The empty pelvis syndrome: a core data set from the PelvEx collaborative

BACKGROUND

Empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) is a significant source of morbidity following pelvic exenteration (PE), but is undefined. EPS outcome reporting and descriptors of radicality of PE are inconsistent; therefore, the best approaches for prevention are unknown. To facilitate future research into EPS, the aim of this study is to define a measurable core outcome set, core descriptor set and written definition for EPS. Consensus on strategies to mitigate EPS was also explored.

METHOD

Three-stage consensus methodology was used: longlisting with systematic review, healthcare professional event, patient engagement, and Delphi-piloting; shortlisting with two rounds of modified Delphi; and a confirmatory stage using a modified nominal group technique. This included a selection of measurement instruments, and iterative generation of a written EPS definition.

RESULTS

One hundred and three and 119 participants took part in the modified Delphi and consensus meetings, respectively. This encompassed international patient and healthcare professional representation with multidisciplinary input. Seventy statements were longlisted, seven core outcomes (bowel obstruction, enteroperineal fistula, chronic perineal sinus, infected pelvic collection, bowel obstruction, morbidity from reconstruction, re-intervention, and quality of life), and four core descriptors (magnitude of surgery, radiotherapy-induced damage, methods of reconstruction, and changes in volume of pelvic dead space) reached consensus-where applicable, measurement of these outcomes and descriptors was defined. A written definition for EPS was agreed.

CONCLUSIONS

EPS is an area of unmet research and clinical need. This study provides an agreed definition and core data set for EPS to facilitate further research.

Epidemiology, oncologic results and risk stratification model for metachronous peritoneal metastases after surgery for pT4 colon cancers: results from an observational retrospective multicentre long-term follow-up study

PURPOSE

Metachronous peritoneal metastases (MPM) following a curative surgery procedure for pT4 colon cancer is a challenging condition. Current epidemiological studies on this topic are scarce.

METHODS

A retrospective multicentre trial was designed. All consecutive patients who underwent operations to treat pT4 cancers between 2015 and 2017 were reviewed. Demographic, clinical, operative, pathological and oncological follow-up variables were included. MPM were described as any oncological disease at the peritoneum, clearly different from a local recurrence. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were constructed. A risk stratification model was created on a cumulative factor basis. According to the calculated hazard ratio (HR), a scoring system was designed (HR < 3, 1 point; HR > 3, 2 points) and a scale from 0 to 6 was calculated for peritoneal disease-free rate (PDF-R). A risk stratification model was also created on the basis of these calculations.

RESULTS

Fifty different hospitals were involved, which included a total of 1356 patients. Incidence of MPM was 13.6% at 50 months median follow-up. The strongest independent risk factors for MPM were positive pN stage [HR 3.72 (95% CI 2.56-5.41; p < 0.01) for stage III disease], tumour perforation [HR 1.91 (95% CI 1.26-2.87; p < 0.01)], mucinous or signet ring cell histology [HR 1.68 (95% CI 1.1-2.58; p = 0.02)], poorly differentiated tumours [HR 1.54 (95% CI 1.1-2.2; p = 0.02)] and emergency surgery [HR 1.42 (95% CI 1.01-2.01; p = 0.049)]. In the absence of additional risk factors, pT4 tumours showed 98% and 96% PDF-R in 1-year and 5-year periods based on Kaplan-Meier curves.

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative MPM incidence was 13.6% at 5-year follow-up. The sole presence of a pT4 tumour resulted in high rates of PDF-R at 1-year and 5-year follow-up (98% and 96% respectively). Five additional risk factors different from pT4 status itself were identified as possible MPM indicators during follow-up.

Short-term outcomes of chemoradiotherapy and local excision versus total mesorectal excision in T2-T3ab,N0,M0 rectal cancer: a multicentre randomised, controlled, phase III trial (the TAU-TEM study)

BACKGROUND

The standard treatment of T2-T3ab,N0,M0 rectal cancers is total mesorectal excision (TME) due to the high recurrence rates recorded with local excision. Initial reports of the combination of pre-operative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) have shown reductions in local recurrence. The TAU-TEM study aims to demonstrate the non-inferiority of local recurrence and the improvement in morbidity achieved with CRT-TEM compared with TME. Here we describe morbidity rates and pathological outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled non-inferiority trial including patients with rectal adenocarcinoma staged as T2-T3ab,N0,M0. Patients were randomised to the CRT-TEM or the TME group. Patients included, tolerance of CRT and its adverse effects, surgical complications (Clavien-Dindo and Comprehensive Complication Index classifications) and pathological results (complete response in the CRT-TEM group) were recorded in both groups. Patients attended follow-up controls for local and systemic relapse.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT01308190.

RESULTS

From July 2010 to October 2021, 173 patients from 17 Spanish hospitals were included (CRT-TEM: 86, TME: 87). Eleven were excluded after randomisation (CRT-TEM: 5, TME: 6). Modified intention-to-treat analysis thus included 81 patients in each group. There was no mortality after CRT. In the CRT-TEM group, one patient abandoned CRT, 1/81 (1.2%). The CRT-related morbidity rate was 29.6% (24/81). Post-operative morbidity was 17/82 (20.7%) in the CRT-TEM group and 41/81 (50.6%) in the TME group (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval 42.9% to 16.7%). One patient died in each group (1.2%). Of the 81 patients in the CRT-TEM group who received the allocated treatment, 67 (82.7%) underwent organ preservation. Pathological complete response in the CRT-TEM group was 44.3% (35/79). In the TME group, pN1 were found in 17/81 (21%).

CONCLUSION

CRT-TEM treatment obtains high pathological complete response rates (44.3%) and a high CRT compliance rate (98.8%). Post-operative complications and hospitalisation rates were significantly lower than those in the TME group. We await the results of the follow-up regarding cancer outcomes and quality of life.

Minimum standards of pelvic exenterative practice: PelvEx Collaborative guideline

This document outlines the important aspects of caring for patients who have been diagnosed with advanced pelvic cancer. It is primarily aimed at those who are establishing a service that adequately caters to this patient group. The relevant literature has been summarized and an attempt made to simplify the approach to management of these complex cases.

