Locoregional recurrences after transanal total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer during implementation.

BACKGROUND: Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been proposed as an approach in patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The TaTME procedure has been introduced in the Netherlands in a structured training pathway, including proctoring. This study evaluated the local recurrence rate during the implementation phase of TaTME. METHODS: Oncological outcomes of the first ten TaTME procedures in each of 12 participating centres were collected as part of an external audit of procedure implementation. Data collected from a cohort of patients treated over a prolonged period in four centres were also collected to analyse learning curve effects. The primary outcome was the presence of locoregional recurrence. RESULTS: The implementation cohort of 120 patients had a median follow up of 21·9 months. Short-term outcomes included a positive circumferential resection margin rate of 5·0 per cent and anastomotic leakage rate of 17 per cent. The overall local recurrence rate in the implementation cohort was 10·0 per cent (12 of 120), with a mean(s.d.) interval to recurrence of 15·2(7·0) months. Multifocal local recurrence was present in eight of 12 patients. In the prolonged cohort (266 patients), the overall recurrence rate was 5·6 per cent (4·0 per cent after excluding the first 10 procedures at each centre). CONCLUSION: TaTME was associated with a multifocal local recurrence rate that may be related to suboptimal execution rather than the technique itself. Prolonged proctoring, optimization of the technique to avoid spillage, and quality control is recommended.

ANTECEDENTES: La escisión total del mesorrecto por vía transanal (Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision, TaTME) se ha propuesto como abordaje quirúrgico en pacientes con cáncer de recto medio e inferior. La técnica TaTME se ha introducido en los Países Bajos mediante un proceso de formación estructurado que incluye la supervisión. Este estudio evaluó el porcentaje de recidiva local durante la fase de implementación de TaTME. MÉTODOS: Se recogieron los resultados oncológicos de los primeros 10 procedimientos realizados mediante TaTME en cada uno de los 12 centros participantes como parte de una auditoría externa de implementación del procedimiento. Se reunió una cohorte más amplia de pacientes procedentes de 4 centros para analizar los efectos de la curva de aprendizaje. El criterio de valoración principal fue la presencia de recidiva locorregional. RESULTADOS: La cohorte de implementación de 120 pacientes tuvo una mediana de seguimiento de 21,9 meses. Los resultados a corto plazo incluyeron una tasa del margen de resección circunferencial positivo del 5% y una tasa de fuga anastomótica del 17,4%. La tasa global de recidiva local en la cohorte de implementación fue del 10% (12/120) con un intervalo medio de recidiva de 15,2 (DE 7) meses. El patrón de recidiva local fue multifocal en 8 de 12 casos (67%). En la cohorte ampliada (n = 266), la tasa global de recidiva fue del 5,6% (4,0%, excluyendo a los primeros 10 pacientes). CONCLUSIÓN: TaTME se asoció con un porcentaje de recidiva local multifocal que puede relacionarse con una ejecución subóptima, más que con la técnica en sí. Se recomienda una supervisión prolongada, la optimización de la técnica para evitar la diseminación tumoral, así como un control de calidad.

Combined use of a petal flap and V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of presacral defects following rectal resection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a combination of flaps for the reconstruction of presacral defects following abdominoperineal resections: a paramedian vertically oriented caudally based lotus petal flap for presacral defects combined with a horizontal V-Y advancement flap for closure of the superficial donor site defect. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with a residual defect following an abdominoperineal resection between 2010 and 2017 in the Noordwest Ziekenhuisgroep. The primary endpoint was complications related to the reconstruction. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included, all reconstructions healed well. Three patients had a grade I or II complication (Clavien Dindo classification). CONCLUSIONS: Use of a petal flap and V-Y advancement flap for reconstruction of presacral defects was found to be safe and simple, and should, therefore, be considered in the management of such problems.

A multi-centred randomised trial of radical surgery versus adjuvant chemoradiotherapy after local excision for early rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer surgery is accompanied with high morbidity and poor long term functional outcome. Screening programs have shown a shift towards more early staged cancers. Patients with early rectal cancer can potentially benefit significantly from rectal preserving therapy. For the earliest stage cancers, local excision is sufficient when the risk of lymph node disease and subsequent recurrence is below 5 %. However, the majority of early cancers are associated with an intermediate risk of lymph node involvement (5-20 %) suggesting that local excision alone is not sufficient, while completion radical surgery, which is currently standard of care, could be a substantial overtreatment for this group of patients. METHODS/STUDY DESIGN: In this multicentre randomised trial, patients with an intermediate risk T1-2 rectal cancer, that has been locally excised using an endoluminal technique, will be randomized between adjuvant chemo-radiotherapylimited to the mesorectum and standard completion total mesorectal excision (TME). To strictly monitor the risk of locoregional recurrence in the experimental arm and enable early salvage surgery, there will be additional follow up with frequent MRI and endoscopy. The primary outcome of the study is three-year local recurrence rate. Secondary outcomes are morbidity, disease free and overall survival, stoma rate, functional outcomes, health related quality of life and costs. The design is a non inferiority study with a total sample size of 302 patients. DISCUSSION: The results of the TESAR trial will potentially demonstrate that adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is an oncological safe treatment option in patients who are confronted with the difficult clinical dilemma of a radically removed intermediate risk early rectal cancer by polypectomy or transanal surgery that is conventionally treated with subsequent radical surgery. Preserving the rectum using adjuvant radiotherapy is expected to significantly improve morbidity, function and quality of life if compared to completion TME surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02371304 , registration date: February 2015.

