Right versus left laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer: does side make any difference?

PURPOSE: To compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between right laparoscopic colectomy (RLC) and left laparoscopic colectomy (LLC) for colon cancer. METHOD: Patients who underwent elective RLC or LLC for colon cancer between January 2004 and December 2014 were identified and elected for a retrospective analysis. Primary outcomes were technical difficulty (including operative time, intraoperative complications, and conversion rate) and postoperative outcome (including postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, reinterventions, readmissions, and mortality). RESULTS: A total of 547 patients (mean age: 68.5 years old; 48.4% males) were analyzed. The RLC group had a higher mean age (71 vs 65; p < 0.001), ASA 3/4 grade (36 vs 26%; p = 0.02), and comorbidity rate (61 vs 48%, p = 0.003). Regarding technical difficulty, no difference was found between the groups in intraoperative complications (4.1 vs 5.9%; p = 0.34) or conversion rate (6.2 vs 3.9%, p = 0.24). Mean operative time was significantly shorter for RLC (162 vs 185 min, p < 0.001). Regarding postoperative outcome, the RLC group had a higher overall morbidity (20.5 vs 13.3%, p = 0.03), ileus (10.6 vs 2.4%, p < 0.001), and a longer hospital stay (4.7 vs 3.9 days, p = 0.003), with no differences regarding reoperations, readmissions, or mortality. The multivariate analysis showed that RLC were independently associated with a longer operative time and postoperative ileus. CONCLUSIONS: RLC for colon cancer was independently associated with a shorter operative time, an increased risk of ileus, and a longer hospital stay than left laparoscopic colectomy in high-volume centers.

[Magnetic resonance and extramural vascular invasion in patients with rectal cancer and liver metastases]. / Resonancia magnética e invasión vascular extramural en pacientes con cáncer rectal y metástasis hepaticas.

BACKGROUND: Extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) in patients with rectal cancer (RC) is associated with more locally advanced tumors, and independently predicts local and distant recurrence and poor overall survival. OBJETIVE: To determine the association between EMVI and synchronous liver metastases in patients with RC. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including patients with cancer of middle and lower rectum, which were evaluated with magnetic resonance (MRI) for initial staging in the period from January 2011 to January 2012 inclusive. All patients were evaluated with MRI for EMVI and were followed for a year to detect synchronous liver metastases by imaging methods (January 2012 to January 2013 inclusive). Multivariate analysis was performed by logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 68 patients. Twenty had liver metastases during the observation period (29.41%), of whom 15 had signs of MRI EMVI (75%). The incidence of synchronous liver metastases had a marginally significant association with the presence of EMVI (RR 3.35, 95% CI: 1.0001-11.2187, P = 0.050). CONCLUSION: The presence of MRI EVMI is a poor prognostic predictor factor of development of synchronous liver metastases in patients with RC.

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for Hinchey III diverticulitis: is it as effective as it is applicable?

BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, the laparoscopic peritoneal lavage has emerged as a therapeutic alternative to standard resection procedures. However, its effectiveness and applicability remain debatable. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess laparoscopic lavage in controlling abdominal sepsis secondary to purulent peritonitis. DESIGN: This study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single tertiary care institution. PATIENTS: Patients requiring emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis and generalized peritonitis between June 2006 and June 2013 were identified from a prospective database. Laparoscopic assessment was considered in all of the hemodynamically stable patients, and laparoscopic lavage was performed according to intraoperative strict criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes were the effectiveness and applicability of laparoscopic lavage. Secondarily, feasibility, morbidity, and mortality were also assessed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients required emergency surgery for generalized peritonitis secondary to perforated diverticulitis. Forty-six patients who underwent laparoscopy presented a purulent generalized (Hinchey III) peritonitis and were examined under the intention-to-treat basis to perform a laparoscopic lavage. Thirty-two patients (70.0%; 95% CI 56.2-82.7) had no previous episodes of diverticulitis. Thirty-six patients (78.0%; 95% CI 66.3-90.1) had free air on a CT scan. The conversion rate was 4% (95% CI 0-10). The feasibility of the method was 96.0% (95% CI 90.4-100), and its applicability was 59.0% (95% CI 44.8-73.2). Median operative time was 89 minutes (range, 40-200 minutes). Postoperative morbidity was 24.0% (95% CI 11.7-36.3), and the mortality rate was 0%. We registered 5 failures, and all of them underwent reoperation. The effectiveness of the procedure was 85% (95% CI 76-93). LIMITATIONS: This was a single-institution retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of laparoscopic lavage seems to be high. Although its applicability is lower, it could be applied in more than half of patients requiring emergency surgery. This alternative strategy should be considered when laparoscopic assessment reveals Hinchey III diverticulitis.