Long-term outcomes of an acellular dermal matrix for the treatment of complex cryptoglandular anal fistula: a pilot study

Backgound

Effective, standardized treatments for complex anal fistula (CAF) still represent a clinical challenge. Emerging procedures attempted to achieve the healing rates of fistulotomy whilst preserving sphincter function. Acellular dermal matrix (ADM) used as a plug inserted through the fistulous tract is among newer treatment options. Varying success rates have been reported, most with short-term follow-up. The aim of this study was to report the long-term results of ADM-plug for CAF.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients treated with CAF. All consecutive patients presenting at two tertiary centers (Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain) between November 2015 and March 2019 with a single, cryptoglandular CAF were evaluated for treatment with an ADM-plug were included. The primary endpoint was absence of discharge at clinical examination at 12 month follow-up.

Results

Twenty-two patients were included [7 women and 15 men, median age 56 (33–74) years]. Most patients had high transsphincteric fistulas (63.6%). The median follow-up was 42 (21–53) months. The 12 month success rate was 68.2%, with an overall healing rate of 59.1%. 77.8% of recurrences occurred within 12 months from surgery. One plug extrusion was observed. No major complications or mortality occurred during the follow-up. Patients did not report any worsening of fecal continence.

Conclusions

This pilot study showed that more than half of patients with CAF could benefit from ADM-plug placement, preserving continence. A minimum follow-up of 12 months is recommended, because most recurrences occur during the first year.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10151-022-02593-1.

Analysis of outcomes of emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Few surgical studies have provided adjusted comparative postoperative outcome data among contemporary patients with and without COVID-19 infection and patients treated before the pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of performing emergency surgery in patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery from March to June 2020, and from March to June 2019 in 25 Spanish hospitals were included in a retrospective study (COVID-CIR). The main outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and failure to rescue (mortality among patients who developed complications). Propensity score-matched comparisons were performed between patients who were positive and those who were negative for COVID-19; and between COVID-19-negative cohorts before and during the pandemic.

RESULTS

Some 5307 patients were included in the study (183 COVID-19-positive and 2132 COVID-19-negative during pandemic; 2992 treated before pandemic). During the pandemic, patients with COVID-19 infection had greater 30-day mortality than those without (12.6 versus 4.6 per cent), but this difference was not statistically significant after propensity score matching (odds ratio (OR) 1.58, 95 per cent c.i. 0.88 to 2.74). Those positive for COVID-19 had more complications (41.5 versus 23.9 per cent; OR 1.61, 1.11 to 2.33) and a higher likelihood of failure to rescue (30.3 versus 19.3 per cent; OR 1.10, 0.57 to 2.12). Patients who were negative for COVID-19 during the pandemic had similar rates of 30-day mortality (4.6 versus 3.2 per cent; OR 1.35, 0.98 to 1.86) and complications (23.9 versus 25.2 per cent; OR 0.89, 0.77 to 1.02), but a greater likelihood of failure to rescue (19.3 versus 12.9 per cent; OR 1.56, 95 per cent 1.10 to 2.19) than prepandemic controls.

CONCLUSION

Patients with COVID-19 infection undergoing emergency general and gastrointestinal surgery had worse postoperative outcomes than contemporary patients without COVID-19. COVID-19-negative patients operated on during the COVID-19 pandemic had a likelihood of greater failure-to-rescue than prepandemic controls.

Prevalence of nodal involvement in rectal cancer after chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of ypN+ status according to ypT category in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision, and to assess the impact of ypN+ on disease recurrence and survival by pooled analysis of individual-patient data.

METHODS

Individual-patient data from 10 studies of chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer were included. Pooled rates of ypN+ disease were calculated with 95 per cent confidence interval for each ypT category. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were undertaken to assess influence of ypN status on 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Data on 1898 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up was 50 (range 0-219) months. The pooled rate of ypN+ disease was 7 per cent for ypT0, 12 per cent for ypT1, 17 per cent for ypT2, 40 per cent for ypT3, and 46 per cent for ypT4 tumours. Patients with ypN+ disease had lower 5-year DFS and OS (46.2 and 63.4 per cent respectively) than patients with ypN0 tumours (74.5 and 83.2 per cent) (P < 0.001). Cox regression analyses showed ypN+ status to be an independent predictor of recurrence and death.

CONCLUSION

Risk of nodal metastases (ypN+) after chemoradiotherapy increases with advancing ypT category and needs to be considered if an organ-preserving strategy is contemplated.

Clinical impact of leakage in patients with handsewn vs stapled anastomosis after right hemicolectomy: a retrospective study

AIM

Anastomotic leakage is a major complication after right hemicolectomy leading to increased morbidity, mortality, length of stay and hospital costs. Previous studies have shown that the type of anastomosis (handsewn or stapled) is a major risk factor for anastomotic leakage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of anastomotic leakage depending on the type of anastomotic technique (handsewn vs stapled).

METHOD

This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study. Data were collected at two major hospitals in Spain from January 2010 to December 2016. Patients had elective right colectomy for cancer with handsewn or stapled ileocolic anastomosis. The main outcome was the grading of postoperative treatments needed to manage anastomotic leakage according to two major classification systems. The other outcomes were demographics, time of hospitalization and death rate.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 961) underwent elective surgery for neoplasia of the right colon. Anastomotic leakage was diagnosed in 116 patients (12.07%). Patients with handsewn anastomosis had more Type IIIA surgical complications and received milder treatments than patients with stapled anastomosis (SA) who had more Type IIIB complications and more re-laparotomies (P = 0.004). The clinical impact of anastomotic leakage was significantly more severe (Grade C) in patients with SA than in patients with a handsewn anastomosis (P = 0.007). No differences were found for hospital stay of patients with anastomotic leakage depending on the type of anastomosis (P = 0.275). Death due to anastomotic leakage was similar in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical impact of anastomotic leakage in patients with handsewn anastomosis is lower than in patients with SA.

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection for primary rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: results from the PelvEx Collaborative

AIM

At presentation, 15-20% of patients with rectal cancer already have synchronous liver metastases. The aim of this study was to determine the surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent combined pelvic exenteration and liver (oligometastatic) resection.

METHOD

Data from 20 international institutions that performed simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection between 2007 and 2017 were accumulated. Primarily, we examined perioperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality. We also assessed the impact that margin status had on survival.

RESULTS

Of 128 patients, 72 (56.2%) were men with a median age of 60 years [interquartile range (IQR) 15 years]. The median size of the liver oligometastatic deposits was 2 cm (IQR 1.8 cm). The median duration of surgery was 406 min (IQR 240 min), with a median blood loss of 1090 ml (IQR 2010 ml). A negative resection margin (R0 resection) was achieved in 73.5% of pelvic exenterations and 66.4% of liver resections. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.6%, and 32% of patients had a major postoperative complication. The 5-year overall survival for patients in whom an R0 resection of both primary and metastatic disease was achieved was 54.6% compared with 20% for those with an R1/R2 resection (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection is feasible, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous resection should only be performed where an R0 resection of both pelvic and hepatic disease is anticipated.

