Robotic-assisted surgery for left-sided colon and rectal resections is associated with reduction in the postoperative surgical stress response and improved short-term outcomes: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence that the use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in colorectal cancer resections is associated with improved short-term outcomes when compared to laparoscopic surgery (LS) or open surgery (OS), possibly through a reduced systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive SIR biomarker and its utility in the early identification of post-operative complications has been validated in a variety of surgical procedures. There remains a paucity of studies characterising post-operative SIR in RAS. METHODS: Retrospective study of a prospectively collected database of consecutive patients undergoing OS, LS and RAS for left-sided and rectal cancer in a single high-volume unit. Patient and disease characteristics, post-operative CRP levels, and clinical outcomes were reviewed, and their relationships explored within binary logistic regression and propensity scores matched models. RESULTS: A total of 1031 patients were included (483 OS, 376 LS, and 172 RAS). RAS and LS were associated with lower CRP levels across the first 4 post-operative days (p < 0.001) as well as reduced complications and length of stay compared to OS in unadjusted analyses. In binary logistic regression models, RAS was independently associated with lower CRP levels at Day 3 post-operatively (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.21-0.59, p < 0.001) and a reduction in the rate of all complications (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.26-0.56, p < 0.001) and major complications (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.26-0.95, p = 0.036). Within a propensity scores matched model comparing LS versus RAS specifically, RAS was associated with lower post-operative CRP levels in the first two post-operative days, a lower proportion of patients with a CRP ≥ 150 mg/L at Day 3 (20.9% versus 30.5%, p = 0.036) and a lower rate of all complications (34.7% versus 46.7%, p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: The present observational study shows that an RAS approach was associated with lower postoperative SIR, and a better postoperative complications profile.

The relationship between systemic inflammatory response, screen detection and outcome in colorectal cancer.

AIM: A raised systemic inflammatory response correlates with poorer colorectal cancer (CRC) outcomes. Faecal immunochemical test bowel screening aims to detect early-stage disease. We assessed the relationship between systemic inflammatory response, screen detection and CRC survival. METHOD: A retrospective, observational cohort study compared screen-detected and non-screen-detected CRC patients undergoing resection. Systemic inflammatory response was measured using lymphocyte/monocyte, neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratios (LMR, NLR, PLR). Covariables were compared using χ2 testing and survival with Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 761 patients were included (326 screen-detected, 435 non-screen-detected). Screen-detected patients had lower systemic inflammatory response: low (<2.4) LMR (28.8% vs. 44.6%; P < 0.001), moderate (3-5) or high (>5) NLR (26.1% vs. 30.6%, P < 0.001; and 7.7% vs. 19.5%, P < 0.001) and high (>150) PLR (47.2% vs. 64.6%; P < 0.001). Median follow-up was 63 months. On univariate analysis, non-screen detection (hazard ratio [HR] 2.346, 95% CI 1.687-3.261; P < 0.001), advanced TNM (P < 0.001), low LMR (HR 2.038, 95% CI 1.514-2.742; P < 0.001), moderate NLR (HR 1.588, 95% CI 1.128-2.235; P = 0.008), high NLR (HR 2.382, 95% CI 1.626-3.491; P < 0.001) and high PLR (HR 1.827, 95% CI 1.326-2.519; P < 0.001) predicted poorer overall survival (OS). Non-screen detection (HR 2.713, 95% CI 1.742-4.226; P < 0.001), TNM (P < 0.001), low LMR (HR 1.969, 95% CI 1.340-2.893; P < 0.001), high NLR (HR 2.368, 95% CI 1.448-3.875; P < 0.001) and high PLR (HR 2.110, 95% CI 1.374-3.240; P < 0.001) predicted poorer cancer-specific survival (CSS). On multivariate analysis, non-screen detection (HR 1.698, 95% CI 1.152-2.503; P = 0.008) and low LMR (HR 1.610, 95% CI 1.158-2.238; P = 0.005) independently predicted poorer OS. Non-screen detection (HR 1.847, 95% CI 1.144-2.983; P = 0.012) and high PLR (HR 1.578, 95% CI 1.018-2.444; P = 0.041) predicted poorer CSS. CONCLUSION: Screen-detected CRC patients have a lower systemic inflammatory response. Non-screen detection and systemic inflammatory response (measured by LMR and PLR respectively) were independent predictors of poorer OS and CSS.

