Low Ligation Plus High Dissection Versus High Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Meta-Analysis

[Evidence for the extent and oncological benefits of lymphadenectomy in colon and rectal cancer : A narrative review based on meta-analyses]

BACKGROUND

Lymphadenectomy for rectal cancer is clearly defined by total mesorectal excision (TME). The analogous surgical strategy for the colon, the complete mesocolic excision (CME), follows the same principles of dissection in embryologically predefined planes.

METHOD

This narrative review initially identified key issues related to lymphadenectomy of rectal and colon cancer. The subsequent search was based on PubMed and focused on meta-analyses. The endpoints for rectal cancer were the benefit of high tie versus low tie and the indications for lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. For colon cancer the evidence for CME, for the longitudinal extent of resection, for the dissection of infrapyloric and gastroepiploic lymph nodes, for the number of lymph nodes and for the sentinel lymph node technique were used as endpoints.

RESULTS

An oncological benefit of the high tie cannot be derived from the current data. Lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy should only be selectively performed after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in cases of remaining lymph nodes with suspected metastases. In most studies CME proved to be oncologically superior, especially in stage III. The longitudinal extent of resection should be at least 10 cm in both directions if the principles of CME are observed. Infrapyloric and gastroepiploic lymph node involvement is to be expected in 0.7-22% of cases, depending on patient selection, which justifies dissection, particularly in carcinomas of both flexure and the transverse colon. The minimum number of lymph nodes to be removed cannot be clearly derived from the available studies. Precisely performed CME and an optimal pathological work-up are important. The sentinel lymph node technique cannot currently be used as a criterion for limiting the extent of resection.

CONCLUSION

Both TME and CME are reliable standards for the lymphadenectomy in colorectal carcinomas. A lymphadenectomy that goes beyond this is reserved for selected cases and is partly the subject of currently ongoing studies.

Robotic-Assisted Colon Cancer Surgery: Faster Recovery and Less Pain Compared to Laparoscopy in a Retrospective Propensity-Matched Study

Background and Objective: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, with colon cancer accounting for approximately 60% of all CRC cases. Surgery remains the primary and most effective treatment. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) has emerged as a promising approach for colon cancer resection. This retrospective study compares RAS and laparoscopic-assisted surgery (LSS) for stage I-III colon cancer resections at a single medical center in East Asia. Methods: Between 1 January 2018, and 29 February 2024, patients undergoing colectomy were classified into right-side and left-side colectomies. Propensity score matching was conducted based on age group, gender, ASA score, and BMI to ensure comparability between groups. After matching, there were 50 RAS and 200 LSS cases for right colectomy (RC), and 129 RAS and 258 LSS cases for left colectomy (LC). Perioperative outcomes were compared between the two surgical approaches. The primary outcomes were recovery milestones, while secondary outcomes included complications and postoperative pain scores. Results: RAS demonstrated faster recovery milestones compared to LSS (hospital stay: 6.5 vs. 10.2 days, p = 0.005 for RC; 5.5 vs. 8.2 days, p < 0.001 for LC). RAS also resulted in lower rates of ileus (14% vs. 26%, p = 0.064 for RC; 6.2% vs. 15.9%, p = 0.007 for LC) and higher lymph node yields (31.4 vs. 26.8, p = 0.028 for RC; 25.8 vs. 23.9, p = 0.066 for LC). Major complication rates showed no significant difference between RAS and LSS (4.0% vs. 7.0%, p = 0.746 for RC; 4.7% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.563 for LC). Patients in the RAS group experienced earlier diuretic phases and reported significantly lower postoperative pain scores (3.0 vs. 4.1, p = 0.011 for RC; 2.9 vs. 4.1, p < 0.001 for LC). Conclusions: Robotic-assisted surgery is associated with faster recovery, lower rates of ileus (LC), higher lymph node yield (RC) and reduced postoperative pain compared to laparoscopic-assisted surgery for colon cancer resection.