European Society of Coloproctology: guidelines for the management of diverticular disease of the colon

AIM

The goal of this European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) guideline project is to give an overview of the existing evidence on the management of diverticular disease, primarily as a guidance to surgeons.

METHODS

The guideline was developed during several working phases including three voting rounds and one consensus meeting. The two project leads (JKS and EA) appointed by the ESCP guideline committee together with one member of the guideline committee (WB) agreed on the methodology, decided on six themes for working groups (WGs) and drafted a list of research questions. Senior WG members, mostly colorectal surgeons within the ESCP, were invited based on publication records and geographical aspects. Other specialties were included in the WGs where relevant. In addition, one trainee or PhD fellow was invited in each WG. All six WGs revised the research questions if necessary, did a literature search, created evidence tables where feasible, and drafted supporting text to each research question and statement. The text and statement proposals from each WG were arranged as one document by the first and last authors before online voting by all authors in two rounds. For the second voting ESCP national representatives were also invited. More than 90% agreement was considered a consensus. The final phrasing of the statements with < 90% agreement was discussed in a consensus meeting at the ESCP annual meeting in Vienna in September 2019. Thereafter, the first and the last author drafted the final text of the guideline and circulated it for final approval and for a third and final online voting of rephrased statements.

RESULTS

This guideline contains 38 evidence based consensus statements on the management of diverticular disease.

CONCLUSION

This international, multidisciplinary guideline provides an up to date summary of the current knowledge of the management of diverticular disease as a guidance for clinicians and patients.

Surgical treatment of a colon neoplasm of the splenic flexure: a multicentric study of short-term outcomes

AIM

The optimal surgical treatment of splenic flexure neoplasm is still not well defined. Extended right hemicolectomy (ERH) and left colic resection (LCR) have been proposed but conclusive evidence concerning postoperative morbidity and oncological results is lacking. The aim of this study was to analyse the short-term outcomes after surgery for splenic flexure cancer with regard to surgical procedure and surgeon's specialty.

METHODS

This was a multicentre study on patients who underwent surgery for primary colon cancer of the splenic flexure.

RESULTS

From 2004 to 2015, 324 patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion into the study; 270 (83.4%) had elective surgery while 54 (16.6%) had emergency resection: 158 (48.8%) underwent ERH and 166 (51.2%) LCR; 176 (54.3%) procedures were performed by colorectal surgeons, 148 (46.7%) by general surgeons. In the ERH group a significantly higher rate of emergency operations was carried out (P = 0.005). After elective surgery, no significant differences between ERH and LCR concerning 30-day mortality (3.3% vs 2.0%) and the need for reoperation (10.6% vs 7.4%) were found. Nodal harvesting was significantly higher in the ERH and colorectal surgeon groups in any clinical scenario. At multivariate analysis, age and smoking habit were predictive of the need for reoperation and major morbidity while the general surgeon group showed a higher risk of anastomotic failure (OR = 1.92; P = 0.168).

CONCLUSION

We analysed the largest series in literature of curative resections for splenic flexure tumours. The optimal procedure still remains debatable as ERH and LCR appear to achieve comparable short-term outcomes. Surgeon's specialty seems to positively affect patient's outcomes.

Prevention of parastomal hernia after abdominoperineal excision with a prophylactic three-dimensional funnel mesh

AIM

A prophylactic three-dimensional (3D) funnel mesh using the keyhole technique (intraperitoneal onlay mesh position) in abdominoperineal excision (APR) may significantly decrease the parastomal hernia (PSH) index without increasing morbidity. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to analyse the incidence of PSH and postoperative complications in patients who underwent permanent colostomy with the use of a prophylactic 3D preformed mesh compared with patients without a mesh.

METHOD

Patients who underwent an end-colostomy after APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer in a colorectal surgery unit were divided into two groups: group 1 without a prophylactic mesh and group 2 with a prophylactic synthetic mesh. The main end-point was to analyse the incidence of PSH after a median follow-up of 2.8 years.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten patients (64 in group 1 and 46 in group 2, without significant clinical differences) underwent a permanent colostomy after APR. In group 1 70.3% developed a PSH, compared with 13% in group 2 (P < 0.001). Age (especially for patients ≥ 75 years) represented a significant risk factor for PSH. There were no differences in postoperative complications between the groups.

CONCLUSION

A prophylactic parastomal 3D mesh using the keyhole technique may reduce the incidence of PSH after permanent colostomy without an increase in postoperative complications.

The diminishing role of surgery for acute diverticulitis

Tailored treatment

A propensity-score-matched analysis of laparoscopic vs open surgery for rectal cancer in a population-based study

AIM

The oncological risk/benefit trade-off for laparoscopy in rectal cancer is controversial. Our aim was to compare laparoscopic vs open surgery for resection of rectal cancer, using unselected data from the public healthcare system of Catalonia (Spain).

METHODS

This was a multicentre retrospective cohort study of all patients who had surgery with curative intent for primary rectal cancer at Catalonian public hospitals from 2011 to 2012. We obtained follow-up data for up to 5 years. To minimize the differences between the two groups, we performed propensity score matching on baseline patient characteristics. We used multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses to assess locoregional relapse at 2 years and death at 2 and 5 years.

RESULTS

Of 1513 patients with Stage I-III rectal cancer, 933 (61.7%) had laparoscopy (conversion rate 13.2%). After applying our propensity score matching strategy (2:1), 842 laparoscopy patients were matched to 517 open surgery patients. Multivariate Cox analysis of death at 2 years [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65, 95% CI 0.48, 0.87; P = 0.004] and 5 years (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.5, 0.75; P < 0.001) and of local relapse at 2 years (HR 0.44, 95% CI 0.27, 0.72; P = 0.001) showed laparoscopy to be an independent protective factor compared with open surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy results in lower locoregional relapse and long-term mortality in rectal cancer in unselected patients with all-risk groups included. Studies using long-term follow-up of cohorts and unselected data can provide information on clinically relevant outcomes to supplement randomized controlled trials.

Preoperative oral antibiotic prophylaxis reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa surgical site infections after elective colorectal surgery: a multicenter prospective cohort study

Background

Healthcare-associated infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with poor outcomes. However, the role of P. aeruginosa in surgical site infections after colorectal surgery has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors and outcomes of surgical site infections caused by P. aeruginosa after colorectal surgery, with special emphasis on the role of preoperative oral antibiotic prophylaxis.

