Comparison of abdominal and perineal approach for recurrent rectal prolapse

Purpose@#Rectal prolapse is a benign disease in which the rectum protrudes below the anus. Although many studies have been reported on the treatment of primary rectal prolapse for many years, there is a lack of treatment or clinical research results on recurrent rectal prolapse. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical approaches for recurrent rectal prolapse. @*Methods@#We studied patients who underwent surgical treatment for recurrent rectal prolapse disease from March 2016 to February 2021. We analyzed the previous operation methods in patients with recurrent rectal prolapse, as well as the operation time, complication rate, hospital stay, and re-recurrence rates in the perineal and abdominal approach groups. @*Results@#Out of a total of 239 patients, 41 patients who underwent surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse were retrospectively enrolled. Recurrent rectal prolapses were surgically treated either by the perineal approach (n = 25, 61.0%) or by the abdominal approach (n = 16, 39.0%). The operation times were significantly longer in the abdominal approach than in the perineal approach (98.44 minutes vs. 58.00 minutes, P = 0.001). Hospital stay was significantly longer in the abdominal approach than in the perineal approach (9.19 days vs. 6.00 days, P = 0.012). Re-recurrence rate after repeat repair was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = 0.777). @*Conclusion@#Although the perineal approach shortened the operation time and hospital stay, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in postoperative complications and re-recurrence rate. Both approaches can be good surgical options for the treatment of recurrent rectal prolapse.

Recurrent bleeding after posthemorrhoidectomy caused by factor V deficiency: a case report and review of the literature

Congenital factor V (FV) deficiency is a rare hemorrhagic disorder that can cause excessive bleeding during and after surgery in the affected patient. This report is the case of a patient who had FV deficiency with recurrent posthemorrhoidectomy bleeding treated with the hemostatic procedure and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions. A 45-year-old male patient had previously undergone hemorrhoidectomy for multiple hemorrhoids at a local hospital. Hemorrhoidectomy was successful; however, he was transferred to our hospital for evaluation of the origin of the recurrent posthemorrhoidectomy bleeding and underwent a hemostatic procedure. This bleeding was treated with coagulation using electrocautery, multiple sutures, and FFP transfusion (1,600 mL/day) for 7 consecutive days. The patient’s plasma FV activity was 23%. Early detection of clotting factor deficiency in patients with hemorrhagic events after surgical treatments may prevent unnecessary procedures such as reoperations and minimize the cost of replacement therapy such as large-volume FFP transfusion.

The Relationship Between High-Output Stomas, Postoperative Ileus, and Readmission After Rectal Cancer Surgery With Diverting Ileostomy

Purpose@#This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between high-output stomas (HOSs), postoperative ileus (POI), and readmission after rectal cancer surgery with diverting ileostomy. @*Methods@#We included 302 patients with rectal cancer who underwent restorative resection with diverting ileostomy between January 2011 and December 2015. HOSs were defined as stomas with ≥ 2,000 mL/day output. We analyzed predictive factors for readmission of these patients. @*Results@#Forty-eight patients (15.9%) had HOSs during the hospital stay, and 41 patients (13.6%) experienced POI. HOSs were strongly associated with POI (45.8% vs. 7.5%, P < 0.001). The all-cause readmission rate was 16.9%, with 19 (6.3%) and 20 (6.6%) experiencing ileus and acute kidney injury, respectively. HOSs (27.1% vs. 15.0%, P = 0.040) and POI (34.1% vs. 14.2%, P = 0.002) were associated with all-cause readmission, and POI was associated with readmission with ileus (17.1% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.007). POI was an independent risk factor for all-cause readmission (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.640; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.162 to 6.001; P = 0.020) and readmission with ileus (adjusted OR = 3.869; 95% CI 1.387 to 10.792; P = 0.010). @*Conclusion@#POI was associated with readmission, particularly for subsequent ileus, in patients with diverting ileostomy. We should make efforts to reduce POI, such as strong control of HOSs, to prevent readmission.

