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Evidence against the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy are increasing and ERAS guidelines suggest the benefit of drain avoidance. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this practice is still widespread. We conducted a survey among Italian surgeons through the Italian Gastric Cancer Research Group and the Polispecialistic Society of Young Surgeons, aiming to understand the current use of prophylactic drain. A 28-item questionnaire-based survey was developed to analyze the current practice and the individual opinion about the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy. Groups based on age, experience and unit volume were separately analyzed. Response of 104 surgeons from 73 surgical units were collected. A standardized ERAS protocol for gastrectomy was applied by 42% of the respondents. Most of the surgeons, regardless of age, experience, or unit volume, declared to routinely place one or more drain after gastrectomy. Only 2 (1.9%) and 7 surgeons (6.7%) belonging to high volume units, do not routinely place drains after total and subtotal gastrectomy, respectively. More than 60% of the participants remove the drain on postoperative day 4–6 after performing an assessment of the anastomosis integrity. Interestingly, less than half of the surgeons believe that drain is the main tool for leak management, and this percentage further drops among younger surgeons. On the other hand, drain’s role seems to be more defined for duodenal stump leak treatment, with almost 50% of the surgeons recognizing its importance. Routine use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy is still a widespread practice even if younger surgeons are more persuaded that it could not be advantageous.

Robotics in right colectomy are still under debate. Available studies compare different techniques of ileocolic anastomosis but results are non-conclusive. Our study aimed to compare intraoperative outcomes, and short-term postoperative results between robotic and standard laparoscopic right colectomies for cancer with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) fashioned with the same technique. All consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic or robotic right hemicolectomies with ICA for cancer in two hospitals, one of which is a tertiary care centre, were prospectively enrolled in our prospective observational study, from April 2018 to December 2019. ICA was fashioned with the same stapled hand-sewn technique. Continuous and categorical variables were analysed using t test and chi-squared test as required. Statistical significance was set at p

Transanal excision of rectal lesions is a full thickness excision that is indicated in selected cases of early stage rectal cancer and in cases that have shown a major or complete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Complete clinical response includes also flat scar or teleangiectasia along with non palpable mass at digital exam and non visible lymphnodes at MRI.1 Full thickness excision is considered primarily as a radical excisionaI biopsy and it has the advantage (vs watch and wait approach) to provide a hystologic confirmation of the complete response. The excision of the tumor/scar and the suture of the rectal defect are technically demanding if performed with standard laparoscopic instruments because of the narrow working space. In order to overcome these difficulties we propose to use the daVinci® robotic platform. The robotic instruments are fully articulated at their tip and they allow the surgeon to easily operate within the lumen of the rectum and perform wrist like movements despite the narrow surgical space. The one limitation is represented by the cost of these procedures, so they should be reserved to selected, challenging cases (i.e. lesions of the mid-upper rectum and lesions that require extensive suture). The patients are either in lithotomy or prone position, depending on the site of the lesion. A gelpoint® system is inserted transanally in order to place the robotic trocars and the daVinci® system is then connected. The purpose of this video is to show the many advantages of the robotic platform in performing full thickness excisions and how the wrist like movements allow to perform transversal sutures thus minimizing the risk of stenosis of the rectum. See Video at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B515 .

BACKGROUND Rectum-preservation for locally advanced rectal cancer has been proposed as an alternative to total mesorectal excision (TME) in patients with major (mCR) or complete clinical response (cCR) after neoadjuvant therapy. The purpose of this study was to report on the short-term outcomes of ReSARCh (Rectal Sparing Approach after preoperative Radio- and/or Chemotherapy) trial, which is a prospective, multicenter, observational trial that investigated the role of transanal local excision (LE) and watch-and-wait (WW) as integrated approaches after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. METHODS Patients with mid-low rectal cancer who achieved mCR or cCR after neoadjuvant therapy and were fit for major surgery were enrolled. Clinical response was evaluated at 8 and 12 weeks after completion of chemoradiotherapy. Treatment approach, incidence, and reasons for subsequent TME were recorded. RESULTS From 2016 to 2019, 160 patients were enrolled; mCR or cCR at 12 weeks was achieved in 64 and 96 of patients, respectively. Overall, 98 patients were managed with LE and 62 with WW. In the LE group, Clavien-Dindo 3+ complications occurred in three patients. The rate of cCR increased from 8- to 12-week restaging. Thirty-three (94.3%) of 35 patients with cCR had ypT0-1 tumor. At a median 24 months follow-up, a tumor regrowth was found in 15 (24.2%) patients undergoing WW. CONCLUSIONS LE for patients achieving cCR or mCR is safe. A 12-week interval from chemoradiotherapy completion to LE is correlated with an increased cCR rate. The risk of ypT > is reduced when LE is performed after cCR.

