patients who underwent LAR for rectal cancer were included. A meta-analysis was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. Data were extracted by two authors independently, and random-effects models were implemented. The main outcome was AL, and the secondary outcome was the grade of AL.

RESULTS

Three RCTs were included involving a total of 1115 participants (559 patients in the TDT group and 556 in the non-TDT group). No significant difference in the AL rate was detected (RR = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-1.15, p = 0.15, I2 = 21%, very low certainty evidence). The incidence of grade C AL was possibly lower in the TDT group (RR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.11-1.01, p = 0.05, very low certainty evidence), while the rate of grade B AL was similar between the two groups (RR = 1.17, 95% CI 0.66-2.08, p = 0.59, very low certainty evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis suggests that TDTs are not effective in reducing the overall incidence of AL, but possibly have a potential benefit in reducing the occurrence of grade C AL in patients with LAR. Based on the current limited data and existing heterogeneity, the inclusion of larger populations and the identification of more uniform indications for TDT need to be addressed in future studies.

Anastomotic leakage in colorectal cancer surgery

The safety of colorectal surgery for oncological disease is steadily improving, but anastomotic leakage is still the most feared and devastating complication from both a surgical and oncological point of view. Anastomotic leakage affects the outcome of the surgery, increases the times and costs of hospitalization, and worsens the prognosis in terms of short- and long-term outcomes. Anastomotic leakage has a wide range of clinical features ranging from radiological only finding to peritonitis and sepsis with multi-organ failure. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin have been identified as early predictors of anastomotic leakage starting from postoperative day 2-3, but abdominal-pelvic computed tomography scan is still the gold standard for the diagnosis. Several treatments can be adopted for anastomotic leakage. However, there is not a universally accepted flowchart for the management, which should be individualized based on patient's general condition, anastomotic defect size and location, indication for primary resection and presence of the proximal stoma. Non-operative management is usually preferred in patients who underwent proximal faecal diversion at the initial operation. Laparoscopy can be attempted after minimal invasive surgery and can reduce surgical stress in patients allowing a definitive treatment. Reoperation for sepsis control is rarely necessary in those patients who already have a diverting stoma at the time of the leak, especially in extraperitoneal anastomoses. In patients without a stoma who do not require abdominal reoperation for a contained pelvic leak, there are several treatment options, including laparoscopic diverting ileostomy combined with trans-anal anastomotic tube drainage, percutaneous drainage or recently developed endoscopic procedures, such as stent or clip placement or endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy. We describe the current approaches to treat this complication, as well as the clinical tests necessary to diagnose and provide an effective therapy.

Retrospective study of active drainage in the management of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer

Objective

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is the most serious postoperative complication following anterior resection for rectal cancer. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of active drainage for the management of AL.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using information from a database of patients who underwent colorectal resection without a defunctioning ileostomy at our center between September 2013 and January 2021. We identified 122 cases with definitive AL who did not require revision emergent laparotomy. Among these patients, we evaluated those who received active drainage to replace the original passive drainage.

Results

There were 62 cases in the active drainage group and 60 cases in the passive drainage group. The active drainage group had a shorter mean AL spontaneous resolution time (26.9 ± 3.3 vs. 32.2 ± 4.8 days) and lower average hospitalization costs (82,680.6 vs. 92,299.3 renminbi (RMB)) compared with the passive drainage group, respectively. Moreover, seven patients in the passive drainage group subsequently underwent diverting stoma to resolve the Al, while all ALs resolved spontaneously after replacing the passive drainage with active drainage.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that active drainage may accelerate the spontaneous resolution of AL.

Diagnosis of Anastomotic Leak

Anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Understanding the impact of anastomotic leaks and their risk factors can help the surgeon avoid any modifiable pitfalls. The diagnosis of an anastomotic leak can be elusive but can be discerned by the patient's global clinical assessment, adjunctive laboratory data and radiological assessment. The use of inflammatory markers such as C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin have recently gained traction as harbingers for a leak. A CT scan and/or a water soluble contrast study can further elucidate the location and severity of a leak. Further intervention is then individualized on the spectrum of simple observation with resolution or surgical intervention.

