Neuraxial anesthesia for abdominal surgery, beyond the pandemic: a feasibility pilot study of 70 patients in a suburban hospital.

The aim of this study is to establish the feasibility of awake laparotomy under neuraxial anesthesia (NA) in a suburban hospital. A retrospective analysis of the results of a consecutive series of 70 patients undergoing awake abdominal surgery under NA at the Department of Surgery of our Hospital from February 11th, 2020 to October 20th, 2021 was conducted. The series includes 43 cases of urgent surgical care (2020) and 27 cases of elective abdominal surgery on frail patients (2021). Seventeen procedures (24.3%) required sedation to better control patient discomfort. Only in 4/70 (5.7%) cases, conversion to general anesthesia (GA) was necessary. Conversion to GA was not related to American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score or operative time. Only one of the four cases requiring conversion to GA was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) postoperatively. Fifteen patients (21.4%) required postoperative ICU support. A statistically non-significant association was observed between conversion to GA and postoperative ICU admission. The mortality rate was 8.5% (6 patients). Five out of six deaths occurred while in the ICU. All six were frail patients. None of these deaths was related to a complication of NA. Awake laparotomy under NA has confirmed its feasibility and safety in times of scarcity of resources and therapeutic restrictions, even in the most frail patients. We believe that this approach should be considered as an useful asset, especially for suburban hospitals.

Case Report on a Rare Malignancy: Anorectal Melanoma

Introduction: Melanoma of the rectum is an extremely rare disease. The median survival rate is 2-5 years. Current treatment for this aggressive cancer is resection if possible and consider adjuvant or neoadjuvant radiotherapy;immunotherapy in nonresectable cases. Given the rapid spread of disease due to its submucosal growth and metastasis pattern, there is low success rates with treatments. Case Description/Methods: An 84-year-old male presented to the emergency department with an acute COVID-19 infection. The patient was also found to have gram-negative septicemia on blood cultures, so a CT abdomen/pelvis was performed (Figure 1a). The CT showed rectal wall thickening. A flexible sigmoidoscopy was planned for a future outpatient visit after recovering from his acute infection. The patient, however, developed an acute onset of dyspnea and had a high probability V/Q scan while in the hospital. He was started on anticoagulation, and shortly after starting therapy the patient developed bright red rectal bleeding. Due to the new onset of rectal bleeding it was decided to expedite the sigmoidoscopy. The sigmoidoscopy was performed in the hospital showing an ulcerated partially black pigmented non- obstructing medium-sized mass that was partially circumferential involving one-third of the lumen (Figure 1b). A biopsy of the lesion was taken using cold-forceps. The pathology stained positive for S100 consistent with melanoma. The diagnosis of anorectal melanoma was made, and colorectal surgery was consulted. The patient was deemed not to be a surgical candidate secondary to age and active COVID-19 infection. Oncology was consulted, and it was decided to start the patient on radiation and immunotherapy with a PD-1 inhibitor. Discussion(s): The symptoms of anorectal melanoma can be subtle and in this case report completely asymptomatic. Symptoms to be aware of are rectal bleeding and tenesmus. Diagnosing melanoma on sigmoidoscopy can be challenging as most tumors are not pigmented. Biopsies should be taken and sent for immunohistochemical staining for S100, if positive the patient should have a PET scan. Treatment choices for the tumor are based on staging. In a resectable tumor sphincter-saving local excision with radiotherapy to the site of the tumor and the pericolic and inguinal lymphatics is recommended. For unresectable tumors or tumors with distant metastasis, immunotherapy with PD-1 inhibitors (nivolumab and ipilimumab) is an emerging treatment choice.

Lactulose Works in the Large Bowel: But How Does It Improve Hepatic Encephalopathy in a Patient Without a Large Bowel?