Background The optimal timing of surgery in relation to chemoradiation is still controversial. Retrospective analysis has demonstrated in the recent decades that the regression of adenocarcinoma can be slow and not complete until after several months. More recently, increasing pathologic Complete Response rates have been demonstrated to be correlated with longer time interval. The purpose of the trial is to demonstrate if delayed timing of surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy actually affects pathologic Complete Response and reflects on disease-free survival and overall survival rather than standard timing. Methods The trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled, unblinded, parallel-group trial comparing standard and delayed surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for the curative treatment of rectal cancer. Three-hundred and forty patients will be randomized on an equal basis to either robotic-assisted/standard laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery after 8 weeks or robotic-assisted/standard laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery after 12 weeks. Discussion To date, it is well-know that pathologic Complete Response is associated with excellent prognosis and an overall survival of 90%. In the Lyon trial the rate of pCR or near pathologic Complete Response increased from 10.3 to 26% and in retrospective studies the increase rate was about 23–30%. These results may be explained on the relationship between radiation therapy and tumor regression: DNA damage occurs during irradiation, but cellular lysis occurs within the next weeks. Study results, whether confirmed that performing surgery after 12 weeks from neoadjuvant treatment is advantageous from a technical and oncological point of view, may change the current pathway of the treatment in those patient suffering from rectal cancer. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT3465982.

BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcomes associated with different bowel reconstruction techniques following anterior resection for rectal cancer are still a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess quality of life and bowel function in patients who underwent colonic J-pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis reconstruction after low anterior resection. DESIGN Bowel function and quality of life were assessed within a multicenter randomized trial. Questionnaires were administered before the surgery (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. SETTINGS Patients were enrolled by 19 centers. The enrollment started in October 2009 and was stopped in February 2016. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01110798). PATIENTS Patients who underwent low anterior resection for primary mid-low rectal cancer and who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either stapled colonic J-pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis were selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcomes measured were quality of life and bowel function. RESULTS Of the 379 patients who were evaluable, 312 (82.3%) completed the baseline, 259 (68.3%) the 6-month, 242 (63.9%) the 12-month, and 199 (52.5%) the 24-month assessment. Bowel functioning and quality of life did not significantly differ between arms for almost all domains. The total bowel function score, the urgency, and the stool fractionation scores significantly worsened after surgery and remained impaired over time in both arms (p < 0.0032), whereas constipation improved after surgery but recovered to baseline levels from 1 year onward (p < 0.0036). All patients showed a significant and continuous improvement in emotional functioning (p < 0.0013) and future perspective (p < 0.0001) from baseline to the end of the study. LIMITATIONS Limitations of the study include missing data, which increased over time; the possibility that some treatments have slightly changed since the study was conducted; and investigators not blind to treatment allocation. CONCLUSION The findings of this study do not support the routine use of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in patients with rectal cancer who undergo a low anterior resection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B328. BOLSA J COLONICA O RECONSTRUCCION COLORRECTAL RECTA DESPUES DE RESECCION ANTERIOR BAJA PARA CANCER RECTAL: IMPACTO EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA Y LA FUNCION INTESTINAL: UN ESTUDIO ALEATORIZADO PROSPECTIVO MULTICENTRICO: Los resultados informados por el paciente asociados con diferentes tecnicas de reconstruccion intestinal despues de la reseccion anterior para el cancer de recto aun son tema de debate.Evaluar la calidad de vida y la funcion intestinal en pacientes que se sometieron a una bolsa en J colonica o reconstruccion de anastomosis colorrectal recta despues de una reseccion anterior baja.La funcion intestinal y la calidad de vida se evaluaron en un ensayo aleatorizado multicentrico. Los cuestionarios se administraron antes de la cirugia (basal) y a los 6, 12 y 24 meses despues de la cirugia.Los pacientes fueron incluidos en 19 centros. La inscripcion comenzo en Octubre de 2009 y se detuvo en Febrero de 2016. El estudio se registro en www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identificador: NCT01110798).Pacientes que se sometieron a reseccion anterior baja por cancer rectal primario medio-bajo y que fueron aleatorizados en una proporcion de 1: 1 para recibir bolsa J colonica con grapas o anastomosis colorrectal recta.calidad de vida y funcion intestinal.De los 379 pacientes que fueron evaluables, 312 (82.3%) completaron la evaluacion inicial, 259 (68.3%) a los 6 meses, 242 (63.9%) a los 12 meses y 199 (52.5%) a los 24 meses. . El funcionamiento intestinal y la calidad de vida no difirieron significativamente entre los dos grupos en casi todos los dominios. La puntuacion total de la funcion intestinal, la urgencia y las puntuaciones de fraccionamiento de las heces empeoraron significativamente despues de la cirugia y continuaron con el tiempo extra en ambos grupos (p