Methods

We conducted an observational, multicenter, prospective cohort study of all patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at 10 Spanish hospitals (2011–2014). A logistic regression model was used to identify predictive factors for P. aeruginosa surgical site infections.

Results

Out of 3701 patients, 669 (18.1%) developed surgical site infections, and 62 (9.3%) of these were due to P. aeruginosa. The following factors were found to differentiate between P. aeruginosa surgical site infections and those caused by other microorganisms: American Society of Anesthesiologists’ score III–IV (67.7% vs 45.5%, p = 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 2.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.44–4.39), National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance risk index 1–2 (74.2% vs 44.2%, p < 0.001, OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.01–6.56), duration of surgery ≥75thpercentile (61.3% vs 41.4%, p = 0.003, OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.31–3.83) and oral antibiotic prophylaxis (17.7% vs 33.6%, p = 0.01, OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.21–0.83). Patients with P. aeruginosa surgical site infections were administered antibiotic treatment for a longer duration (median 17 days [interquartile range (IQR) 10–24] vs 13d [IQR 8–20], p = 0.015, OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.00–1.12), had a higher treatment failure rate (30.6% vs 20.8%, p = 0.07, OR 1.7, 95% CI 0.96–2.99), and longer hospitalization (median 22 days [IQR 15–42] vs 19d [IQR 12–28], p = 0.02, OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.00–1.17) than those with surgical site infections due to other microorganisms. Independent predictive factors associated with P. aeruginosa surgical site infections were the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance risk index 1–2 (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.03–5.40) and the use of oral antibiotic prophylaxis (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.23–0.90).

Conclusions

We observed that surgical site infections due to P. aeruginosa are associated with a higher National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance risk index, poor outcomes, and lack of preoperative oral antibiotic prophylaxis. These findings can aid in establishing specific preventive measures and appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment.

Multistate modelling to estimate excess length of stay and risk of death associated with organ/space infection after elective colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Accounting for time-dependency and competing events are strongly recommended to estimate excess length of stay (LOS) and risk of death associated with healthcare-associated infections.

AIM

To assess the effect of organ/space (OS) surgical site infection (SSI) on excess LOS and in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery (ECS).

METHODS

A multicentre prospective adult cohort undergoing ECS, January 2012 to December 2014, at 10 Spanish hospitals was used. SSI was considered the time-varying exposure and defined as incisional (superficial and deep) or OS. Discharge alive and death were the study endpoints. The mean excess LOS was estimated using a multistate model which provided a weighted average based on the states patients passed through. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the effect of OS-SSI on risk of discharge alive or in-hospital mortality.

FINDINGS

Of 2778 patients, 343 (12.3%) developed SSI: 194 (7%) OS-SSI and 149 (5.3%) incisional SSI. Compared to incisional SSI or no infection, OS-SSI prolonged LOS by 4.2 days (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.1-4.3) and 9 days (8.9-9.1), respectively, reduced the risk of discharge alive (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.36 (95% CI: 0.28-0.47) and aHR: 0.17 (0.14-0.21), respectively), and increased the risk of in-hospital mortality (aHR: 8.02 (1.03-62.9) and aHR: 10.7 (3.7-30.9), respectively).

CONCLUSION

OS-SSI substantially extended LOS and increased risk of death in patients undergoing ECS. These results reinforce OS-SSI as the SSI with the highest health burden in ECS.

Correction to: Distal Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids: postoperative morbidity and long-term outcomes

The article "Distal Doppler-guided transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization with mucopexy versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade III and IV hemorrhoids: postoperative morbidity and long-term outcomes", written by L. Trenti, S. Biondo, A. Galvez, A. Bravo, J. Cabrera, E. Kreisler, was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on [27 April 2017] without open access. With the author(s)' decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed on 7 June, 2018 to

Predictive factors for early- and late-onset surgical site infections in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. A multicentre, prospective, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the leading cause of healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals in Europe. However, the risk factors for the development of early-onset (EO) and late-onset (LO) SSI have not been elucidated.

AIM

This study investigated the predictive factors for EO-SSI and LO-SSI in a large cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHODS

We prospectively followed-up adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in 10 hospitals (2011-2014). Patients were divided into three groups: EO-SSI, LO-SSI, or no infection (no-SSI). The cut-off defining EO-SSI and LO-SSI was seven days (median time to SSI development). Different predictive factors for EO-SSI and LO-SSI were analysed, comparing each group with the no-SSI patients.

FINDINGS

Of 3701 patients, 320 (8.6%) and 349 (9.4%) developed EO-SSI and LO-SSI, respectively. The rest had no-SSI. Patients with EO-SSI were mostly males, had colon surgery and developed organ-space SSI whereas LO-SSI patients frequently received chemotherapy or radiotherapy and had incisional SSI. Male sex (odds ratio (OR): 1.92; P < 0.001), American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status >2 (OR: 1.51; P = 0.01), administration of mechanical bowel preparation (OR: 0.7; P = 0.03) and stoma creation (OR: 1.95; P < 0.001) predicted EO-SSI whereas rectal surgery (OR: 1.43; P = 0.03), prolonged surgery (OR: 1.4; P = 0.03) and previous chemotherapy (OR: 1.8; P = 0.03) predicted LO-SSI.

CONCLUSION

We found distinctive predictive factors for the development of SSI before and after seven days following elective colorectal surgery. These factors could help establish specific preventive measures in each group.

Postoperative analgesia with continuous wound infusion of local anaesthesia vs saline: a double-blind randomized, controlled trial in colorectal surgery

AIM

The aim of this prospective double-blind randomized clinical trial was to determine whether preperitoneal continuous wound infusion (CWI) of the local anaesthetic ropivacaine after either laparotomy or video-assisted laparoscopy for colorectal surgery would reduce patient consumption of morphine.

METHOD

Patients scheduled for colorectal surgery randomly received a 48-h preperitoneal CWI of either 0.38% ropivacaine or 0.9% saline at rates of 5 ml/h after laparotomy or 2 ml/h after laparoscopy. The primary end-point was total morphine consumption in surgery and afterwards through a patient-controlled analgesia device. Results in the laparotomy and laparoscopy subgroups were also compared.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients were included, 33 in the ropivacaine CWI group and 34 in the saline group. Median [interquartile range (IQR)] morphine consumption was lower in the ropivacaine group [23.5 mg (11.25-42.75)] than in the saline group [52 mg (24.5-64)] (P = 0.010). Morphine consumption was also lower in the laparotomy subgroup receiving ropivacaine [21.5 (15.6-34.7)] than in the saline group [52.5 (22.5-65) ml] (P = 0.041). Consumption was statistically similar in laparoscopy patients on ropivacaine or saline. No side effects were observed. Sixteen patients had a surgical wound infection (23.9%); 11 (16.4%) presented wound infection and five (7.5%) organ space infection. Forty-six catheter cultures were obtained; 10 (21.7%) were positive, assessed to be due to contamination.