Transanal Drainage Tube Use for Preventing Anastomotic Leakage After Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection in Patients With Rectal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Preventing anastomotic leakage (AL) is crucial for colorectal surgery. Some studies have suggested a positive role of transanal drainage tubes (TDTs) in AL prevention after low anterior resection, but this finding is controversial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of TDTs in AL prevention after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This multicenter randomized clinical trial with parallel groups (TDT vs non-TDT) was performed from February 26, 2016, to September 30, 2020. Participants included patients from 7 different hospitals in China who were undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection with the double-stapling technique for mid-low rectal cancer; 576 patients were initially enrolled in this study, and 16 were later excluded. Ultimately, 560 patients were randomly divided between the TDT and non-TDT groups.

INTERVENTIONS

A silicone tube was inserted through the anus, and the tip of the tube was placed approximately 5 cm above the anastomosis under laparoscopy at the conclusion of surgery. The tube was fixed with a skin suture and connected to a drainage bag. The TDT was scheduled for removal 3 to 7 days after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was the postoperative AL rate within 30 days.

RESULTS

In total, 576 patients were initially enrolled in this study; 16 of these patients were excluded. Ultimately, 560 patients were randomly divided between the TDT group (n = 280; median age, 61.5 years [IQR, 54.0-68.8 years]; 177 men [63.2%]) and the non-TDT group (n = 280; median age, 62.0 years [IQR, 52.0-69.0 years]; 169 men [60.4%]). Intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant difference between the TDT and non-TDT groups in AL rates (18 [6.4%] vs 19 [6.8%]; relative risk, 0.947; 95% CI, 0.508-1.766; P = .87) or AL grades (grade B, 14 [5.0%] and grade C, 4 [1.4%] vs grade B, 11 [3.9%] and grade C, 8 [2.9%]; P = .43). In the stratified analysis based on diverting stomas, there was no significant difference in the AL rate between the groups, regardless of whether a diverting stoma was present (without stoma, 12 [5.8%] vs 15 [7.9%], P = .41; and with stoma, 6 [8.3%] vs 4 [4.5%], P = .50). Anal pain was the most common complaint from patients in the TDT group (130 of 280, 46.4%). Accidental early TDT removal occurred in 20 patients (7.1%), and no bleeding or iatrogenic colonic perforations were detected.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results from this randomized clinical trial indicated that TDTs may not confer any benefit for AL prevention in patients who undergo laparoscopic low anterior resection for mid-low rectal cancer without preoperative radiotherapy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02686567.

Feasibility of endoscopic hand suturing on rectal anastomoses in ex vivo porcine models

Prevention of postoperative anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery is still required. This study investigated the feasibility of endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) on rectal anastomosis ex vivo. By using isolated porcine colon, we prepared ten anastomoses 6–10 cm from the virtual anus. Then, we sutured anastomoses intraluminally by EHS, which involved a continuous suturing method in 5 cases and a nodule suturing method with extra corporeal ligation in 5 cases. Completeness of suturing, number of stitches, procedure time and presence of stenosis were investigated. Furthermore, the degree of stenosis was compared between the two suturing methods. In all cases, EHS were successfully completed. The median number of stitches and procedure time was 8 and 5.8 min, respectively. Stenosis was created in all continuous suturing cases whereas none was seen in nodule suturing cases. The shortening rate was significantly greater in the continuous suturing method than in the nodule suturing method. Intraluminal reinforcement of rectal anastomosis by EHS using nodule suturing with extra corporeal ligation is feasible without stenosis, which may be helpful as a countermeasure against possible postoperative anastomotic leakage in rectal surgery.

New Anastomosis Technique to Prevent Anastomotic Leakage in Laparoscopic Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer, Especially Upper Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a major problem in rectal cancer surgery. To prevent AL, we developed a side-to-side anastomosis technique using a circular stapler and termed it the circular side stapling technique (CST). We herein report the method and outcome of the CST.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In this study, we analyzed 154 patients with stage 0 to III rectal cancer who underwent curative laparoscopic low anterior resection. Perioperative factors and complications were compared between the CST and usual double stapling technique (DST).

