Total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: evidence and challenge

Recent advances in the management of rectal cancer have dramatically changed the clinical practice of colorectal surgeons because the main focus of rectal cancer treatment has changed from sphincter-saving to an organ-preserving strategies. Modifying the delivery of systemic chemotherapy to improve patients’ survival is another progress in colorectal cancer management, known as total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT). TNT is a new strategy used by colorectal surgeons to improve the quality of life and survival of patients after treatment. TNT poses limitations or obstacles, such as overtreatment issues in patients with stage I rectal cancer. However, considering the quality-of-life issues in patients with low-lying rectal cancer necessitating a permanent colostomy, the indication for TNT will be expanded. This review summarizes the recently conducted clinical trials and foresees future perspectives on TNT.

Impact of COVID-19 on the care of acute appendicitis:a single-center experience in Korea

Purpose@#Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects healthcare systems worldwide; however, few studies have assessed the impact of COVID-19 on emergent surgical diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the care given to patients with acute appendicitis in Korea. @*Methods@#Between November 2019 and November 2020, 495 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis. The patients were divided into prepandemic and pandemic groups. The baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were compared. @*Results@#The time between admission and surgery was longer in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group (17.6 hours vs. 9 hours, P < 0.001). The operation time was longer (5.8 minutes, P = 0.014), inflammation was more severe (10%, P = 0.036), and more patients visited the emergency room (82.1% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.025) in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications or length of hospital stay between the 2 groups. After propensity score matching, the time to surgery was delayed (17.3 hours vs. 9 hours, P < 0.001) and more patients visited the emergency room (84.5% vs. 73.3%, P = 0.020) in the pandemic group. @*Conclusion@#In the COVID-19 era, the characteristics of patients with acute appendicitis and inflammation worsened. The time to surgery was delayed due to the requirement for preoperative COVID-19 testing and increased the severity of appendicitis did not affect the perioperative outcomes.

Is Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision and Central Vascular Ligation Really Necessary for All Patients With Right-Sided Colon Cancer?

Colon cancer treatment is on the way to evolution over several decades. The minimally invasive surgery has improved postoperative short-term outcomes. Adjuvant chemotherapy has prolonged the survival of advanced colon cancer patients. Hohenberger proposed the noble concept of complete mesocolic excision (CME) which consists of 3 components: plane surgery, sufficient longitudinal bowel resection, and central vascular ligation (CVL). Mesocolic plane surgery shares the same surgical principle of total mesorectal excision, which is maintaining the intact mesothelial envelope. However, there remain debates about the extent of bowel resection and the level of CVL for maximizing lymph node dissection. There is no solid clinical evidence for the oncological necessity and benefit of extended radical dissection in right hemicolectomy. CME with CVL based on open surgery has been adopted in laparoscopic surgery. So, it is also necessary to look at how the CME could be transformed and successfully implanted in the laparoscopic era. Recent rapid advances in surgical technology and cancer biology are preparing for fundamental changes in cancer surgery. In this study, we reviewed the history, oncological necessity, and compatibility of CME for the right hemicolectomy in the laparoscopic era and outline the new perspectives on the evolution of cancer surgery.

Does surgical smoke matter?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically changed our daily lives and medical practices since it was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Unlike the usual transmission patterns of other viral diseases, the asymptomatic or presymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 has caused difficulties in disease control around the globe. Surgical smoke or fumes may carry viruses.However, there is no evidence that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which causes COVID-19, is transmitted via surgical smoke or fumes. Laparoscopic surgeries should be continued to ensure optimal patient care. This review article aimed to investigate the current evidence relating to COVID-19 in surgical care and to discuss future remedies as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Laparoscopic Hartmann’s Reversal: Application of a Single-Port Approach Through the Colostomy Site