Tailored treatment of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer surgery according to the presence of a diverting stoma

Purpose@#A variety of clinical features of anastomotic leak occur during the surgical treatment of rectal cancer. However, little information regarding management of leakage is available and treatment guidelines have not been validated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of currently proposed expert opinions on the management of anastomotic leak, after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis was conducted for 1,786 patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer between 2005 and 2015. Clinical outcomes including anastomotic leak-associated mortality and permanent stoma were analyzed. @*Results@#The overall incidence of anastomotic leak was 6.8% (122 of 1,786), including 6.1% (30 of 493 patients) with diverting stoma and 7.1% (92 of 1,293 patients) without diverting stoma (p = 0.505). A majority of patients without diversion were treated with diverting stoma (76 of 88 patients [86.4%]); 1 mortality (0.8%) was observed in this group. Treatments in the diversion group mainly included conservative treatment, local drainage, and/or transanal repair (26 of 30 patients [86.7%]).The anastomotic failure rates were 20.7% (19 of 92 patients) in the no diversion group and 53.3% (16 of 30 patients) in the diversion group. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative chemoradiotherapy (p < 0.001) and delayed diagnosis of anastomotic leak (p = 0.036) were independent risk factors for permanent stoma. @*Conclusion@#Management of anastomotic leak should be tailored to individual patients. When anastomotic leak occurred, preoperative chemoradiotherapy and delayed diagnosis seemed to be associated with permanent stoma.

Thirty-Day Readmission After Elective Colorectal Surgery for Colon Cancer: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Purpose@#There is a concern that enhanced recovery after surgery may affect other proposed quality measures, including the rate of readmission due to early discharge. We examine the 30-day readmission rate, risk factors associated with readmission after elective colorectal surgery for colon cancer, causes of readmission, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) in a single institution. @*Methods@#We retrospectively investigated 292 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery for colon cancer between 2010 and 2015. Baseline data including age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, preoperative comorbidities, previous operation history, TNM stage, surgical approach, operation time, gas passage time, and length of hospital stay were obtained. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with 30-day readmission. @*Results@#A total of 229 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery were enrolled. Twenty-four patients were readmitted 30 days after discharge. The most common readmission diagnoses were wound bleeding or surgical site infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that patients who had preoperative hepatic disease were at the highest risk of readmission (odds ratio [OR], 8.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.35–10.61). Survival outcomes were significantly better in the nonreadmitted group (OS, P=0.00; DFS, P=0.04). @*Conclusion@#This study identified that preoperative comorbidities including hepatic and pulmonary diseases were associated with higher readmission rates after elective colorectal surgery. Moreover, the most common cause of readmission in patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery was wound bleeding or surgical site infection.

Laparoscopic Resection of a Huge Retrorectal Tumor

Retrorectal space tumors are rare, and so are frequently unrecognized, misdiagnosed, and mistreated. A 57-year-old man visited the outpatient clinic with the chief complaints of thin stool and lower pelvic heaviness. A smooth, round huge palpable mass on the right posterolateral rectal wall was detected and pelvic computed tomography showed a 7.8-cm cystic lesion in the right retrorectal space. Laparoscopic procedures were initiated with perirectal dissection for rectal mobilization. After fixation of the peritoneum and tying the rectum for intracorporeal traction, the rectum was mobilized to identify the cyst. The cyst was removed using an endo-bag, with completion of cyst dissection. The final pathologic diagnosis was a tailgut cyst, or retrorectal cystic hamartoma without evidence of malignancy. The patient was discharged without any complications. The patient had no dyschezia or problems with bowel function. Laparoscopic resection is a safe and feasible method for surgical treatment, even for bulky retrorectal tumors, with an early recovery period.