Introduction: Lactulose is a non-absorbable disaccharide which acts in the large bowel, and is commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. We present an interesting case of altered mental status due to hepatic encephalopathy successfully managed with lactulose in a patient with history of total colectomy. Case Description/Methods: A 67-year-old male with non-alcoholic cirrhosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) post total proctocolectomy with a continent ileostomy known as a Kock-pouch (K-pouch) presented to the hospital with flu like symptoms and altered mental status. He was subsequently found to be positive for COVID-19. At the time of initial evaluation, the patient was obtunded with an elevated ammonia level of 91 umol/L. Colorectal surgery was consulted as the patient was not able to empty his K-pouch. Recently, he complained of inability to catheterize and with bleeding from the stoma. Initial catheterization with a Water's tube yielded 400 cc of effluent. Nasogastric tube was placed through which he was receiving lactulose 30 mg q8 hours. The patient's mental status improved within 24 hours. The patient ultimately underwent flexible pouchoscopy with endoscopic dilation and placement of a 22 French mushroom catheter for decompression of the K-pouch. Discussion(s): Lactulose is a non-absorbable disaccharide composed of galactose and fructose. The small intestine does not have the enzymes required to breakdown lactulose so it reaches the large bowel in its original form. In the large bowel, it is metabolized by colonic bacteria into monosaccharides and then to volatile fatty acids, hydrogen and methane. Lactulose decreases both the production and absorption of ammonia mainly through the presence of gut bacteria. The question arises as to how lactulose decreased ammonia levels in this patient without a large bowel. One proposed mechanism is the translocation of bacteria normally found in the large bowel to the small intestine. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), is a condition causing an increased number of bacteria in the small intestine. Patients with IBD and structural abnormalities are at increased risk of developing SIBO. Lactulose is commonly used in the diagnosis through the administration of lactulose and subsequent measurements of hydrogen and methane gas in expired air. This condition, in our patient with history of ulcerative colitis and colectomy, is a proposed mechanism of the efficacy of lactulose in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

Impact of COVID on surgical case volume at military treatment facilities with surgical residencies.

INTRODUCTION: The Military Health System (MHS) is tasked with the dual mission of providing medical care to beneficiaries while ensuring medical readiness. MHS provides care through a combination of military treatment facilities (MTF) ("direct care"; DC) & off-base civilian facilities ("purchased care"; PC). Given recent concerns regarding low surgical volume at MTFs, we sought to evaluate COVID's impact on elective and non-elective case volume at MTFs with surgical residencies. METHODS: Retrospective review of 2017-2021 M2 database was performed on Tricare beneficiaries who underwent bariatric surgery or major colorectal surgery in the DC or PC market at, or, surrounding MTFs with surgical residencies. Procedures were identified using ICD-10 procedure codes and Medicare severity-diagnosis related groups. A detailed analysis was then performed on changes in case volume in the DC and PC markets. RESULTS: 5,698 bariatric and 5,517 major colorectal procedures were performed during the study period. There was an 84% vs 20% quarterly decrease in elective bariatric surgeries completed in the DC and PC markets from Q1 to Q2 2020. Pre to post-COVID (Q1 2017 - Q1 2020 vs Q3 2020 - Q4 2021) there was a decrease in the percentage of bariatric surgeries completed in the DC market (74.1% vs 55.0%, p = 0.001). Meanwhile, major colorectal surgery quarterly case volume remained unchanged in the DC (137 vs 125, p = 0.18) and PC (146 v 137, p = 0.13) markets, pre- and post-COVID. DISCUSSION: Bariatric surgical case volume at MTFs disproportionately decreased during COVID when compared to the PC market and major colorectal cases. Bariatric case volume has rebounded in PC markets surpassing pre-COVID levels while DC case volume remains depressed. Further attention is warranted regarding decreased elective surgical case volume at MTFs.