Purpose@#Recently, laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s colostomy was performed with favorable outcomes by many surgeons. We partially applied the concepts of single-port laparoscopic procedure through the colostomy site to remove intraperitoneal adhesion during initial step of the laparoscopic Hartmann’s reversal. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s colostomy with the application of single-port laparoscopic techniques through the colostomy site. @*Methods@#From October 2008 to November 2018, the laparoscopic Hartmann’s reversal was attempted in 20 patients. After colostomy take-downs, the single-port device was installed at the colostomy site and the single-port laparoscopic procedure was performed to remove intraperitoneal adhesions to provide space for additional trocars. After additional trocars were inserted, the descending colon and rectal stump were mobilized, and the colorectal anastomosis was completed. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and analyzed the data to identify the perioperative complication rates as the primary outcome. @*Results@#Of the 20 patients, 3 patients (15.0%) had open conversions due to severe adhesions. Intraoperative small bowel injuries occurred in 2 patients (10.0%) and these were repaired through the colostomy site. Postoperative complications developed in 4 patients (20.0%) and were managed with medical treatments or wound closures under local anesthesia. @*Conclusion@#The single-port laparoscopic procedure through the colostomy site is sufficiently safe in order to complete the Hartmann’s reversal. We recommend that the colostomy site should be used as the access route into the abdominal cavity for the Hartmann’s reversal.

Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer in Korea: Nationwide Data from 2013 to 2018 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

Purpose@#We report nationwide data on the current status of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Korea. @*Materials and Methods@#Nationwide data of patients who underwent surgery for CRC from 2013 to 2018 were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service database. Data and trends of laparoscopy use for colorectal resection over six years were examined. @*Results@#In Korea, a total of 117,320 patients underwent surgical resection for CRC from 2013 to 2018. The proportion of laparoscopic resection increased from 64.9% in 2013 to 78.5% in 2018. The rate of laparoscopic resection for colon cancer increased from 64.7% in 2013 to 77.4% in 2018. For rectal cancer, the rate of laparoscopic resection increased from 65.4% to 81.6%. Males accounted for 59.8% of all patients, but females surpassed males at over 80 years of age. The age of peak incidence was in the 60s for males and in the 70s for females. A steady increase in the number of patients undergoing surgery for CRC was observed over 80 years of age. @*Conclusion@#The laparoscopic penetration rate for CRC in Korea continued to increase annually and reached 78.5% in 2018.

Validation of Korean Version of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score Questionnaire

Purpose@#Patients who undergo radical surgery for rectal cancer often experience low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Symptoms of this syndrome include frequent bowel movements, gas incontinence, fecal incontinence, fragmentation, and urgency. The aim of this study was to investigate the convergent validity, discriminative validity, and reliability of the Korean version of the LARS score questionnaire. @*Methods@#The English LARS score questionnaire was translated into Korean using the forward-and-back translation method. A total of 146 patients who underwent radical surgery for rectal cancer answered the Korean version of the LARS score questionnaire including an anchor question assessing the impact of bowel function. Participants answered the questionnaire once more after 2 weeks. @*Results@#The Korean LARS score questionnaire showed high convergent validity in terms of high correlation between the LARS score and quality of life (perfect fit 55.5% vs. moderate fit 37.6% vs. no fit 6.8%, respectively; P 8 cm; P = 0.021), and radiotherapy (32 for yes vs. 24 for no; P = 0.001). The LARS score also demonstrated high reliability at test-retest with no difference between scores at the first and second tests (intraclass correlation coefficient: Q1 = 0.932; Q2 = 0.909, Q3 = 0.944, Q4 = 0.931, and Q5 = 0.942; P < 0.001, respectively). @*Conclusion@#The Korean version of the LARS score questionnaire has proven to be a valid and reliable tool for measuring LARS in Korean patients with rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic Resection of Presacral Tumor: A New Approach in the Era of the Minimally Invasive Surgery

Presacral tumors are rare; however, once diagnosed, surgical resection is recommended even in asymptomatic patients as there is potential risk for growth or malignant transformation. Many different types of surgical approaches to resect presacral tumors have been reported including posterior, anterior, and combined abdominosacral approaches. With introduction of the minimally invasive approach, laparoscopic or robotic approaches to resect presacral tumors are reported increasingly. We report a case of successful anterior laparoscopic resection for a presacral mass that was incidentally diagnosed during management of pancreatitis.