Background Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is the mainstay treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer, leading to significant decrease in tumor size (downsizing) and a shift towards earlier disease stage (downstaging). Extensive histopathological work-up of the tumor specimen after surgery including tumor regression grading and lymph node status helped to visualize individual tumor sensitivity to chemoradiotherapy, retrospectively. As the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is heterogeneous, however, valid biomarkers are needed to monitor tumor response. A relevant number of studies aimed to identify molecular markers retrieved from tumor tissue while the relevance of blood-based biomarkers is less stringent assessed. MicroRNAs are currently under investigation to serve as blood-based biomarkers. To date, no screening approach to identify relevant miRNAs as biomarkers in blood of patients with rectal cancer was undertaken. The aim of the study is to investigate the role of circulating miRNAs as biomarkers in those patients included in the TiMiSNAR Trial (NCT 03465982). This is a biomolecular substudy of TiMiSNAR Trial (NCT03962088). Methods All included patients in the TiMiSNAR Trial are supposed to undergo blood collection at the time of diagnosis, after neoadjuvant treatment, after 1 month from surgery, and after adjuvant chemotherapy whenever indicated. Discussion TiMiSNAR-MIRNA will evaluate the association of variation between preneoadjuvant and postneoadjuvant expression levels of miRNA with pathological complete response. Moreover, the study will evaluate the role of liquid biopsies in the monitoring of treatment, correlate changes in expression levels of miRNA following complete surgical resection with disease-free survival, and evaluate the relation between changes in miRNA during surveillance and tumor relapse. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03962088. Registered on 23 May 2019.

