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Background: Standard of care for most patients with locally advanced rectal cancer in The Netherlands consists of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by resection. Enlarged lateral lymph nodes (LLNs), especially in the iliac compartment, appears to be associated with an increased risk of local recurrence. Little is known about the risk of local recurrence after nCRT., Materials and Methods: This study included patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and enlarged LLNs on pretreatment MRI-scan located in the internal iliac, obturator, external iliac, or common iliac compartment. Patients were treated with nCRT and response to therapy was evaluated with MRI-scan. The primary endpoint was local lateral recurrence after nCRT. Secondary endpoints included overall survival and postoperative complications., Results: Out of 260 patients treated for rectal cancer, a total of 46 patients with enlarged LLNs (18% of all patients) were included between 2012 and 2019 in 2 Dutch hospitals. No patients had lateral lymph node recurrence (LLNR) after nCRT. Only 1 patient had local recurrence of rectal cancer after radical resection during a median follow up of 3 years. Disseminated disease was seen in 12 patients and 9 patients died during follow-up, which result in an overall survival rate of 80.4%. Postoperative complications were seen in 41% of patients. There was no 90-days postoperative mortality., Conclusion: Enlarged LLNs are rare after nCRT and no LLNR was found after nCRT in our study population. This could suggest that nCRT only with or without an extra radiotherapeutic boost on enlarged LLNs already reduces the risk of LLNR., Competing Interests: Disclosure None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Although partial mesorectal excision (PME) and total mesorectal excision (TME) is primarily indicated for the upper and lower rectal cancer, respectively, few studies have evaluated whether PME or TME is more optimal for middle rectal cancer., Methods: This study included 671 patients with middle and upper rectal cancer who underwent robot-assisted PME or TME. The 2 groups were optimized by propensity score matching of sex, age, clinical stage, tumor location, and neoadjuvant treatment., Results: Complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 617 of 671 patients (92.0%), without showing a difference between the PME and TME groups. Local recurrence rate (5.3% vs. 4.3%, P>0.999) and systemic recurrence rate (8.5% vs. 16.0%, P=0.181) also did not differ between the 2 groups, in patients with middle and upper rectal cancer. The 5-year disease-free survival (81.4% vs. 74.0%, P=0.537) and overall survival (88.0% vs. 81.1%, P=0.847) also did not differ between the PME and TME groups, confined to middle rectal cancer. Moreover, 5-year recurrence and survival rates were not affected by distal resection margins of 2 cm (P=0.112) to 4 cm (P>0.999), regardless of pathological stages. Postoperative complication rate was higher in the TME than in the PME group (21.4% vs. 14.5%, P=0.027). Incontinence was independently associated with TME (odds ratio [OR], 2.009; 95% confidence interval, 1.015-3.975; P=0.045), along with older age (OR, 4.366, P<0.001) and prolonged operation time (OR, 2.196; P=0.500)., Conclusion: PME can be primarily recommended for patients with middle rectal cancer with lower margin of >5 cm from the anal verge.

Introduction: There has been a lack of research comparing the efficacy of various treatments for low anterior resection syndrome (LARS)., Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across six electronic databases and a paired meta-analysis was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the interventions. Furthermore, a network meta-analysis was utilized to compare the efficacy of different treatments for LARS., Results: This study encompassed nine randomized controlled trials, involving a total of 450 patients. Compared to routine care, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (follow-up<3 months) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (3 months ≤ follow-up <6 months) were effective in reducing the LARS score. Pelvic floor rehabilitation (follow-up≤3 months) was effective in decreasing daily number of bowel movements when compared to routine care. The network meta-analysis indicated that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (follow-up<3 months) were the most effective in reducing both the LARS score and the daily number of bowel movements. Transanal irrigation (3 months ≤ follow-up ≤ 12 months) was most effective in reducing the LARS score. Additionally, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists demonstrated relative efficacy in improving patients' quality of life (follow-up ≤ 1 month)., Conclusions: This review indicates that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists and anal irrigation show significant promise in the treatment of LARS. Nevertheless, the contributions of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and pelvic floor rehabilitation to LARS treatment should not be overlooked. Given the clinical heterogeneity observed among the studies, the results should be interpreted with caution., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ∼ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. As