A prospective study of discrepancy between clinical and pathological diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasm

PURPOSE: Appendiceal tumoral lesions can occur as benign, malignant, or borderline disease. Determination of the extent of surgery through accurate diagnosis is important in these tumoral lesions. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of preoperative CT and identified the factors affecting diagnosis.METHODS: Patients diagnosed or strongly suspected from July 2016 to June 2019 with appendiceal mucocele or mucinous neoplasm using abdominal CT were included in the study. All the patients underwent single-incision laparoscopic cecectomy with the margin of cecum secured at least 2 cm from the appendiceal base. To compare blood test results and CT findings, the patients were divided into a mucinous and a nonmucinous group according to pathology.RESULTS: The total number of patients included in this study was 54 and biopsy confirmed appendiceal mucinous neoplasms in 39 of them. With CT, the accuracy of diagnosis was 89.7%. The mean age of the mucinous group was greater than that of the nonmucinous group (P = 0.035). CT showed that the maximum diameter of appendiceal tumor in the mucinous group was greater than that in the nonmucinous group (P < 0.001). Calcification was found only in the appendix of patients in the mucinous group (P = 0.012). Multivariate analysis revealed that lager tumor diameter was a factor of diagnosis for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm.CONCLUSION: The accuracy of preoperative diagnosis of appendiceal mucinous neoplasms in this study was 89.7%. Blood test results did not provide differential diagnosis, and the larger the diameter of appendiceal tumor on CT, the more accurate the diagnosis.

Is radical surgery for clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer relevant? A retrospective review

PURPOSE: Radical lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer is technically challenging. No clear guideline is available for surgical resection of clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer. This study was designed to review the pathologic stage of clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer and determine the relevant extent of surgical resection.METHODS: Patients were treated for clinical stage I right-sided colon cancers (cecal, ascending, hepatic flexure, and proximal transverse colon) between July 2006 and December 2014 at a tertiary teaching hospital. Open surgery was not included because laparoscopic surgery is an initial major procedure in the institution.RESULTS: During the study period, 80 patients diagnosed with clinical stage I right-sided colon cancer were classified into 2 groups according to the pathology: stage 0/I and II/III. Tumor sizes were larger in the stage II/III group (P = 0.003). The stage II/III group had higher rates of vascular (P = 0.023) and lymphatic invasion (P = 0.023) and lower rates of well differentiation (P = 0.022). During follow-up, 1 case of local and 4 cases of systemic recurrences were found. Multivariate analysis to confirm odds ratios affecting change from clinical stage I to pathological stage II/III showed that tumor size (P = 0.010) and the number of retrieved lymph nodes (P = 0.046) were risk factors.CONCLUSION: For right-sided colon cancer, even with clinical stage I included, radical lymph node dissection should be performed for exact staging with sufficient number of lymph nodes. This will help determine appropriate adjuvant treatment, especially in large tumor sizes.

Immunological Differences Between Right-Sided and Left-Sided Colorectal Cancers: A Comparison of Embryologic Midgut and Hindgut

PURPOSE: There are known differences in embryology, clinical symptoms, incidences, molecular pathways involved, and oncologic outcomes of right-sided and left-sided colorectal cancers. However, immunologic study has only been characterized for healthy adults. The present study was designed to identify differences in immune cell populations in patients with right-sided and left-sided colorectal cancers.METHODS: A total of 35 patients who underwent colorectal resection for cancer between November 2016 and August 2017 at a tertiary teaching hospital were enrolled in this study. Patients were excluded if they had a disease affecting their immune system. Populations of immune cells, including mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT), gamma delta T, invariant natural killer T, T, natural killer, and B cells, were measured in the peripheral blood and cancer tissues using flow cytometry, and then assessed based on the origin of the colorectal cancer.RESULTS: Fifteen had right-side and 20 had left-side colorectal cancer. There were no significant differences between the 2 cohorts for patient characteristics including pathologic stage. Peripheral blood from patients with right-side colon cancers contained fewer MAIT (0.87% right-side vs. 1.74% left-side, P = 0.028) and gamma delta T cells (1.10% right-side vs. 3.05% left-side, P = 0.002). Although the group with right-side colorectal cancer had more MAIT cells in cancer tissues (1.71% vs. 1.00%), this difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSION: There is a difference in population sizes of immune cells in blood between patients with right-sided and leftsided colon cancers. The immune cell composition was determined to be distinct based on embryologic origin.

Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer With Persistent Circumferential Resection Margin Invasion After Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE: Treatment after failure of circumferential resection margin (CRM) conversion after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (pCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) has not been evaluated well. We conducted a single‐center, retrospective analysis to fill this information gap. METHODS: From 2008 to 2016, we included 112 patients who had predictive CRM involvement on baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and who underwent surgery following pCRT for LARC. Baseline and posttreatment radiologic and clinical factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 493 patients with LARC, 112 had CRM involvement by baseline MRI (mrCRM). In 40 patients (35.7%), mrCRM involvement was converted as negative posttreatment CRM (ymrCRM−). Multivariate analysis showed the risk factors for persistent CRM involvement (ymrCRM+) after pCRT were extramural venous invasion (mrEMVI+) (P = 0.030) and lower tumor location (P = 0.007). In addition, persistent CRM involvement after pCRT was an independent risk factor for predicting pathologic CRM involvement. The Cox proportional hazard model showed baseline positive mrEMVI remained significant for disease-free survival (DFS) (P < 0.001). On posttreatment MRI, abdominoperineal resection (P = 0.031), intersphincteric resection (P = 0.006), and persistent CRM involvement (P = 0.001) remained significant for local recurrence-free survival. With regard to DFS, persistent CRM involvement (P = 0.048) and positive EMVI on posttreatment MRI (ymrEMVI) (P = 0.014) were significant. In the patient subgroup with persistent CRM involvement, 5-year DFS in patients with mrEMVI and ymrEMVI was 29.8% and 21.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients who fail to convert to negative CRM have extremely poor oncologic outcomes. Lower tumor height and negative mrEMVI status were good responders to ymrCRM conversion. Our results suggest that these patients require a more intensive treatment modality.

Obesity as an independent predictive factor for pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation in rectal cancer

PURPOSE: The predictive role of obesity on pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) in rectal cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity and pathologic response in patients with rectal cancer following nCRT. METHODS: A total of 320 patients with primary rectal cancer who underwent curative resection after nCRT between January 2010 and September 2014 were enrolled in this study. Obesity was defined as body mass index of ≥25 kg/m2. Clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed to identify independent predictive factors for pCR. RESULTS: Among the included patients, 23.4% (n = 75) were obese, and 14.7% (n = 47) showed pCR. Baseline characteristics were generally similar between obese and nonobese patients, except that women (P = 0.001) and cT2 tumors (P = 0.001) were more common in the obese group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 2.051; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.009–4.168), cT2 (OR, 3.614; 95% CI, 1.166–11.202), and pretreatment carcinoembryonic antigen <5 ng/mL (OR, 2.921; 95% CI, 1.365–6.253) were independent predictors for pCR. Obesity was not associated with disease-free survival or local recurrence-free survival. CONCLUSION: Obesity was an independent predictive factor for pCR following nCRT in rectal cancer, but was not associated with recurrence. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between obesity and prognosis of rectal cancer after nCRT.

Laparoscopic Rectovaginal Septal Repair without Mesh for Anterior Rectocele

A rectocele with a weakened rectovaginal septum can be repaired with various surgical techniques. We performed laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall repair and rectovaginal septal reinforcement without mesh using a modified transperineal approach. A 63-year-old woman with outlet dysfunction constipation complained of lower pelvic pressure and sense of heaviness for 30 years. Initial defecography showed an anterior rectocele with a 45-mm anterior bulge and perineal descent. Laparoscopic procedures included peritoneal and rectovaginal septal dissection directed toward the perineal body, rectovaginal septal suturing, and peritoneal closure. The patient started a soft diet the following day and was discharged on the 5th postoperative day without any complications. The patient had no dyschezia or dyspareunia, and no problem with bowel function; 3-month follow-up defecography showed a decrease in bulging to 18 mm. Laparoscopic posterior vaginal wall and rectovaginal septal repair is safe and feasible for treatment of a rectocele, and enables early recovery.