Background Colonic J pouch reconstruction has been found to be associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage than straight anastomosis. However, studies on this topic are underpowered and retrospective. This randomized trial evaluated whether the incidence of anastomotic leakage was reduced after colonic J pouch reconstruction compared with straight colorectal anastomosis following anterior resection for rectal cancer. Methods This multicentre RCT included patients with rectal carcinoma who underwent low anterior resection followed by colorectal anastomosis. Patients were assigned randomly to receive a colonic J pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of major anastomotic leakage. The incidence of global (major plus minor) anastomotic leakage and general complications were secondary outcomes. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage were identified by regression analysis. Results Of 457 patients enrolled, 379 were evaluable (colonic J pouch arm 190, straight colorectal arm 189). The incidence of major and global anastomotic leakage, and general complications was 14·2, 19·5 and 34·2 per cent respectively in the colonic J pouch group, and 12·2, 19·0 and 27·0 per cent in the straight colorectal anastomosis group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two arms. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio 1·79, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 3·15; P = 0·042) and high ASA fitness grade (odds ratio 2·06, 1·15 to 3·71; P = 0·015) were independently associated with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. Conclusion Colonic J pouch reconstruction does not reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage and postoperative complications compared with conventional straight colorectal anastomosis. Registration number NCT01110798 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) in right colectomies shows many advantages over extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). Many difficulties encountered in laparoscopic IA can be overcome with hybrid robot-assisted IA or recently with totally robotic procedures. In the literature, few works have been published comparing laparoscopic, hybrid, and totally robotic right colectomies. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the improvements brought on by the evolution of robotic surgery at our specialized center.Two hundred six (hybrid and totally) robotic right colectomies (RRCs) with IA were compared with 160 laparoscopic right colectomies (LRCs) with EA. A separate analysis carried out by the robotic group compared 30 totally robotic right colectomies (TRRCs) with 176 hybrid robot-assisted right colectomies (HRRCs). Demographics, pathological features, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively maintained database.The groups were comparable with respect to demographics and tumor staging. When compared with LRC, RRC showed shorter time to first flatus (P .001), stools (P .001), solid diet (P .001), and discharge (P .001). The number of lymph nodes harvested was 23.13 ± 11.2 in RRC versus 20.5 ± 11.2 in LRC (P = .031). Operative time was longer in RRC (253.0 ± 47 minutes versus 209.9 ± 64 minutes; P .001), but conversion to open (2.4% versus 18.1%; P .001), anastomotic leaks (0.5% versus 5%; P = .012), and bleeding (0.3% versus 4.4%; P = .024) were significantly less frequent. Subsequent analysis shows no significant increase in operative time in TRRC versus HRRC (261.0 ± 41 minutes versus 251.6 ± 47.6 minutes; P = .310). Even if not statistically significant, TRRC showed faster bowel function recovery and tolerance to solid diet.We confirmed the clinical advantages of RRC with IA over LRC with EA in postoperative recovery outcomes and complication rate. Furthermore, our preliminary analysis in a cohort of 30 TRRC shows promising results.

Rectum-sparing approaches appear to be appropriate in rectal cancer patients with a major (mCR) or complete clinical response (cCR) after neoadjuvant therapy. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of rectum-sparing approaches at 2 years after the completion of neoadjuvant treatment. Patients with rectal adenocarcinoma eligible to receive neoadjuvant therapy will be prospectively enrolled. Patients will be restaged 7–8 weeks after the completion of neoadjuvant therapy and those with mCR (defined as absence of mass, small mucosal irregularity no more than 2 cm in diameter at endoscopy and no metastatic nodes at MRI) or cCR will be enrolled in the trial. Patients with mCR will undergo local excision, while patients with cCR will either undergo local excision or watch and wait policy. The main end point of the study is to determine the percentage of rectum preservation at 2 years in the enrolled patients. This protocol is the first prospective trial that investigates the role of both local excision and watch and wait approaches in patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer. The trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02710812).

Aim of the study The aim of this study was to describe the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of leaks occurring after minimally invasive colorectal resections. Materials and methods Thirty-four of 566 consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer between January 2004 and December 2012 and who showed signs of anastomotic leakage (6%) requiring reoperation were studied using a prospectively maintained database. Patient characteristics, clinical signs, the surgical approach, the role of laparoscopy, operative and postoperative results, and the rate of permanent stoma were analyzed. Results The median time to diagnosis of an anastomotic leak after surgery was 5.5 days. The median time to reoperation from the diagnosis of leakage was 2 days. Leaks were treated laparoscopically in 21 of 34 (61.8%) patients. Anastomoses were dismantled in 14 patients (41.2%) and the procedure was performed laparoscopically in 28.6% of the cases. The postoperative morbidity was 55.9%, the perioperative mortality 5.7%, and the rate of permanent stoma was 8.8%. Conclusions Laparoscopic reoperation can be performed in most cases of anastomotic leaks occurring after minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer. Anastomosis can be dismantled laparoscopically in 28.6% of the cases. A permanent stoma was necessary only in patients with terminal stomas.