rectal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an uncommon colorectal cancer, there is limited data on this clinical entity. We aimed to evaluate the tumor characteristics, treatment, and clinical outcomes of this rare deadly disease., Methods: Pathological specimens from 2017 to 2022 at a single National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center were screened for all rectal cases with a diagnosis of SCC. All patients with a primary rectal SCC were included. Patients who had extension to the dentate line or evidence of an anal mass, and those who were treated at an outside institution, were excluded. Demographic, treatment, outcome, and surveillance data was extracted., Results: There were 56 specimens identified, nine of which met inclusion criteria. Most patients were White (78%), Hispanic (78%), and female (67%). The average age at diagnosis was 57 y [52-65]. All patients had nodal involvement at the time of clinical staging. All patients were treated with Nigro protocol, with one patient treated with surgery first. The median time of follow-up was 12 mo after initial treatment, 33% had recurrence, with median time to recurrence of 25 mo. Overall, mortality from rectal SCC was 33% at a median time of 37 mo from initial diagnosis., Conclusions: Rectal SCC is a colorectal cancer that is not fully understood. Our findings showed that treatment mirrors that of anal SCC, with similar rates of survival to both rectal adenocarcinoma and anal SCC., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Rectal cancer is a public health priority. Primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the quality of care for non-metastatic rectal cancer using process and outcome indicators. Delay of management, length of stay and readmission rate, sphincter preservation, morbidity, number of examined lymph nodes, mortality, overall and disease-free survivals were evaluated. Secondary objectives were to estimate the relationship between possible predictive parameters for (1) anastomotic leakage (logistic regression), (2) overall or disease-free survivals (cox regression). Methods: We performed a retrospective study on 312 consecutive patients diagnosed with primary rectal cancer between 2016 and 2019. We focused on the 163 patients treated by surgery for non-metastatic cancer. Results: The treatment began within 33 days (range 0-264) after incidence, resection rate was 67%. Digestive continuity rate in lower, middle and upper rectum was 30%, 87% and 96%. Median of 14 lymph nodes (range 1-46) was analyzed. Length of stay and readmission rate were 11 days (range 3-56) and 4%, respectively. Within 90 postoperative days, clinical anastomotic leakage occurred in 9.2% of cases, major morbidity rate was 17%, mortality 1.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed that stoma decreased the risk of anastomotic leakage [hazard ratio: 0.16; 95% confidence intervals: 0.04-0.63; p  = 0.008]. The 5-year overall survival after surgery was 85 ± 4%, disease-free survival 83 ± 4%. Patients with major complications, male gender and R1/R2 resection margin had a poorer prognosis. Conclusion: This work showed encouraging results in rectal cancer treatment in our institution, our results were in line with recommendations at the time.

Background: Locally advanced rectal cancer patients often display favorable responses and favorable oncologic outcomes. Due to the low recurrence rate, there is scarcity of studies investigating the prognostic factors influencing their survival. Therefore, our study sought to assess the prognostic factors associated with survival in rectal cancer patients who achieved either a pathologic complete response or a pathologic stage I after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with radical resection., Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from cohort of 1394 patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy combined with total mesorectal excision from January 2008 to April 2017. Finally, we selected 474 (34.2 %) who exhibited either a pathologic complete response or attained pathologic stage I following the treatment. Subsequently, we analyzed the prognostic factors influencing disease-free and overall survival., Results: A total of 161 (34 %) achieved a pathologic complete response. Our analysis revealed that circumferential resection margin and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy were prognostic factors for disease-free survival (p = 0.011, p = 0.022). Furthermore, factors influencing overall survival included the clinical N stage and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.035, p = 0.015)., Conclusion: In conclusion, the circumferential resection margin, clinical N stage, and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy were prognostic factors for survival in patients showing good response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer. For patients with a positive circumferential resection margin and clinical N (+) stage, intensive follow-up might be needed to achieve favorable oncologic outcomes. Also, we recommend considering adjuvant chemotherapy as a beneficial treatment approach for these patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no related conflicts of interest to declare., (© 2024 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ∼ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.)

