Ghost ileostomy release down: our initial experience

Background: Many publications describe the advantages of the creation of ghost ileostomy (GI) to prevent the need for formal covering ileostomy in more than 80% of carcinoma rectum patients. However, none of the papers describes exactly how to ultimately remove the GI in these 80% of patients in whom it doesn't need formal maturation. Aim: To describe and evaluate the ghost ileostomy release down (GIRD) technique in terms of feasibility, complications, hospital stay, procedure time etc. in patients with low anterior resection/ultra-low anterior resection (LAR/uLAR) with GI for carcinoma rectum. Method: The present was a prospective cohort study of patients with restorative colorectal resections with GI for carcinoma rectum, Postoperatively the patients were studied with respect to ease and feasibility of the release down of GI and its complications. The data was collected, analyzed and inference drawn. Results: A total of 26 patients needed the GIRD and were included in the final statistical analysis of the study. The procedure was done between 7th to 16th postoperative days (POD) and was successful in all patients without the need of any additional surgical procedure. None of the patients required any local anesthetic injection or any extra analgesics. The average time taken for procedure was 5-minutes and none of the patients had any significant difficulty in GI release. There were no immediate postprocedure complications. Conclusion: The GIRD technique is a simple, safe, and quick procedure done around the 10th POD that can easily be performed by the bedside of patient without the need of any anesthesia or additional analgesics. (AU)

Internal hernia after laparoscopic left colectomy: case series and review of the literature

Objective: Laparoscopic colectomy has gained acceptance as a standard treatment for benign and malignant colorectal disease, such as diverticular disease and cancer, among others. Same as in open surgery, the laparoscopic approach carries a low risk of small bowel obstruction in the postoperative period, but in laparoscopic surgery, internal hernia after laparoscopic left colectomy may be a cause of small bowel obstruction with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. This rare complication may be prevented with routine closure of the mesenteric defects created during the colectomy. Methods: We present four cases of internal herniation after laparoscopic colectomy. Two cases were after laparoscopic left colectomy and two after laparoscopic low anterior resection. All four cases had full splenic flexure mobilization. Routine closure of the mesenteric defect was not performed in the initial surgery. Results: The four patients were treated by laparoscopic reintervention with closure of the mesenteric defect. In two of them, conversion to open surgery was necessary. One of the patients developed recurrent internal herniation after surgical reintervention with mesenteric closure of the defect. All patients were managed without need for bowel resection, and mortality rate was 0%. Conclusion Internal herniation after laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a highly morbid complication that requires prompt diagnosis and management and should be suspected in the early postoperative period. Additional studies with extended follow-up are required to establish recommendations regarding its prevention and management. (AU)

Quality of life of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy and sphincter-preserving surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate quality of life (QoL) of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who underwent low anterior resection with protective stoma under neoadjuvant therapy mode, and to explore the changes of QoL of patients from before neoadjuvant therapy to 12 months after stoma reversal. Methods: A descriptive case series study was carried out. A retrospective study was performed on patients with mid and low LARC who received complete neoadjuvant long course radiotherapy and chemotherapy, followed by radical low anterior resection (LAR) combined with protective stoma at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from December 2017 to January 2020. Inclusion criteria: (1) patients with rectal MRI assessment of mT3-4b or mN1-2 without distant metastasis (M0) before neoadjuvant therapy; (2) distance from tumor lower margin to the anal verge <12 cm; (3) rectal adenocarcinoma confirmed by biopsy before neoadjuvant therapy; (4) complete cycle of neoadjuvant therapy; (5) patients undergoing radical LAR with sphincter preservation and protective ostomy; (6) patients receiving follow-up for more than 12 months after stoma reversal. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients as grade Ⅳ to Ⅴclassified by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA); (2) patients with multiple primary colorectal cancer; (3) patients with history of other malignant tumors in the past 5 years; (4) patients of emergency surgery; (5) pregnant or lactating women; (6) patients with history of severe mental illness; (7) patients with contraindication of MRI, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgical treatment. A total of 83 patients were enrolled, including 51 males and 28 females with median age of 59 years and mean BMI of (24.4±3.1) kg/m(2). EORTC QLQ-CR29, international erectile function index (IIEF), Wexner constipation score and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score were applied to investigate the QoL of the patients before neoadjuvant therapy, 3 and 12 months after ostomy reversal, including rectal anal function and sexual function. M (P25, P75) was used for the scores of the scale. Results: (1) EORTC QLQ-CR29 score showed that before neoadjuvant therapy, before surgery, 3 months and 12 months after ostomy reversal, anxiety [64.4 (52, 0, 82.5), 75.3 (66.0, 89.5), 82.6 (78.5, 90.0), 83.6 (78.0, 91.0)] and concern about body image [76.8 (66.0, 92.0), 81.1 (76.5, 91.5), 85.5 (82.5, 94.0), 86.1 (82.0, 92.0)] were improved (all P<0.01); pelvic pain [5.4 (2.0, 8.0), 5, 0 (2.0, 7.8), 3.9 (1.0, 5.0), 3.0 (1.0, 5.0)], urinary incontinence [15.7 (7.0, 22.0), 11.1 (0, 17.5), 10.0 (0, 17.0), 9.9 (0, 16.0)], impotence [14.3 (4.2, 19.0), 12.2 (0, 16.8), 5.6 (0, 10.0), 5.2 (0.2, 8.0)], urinate [26.4 (13.0, 38.5), 13.9 (0, 20.0), 13.4 (2.5, 21.5), 13.2 (2.0, 20.0)] and mucous bloody stool [4.7 (3.0, 6.0), 2.6 (0, 5.0), 2.2 (0, 5.0), 1.9 (0, 4.0)] were improved as well (all P<0.01). The scores fluctuated in the improvement of male sexual function, abdominal pain, dry mouth, worry about body mass change, skin pain and dyspareunia, but the symptoms were significantly improved after ostomy reversal compared with before neoadjuvant therapy (all P<0.05). There were no significant changes in female sexual function, dysuria, dysgeusia and fecal incontinence after ostomy reversal compared with before neoadjuvant therapy (all P>0.05). (2) IIEF scale showed that all scores were similar before and after neoadjuvant therapy (all P>0.05). (3) Rectal and anal function scale revealed that before neoadjuvant therapy, before operation, 3 months and 12 months after stoma reversal, gas incontinence [3.1 (0, 4.0), 2.3 (0, 4.0), 1.8 (0, 4.0), 1.2 (0, 3.0)] and urgent defecation [7.2 (0, 11.0), 5.2 (0, 11.0), 2.9 (0, 9.0), 1.7 (0, 0)] were improved (all P<0.001). In terms of improving incomplete emptying sensation, the symptoms fluctuated, but the symptoms improved significantly after ostomy reversal compared with before neoadjuvant therapy (all P<0.05). While the symptoms of assistance with defecation [0 (0, 0), 0.7 (0, 1.0), 0.6 (0, 1.0), 0.7 (0, 1.0)] and defecation failure [0.2 (0, 0), 1.0 (0, 2.0), 0.8 (0, 1.5), 0.8 (0, 1.0)] showed a worsening trend (all P<0.001). Stratified analysis was performed on patients with different efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy to compare the changes in QoL before and after neoadjuvant therapy. Patients with less sensitive and more sensitive neoadjuvant therapy showed similar changes in function and symptoms. Patients with less sensitive therapy showed significant improvement in dysuria, urinary incontinence, skin pain and dyspareunia (all P<0.05), and the symptom of defecation frequency in more sensitive patients was significantly improved (P<0.05). Conclusions: For patients with LARC, neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy combined with radical LAR and protective stoma can improve QoL in many aspects. It is noted that patients show a worsening trend in the need for assistance with defecation and in defecation failure.