Elective colorectal surgery service provision during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic / Atividade coloproctológica eletiva durante a pandemia de SARS-CoV-2

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic and its immediate public health impact has caused severe disruption of regular medical care provision. The morbimortality of other diseases continues to affect people regardless of the viral infection. Indeed, it would be reasonable to assume that they have been aggravated by the period of most restrictive public health measures that were adopted against the virus. Recovery and maintenance of healthcare provision is required despite the ongoing threat. Therefore, it is critical to resume services in a structured and safe way, otherwise greater harm could come to our patients and to ourselves. The present article proposes to be a broad guide to the recovery and maintenance of elective outpatient, surgical and lower endoscopic services, aiding the colorectal surgeon in identifying risks, assessing their multiple dimensions, and implementing risk management strategies in a pragmatic and efficacious way. (AU)

A pandemia de SARS-Cov-2 e suas imediatas consequências para a saúde coletiva causaram enormes restrições ao atendimento médico-hospitalar normal. A despeito disso, os riscos de morbimortalidade relacionados a outras doenças e agravos à saúde são incessantes. E é razoável de presumi-los como aumentados pela falta de atendimento regular no período restrições mais severas decorrentes das medidas sanitárias contra a epidemia. A retomada do atendimento é necessária, ainda que o vírus permaneça uma ameaça. Portanto, é crítico que esta seja feita de forma estruturada e segura, sob pena de causar mal adicional aos nossos pacientes e a nós mesmos. O presente artigo se propõe a servir como guia para a retomada e manutenção dos atendimentos eletivos ambulatorial, cirúrgico e endoscópico baixo, auxiliando o coloproctologista a identificar os riscos, avaliar a suas dimensões e implementar medidas de controle de forma pragmática e eficaz. (AU)

Colorectal Surgery Outcomes in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess colorectal surgery outcomes, discharge destination, and readmission in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Adult colorectal surgery patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2019-2020) and its colectomy and proctectomy procedure-targeted files were included. The prepandemic time period was defined from April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The pandemic time period was defined from April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 in quarterly intervals (Q2 April-June; Q3 July-September; Q4 October-December). Factors associated with morbidity and in-hospital mortality were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 62,393 patients, 34,810 patients (55.8%) underwent colorectal surgery prepandemic and 27,583 (44.2%) during the pandemic. Patients who had surgery during the pandemic had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class and presented more frequently with dependent functional status. The proportion of emergent surgeries increased (12.7% prepandemic versus 15.2% pandemic, P < 0.001), with less laparoscopic cases (54.0% versus 51.0%, P < 0.001). Higher rates of morbidity with a greater proportion of discharges to home and lesser proportion of discharges to skilled care facilities were observed with no considerable differences in length of stay or worsening readmission rates. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increased odds of overall and serious morbidity and in-hospital mortality, during Q3 and/or Q4 of the 2020 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in hospital presentation, inpatient care, and discharge disposition of colorectal surgery patients were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic responses should emphasize balancing resource allocation, educating patients and providers on timely medical workup and management, and optimizing discharge coordination pathways.

A Single-Centre Experience of Telephone Assessment of Patients Referred to Two Week-Wait Colorectal Surgery Clinics in England

Aim: Despite Covid-19, hospitalsin the England, United Kingdom continued to assess and manage patients referred on two week-wait (2WW) suspected cancer referral pathways. Most index clinic assessments of such patients were conducted viatelephone. We retrospectively evaluated adistrict general hospital experience of managing patients on a 2WW suspected lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIT)cancer referral pathway, initially assessed via telephone Method: Data were obtained using a prospectively maintained database and electronic patient records. LGIT 2WW referrals between 01/06/2020to 31/10/2020 were included. Data were retrospectively collated and analysed using Excel (Microsoft Corporation, USA) Results: A total 757 patients (median age = 70, interquartile range = [59-79], female = 47.2%) were identified. The majority (n = 629,83.1%) were white Caucasian. All patients were initially assessed virtually and only 3 (0.4%) were re-assessed face-to- face for their index appointment. Sixteen (2.1%) missed at least one prior appointment. The most common presenting complaints included change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding, weight loss, anaemia and abdominal pain, and 415 (54.8%), 269 (35.5%) underwent endoscopy and imaging respectively as the first investigation. Forty four (5.8%) patients had malignant pathology with the majority (n = 37,84.1%) being colorectal in origin. Of those diagnosed with a primary colorectal malignancy 25 (67.6%) underwent surgical or endoscopic treatment, 3 (8.1%) were referred to chemoradiotherapy and 8 (21.6%) were referred for palliation. Conclusion(s): Patients referred on the 2WW LGIT pathway continued to be assessed and managed despite Covid-19. Index telephone clinic assessments are perhaps as effective a tool as face-to- face assessments, for patients referred on this pathway. This warrants further investigation.