Comparison of short-term surgical outcomes between high and low tie ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in robotic rectal cancer surgery: a propensity score matching analysis

Robotic surgery is extensively used for rectal cancer treatment. Nonetheless, studies on whether to preserve the left colonic artery (LCA) during robotic rectal cancer surgery to reduce complications remain scarce and controversial. This study compared short-term outcomes of high tie (HT) and low tie (LT) ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in 455 patients undergoing robotic rectal cancer surgery between May 2018 and July 2022. Propensity score matching (PSM) minimized selection bias, resulting in 124 patients in each group. The LT group had a longer operative time (P < 0.001), but there were no significant differences in estimated blood loss, lymph node harvest, lymph node positivity, AJCC stage, hospital stay, or costs. Postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and reoperations were also comparable. Univariate analysis identified hypoalbuminaemia, low tumor location, ASA scores III, and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy as risk factors for postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis confirmed low serum albumin and low tumor location as significant factors. Importantly, HT did not increase the risk of complications in either analysis. These findings indicate that high ligation does not adversely affect short-term outcomes and highlight the need for further research to refine surgical strategies.

Short-term outcomes of vessel-oriented D2 and D3 lymph node dissection for sigmoid colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Level of lymph nodes dissection (LND) and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation is still matter of debate of radical resection of colorectal cancer. This study aims to compare the short-term outcome of three different surgical techniques to treat sigmoid cancer: low ligation (LL) of the IMA with D3-LND, low IMA ligation with D2-LND, and high ligation (HL) of the IMA with D3-LND.

METHODS

Patients affected by sigmoid colon cancer, who underwent radical resection with three different techniques (LL and D3-LND Group A, HL and D3-LND Group B, and LL with D2 LND- Group C), were included. Operative time (min), blood loss (ml), early postoperative complications, and number of harvested lymph nodes were compared.

RESULTS

Thirty patients per group were enrolled. The median operation time was shorter in group C (130 min, interquartile range [IQR] 120-140), compared with the 245 min (IQR 193.8-295.5) of group A and 257 min (IQR 183-345) of group B, p < 0.005. No significant differences between A and B group were observed in the median intraoperative blood loss, while group C had higher intraoperative blood loss (200 ml, IQR 200-260, p = 0.002). Anastomotic leak occurred in three patients belonging to group B. A reduced number of harvested lymph nodes was registered in Group C (14 lymph nodes, IQR 10-17), p < 0.005.

CONCLUSIONS

Both high and low tie ligation with D3-LND for sigmoid cancer can be considered safe and feasible with low rate of postoperative complications, allowing a higher number of harvested lymph nodes compared to low tie ligation with D2 lymphadenectomy.

High Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Left-Sided Colon and Rectal Cancer Resection: Rates of Success and Outcomes

BACKGROUND

High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery, defined as ligation before the takeoff of the left colic artery, is often described as the gold standard in low left-sided colon and rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study is to quantify the rate of ligation at the described level at a single academic center. Additionally, we examined the relationship between level of ligation and cancer-related outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included patients ages 18 and over with low left-sided colon, rectal, and anal cancers undergoing surgical resection. Radiographic evidence of high ligation was defined as ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery before the takeoff of the left colic artery. Patients with and without radiographic evidence of high ligation on CT were compared. Secondary outcomes include lymph node yield and positivity, need for adjuvant therapy, and time from surgery to adjuvant therapy.

RESULTS

169 patients (54% male) were included in the study. 61.5% of operative reports described high ligation of the IMA. There was radiographic evidence of high ligation in 55.6% of total patients and in 70.2% of patients where high ligation was intended. There was no significant difference in surgeon experience, surgical procedure, or surgical approach. There was no difference in lymph node yield, time to adjuvant chemotherapy, or recurrence rates.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates good technical success rate of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery but shows no difference in short-term patient-measured outcomes between high and low ligation (or successful and unsuccessful high ligation).