CONCLUSION

Preperitoneal CWI of ropivacaine is a good, safe addition to a multimodal analgesia regimen for colorectal surgery. CWI can reduce morphine consumption without increasing adverse effects.

Incidence and management of anastomotic bleeding after ileocolic anastomosis

AIM

Ileocolic anastomosis is performed using a stapled or manual technique, but with either there is a risk of bleeding from the suture line. The aim of this study was to analyse, retrospectively, bleeding after different anastomotic techniques.

METHOD

Patients having elective right colectomy were divided, according to the type of ileocolic anastomosis, into Group 1 (circular, double-stapled, end-to-side), Group 2 (linear-stapled, side-to-side) and Group 3 (handsewn, side-to-side). Postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) was studied in the three groups. Uni- and multivariate analysis was performed to study risk factors for LGIB and the need for postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion.

RESULTS

Three-hundred and fifty patients were included: 174 in Group 1, 59 in Group 2 and 117 in Group 3. The postoperative LGIB rate was 4.9% and occurred exclusively in Group 1. Five patients had severe anastomotic bleeding. Postoperative blood transfusion was indicated in Groups 1, 2 and 3 in 19.0%, 5.1% and 13.7% of patients. In the five patients with severe bleeding, four attempts of colonoscopic arrest were made, achieving bleeding control in one. Angiographic embolization was successful in one patient. There were no procedure-specific complications.

CONCLUSION

End-to-side, circular, double-stapling ileocolic anastomosis seems to be related to an increased incidence of anastomotic bleeding and of postoperative blood transfusion compared with patients having other techniques of ileocolic anastomosis.

Comparison of the long-term outcome of two therapeutic strategies for the management of abdominal abscess complicating Crohn's disease: percutaneous drainage or immediate surgical treatment

AIM

The management of abdominal abscesses complicating Crohn's disease is complex and involves a difficult choice between medical, radiological and surgical procedures. The long-term outcome was compared for two strategies for the management of abdominal abscess: percutaneous drainage (PD) followed by rescue surgery in the case of failure vs direct immediate surgery (IS). We also compared the results of IS with surgery performed after PD failure.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 44 patients with Crohn's disease with an abdominal abscess from January 2000 to December 2009. Therapeutic success was defined as abscess resolution and no reappearance within 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

The first therapeutic approach was PD in 22 cases and IS in the other 22 cases. IS had a higher therapeutic success rate than PD (95.5% vs 27.2% respectively; P < 0.001). PD was the only independent variable related to treatment failure in the multivariate analysis after adjustment for possible confounders such as abscess size, multilocularity, presence of fistula and corticosteroid use (OR 88.26, 95% CI 7.38-1055.36; P < 0.001). Surgery after failure of PD (n = 16) was associated with longer total hospitalization (56.12 ± 35.89 vs 27.52 ± 15.11 days; P = 0.017) and longer postoperative stay (44.0 ± 83.7 vs 14.3 ± 30 days; P = 0.179) and needed a second operation more often (5/16, 31% vs 1/22, 4.5%; P = 0.065) than IS.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous drainage provided durable abscess resolution in only one-third of the patients compared with more than 90% of those treated with IS. In addition, surgery performed after PD failure results in a poorer outcome than IS.

Emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis in the immunosuppressed patient

AIM

Immunosuppression is believed to worsen outcomes for patients who require surgery for perforated diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients undergoing surgery for complicated diverticulitis.

METHOD

All patients who underwent emergency surgery for complicated diverticulitis between 2004 and 2012 in a single unit were studied. Patients were classified as immunosuppressed (group I) or immunocompetent (group II). Operation type and postoperative morbidity and mortality were compared between groups. The impact of operating surgeons' specialization and the Peritonitis Severity Score (PSS) were also evaluated to determine their impact on the restoration of gastrointestinal (GI) continuity.

RESULTS

One-hundred and sixteen patients (mean age: 63.7 years), 41.4% women, were included. Fifty-three (45.7%) patients were immunosuppressed (group I): 42 underwent Hartmann's procedure (HP) (79.2%), nine (17.0%) underwent resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) with ileostomy (IL) and two (3.8%) underwent RPA without IL. In group II, 15 HP (23.8%), nine RPA with IL (14.3%) and 39 RPA without IL (61.9%) were performed. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 79.2% and 26.4%, respectively, in group I and 63.5% and 6.3%, respectively, in group II. The overall mean PSS was 9.5, with a mean PSS of 11.1 in group I and of 8.1 in group II. The decision to perform a primary anastomosis differed significantly between colorectal surgeons and general surgeons in the patients with a PSS of 9-10-11.

CONCLUSION

In immunocompromised patients, RPA with IL can be a safe surgical option, whereas HP should be reserved for patients with a PSS of > 11. Colorectal surgical specialization is associated with higher rates of restoration of GI continuity in patients with perforated diverticulitis, especially in patients with an intermediate PSS score. Evaluation of each patient's PSS facilitates decision making in surgery for perforated diverticulitis.

Multicentre propensity score-matched analysis of conventional versus extended abdominoperineal excision for low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Abdominal perineal excision (APE) was originally described with levator ani removal for rectal cancer. An even wider, more aggressive extralevator resection for APE has been proposed. Although some surgeons are performing a very wide 'extralevator APE (ELAPE)', there are few data to recommend it routinely. This multicentre study aimed to compare outcomes of APE and ELAPE.

METHODS

A multicentre propensity case-matched analysis comparing two surgical approaches (APE and ELAPE) was performed. All patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection of a rectal tumour were considered for the analysis. Tumour height was defined by magnetic resonance imaging measurement and patients with stage II-III tumours had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Involvement of the circumferential resection margin (CRM) and intraoperative tumour perforation were the main outcome measures. A logistic regression model was used to study the relationship between the surgical approaches and outcomes.

