Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Peritoneal Chemotherapy in Appendiceal and Colorectal Cancer: Outcomes and Survival.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed outcomes following cytoreductive surgery/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with appendiceal or colorectal neoplasms and evaluated key prognostic indicators for treatment. METHODS: All patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC for appendiceal and colorectal neoplasms were identified from an IRB-approved database. Patient demographics, operative reports, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: 110 patients [median age 54.5 (18-79) years, 55% male] were included. Primary tumor location was colorectal (58; 52.7%) and appendiceal (52; 47.3%). 28.2%, .9%, and 12.7% had right, left, and sigmoid tumors, respectively; 11.8% had rectal tumors. 12/13 rectal cancer patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy. Mean Peritoneal Cancer Index was 9.6 ± 7.7; complete cytoreduction was achieved in 90.9%. 53.6% developed postoperative complications. Reoperation, perioperative mortality, and 30-day readmission rates were 1.8%, .09%, and 13.6%, respectively. Recurrence at a median of 11.1 months was 48.2%; overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 84% and 56.8%, respectively; disease-free survival was 60.8% and 33.7%, respectively, at a median follow-up of 16.8 (0-86.8) months. Univariate analysis of preoperative chemotherapy, primary malignancy location, primary tumor perforated or obstructive, postoperative bleeding complication, and pathology of adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma and negative lymph nodes were identified as possible predictive factors of survival. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative chemotherapy (P < .001), perforated tumor (P = .003), and postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding (P < .001) were independent prognostic indicators for survival. CONCLUSIONS: Cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC for colorectal and appendiceal neoplasms has low mortality and high completeness of cytoreduction score. Preoperative chemotherapy, primary tumor perforation, and postoperative bleeding are adverse risk factors for survival.

The effect of mechanical bowel preparation on postoperative complications in laparoscopic right colectomy: a retrospective propensity score matching analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess whether full bowel preparation affects 30-day surgical outcomes in laparoscopic right colectomy for colon cancer. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all elective laparoscopic right colectomies performed for colonic adenocarcinoma between Jan 2011 and Dec 2021. The cohort was divided into two groups-no bowel preparation (NP) group and patients who received full bowel preparation (FP), including oral and mechanical cathartic bowel preparation. All anastomoses were extracorporeal stapled side-to-side. The two groups were compared at baseline and then were matched using propensity score based on demographic and clinical parameters. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative complication rate, mainly anastomotic leak (AL) and surgical site infection (SSI) rate. RESULTS: The original cohort included 238 patients with a median age of 68 (SD 13) and equal M:F ratio. Following propensity score matching, 93 matched patients were included in each group. Analysis of the matched cohort showed a significantly higher overall complication rate in the FP group (28 vs 11.8%, p = 0.005) which was mostly due to minor type II complications. There were no differences in major complication rates, SSI, ileus, or AL rate. Although operative time was significantly longer in the FP group (119 vs 100 min, p ≤ 0.001), length of stay was significantly shorter in the FP group (5 vs 6 days, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Aside from a shorter hospital stay, full mechanical bowel preparation for laparoscopic right colectomy does not seem to have any benefit and may be associated with a higher overall complication rate.

Distal Tumor Spread in Rectal Cancer-How Low Should We Go?

BACKGROUND: Distal tumor spread (DTS) is an adverse prognostic factor in rectal cancer correlating with advanced stage disease. We aimed to assess prevalence and location of distal tumor spread and impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in patients who underwent proctectomy for rectal cancer. METHODS: The pathology database at our institution was queried for all patients who underwent proctectomy with curative intent for rectal cancer from 1/2008 to 12/2016. Specimen slides were re-evaluated by a single expert rectal cancer pathologist to verify diagnosis and measure the distance to the distal resection margin. Main outcome measures were 3-year overall and disease-free survival. RESULTS: 275 consecutive patients were identified. 109/111 patients with clinical stage 3 disease received preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. DTS was found in 13 (4.7%) specimens, 6 with intra-mural and 7 with extra-mural distal tumor spread. DTS was found only in patients with clinical stage 3 disease. Length of DTS from the distal end of the tumor ranged from 0 to 30 mm; in only 4 specimens DTS was >10 mm. A positive distal resection margin was found in 5/275 (1.8%) specimens. CONCLUSION: A macroscopically tumor-free margin may suffice in patients with pre-treatment stage 1 or 2 disease. Furthermore, a 1 cm margin is adequate in most patients with stage 3 disease.