Adverse Tumour and Host Biology May Explain the Poorer Outcomes Seen in Emergency Presentations of Colon Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between tumor/host factors (including the systemic inflammatory response), mode of presentation, and short/long-term outcomes in patients undergoing curative resectional surgery for TNM I to III colon cancer. BACKGROUND: Emergency presentations of colon cancer are associated with worse long-term outcomes than elective presentations despite adjustment for TNM stage. A number of differences in tumor and host factors have been identified between elective and emergency presentations and it may be these factors that are associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing curative surgery for TNM I to III colon cancer in the West of Scotland from 2011 to 2014 were identified. Tumor/host factors independently associated with the emergency presentation were identified and entered into a subsequent survival model to determine those that were independently associated with overall survival/cancer-specific survival (OS/CSS). RESULTS: A total of 2705 patients were identified. The emergency presentation was associated with a worse 3-year OS and CSS compared with elective presentations (70% vs 86% and 91% vs 75%). T stage, age, systemic inflammatory grade, anemia (all P < 0.001), N stage ( P = 0.077), extramural venous invasion ( P = 0.003), body mass index ( P = 0.001), and American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification classification ( P = 0.021) were independently associated with emergency presentation. Of these, body mass index [hazard ratio (HR), 0.82], American Society of Anesthesiologists Classification (HR, 1.45), anemia (HR, 1.29), systemic inflammatory grade (HR. 1.11), T stage (HR, 1.57), N stage (HR, 1.80), and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR, 0.47) were independently associated with OS. Similar results were observed for CSS. CONCLUSIONS: Within patients undergoing curative surgery for colon cancer, the emergency presentation was not independently associated with worse OS/CSS. Rather, a combination of tumor and host factors account for the worse outcomes observed.

The relationship between the mode of presentation, CT-derived body composition, systemic inflammatory grade and survival in colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Within colorectal cancer, the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) and CT-derived body composition, particularly the loss of lean muscle mass, are independently associated with oncological outcomes; however, no study has included both non-metastatic and metastatic disease. The present study analyses the association between body composition, mode of presentation, SIR and survival in patients with TNM I-IV colon cancer. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with colon cancer from 2011 to 2014 were identified. The SIR was stratified using systemic inflammatory grade (SIG). Staging CT scans were used to define body composition: subcutaneous fat index (SFI), visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD). The effect of SIG and body composition on mode of presentation and 3-year overall survival (3-yr OS) was analysed. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred forty-six patients were identified; 14%/38%/40%/8% had TNM Stage I/II/III/IV colon cancer, respectively. Patients were predominantly aged 65 + (63%), male (52%) and BMI > 25 (62%). 79%74% had a high SFI/VFA, and 56%/62% had a low SMI/SMD, respectively. Abnormal body composition was prevalent across all disease stages and associated with TNM stage-high SFI in 87%/76%/81%/68% (P < 0.001), high VFA in 79%/73%/75%/67% (P = 0.189), low SMI in 43%/60%/55%/68% (P < 0.001) and low SMD in 55%/65%/61%/67% (P = 0.094) of TNM I/II/III/IV disease, respectively. Body composition was associated with SIG-high SFI in 83%/80%/77%/78%/66% (P = 0.004), high VFA in 78%/78%/70%/63%/61% (P = 0.002), low SMI in 48%/52%/62%/62%/79% (P < 0.001) and low SMD in 56%/60%/62%/70%/76% (P < 0.001) of patients with SIG 0/1/2/3/4, respectively. After adjustment for other factors, increased SIG (OR 1.95), visceral obesity (OR 0.65) and low SMI (OR 1.61) were associated with emergency presentation. In TNM Stage II colon cancer, low SMI and low SMD were associated with worse 3-yr OS (92% vs 87%, P < 0.001 and 96% vs 85%, P < 0.001, respectively). In TNM Stage III, a trend was seen between low SMI and SMD and 3-yr OS (77% vs 73%, P = 0.091 and 76% vs 75%, P = 0.034, respectively). In TNM Stage IV disease, low SMI was associated with 3-yr OS (43% vs 16%, P < 0.001). A trend, albeit not of significance, was seen between low SMD and 3-yr OS (32% vs 21%, P = 0.366). CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that abnormal body composition is prevalent across TNM I-IV colon cancer and associated with TNM stage and SIG. Body composition is independently associated with emergency presentation and long-term survival. Further research is required to analyse whether interventions including structured exercise programmes or attenuation of the SIR have an effect on CT-derived body composition and oncological outcomes.