Evaluation of preoperative geriatric assessment of elderly patients with colorectal carcinoma. A retrospective study.

AIMS: Elderly patients with colorectal carcinoma are screened with the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) questionnaire to identify frail patients. These patients are more at risk for mortality and morbidity and are referred to the geriatric specialist for assessment (Dutch acronym: DOG). The DOG assessment aims to preoperatively optimize the patient in order to improve postoperative outcomes. This study evaluates if the DOG assessment influences postoperative outcome after colorectal surgery. METHODS: Retrospective cohort and match-control study. Elderly patients who underwent elective resection between 01-01-2008 and 01-08-2013 in the Medical Centre Alkmaar were included. Patients with a positive ISAR score were referred to the geriatric specialists for DOG assessment (DOG patients). DOG assessment encompassed comprehensive geriatric assessment and interventions. PRIMARY OUTCOMES: Mortality, delirium and length of hospital stay. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: postoperative complications. COHORT COMPARISON: Cohort ISAR- (2008-2010, no ISAR questionnaire) is compared with cohort ISAR+ (2011-2013, ISAR questionnaire). Match-control comparison: DOG patients are compared with matched controls from cohort ISAR-. RESULTS: Compared to their matched controls, DOG patients were older and had a higher prevalence of certain risk factors for postoperative delirium. In both comparisons, no statistical significant differences were found between the groups in mortality and postoperative delirium. Length of stay was significantly shorter in cohort ISAR+. CONCLUSIONS: While the DOG patients were significantly more at risk for postoperative complications, the DOG patients had comparable postoperative outcomes as their matched controls. We therefore conclude that the DOG assessment has a positive influence on the postoperative outcomes after colorectal surgery.

Body image, cosmesis, quality of life, and functional outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open restorative proctocolectomy: long-term results of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare quality of life (QOL), functional outcome, body image, and cosmesis after hand-assisted laparoscopic (LRP) versus open restorative proctocolectomy (ORP). The potential long-term advantages of LRP over ORP remain to be determined. The most likely advantage of LRP is the superior cosmetic result. It is, however, unclear whether the size and location of incisions affect body image and QOL. METHODS: In a previously conducted randomized trial comparing LRP with ORP, 60 patients were prospectively evaluated. The primary end points were body image and cosmesis. The secondary end points were morbidity, QOL, and functional outcome. A body image questionnaire was used to evaluate body image and cosmesis. The Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Inventory were used to assess QOL. Body image and QOL also were assessed preoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients completed the QOL and functional outcome questionnaires. There were no differences in functional outcome, morbidity, or QOL between LRP and ORP. At a median of 2.7 years after surgery, 46 patients returned the questionnaires regarding body image, cosmesis, and morbidity. The body image and cosmesis scores of female patients were significantly higher in the LRP group than in the ORP group (body image, 17.4 vs 14.9; cosmesis, 19.1 vs 13.0, respectively). The female patients in the ORP group had significantly lower body image scores than the male patients (14.9 vs 18.3). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that ORP has a negative impact on body image and cosmesis as compared with LRP. Functional outcome, QOL, and morbidity are similar for the two approaches. The advantages of a long-lasting improved body image and cosmesis for this relatively young patient population may compensate for the longer operating times and higher costs, particularly for women.

Restorative proctectomy after emergency laparoscopic colectomy for ulcerative colitis: a case-matched study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of restorative proctectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) through a Pfannenstiel incision after prior laparoscopic colectomy. METHODS: Seventeen patients who underwent restorative proctectomy after laparoscopic emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) were prospectively evaluated. Results were compared with results of a group of 21 case matched patients that had restorative proctectomy and IPAA via a midline incision in the same period. RESULTS: Median operation time was longer, although not significantly, in patients who had a restorative proctectomy through a pfannenstiel (186 min) compared to a restorative proctectomy through a midline incision (158 min). Procedure related complications were comparable between the groups, respectively, 1 of 17 patients in the pfannenstiel group and 3 of 21 patients in the median laparotomy group. Median hospital stay in the pfannenstiel group was 10 days and in the midline group 12 days. CONCLUSIONS: After laparoscopic assisted emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis, restorative proctectomy is feasible and can be performed safely through a Pfannenstiel incision.