Disfunción ileostómica en pacientes sometidos a resección anterior baja por un cáncer del recto luego de neoadyuvancia / Ileostomic dysfunction in patients undergoing low anterior resection for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant treatment

Resumen Introducción: La resección anterior baja protegida con una ileostomía en asa (IA) luego de neoadyuvancia es el tratamiento estándar del cáncer del recto bajo localmente avanzado. Objetivos: Investigar la incidencia, características clínicas de la disfunción ileostómica (DI) en estos pacientes y, eventualmente, definir un perfil de riesgo. Materiales y Método: Se analizan 103 pacientes consecutivos. La DI se define como la eliminación por la ileostomía de más de 1,5 litros por día durante 3 o más días consecutivos asociado a distensión y dolor abdominal con intolerancia a la alimentación oral en ausencia de una complicación intraabdominal Clavien-Dindo grado III o mayor. Se comparan el grupo con DI del resto (no DI). Resultados: La DI se presentó en el 14,5% de los casos, se resolvió entre 12 y 70 días (en el 50% superó los 30 días), la tasa de reingreso fue 27% y no hubo reoperaciones en este grupo. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos salvo en el tiempo de hospitalizarán y la tasa de reingresos. Discusión: La DI corresponde a un tipo de íleo posoperatorio de gravedad y duración variable que paradojalmente se asocia con la eliminación de altos volúmenes de contenido intestinal por la IA, requiere aporte vigoroso de volumen y electrolitos y en los casos más graves apoyo con nutrición parenteral. El cuadro revierte en plazos variables con manejo conservador. En este estudio no se ha logrado definir un perfil del paciente en riesgo de sufrir esta complicación o factores predictivos de ella.

Background: Diverting loop ileostomy (LI) is commonly performed to protect a distal anastomosis after a low anterior resection. Aim: To investigate the frecuency and clinical features of ileostomic dysfunction (ID) and, eventually, to define a profile of patients at risk of this complicaction. Materials and Method: 103 consecutive patients operated on for rectal cancer were included. ID is defined when the maxime output was more than 1,5 lt/day for three or more consecutive days with biochemical disturbances, associated to abdominal distension and the inability to tolerate oral feeding without postoperative severe complication. Patients with ID were compared with noID group. Results: ID developed in 15 patients, lasting between 12 and 70 days (50% for more then 30 days), the readmission rate was 27% without reoperation in this group. Except for inhospital time and readmission rate, no other difference between both groups were founded. Discussion: ID is a kind of paralitic ileus of variable intensity with paradox high output ileostomy leading to depletion of water and electrolyte imbalance. ID requires reposition of high volumen of fluids and electrolytes and sometimes parenteral nutrition with full recovery in variable periods without invasive treatment. In this study it was not possible to define a patient profile at risk or predictive factores of this complication.