RESULTS

From January 2008 to March 2013 a total of 1909 consecutive patients underwent APE or ELAPE, of whom 914 matched patients (457 in each group) formed the cohort for analysis. Intraoperative tumour perforation occurred in 7.9 and 7.7 per cent of patients during APE and ELAPE respectively (P = 0.902), and there was CRM involvement in 13.1 and 13.6 per cent (P = 0.846). There were no differences between APE and ELAPE in terms of postoperative complication rates (52.3 versus 48.1 per cent; P = 0.209), need for reoperation (7.7 versus 7.0 per cent; P = 0.703), perineal wound problems (26.0 versus 21.9 per cent; P = 0.141), mortality rate (2.0 versus 2.0 per cent; P = 1.000) and local recurrence rate at 2 years (2.7 versus 5.6 per cent; P = 0.664).

CONCLUSION

ELAPE does not improve rates of CRM involvement, intraoperative tumour perforation, local recurrence or mortality.

Impact of a multidisciplinary team training programme on rectal cancer outcomes in Spain

AIM

The Spanish Rectal Cancer Project was established in 2006, inspired by the Norwegian Rectal Cancer Project. It consisted of an educational project aiming to introduce mesorectal excision surgery to surgeons, pathologists and radiologists. Its effect on local recurrence (LR) was compared with the Norwegian Project.

METHOD

An observational cohort study was carried out including all patients (4700) with rectal cancer from a population of 19 329 992 inhabitants operated on in 51 Spanish hospitals between March 2006 and June 2010. Curative resection was defined as a resection with an uninvolved circumferential margin in patients without distant metastases and without intra-operative rectal perforation. The effectiveness of the programme was measured by a central registry with feedback to participating institutions of their own results compared with the national average. The main outcome measures were LR and adverse effects in curative resections.

RESULTS

Of the 4700 patients, 3213 had a resection considered to be curative. LR rates were 4.7% (95% CI 0.03-0.59), metastasis rate was 16% (95% CI 0.14-0.17) and overall survival was 87.8% (95% CI 0.86-0.89). Multivariate analysis showed that advanced TNM stage and decreasing distance of the tumour from the anal verge had a negative influence on LR.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the results obtained in Norway have been reproduced in a larger population in Spain applying a similar methodology.

Clinicopathological risk factors of Stage II colon cancer: results of a prospective study

AIM

Adjuvant 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy has demonstrated benefit in Stage III colon cancer but still remains controversial in Stage II. The aim of this study was to analyse the prognostic impact of clinicopathological factors that may help guide treatment decisions in Stage II colon cancer.

METHOD

Between 1996 and 2006 data from patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge and its referral comprehensive cancer centre Institut Català d'Oncologia/L'Hospitalet were prospectively included in a database. We identified 432 patients with Stage II colon cancer operated on at Hospital Universitari Bellvitge. The 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS) and colon-cancer-specific survival (CCSS) were determined.

RESULTS

The 5-year RFS and CCSS were 83% and 88%, respectively. Lymphovascular or perineural invasion was associated with RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.84; 95% CI 1.01-3.35]. Gender (women, HR 0.48; 95% CI 0.23-1) and lymphovascular or perineural invasion (HR 3.51; 95% CI 1.86-6.64) together with pT4 (HR 2.79; 95% CI 1.44-5.41) influenced CCSS. In multivariate analysis pT4 and lymphovascular or perineural invasion remained significantly associated with CCSS. We performed a risk index with these factors with prognostic impact. Patients with pT4 tumours and lymphovascular or perineural invasion had a 5-year CCSS of 61%vs the 93% (HR 5.87; 95 CI 2.46-13.97) of those without any of these factors.

CONCLUSION

pT4 and lymphatic, venous or perineural invasion are confirmed as significant prognostic factors in Stage II colon cancer and should be taken into account in the clinical validation process of new molecular prognostic factors.

Impact of age on recurrence and severity of left colonic diverticulitis

AIM

There has been controversy about the presentation and treatment of acute colonic diverticulitis (AD) in young patients. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate the virulence and natural history of AD in three different age groups of patients.

METHOD

The study was performed on 686 patients with the diagnosis of a first episode of AD admitted between January 1998 and December 2008. Patients were classified into three groups: age 45 years or younger (group 1), 45-70 years of age (group 2) and 70 years or more (group 3). The variables studied were gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, associated comorbidity, type of treatment, length of hospital stay and recurrence of AD.

RESULTS

Group 1 included 99 (14.4%) patients, group 2 339 (49.4%) and group 3 248 (36.2%). Of these, 144 patients needed emergency operation at the first admission, 25 underwent elective surgery after the first episode of AD and 10 died after medical treatment; 507 patients were followed for recurrence. In all, 104 (20.5%) patients had a recurrence of AD that required hospitalization. Fifty (9.9%) presented with one episode of severe recurrence, without any difference between the groups (P = 0.533). There were no differences in the analysis of cumulative recurrence (Kaplan-Maier) between the three groups.

CONCLUSION

AD does not present a more aggressive clinical course in younger patients and it can be safely managed using the same strategy as in middle aged and older patients.

Laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer: results of a prospective multicentre analysis of 4,970 patients

OBJECTIVE

To compare laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer and analyse the results of the multidisciplinary audited project on total mesorectal excision conducted in Spain.

BACKGROUND

The safety and therapeutic efficiency of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer are controversial due to the technical difficulties it involves. A deviation from the oncological principles of mesorectal excision would mean a potential increase in local recurrence and shorter survival.

METHODS

This prospective non-randomised multicentre study includes 4,970 patients with rectal cancer. The study compares perioperative, postoperative, anatomicopathological and survival variables.

RESULTS

Five hundred and sixty five patients were excluded. Of the remaining 4,405, 3,018 (68.51%) had open surgery (OS) and 1,387 (31.49%) laparoscopic surgery (LS). The rate of anterior resections was higher in the LS group. The rate of intraoperative tumour perforation, number of red blood cell concentrates transfused and length of hospital stay were greater in the OS group, whereas surgical time was longer in the LS group. The incidence of complications was 45.6% in the OS group and 38.3% in the LS group. Involvement of the circumferential and distal margin, as well as unsatisfactory and partially satisfactory quality of the mesorectum, were greater in the OS group. There were no differences for local recurrence and survival rates.

CONCLUSIONS

According to these results, laparoscopic surgery is the best option for the surgical treatment of rectal cancer, with similar rates of local recurrence and survival, although there are oncological indicators in this study to suggest that these results can be improved with laparoscopic surgery.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after elective resection for rectal cancer. A multivariate analysis on 2131 patients

AIM

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common cause of morbidity after colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for SSI in patients who had undergone surgery for rectal cancer.