Long-term outcomes and quality of life after laparoscopic adhesiolysis for chronic abdominal pain.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcome in terms of pain and quality of life after laparoscopic adhesiolysis. DESIGN: Prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force II-3). SETTING: University-affiliated medical center. PATIENTS: Twenty-three patients (22 women). INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for chronic abdominal pain. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pain was assessed by validated McGill score. Patients with an intraindividual decrease in pain score of 5 points or more were considered successes. Quality of life was assessed by the SF-36 and gastrointestinal quality of life index. Patients were evaluated before and at intervals until 2 years after adhesiolysis. The mean pain score before adhesiolysis was 30.5 (range: 17-40). At 2 years of follow-up, 10 (45%) of 22 patients (95% CI 0.244-0.678) were considered successes. They reported significant improvement in quality of life on scales physical, role physical, and social function, and fewer gastrointestinal symptoms. Twelve women (55%) had a complete relapse, and most were not motivated to visit the pain clinic after 6 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis for chronic abdominal pain was successful in only 45% of patients.

Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients after laparoscopic vs. conventional bowel resection: a randomized study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of surgical trauma in terms of approach (laparoscopic vs. conventional surgery) and extent of bowel resection (ileocolic resection vs. colectomy) on interleukin-6 level, C-reactive protein level, and expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Second, the length of the incision was correlated with the inflammatory response. METHODS: Thirty-four patients were analyzed as part of a randomized trial comparing laparoscopically assisted vs. open bowel resection for Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and familial adenomatous polyposis. C-reactive protein levels and expression of human leukocyte antigen-DR on peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured preoperatively and one day after surgery. Interleukin-6 was measured preoperatively and on Days 1 and 7 postoperatively. RESULTS: Four of the 34 patients were excluded because of blood transfusion after surgery. One day postoperatively, the interleukin-6 level peaked significantly within the laparoscopic and conventional group. There was no significant difference between the conventional and laparoscopic groups at Day 1 postoperatively. At Day 7 postoperatively, interleukin-6 levels were similar in both groups and returned to baseline levels. There was a higher C-reactive protein level in the conventional group one day after surgery than in the laparoscopic group, although the difference was not significant. Preoperative and postoperative human leukocyte antigen-DR expression on monocytes and postoperative percentage of lymphocytes expressing human leukocyte antigen-DR did not differ between the conventional and laparoscopic groups. No differences in immune response with respect to the measured parameters were noticed in patients with a large or small bowel resection segment or in patients with a small (8 cm) incision. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that surgical trauma did not significantly affect the immune status of patients with respect to the measured parameters in terms of either the approach or the extent of bowel resection.

Laparoscopic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease: current concepts.

BACKGROUND: The aim of a laparoscopic approach is reduced pain scores, early mobilization, virtual absence of wound sepsis, rapid return of gastrointestinal function, early discharge from hospital and return to normal activity and improved cosmetics. Potential advantages are fewer complications due to adhesion formation, viz. small-bowel obstruction, infertility and chronic abdominal pain-advantages that are of particular importance to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) since they are young and in the middle of building up their socio-economic life. This review highlights the current status of laparoscopic surgery for patients with IBD. METHODS: Virtually all abdominal procedures carried out in patients with IBD can be done laparoscopically, and vary from stoma formation to restorative proctocolectomy. RESULTS: Conversion rates and operating times depend on the surgical expertise and patient-related factors, viz. prior laparotomy, the presence of intestinal fistula or inflammatory masses. Morbidity rates are similar to those of open surgery provided that the procedures are done by expert laparoscopic surgeons. The observed earlier recovery contributed to laparoscopic surgery has not been proved in well-conducted trials; however, an advantage can be expected. A very obvious feature of laparoscopic surgery is the improved cosmetics, which might turn out to be the most important advantage of the laparoscopic approach in this relatively young patient group. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic approach can be considered the procedure of first choice in patients with IBD provided the surgery is done by expert laparoscopists ensuring low conversion rates, acceptable operating times and low morbidity.

Randomized study of the effectiveness of closing laparoscopic trocar wounds with octylcyanoacrylate, adhesive papertape or poliglecaprone.

BACKGROUND: Several methods for skin closure are used, i.e. sutures, adhesive papertape and tissue adhesives. Little is known about the efficacy of these techniques in laparoscopic surgery. This study was performed to analyse the efficacy of octylcyanoacrylate, a new tissue adhesive, adhesive papertape and poliglecaprone for wound closure in laparoscopy. METHODS: From May 2000 to September 2001, 140 patients were included in a prospective randomized trial. Wounds were closed with octylcyanoacrylate (n = 48), adhesive papertape (n = 42) or poliglecaprone (n = 50). Closing time, wound infection, cosmetic results and costs were evaluated. A time-motion analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The patients in the three groups were well matched for age, gender and body mass index. Closing times per wound were 26, 33 and 65 s respectively for adhesive papertape, octylcyanoacrylate and poliglecaprone (P < 0.001). Cosmetic results, as scored by the patients, were no different. The number of actions required to close each wound was 5.7, 8.3 and 21.0 for octylcyanoacrylate, adhesive papertape (P = 0.05 versus octylcyanoacrylate) and poliglecaprone (P < 0.01 versus octylcyanoacrylate and adhesive papertape) respectively. Octylcyanoacrylate was significantly more expensive than poliglecaprone and adhesive papertape. CONCLUSION: Closure with adhesive papertape was the fastest method. The smallest number of actions required to close a wound was with octylcyanoacrylate. Adhesive papertape was the most cost-effective.