The Use of Telephone Versus Face to Face Appointments in Two Week-Wait Colorectal Surgery Clinics -a Single Centre Experience

Aim: Telephone appointments have replaced face-to- face hospital clinic appointments due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We evaluated the impact of telephone appointments on patients referred on a two week-wait (2WW) suspected lower gastrointestinal tract (LGIT) cancer pathway. Method(s): Two independent patient samples between the 01/06/2019-31/ 10/2019 (face-to- face cohort) and 01/06/2020-31/ 10/2020 (telephone cohort) were identified using a prospectively maintained local database and electronic patient records. Data were retrospectively collated using Excel (Microsoft, USA). Chi-square and Man-Whitney- U statistical tests were performed using SPSS (IBM, USA). Result(s): A total 1531 (median age = 70, interquartile range [IQR] = 60-79, female = 679, 44.4%) were analysed. Of these, 757 (49.4%) were assessed via telephone;the remainder were face-to- face (n = 774,50.6%). The age, gender and ethnicity distributions across the two groups were similar. A total of 92 (6%, telephone = 44, face-to- face = 48) patients had malignant pathology and 64 (4.2%) were colorectal cancer (CRC). Of those with a CRC diagnosis, 46 (3.0%, telephone = 26, face-to- face = 20) underwent surgical or endoscopic treatment with curative intent. There was no significant difference in diagnoses made (P = 0.749) or treatment of CRC (P = 0.785) following telephone versus face-face- appointments. The median waiting times for index appointment, investigation and diagnosis for telephone appointments were significantly lower compared to face-to- face appointments (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in median time to index treatment for CRC between the two groups (P = 0.156). Conclusion(s): Patients referred to 2WW LGIT clinics were efficiently and safely assessed and manged using telephone clinics during the Covid-19 pandemic. The cost-effectiveness and stakeholder views on permanent use of telephone assessments in these clinics must be evaluated.

The Strike Team as an implementation strategy for surgical infection prevention

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) incur up to $10 billion annually due to their excessive morbidity. SSI prevention bundles have had variable success in colorectal surgery. For example, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, a 505-bed regional referral center, SSI rates have remained high despite the introduction of a 14-element SSI prevention bundle in 2016. To aid in the implementation of this complex bundle, the hospital started Strike Teams in 2019. We have described the impact of Strike Teams on colorectal SSI rates in our tertiary-care hospital. Methods: A Strike Team with key stakeholders from colorectal surgery (ie, surgeon, OR director, nurses, surgical technicians), anesthesia, pharmacy, infection prevention, and infectious disease was formed, supported by the hospital's executive leadership. The Strike Team met monthly throughout 2019 to review each SSI case, discussed barriers to adherence for the SSI prevention bundle elements with implementation difficulties (Table 1), and proposed actionable feedback to increase adherence. The latter was disseminated to frontline clinicians by the teams' surgical leaders during everyday clinical practice. The Strike Team was paused in 2020 due to resource reallocation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Monthly and quarterly SSI surveillance was conducted according to CDC guidance. Results: Colorectal SSI rates before, after, and during Strike Team activity are shown in Fig. 1. Adherence rates to the bundle elements targeted by the Strike Team are shown in Fig. 2. Conclusions: Adherence to the preferred antibiotic prophylaxis increased, although adherence to other bundle elements of focus did not change significantly. SSI rates decreased below our expectation while the Strike Team was active in our hospital, although SSI reduction was not sustained. Further research should study the effectiveness of Strike Teams as a long-term implementation strategy for SSI prevention in colorectal surgery.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Single-center experience in robotic-assisted Colorectal Surgery during COVID pandemic: First 72 cases