Background Widespread diffusion of minimally-invasive surgery for gastric cancer treatment is limited by the complexity of performing an extended D2-lymphadenectomy. This surgical step can be facilitated by using robot-assisted surgery. The aim of this study is to describe our technique and short-term results of a consecutive series of full robotic gastrectomies with D2-lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer, using the da Vinci Surgical System. Materials and Methods Between May 2004 and December 2009, we performed 24 consecutive full robot-assisted total and subtotal gastrectomies with extended D2-lymphadenectomy for histologically-proven gastric adenocarcinoma. Data referring to 11 robot-assisted total gastrectomies and 13 subtotal gastrectomies were collected in a database and analyzed. Results Median operative time was 267.50 min (255–305). Median intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL. Median number of harvested lymph nodes was 28 (23–34). Resection margins were negative in all cases. No conversions occurred. Surgery-related morbidity was 8%. Thirty-day mortality was 0%. Liquid diet started on postoperative d 5 (2–5). Median length of stay was 6 d (5–8). Conclusions Robot-assisted gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy is a safe technique and allows achieving an adequate lymph node harvest and optimal R0-resection rates with low postoperative morbidity and the learning curve appears to be shorter than in laparoscopic surgery. Longer follow-up and randomized clinical trials are needed to define the role of robot-assistance in gastric cancer surgery.

The use of laparoscopy for colorectal cancer resection is still controversial.We prospectively analyzed the outcome of minimally invasive resection for colorectal cancer, performed at our institution from 1998, when laparoscopic surgery became the treatment of choice for colorectal cancer, until 2004. All patients undergoing elective resection were assessed in terms of perioperative results (duration of surgery, number of lymph nodes removed, length of specimen, rate of conversion, complications) and survival. Patients were assessed yearly with follow-up visits and telephone interviews.In the study period, 302 patients (mean age 66.1 years; range, 32-93 years) underwent 114 left hemicolectomies, 108 low anterior resections, 61 right hemicolectomies, 12 Miles procedures, 4 subtotal colectomies, and 3 transverse colon resections. Surgery took an average of 226 minutes (SD=71 min). The number of lymph nodes removed was 14+/-8. The conversion rate was 10%; most of the conversions were due to locally advanced cancer (15 cases) and bowel distension (7 cases). Fifteen anastomotic leaks were observed (5%). Twenty patients needed reoperation and two died: one of septic shock due to an anastomotic leak; the other of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration after peritonitis due to a bowel loop injury. Follow-up was available for 91% of patients. Cancer-related survival curves showed a 90% survival for stage II, 85% for stage III, and 10% for stage IV disease, 30 months after surgery.Minimally invasive laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer enables an oncologically adequate resection with complication and survival rates that are no worse than are to be expected after traditional open surgery. Locally advanced tumor and bowel distension are the most frequent reasons for conversion to open surgery.