Relationship between BMI, CT-derived body composition and colorectal neoplasia in a bowel screening population.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Unlike the indirect measures such as BMI, CT-Body composition (CT-BC) allows for the assessment of both volume and distribution of adipose tissue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between host characteristics, BMI, CT-BC measurements and the incidence of colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: Patients undergoing CT Colonography (CTC) as part of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme, between July 2009 and February 2016, were eligible for inclusion. Data were collected including demographic data, clinicopathological variables and CT-BC measurements including skeletal muscle index (SMI), subcutaneous fat index (SFI) and visceral fat area (VFA). CTC, colonoscopy, and pathology reports were used to identify CRC incidence. Associations between demographic data, clinicopathological variables, CT-BC measurements, colorectal neoplasia and advanced colorectal neoplasia were analysed using univariate and multivariate binary logistics regression. RESULTS: 286 patients met the inclusion criteria. Neoplasia was detected in 105 (37%) of the patients with advanced neoplasia being detected in 72 (69%) of patients. On multivariate analysis sex (p < 0.05) and high VFA (p < 0.001) remained independently associated with colorectal neoplasia. On multivariate analysis a high SFI (p < 0.01) remained independently associated with advanced colorectal neoplasia. BMI was not associated with either colorectal neoplasia or advanced colorectal neoplasia. CONCLUSION: When directly compared to BMI, CT derived fat measurements were more closely associated with the degree of neoplasia in patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening. In patients investigated with CT colonography, CT adipose measures may stratify the risk and grade of neoplasia.

The role of faecal calprotectin in diagnosis and staging of colorectal neoplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The presence of inflammation is a key hallmark of cancer and, plays an important role in disease progression and survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). Calprotectin detected in the faeces is a sensitive measure of colonic inflammation. The role of FC as a diagnostic test that may categorise patients by risk of neoplasia is poorly defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to characterise the relationship between elevations of FC and colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: A systematic review was performed using the keywords (MESH terms) and a statistical and meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 35 studies are included in this review. CRC patients are more likely than controls to have an elevated FC OR 5.19, 95% CI 3.12-8.62, p < 0.001 with a heterogeneity (I2 = 27%). No tumour characteristics significantly correlated with FC, only stage of CRC shows signs that it may potentially correlate with FC. CONCLUSION: FC levels are significantly higher in CRC, with high sensitivity. Its low specificity prevents it from being used to diagnose or screen for CRC.

Alternative diagnoses and demographics associated with a raised quantitative faecal immunochemical test in symptomatic patients.

BACKGROUND: The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) has proven utility for colorectal cancer detection in symptomatic patients. However, most patients with a raised faecal haemoglobin (f-Hb) do not have colorectal cancer. We investigated alternative diagnoses and demographics associated with a raised f-Hb in symptomatic patients. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study was performed of patients with FIT submitted between August 2018 to January 2019 in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde followed by colonoscopy. Colonoscopy/pathology reports were searched for alternative diagnoses. Covariables were compared using the χ2 test. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of a raised f-Hb. RESULTS: 1272 patients were included. In addition to colorectal cancer (odds ratio (OR), 9.27 (95% confidence interval (CI): 3.61-23.83; p < 0.001)), older age (OR, 1.52 (95% CI: 1.00-2.32; p = 0.05)), deprivation (OR, 1.54 (95% CI: 1.21-1.94; p < 0.001)), oral anticoagulants (OR, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.01-3.15; p = 0.046)), rectal bleeding (OR, 1.47 (95% CI: 1.15-1.88; p = 0.002)), advanced adenoma (OR, 7.52 (95% CI: 3.90-14.49; p < 0.001)), non-advanced polyps (OR, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.33-2.38; p < 0.001)) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (OR, 4.19 (95% CI: 2.17-8.07; p < 0.001)) independently predicted raised f-Hb. Deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) 1-2: OR, 2.13 (95% CI: 1.38-3.29; p = 0.001)) independently predicted a raised f-Hb in patients with no pathology found at colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: An elevated f-Hb is independently associated with older age, deprivation, anticoagulants, rectal bleeding, advanced adenoma, non-advanced polyps and IBD in symptomatic patients. Deprivation is associated with a raised f-Hb in the absence of pathology. This must be considered when utilising FIT in symptomatic patients.