Complete denture made with closed-mouth impression technique on severely atrophied edentulous jaw / 대한치과보철학회지

At the department of prosthodontics, the elderly patients with severely atrophied alveolar ridge who have been wearing complete dentures for a long period frequently visit the clinic. In general, the open-mouth impression technique for manufacturing a mandibular complete denture to secure primary support on buccal shelf area has been prevalent. In addition, for securing retention and stability of mandibular denture, we should consider diagnosis, oral function, denture border, occlusal plane, teeth arrangement, and patient training, etc.. But in edentulous patients with severe alveolar bone atrophy, it may hardly secure retention and stability of mandibular complete denture. To promote these, some of clinicians are making an attempt manufacturing the mandibular complete dentures using closed-mouth impression technique based on several reports that compare various impression techniques including open-mouth and closed-mouth impression technique. This case report suggests closed-mouth impression technique may promote retention and stability of mandibular complete denture and compares between the two impression techniques clinically.

How to Achieve a Higher Pathologic Complete Response in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Who Receive Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy

The current standard of care for treating patients with locally advanced rectal cancer includes preoperative chemoradiation therapy (PCRT) followed by a total mesorectal excision and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. A subset of these patients has achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR) and they have shown improved disease-free and overall survival compared to non-pCR patients. Thus, many efforts have been made to achieve a higher pCR through PCRT. In this review, results from various ongoing and recently completed clinical trials that are being or have been conducted with an aim to improve tumor response by modifying therapy will be discussed.

Patterns of antibiotics and pathogens for anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgery

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a type of intra-abdominal infection (IAI) which requires appropriate antibiotics with proper intervention. This study aimed to improve the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment by assessing the patterns of antibiotic treatment and resistance of pathogen profiles in patients who had AL after colorectal cancer surgery.METHODS: From June 2006 through December 2017, the medical records of the patients who had AL after elective abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer in Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea were reviewed retrospectively. Baseline characteristics and consistence of antibiotics with culture study results were analyzed to evaluate the appropriateness of treatment.RESULTS: Among 982 patients who underwent primary surgery for colorectal cancer, 41 (4.2%) had AL. Mean time of diagnosis of AL from surgery was 6.3 days. The most commonly used prophylactic antibiotics for the primary surgery was 2nd generation cephalosporin (66.6%). Mean duration of prophylactic antibiotics usage was 2.8 days. The most commonly used empirical antibiotics after AL occurred was piperacillin and tazobactam (32.6%). Mean duration of empirical antibiotics usage was 8.2 days. The most commonly identified pathogens were Escherichia coli and Enterococci spp. (26.8% each), and 12.2% of the “ESKAPE” pathogens were identified. Resistance to empirical antibiotics was 45.5% (10/22).CONCLUSION: Penetration of culture study for AL after colorectal cancer surgery appeared relatively low, although the profile of pathogens isolated from the AL patients can give important clues and evidence for appropriate antibiotics use. Surgeons should pay attention in performing culture studies for IAI including AL for proper patient treatment.

Changing Trend of Rectal Prolapse Surgery in the Era of the Minimally Invasive Surgery

With the life span of the general population increased, rectal prolapse in elderly patients became a major concern in terms of the decision of the treatment modalities and quality of life of patients. Most elderly patients with rectal prolapse in the past received a perineal approach with the fear of general anesthetic complications rather than the abdominal approach. However, improvement in perioperative care in anesthesiology and minimally invasive surgery, the trend of surgical management of rectal prolapse is rapidly changing. Minimally invasive surgery including the laparoscopic and robotic surgeries showed comparable short-term outcomes even in elderly patients. Recently published guidelines also recommended a laparoscopic abdominal approach for the management of rectal prolapse.