Role of covering Ileostomy in causation of anastomotic strictures in low anterior resections for rectum carcinoma / O papel da ileostomia de proteção como causa das estenoses anastomóticas nas ressecções anteriores de reto

Abstract Background Colorectal resection anastomosis is the commonest cause of rectal strictures. Anastomotic site ischemia, incomplete doughnuts from stapled anastomosis and pelvic infection, are some of the risk factors that play a role in the development of postoperative rectal strictures. However, the role of diverting stoma in the development of rectal strictures has not been studied extensively. Objectives To study the difference in the occurrence of anastomotic strictures (AS) in patients submitted to low anterior resection (LAR) with covering ileostomy (CI), and to LAR without CI for carcinoma rectum. Methods This was a prospective, comparative case control study carried out at a tertiary care referral center. Low anterior resection with covering ileostomy was performed in patients with rectum carcinoma in the study group, while LAR without covering ileostomy was performed in the control group. The study group had 29 patients, while the control group had 33 patients with rectum carcinoma. Results During themean follow-up period of 9.1months, 8 (28%) patients in the study group and 2 (6%) patients in the control group developed AS (p =0.019). Out of these 8 patients with AS in the study group, 50% had Grade-I AS, 25% had Grade-II AS, while 25% of the patients had Grade-III (severe) AS. However, both patients who developed AS in the control group had a mild type (Grade I) of AS. Conclusion Covering ileostomy increases the chances of AS formation after LAR for rectum carcinoma. Also, the SKIMS Clinical Grading of Rectal Strictures is a simple and

Resumo Introdução A anastomose de ressecção colorretal é a causa mais comum de estenoses retais. A isquemia do local da anastomose, donuts (anéis) incompletos de anastomose grampeada e infecção pélvica são alguns dos fatores de risco que desempenham um papel no desenvolvimento de estenoses retais pós-operatórias. No entanto, o papel do estoma de desvio no desenvolvimento de estenoses retais não foi estudado extensivamente. Objetivos Estudar a diferença na ocorrência de estenoses anastomóticas (EA) em pacientes submetidos à ressecção anterior baixa (LAR) com ileostomia de proteção e a LAR sem ileostomia de proteção para carcinoma de reto. Métodos Este foi um estudo prospectivo e comparativo de caso-controle realizado em um centro de referência de atenção terciária. A ressecção anterior baixa com ileostomia de proteção foi realizada em pacientes com carcinoma de reto no grupo de estudo, enquanto LAR sem ileostomia de proteção foi realizada no grupo controle. O grupo de estudo tinha 29 pacientes, enquanto o grupo controle tinha 33 pacientes com carcinoma de reto. Resultados Durante o período de acompanhamento médio de 9, 1 meses, 8 (28%) pacientes no grupo de estudo e 2 (6%) pacientes no grupo controle desenvolveram EA (p=0,019). Destes 8 pacientes com EA no grupo de estudo, 50% tinham EA de Grau I, 25% tinhamEA de Grau II, enquanto 25% dos pacientes tinham EA de Grau III (grave). No entanto, ambos os pacientes que desenvolveram EA no grupo de controle tinham um tipo leve (Grau I) de EA. Conclusão A ileostomia de proteção aumenta as chances de formação de AS após LAR para carcinoma de reto. Além disso, o SKIMS Clinical Grading of Rectal Strictures é uma ferramenta simples e útil disponível para cada cirurgião para graduar, classificar e monitorar as estenoses retais pós-operatórias.

Síndrome de resección anterior baja y su relación con la calidad de vida: aplicación de cuestionario EuroQol-5 / Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life: application of EuroQol-5 questionnaire

Resumen Introducción: Las cirugías con preservación de esfínter tienen como consecuencia el desarrollo de una disfunción defecatoria con diferentes grados, la cual es conocida como síndrome de resección anterior baja (LARS) y es medida con el cuestionario LARS Score. Objetivo: Determinar la asociación del cuestionario EuroQol-5 (calidad de vida) con los diferentes grados de LARS Score. Materiales y Método: Estudio de tipo transversal, aplicando el cuestionario LARS Score y EuroQol-5 a pacientes operados por cáncer de recto medio y bajo, durante el periodo 2004-2017. Se realiza análisis demográfico y del tipo de cirugía. Para determinar asociaciones entre variables se utilizan diferentes pruebas estadísticas, considerando significativo un valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: Se encuestó a 54 pacientes, 62,16% hombres, promedio de edad 58,44 años, el 37,03% presentó LARS Mayor. Los índices promedio de calidad de vida para pacientes No LARS es 0,75, para LARS Menor es 0,69 y para LARS Mayor es 0,61, la diferencia entre índices presenta un valor p = 0,246. 46,3% presenta problemas en actividades habituales. LARS Mayor presenta un Odd-Ratio de 3,8 y 4,7 para dolor/malestar y angustia/depresión respectivamente. 70% de los pacientes con LARS Mayor presentaron resección total del mesorrecto (TME) y el 45% corresponde a menores de 65 años. Discusión: No existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los índices de calidad de vida según LARS Score. LARS Mayor tiene mayor posibilidad de desarrollar algún grado de dolor/malestar y angustia/depresión. El porcentaje de LARS Mayor es acorde a lo publicado y la TME es uno de los factores de mayor impacto en el desarrollo de LARS. Conclusiones: El LARS Score se relaciona de manera no significativa con el índice de calidad de vida entregado por el cuestionario EuroQol-5D, existiendo una tendencia a disminuir la calidad de vida a medida que empeora el LARS.

Introduction: Sphincter-sparing surgeries result in the development of a defecatory dysfunction with different degrees, which is known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and is measured with the LARS Score questionnaire. Objective: To determine the association of the EuroQol-5 questionnaire with the different degrees of LARS Score. Materials and Method: Crosssectional study, applying the LARS Score and EuroQol-5 questionnaire to patients operated with low and middle rectal cancer, during the period 2004-2017. Demographic analysis and type of surgery are performed. Different statistical tests are used to determine associations between variables, considering a significant p value < 0.05. Results: 54 patients were surveyed, 62.16% men, mean age 58.44 years, 37.03% presented Mayor-LARS. The average quality of life indices for Non-LARS patients is 0.75, for Minor-LARS is 0.69 and for Mayor-LARS is 0.61, the difference between indices presents a p value = 0.246. 46.3% present problems in habitual activities. LARS Mayor presents an Odd-Ratio of 3.8 and 4.7 for pain/discomfort and anguish/depression respectively. 70% of patients with LARS Mayor presented SMT and 45% corresponded to those under 65 years of age. Discussion: There is no statistically significant difference between the quality of life indices according to the LARS Score. Mayor-LARS is more likely to develop some degree of Pain/Discomfort and anguish/depression. The percentage of Mayor-LARS is according to what has been published and the TME is one of the factors with the greatest impact on the development of LARS. Conclusion: The LARS Score is non-significantly related to the quality of life index provided by the EuroQol-5D questionnaire, and there is a tendency to decrease quality of life as the LARS worsens.