The role of faecal calprotectin in the identification of colorectal neoplasia in patients attending for screening colonoscopy.

AIM: Although the relationship between colorectal neoplasia and inflammation is well described, the role of faecal calprotectin (FC) in clinical practice to diagnose or screen patients for colorectal neoplasia is less defined. This prospective study characterizes the relationship between FC and colorectal neoplasia in patients within the faecal occult blood testing (FOBT) positive patients in the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme. METHODS: All FOBT positive patients attending for colonoscopy between February 2016 and July 2017 were invited to participate. Patients provided a stool sample for FC before commencing bowel preparation. All demographics and endoscopic findings were collected prospectively. RESULTS: In all, 352 patients were included. 210 patients had FC > 50 µg. Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients had a higher median FC (138.5 µg/g, P < 0.05), in comparison to those without CRC, and 13/14 had an FC > 50 µg/g (93%). FC had a high sensitivity (92.8%) and negative predictive value (99.3%) for CRC, but with a low specificity (41.7%) and positive predictive value (6.2%). FC sensitivity increased sequentially as neoplasms progressed from non-advanced to malignant neoplasia (48.6% non-advanced adenoma vs. 92.9% CRC). However, no significant relationship was observed between FC and non-cancer neoplasia. CONCLUSION: In an FOBT positive screening population, FC was strongly associated with CRC (sensitivity 92.8%, specificity 41.7% for CRC, at 50 µg/g). However, although sensitive for the detection of CRC, FC failed to show sufficient sensitivity or specificity for the detection of non-cancer neoplasia. Based on these results we cannot recommend routine use of FC in a bowel screening population to detect cancer per se, but it is apparent that, with further optimization, faecal assessments including quantification of haemoglobin and inflammation could form part of a risk assessment tool aimed at refining the selection of patients for colonoscopy in both symptomatic and screening populations.

Combining the quantitative faecal immunochemical test and full blood count reliably rules out colorectal cancer in a symptomatic patient referral pathway.

PURPOSE: Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) has proven utility for Colorectal Cancer (CRC) detection in symptomatic patients. Most studies have examined FIT in symptomatic patients subsequently referred from primary care. We investigated associations between CRC and FIT in both referred and non-referred symptomatic patients. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study of all patients with a FIT submitted Aug 2018 to Jan 2019 in NHS GG&C was performed. Referral to colorectal/gastroenterology and decision to perform colonoscopy were recorded. FIT results were grouped as f-Hb < 10/10-149/150-399/ ≥ 400 µg/g. The MCN cancer registry identified new cases of CRC. Covariables were compared using the χ2 test. Multivariate binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of CRC. RESULTS: A total of 4968 patients were included. Raised FIT correlated with decision to refer (p < 0.001) and scope (p < 0.001). With 23-month median follow-up, 61 patients were diagnosed with CRC. These patients were older (median 69 vs 59 years, cancer and no cancer respectively, p = 0.001), more likely to be male (55.7% vs 42.1%, p = 0.033), and to report rectal bleeding (51.7% vs 36.1%, p = 0.013). FIT (< 10 µg/g 8.2% vs 76.7% and ≥ 400 µg/g 55.7% vs 3.8%, p < 0.001) and anaemia (45.9% vs 19.7%, p < 0.001) were associated with CRC. On multivariate analysis, age (p = 0.023), male sex (p = 0.04), FIT (≥ 400 OR 54.256 (95% CI:20.683-142.325; p < 0.001)), and anaemia (OR 1.956 (1.071-3.574; p = 0.029)) independently predicted CRC. One patient (0.04%) with a negative FIT and normal haemoglobin had CRC. CONCLUSION: GP referral and secondary care investigation patterns were influenced by FIT. The combination of normal Hb and f-Hb excluded CRC in 99.96% of cases, providing excellent reassurance to those prioritising access to endoscopy services.