Aim: To present an analysis of The first 2-years' experience of robotic-assisted Colorectal procedures (RACp) using The DaVinci Xi platform. Method(s): This data were prospectively collected and include 72 RACp between February 2020 and December 2021.Indications were: malignancy in 74.3%, diverticular disease 10%, inflammatory bowel disease 8.6%, rectal prolapse 4.3%, intussusception 1.4% and recurrent volvulus 1.4%. Result(s): Over The 13-month study period, 72 RACp were performed including elective 57 cases and 15 semi-elective cases. These comprised: 25 right hemicolectomies, 25 high anterior resections, 6 extended right hemicolectomies,4 low anterior resections, 4 subtotal colectomies 2 restorative proctectomies, 3 abdominoperineal excisions of The rectum, 3 rectopexies that were performed. 51.2% were female and 48.6% were male with a median age of 45 years (22-85 years) and The median body mass index was 31 (18-46) kg/m2. Preoperative American Society of Anaesthesiology scores were reported as 1-2 in 72.9% (n=51) of patients and 27.1%(n=19) as 3. The median length of stay was 5 days (1-35), with readmission rate within 30 days of 8.6% (n=6) that were resolved conservatively. The mean operating time was 268 minutes and The mean console operative time was 158 minutes, with only 3 (4.3%) reported cases of conversion to open. The incidence of postoperative complications was 24.3% (Clavien-Dindo (CD) I/II-12.9%, CD III-10%, and CD V-1 case with superimposed COVID 19 within 30 days. Conclusion(s): RACp is a safe and viable modality in The treatment of Colorectal conditions and can be introduced safely with appropriate guidance and proctorship.

Robotic Surgery for Colorectal cancer: A single-center experience

Aim: To present our learning-curve data for patients that underwent robotic-assisted Colorectal Surgery (RCRS) at a large NE London DGH. Method(s):Wereport our data from50initial Colorectal Cancer resections, performed by two surgeons. We report The gender, age, histopathology, Surgery performed, surgical time, conversion, post-operative complications, and hospital stay. Result(s): The first 50 patients who underwent RCRS between February 2020 and December 2021 for malignancy were included. Twenty-one were right hemicolectomies, 16 high anterior resection, 6 extended right hemicolectomies, 4 low anterior resections (including a planned robotic boari flap in 1 case by a trained urologist), 3 abdominoperineal excisions of rectum. The male to female ratio was 1:1 and The mean age was 65 (range: 22-85) years. The ASA class distribution was 4% ASA I, 64% ASA II, 32% ASA III. The median surgical time was 263 minutes (120-620) with median console time 136 minutes (50-540), The median hospital stay 5 days (range: 2-35) and a conversion rate of 6% (3/50 patients). The most common post-operative complications were ileus 4% (4/50), wound infection 6% (3/50), anastomotic leak 6% (3/50), and abscess formation 2% (1/50). 1 mortality occurred in a patient with an operated leak who contracted COVID-19. All patients underwent confirmed RO resections with a negative CRM. Conclusion(s): We report our first 50 robotic cases for Colorectal malignancy, showing that robotic-assisted Surgery can be performed with low rates of conversion 3 cases (6%) and low rates of postoperative complications despite a challenging patient demographic and a sharp learning curve.