Comparison of the short-term outcomes of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery and conventional multiport surgery in colon cancer: a propensity score matching analysis

PURPOSE: The feasibility of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPS) in colon cancer remains uncertain. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of RPS and multiport surgery (MPS) in colon cancer using propensity score matching analysis. METHODS: A total of 302 patients with colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection (AR) (n = 184) or right hemicolectomy (RHC) (n = 118) by a single surgeon between January 2011 and January 2017 were included. Short-term outcomes were compared between RPS and MPS. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients in the AR group and 23 in the RHC group underwent RPS. After propensity score matching, the RPS and MPS groups showed similar baseline characteristics. In the AR group, patients who underwent RPS (n = 72) showed a shorter operation time (114.4 ± 28.7 minutes vs. 126.7 ± 34.5 minutes, P = 0.021) and a longer time to gas passage (3.6 ± 1.7 days vs. 2.6 ± 1.5 days, P = 0.005) than MPS (n = 72). Similarly, in the RHC group, the operation time was shorter (112.6 ± 26.0 minutes vs. 146.5 ± 31.2 minutes, P = 0.005), and the time to first flatus was longer (2.7 ±1.1 days vs. 3.8 ± 1.3 days, P = 0.004) in the RPS group (n = 23) than in the MPS group (n = 23). Other short-term outcomes were similar for RPS and MPS in both the AR and RHC groups. CONCLUSION: The short-term outcomes of RPS were found to be acceptable compared to those of MPS in colon cancer surgery.

Palliative resection of a primary tumor in patients with unresectable colorectal cancer: could resection type improve survival?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of extended resection of primary tumor on survival outcome in unresectable colorectal cancer (UCRC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted for 190 patients undergoing palliative surgery for UCRC between 1998 and 2007 at a single institution. Variables including demographics, histopathological characteristics of tumors, surgical procedures, and course of the disease were examined. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival curve indicated a significant increase in survival times in patients undergoing extended resection of the primary tumor (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that extra-abdominal metastasis (P = 0.03), minimal resection of the primary tumor (P = 0.034), and the absence of multimodality adjuvant therapy (P < 0.001) were significantly associated poor survival outcome. The histological characteristics were significantly associated with survival times. Patients with well to moderate differentiation tumors that were extensively resected had significantly increased survival time (P < 0.001), while those with poor differentiation tumors that were extensively resected did not have increase survival time (P = 0.786). CONCLUSION: Extended resection of primary tumors significantly improved overall survival compared to minimal resection, especially in well to moderately differentiated tumors (survival time: extended resection, 27.8 ± 2.80 months; minimal resection, 16.5 ± 2.19 months; P = 0.002).

A Case of Colonic Hypoganglionosis Complicated with Colonic Ulcers

Hypoganglionosis is a rare form of intestinal neuronal malformation, which is characterized by reduced number and size of ganglion cells of parasympathetic nerves in the intestinal wall. Pathophysiology is not well known, however intestinal ischemia, inflammation, autoimmune process or neurotoxin may play a role. Here, we report the case of a 56-year-old man with colonic pseudoobstruction and ulcerations in marked dilatedcolon above transitional zone who was later diagnosed with colonic hypoganglionosis.

Surgical Management of Unicentric Castleman's Disease in the Abdomen

Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder that can involve single or multiple lymph nodes in the body. Especially, the localized form of CD is known to be well-controlled by using a surgical resection. On occasion, the surgeon may confront an abdominal and retroperitoneal mass of unknown origin. Thus, we present this case in which we treated a 16-year-old female patient for CD and investigated how to evaluate and manage the situation from the standpoint of CD. Also, we give a review of the pathology, clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment of CD.

A Distribution Weighted Prognostic Scoring Model for Node Status in Advanced Rectal Cancer / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: There are various lymph node-based staging systems. Nevertheless, there is debate over the use of parameters such as the number of involved lymph nodes and the lymph node ratio. As a possible option, the distribution of metastatic lymph nodes may have a prognostic significance in rectal cancer. This study is designed to evaluate the impact of distribution-weighted nodal staging on oncologic outcome in rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database of our institution, a total of 435 patients who underwent a curative low anterior resection for mid and upper rectal cancer between 1995 and 2004 were enrolled. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the location of apical metastatic nodes. A location-weighted prognostic score was calculated by a scoring model using a logistic regression test for location based-statistical weight to number of lymph nodes. All cases were categorized in quartiles from lymph node I to lymph node IV using this protocol. RESULTS: The location of lymph node metastasis was an independent factor that was associated with a poor prognostic outcome (p<0.001). Based on this result, the location-weighted-nodal prognostic scoring model did not show lesser significant results (p<0.0001) in both overall survival and cancer-free survival analyses. CONCLUSION: The location of apical nodes among the metastatic nodes does not have a lesser significant impact on oncologic result in patients with advanced rectal cancer. A location-weighted prognostic scoring model, which considered the numbers of involved lymph nodes as the rate of significance according to the location, may more precisely predict the survival outcome in patients with lymph node metastasis.