High Failure Rate Following Restorative Surgery for Rectal Prolapse in Systemic Sclerosis Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder. Colonic disorders are reported in 70% of patients. Only a few cases of rectal prolapse surgical repair in SSc patients were published, demonstrating high recurrence rate following any restorative surgery. The aim of this study is to present our surgical experience combined with the reported cases of SSc patients who underwent surgical interventions for rectal prolapse. METHODS: We reviewed our data and the published reports in the English literature of patients with SSc who underwent surgery for rectal prolapse. We located 6 case reports, in addition to 3 patients who were operated in our center. RESULTS: A total of 19 procedures (9 patients) were included, among them 17 restorative surgeries and 2 low anterior resections (LAR) with end-colostomy. All patients were female (mean age 70.3). Index surgery was perineal rectosigmoidectomy in 5, abdominal resection rectopexy in 3, and LAR with colostomy in 1 patient. All patients following restorative surgery suffered from fecal incontinence. 5 patients (62.5%) who underwent restorative surgery required at least 1 re-operation. The 2 patients who underwent LAR and colostomy reported a complete resolution of anorectal symptoms with a major improvement in their quality of life. CONCLUSION: High recurrence rate is expected in SSc patients with rectal prolapse who undergo a restorative procedure. Low anterior resection and permanent colostomy provide an alternative surgical option to patients with SSc and prolapse in contrast to restorative surgery. We believe that this surgical approach should be offered for these patients.

Anorectal Malignancies Presenting as a Perianal Abscess or Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Acute anorectal abscess and fistula are common conditions that usually presents as a painful lump close to the anal margin. Tumors in the distal rectum and in the perianal region may mimic the symptoms and signs of anorectal sepsis, thereby leading to a delay in diagnosis and management. The purpose of this study was to describe patients presenting with acute perianal abscess or fistula who were subsequently diagnosed with anorectal cancer. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, review of all cases presenting with acute perianal abscess or fistula who were subsequently found to have anorectal carcinoma on biopsy in two tertiary centers. We analyzed the data focusing on the clinical features, laboratory values, clinical staging of the tumors, the subsequent management, the pathological staging, and the outcome of each patient. RESULTS: Overall, 3219 patients presenting with anorectal abscess or fistula were reviewed. Cancer was diagnosed in 16 (.5%) patients, 12 with adenocarcinoma of the rectum and 4 with squamous cell carcinoma of the anus. In 5 patients (31.2%), cancer was diagnosed in the setting of chronic perianal fistula, 4 of them had Crohn's disease. In 10 patients (62.5%), cancer was not diagnosed during the initial evaluation of the acute symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion is required to make the diagnosis of perianal tumors when assessing patients presenting with perianal sepsis, particularly those with Crohn's disease, a long history of persistent perianal disease, and an advanced age. In most cases, proper drainage followed by proximal diversion are the surgical treatment of choice in the acute setting.

Inflammatory bowel disease in families with four or more affected first-degree relatives.