Venous Congestive Ischemic Colitis After Sigmoid Colectomy: A Case Report

Venous congestion is a possible cause of ischemic colitis following colorectal surgery. As such, congestive ischemic colitis should be considered in such cases where the mesenteric artery is preserved. Herein, we describe the case of a 73-year-old man who presented to the hospital with a two-week history of difficult defecation and frequent mucous stools and was subsequently diagnosed with refractory ischemic enterocolitis due to venous congestion. The patient had undergone resection of the sigmoid colon cancer with preservation of the inferior mesenteric artery 11 months before presentation. Contrast-enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed edematous wall thickening on the anal side of the anastomosis. A colonoscopy revealed a normal mucosa extending from the anastomosis to the descending colon; however, mucosal swelling, erythema, and erosion were observed on the rectal side of the anastomosis. Based on these findings, he was diagnosed with ischemic colitis. After two months of ineffective conservative treatment, the patient underwent surgery. Ischemic colitis was diagnosed as venous congestion based on the histopathological examination. Preservation of the mesenteric artery may result in ischemic colitis due to an imbalance between the arterial and venous blood flow. Chronic ischemic colitis due to venous congestion should be considered in cases of mesenteric artery preservation to reduce anastomotic leakage.

Comparison of the short-term and long-term outcomes of three different types of inferior mesenteric artery ligation in left colonic and rectal cancers: a network meta-analysis

To perform a network meta-analysis of the literature to assess the short-term and long-term outcomes of three operations for left colon and rectal cancer. Electronic literature searches were performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases up to August 2022. A Bayesian network meta-analysis using R software, ADDIS, and Review Manager 5.4 was conducted to compare outcomes of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery(IMA),low ligation of the IMA with D2 dissection (LLD2), and low ligation of the IMA with D3 dissection (LLD3). Sensitivity analysis was applied to investigate the influence of each primary study on the final result of the meta-analysis. Asymmetry of data was estimated by using Egger's tests. Publication bias corrected by trimming and filling method. A total of 44 studies, 5 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and 39 non-RCTs, were included in this meta-analysis. HL was associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (HL vs. LLD2, OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.13-3.25, P = 0.001; HL vs. LLD3, OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.35-2.01, P < 0.001), and required a longer postoperative hospital stay (HL vs. LLD3, SMD = 0.28, 95%CI 0.09-0.48, P = 0.01).However HL showed an advantage in terms of operation time(HL vs. LLD3, SMD = - 0.13, 95%CI - 0.26 to 0.01, P = 0.04). LLD3 is most likely to rank best in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes after surgery for left colon and rectal cancer. Caution should be taken in the risk of anastomotic leakage when treating colorectal cancer with LLD2. HL, LLD2 and LLD3 provide similar overall survival rates for left colon and rectal cancer.

Surgical considerations for the "perfect" colorectal anastomosis

A technically sound colorectal anastomosis is paramount in optimising outcomes and reducing complications such as anastomotic leak which can lead to prolonged hospital stay, repeated operations, stoma formation, anastomotic stricture formation and even mortality in patients. Therefore, thorough consideration should be given to all aspects of its construct, from its basic mechanical configuration to subsequent evaluation of anastomosis integrity and perfusion. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage are well established and are usually classified into modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. In this review article, we will focus on and discuss the modifiable surgical risk factors and how the authors incorporate latest evidence and surgical principles in creating a "perfect" colorectal anastomosis. We review the latest evidence on the proper mechanical construct of a colorectal anastomosis, enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), high versus low ligation of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), routine splenic flexure mobilisation (SFM), the use of indocyanine green (ICG), as well as methods used for the evaluation of the anastomosis integrity. New adjuncts described in the literature to reinforce anastomoses are also discussed. In summary, meticulous technique with nuanced refinements based on our understanding of surgical principles, together with the adoption of relevant new technologies, are essential in our strive towards the "perfect" colorectal anastomosis.

How to prevent postoperative ileus in colorectal surgery? a systematic review

Postoperative ileus (PI) after colorectal surgery is a common surgical problem. This systematic review aimed to investigate the available data in the literature to reduce the PI in the area of colorectal surgery out of the enhanced recovery after surgery principles, referring to published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, and to provide recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. The authors conducted bibliographic research on 1 December 2022. The authors retained meta-analyses and RCTs. The authors concluded that when we combined colonic mechanical preparation with oral antibiotic decontamination, the authors found a significant reduction in PI. The open approach was associated with a higher PI rate. The robotic and laparoscopic approaches had similar PI rates. Low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery presented a PI similar to that of high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery. There was no difference between the isoperistaltic and antiperistaltic anastomoses or between the intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomoses. This study summarized the available data in the literature, including meta-analyses and RCTs. For a higher level of evidence, additional multicenter RCTs and meta-analyses of RCTs remain necessary.