RESULTS

The CST was performed in 110 of the 154 patients. When comparing the outcomes of patients with upper rectal cancer. AL occurred in no patients in the CST group and in three patients in the DST group (p=0.011). The CST prevented AL in all patients with upper rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

The CST is a safe and useful procedure in laparoscopic anterior resection. This technique can prevent AL, especially in patients with upper rectal cancer.

Machine learning-based random forest predicts anastomotic leakage after anterior resection for rectal cancer

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the commonest and most serious complications after rectal cancer surgery. The previous analyses on predictors for AL included small-scale patients, and their prediction models performed unsatisfactorily.

Methods

Clinical data of 5,220 patients who underwent anterior resection for rectal cancer were scrutinized to create a prediction model via random forest classifier. Additionally, data of 836 patients served as the test dataset. Patients diagnosed with AL within 6 months' follow-up were recorded. A total of 20 candidate factors were included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was conducted to determine the clinical efficacy of our model, and compare the predictive performance of different models.

Results

The incidence of AL was 6.2% (326/5,220). A multivariate logistic regression analysis and the random forest classifier indicated that sex, distance of tumor from the anal verge, bowel stenosis or obstruction, preoperative hemoglobin, surgeon volume, diabetes, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and surgical approach were significantly associated with AL. After propensity score matching, the temporary stoma was not identified as a protective factor for AL (P=0.58). Contrastingly, the first year of performing laparoscopic surgery was a predictor (P=0.009). We created a predictive random forest classifier based on the above predictors that demonstrated satisfactory prediction efficacy. The area under the curve (AUC) showed that the random forest had higher efficiency (AUC =0.87) than the nomogram (AUC =0.724).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that eight factors may affect the incidence of AL. Our random forest classifier is an innovative and practical model to effectively predict AL, and could provide rational advice on whether to perform a temporary stoma, which might reduce the rate of stoma and avoid the ensuing complications.

Long-term oncological outcomes of low anterior resection for rectal cancer with and without preservation of the left colic artery: a retrospective cohort study

Background

There is uncertainty in the literature about preserving the left colic artery (LCA) during low anterior resection for rectal cancer. We analyzed the effect of preserving the LCA on long-term oncological outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinicopathological and follow-up details of patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer in the General Surgery Department of Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, from January 2014 to December 2015. Cases were divided into low ligation (LL), LCA preserved, or high ligation (HL), LCA not preserved, of the inferior mesenteric artery. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were compared between the two groups.

Results

Altogether, there were 221 and 295 cases in the LL group and HL groups, respectively. Operating time in the LL group was significantly longer than in the HL group (224.7 vs. 211.7 min, p = 0.039). Postoperative 30-day mortality, early complications including anastomotic leakage showed no significant differences between the LL and HL groups (postoperative 30-day mortality, 0.9% LL, 1.4% HL, p = 0.884; early complications, 41.2% LL, 38.3% HL, p = 0.509; anastomotic leakage 8.6% LL, 13.2% HL, p = 0.100). The median follow-up periods were 51.4 (7–61) months in the LL group and 51.2 (8–61) months in the HL group. During follow-up, the percentages of patients who died, had local recurrence, or had metastases were 39.8, 7.7, and 38.5%, respectively, in the LL group and 39, 8.5, and 40%, respectively, in the HL group; these differences were not significant (all p > 0.05). The 5-year OS and DFS were 69.6 and 59.6% in the LL group, respectively, and 69.1 and 56.2% in the HL group, respectively; these differences were not significant (all p > 0.05). After stratification by tumor-node-metastasis stage, the difference between the 5-year OS and DFS for stages I, II, and III cancer were not significant (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The long-term oncological outcomes of LL group are comparable with HL group. LL cannot be supported due to the absence of lower complication rates and the longer operating times.

Anastomotic Leakage After Laparoscopic Colectomy: Who Will Require Emergency Fecal Diversion?