The Influence of Nutritional Assessment on the Outcome of Ostomy Takedown

PURPOSE: Ostomy takedown is often considered a simple procedure without intention; however, it is associated with significant morbidity. This study is designed to evaluate factors predicting postoperative complications in the ostomy takedown in view of metabolism and nutrition. METHODS: A retrospective, institutional review-board-approved study was performed to identify all patients undergoing takedown of an ostomy from 2004 to 2010. RESULTS: Of all patients (150), 48 patients (32%; male, 31; female, 17) had complications. Takedown of an end-type ostomy showed a high complication rate; complications occurred in 55.9% of end-type ostomies and 15.7% of loop ostomies (P 1.3 mg/dL) was associated with postoperative complications, particularly surgical site infection (SSI). Marked weight loss such as body mass index downgrading may be associated with the development of complications. CONCLUSION: A temporary ostomy may not essentially result in severe malnutrition. However, a postoperative significant decrease in the albumin concentration is an independent risk factor for the development of SSI and complications.

Multivisceral resection for locally advanced rectal cancer: adequate length of distal resection margin / 대한외과학회지

PURPOSE: Locally advanced rectal cancer may require an intraoperative decision regarding curative multivisceral resection (MVR) of adjacent organs. In bulky tumor cases, ensuring sufficient distal resection margin (DRM) for achievement of oncologic safety is very difficult. This study is designed to evaluate the adequate length of DRM in multiviscerally resected rectal cancer. METHODS: A total of 324 patients who underwent curative low anterior resection for primary pT3-4 rectal cancer between 1995 and 2004 were identified from a prospectively collected colorectal database. RESULTS: Short lengths of DRM ( or =2 cm) showed 72.4% and 60.2% (P = 0.03, 0.044). In multivariate analysis of MVR, poorly differentiated histology, ulceroinfiltrative growth of tumor, and short DRM (<2 cm) were significant factors for prediction of poor survival outcome, although short DRM was not significantly related to local and systemic recurrence. CONCLUSION: In locally advanced rectal cancer of pT3-4, a short length of DRM (< or =1 cm) did not compromise essentially poor oncologic outcome. In rectal cancers invading adjacent organs and requiring MVR, a shorter DRM (<2 cm) was found to be related to poor survival outcome.

Clinical Significance of Serial Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Values for Treating Rectal Cancer with Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy

PURPOSE: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is now widely accepted to treat rectal cancer; however, the prognosis for rectal cancer patients during and after chemoradiotherapy must be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serial serum carcinoembryonic antigen (s-CEA) samples in patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical surgery after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: This study evaluated 236 patients with rectal cancer who received preoperative CRT followed by curative surgery between June 2005 and June 2010. We measured the patient's s-CEA levels pre-CRT, post-CRT and post-surgery. Patients were classified into four groups according to their s-CEA concentrations (group 1, high, high, high; group 2, high, high, normal; group 3, high, normal, normal; group 4, normal, normal, normal). We analyzed the clinicopathologic factors and the outcomes among these groups. RESULTS: Of the 236 patients, 12 were in group 1, 31 were in group 2, 67 were in group 3, and 126 were in group 4. The 3-year disease-free survival rate in group 1 was poorer than those in group 3 (P = 0.007) and group 4 (P < 0.001). In a univariate analysis, type of surgery, clinical N stage, pathologic T or N stage, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and CEA group were prognostic factors. A multivariate analysis revealed that type of surgery, pathologic T stage, and lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic factors; however, no statistical significance was associated with the CEA group. CONCLUSION: High pre-CRT, post-CRT, and post-surgery s-CEA levels in patients with rectal cancer were associated with high rates of systemic recurrence and poor survival. Therefore, patients with sustained high s-CEA levels during CRT require careful monitoring after surgery.