Aim: In patients with anorectal Crohn's disease, it remains uncertain whether a total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy or proctectomy with end colostomy should be recommended due to the unknown rate of disease recurrence in the remaining colon. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with a known diagnosis of Crohn's disease who underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy for distal Crohn's disease between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2019 at two IBD referral centres was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical variables at the time of proctectomy, and postoperative clinical, endoscopic and surgical recurrence rates. Results: A total of 63 patients were included; mean age was 47 years (SD 15 years) and 32 (50.8%) were female. The majority of patients underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy (n = 56; 88.9%) while the remaining seven patients (11.1%) underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy and concurrent ileocectomy. A total of 55 patients (87.3%) had proctitis, 51 (81%) had perianal fistulating disease, and 34 (54%) had anal canal stenosis or ulceration. Most patients had medically refractory disease (n = 54; 85.7%) versus neoplasia (n = 9; 14.3%). The median length of long‐term follow‐up was 17.7 months (IQR: 4.72, 38.7 months). During that time, 14 (22.2%) experienced clinical recurrence, 10 of 34 evaluated (29.4%) had endoscopic recurrence, and 3 (4.76%) required a completion total abdominal colectomy for recurrent medically refractory disease in the colon. Conclusion: Colonic recurrence remains low following proctectomy and descending colostomy suggesting this operative management strategy is reasonable in Crohn's patients with distal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this work was to determine the factors associated with poor wound healing in patients with perianal Crohn's disease (pCD) who had undergone proctectomy in the era of biologic therapies. Method: Case record review was performed on 103 patients with pCD who underwent proctectomy at St Mark's Hospital, Harrow and the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh between 2005 and 2017. Healing rates at 6 and 12 months post‐proctectomy were considered; univariate analysis was performed. Results: Sixty out of 103 patients (58.3%) had failure of wound healing at 6 months and 41/103 (39.8%) at 12 months. In total, 63.1% (65/103) patients received biologic therapies prior to proctectomy; however, exposure to biologics was not a significant factor in predicting failure of wound healing at 12 months (infliximab p = 0.255; adalimumab p = 0.889; vedolizumab p = 0.153). Male gender was the only variable associated with poor wound healing at 12 months on univariate analysis (p = 0.017). A lower pre‐operative C‐reactive protein was associated with early wound healing at 6 months compared with at 12 months (p = 0.041) on univariate analysis. Other parameters not associated with rates of wound healing included smoking status, corticosteroid exposure, thiopurine exposure, number of previous biologics, perianal sepsis on MRI within the last 12 months, duration of CD prior to proctectomy and pre‐operative albumin. Conclusion: More than a third of patients had unhealed wounds 12 months after proctectomy. We report that unhealed wounds are more common in male patients. Importantly, our results also suggest that exposure to biologics does not affect rates of wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perianal disease is a particularly morbid phenotype of Crohn's disease, affecting up to one third of patients, with a significantly diminished quality of life. Conventional medical therapy and surgical interventions have limited efficacy. Medical treatment options achieve long-term durable remission in only a third of patients. Therefore, most patients undergo an operation, leaving them with a chronic seton or at risk of incontinence with multiple interventions. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is an emerging therapy without risk of incontinence and improved efficacy as compared with conventional therapy. Laser therapy is another new intervention. Unfortunately, up to 40% of patients still require a stoma related to perianal fistulizing disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify risk factors for urethral and urologic injuries during transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and evaluate outcomes. Background: Urethral injury is a rare complication of abdominoperineal resection (APR) that has not been reported during abdominal proctectomy. The Low Rectal Cancer Development Program international taTME registry recently reported a 0.8% incidence, but actual incidence and mechanisms of injury remain largely unknown. Methods: A retrospective analysis of taTME cases complicated by urologic injury was conducted. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative details, and outcomes were analyzed, along with surgeons' experience and training in taTME. Surgeons' opinion of contributing factors and best approaches to avoid injuries were evaluated. Results: Thirty-four urethral, 2 ureteral, and 3 bladder injuries were reported during taTME operations performed over 7 years by 32 surgical teams. Twenty injuries occurred during the teams' first 8 taTME cases ("early experience"), whereas the remainder occurred between the 12th to 101st case. Injuries resulted in a 22% conversion rate and 8% rate of unplanned APR or Hartmann procedure. At median follow-up of 27.6 months (range, 3-85), the urethral repair complication rate was 26% with a 9% rate of failed urethral repair requiring permanent urinary diversion. In patients with successful repair, 18% reported persistent urinary dysfunction. Conclusions: Urologic injuries result in substantial morbidity. Our survey indicated that those occurring in surgeons' early experience might best be reduced by implementation of structured taTME training and proctoring, whereas those occurring later relate to case complexity and may be avoided by more stringent case selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Robotic surgery is increasingly used for proctectomy, but the cost-effectiveness of this approach is uncertain. Robotic surgery is considered more expensive than open or laparoscopic approaches, but in certain situations has been demonstrated to be cost-effective. We examined the cost-effectiveness of open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches to proctectomy from societal and healthcare system perspectives.Methods: We developed a decision-analytic model to evaluate one-year costs and outcomes of robotic, laparoscopic, and open proctectomy based on data from the available literature. The robustness of our results was tested with one-way and multi-way sensitivity analyses.Results: Open proctectomy had increased cost and lower quality of life (QOL) compared with laparoscopy and robotic approaches. In the societal perspective, robotic proctectomy costs $497/case more than laparoscopy, with minimal QOL improvements, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $751,056 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In the healthcare sector perspective, robotic proctectomy resulted in $983/case more and an ICER of $1,485,139/QALY. One-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated factors influencing cost-effectiveness primarily pertained to the operative cost and the postoperative length of stay (LOS). In a probabilistic sensitivity analysis, the cost-effective approach to proctectomy was laparoscopic in 42% of cases, robotic in 39%, and open in 19% at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) of $100,000/QALY.Conclusions: Laparoscopic and robotic proctectomy cost less and have higher QALY than the open approach. Based on current data, laparoscopy is the most cost-effective approach. Robotic proctectomy can be cost-effective if modest differences in costs or postoperative LOS can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Administration of chemotherapeutic regimens such as FOLFOX or CAPEOX with chemoradiation in the neoadjuvant setting, termed total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT), was introduced in recent years. By increasing the complete pathologic and clinical responses, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer may have better oncologic outcomes and potentially abstain from undergoing a proctectomy.Methods: All patients who underwent TNT at a single National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accredited referral center were included. A retrospective analysis was performed using a computerized Institutional Review Board-approved database. Patient demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment regimens, and surgical and pathological reports were reviewed. Complete pathological response was the primary outcome. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential factors predisposing to complete pathological response.Results: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria, 14(46.6%) of whom had complete pathologic response. There was no difference in baseline demographic characteristics between patients who achieved complete pathological response and those who did not. Pathology revealed a 92% intact mesorectum rate in the complete pathologic response group and a mean of 24 harvested lymph nodes in the entire study cohort. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses failed to demonstrate statistically significant factors predicting complete pathologic response, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tumor size, and posttreatment MRI lymph node positivity.Conclusion: TNT is safe and efficient for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. It increases complete pathological and clinical response rates and may more widely evolve to be the treatment of choice in this group of patients in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There currently is no standard practice for optimal urinary catheter removal after rectal resection (proctectomy). Delayed removal may increase urinary tract infection risk, an important hospital quality metric. This study aimed to assess the effect of catheter duration on urinary tract infection rate. We hypothesized that early removal would be associated with fewer infections. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent proctectomy from January 2007 to December 2017 with urinary catheter placement in our colorectal surgery department. The main outcome measures were urinary tract infection, post-operative urinary retention, and length of stay. Patients were divided into early (post-operative day one or two) and late (day three or later) removal groups. Results: A series of 2,429 patients were included; 1,176 in the early and 1,253 in the late group. The early group had a shorter median length of stay (5.26 versus 7 days). The urinary tract infection (n = 77) multivariable logistic regression model showed no association between timing of removal and infection; however, females had more infections (odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-4.41). The post-operative urinary retention model (n = 280) showed no association between the timing of removal and retention; however, patients who underwent pre-operative radiation (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.15-2.09) or total proctocolectomy (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.21-2.49) or were male (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.02-1.78) were more likely to have retention. When analyzed by specific removal day, each one-day delay in removal increased the odds of infection by 21% (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.09-1.35] and decreased the odds of retention by 12% (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.97] with a cross-over at 9 days. Patients who experienced retention were not more likely to have infection. Conclusion: Early urinary catheter removal after proctectomy was associated with a lower urinary tract infection rate and a shorter hospital stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 53-year-old man with newly diagnosed stage III rectal cancer who was found to have an incidental large pelvic schwannoma on staging imaging. Open enucleation and resection of the 11-cm schwannoma was performed to facilitate our oncologic resection, allowing for a single-stage procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Neoadjuvant therapy and total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer are associated with bowel dysfunction symptoms known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Our study compared the only two validated instruments—the LARS Questionnaire (LARS‐Q) and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Bowel Function Instrument (MSK‐BFI)—in rectal cancer patients undergoing sphincter‐preserving TME. Methods: One hundred and ninety patients undergoing