BACKGROUND: Family history increases the risk for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, data on differences in phenotypic characteristics among patients with a strong family history of IBD are scarce and controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the phenotypic features of IBD patients with four or more affected first-degree relatives with sporadic cases of IBD. METHODS: Patients with familial and sporadic IBD were identified from the institutional IBD database. IBD patients from families with at least four first-degree affected relatives were selected for analysis and were compared to non-matched sporadic cases with IBD chosen randomly. Comparison for type of IBD (Crohn's disease (CD) vs. ulcerative colitis (UC)), age at onset as well as for disease extent, behavior, extraintestinal manifestations and indicators of severe disease were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with familial IBD (28 CD, seven UC) were compared to 88 sporadic IBD patients (61 CD, 24 UC and three IBDU). Disease duration was 10.3 ± 8.2 in the familial and 8.0 ± 7.2 years in the sporadic cases, p=.13. The familial cases were younger at diagnosis (19.3 ± 8.6 vs. 25.7 ± 11.8, p=.004). Patients with familial compared to sporadic IBD were significantly more likely to require steroid treatment (80% vs. 54.5%, p=.009), biological treatment (94.3%, vs. 63.6%, p<.001) or surgery (25.7%, vs. 11.4%, p=.048). CONCLUSIONS: IBD with a very strong positive family history is associated with younger age at onset and a more adverse IBD phenotype compared to sporadic IBD.

Pyogenic Liver Abscess: Contemporary Trends in a Tertiary Institute.

Background: Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition. In recent years, advances in diagnostics and management have led to early diagnosis and treatment and decreased mortality. We present recent data from a large series of patients with PLA and examine the trends in the management of PLA over a period of 50 years. Methods: The medical records of all patients admitted to the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Israel, between January 2011 and December 2021 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of PLA were reviewed retrospectively. Results: : Ninety-five patients with PLA were identified. Thirty-eight (40%) were female. The median patient age was 66 years (range 18-93). The diagnosis of PLA in all patients was confirmed with abdominal computed tomography (CT). In twenty patients (21.1%), PLA was not diagnosed by the initial abdominal US. Most abscesses were right-sided. Biliary tract origin was the most common underlying cause of PLA (n = 57, 60%), followed by cryptogenic etiology (n = 28, 30%). Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Streptococcus species were most commonly identified. The most common primary treatment modality was percutaneous drainage (PD), which was performed in 81 patients (85.3%). Fourteen patients (14.7%) were treated medically without intervention, and two patients (2.1%) were treated surgically following a failure of PD. Four patients died as a direct result of PLA. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with PLA are older, the male predominance is less pronounced, and the offending pathogens are likely to originate from the biliary tract. This study questions the utility of abdominal US as the initial diagnostic imaging in patients with suspected PLA (versus CT) and demonstrates improved outcomes for patients with PLA over the years.

Use of fluorescence imaging and indocyanine green during colorectal surgery: Results of an intercontinental Delphi survey.

BACKGROUND: Fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green is increasingly being used in colorectal surgery to assess anastomotic perfusion, and to detect sentinel lymph nodes. METHODS: In this 2-round, online, Delphi survey, 35 international experts were asked to vote on 69 statements pertaining to patient preparation and contraindications to fluorescence imaging during colorectal surgery, indications, technical aspects, potential advantages/disadvantages, and effectiveness versus limitations, and training and research. Methodological steps were adopted during survey design to minimize risk of bias. RESULTS: More than 70% consensus was reached on 60 of 69 statements, including moderate-strong consensus regarding fluorescence imaging's value assessing anastomotic perfusion and leak risk, but not on its value mapping sentinel nodes. Similarly, although consensus was reached regarding most technical aspects of its use assessing anastomoses, little consensus was achieved for lymph-node assessments. Evaluating anastomoses, experts agreed that the optimum total indocyanine green dose and timing are 5 to 10 mg and 30 to 60 seconds pre-evaluation, indocyanine green should be dosed milligram/kilogram, lines should be flushed with saline, and indocyanine green can be readministered if bright perfusion is not achieved, although how long surgeons should wait remains unknown. The only consensus achieved for lymph-node assessments was that 2 to 4 injection points are needed. Ninety-six percent and 100% consensus were reached that fluorescence imaging will increase in practice and research over the next decade, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although further research remains necessary, fluorescence imaging appears to have value assessing anastomotic perfusion, but its value for lymph-node mapping remains questionable.