In the last ten years, several robotic systems have been developed to overcome the loss of the three-dimensional view and dexterity characteristic of laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the traditional laparoscopic approach and robotic techniques in the treatment of colorectal diseases.The study compares a consecutive series of patients treated surgically for colorectal disease from June 2001 to May 2003 with the da Vinci robotic system (Intuitive Surgical) and a matched number of patients who underwent conventional laparoscopy during the same time interval. The factors analyzed were the time required to prepare the patient and the room, total time of surgery, length of specimens, number of lymph nodes retrieved, blood loss, complications, and postoperative results.The study included 106 patients (53 in each group). No differences were observed in total time of surgery (laparoscopic group, 222 +/- 77 minutes vs. robotic group, 240 +/- 61 minutes), specimen length (laparoscopic group, 29 +/- 11 cm vs. robotic group, 27 +/- 13 cm), or number of lymph nodes retrieved (laparoscopic group, 16 +/- 9 vs. robotic group, 17 +/- 10). It took significantly longer to prepare the operating room and patient in the robotic group (24 +/- 12 minutes) than in the laparoscopic group (18 +/- 7 minutes). There were three conversions to laparotomy in the laparoscopic group; in the robotic group, two cases were converted to laparoscopy and three to hand-assisted laparoscopy. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of recovery of bowel function and postoperative hospital stay.Robot-assisted surgery proved to be as safe and effective as laparoscopic techniques in the treatment of colorectal diseases. Because of its dexterity and three-dimensional view, the da Vinci system was particularly useful in specific stages of the procedure, e.g., takedown of the splenic flexure, dissection of a narrow pelvis, identification of nervous plexus, and handsewn anastomosis. The cost-effectiveness of the procedure still needs to be evaluated.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) undergoing surgical treatment over a 10-year period and specifically to evaluate the incidence and clinical outcome of patients treated for duodenal adenomas. Patients with FAP who underwent surgical treatment for colonic polyposis at the University of Louisville from January 1992 to July 2002 were investigated. Surgical treatment included colectomy and ileal J-pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) or completion proctectomy with or without IPAA in those who had previously undergone subtotal colectomy elsewhere. All patients underwent screening gastroduodenoscopy at 3-year intervals beginning at the time of diagnosis or referral. Postoperative morbidity, mortality, and functional outcome were evaluated, as well as the occurrence of extracolonic manifestations and results of treatment for duodenal adenomas when required. Fifty-four patients were included in the study (mean age 28 +/- 2 years). Twenty-seven of them (50%) underwent colectomy and IPAA as the initial operation. Twenty-seven patients had previously undergone subtotal colectomy. Eight of these 27 patients had cancer in the rectum, of which three were T4 and one was T2N1 cancer. Twenty-two patients underwent a completion proctectomy and three required abdominoperineal resection. Twenty of the 54 patients developed duodenal adenomas. The mean age of diagnosis of duodenal disease was not significantly different from that of patients who were still free of duodenal polyps (40 +/- 11 vs. 34 +/- 12 years). Seven of these 20 patients underwent local excision of duodenal polyps (either endocopically or transduodenally); four of these patients developed recurrent disease. Six patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy for duodenal adenomas with severe dyplasia. These patients experienced an increased number of bowel movements, from five per day (range 4 to 8) to 10 per day (range 6 to 15). One patient required pouch excision and end ileostomy to control diarrhea. Our data demonstrate the following: (1) patients with FAP who have undergone prior subtotal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis have a high risk of developing advanced cancer in the rectal stump; (2) duodenal adenomas are common in patients with FAP and may occur at an early age; (3) screening duodenoscopy should be initiated at the time of diagnosis of FAP; (4) local excision of duodenal adenomas is associated with a high risk of local recurrence; and (5) even though pancreaticoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice for advanced duodenal adenomas, this procedure may adversely affect pouch function in some patients.

The wide-spreading of organ transplantation [1–3] with consequent immuno-suppressive and steroid therapy [4] has led to an increase of complications of the gastrointestinal tract, with percentages ranging from 8 to 20 % [5–7]. Complications include perforated gastro-duodenal ulcers, cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis, appendicitis, perforated or fistulized diverticulitis, pseudo-membranous colitis, and perianal fistulas [5, 6]. Diverticulitis is the most common cause of colonic perforation in the renal-transplanted population. These complications have high morbidity and mortality rates in immuno-suppressed patients [5]. Immunosuppression and steroid therapy reduce the inflammatory response [7], often masking the symptoms and giving ambiguous clinical presentations that can result in diagnostic delay. We describe the case of a fistula between the sigmoid colon and the transplanted kidney due to diverticular disease and chronic inflammation after repeated surgeries for a stricture of the anastomosis between the bladder and the ureter. The fistula appeared approximately 2 years after the immuno-suppressive therapy was stopped. The patient was treated with an en-bloc resection of the graft, the sigmoid colon and part of the bladder. To our knowledge this is the first case described in the literature with such a complication.

Extracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for cancer has a significant risk of complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the operative and postoperative results of hybrid right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal robotic-assisted anastomosis for adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon compared with the standard extracorporeal anastomosis in a case control study.Forty-eight right hemicolectomies for cancer (2009-2012) with laparoscopic medial to lateral dissection, vascular ligation, bowel transection, and robotic-assisted intracorporeal anastomosis with specimen extraction through a Pfannestiel incision (robotic group [RG]) were compared with 48 laparoscopic hemicolectomies (2009-2011) with extracorporeal anastomosis (laparoscopic group [LG]).The two groups were comparable with respect to age, gender, stage of cancer, and body mass index. Surgery time was significantly longer in RG patients (RG, 266±41 minutes; LG, 223±51 minutes; P.05). Operative results were similar in the two groups. Recovery of bowel function (day of first bowel movement: RG, 3.0±1.0 days; LG, 4.0±1.2 days; P.05) and hospital stay (RG, 7.5±2.0 days; LG, 9.0±3.2 days; P.05) were quicker and shorter, respectively, in RG. There were four anastomotic complications and four incisional hernias in LG and none in RG (P.05).There are fewer anastomotic and wound complications in RG patients. Intracorporeal robotic-assisted ileocolic anastomosis allows a faster recovery compared with extracorporeal anastomosis.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. Minimally invasive surgery has been demonstrated to have the same oncological results as open surgery, with better clinical outcomes. Robotic assistance is an evolution of minimally invasive technique. This study aims to evaluate surgical and oncological short-term outcomes of robotic-assisted right colon resection in malignant disease.Fifty consecutive patients affected by right-sided colon cancer were operated from May 2001 to May 2009 using the da Vinci(®) surgical system. Data regarding surgical and early oncological outcomes were systematically collected in a specific database for statistical analysis.Twenty-four male and 26 female patients underwent robotic right colectomy. Median age was 73.34 ± 11 years. Median operative time was 223.50 (180-270) min. No conversion occurred. Specimen length was 26.7 ± 8 cm (range 21-50 cm), number of harvested lymph nodes was 18.76 ± 7.2 (range 12-44), and mean number of positive lymph nodes was 1.65 ± 3 (range 0-17). Surgery-related morbidity was 1/50 (2%): one twisting of the mesentery in one case with extracorporeal anastomosis. All patients were included in a follow-up regimen. Disease-free survival was 90% (45/50), and overall survival was 92% (46/50). Cancer-related mortality was 8% (4/50).Robotic assistance allows performance of oncologically adequate dissection of the right colon with radical lymphadenectomy and to fashion a handsewn intracorporeal anastomosis as in open surgery, confirming the safety and oncological adequacy of this technique, with acceptable results and short-term outcomes.

From the data currently available, firm and absolute recommendations cannot be drawn for the use of laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of Crohn’s disease, due to the heterogeneous features of the disease.

The aim of this study was to investigate the results of the first 250 procedures performed on 216 patients with the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System (34/216 patients were submitted to double procedure). The purpose of the da Vinci surgical system is to exactly translate the surgeon's hand movements to the robotic arms that manipulate the laparoscopic instruments, thus facilitating minimally invasive surgery. The da Vinci system has been available in our department since 2001. The first 50 procedures were simple cases (cholecystectomies and transperitoneal hernia repairs) and were performed during the learning curve of the surgical team. The last 200 procedures were more complex cases. Time of preparation of the robot gradually decreased with growing experience. The total conversion rate (to standard laparoscopy and to open surgery) was 4.8% (12/250); conversion to laparotomy was 2.8% (7/250). Morbidity was 8.8% (19/216), and reoperation was needed in 6 patients. Mortality was 1.8% (4/216). We conclude that robotic surgery has now moved beyond the learning phase with the device and may be routinely used in selected, more complex cases, such as colorectal surgery and surgery of the gastro-oesophageal junction. The device can also be used in pancreatic and gastric surgery.

Endoscopic polypectomy is the gold standard for the treatment of colorectal polyps. In the case of non-palpable lesions or to complete polyp removal, the lesions are located intra-operatively. With the advent of laparoscopy, identifying their position is even more important because there is no opportunity for intestinal palpation. Several methods of preoperative endoscopic marking have been proposed using different types of tattooing and recently using clips followed by ultrasonography detection. Innovative methods are analysed; magnetic endoscopic imaging is a reliable and accurate method for determining the anatomical position of the tip of the endoscope during colonoscopy. Radioguided colonic lesion identification needs a gamma detection probe. Endoscopic removal can be converted to endo-laparoscopic rendezvous, failing which, laparoscopic resection is a reliable and safe choice, offering all the advantages of minimally invasive surgical techniques.