Síndrome de resección anterior baja en pacientes con cáncer de recto medio e inferior ¿Qué más podemos hacer? / Low anterior resection syndrome in patients with medium and low rectal cancer. What else can we do?

Resumen Durante las últimas décadas los avances en técnicas quirúrgicas, radioterapia y quimioterapia han logrado de forma significativa aumentar la sobrevida y disminuir la recidiva local en el cáncer de recto evitando una colostomía definitiva; sin embargo, este trascendental progreso médico no ha ido acompañado de una mejoría en los resultados funcionales de los pacientes sometidos a una cirugía conservadora de esfínter, siendo el conjunto de síntomas defecatorios posterior a la resección rectal, conocido como síndrome de resección anterior baja (LARS), una secuela prácticamente inevitable, que generalmente se asocia a disfunción sexual, urinaria, dolor crónico, altos costos en rehabilitación y control sintomático, además de una alteración importante en la calidad de vida. En este artículo presentamos una revisión completa y actualizada de las características clínicas y alternativas de tratamiento del LARS, finalizando con una propuesta de manejo integral multidisciplinario que destaca la importancia de la prehabilitación, evaluación objetiva de los síntomas, educación e información adecuada del paciente y su familia, además del trabajo en equipo en unidades especializadas de rehabilitación de piso pélvico, requisito fundamental a la hora de manejar adecuadamente esta patología.

During the last decades, advances in surgical techniques, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have significantly increased survival and reduced local recurrence in rectal cancer, avoiding a definitive colostomy. However, this transcendental medical progress has not been accompanied by an improvement in the functional results of patients after sphincter-preserving rectal resection, being the set of defecatory symptoms after rectal resection, known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), a practically inevitable sequel, which is usually associated with sexual or urinary dysfunction, chronic pain, high costs and an important alteration in the quality of life. In this article, we will present a complete and updated review of the clinical and alternative characteristics of LARS treatment, ending with a proposal for multidisciplinary and integral management that highlights the importance of prehabilitation, objective evaluation of symptoms, education and adequate information of the patient and his family, in addition to teamwork in units specialized in pelvic floor rehabilitation, a fundamental requirement when properly managing this pathology.

Effect of peritoneum reconstruction on postoperative complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To determine the effect of peritoneum reconstruction on postoperative complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. Methods: Retrospective cohort study and propensity score matching were conducted. Case inclusion criteria: (1) pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma; (2) 18 to 80 years; (3) patients with middle to low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic LAR; (4) patients staging cT1-4aN0-2M0 or ycT1-4aN0-2M0 after neoadjuvant therapy; (5) the distance of 4-10 cm from tumor low margin to anal verge. Exclusion criteria: (1) abdominal surgery history (except appendicitis, cholecystitis, ectopic pregnancy); (2) anastomosis above the peritoneal reflection; (3) tumor distant metastasis or clinical staging of T4b during surgery; (4) conversion to open surgery; (5) severe incapacitating disease (American Society of Anesthesiologists classification IV or V, ASA). A total of 666 patients with middle to low rectal cancer undergoing laparoscopic LAR in The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from January 2017 to June 2020 were enrolled. There were 473 males and 193 females with the median age of 59 (18-80) years. Laparoscopic LAR with peritoneum reconstruction was performed in 188 cases (PR group), and laparoscopic LAR without peritoneum reconstruction was performed in 478 cases (NPR group). After 1:1 propensity score matching according to 1:1 based on age, gender, body mass index, TNM staging, ASA classification, intraoperative blood loss, distance from tumor low margin to anal edge, 153 cases were included in each group. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification. Anastomotic leakage was defined and graded according to the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISGRC) criteria. Results: After propensity score matching, there were no significant differences in baseline demographic characteristics between the 2 groups (all P>0.05), indicating that these two groups were comparable. (1) Operative conditions: All the patients in both groups completed operation successfully. Compared with the NPR group, the PR group had longer operation time [(181.3±60.3) minutes vs. (168.9±51.5) minutes, t=2.185, P=0.029], shorter postoperative median hospital stay [8 (7, 10) days vs. 9 (7, 11) days, Z=-2.282, P=0.022], and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). (2) Postoperative complications: The overall morbidity of postoperative complication in PR group and NPR group was 20.3% (31/153) and 24.2% (37/153) respectively, and the incidence of anastomotic leakage was 9.8% (15/153) and 11.1%(17/153) respectively, whose differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Compared with NPR group, PR group had lower morbidity of grade III to IV complications [3.9% (6/153) vs. 11.1% (17/153), χ(2)=5.688, P=0.017] and lower secondary operation rate [1.3% (2/153) vs. 5.9% (9/153), χ(2)=4.621, P=0.032], the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05). Though PR group had lower incidence of grade C anastomoic leakage [1.3% (2/153) vs. 3.9% (6/153), χ(2)=2.054, P=0.152], but the differences were not statistically significant. (3) Postoperative inflammation: The difference of the procalcitonin level of both PR and NPR groups at postoperative 1-d, 3-d, and 5-d was statistically significant (F=5.222, P=0.010) in time-dependent manner, while the difference was not significant in the interaction effect (P>0.05). No statistically significant differences in the C-reactive protein level between two groups at postoperative 1-d, 3-d, and 5-d were found (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Peritoneum reconstruction in laparoscopic LAR can decrease the morbidity of postoperative complication of grade III to IV and the reoperation rate, and plays an important role in controlling the inflammatory reaction, which has great clinical value.