METHOD

A multicentre observational study was carried out on 2131 patients operated on for rectal cancer between May 2006 and May 2009. Twenty-nine centres were involved. SSI included wound infection and organ space infection within 30 days after the operation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to study possible risk factors for SSI.

RESULTS

Wound infection and organ space infection were diagnosed in 8.9% and 10%, respectively, of patients. The anastomotic leakage rate was 8%. Multivariate analysis showed that wound infection was related to tumour stage, a converted laparoscopic procedure and open surgery. Organ space infection was related to Stage IV tumour, a tumour < 11 cm from the anal verge, low anterior resection and Hartmann's procedure.

CONCLUSION

Rectal surgery for malignant disease is associated with a considerable rate of SSI. Wound infection and organ space infection are related to different factors and therefore should be evaluated separately.

Long-term results of surgery plus fibrin sealant for anal fistula

AIM

The long-term recurrence rate of fibrin glue treatment was analysed in patients with trans-sphincteric cryptoglandular fistula operated by a two-phase procedure: (i) fistulectomy with seton placement; (ii) fibrin sealant (Tissucol Duo®, Baxter) insertion in the track.

METHOD

Clinical data were collected prospectively for all patients operated between 2004 and 2010. The statistical association of clinical variables and recurrence was analysed and a disease-free curve was constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 48.3 ± 13.3 years; 22 men) were enrolled in the study. Middle and high trans-sphincteric fistulae were diagnosed in 20 (71.4%) and eight (28.6%) patients. Seven (25%) had secondary track formation. The mean interval between the first operation and the fibrin sealant treatment was 12.5 ± 7.6 months. There were no complications related to the procedure. Nine (32.1%, 95% CI 17.9-50.7%) patients developed recurrence between 3 and 27 months after fibrin sealant treatment. Disease-free curves showed that the highest probability of recurrence occurred in the first 2 years. No incontinence was found at a mean follow-up of 20.6 (3-60) months among the 67.8% patients with no evidence of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Fibrin sealant is safe and simple. The healing rate is satisfactory without the risk of incontinence.

Current status of the treatment of acute colonic diverticulitis: a systematic review

AIM

This paper addresses the current status of the treatment of acute colonic diverticulitis by an evidence-based review.

METHOD

A systematic search in PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google scholar on colonic diverticulitis was performed. Diagnostic tools, randomized controlled trials, non-randomized comparative studies, observational epidemiological studies, national and international guidelines, reviews of observational studies on elective and emergency surgical treatment of diverticulitis, and studies of prognostic significance were reviewed. Criteria for eligibility of the studies were diagnosis and classification, medical treatment, inpatients and outpatients, diverticulitis in young patients, immunosuppression, recurrence, elective resection, emergency surgery, and predictive factors.

RESULTS

Some 92 publications were selected for comprehensive review. The review highlighted that computed tomography is the most effective test in the diagnosis and staging of acute diverticulitis; outpatient treatment can be performed for uncomplicated diverticulitis in patients without associated comorbidities; conservative treatment is aimed at those patients with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis; elective surgery must be done on an individual basis; laparoscopic approach for elective treatment of diverticulitis is appropriate but may be technically complex; in perforated diverticulitis, resection with primary anastomosis is a safe procedure that requires experience and should take into account strict exclusion criteria.

CONCLUSION

The heterogeneity of patients with colonic diverticular disease means that both elective and urgent treatment should be tailored on an individual basis.

Differences between proximal and distal obstructing colonic cancer after curative surgery

AIM

To study any possible differences in morbidity, mortality and overall survival rate after curative surgery for obstructive colon cancer according to tumour location.

METHOD

From January 1994 to December 2006, patients with colonic cancer presenting as obstruction were analysed. The two groups were defined as proximal and distal according to the tumour location with respect to the splenic flexure. In relation to the surgeon specialization, patients were operated on by a colorectal surgeon and by a general surgeon. Postoperative morbidity and mortality and cancer-related survival at 3 years were analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 377 patients included in the study, there were 173 patients (45.9%) in the proximal group and 204 patients (54.1%) in the distal group. The global morbidity was 54.9% without differences in postoperative morbidity except for anastomotic leakage, which was higher in the proximal group (P < 0.014). No differences in postoperative mortality were observed. After patients were stratified by the tumour node metastasis system, the differences between the groups, with respect to 3-year overall survival, cancer-related survival and probability of being free from recurrence, did not reach statistical significance. The overall survival after radical surgery for colonic obstruction was 57.6%.

CONCLUSION

Mortality and morbidity after emergency surgery for obstructing colon cancer are high. Specialization in colorectal surgery influences postoperative results in terms of lower anastomotic dehiscence rate after emergency proximal colon resection. After radical surgery, tumour location does not appear to influence the prognosis of obstructive colon cancer.

Phase II study of preoperative bevacizumab, capecitabine, and radiotherapy for resectable locally advanced rectal cancer

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Background: Bevacizumab into chemoradiotherapy appears safe and active in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).This study evaluates whether the addition of bevacizumab to capecitabine-based chemoradiotherapy in the preoperative treatment of LARC improves pathological complete response rate (pCR).

Methods: Open-label, unicentric, phase II study in patients with resectable LARC (stage II or III), with or without nodal involvement and no evidence of distant metastases. Treatment schedule of 4-cycles: bevacizumab administered iv on day 1 (10 mg/kg in the first cycle and 5 mg/kg in the following 3 cycles) and capecitabine (900mg/m2/bid) in the 2nd cycle (5 d/wk) concomitantly with radiotherapy 45Gy (25 fractions of 1.8Gy/day) over 5 weeks. Surgical resection was scheduled 6-8 weeks after therapy completion. Preliminary results from ITT analysis are presented.

Results: Of the 43 patients included, 41 comprised ITT population. Baseline characteristics: median age 63 (55-67) years; male 76%; ECOG 0/1 49%/51%; stage T3/N1 80.5%/58.5%; nodal metastases 85%. 39 patients underwent surgery, 9 abdominoperineal and 30 anterior resection. No evidence of metastasis after surgery in 97%. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 69% of patients and 85% underwent R0 resection. Sphincter-preservation was achieved in 79.5%. Downstaging occurred in 82%. Among 39 patients evaluable for pathological response, 7.7% experienced pCR, 69.2% partial response and 20.5% stable disease. Grade 3/4 toxicities: 9.8% lymphopenia (all related to capecitabine and 4.9% to bevacizumab), 2.4% neutropenia (capecitabine-related), 2.4% radiodermatitis (related to RT and capecitabine) and 2.4% vasospastic angina (bevacizumab and capecitabine-related). 13 patients had postoperative complications not treatment-related. The most common were wound infection (6), intra-abdominal collection (3), wound dehiscence (2) and paralytic ileus (2).