ASGBI Congress 2022

The proceedings contain 589 papers. The topics discussed include: robotic surgery for colorectal cancer: a single-center experience;Cecal volvulus: a district general hospital experience and review of the literature;'nurse led colorectal 2ww clinic': impact on early assessment and faster diagnosis of colorectal cancer;audit of pilonidal sinus surgery - our experience in a district general hospital Hamed Hajiesmaeili, Aida;major elective colorectal surgery at a non-acute site: is it safe or not?;an analysis of rectal cancer patient treatment and outcomes in a large NHS Trust;short term outcomes of patients undergoing transanal total mesorectal excision versus robotic low anterior resection;colonic polyps surveillance and outcomes - are we using a magnifying glass?;surgical simulation - does it improve the undergraduate surgical experience?;'learning lessons, inspiring change and driving improvements' - a review of morbidity and mortality meetings in general and vascular surgery;teaching to transform surgical culture: an educational program and thematic analysis in a general surgery department;examining the benefits of one-to-one African Caribbean mentoring for prospective medical students;and the nutritional management of emergency and elective surgical patients - are we doing enough in the COVID-19 pandemic?.

Sociodemographic Determinants of Missed Telehealth Appointments in Colorectal Surgery

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic facilitated telehealth adoption. Multiple barriers may impact accessibility to such services. We estimated the association between sociodemographic and clinical factors, with keeping telehealth appointments. METHOD(S): Single-center retrospective cohort study comprising consecutive telehealth appointments at the Division of Colorectal Surgery (March-December 2020). Demographics, appointment type, diagnosis, and distance to the hospital were collected. Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (FFIEC) website was used to obtain estimated family income and poverty levels based on home location. Multivariable clustered logistic regression estimated the association between sociodemographic characteristics and keeping telehealth appointments. RESULT(S): A total of 925 telehealth appointments were analyzed, of which 84.11% were kept. Non-White patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.90, p = 0.015), and those with follow-up appointments (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.31-3.07, p = 0.006) had lower odds of keeping appointments when compared with White patients, and those having postoperative appointments, respectively. Patients who had attended college had higher odds of keeping appointments (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.02-3.07, p = 0.044) when compared with those who declined to provide their education level (Figure 1). Age, sex, diagnosis, income level, and percentage of people living under poverty within census tracts per FFIEC were not predictors of keeping telehealth appointments. CONCLUSION(S): Patients self-identifying as non-White and presenting for non-postoperative follow-up visits were more likely to miss telehealth appointments. College education was associated with keeping appointments. Future studies could characterize barriers to telehealth programs implementation to optimize access among groups at high risk of non-compliance. (Figure Presented).

Telemedicine Use and Safety after Major Colorectal Surgery

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly expanded the use of telemedicine in modern healthcare, especially in surgical care. Consensus over telemedicine use after major colorectal surgery remains unclear. The objectives of this study were 1) to evaluate telemedicine use after major colorectal surgery and 2) to assess safety, specifically 30-day mortality. Method(s): This is a retrospective multi-institutional cohort study across a healthcare system in the northeastern US. We included adult patients undergoing major colorectal surgery requiring inpatient admission at 4 hospitals from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2020. Patients evaluated with in-person vs telemedicine follow-up were identified through electronic medical record documentation of appointment type. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify variables predicting telemedicine use. Result(s): Among 295 patients, 164 (55.6%) had at least 1 telemedicine visit after surgery. Specifically, 131 patients (44.4%) had only in-person visits, 163 patients (55.3%) had a hybrid of in-person and telemedicine visits, and 1 patient (0.3%) had only telemedicine visits. The median age was 62.0 years (IQR 51.15-72.6), and 56.8% of patients were male. 89% patients were White, and 95.9% patients reported English as their first language. There were no differences in telemedicine use in the cohort based on age, gender, race, language, or hospital. The 30-day mortality was similar for patients seen with telemedicine and with in-person only visits (6.7 vs 2.3%, p = 0.074). Conclusion(s): Use of telemedicine is safe and supplements in-person visits during colorectal surgery recovery. Future research should evaluate impact of telemedicine use on patient satisfaction and opportunity cost.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcomes of surgically treated colorectal diseases: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on elective and emergent colorectal surgical practice. Methods: The population of this retrospective observational study consisted of all consecutive patients who underwent emergent or elective colorectal surgery between March 2019 and March 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the prepandemic group who were treated between March 2019 and March 10, 2020, and the pandemic group who were treated between March 11, 2020 and March 2021. The rate of emergent operations was the primary outcome. The groups were compared based on the frequency of operations, distribution of tumoral features in malignant cases, and 90th-day mortality rates. Results: There were 180 and 121 patients in the prepandemic and pandemic groups, respectively. There were significantly more patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status stage IV with comorbidity in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group (P = 0.016 and P < 0.001, respectively). The rate of emergent operations was significantly higher in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group (49.6% vs. 26.7%, P < 0.001). There were significantly more patients who received non-resectional surgery in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group (P = 0.002). Additionally, there were significantly more patients without resection among patients with a defunctioning stoma (P = 0.001). The length of hospital stay (LoS) was significantly shorter in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group (P = 0.039). On the other hand, the mortality rate was significantly higher in the pandemic group than in the prepandemic group (15.7% vs. 6.1%, P = 0.011). Conclusion: The study findings suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected colorectal surgical practices, resulting in more frequent emergent operations, non-resectional procedures with stoma formation, and higher mortality rates.