Research progress of different bowel reconstructions for postoperative functional protection during low anterior resections of rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Straight coloanal anastomosis (SCA), colonic J-pouch anastomosis (CJP), transverse coloplasty pouch anastomosis (TCP), and side-to-end anastomosis (SEA) are the most commonly used procedures of bowel reconstructions in the low anterior resections (LAR) of rectal cancer. Different bowel reconstruction procedures greatly affect postoperative bowel function, urinary function and sexual function. SCA is the most traditional procedure. CJP has been studied extensively and well-developed reconstruction method; however, recent studies have shown that CJP has the highest morbidity of complications, so the clinical application of CJP is limited. SEA is not inferior to CJP and SCA in the short-term and long-term defecation function, urination function, and sexual function, with reliable operational safety, so it is expected to become an alternative to SCA and CJP. The research on TCP is lacking, but there are some related clinical trials currently underway, and the results are worth expecting. The improvement and innovation of bowel reconstructions provide a bright prospect for better functional prognosis in patients with rectal cancer.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Treatment on TRG, Surgical Complications and LARS in Patients with Rectal Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the effects of different neoadjuvant treatments on tumor regression, surgical complications and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) in patients with rectal cancer. Methods We included 127 patients with rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant treatments, and they were divided into long-term concurrent chemoradiotherapy group (n=42), short-term radiotherapy+chemotherapy group (n=39) and chemotherapy group (n=46). The pathological results, clinical data and follow-up results were collected. The factors that may affect tumor regression, surgical complications and low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery were statistically analyzed and concluded. Results The pCR rates were 28.51%, 10.3% and 8.6% in long-term concurrent chemoradiotherapy group, short-term radiotherapy+chemotherapy group and chemotherapy group, respectively. There were 14 (33.33%), 9 (23.07%) and 10 (21.74%) patients with perioperative complications in three groups, respectively. A total of 91 patients were enrolled in the LARS study. There were 49 (53.84%) cases with LARS symptoms, including 17 (18.68%) cases with severe LARS. In three groups, there were 27 cases (including 13 cases of severe LARS), 12 cases (including 2 cases of severe LARS) and 9 cases (including 2 cases of severe LARS) of LARS symptoms, respectively. Conclusion Three neoadjuvant treatments have good surgical safety. Long-term concurrent chemoradiotherapy and short-term radiotherapy+chemotherapy have advantages in tumor regression, but the former is more likely to cause LARS symptoms and affect the quality of life.Comprehensive consideration is needed in the choice of clinical treatments.

Perianastomotic cyst following rectosigmoidectomy due to adenocarcinoma of the proximal rectum: a case report / Cisto perianastomótico pós-retossigmoidectomia por adenocarcinoma dereto alto: relato de caso

ABSTRACT The implantation cyst occurs from the imprisonment and subsequent proliferation of the colonic mucosa below the submucosa during mechanical stapling. The understanding and definition of the evaluation protocol of these lesions is important, since they can generate the need for a new complex surgical procedure and cause anxiety in patients and surgeons. This case reports the occurrence of a subepithelial lesion in follow-up imaging of a patient who underwent videolaparoscopic rectosigmoidectomy for adenocarcinoma of the proximal rectum, submitted to an endoscopic attempt to drain/detangle the lesion and subsequent histopathological analysis showing colic mucosa without changes. In line with Katsumata,it is suggested to asymptomatic patients without alteration of the CEA or suspicious imaging signs a follow up with periodic imaging methods. For symptomatic patients with normal CEA, or whose lesions are growing at follow-up exams, it is suggested to continue with the investigation, with biopsy and/or effluent sample for histopathological study in addition to an attempt at symptomatic resolution. Finally, in the presence of an alteration in CEA, despite symptoms, it is suggested that the lesion be managed as a suspected local tumor recurrence.

RESUMO O cisto de implantação ocorre a partir do aprisionamento e subsequente proliferação da mucosa colônica abaixo da submucosa durante o grampeamento mecânico. A compreensão e definição do protocolo de avaliação dessas lesões é importante, pois podem gerar a necessidade de um novo procedimento cirúrgico complexo e causar ansiedade em pacientes e cirurgiões. Este caso relata a ocorrência de uma lesão sub-epitelial na imagem de seguimento de um paciente submetido à retossigmoidectomia por via videolaparoscópica devido a adenocarcinoma do reto proximal, submetido a uma tentativa endoscópica de drenar/remover a lesão e subsequente análise histopatológica mostrando a mucosa cólica sem alterações. De acordo com Katsumata, sugere-se que pacientes assintomáticos sem alteração do CEA ou sinais de imagem suspeitos tenham um seguimento com métodos de imagem periódicos. Para pacientes sintomáticos com CEA normal, ou cujas lesões mostrem crescimento nos exames de seguimento, sugere-se continuar a investigação, com biópsia e / ou amostra de efluente para estudo histopatológico, além de uma tentativa de resolução sintomática. Finalmente, na presença de uma alteração no CEA, apesar dos sintomas, sugere-se que a lesão seja tratada como uma suspeita de recorrência local do tumor.