The inflammatory microenvironment in screen-detected premaligant adenomatous polyps: early results from the integrated technologies for improved polyp surveillance (INCISE) project.

INTRODUCTION: Around 40% of patients who attend colonoscopy following a positive stool screening test have adenomatous polyps. Identifying which patients have a higher propensity for malignant transformation is currently poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the type and intensity of inflammatory infiltrate differ between screen-detected adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and low-grade dysplasia (LGD). METHODS: A representative sample of 207 polyps from 134 individuals were included from a database of all patients with adenomas detected through the first round of the Scottish Bowel Screening Programme in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (April 2009-April 2011). Inflammatory cell phenotype infiltrate was assessed by immunohistochemistry for CD3+, CD8+, CD45+ and CD68+ in a semi-quantitative manner at 20× resolution. Immune-cell infiltrate was graded as absent, weak, moderate or strong. Patient and polyp characteristics and inflammatory infiltrate were then compared between HGD and LGD polyps. RESULTS: CD3+ infiltrate was significantly higher in HGD polyps compared to LGD polyps (74 vs. 69%; P < 0.05). CD8+ infiltrate was significantly higher in HGD polyps compared to LGD polyps (36 vs. 13%; P < 0.001) whereas CD45+ infiltrate was not significantly different (69 vs. 64%; P = 0.401). There was no significant difference in CD68+ infiltrate (P = 0.540) or total inflammatory cell infiltrate (calculated from CD3+ and CD68+) (P = 0.226). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports an increase in CD3+ and CD8+ infiltrate in HGD colonic adenomas when compared to LGD adenomas. It may therefore have a use in the prognostic stratification and treatment of dysplastic polyps.

The Relationship Between Co-morbidity, Screen-Detection and Outcome in Patients Undergoing Resection for Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bowel cancer screening increases early stage disease detection and reduces cancer-specific mortality. We assessed the relationship between co-morbidity, screen-detection and survival in colorectal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective, observational cohort study compared screen-detected (SD) and non-screen-detected (NSD) patients undergoing potentially curative resection (April 2009-March 2011). Co-morbidity was quantified using ASA, Lee and Charlson Indices. Systemic inflammatory response was measured using the neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Covariables were compared using crosstabulation and the χ2 test for linear trend. Survival was analysed using Cox Regression. RESULTS: Of 770 patients, 331 had SD- and 439 NSD-disease. A lower proportion of SD patients had a high ASA (≥3) compared to NSD (27.2% vs 37.3%; p = 0.007). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with a high (≥2) Lee Index (16.3% SD vs 21.9% NSD; p = 0.054) or high (≥3) Charlson Index (22.7% SD vs 26.9% NSD; p = 0.181). On univariate analysis, NSD (HR 2.182 (1.594-2.989;p < 0.001)), emergency presentation (HR 3.390 (2.401-4.788; p < 0.001)), advanced UICC-TNM (III or IV) (p < 0.001), high ASA (≥3) (HR 1.857 (1.362-2.532; p < 0.001)), high Charlson Index (≥3) (HR 1.800 (1.333-2.432; p < 0.001)) and high (≥3) NLR (HR 1.825 (1.363-2.442; p < 0.001)) were associated with poorer overall survival (OS). NSD predicted poorer cancer-specific survival (CSS) (HR 2.763 (1.776-4.298; p < 0.001)). On multivariate analysis, NSD retained significance as an independent predictor of poorer OS (HR 1.796 (1.224-2.635; p = 0.003)) and CSS (HR 1.924 (1.193-3.102; p = 0.007)). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SD cancers have significantly lower ASA scores. After adjusting for ASA, co-morbidity and a broad range of covariables, SD patients retain significantly better OS and CSS.

The prognostic value of combined measures of the systemic inflammatory response in patients with colon cancer: an analysis of 1700 patients.