Background: To identify predictive factors for reoperation because of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colectomy. Methods: Between 2007 and 2016, all patients who developed AL following right or left colectomy in an expert center were included. Patients who were treated surgically (all including fecal diversion) were compared with those who were managed conservatively. Results: Overall, 81 (6.5%) patients developed AL, of which 32 (39%) were managed nonoperatively and 49 (61%) required reoperation. On average, AL was diagnosed on postoperative day 4 (3-8) and mortality reached 4.9% (n = 4). Reoperation included anastomosis resection in 31 (67%) patients of which 26 (100%) had right colectomy and 5 (25%) left colectomy. Reoperation for AL was associated with increased intensive care management (P = .026) and deep abdominal collection (P = .002). T stage >2 and right-sided colectomy were the only independent risk factors associated with the need for reoperation for AL. Stoma reversal was performed in 42 (98%) patients after a median of 4 months. Conclusions: AL after colectomy is more likely to require reoperation with fecal diversion after right-sided colectomy and T > 2 colorectal cancer.

Determining the protective characteristics and risk factors for the development of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage is one of the most serious postoperative complications associated with surgery for rectal cancer. The present study aimed to identify the protective characteristics and risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Methods

This was a retrospective, single-center study conducted between January 2009 and December 2017 at our institution. In total, 136 rectal cancer patients who underwent low anterior resection were included in the study. We analyzed preoperative and intraoperative factors. In addition, the pelvic dimensions were measured using computed tomography in all cases.

Results

Among the 136 patients, anastomotic leakage occurred in 21 (15.4%), including 18 males and 3 females. The median body mass index was 21.1 kg/m². The construction of a covering stoma was found to be a protective factor. In addition, the operation time (≥ 373 min), intraoperative blood loss (≥ 105 ml), and size of the pelvic inlet (≥ 113 mm) were identified as risk factors for anastomotic leakage.

Conclusion

The construction of a covering stoma was a possible protective factor. However, a longer operation time, higher intraoperative blood loss, and larger pelvic inlet dimensions were possible risk factors for developing anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer.

Protective ileostomy does not prevent anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether protective ileostomy is beneficial in preventing anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 347 patients underwent anterior resection of rectal cancer in our hospital. Ninety-five patients were treated with protective ileostomy (treatment group), and 252 patients were not (control group). The incidences of anastomotic leakage and permanent stoma were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The overall incidences of anastomotic leakage were 6.32% (6/95) and 8.73% (22/252) in the treatment group and control group, respectively. In the cohort of patients who underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy, the incidence of anastomotic leakage was 5.88% (2/34) and 12.0% (3/25) in the treatment group and control group, respectively. Logistic regression showed that the incidence of anastomotic leakage was not statistically significant. However, diabetes and the anastomotic height significantly affected the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. The permanent stoma rate was 6.42% (6/95) and 5.95% (15/252) in the treatment group and control group, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Protective ileostomy did not show a significant advantage in reducing the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage in patients with rectal cancer, and it may lead to a permanent stoma.

Evaluating the predictive factors for anastomotic leakage after total laparoscopic resection with transrectal natural orifice specimen extraction for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) surgery has been widely implemented in colorectal cancer surgery due to its good short-term efficacy. However, anastomotic leakage (AL) is a serious postoperative complication in colorectal cancer, and the risk factors for this complication after NOSE surgery have rarely been investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the predictive factors for AL after laparoscopic resection with transrectal NOSE for rectal cancer and sigmoid colon cancer.

METHODS

A total of 208 patients who underwent total laparoscopic resection with transrectal NOSE for rectal cancer and sigmoid colon cancer from January 2014 to June 2019 were systematically reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the relevant risk factors.

RESULTS

The rate of AL was 10.1% (21 of 208 patients). The univariate analyses showed that male sex (85.7% vs 57.8%, P = .013), the distance from the anal verge (10.5 vs 14.5 cm, P = .011), and a duration of operation ≥140 min (71.4% vs 29.4%, P<.001) were associated with an increased incidence of AL. The multivariate analysis showed that a duration of operation ≥140 min (OR = 5427, 95% CI = 1.355-21.727, P = .017) was an independent risk factor for AL.

CONCLUSION

A duration of operation ≥140 min is a possible risk factor for AL after total laparoscopic resection with transrectal NOSE for colorectal cancer.