Which strategy is better for resectable synchronous liver metastasis from colorectal cancer, simultaneous surgery, or staged surgery? Multicenter retrospective analysis

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment for synchronous liver metastasis (LM) from colorectal cancer (CRC) depends on various factors. The present study was intended to investigate the oncologic outcome according to the time of resection of metastatic lesions. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent treatment with curative intent for primary CRC and synchronous LM between 2004 and 2009 from 9 university hospitals in Korea were collected retrospectively. One hundred forty-three patients underwent simultaneous resection for primary CRC and synchronous LM (simultaneous surgery group), and 65 patients were treated by 2-stage operation (staged surgery group). RESULTS: The mean follow-up length was 41.2 ± 24.6 months. In the extent of resection for hepatic metastasis, major hepatectomy was more frequently performed in staged surgery group (33.8% vs. 8.4%, P < 0.001). The rate of severe complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or more was not significantly different between the 2 groups. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate was 85.0% in staged surgery group and 69.4% in simultaneous surgery group (P = 0.013), and the 3-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was 46.4% in staged surgery group and 30.2% in simultaneous surgery group (P = 0.143). In subgroup analysis based on the location of primary CRC, the benefit of staged surgery for OS and RFS was clearly shown in rectal cancer (P = 0.021 and P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Based on our results, staged surgery with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy should be considered for resectable synchronous LM from CRC, especially in rectal cancer, as a safe and fairly promising option.

Postoperative Outcomes of Stoma Takedown: Results of Long-term Follow-up

PURPOSE: Stoma takedown is a frequently performed procedure with considerable postoperative morbidities. Various skin closure techniques have been introduced to reduce surgical site infections. The aim of this study was to assess postoperative outcomes after stoma takedown during a long-term follow-up period. METHODS: Between October 2006 and December 2015, 84 consecutive patients underwent a colostomy or ileostomy takedown at our institution. Baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed through retrospective reviews of medical records. RESULTS: The proportion of male patients was 60.7%, and the mean age of the patients was 59.0 years. The overall complication rate was 28.6%, with the most common complication being prolonged ileus, followed by incisional hernia, anastomotic leakage, surgical site infection, anastomotic stenosis, and entero-cutaneous fistula. The mean follow-up period was 64.3 months. The univariate analysis revealed no risk factors related to overall complications or prolonged ileus. CONCLUSION: The postoperative clinical course and long-term outcomes following stoma takedown were acceptable. Stoma takedown is a procedure that can be performed safely.

Korean physicians' policies for postoperative surveillance of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We explored Korean physicians’ policies for surveillance of colorectal cancer (CRC) after curative surgery. METHODS: Web-based self-report questionnaires were developed. Invitations to participate were emailed to physicians who diagnosed and treated CRC from October 1 to November 15, 2015. The questionnaire consisted of the role doctors played in the surveillance, examination of surveillance, and duration of postoperative surveillance according to CRC stage or primary site of the cancer. RESULTS: Ninety-one physicians participated in the online survey, and 78 completed the survey. Sixty-seven participants (13%) answered “up to 5 years” for stage I surveillance duration; and 11 (13%) responded with a duration of > 5 years for stage I. A total of 61 (75%) responded with a surveillance duration of up to 5 years for stage II; and 19 (24%) responded with a duration of > 5 years for stage II. Sixty-seven (97%) and 61 (91%) physicians monitored patients with stage II/III every 3 or 6 months by laboratory examination and by abdominopelvic computed tomography scan for the first year, respectively. A total of 43 (53%) responded with a surveillance duration of up to 5 years for stage IV; and 46 (46%) responded with a duration of > 5 years for stage IV after curative resection. CONCLUSIONS: Korean physicians mostly followed up CRC using intensive postoperative surveillance. In preference to monitoring over a comparatively shorter period of time, the physicians tended to prefer monitoring patients post-operatively over a > 5 year period, particularly in cases of advanced-stage CRC.