Small Bowel Obstruction in Patients without Prior Abdominal Surgery: To Operate or Not?

INTRODUCTION: Surgical exploration is still considered mandatory in the setting of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in patients without prior intra-abdominal surgery. However, recent studies have challenged this 'classic' approach describing success with conservative non-surgical treatment. The aim of this study is to identify clinical, radiological and biochemical variables that may be associated with the absence of intra-abdominal pathology in patients with SBO who have not undergone previous surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of prospectively recorded data. Patients with SBO without prior abdominal surgery who presented to a single tertiary referral medical center between 2009 and 2019 were included. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included of whom 61(70.0%) were allocated to the 'therapeutic exploration' group and 26 (30.0%) to the 'non-therapeutic exploration' group. Forty-eight patients (55.0%) had adhesions, 17.2% had closed-loop obstruction, 10.0% had an internal hernia, 27.6% had bowel ischemia and 5.7% had bowel necrosis. Although multiple clinical, laboratory, radiological and preoperative factors were examined, none were significantly associated with pathological findings during surgical exploration. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications when comparing between those groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, no variables were associated with intra-abdominal pathology in patients who underwent surgery for SBO with no history of prior abdominal surgery. However, the fact that 27.0% had ischemic bowel upon surgical exploration suggests that this approach is still mandatory for this specific group of patients. Furthermore, clinicians and patients should be aware that negative exploration may be expected in up to 30.0%.

The effect of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on sphincter preserving surgery for rectal cancer: A single referral center experience.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has significantly impacted healthcare worldwide. Lack of screening and limited access to healthcare has delayed diagnosis and treatment of various malignancies. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on sphincter-preserving surgery in patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for newly diagnosed rectal cancer. Patients operated on during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) comprised the study group (COVID-19 era), while patients operated on prior to the pandemic (March 2016-February 2020) served as the control group (pre-COVID-19). RESULTS: This study included 234 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer; 180 (77%) patients in the pre-COVID-19 group and 54 patients (23%) in the COVID-19-era group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of mean patient age, sex, or body mass index. The COVID-19-era group presented with a significantly higher rate of locally advanced disease (stage T3/T4 79% vs 58%; P = .02) and metastatic disease (9% vs 3%; P = .05). The COVID-19-era group also had a much higher percentage of patients treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (52% vs 15%; P = .001) and showed a significantly lower rate of sphincter-preserving surgery (73% vs 86%; P = .028). Time from diagnosis to surgery in this group was also significantly longer (median 272 vs 146 days; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic presented later and at a more advanced stage. They were more likely to be treated with total neoadjuvant therapy and were less likely candidates for sphincter-preserving surgery.

Indications for, and outcomes of, end ileostomy revision procedures.

AIM: Ileostomy complications have been reported in >70% of cases. Older studies have shown ileostomy revision to be required in 23%-38% of patients over a 5-10 year period. There is a paucity of recent data addressing ileostomy revision surgery. We aimed to review end ileostomy revisions in a tertiary centre and analyse indications, procedures performed, outcomes and risks for such surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective review in a single institution colorectal referral practice. All patients aged >17 years who underwent a revision of an ileostomy at our institution from 2008 to 2019 were included. Indication for ileostomy revision, operative technique (parastomal vs. intra-abdominal) and outcomes including length of stay, readmission rates, wound complications, medical complications and rate of stoma re-revision were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients who underwent 72 end ileostomy revision procedures were included; 20 (27.8%) were re-revision procedures. The majority (76.4%) had their original ileostomy created for inflammatory bowel disease. Indications for ileostomy revision were stoma retraction (36.1%), prolapse (22.2%), stenosis (18.1%) and parastomal hernia (29.2%). Of stoma revisions, 55.6% were performed by a parastomal approach vs. 44.4% by an intra-abdominal approach. Procedures were a combination of laparotomy, laparoscopy or both. The average length of stay was statistically significantly lower in the parastomal approach revision group (2.3 days) compared to the intra-abdominal approach revision group (10.3 days) (P < 0.001). Readmission and wound complication rates were 6.9% and 15.3%, respectively, in the intra-abdominal approach group alone. Medical complication rates were 20.8%. CONCLUSIONS: End ileostomy complications are common and surgical treatment may result in significant morbidity, readmission and reoperation. Patients should be counselled about these possibilities.