A Retrospective Study of Risk Factors for Symptomatic Anastomotic Leakage after Laparoscopic Anterior Resection of the Rectal Cancer without a Diverting Stoma

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common and devastating postoperative issue for patients who have undergone anterior resection of rectal carcinoma and can lead to increased short-term morbidity and mortality. Moreover, it might be associated with a worse oncological prognosis of tumors. This study is aimed at exploring the risk factors for symptomatic AL after laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) for rectal tumors without a preventive diverting stoma.

Materials and Methods

This case control study retrospectively reviewed the data of 496 consecutive patients who underwent LAR of the rectum without a preventive diverting stoma at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences between September 2016 and September 2017. All patients were divided into an AL group and a control group based on the occurrence of postoperative symptomatic AL. Factors regarding patient-related variables, operation-related variables, and tumor-related variables were collected and assessed between the two groups through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent risk factors for AL.

Results

In total, 18 (3.6%) patients developed postoperative symptomatic AL. Univariate analysis showed that a synchronous primary malignancy of the left hemicolon (P = 0.047), intraoperative chemotherapy (P = 0.003), and level of anastomosis (P = 0.033) were significantly related with AL. Multivariate analysis was subsequently performed to adjust for confounding biases and confirmed that a synchronous primary malignancy of the left hemicolon (odds ratio (OR), 12.225; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.764-84.702; P = 0.011), intraoperative chemotherapy (OR, 3.931; 95% CI, 1.334-11.583; P = 0.013), and level of anastomosis (OR, 3.224; 95% CI, 1.124-9.249; P = 0.030) were independent risk factors for symptomatic AL for patients who received LAR for rectal neoplasms without a preventive diverting stoma.

Conclusions

Synchronous primary malignancy of the left hemicolon, intraoperative chemotherapy, and a low anastomotic level can increase the risks of postoperative symptomatic AL after LAR of the rectum without a protective diverting stoma.

Early renal dysfunction after temporary ileostomy construction

PURPOSE

Loop ileostomy is often used to prevent complications after colorectal surgery, but it has been reported to cause renal impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the renal function after ileostomy and to compare these with the renal function after low anterior resection without ileostomy (low-ANT).

METHODS

The subjects included 58 patients who underwent ileostomy construction and closure for rectal cancer. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at specific time points after the index surgery. In addition, we conducted a case-matched study on 147 patients who underwent low-ANT.

RESULTS

The eGFR was significantly lower at 1 month after ileostomy than at the time of ileostomy construction (78.8 vs. 84.0, p < 0.0001) and did not improve after ileostomy closure. The only risk factor for a reduced eGFR was preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. In the case-matched study, 36 patients were allocated for each of the two groups. The number of ileostomy patients with a reduced eGFR was significantly increased 1 month after the index surgery (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The eGFR began to decrease at one month after ileostomy construction and did not improve after ileostomy closure.

Preoperative lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio predicts postoperative infectious complications after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Postoperative infectious complications (POI), which can increase length of hospital stay, medical cost, and worsen overall survival, are a concern in minimally invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) surgeries. Recent reports showed that relatively new inflammation-based score, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is an independent predictor of long-term outcomes after CRC surgeries. In this study, LMR was evaluated as a predictor of short-term postoperative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a single-institutional retrospective study of 211 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic CRC surgery with primary tumor resection from January 2014 to August 2015 at Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups (no POI; n = 176 and POI; n = 35). The associations between inflammation-based scores, namely neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and LMR, and the occurrence of POI were investigated. Receiving operator characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the cutoff point of preoperative LMR.

RESULTS

Low LMR (cut-off 3.46), long operative time, and smoking were found to be independent predictors of POI in a multivariate analysis (LMR: Odds ratio 5.61, 95% confidence interval 1.98-15.9, P = 0.001). Patients with low LMR also appeared to have more advanced and aggressive tumours.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to report that the lower LMR is a predictive factor of POI after laparoscopic CRC surgery, and it may provide additional information for treatment decisions to prevent POI.

Diverting Stoma Versus No Diversion in Laparoscopic Low Anterior Resection: A Single-center Retrospective Study in Japan

BACKGROUND/AIM

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the benefits and risks of a diverting stoma (DS) in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 140 and 167 patients without and with DS, respectively, were included in this study in a high-volume cancer center of Japan within an 8-year period.