Inferior mesenteric artery ligation level in rectal cancer surgery: still no answer-a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the impact of the level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation on post-operative and oncological outcomes in rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature up to 06 September 2022. Included were RCTs that compared patients who underwent high (HL) vs. anterior (LL) IMA ligation for resection of rectal cancer. The literature search was performed on Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science without any language restrictions. The primary endpoint was overall anastomotic leakage (AL). Secondary endpoints were oncological outcomes, intraoperative complications, urogenital functional outcomes, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs (1331 patients) were included. The overall rate of AL was lower in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.96). The overall number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (MD 0.93, 95% CI - 2.21 to 0.34). The number of lymph nodes harvested was assessed in 256 patients, and all had a laparoscopic procedure. The number of lymph nodes was higher when LL was associated with lymphadenectomy of the vascular root than when IMA was ligated at its origin, but there the difference was not statistically significant (MD - 0.37, 95% CI - 1.00 to 0.26). Overall survival at 5 years was slightly better in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05). Disease-free survival at 5 years was higher in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence to support HL or LL according to results in terms of AL or oncologic outcome. Moreover, there is not enough evidence to determine the impact of the level of IMA ligation on functional outcomes. The level of IMA ligation should be chosen case by case based on expected functional and oncological outcomes.

Safety and efficacy of left colic artery preservation in laparoscopic anterior resection for lower rectal cancer

Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of left colic artery (LCA) preservation in laparoscopic anterior resection with D3 lymphadenectomy for lower rectal cancer. Methods: A total of 117 patients with lower rectal cancer who received laparoscopic anterior resection were retrospectively analyzed. Results: No differences were detected in terms of the numbers of harvested lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes, the intraoperative and postoperative complications or the postoperative recurrence and survival rates between the two groups (p > 0.05), but the LCA preservation group showed a lower anastomotic leakage rate than the LCA nonpreservation group (2/49 vs 12/68). Conclusion: LCA preservation may help reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage without impairing surgical and oncological outcomes.

Comparison of High Ligation Versus Low Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes in Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Meta-analysis

This study was done to compare the perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes between low ligation and high ligation of the inferior mesentric artery (IMA) in sigmoid colon and rectal cancer surgery. This study was conducted following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A literature search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHIL, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify studies published between January 1, 2015, and April 30, 2023. The outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis included postoperative complications (anastomotic leakage, surgical site infection, and postoperative ileus), intraoperative outcomes (duration of surgery in minutes, total intraoperative blood loss in milliliters, total lymph nodes harvested, and total number of metastatic lymph nodes), recovery outcomes (time to first flatus and length of hospital stay), and long-term outcomes (five-year mortality rate and disease-free survival rate). A total of 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Of these, six were randomized control trials (RCTs) and 11 were retrospective cohort studies. This meta-analysis suggests that lower ligation may be associated with a lower risk of anastomotic leakage compared to higher ligation in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. However, there was no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of surgical site infection, postoperative ileus, total lymph nodes harvested, number of metastatic lymph nodes, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Time to first flatus was significantly shorter in patients who underwent lower ligation. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the five-year mortality rate and disease-free survival rate between the two techniques. The results of this study indicate that both techniques are comparable in most aspects and suggest that the choice of technique should be based on individual patient factors and surgeon preference.

Feasibility of preservation of superior rectal artery plus dissection of lymph nodes around inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic resection for sigmoid colon cancer

Background

Limited data are available about superior rectal artery (SRA) preservation in laparoscopic resection for sigmoid colon cancer (SCC). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term and long-term efficacies of SRA preservation in laparoscopic radical resection for SCC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 207 patients with SCC who underwent laparoscopic radical resection for SCC from January 2017 to June 2021. A total of 84 patients received lymph node clearance around the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) root (D3 lymph node dissection) with preservation of SRA (SRA preservation group), and 123 patients received high ligation of the IMA (control group). The clinicopathological data of the two groups were compared, and Kaplan-Meier method was performed to estimate patient survival.