Impact of Adjuvant Therapy Type on Survival in Stage II/III Rectal Cancer Without Preoperative Chemoradiation: A Korean Multicenter Retrospective Study

PURPOSE: This study compared the oncologic impact of postoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy on patients with rectal cancer without preoperative chemoradiation. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed 713 patients with a mean follow-up of 58 months who had undergone radical resection for stage II/III rectal cancer without preoperative treatment in nine hospitals from January 2004 to December 2009. The study population was categorized a chemotherapy group (CG, n = 460) and a chemoradiotherapy group (CRG, n = 253). Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed, and independent factors predicting survival were identified. RESULTS: The patients in the CRG were significantly younger (P < 0.001) and had greater incidences of low rectal cancer (P < 0.001) and stage III disease (P < 0.001). Five-year OS (P = 0.024) and DFS (P = 0.012) were significantly higher in the CG for stage II disease; however, they were not significantly different for stage III disease. In the multivariate analysis, independent predictive factors were male sex, low rectal cancer and stage III disease for OS and male sex, abdominoperineal resection, stage III disease and tumor-positive circumferential margin for DFS. However, adjuvant therapy type did not independently affect OS (hazard ratio [HR], 1.243; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.794–1.945; P = 0.341) and DFS (HR, 1.091; 95% CI, 0.810–1.470; P = 0.566). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant therapy type did not affect survival of stage II/III rectal cancer patients without neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. These results suggest that adjuvant therapy can be chosen based on the patient’s condition and the policies of the surgeons and hospital facilities.

Feasibility of Emergency Laparoscopic Reoperations for Complications after Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery (LS) is an alternative to colorectal cancer surgery. Little evidence supports LS for emergency reoperation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to assess perioperative outcomes of LS as an emergency reoperation for early complications after LS for colorectal cancer. METHODS: From June 2006 through December 2016, 732 consecutive patients underwent elective LS for colorectal cancer at Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Among these patients, we retrospectively reviewed data on those who received emergency laparoscopic reoperations for complications within 30 days after surgery. Variables associated with perioperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: After exclusion of 50 patients (6.8%) who needed conversion to open surgery during LS, 79 of 682 patients (11.6%) received reoperation for complications, recurrence, and other benign diseases. Among them, 22 patients underwent emergency laparoscopic reoperation for early complications. Mean age of the patients was 62 years, and most underwent low anterior resection as a primary operation (n=17, 77.3%). Anastomotic leakage was the most common reason for reoperation (n=14, 63.6%). Postoperative complication occurred in 6 patients (27.3%), but none required further surgical intervention. Patients had first bowel movements at 2.8 days after reoperation, and length of hospital stay was 17.2 days after reoperation. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic reoperation showed acceptable outcomes. LS as a reoperation for complications seemed to be feasible after LS for colorectal cancer.

A New Beginning for the Journal of Minimally Invasive Surgery for the International Recognition and Contribution of Scientific Development of Minimally Invasive Surgery

No abstract available.

Experiencing Transanal TME with a Cadaveric Model

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is known to be a novel surgical approach for patients who are difficult to resolve with the traditional trans-abdominal approach. However, most of the colorectal surgeons are unfamiliar with the technique, which can lead to serious complications such as urethral injury. Hence, training through the fresh frozen cadaver has been gradually included in the formal taTME training course. The authors trained the taTME procedure with two cadavers in 2016. Two surgeons who were experts in trans-anal minimally invasive surgery and had minimal experiences in taTME performed the procedure. The total procedure time from the purse string suture to the anterior communication took about 65 minutes. The procedure proceeded well without any inadvertent injury to anatomic structures. The usefulness of the cadaveric model in training taTME was confirmed and the experience of single port surgery and trans-anal operation before the cadaveric training is considered to be important.

Small bowel obstruction caused by cryptorchidism in an adult

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common complication after abdominal surgery, and can occur due to many reasons. However, cryptorchidism can cause SBO in patients with no history of abdominal surgery. We report the case of a 67-year-old man with SBO caused by adhesions between an undescended testis and the terminal ileum.