Síndrome de la resección anterior baja: un alto precio del tratamiento del cáncer de recto / Low anterior resection syndrome: a high cost of rectal cancer treatment

En los últimos 30 años el tratamiento del cáncer del recto ha mejorado significativamente gracias al manejo multidisciplinario y a la introducción del concepto de resección total del mesorrecto (RTM), logrando disminuir las tasas de recidiva local y aumentar la sobrevida. Si bien los avances oncológicos y técnicos en términos de tasas de conservación del esfínter anal son innegables, las secuelas funcionales son significativas, especialmente las relacionadas a la función intestinal, sexual y urinaria. Hasta un 90% de los pacientes sometidos a una RTM refiere secuelas intestinales cuyos síntomas se conocen como el síndrome de la resección anterior baja (SRAB). Recientemente se han diseñado sistemas de valoración específicos que han evidenciado su alta incidencia y prevalencia. En esta revisión se entrega una mirada actualizada de la fisiopatología, factores de riesgo, formas de presentación, evaluación clínica y las distintas alternativas de prevención y tratamiento del SRAB.

In the last 30 years, oncologic outcomes of rectal cancer treatment have been significantly improved due to multimodal management and the introduction of the concept of total mesorectum excision. Although the improvements in oncological treatment and surgical techniques are undeniable, multimodal treatment results in the onset of disorders of the intestinal, sexual and urinary function in a high proportion of these patients. Up to 90% of patients undergoing a low anterior resection refer bowel disorders such as fecal incontinence, urgency, increased frequency and fragmentation of defecation. These elements are included in an entity known as the low anterior resection syndrome and specific assessment tools have been designed recently, evidencing the high incidence and prevalence of this syndrome. In the present review, we update the pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, evaluation and the alternatives of prevention and treatment of low anterior resection syndrome.

Validation of Portuguese version of the low anterior resection syndrome score / Validação da versão em português do escore da síndrome da ressecção anterior baixa

ABSTRACT Objective: The authors aim to perform a thorough translation with cultural adaptation of the patient reported outcome tool, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) Score, to the Portuguese language (LARS-PT) in the Portuguese population with rectal cancer, after proctectomy with anastomosis. Methods: According to the current international recommendations, we designed this study encompassing three main phases: (i) cultural and linguistic validation to European Portuguese; (ii) feasibility and reliability tests of the version obtained in the previous phase; and (iii) validity tests to produce a final version. The questionnaire was completed by 154 patients from six Portuguese Colorectal Cancer Units, and 58 completed it twice. Results: Portuguese version of LARS score showed high construct validity. Regarding the test-retest, the global Intraclass Correlation showed very strong test-retest reliability. Looking at all five items, only items 3 and 5 present a moderate correlation. LARS score was able to discriminate symptoms showing worse quality of life, in patients submitted to preoperative radio and chemotherapy. Conclusions: LARS questionnaire has been properly translated into European Portuguese, demonstrating high construct validity and reliability. This is a precise, reproducible, simple, clear and user-friendly tool for evaluating bowel function in rectal cancer patients after sphincter saving operation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Os autores pretendem fazer uma tradução minuciosa e culturalmente adaptada para a língua portuguesa do escore da Síndrome de Ressecção Anterior Baixa (Low Anterior Resection Syndrome [LARS]), um instrumento de desfecho relatado pelo paciente, na população portuguesa com câncer retal após proctectomia com anastomose. Métodos: De acordo com as recomendações internacionais atuais, o estudo foi projetado abrangendo três fases principais: (i) validação cultural e linguística para o português europeu; (ii) testes de viabilidade e confiabilidade da versão obtida na fase anterior; e (iii) testes de validade para produzir a versão final. O questionário foi preenchido por 154 pacientes de seis unidades portuguesas de câncer colorretal e 58 pacientes completaram duas vezes. Resultados: A versão em português do escore LARS mostrou alta validade de construto. A correlação intra-classe global apresentou confiabilidade muito forte no teste-reteste. Considerando-se todos os cinco itens, apenas os itens 3 e 5 apresentam uma correlação moderada. O escore LARS foi capaz de discriminar sintomas com pior qualidade de vida em pacientes submetidos a radio- e quimioterapia pré-operatória. Conclusões: O questionário LARS foi traduzido corretamente para o português europeu, demonstrando alta validade de construto e confiabilidade. Trata-se de uma ferramenta precisa, reproduzível, simples, clara e fácil de usar para avaliar a função intestinal em pacientes com câncer retal após operações poupando o esfíncter.

Risk factors analysis of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection of rectal cancer / 国际外科学杂志