BACKGROUND: The pre-operative systemic inflammatory response (SIR) measured using an acute-phase-protein-based score (modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS)) or the differential white cell count (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR)) demonstrates prognostic significance following curative resection of colon cancer. We investigate the complementary use of both measures to better stratify outcomes. METHODS: The effect on survival of mGPS and NLR was examined using uni/multivariate analysis (UVA/MVA) in patients undergoing curative surgery for colon cancer. The synergistic effect of these scores in predicting OS/CSS was examined using a Systemic Inflammatory Grade (SIG). RESULTS: One thousand seven hundred and eight patients with TNM-I-III colon cancer were included. On MVA both mGPS and NLR were significant for OS (HR 1.16/1.21, respectively). Three-year survival stratified by mGPS was 83-58%(TNM-I-III), 87-65%(TNM-II) and 75-49%(TNM-III), and by NLR was 84-62%(TNM-I-III), 88-69%(TNM-II) and 77-49%(TNM-III). When mGPS and NLR were combined to form an overall SIG 0/1/2/3/4, this stratified 3-year OS 88%/84%/76%/65%/60% and CSS 93%/90%/82%/73%/70%, respectively (both p < 0.001). SIG stratified OS 93-68%/82-48% and CSS 97-80%/86-58% in TNM Stage II/III disease, respectively (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that the pre-operative SIR in patients undergoing curative surgery for colon cancer is best measured using a SIG utilising mGPS and NLR.

The Detection of Lymphatic Invasion in Colorectal Polyp Cancer Using D2-40 Immunohistochemistry and Its Association With Prognosis.

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare the detection of lymphatic invasion using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining versus D2-40 immunostaining on specimens from a retrospective cohort of patients with colorectal polyp cancer and to investigate the association of lymphatic invasion, detected by either method, with survival. Methods Specimens from patients with pathologically diagnosed colorectal polyp cancer were selected from the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Bowel Cancer Screening Registry for D2-40 immunohistochemistry staining. Clinicopathological information was retrieved from patient electronic records including analysis of pathology reports to determine if a lymphatic invasion was detected using H&E staining. Results Over 100 patients were included in this study with a median age at polypectomy of 66 years (range 50-76). All patients were followed up for a minimum of four years and five patients died due to colorectal cancer. The lymphatic invasion was detected in 8% of cases by H&E staining and 23% of cases with D2-40 immunostaining. Only D2-40-detected lymphatic invasion showed a statistically significant relationship with colorectal cancer-specific mortality using univariate analysis (p=0.01). Survival analysis performed separately by Cox regression demonstrated that lymphatic invasion detected by D2-40 immunostaining was associated with worse disease-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR] 14.07, 95% CI 1.57-125.97, p=0.018). Conclusion This study shows that D2-40 immunostaining can improve the detection of lymphatic invasion in colorectal polyp cancer when compared to H&E staining. In addition, the lymphatic invasion detected by D2-40 immunostaining significantly associates with survival allowing it to be used as a prognostic indicator in colorectal polyp cancer.

Laparoscopic colopexy for neo-left colonic volvulus 10 years after anterior resection.

Recurrent neo-left colonic volvulus is a rare complication following anterior resection. The conventional approach to treating recurrent volvulus is a large bowel resection with anastomosis or colostomy formation after successful endoscopic decompression. However, in elderly and comorbid patients, this can result in significant morbidity or mortality. Laparoscopic colopexy is a less invasive alternative that has not been previously reported for the treatment of neo-left colonic volvulus. We describe a case of an 86-year-old male who presented with recurrent neo-left colonic volvulus 10 years post-laparoscopic anterior resection for cancer. A laparoscopic colopexy was performed to resolve the volvulus and prevent future recurrence. Interrupted prolene sutures were used to fix the neo-left colon to the posterior stomach and the left lateral abdominal wall. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery and was discharged 6 days after surgery. He was well at 6 months follow-up.