sphincter‐preserving TME for Stage I–III rectal cancer completed the MSK‐BFI and LARS‐Q simultaneously at a median time of 12 (range 1–43) months after restoration of bowel continuity. Associations between the MSK‐BFI total/subscale scores and the LARS‐Q score were investigated using Spearman rank correlation (rs). Discriminant validity for the two questionnaires was assessed, and the questionnaires were compared with the European Quality of Life Instrument. Results: Major LARS was identified in 62% of patients. The median MSK‐BFI scores for no LARS, minor LARS and major LARS were 76.5, 70 and 57, respectively. We found a strong association between MSK‐BFI and LARS‐Q (rs −0.79). The urgency/soilage subscale (rs −0.7) and the frequency subscale (rs −0.68) of MSK‐BFI strongly correlated with LARS‐Q. Low correlation was observed between the MSK‐BFI diet subscale and LARS‐Q (rs −0.39). On multivariate analysis, both questionnaires showed worse bowel function in patients with distal tumours. A low to moderate correlation with the European Quality of Life Instrument was observed for both questionnaires. Conclusions: The MSK‐BFI and LARS‐Q showed good correlation and similar discriminant validity. As the LARS‐Q is easier to complete, it may be considered the preferred tool to screen for bowel dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There are several techniques for preserving the rectum in Low Anterior Resection (LAR) and preventing permanent ostomy. However, the superiority of these techniques is still under debate. The aim of this study was to compare the performance and clinical outcome of three methods of straight, side-to-end, and colonic J-pouch colorectal anastomosis in patients with rectal cancer referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari. METHODS: In this prospective single-blind clinical trial, all 75 patients with rectal cancer over the age of 18 years with primary rectal tumor with resection capability and position of the lower or middle rectum 4 to 12 cm from the anal canal, during the period of 2017 to 2018 referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, were randomly divided into three groups of 25 people using block sampling: (the first group: low anterior resection with straight anastomosis, the second group: surgery with colonic J-pouch and the third group: side-to-end anastomosis). Functional outcomes (measured by Wexner criteria) and surgical complications were compared in the two groups, and patients were followed up to evaluate the functional features of the anastomosis. FINDINGS: 60 patients including 29 women (48.33%) and 31 men were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 58.32±14.91 years. The mean length of surgery, median hospitalization and median bleeding in patients undergoing J-pouch anastomosis were 178.65±14.21 minutes, four days and 500 ml, respectively. No surgery-related complications were seen in the three groups. The Wexner criterion showed the superiority of patients who underwent J-pouch anastomosis surgery in the variables of daily defecation frequency, fecal incontinence and emergency defecation compared to the other two groups (p<0.001, p<0.005, p<0.022). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the performance indices of patients with rectal cancer in people undergoing J-pouch anastomosis are better compared to side-to-end and straight methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate feasibility of laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with pelvic peritoneum closure (LAPR-PPC) for lower rectal cancer. Methods: LAPR-PPC has been used for lower rectal cancer in our institution since 2014. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data from 86 patients who underwent LAPR-PPC and compared with the data from 96 patients who underwent laparoscopic APR without PPC (LAPR) from January 2013 to December 2018. Results: The rate of perineal surgical site infection (SSI) (18.75% (18/96) vs. 5.81% (5/86), p < 0.01), delayed (> 4 weeks) perineal healing (12.50% (12/96) vs. 3.49% (3/86), p = 0.027), ileus (7.29% (7/96) vs 1.16% (1/86), p = 0.044), and postoperative perineal hernia (PPH, 5.21% (5/96) vs. 0% (0/86), p = 0.032) were significantly lower in LAPR-PPC group than LAPR group. The patients in LAPR-PPC group had shorter hospitalization time (21.32 ± 11.95 days vs. 13.93 ± 11.51 days, p < 0.01). Conclusions: PPC procedure enabled the reduction in perineal wound complications, ileus, PPH, and consequently shortened hospitalization time. LAPR-PPC is beneficial for the patients with lower rectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Differentiating clinical near-complete and complete responses (cCR) after neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is challenging in rectal cancer patients. We hypothesized that magnetic resonance imaging staging limitations for low rectal cancers may increase the proportion of abdominoperineal resection (APR) with permanent colostomy for those without a cCR., Methods: Single institution retrospective analysis of rectal cancer cases before and after adoption of nonoperative "watch and wait" (W&W) pathway. APR as a percentage of rectal resections was the primary outcome., Results: There were 76 total mesorectal excisions (TME) in the pre-W&W group and 98 in the post-W&W group. NT was significantly more common in the post-W&W group. There was no significant difference in the APR primary outcome (pre-W&W APR 33.3% vs. post-W&W APR 26.5%, p = 0.482). APR patients had fewer complete TME grades (69.2% vs. 46.2%) and more pathologic complete responses (0% vs. 26.9%) in the post-W&W period. The cCR rate for patients with nonoperative management was 51.4% (n = 37) and 13.5% (n = 5) had regrowths, all of whom underwent salvage surgery., Conclusion: APR for those without a cCR to NT has not increased in the nonoperative management era. Balancing the pathologic complete response rate may require restaging some patients with clinical near-complete responses., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The effectiveness of closed drainage tube insertion after low anterior resection has been controversial. We believe that drain tube displacement, which occurs up to 35% in real clinical practice, reduces the effectiveness of the drain tube. We report in this video a simple way to secure the drain tube in the pelvic cavity after low anterior resection and introduce a case that used the drain fixation method and treated anastomotic leakage without interventional procedure.