Analysing 11 years of incidence trends, clinicopathological characteristics, and forecasts of colorectal cancer in young and old patients: a retrospective cross-sectional study in an Indonesian national referral hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain annual incidence trends, understand clinicopathological characteristics, and forecast the future burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Indonesia. DESIGN: 11-year retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING: A national referral hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 1584 eligible cases were recorded for trends and forecasting analyses; 433 samples were analysed to determine clinicopathological differences between young (<50 years) and old (≥50 years) patients. METHODS: Trend analyses were done using Joinpoint software, expressed in annual percentage change (APC), and a regression analysis was executed to generate a forecasting model. Patients' characteristics were compared using χ2 or non-parametric tests. MAIN OUTCOMES: Analysis of trends, forecasting model, and clinicopathological features between the age groups. RESULTS: A significant increase in APC was observed among old patients (+2.38%) for CRC cases. Colon cancer increased remarkably (+9.24%) among young patients; rectal cancer trends were either stable or declining. The trend for right-sided CRC increased in the general population (+6.52%) and old patients (+6.57%), while the trend for left-sided CRC was stable. These cases are expected to be a significant health burden within the next 10 years. Patients had a mean age of 53.17±13.94, 38.1% were young, and the sex ratio was 1.21. Prominent characteristics were left-sided CRC, tumour size ≥5 cm, exophytic growth, adenocarcinoma, histologically low grade, pT3, pN0, inadequately dissected lymph nodes (LNs), LN ratio <0.05, no distant metastasis, early-stage cancer, no lymphovascular invasion, and no perineural invasion (PNI). Distinct features between young and old patients were found in the histological subtype, number of dissected LN, and PNI of the tumour. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological trends and forecasting analyses of CRC cases in Indonesian patients showed an enormous increase in colon cancer in young patients, a particularly concerning trend. Additionally, young patients exhibited particular clinicopathological characteristics that contributed to disease severity.

Implementation of a colorectal cancer screening intervention in Malaysia (CRC-SIM) in the context of a pandemic: study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Malaysia and cases are often detected late. Improving screening uptake is key in down-staging cancer and improving patient outcomes. The aim of this study is to develop, implement and evaluate an intervention to improve CRC screening uptake in Malaysia in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The evaluation will include ascertaining the budgetary impact of implementing and delivering the intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The implementation research logic model guided the development of the study and implementation outcome measures were informed by the 'Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance' (RE-AIM) framework. This CRC screening intervention for Malaysia uses home-testing and digital, small media, communication to improve CRC screening uptake. A sample of 780 people aged 50-75 years living in Segamat district, Malaysia, will be selected randomly from the South East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO) database. Participants will receive a screening pack as well as a WhatsApp video of a local doctor to undertake a stool test safely and to send a photo of the test result to a confidential mobile number. SEACO staff will inform participants of their result. Quantitative data about follow-up clinic attendance, subsequent hospital tests and outcomes will be collected. Logistic regression will be used to investigate variables that influence screening completion and we will conduct a budget impact-analysis of the intervention and its implementation. Qualitative data about intervention implementation from the perspective of participants and stakeholders will be analysed thematically. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval has been granted by Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC ID: 29107) and the Medical Review and Ethics Committee (Reference: 21-02045-O7G(2)). Results will be disseminated through publications, conferences and community engagement activities. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: National Medical Research Register Malaysia: 21-02045-O7G(2).