Laparoscopic negative appendectomy during pregnancy is associated with adverse neonatal outcome.

BACKGROUND: The impact on pregnancy of laparoscopy for acute appendicitis is well documented. However, with an accurate pre-operative diagnosis being more challenging in pregnant patients, the incidence of a negative appendectomy (NA) is higher in this cohort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and neonatal implications of a NA during pregnancy. METHODS: A single center retrospective study between 2004 and 2019 was performed. Pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for suspected appendicitis were identified from which those who had a pathologically normal appendix were selected. The maternal and neonatal outcome of this group were compared with a matched control group of pregnant women who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for a presumed ovarian torsion in whom no further surgical intervention was performed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to explore factors that gestational size. RESULTS: Of the 225 pregnant women who underwent laparoscopy appendectomy, a NA was performed in 33 (14.7%). These were compared with 50 pregnant women in the diagnostic laparoscopy group. The former was characterized by higher rate of nulliparity and later gestational age at the time of the surgery (17.8 ± 7.5 vs 11.3 ± 6.3, p < 0.001). Whilst the rate of maternal complications during pregnancy were similar between the groups, NA was associated with significantly lower neonatal birthweights (2733.9 ± 731.1 vs 3200.7 ± 458.5 g, p = 0.002) and a significantly higher risk of small for gestational age (SGA) infants (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.02-30.9). CONCLUSIONS: Performing a NA during pregnancy is an indicator for perioperative counseling and antenatal follow up.