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)., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Background: Surgical workflow assessments offer insight regarding procedure variability. We utilised an objective method to evaluate workflow during robotic proctectomy (RP)., Methods: We annotated 31 RPs and used Spearman's correlation to measure the correlation of step time and step visit frequency with console time (CT) and total operative time (TOT)., Results: Strong correlations were seen with CT and step times for inferior mesenteric vein dissection and ligation (ρ = 0.60, ρ = 0.60), lateral-to-medial splenic flexure mobilisation (SFM) (ρ = 0.63), left rectal dissection (ρ = 0.64) and mesorectal division (ρ = 0.71). CT correlated strongly with medial-to-lateral (ρ = 0.75) and supracolic SFM visit frequency (ρ = 0.65). TOT correlated strongly with initial exposure time (ρ = 0.60), and medial-to-lateral (ρ = 0.67) and supracolic SFM visit frequency (ρ = 0.65)., Conclusion: This study correlates surgical steps with CT and TOT through standardised annotation, providing an objective approach to quantify workflow., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Prophylactic surgery for familial adenomatous polyposis has evolved over several decades. Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA provides an alternative to total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. We have previously shown that the rate of proctectomy and rectal cancer after total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in the "pre-pouch era" was 32% and 13%, respectively., Objective: To determine the rate of proctectomy and rectal cancer among familial adenomatous polyposis patients and relative rectal sparing (fewer than 20 rectal polyps) selected for total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in the modern era., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Single tertiary care institution with a hereditary colorectal cancer registry., Patients: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis between 1993 and 2020., Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of proctectomy for any indication and rectal cancer., Results: A total of 197 patients with a median age of 24 years (range, 10-67) were included. The median follow-up after total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was 13 years (interquartile range, 6-17). Sixteen patients (8%) underwent proctectomy. Indications included rectal cancer in 6 patients (3%; 2 stage I and 4 stage III), polyps with high-grade dysplasia in 4 (2%), progressive polyp burden in 3 (1.5%), defecatory dysfunction in 2 (1%), and anastomotic leak in 1 (0.5%). Among 30 patients (18%) with 20 or more rectal polyps at the time of total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, 8 patients (26%) underwent proctectomy and 3 patients developed rectal cancer (10%). Among 134 patients (82%) with fewer than 20 polyps, 8 patients (6%) underwent proctectomy and 3 patients developed rectal cancer (2%). Number of rectal polyps at the time of total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was associated with the likelihood of proctectomy (OR 1.1, p < 0.001) but not incident rectal cancer ( p = 0.3)., Limitation: Retrospective data collection., Conclusions: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis selected for total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis by rectal polyp number have low rates of proctectomy and rectal cancer compared to historical controls. With appropriate selection criteria and surveillance, total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis remains an important and safe treatment option for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. See Video Abstract ., Riesgo De Proctectoma Despus De Anastomosis Ileorrectal En Poliposis Adenomatosa Familiar En La Era Moderna: ANTECEDENTES:La cirugía profiláctica para la poliposis adenomatosa familiar (PAF) ha evolucionado durante varias décadas. La proctocolectomía restauradora con anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal (IPAA) proporciona una alternativa a la colectomía abdominal total con anastomosis ileorrectal (TAC/IRA). Anteriormente hemos demostrado que la tasa de proctectomía y cáncer de recto después de TAC/IRA en la era "pre-bolsa" era del 32% y el 13%, respectivamente.OBJETIVO:Determinar la tasa de proctectomía y cáncer de recto entre pacientes con PAF y pacientes con preservación rectal relativa (<20 pólipos rectales) seleccionados para TAC/IRA en la era moderna.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ÁMBITO:Institución única de atención terciaria con un registro de cáncer colorrectal hereditario.PACIENTES:Pacientes con PAF que se sometieron a TAC/IRA entre 1993 y 2020.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO PRINCIPALES:Incidencia de proctectomía por cualquier indicación y cáncer de recto.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 197 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 24 años (rango 10-67). La mediana de seguimiento tras TAC/IRA fue de 13 años (RIC 6-17). 16 pacientes (8%) fueron sometidos a proctectomía. Las indicaciones incluyeron cáncer de recto en 6 (3%) (2 en estadio I y 4 en estadio III); pólipos con displasia de alto grado en 4 (2%); carga progresiva de pólipos en 3 (1,5%), disfunción defecatoria en 2 (1%); y fuga anastomótica en 1 (0,5%). Entre 30 pacientes (18%) con ≥20 pólipos rectales en el momento de TAC/IRA, 8 pacientes (26%) se sometieron a proctectomía y 3 pacientes desarrollaron cáncer de recto (10%). Entre 134 pacientes (82%) con <20 pólipos, 8 pacientes (6%) se sometieron a proctectomía y 3 pacientes desarrollaron cáncer de recto (2%). El número de pólipos rectales en el momento de TAC/IRA se asoció con la probabilidad de proctectomía (OR 1,1, p <0,001), pero no con la incidencia de cáncer de recto (p = 0,3).LIMITACIÓN:Recopilación de datos retrospectivos.CONCLUSIÓN:Los pacientes con PAF seleccionados para TAC/IRA por el número de pólipos rectales tienen tasas bajas de proctectomía y cáncer de recto en comparación con los controles históricos. Con criterios de selección y vigilancia adecuados, TAC/IRA sigue siendo una opción de tratamiento importante y segura para los pacientes con PAF. (Pre-proofed version )., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2023.)