Objective To analyze the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection(LAR) for rectal cancer.Methods The retrospective study of 1 336 patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR from Jan.2013 to Dec.2017 in the Department of Colorectal Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was conducted.There were 838 male and 498 female patients.The median age was 62 (53,70) years.Observation indicators:①intraoperative conditions,including the performance of preventive enterostomy,the preservation of left colic artery,the placement of transanal decompression tube;②postoperative conditions,for example,postoperative clinical symptoms and physical examination,postoperative hospital stay.Anastomotic leakage patients were graded according to the grading system of anastomotic leakage following anterior resection of the rectum proposed by the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer in 2010.Measurement data with non-normal distribution were described as median,and comparison between groups was done using Mann-Whitney U test.Ranked data were compared with rank sum test.Comparison of count data between groups were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test.Potential risk factors for anastomotic leakage were further analyzed with multiple logistic regression.Results Anastomotic leakage was noted in 138 (10.4％) of 1 336 patients with 93 patients (7.0％) of Grade B and 46 patients (3.4％) of Grade C respectively.The occurrence of Grade C anastomotic leakage was on the 3th day postoperatively,which was earlier than Grade B anastomotic leakage [5 (3,7) d,Z =2.746,P =0.006].There were significant differences in sex,BMI,placement of transanal decompression tube and tumor location between anastomotic leakage cases and non-anastomotic leakage cases by Chi-squared test (x2 =10.897,9.033,6.343,6.34,Z =-2.380,P ＜0.05).On multiple logistic regression analysis,male sex (OR =1.840,95 ％ CI:1.210-2.799,P =0.004),BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2 (OR =1.573,95 ％ CI:1.088-2.274,P =0.016),placement of transanal decompression tube(OR =2.418,95％ CI:1.196-4.888,P =0.014),middle rectal cancer (OR =1.536,95％ CI:O.836-2.822,P =0.167),low rectal cancer(OR =1.989,95％ CI:1.068-2.822,P =0.03),ultralow rectal cancer (OR =2.908,95％ CI:1.289-6.560,P =0.01) were independent risk factors of anastomotic leakage.Conclusion Male sex,high BMI,placement of transanal decompression tube and low rectal tumor were independent risk factors of anastomotic leakage for patients receiving LAR.

Evaluation of defecation function after laparoscopic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer and influencing factors analysis / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the defecation function of patients with low rectal cancer after laparoscopic-assisted transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME),and analyze the influencing factors.Methods The retrospective case-control study was conducted.The clinicopathological data of 55 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic-assisted TaTME in the First Hospital of Jilin University from May 2017 to December 2018 were collected.There were 39 males and 16 females,aged (60-± 11) years,with a range from 24 to 80 years.Among the 55 patients,21 were in TNM stage Ⅰ,14 were in TNM stage Ⅱ,and 20 were in TNM stage Ⅲ;24 were in pathological stage T1-2 and 31 were in pathological stage T3.Observation indicators:(1) surgical and postoperative conditions;(2) follow-up;(3) analysis of influencing factors for postoperative defecation function.Follow-up was performed using questionnaires by telephone interview to detect the complications at 3 and 6 months after surgery up to June 2019.The measurement data with normal distribution were expressed as Mean± SD,and comparison between groups was done using the t test.Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages,and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression models.Results (1) Surgical and postoperative conditions:55 patients successfully underwent laparoscopic-assisted TaTME without conversion to open surgery.The operation time,volume of intraoperative blood loss,diameter of postoperative pathological specimen,time to urinary catheter removal,distance between the anastomostic stoma and anal verge,and tumor diameter were (246±62) minutes,(69±27) mL,(3.5±0.7) cm,(2.1±0.9) days,(2.4±0.5) cm,and (3.9-± 1.6)cm,respectively.(2) Follow-up:55 patients were followed up at 3 months and 6 months after surgery,and the low anterior resection syndrome questionnaires were completed.Among the 55 patients,35 had low anterior resection syndrome at 3 months after surgery,and 24 had low anterior resection syndrome at 6 months after surgery,showing a significant difference (x2 =4.42,P＜0.05).There was no new onset low anterior resection syndrome in 55 patients after 3 months.(3) Analysis of influencing factors for defecation function:univariate analysis showed that the distance between the anastomotic stoma and anal verge and tumor diameter were influencing factors affecting defecation function of patients at 3 months after surgery (x2 =19.075,8.185,P＜ 0.05).The distance between the anastomotic stoma and anal verge was a influencing factor affecting the defecation function of patients at 6 months after surgery (x2=9.183,P＜0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that the distance between the anastomotic stoma and anal verge ＜ 2 cm,and tumor diameter ＞5 cm were independent risk factors affecting the defecation function of patients at 3 months after surgery (odds ratio =1.135,6.057,95％ confidence interval:1.089-1.323,1.206-30.435,P＜0.05).The distance between the anastomotic stoma and anal verge ＜ 2 cm was an independent risk factor affecting the defecation function of patients at 6 months after surgery (odds ratio =2.724,95％ confidence interval:1.982-3.066,P＜0.05).Conclusions The incidence of low anterior resection syndrome after laparoscopic-assisted TaTME for low rectal cancer is high.Distance between the anastomotic stoma and anal verge and tumor diameter are independent risk factors for the postoperative defecation founction.

Anastomotic Sinus That Developed From Leakage After a Rectal Cancer Resection: Should We Wait for Closure of the Stoma Until the Complete Resolution of the Sinus?

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to identify the clinical characteristics of an anastomotic sinus and to assess the validity of delaying stoma closure in patients until the complete resolution of an anastomotic sinus. METHODS: The subject patients are those who had undergone a resection of rectal cancer from 2011 to 2017, who had a diversion ileostomy protectively or therapeutically and who developed a sinus as a sequelae of anastomotic leakage. The primary outcomes that were measured were the incidence, management and outcomes of an anastomotic sinus. RESULTS: Of the 876 patients who had undergone a low anterior resection, 14 (1.6%) were found to have had an anastomotic sinus on sigmoidoscopy or a gastrografin enema before their ileostomy closure. In the 14 patients with a sinus, 7 underwent ileostomy closure as scheduled, with a mean closure time of 4.1 months. The remaining 7 patients underwent ileostomy repair, but it was delayed until after the follow-up for the widening of the sinus opening by using digital dilation, with a mean closure time of 6.9 months. Four of those remaining seven patients underwent stoma closure even though their sinus condition had not yet been completely resolved. No pelvic septic complications occurred after closure in any of the 14 patients with an anastomotic sinus, but 2 of the 14 needed a rediversion due to a severe anastomotic stricture. CONCLUSION: Patients with an anastomotic sinus who had been carefully selected underwent successful ileostomy closure without delay.