Normocytic anaemia is associated with systemic inflammation and poorer survival in patients with colorectal cancer treated with curative intent.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to characterise the prevalence and prognostic impact of normocytic anaemia in patients undergoing curative treatment for colorectal cancer. METHODS: All individuals invited to the first round of bowel cancer screening, diagnosed with colorectal cancer and treated with curative intent from April 2009 to March 2011 in a single health board were included. The modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) was used to quantify preoperative systemic inflammation. Patients were grouped as having microcytic anaemia (Hb < 130 mg/L males, < 120 mg/L females and MCV < 80 fL), normocytic anaemia (Hb < 130 mg/L males, < 120 mg/L females and MCV 80-100 fL), or neither. RESULTS: Of 395,097 patients invited to screening during the study period, 872 were diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Seven hundred seventy-seven patients had FBC measured at diagnosis, of which 78 (10%) had microcytic anaemia, and 180 (23%) normocytic anaemia. On multivariate binary logistic regression, microcytic anaemia was associated with T stage (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.26-2.91, p = 0.002) and mGPS (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.10-2.24, p = 0.013), while normocytic anaemia was associated with colonic tumours (OR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.10-4.01, p = 0.025), T stage (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.05-1.81, p = 0.022), and mGPS (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.12-2.05, p = 0.007). On univariate Cox regression, there was no significant association between microcytic anaemia and cancer specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.969). Normocytic anaemia was significantly associated with poorer CSS (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.13-2.12, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Normocytic anaemia was associated with systemic inflammation and poorer CSS. Inflammation may drive both anaemia and disease recurrence in these patients, and targeting this process may improve both.

Factors associated with the efficacy of polyp detection during routine flexible sigmoidoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Flexible sigmoidoscopy reduces the incidence of colonic cancer through the detection and removal of premalignant adenomas. However, the efficacy of the procedure is variable. The aim of the present study was to examine factors associated with the efficacy of detecting polyps during flexible sigmoidoscopy. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: Retrospective observational cohort study of all individuals undergoing routine flexible sigmoidoscopy in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde from January 2013 to January 2016. RESULTS: A total of 7713 patients were included. Median age was 52 years and 50% were male. Polyps were detected in 1172 (13%) patients. On multivariate analysis, increasing age (OR 1.020 (1.016-1.023) p<0.001), male sex (OR 1.23 (1.10-1.38) p<0.001) and the use of any bowel preparation (OR 3.55 (1.47-8.57) p<0.001) were associated with increasing numbers of polyps being detected. There was no significant difference in the number of polyps found in patients who had received an oral laxative preparation compared with an enema (OR 3.81 (1.57-9.22) vs 3.45 (1.43-8.34)), or in those who received sedation versus those who had not (OR 1.00 vs 1.04 (0.91-1.17) p=0.591). Furthermore, the highest number of polyps was found when the sigmoidoscope was inserted to the descending colon (OR 1.30 (1.04-1.63)). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing age, male sex and the utilisation of any bowel preparation were associated with an increased polyp detection rate. However, the use of sedation or oral laxative preparation appears to confer no additional benefit. In addition, the results indicate that insertion to the descending colon optimises the efficacy of flexible sigmoidoscopy polyp detection.

Lower morbidity and improved outcomes in patients with screen-detected colorectal cancer

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Lower morbidity and improved outcomes in patients with screen-detected colorectal cancer.

Screening for colorectal cancer is now integrated into the fabric of healthcare systems across the world, as a wealth of evidence exists as regards its benefits in reducing cancer-specific mortality through the detection of early-stage disease. Options for screening include both endoscopic and stool-based tests, with a majority of countries opting for repeated faecal occult blood screening tests (FOBt). These can be either guaiac-based, as is the current system across the UK, or immunoglobulin-based, as is the case in the accompanying article from Spain. Patients testing positive for FOBt proceed to colonoscopy, where a relatively small proportion of patients, less than 10% in established screening programmes, will have a colorectal cancer identified. As national programmes have developed, multiple publications have focused on the differing aspects between colorectal cancers diagnosed through screening programmes (SD) and those diagnosed outside the screening pathway (NSD). In particular, patients diagnosed with SD tumours have been noted to be younger, more likely to be male and less socioeconomically deprived. Furthermore, tumour characteristics are different with early-stage disease and an absence of rectal tumours predominating in the SD patient group.