Results

Compared with the control group, the operation time of the SRA preservation group was longer (p < 0.001), but the postoperative exhaust and defecation times were significantly shorter (p = 0.003, p < 0.001). Two cases of postoperative ileus and four cases of anastomotic leakage were observed in the control group, whereas the SRA preservation group had none. However, no statistical difference was observed between the groups (p = 0.652, p = 0.248). The overall survival also showed no significant difference in (p = 0.436).

Conclusion

Preservation of SRA plus dissection of lymph nodes around IMA did not increase postoperative morbidity and mortality nor affect the prognosis of patients but increased the bowel blood supply, which may have a significant positive effect on the recovery of postoperative intestinal function and reduction of anastomotic leakage.

Potential short-term outcome advantage of low vs. high ligation of inferior mesenteric artery for sigmoid and rectal cancer: propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether to ligate the inferior mesenteric artery at its root during anterior resection for sigmoid colon or rectal cancer is still under debate. This study compared the surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, and anastomotic leakage between high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery through a subgroup analysis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. All patients who underwent colorectal resection for rectosigmoid cancer between December 2016 and December 2019 were enrolled. According to the surgical ligation level of the inferior mesenteric artery, the patients were categorized into either the high or low ligation group. The investigated population was matched using the propensity score method.

RESULTS

Overall, 894 patients with sigmoid or rectal cancer underwent elective anterior resection with high (577 patients) or low (317 patients) ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery. After the propensity score matching, 245 patients in each group were compared. High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery was associated with higher incidence of anastomotic leakage (14.9% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.041) for mid- to low-rectum tumors and a higher incidence of complications (8.6% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.013) of grades 1-2 according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system.

CONCLUSION

Compared with high ligation, low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery resulted in lower likelihood of morbidity and mortality in rectal and sigmoid cancers. Moreover, low ligation was less likely to result in anastomosis leakage in mid- to low-rectal cancers.

The Colorectal Anastomosis: A Timeless Challenge

Colorectal anastomosis is a sophisticated problem that demands an elaborate discussion and an elegant solution. "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana, Life of Reason , 1905.

Does the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation affect short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon cancer or rectal cancer? A single-center retrospective study

Background

For sigmoid colon or rectal cancer, a definite consensus regarding the optimal level ligating the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) has not been reached. We performed this study to determine whether the ligation level significantly affected short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer after curative laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

Medical records of patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer who had undergone curative laparoscopic surgery between January 2008 and December 2014 at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were reviewed. Then, the high tie group (HTG) was compared with the low tie group (LTG) in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes.

Results

Five-hundred ninety patients were included. No significant differences between two groups regarding baseline characteristics existed. HTG had a significantly higher risk of anastomotic fistula than LTG (21/283 vs 11/307, P = 0.040). Additionally, high ligation was proven by multivariate logistic regression analysis to be an independent factor for anastomotic fistula (P = 0.038, OR = 2.232, 95% CI: 1.047–4.758). Furthermore, LT resulted in better preserved urinary function. However, LTG was not significantly different from HTG regarding operative time (P = 0.075), blood transfusion (P = 1.000), estimated blood loss (P = 0.239), 30-day mortality (P = 1.000), ICU stay (P = 0.674), postoperative hospital stay (days) (P = 0.636), bowel obstruction (P = 0.659), ileus (P = 0.637), surgical site infection (SSI) (P = 0.121), number of retrieved lymph nodes (P = 0.501), and number of metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.131). Subsequently, it was revealed that level of IMA ligation did not significantly influence overall survival (OS) (P = 0.474) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.722). Additionally, it was revealed that ligation level did not significantly affect OS (P = 0.460) and RFS (P = 0.979) of patients with stage 1 cancer, which was also observed among patients with stage 2 or stage 3 cancer. Ultimately, ligation level was not an independent predictive factor for either OS or RFS.