The safety assessment of COVID-19 vaccine injection in patients with colorectal cancer

Background: With the unprecedented morbidity and mortality associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine against COVID-19 has been more and more popularized in general population. However, the safety of COVID-19 vaccine injection in patients with malignant tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), remains unclear. Methods: During January 2021 and January 2022, 148 CRC patients treated in the department of colorectal surgery in the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were enrolled in this cohort. The clinical data and COVID-19 vaccine injection outcome data was collected and analyzed retrospectively. Patients who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine injection were set as an observation group and those who did not get any vaccine injection were set as a control group. The median follow-up time was 8.0 months, vaccine-related adverse events (VRAEs) were collected by questionnaire. The disease progression status of CRC was also compared between the two groups. Results: Eighty-three CRC (male: female 44:39) patients enrolled in this study have got at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine injection, with a median follow-up time of 8.0 (2.0-13.0) months and no VRAEs reported. Among the vaccinated patients, 51 patients were injected with inactivated vaccine (Sinovac Life Sciences Co., Ltd.), 10 patients were vaccinated with inactivated vaccine (Beijing Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd.), others were injected another inactivated vaccine (Chengdu Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd.). The reasons of the 65 patients (male: female 36:29) who did not injected COVID-19 vaccine including: 53 patients had a concern that vaccination will affect the progress of CRC, 8 patients had a concern of old age to get vaccinated and 4 patients did not give any reason. As for disease progression, 14 patients in the observation group had tumor recurrence or progression, while 8 patients in control group reported tumor recurrence or progression, with a median follow-up time of 8.0 (2.0-13.0) months. There was no significant difference in short-term disease progression between the observation group and the control group (P = 0.439). Conclusions: Under the background of COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination of general population, it might be necessary for the patients with malignant disease, such as CRC, to get vaccinated due to whose weaken immune system. COVID-19 vaccine injection is safe for CRC patients and COVID-19 vaccination would not affect the patients' prognosis.

Prophylactic surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC CO2) versus standard surgery in colorectal carcinoma at high risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis: short-term and long-term outcomes from the CHECK study - protocol for a randomised, multicentre, phase 3 trial.

INTRODUCTION: Up to one-fifth of patients with colorectal cancer will develop peritoneal metastases, frequently without other districts' involvement. Despite the recent unsuccesses of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases treatment, the rationale in the prophylactic setting remains strong. Several clinical and pharmacokinetic data suggest that the efficacy of intraperitoneal chemotherapy is highest when the disease is microscopic. However, robust evidence demonstrating whether the addition of HIPEC for high-risk colorectal cancers offers better control of local recurrence is lacking. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a multicentre randomised phase 3 trial comparing prophylactic surgery plus HIPEC CO2 with mitomycin, over standard surgical excision in patients with colorectal cancer at high risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis; 388 patients will be included in this study. The primary objective is to compare the efficacy of prophylactic surgery (radical colorectal resection, omentectomy, appendectomy, round ligament of the liver resection and bilateral adnexectomy) plus HIPEC CO2 with mitomycin and standard surgery in terms of local recurrence-free survival. The main secondary endpoints are disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. The primary endpoint will be described with a cumulative incidence function and will be analysed with Grey test to take account of the competing risks. DFS and OS will be described with the Kaplan-Meier method. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial has been evaluated by the Italian Medicines Agency, local ethics committees and will be submitted to the Ministry of Health to notify the start of the trial according to the regulation of trials on devices with CE mark/certification.The results will be submitted for presentation at academic meetings and for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, whatever the findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03914820.