Gracilis Muscle Interposition for Treatment of Complex Anal Fistula: Experience With 119 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of complex anal fistula is challenging, often mandating multiple procedures. The gracilis muscle has been used to treat perineal fistulas and to repair perineal defects. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to report the results of gracilis muscle interposition for complex anal fistula, including prognostic factors for success. DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database for patients who underwent gracilis muscle interposition for complex anal fistula from 2000 to 2018. SETTING: Patient demographics, operative data, and postoperative outcome were obtained from medical records. Office visits were used for follow-up. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent gracilis muscle interposition for complex anal fistula were included. Patients who underwent gracilis muscle interposition for reasons other than complex anal fistula were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measured was the healing of complex anal fistula following gracilis muscle interposition and following additional procedures, when needed. RESULTS: A total of 119 patients (60 men, 59 women; median age: 56 (21-85) years) were included. The initial success rate of gracilis muscle interposition was 42%; the final success rate if additional procedures were undertaken was 92%. Overall success rate was 32.2% in women and 51.6% in men. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (p = 0.0315) and bed rest >3 days (p = 0.0078) were significant poor prognostic factors for failure, whereas the multivariate logistic regression model showed that length of bed rest >3 days was a significant poor prognostic factor for failure. In the female subgroup, multivariate analysis showed that bed rest ≥3 days was a significant poor prognostic factor, whereas in the male population there was no significant prognostic factor. LIMITATION: This study was limited by its retrospective nature and the heterogeneity of patients. CONCLUSION: Although initial success is <50%, the ultimate success after gracilis muscle interposition and other subsequent procedures is >90%. Patients must be preoperatively counseled that additional procedures will probably be required to achieve successful fistula closure. Furthermore, prolonged bed rest should be avoided after gracilis muscle interposition. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B551. INTERPOSICIN DEL MSCULO GRACILIS PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE LA FSTULA ANAL COMPLEJA EXPERIENCIA CON PACIENTES CONSECUTIVOS: ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento de la fístula anal compleja es un desafío que a menudo requiere de múltiples procedimientos quirúrgicos. El músculo gracilis se ha utilizado para tratar fístulas y reparar defectos perineales.OBJETIVO:Informar los resultados de la interposición del músculo gracilis para la fístula anal compleja, incluyendo los factores pronósticos para un tratamiento exitoso.DISEÑO:Se efectuó un análisis retrospectivo obtenido de una base de datos prospectiva para pacientes sometidos a interposición del músculo gracilis por fístula anal compleja del 2000 al 2018.METODO:Los datos demográficos de los pacientes, la información del procedimiento quirúrgico y los resultados postoperatorios se obtuvieron de los expedientes clínicos; el seguimiento se llevó a cabo por medio de visitas al consultorio.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron todos los pacientes sometidos a interposición del músculo gracilis por fístula anal compleja; Se excluyeron los pacientes que se sometieron a interposición del músculo gracilis por motivos distintos a la fístula anal compleja.CRITERIOS DE EVALUACION DE LOS RESULTADOS:Curación de una fístula anal compleja después de la interposición del músculo gracilis y procedimientos adicionales, cuando fueron necesarios.RESULTADOS:Se estudiaron un total de 119 pacientes [60 hombres, 59 mujeres; con media de edad de 56 (21-85) años]. La tasa de éxito inicial de la interposición del músculo gracilis fue del 42%; La tasa de éxito final cuando realizaron procedimientos adicionales fue del 92%. La tasa de éxito global fue del 32,2% en mujeres y del 51,6% en hombres. El análisis univariado reveló que el género (p = 0,0315) y el reposo en cama > 3 días (p = 0,0078) en forma significativa fueron factores de pronóstico bajo para el fracaso, mientras que el modelo de regresión logística multivariable mostró que la duración del reposo en cama> 3 días fue un factor de pronóstico significativamente bajo para fracaso. En el subgrupo de mujeres, el análisis multivariado mostró que el reposo en cama ≥3 días fue un factor de pronóstico significativamente bajo, mientras que en la población masculina no hubo un factor pronóstico significativo.LIMITACIÓN:Carácter retrospectivo y heterogenicidad de los pacientes.CONCLUSIÓN:Aunque el éxito inicial es <50%, el éxito final después de la interposición del músculo gracilis y otros procedimientos posteriores es > 90%. Se debe aconsejar a los pacientes antes de la operación que probablemente se requieran procedimientos adicionales para lograr el cierre exitoso de la fístula. Además, debe evitarse el reposo prolongado en cama después de la interposición del músculo gracilis. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B551.

Early postoperative outcomes of diverting loop ileostomy closure surgery following laparoscopic versus open colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) formation reduces the consequences of anastomotic leak and may also decrease the incidence of this severe complication, DLI closure can result in significant complications. The laparoscopic approach in colorectal surgery has numerous benefits, including reduced length of stay (LOS), less wound infection, and better cosmesis. The aim of this study was to determine whether a laparoscopic approach at the time of the ileostomy creation has a beneficial effect on the outcomes of ileostomy closure. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of an IRB-approved prospective database was performed for all patients who underwent DLI closure between 2010 and 2017. Patients' demographics, operative reports, and postoperative course were reviewed. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software and included descriptive statistics, Chi-square for categorical variables, and Student's t tests for continuous variables. Skewed variables were compared using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Regression analysis for overall complications and LOS were preformed to further assess the impact of laparoscopy. RESULTS: We identified 795 patients (363 females) who underwent DLI reversal surgery. The surgical approach in the index operation was laparoscopy in 65% of patients. Conversion to laparotomy at the ileostomy closure occurred in 6.1% of patients. The overall complication rate was lower and the LOS was shorter for patients who underwent DLI closure following laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy at the index operation was also associated with a lower incidence of postoperative ileus and a lower estimated blood loss (EBL) at the time of DLI reversal. Multivariate regression analysis found laparoscopy to have significant benefits compared to laparotomy for overall complications and for LOS. CONCLUSION: Ileostomy closure following laparoscopic colorectal surgery offers benefits including reductions in LOS and overall complications.