Conclusions

HT resulted in a significantly higher incidence of anastomotic fistula and worse preservation of urinary function. Level of IMA ligation did not significantly affect long-term outcomes of patients with sigmoid colon or rectal cancer after curative laparoscopic surgery.

High Versus Low Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of high ligation (HL) versus low ligation (LL) in colorectal cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: We performed a comprehensive search using multiple databases (trial registries and ClinicalTrials.gov), other sources of grey literature, and conference proceedings, with no restrictions on the language or publication status, up until 10 March 2021. We included all parallel-group randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and considered cluster RCTs for inclusion. The risk of bias domains were "low risk," "high risk," or "unclear risk." We performed statistical analyses using a random-effects model and interpreted the results according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We used the GRADE guidelines to rate the certainty of evidence (CoE) of the randomized controlled trials. Results: We found 12 studies (24 articles) from our search. We were very uncertain about the effects of HL on overall mortality, disease recurrence, cancer-specific mortality, postoperative mortality, and anastomotic leakage (very low CoE). There may be little to no difference between HL and LL in postoperative complications (low CoE). For short-term follow-up (within 6 months), HL may reduce defecatory function (constipation; low CoE). While HL and LL may have similar effects on sexual function in men, HL may reduce female sexual function compared with LL (low CoE). For long-term follow-up (beyond 6 months), HL may reduce defecatory function (constipation; low CoE). There were discrepancies in the effects regarding urinary dysfunction according to which questionnaire was used in the studies. HL may reduce male and female sexual function (low CoE). Conclusions: We are very uncertain about the effects of HL on survival outcomes, and there is no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between HL and LL. More rigorous RCTs are necessary to evaluate the effect of HL and LL on functional outcomes.

Preservation versus nonpreservation of the left colic artery in anterior resection for rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Preserving the left colic artery (LCA) during anterior resection for rectal cancer is controversial, and robust evidence of the outcomes of LCA preservation plus apical lymph node dissection is lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of LCA preservation plus apical lymph node dissection surgery on anastomotic leakage and number of harvested lymph nodes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic anterior resection for rectal cancer between September 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively assessed. The patients were categorized into two groups: preservation of LCA and nonpreservation of LCA. A one-to-one propensity score-matched analysis was performed to decrease confounding. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage within 30 days after surgery. The secondary outcomes were number of harvested lymph nodes, 3-year overall survival, and 3-year disease-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 216 patients were eligible for this study, and propensity score matching yielded 60 patients in each group. Anastomotic leakage in the LCA preservation group was significantly lower than that in the LCA nonpreservation group (3.3% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.048). No significant differences were observed in blood loss, operation time, intraoperative complications, splenic flexure mobilization, total number of harvested lymph nodes, number of positive lymph nodes, time to first flatus, or postoperative hospital stay. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a 3-year disease-free survival of 85.7% vs. 80.5% (P = 0.738) and overall survival of 92.4% vs. 93.7% (P = 0.323) for the preservation and nonpreservation groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

LCA preservation plus apical lymph node dissection surgery for rectal cancer may help reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage without impairing the number of harvested lymph nodes. Preliminary results suggest that 3-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates may not differ between the two types of surgery, but studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these conclusions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03776370. Registered 14 December 2018-Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov .

Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Anastomotic Leak in Colorectal Cancer

Anastomotic leak (AL) represents one of the most detrimental complications after colorectal surgery. The patient-related factors and surgery-related factors leading to AL have been identified in previous studies. Through early identification and timely adjustment of risk factors, preventive measures can be taken to reduce potential AL. However, there are still many problems associated with AL. The debate about preventive measures such as preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP), intraoperative drainage, and surgical scope also continues. Recently, the gut microbiota has received more attention due to its important role in various diseases. Although the underlying mechanisms of gut microbiota on AL have not been validated completely, new strategies that manipulate intrinsic mechanisms are expected to prevent and treat AL. Moreover, laboratory examinations for AL prediction and methods for blood perfusion assessment are likely to be promoted in clinical practice. This review outlines possible risk factors for AL and suggests some preventive measures in terms of patient, surgery, and gut microbiota.