RESULTS

Small bowel obstruction occurred more frequently in patients with DS (2.86% vs. 16.17%, p<0.001). The difference in anastomotic leakage rate was not statistically significant (11.43% vs. 10.18%, p=0.72). In multivariate analysis, the operating time was associated with a higher rate of leakage in LAR [odds ratio (OR) 8.772, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.002-1.012, p=0.027].

CONCLUSION

Operating time was associated with a higher rate of leakage in LAR for low rectal cancer. A DS did not reduce anastomotic leakage but increased the risk of postoperative intestinal obstruction in laparoscopic LAR.

Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases the incidence of anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of rectal tumors

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy is an emerging treatment modality for locally advanced rectal neoplasms. However, its impacts on postoperative complications remain unknown. Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most common and serious complications associated with the anterior resection of rectal tumors. Therefore, we designed this study to determine the effects of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy on AL.

AIM

To investigate whether intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increases the incidence of AL after the anterior resection of rectal neoplasms.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study collected information from 477 consecutive patients who underwent an anterior resection of rectal carcinoma using the double stapling technique at our institution from September 2016 to September 2017. Based on the administration of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy or not, the patients were divided into a chemotherapy group (171 cases with intraperitoneal implantation of chemotherapy agents during the operation) or a control group (306 cases without intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Clinicopathologic features, intraoperative treatment, and postoperative complications were recorded and analyzed to determine the effects of intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy on the incidence of AL. The clinical outcomes of the two groups were also compared through survival analysis.

RESULTS

The univariate analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of AL in the patients who received intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, with 13 (7.6%) cases in the chemotherapy group and 5 (1.6%) cases in the control group (P = 0.001). As for the severity of AL, the AL patients who underwent intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy tended to be more severe cases, and 12 (92.3%) out of 13 AL patients in the chemotherapy group and 2 (40.0%) out of 5 AL patients in the control group required a secondary operation (P = 0.044). A multivariate analysis was subsequently performed to adjust for the confounding factors and also showed that intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy increased the incidence of AL (odds ratio = 5.386; 95%CI: 1.808-16.042; P = 0.002). However, the survival analysis demonstrated that intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy could also improve the disease-free survival rates for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy can improve the prognosis of patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma, but it also increases the risk of AL following the anterior resection of rectal neoplasms.

The Clinical and Economic Burden of Colorectal Anastomotic Leaks: Middle-Income Country Perspective

Purpose

Anastomotic leaks (AL) present a significant source of clinical and economic burden on patients undergoing colorectal surgeries. This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical and economic consequences of AL and its risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2012 and 2013 based on the billing information of 337 patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR). The outcomes evaluated were the development of AL, use of antibiotics, 30-day readmission and mortality, and total hospital costs, including readmissions and length of stay (LOS). The risk factors for AL, as well as the relationship between AL and clinical outcomes, were analyzed using multivariable Poisson regression. Generalized linear models (GLM) were employed to evaluate the association between AL and continuous outcomes (LOS and costs).

Results

AL was detected in 6.8% of the patients. Emergency surgery (aRR 2.56; 95% CI: 1.15-5.71, p = 0.021), blood transfusion (aRR 4.44; 95% CI: 1.86-10.64, p = 0.001), and cancer diagnosis (aRR 2.51; 95% CI: 1.27-4.98, p = 0.008) were found to be independent predictors of AL. Patients with AL showed higher antibiotic usage (aRR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.37-2.09, p < 0.001), 30-day readmission (aRR 3.34; 95% CI: 1.53-7.32, p = 0.003) and mortality (aRR 13.49; 95% CI: 4.10-44.35, p < 0.001), and longer LOS (39.6 days, as opposed to 7.5 days for patients without AL, p < 0.001). Total hospital costs amounted to R$210,105 for patients with AL in comparison with R$34,270 for patients without AL (p < 0.001). In multivariable GLM, the total hospital costs for AL patients were 4.66 (95% CI: 3.38-6.23, p < 0.001) times higher than those for patients without AL.

Conclusions

AL leads to worse clinical outcomes and increases hospital costs by 4.66 times. The risk factors for AL were found to be emergency surgery, blood transfusion, and cancer diagnosis.