Total Neoadjuvant Treatment for Rectal Cancer: Preliminary Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Administration of chemotherapeutic regimens such as FOLFOX or CAPEOX with chemoradiation in the neoadjuvant setting, termed total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT), was introduced in recent years. By increasing the complete pathologic and clinical responses, patients with locally advanced rectal cancer may have better oncologic outcomes and potentially abstain from undergoing a proctectomy. METHODS: All patients who underwent TNT at a single National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accredited referral center were included. A retrospective analysis was performed using a computerized Institutional Review Board-approved database. Patient demographics, diagnostic workup, treatment regimens, and surgical and pathological reports were reviewed. Complete pathological response was the primary outcome. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential factors predisposing to complete pathological response. RESULTS: Thirty patients met the inclusion criteria, 14(46.6%) of whom had complete pathologic response. There was no difference in baseline demographic characteristics between patients who achieved complete pathological response and those who did not. Pathology revealed a 92% intact mesorectum rate in the complete pathologic response group and a mean of 24 harvested lymph nodes in the entire study cohort. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses failed to demonstrate statistically significant factors predicting complete pathologic response, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tumor size, and posttreatment MRI lymph node positivity. CONCLUSION: TNT is safe and efficient for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. It increases complete pathological and clinical response rates and may more widely evolve to be the treatment of choice in this group of patients in the near future.

Re-operation surgery following IPAA: is there a role for laparoscopy?

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal J pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the standard of care for mucosal ulcerative colitis and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis. Some patients require re-operation, including pouch revision, advancement, or excision. Re-operative procedures are technically demanding and usually performed only by experienced colorectal surgeons in a small number of referral centers. There is a paucity of data regarding feasibility, safety, and outcomes of laparoscopic re-operative IPAA surgery. This study aimed to determine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic approach for re-operative IPAA, trans-abdominal surgery. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of IRB-approved prospective database for patients who underwent trans-abdominal re-operative IPAA from 2011 to 2018. Patient demographics and operative reports were reviewed to classify type of re-operation into pouch excision, revision, or advancement and further classify as laparoscopic, laparoscopic converted to open, or open surgery. Main outcome measures were post-operative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients met the inclusion criteria: 19 underwent attempted laparoscopic re-operative IPAA surgery, 12 of whom underwent successful laparoscopic surgery while 7 were converted to laparotomy, for an overall laparoscopic intent to treat 63% success rate. The remaining operations (n = 57) were performed through midline laparotomy. Length of stay (LOS) for patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery was significantly shorter (5.5 vs 9.7 days, p < 0.001) as were abdominal superficial surgical site infections (SSI) (0% vs 18%, p < 0.001) and deep SSI (0% vs 17%, p < 0.001). Laparotomy was performed by 6 colorectal surgeons at our institution while laparoscopy was successfully performed only by the senior author. There was no significant difference in overall complications, re-admission, re-operation, or mortality. CONCLUSION: Re-operative, trans-abdominal, laparoscopic IPAA is both feasible and safe and has clear benefits compared to laparotomy in terms of LOS and superficial and deep SSI. However, this approach needs to be undertaken only by very experienced, high-volume laparoscopic IPAA surgeons.

A simple difficulty scoring system for laparoscopic total mesorectal excision.