Objective: Male erectile dysfunction is an important complication of rectal surgery. In this research, the effect of prostate dimensions on the development of postoperative erectile dysfunction in patients diagnosed with mid-rectum adenocarcinoma who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) is examined., Patients and Methods: Thirty-one male patients diagnosed as mid-rectal adenocancer were included. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to determine the patients' pre and postoperative erectile dysfunction levels, and the level of relationship between the change in these IIEF scores and prostate measurements determined by computed tomography were evaluated., Results: There were statistically significant differences between IIEF index score and anterior posterior (AP) and transverse (TR) measurements (p≤0.001; p≤0.001), but no statistically significant difference was found between craniocaudal (CC) measurement values (p=0.169)., Conclusions: The risk of nerve injury will be higher in those with a small prostate transverse diameter. Intraoperative nerve monitoring should be recommended primarily in younger patient groups.

The case is a 78-year-old male. The chief complaint was melena and weight loss. After careful examination, the patient was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer, and 3 courses of capecitabine plus oxaliplatin therapy were performed as preoperative chemotherapy. He underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic rectal resection, D3 lymphadenectomy, lateral lymphadenectomy, and temporary colostomy, and was discharged on hospital day 15. Postoperative pathological diagnosis showed only ulcerative lesions in the rectum, and malignant cells could not be confirmed. After postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient is alive without recurrence on an outpatient basis. There are many reports that it is slightly lower than radiotherapy. Therefore, it is important to select a more appropriate preoperative treatment, and the concentration of future cases is recognized.

The robotic platform is increasingly used in colorectal surgery. Recent upgrades in the robotic platform and introduction of proctectomy-specific reports from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) warrant updated evaluation of minimally invasive proctectomy outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes in robotic versus laparoscopic proctectomy using ACS-NSQIP data. The ACS-NSQIP data set was used to identify adult patients undergoing elective robotic and laparoscopic proctectomy in 2016 and 2017. Demographics, preoperative and intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Propensity-weighted analysis was used to estimate the effect of robotic versus laparoscopic surgery on outcomes. Of 3845 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 2681 (70%) underwent a laparoscopic approach and 1164 (30%) underwent a robotic approach. Patients undergoing a robotic procedure were more likely to be older, have higher American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, low rectal tumors, and have undergone chemotherapy or radiation before surgery. After propensity adjustment, a robotic approach was associated with a decrease in conversion to open operation (estimated mean difference, −6.7%; P < 0.01), length of stay (−0.6 d; P = 0.01), occurrence of postoperative ileus (−3.7%; P = 0.01), and an increase in operative time (20.3 min; P < 0.01). Using data from a national cohort, we found that compared with laparoscopy, robotic proctectomy is associated with decreased conversion to open operation, longer operation time, decreased length of stay, and decreased postoperative ileus. Our study identified several advantages to a robotic approach; however, further work is needed to assess cost-effectiveness in conjunction with clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition has been associated with adverse surgical outcomes, but data regarding its impact specifically in rectal cancer are sparse. The goal of this study was to use national data to determine the effects of malnutrition on surgical outcomes in rectal cancer resection. Data were obtained from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Initiative Program from the years 2012-2015. Patients were included on the basis of International Classification of Disease 9/10 and Current Procedural Terminology codes for rectal cancer and proctectomy. Malnutrition was defined as body mass index <18.5 kg/m2, weight loss >10% in 6 mo, or preoperative albumin <3.5 mg/dL. Associations between malnutrition and postoperative outcomes were assessed by the Student t -test and chi-square test. Multivariate regression models were constructed to adjust for potential confounders of the association between malnutrition and surgical outcomes. Of the 9289 patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent resection, 1425 (15%) were in a state of malnutrition at the time of surgery. Patients with malnutrition had longer mean length of stay (LOS), and higher rates of 30-d mortality, wound infection, organ-space infection, sepsis, reoperation, prolonged LOS (>30 d), failure to wean off ventilator, renal failure, and cardiac arrest. With the exception of LOS, renal failure, and organ-space infection, malnutrition was still significantly associated with higher rates of these adverse outcomes after adjustment for confounders in multivariate regression models. Malnutrition is a practical marker associated with a variety of adverse outcomes after rectal cancer surgery, and it represents a potential target for nutritional therapies to improve surgical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Local anesthetics have been proven as a method to reduce postoperative pain and opioid use. It reduces side effects associated with drug use and may improve patient health and reduce hospital length of stay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraperitoneal bupivacaine on post-operative pain in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Methods: In this prospective randomized control trial, 63 patients aged 20-70 years candidates for laparoscopic proctectomy or rectopexy surgery, were divided into two groups. In the case group, anastomosis site was washed with 50 mL of bupivacaine 0.2% intraperitoneally. In the control group, equal volume of normal saline was used as placebo. Intravenous autofuser pain control filled with 3 g paracetamol was considered for all patients. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was recorded at 2, 8, 24 hours and narcotic usage was recorded totally for the first 24 hours after the operation. Results: There was no significant difference between pain scores according to the VAS criteria at 2, 8, and 24 hours after the operation in the case and control groups (P>0.05). Total pethidine consumption during the first 24 hours after the operation was lower in the bupivacaine group (49.03 ± 45.77) compared to the control group (77.74 ± 63.50), but the difference was not significant (P>0.05). However, the total dose of pethidine used after 24 hours after proctectomy (not rectopexy) was significantly lower in the bupivacaine group than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Intraperitoneal lavage with bupivacaine during the operation reduced postoperative total narcotics use in patients who underwent laparoscopic proctectomy, not in rectopexy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Reoperative pelvic surgery is rarely hostile and unsafe. Kraske's procedure has historically been used to approach the mid‐rectum and to resect retrorectal tumors. However, it provides limited access to the pelvis and is best in the 'virgin' pelvis. We have encountered a select group of patients who required completion proctectomy or resection of a disconnected ileoanal J‐pouch where trans‐abdominal access to the pelvis was not possible and access to the pelvis could only be safely gained by a prone en bloc sacrectomy. Method: We describe a prone approach that provides an alternative route of access to the hostile pelvis. After exposure of the sacrum and coccyx and transection of the sacrum, access to the mesorectal plane is achieved and a proctectomy (or resection of an ileoanal J‐pouch) can be completed. The procedure is similar to the Kraske approach but requires a higher and wider exposure similar to the extent of an abdominal resection; however, the operation is performed in 'reverse'. Results: We found that this approach was feasible and safe in the previously operated, hostile pelvis. We employed it in one patient to excise a disconnected J‐pouch with chronic sepsis and in another patient for a completion proctectomy. Both patients had an uneventful recovery and clear margins were obtained with no complications. Conclusion: The en bloc prone sacrectomy approach is a useful alternative in a very select group of patients with difficult trans‐abdominal access to the pelvis. Experience in pelvic surgery and identification of clear anatomical landmarks is paramount to avoid catastrophic uncontrollable bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Utilization of robotic proctectomy (RP) for rectal cancer has steadily increased since the inception of robotic surgery in 2002. Randomized control trials evaluating the safety of RP are in process to better understand the role of robotic assistance in proctectomy. This study aimed to characterize the trends in the use of RP for rectal cancer, and to compare oncologic outcomes with center-level RP volume.Materials and Methods: 8107 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent RP were identified in the National Cancer Database (2010-2015). Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between center-level volume and conversion to open proctectomy, margin status, lymph node yield, 30- and 90-day post-operative mortality, and overall survival.Results: The utilization of RP increased from 2010 to 2015. On multivariate regression, lower center-level volume of RP was associated with significantly higher rates of conversion to open, positive margins, inadequate lymph node harvest (≥ 12), and lower overall survival. The present study was limited by its retrospective design and lack of information regarding disease-specific survival.Conclusions: This series suggests a volume-outcome relationship association; patients who have robot-assisted proctectomies performed at low-volume centers are more likely to have poorer overall survival, positive margins, inadequate lymph node harvest, and require conversion to open surgery. While these data demonstrate the increased adoption of robot-assisted proctectomy, an understanding of the appropriateness of this intervention is still lacking. As with any new intervention, further information from ongoing randomized controlled trials is needed to better clarify the role of RP in order to optimize patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-quality surgery is essential for optimal oncologic outcomes in rectal cancer, but total mesorectal excision (TME) can be difficult for mid- and low rectal cancers. Preoperative identification of patients at risk for difficult TME may change the operative approach. The objective of this study was to determine if MRI pelvimetry can predict poor-quality surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for mid- and low rectal cancer.Methods: All patients undergoing laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer ≤ 9 cm from the anal verge at a single tertiary care referral center from 2011 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Pelvic dimensions were measured from preoperative staging MRI on sagittal and axial views. Pelvimetry variables were all dichotomized based on median values. Exploratory factor analysis then identified the most relevant variables for regression analysis. The primary outcome was poor-quality resection, defined as an incomplete mesorectal grade, or involved circumferential (CRM) or distal (DRM) resection margins.Results: There were 92 patients included in this study, of which 70% were male, the mean BMI was 26.0 kg/m2, and the mean tumor height was 6.6 cm. Preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy was administered in 70%, and the pathologic T-stage was T3/T4 in 41%. The overall incidence of poor-quality resection was 17%, including 13% incomplete TME, 7% involved CRM, and 1% involved DRM. Factor analysis identified S1-pubic symphysis and the angle between S1 and S5-bottom of symphysis (angle ABD) as relevant variables. After adjusting for pathologic T-stage, BMI, and tumor height, a S1-S5-bottom of symphysis angle > 74.3° (OR 6.19, 95% CI 1.18-32.37) independently predicted poor-quality resection.Conclusions: MRI pelvimetry can identify patients at risk for a poor-quality resection after laparoscopic proctectomy for mid- and low rectal cancer. These patients may benefit from the selective use of more advanced access methods to improve surgical resection quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]