Analysis on prognosis and influencing factors of postoperative low anterior resection syndrome for rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic anus-preserving radical resection / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective@#To investigate the prognosis and influencing factors of postoperative low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) for rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection.@*Methods@#A retrospective case-control study was used in this study. Clinical data of 268 rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection at Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2016 to January 2018 were retrospectively collected. Inclusion criteria: (1) operation procedure was total mesorectal excision (TME) and sphincter-preserving radical resection; (2) rectal cancer was confirmed by postoperative pathology; (3) age of patient was ≥ 18 years old. Exclusion criteria: (1) patient who had history of pelvic surgery and pelvic fractures, which would affect the anorectal function; (2) patient who had history of preoperative chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, which would affect defecation; (3) patient who developed postoperative complications, such as anastomotic leakage, which would affect defecation function; (4) patient who received long-term use of drugs, which would affect the function of gastrointestinal tract or anus; (5) patient suffered from mental illness, who was unable to communicate properly; (6) patient who was lack of clinical data or had incomplete clinical data. Patients were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and LARS was diagnosed and graded according to the LARS score scale. The LARS score ranged from 0 to 42 points, and 0 to 20 was difined as no LARS, 21 to 29 was mild LARS, and 30 to 42 was severe LARS. LARS score >20 points at any time point was defined as postoperative LARS. Severe LARS transferring into mild LARS and mild LARS transferring into no LARS was defined as symptom improvement. Incidence and outcomes of LARS were evaluated. The factors associated with LARS outcomes were analyzed using χ2 test and logistic regression model.@*Results@#A total of 268 patients were enrolled. The incidence of LARS was 42.9% (115/268), 32.5% (87/268) and 20.1% (54/268) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively respectively, and no new case of LARS was found after 3 months postoperatively. The incidence of mild LARS was 25.7% (69/268), 17.2% (46/268) and 8.6% (23/268) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively respectively, and mild LARS incidence at 6 months was significantly lower than that at 3 months (χ2=5.857, P=0.016), and was significantly higher than that at 12 months (χ2=8.799, P=0.003). The incidence of severe LARS was 17.2% (46/268), 15.3% (41/268) and 11.6% (31/268) at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively respectively, without significant difference among 3 time points (all P>0.05). The improvement rate within one year after surgery in patients with mild LARS diagnosed at 3 months was significantly higher than that in patients with severe LARS (88.4% vs. 32.6%, χ2=38.340, P<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that female, distance from anastomosis to anal verge < 5 cm and tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm were associated with unsatisfied LARS outcomes (all P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that distance from anastomosis to anal verge <5 cm was an independent risk factor for LARS outcome (OR=3.589, 95% CI: 1.163 to 2.198, P<0.001).@*Conclusions@#The incidence of LARS after laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection decreases with time. The improvement rate within postoperative 1-year of severe LARS is lower than that of mild LARS. Low anastomotic position may lead to impaired improvement of LARS.

Correlation between intestinal flora imbalance and anastomotic leakage after operation for middle to low rectal cancer / 中国实用外科杂志

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk factors and relationship between intestinal flora imbalance and anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic rectal cancer lower anterior resection(LAR)in patients with middle-low rectal cancer.METHODS: Clinical data of 155 patients with mid to low rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic lower anterior resection at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from November 2016 to April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.Postoperative intestinal flora imbalance and anastomotic leakage were evaluated,and statistical results were gained.RESULTS: Of the 155 patients,34(21.9%)patients had postoperative intestinal flora imbalance. Twenty patients of anastomotic leakage after operation(12.9%)were discovered,and 18 patients(11.6%)had both anastomotic leakage and intestinal flora imbalance. Univariate and multivariate logic regression analysis showed that intestinal flora imbalance(χ~2=25.674,OR=90.398,P0.05).CONCLUSION: The early diagnosis of postoperative intestinal floraimbalance in rectal cancer patients depends more on clinical experience. Intestinal floraimbalance,the enlargement of tumor diameterare risk factors for anastomotic leakage,and protective enterostomy would reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage.

Selection of anal preservation surgery of low rectal cancer / 中国实用外科杂志

With the promotion of neoadjuvant therapy,the development of minimally invasive techniques and new surgical techniques,the anal preservation rate of low rectalcancer is increasing year by year. To improve postoperative quality of life is an important goal in the treatment of low rectal cancer. At present,the main important low anal preservation surgery is as follows: Intersphincteric resection(ISR),including complete ISR,subtotal ISR,partial ISR and modified partial ISR; Transanal local resection,including transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM) and transanal minimally invasive surgery(TAMIS); Anterior perineal planefor ultra-low anterior resection of the rectum(APPEAR),which is performed through a separate perineal incision,israrely used at present; Transanal total mesorectal excision(TaTME) proposed in recent years. Preliminary studies have proven safe and effective for low advanced rectal cancer.TaTME require a learning curve. It is now making expertcon sensus and operation specification,operation training and conducting multi-center prospective study. TaTME isexpected to become the important operation for low rectalcancer.

Management and re-thinking of low anterior resection syndrome based on present anal preservation strategy / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is defined as a syndrome characterized by various abnormal defecation symptoms, including increased defecation times, urgency, frequent defecation, and fecal incontinence. LARS commonly develops after sphincter-preserving operation or reduction of protective ileostomy. The symptoms of LARS will alleviate gradually, and some patients may return to normal or basically normal. However, 60%-80% of the patients remains to suffer from LARS. Their daily life and psychosocial functionare seriously impaired. At present, the etiology of LARS is not well understood, but many factors are associated with LARS, such as tumor location, radiotherapy and surgical techniques and so on.