Conclusions: Preoperative regimen with bevacizumab, capecitabine and RT is active for LARC with promising results of R0 resection, sphincter- preservation and tumour downstaging as well as manageable toxicity. Further studies are ongoing to confirm these data.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Outcomes in the management of obstructive unresectable stage IV colorectal cancer

AIM

To analyze short term results and to report survival rates in a series of patients after palliative emergency treatment for obstructive left sided colorectal cancer (CRC) with unresectable synchronous metastases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 2004 to 2008, 55 patients were included. Palliative management consisted of stenting to recover bowel patency and starting chemotherapy. Indications for surgery were perforation or failure of stenting. Early failure occurred when decompression after insertion was unsuccessful and late failure when obstruction occurred after successful decompression. Morbidity and mortality were analyzed for stenting and surgery and survival for resected and non-resected patients.

RESULTS

Stenting was scheduled in 49 patients.Morbidity and mortality occurred in 5 and 3 patients respectively. Early failure occurred in 4 patients and late failure in 11 patients. Surgery was indicated in 6 patients for peritonitis at diagnosis and in 11 patients for complications (1 case) or stenting failure (10 cases). Of the 17 operated patients, 12 cases were resected and 5 cases were not. Mortality occurred in 1 case. Resected patients received first-line (12 cases) and second-line (5 cases) systemic chemotherapy based on FOLFIRI or FOLFOX while stented and non-resected patients were similarly treated in 37 cases and 12 cases respectively. Overall survival at 2 years was 39.3% in resected patients and 1% in stented and non-resected patients (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Stenting in palliative stage IV obstructive CRC patients may be less successful as previously thought. Prospective studies are needed to define the role of palliative resection.

Quality of mesorectum after laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer - results of an audited teaching programme in Spain

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective observational study was to compare the quality of total mesorectal excision between laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer.

METHOD

In April 2006, the Spanish Association of Surgeons started an audited teaching programme. The project was similar to the Norwegian one and several training courses were arranged. Patients were classified into two groups: laparoscopic rectal resection (LR) and open rectal resection (OR). The quality of the mesorectum was scored: complete, nearly complete or incomplete. The circumferential margin (CRM) was considered positive, if tumour was located 1 mm or less from the surface of the specimen.

RESULTS

Between 2006 and 2008, 604 patients underwent rectal resection with total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: 209 patients were included in the LR group and 395 patients in the OR group. There were no differences in terms of number of lymph nodes affected, distance of the tumour from CRM. The mesorectum was complete in 464 (76.8%), nearly complete in 91 (15.1%) and incomplete in 49 patients (8.1%). CRM was negative in 534 patients (88.4%). No differences were observed between the two groups. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was 38.8% in LR group and 44.6% in OR group (P = 0.170). Overall postoperative mortality rate was 2.5%. One patient died (0.5%) in the LR group and 14 patients died (3.5%) in the OR group (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer is feasible with the quality of mesorectal excision and postoperative outcomes similar to those of open surgery.

Comparative study to determine the need for intraoperative colonic irrigation for primary anastomosis in left-sided colonic emergencies

OBJECTIVE

To compare the outcome of resection and primary anastomoses in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the left colon with and without intraoperative colonic irrigation.

METHOD

From January 2004 to December 2006, 102 consecutive patients with acute occlusion or perforation of the left colon were operated on an emergency basis in two Coloproctology units. According to the sample size calculation, 61 patients from one unit underwent surgery with intraoperative colonic irrigation, whereas 41 patients from the second unit underwent surgery without intraoperative colonic irrigation. The endpoints were mortality and morbidity.

RESULTS

Thirty (49.2%) patients with intraoperative colonic irrigation and 8 (19.5%) without colonic irrigation developed one or more complications postoperatively (odds ratio 4.0, 95% CI 1.6-10.0, P = 0.002). An increased number of wound infections was seen in the group managed with colonic irrigation 15 vs 3 (P = 0.034). The postoperative mortality rate and the occurrence of dehiscence of the anastomoses were similar in both study groups.

CONCLUSION

The present findings indicate that resection and primary anastomosis in patients undergoing emergency surgery of the left colon can be safely performed without intraoperative colonic irrigation.

Evaluation of stool melting curve analysis of methylated CpG island promoters as an alternative for early noninvasive diagnosis of colorectal tumors

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Background: Previous studies have shown that assessment of promoter hypermethylation of a limited number of genes in tumor biopsies may identify all colorectal tumors analyzed. The aim of the present study was to assess the clinical usefulness of a panel of methylation biomarkers in stool DNA in the diagnosis of colorectal tumors using Methylation Curve (MC) analyses, a technique that simultaneously analyze all CpG residues within a promoter. Methods: Promoter methylation status of 5 tumor-related genes (RARB2, p16INK4a, MGMT, p14ARF and APC) was analyzed in DNA stool samples and corresponding tissues in an initial set of 12 newly diagnosed patients with primary colorectal carcinomas and 20 with colorectal adenomas using Methylation-specific PCR (MSP). Results were validated in a set of 88 patients (20 healthy subjects, 17 inflammatory bowel disease, 23 adenomas, 28 carcinomas) using MC analyses. Median age for every group was 63, 51, 66 and 67 y respectively. Results: In the initial set, the majority [10 of 12 (83%) carcinomas and 18 of 20 (90%) adenomas] of biopsies were positive for at least one marker. In stool DNA prevalence was 75% for carcinomas (9 of 12) and 60% for adenomas (12 of 20) with no false positive in stools. In the validation set MC was used. Analytical sensitivity of MC was 5% of methylated alleles for p16INK4a, p14ARF, RARB2 and APC and 10% for MGMT. In the validation set MC analyses of biopsies showed that at least one marker was positive in 22 of 28 (79%) carcinomas and 16 of 23 (70%) adenomas. In stool DNA, these percentages were 64% (18 of 28) for carcinomas and 42% (9 of 23) for adenomas. No aberrant methylation was observed in healthy subjects and in 2 of 15 (13%) of IBD patients aberrant RARB2 methylation was detected. Conclusions: Melting Curve analysis of a panel of methylation markers in stool DNA is a good alternative for the early non-invasive diagnosis of colorectal tumors.

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