The da Vinci Robotic System (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA) became available at the General Surgery Department of Camposampiero Hospital in May 2001. From May 2001 to October 2002, 139 robotic operations were performed, one of which was a right adrenalectomy for a right adrenal mass. The progressive growth of the mass was the indication for surgical excision. Surgical adrenalectomy was successfully completed with da Vinci Robotic System using 5 ports (3 for the robotic system, 2 as service trocars). The wrist-like movements of the instrument's tip easily enabled the detachment of the right hepatic lobe from the gland and vessel isolation, while the 3-dimensional vision facilitated dissection of the veins from the vena cava.

PURPOSE: We studied patients with Crohn’s disease affecting the colon to characterize disease behavior and to determine whether such patients might be candidates for sphincter-sparing surgery. METHODS: Ninety-two consecutive patients with Crohn’s colitis were studied prospectively. Mean follow-up after diagnosis was 82 (range, 6–291) months. Parameters that were evaluated included previous surgery for Crohn’s disease, granulomatous vs. nongranulomatous disease, extent of colonic involvement, and presence or absence of extracolonic disease. The clinical course of the disease and postoperative outcome were evaluated. The outcome of Crohn’s colitis patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for presumed ulcerative colitis was also evaluated. RESULTS: There were 39 patients with granulomatous colitis and 53 patients without granulomas. There was no statistical difference in the age of diagnosis or presence of small-bowel (23 vs. 27 percent), ileocolic (34 vs. 30 percent), or perineal (36 vs. 22 percent) disease in these patients. At initial presentation, 88 percent of patients with pancolitis had colitis alone without other sites of intestinal disease compared with only 37 percent of patients with segmental colitis (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with granulomas and patients with segmental colitis at presentation have a significantly higher recurrence when compared with patients without granulomas and patients with pancolitis (P < 0.03). Thirteen patients without granulomatous disease and eight with granuloma underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Seven patients (3 with granuloma, 4 without granuloma) had a recurrence of Crohn’s disease in the ileal pouch; 2 required pouch removal and permanent diversion for fistulizing disease in the ileal pouch and 5 were successfully treated conservatively without surgery. CONCLUSION: The presence of granulomas and segmental involvement of the colon in patients with Crohn’s colitis may reflect a more virulent clinical course. Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis may be considered as an option in select patients with Crohn’s colitis without small-bowel or perianal disease. Based on our data, patients with nongranulomatous pancolitis may be better candidates for sphincter-sparing surgery.

In this article we examine our experience over the last 4 years, from 1998 to 2001, in the surgical treatment of colorectal disease using the laparoscopic approach. We treated 200 patients, 54 of whom presented benign disease and 146 malignancies. The operations were performed by a team of surgeons and nurses experienced in advanced laparoscopy. Over this period, the duration of the surgical intervention was gradually reduced by 17%. The conversion rate from laparoscopy to open procedures was also reduced (mean rate 11%). Canalization and the resumption of walking and nutrition were reasonably fast. Postoperative complications occurred in 22% of cases The number of fistulas and anastomotic dehiscences was high (10/200 = 5%), due both to evaluation errors and the choice of surgical material. At present, on applying the criteria of traditional open surgery, this figure is also coming down. Bleeding complications (12/200 = 6%) can also be ascribed to the learning curve (2 bleeds in the trocar site and 2 haematomas in the Pfannenstiel laparotomy site) and are therefore likely to be reduced. Bleeding during the surgical procedures, however, was very low, with a mean value of 69.6 ml. Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal disease is well standardized and we believe there should be no doubts as to its use in benign disease. Its use in oncological surgery, though theoretically correct, needs to be confirmed by the trials currently in progress. The results we have obtained in our experience, after completion of the learning curve, agree with the figures reported in the literature.

Hypothesis Rectal resection is associated with a risk of sexual dysfunction even when performed for benign disease, with the most frequent type resulting in retrograde ejaculation due to injury to the hypogastric nerves. Design A simple technique to identify and protect these nerves during rectal mobilization. Setting Exposure of the hypogastric plexus during rectal resection. Conclusion Careful identification of the hypogastric nerves during rectal mobilization using the described technique may reduce injury to these nerves and related sexual dysfunction.