BACKGROUND: The proposed difficulty scoring system (DSS) may aid in preoperative planning for laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (L-TME) for rectal cancer. METHODS: Fifty-three patients [28 males; 59.0 (31.0-88.0) years of age] treated for rectal cancer at our institution from 2/2011-5/2018 were identified. "Difficult operation" (DO) was defined as the presence of ≥3 factors: operative time ≥320 min, estimated blood loss >250 ml, intraoperative complications, conversion to laparotomy, >2 stapler applications, incomplete TME quality, and/or subjective perceived difficulty. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model with backward elimination method were used to obtain a DSS which consists of two factors: sex (male = 1 and female = 0) and body mass index (BMI) (≥30 kg/m2 = 1, <30 kg/m2 = 0). RESULTS: In univariate analysis, sex (p = 0.0217), BMI (p = 0.0026), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p = 0.0372), and magnetic resonance imaging transverse diameter (p = 0.0441) correlated to DO. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex and BMI were the most important risk factors for a DO [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.7761, 95% CI = (0.6443-0.9080)]. Male patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 were more likely to experience a DO (77.8%). The simplified DSS did not weaken the discriminating power compared to multivariate logistic regression model (AUC 0.7696 vs. 0.7761, p = 0.7387). L-TME with a DSS of 0, 1, and 2 had a DO rate of 10%, 33.3%, and 77.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A simplified DSS may be used preoperatively in preparation for L-TME.

What are the results of laparoscopic re-operative rectal surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Reoperative rectal surgery is challenging, performed selectively by experienced colorectal surgeons. The minimally invasive approach has not been well defined. This study reviewed the results of laparoscopy in this challenging setting. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent trans-abdominal re-operative rectal surgery from 2010 to 2019 was performed. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients [35 females (45%); BMI 25kg/m2) were included. Reasons for reoperation were recurrent cancer in 18 (43%) patients and anastomotic failure in 57 (73%). Twenty-two (28%) had laparoscopic surgery and 4 had attempted laparoscopy converted to laparotomy. A higher success rate was noted for laparoscopy with prior laparoscopic surgery. Benefits of laparoscopy included significant reduction in length of stay (6.7 vs 9.7 days, p = 0.012) and abdominal superficial surgical site infection (0% vs 25%, p < 0.001) and higher rate of achieving bowel continuity compared to laparotomy (77% vs 50%, p = 0.021) CONCLUSIONS: Reoperative laparoscopic rectal surgery is safe and feasible in the context of a high-volume laparoscopic surgeon with substantial experience in redo proctectomies. It offers clear benefits including decreased surgical site infection rates and length of stay.

Sarcopenia defined by muscle quality rather than quantity predicts complications following laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

PURPOSE: While sarcopenia has prognostic value in elective colorectal surgery for predicting peri-operative morbidity and mortality, its role in elective laparoscopic surgery is poorly defined. METHODS: A retrospective single-center analysis of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for adenocarcinoma between January 2010 and December 2016. Univariate analysis compared the robustness of total psoas index (TPI) with Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC) calculated from pre-operative CT imaging in predicting post-operative complications. Multivariate analysis compared these measures with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade and Charlson scores in predicting post-operative complications. RESULTS: Of the 580 patients identified, 185 met the inclusion criteria (91 males and 94 females, with a median age of 68). Using TPI and HUAC, 46 and 44 patients respectively were identified as sarcopenic, including 18 patients that were identified by both measures. HUAC-defined sarcopenia was significantly associated with pre-operative comorbidities, peri-operative mortality, and a greater incidence of respiratory, cardiac, and serious post-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3). Those with HUAC-defined sarcopenia aged > 75 were at particular risk of morbidity (OR 5.52, p = 0.002). No such relationships were found with TPI-defined sarcopenia. Only HUAC remained predictive of post-operative complications on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia is a novel methodology for stratifying surgical risk in elective colorectal cancer surgery. HUAC has a high prognostic accuracy for the prediction of complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery compared with TPI, ASA grade, and Charlson score.