Tratamiento laparoscópico del cáncer de recto: resultados oncológicos a largo plazo / Laparoscopic treatment of rectal cancer: long-term results

Antecedentes: Si bien la factibilidad del tratamiento laparoscópico del cáncer de recto ha sido previamente descripta, su aplicación masiva continúa siendo controversial y los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo son aun limitados.Objetivo: Analizar los resultados peri operatorios, la tasa de recurrencia local y la sobrevida alejada a cinco años en pacientes con cáncer de recto operados por vía laparoscópica, y comparar la sobrevida de los pacientes operados por vía laparoscópica con la de aquellos que debieron ser convertidos.Diseño: Observacional retrospectivoLugar de aplicación: Hospital Privado UniversitarioMétodo: Se analizaron 164 pacientes portadores de cáncer de recto operados por vía laparoscópica pura entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2011. Los datos clínicos, anatomopatológicos y oncológicos, fueron ingresados prospectivamente en una base de datos. La supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad a 5 años fue calculada según el método actuarial de Kaplan-Meier.Resultados: El 66% de la población presentó tumores de recto medio (n=76) e inferior (n=32), y el 26% (n= 43) recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante. La tasa de preservación esfinteriana fue del 95%. La mediana de la altura de la anastomosis fue de 5 cm (rango: 2 a 12), empleando un reservorio colónico en "J" en el 8,5%. El índice de conversión global fue del 14,6%. La morbilidad y mortalidad global fue 19,5% y 0% respectivamente. La mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue 3 días (r: 2-28). No se registró compromiso de los márgenes quirúrgicos. La media de ganglios linfáticos analizados fue de 15 (rango: 0 - 56). La distribución por estadíos de acuerdo al TNM fue del 3,8% para el estadío 0, 37,8% para el estadío I, 22,5% para el estadío II, 29,2% para el estadío III y 6,7% para el estadío IV. El seguimiento promedio fue de 25 meses (rango: 3 a 81). La tasa de recurrencia local de la serie fue del 1,2% (dos pacientes)...

Background: Even though the laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer has been previously described, its extended application is still controversial and the long-term oncological results are limited.Objective: To analyze the surgical results, local recurrence rate and 5-year survival in patients with rectal cancer operated on by laparoscopy. Secondarily, to compare the survival of patients operated on by laparoscopy with those who required conversion to open surgery.Setting: Private University Hospital Design: Retrospective observational.Material and Methods: One hundred and sixty four consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer were analyzed between January 2005 and December 2011. The clinical, pathological and oncological data were collected into a database. Overall and disease free survival at 5 years was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method.Results: 66% of patients had tumors in middle (n=76) and low (n=32) rectum, and 26% (n=43) received neoadjuvant therapy. The sphincter preservation rate was 95%. The median distance between the anastomosis and the anal verge was 5 cm (range: 2 - 12), and a "j" pouch was performed in 8.5%. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 14.6%. The morbidity and mortality was 19.5% and 0% respectively. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-28). Surgical margins were negative. The median of lymph nodes harvested was 15 (range: 0-56). According to TNM staging, there were 3.8% for stage 0, 37.8 for stage I, 22.5% for stage II, 29,2% for stage III and 6.7 for stage IV. The median follow up time was 25 months (range: 3-81). The overall local recurrence rate was 1.2% (two patients)...

Tratamiento Laparoscópico del Cáncer de Recto: Resultados Oncológicos a Largo Plazo / Laparoscopic treatment of rectal cancer: long-term results

Antecedentes: Si bien la factibilidad del tratamiento laparoscópico del cáncer de recto ha sido previamente descripta, su aplicación masiva continúa siendo controversial y los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo son aun limitados. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados peri operatorios, la tasa de recurrencia local y la sobrevida alejada a cinco años en pacientes con cáncer de recto operados por vía laparoscópica, y comparar la sobrevida de los pacientes operados por vía laparoscópica con la de aquellos que debieron ser convertidos. Diseño: Observacional retrospectivo Lugar de aplicación: Hospital Privado Universitario Método: Se analizaron 164 pacientes portadores de cáncer de recto operados por vía laparoscópica pura entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2011. Los datos clínicos, anatomopatológicos y oncológicos, fueron ingresados prospectivamente en una base de datos. La supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad a 5 años fue calculada según el método actuarial de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados: El 66% de la población presentó tumores de recto medio (n=76) e inferior (n=32), y el 26% (n= 43) recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante. La tasa de preservación esfinteriana fue del 95%. La mediana de la altura de la anastomosis fue de 5 cm (rango: 2 a 12), empleando un reservorio colónico en "J" en el 8,5%. El índice de conversión global fue del 14,6%. La morbilidad y mortalidad global fue 19,5% y 0% respectivamente. La mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue 3 días (r: 2-28). No se registró compromiso de los márgenes quirúrgicos. La media de ganglios linfáticos analizados fue de 15 (rango: 0 - 56). La distribución por estadíos de acuerdo al TNM fue del 3,8% para el estadío 0, 37,8% para el estadío I, 22,5% para el estadío II, 29,2% para el estadío III y 6,7% para el estadío IV. El seguimiento promedio fue de 25 meses (rango: 3 a 81). La tasa de recurrencia local de la serie fue del 1,2% (dos pacientes). La sobrevida global y libre de enfermedad a cinco años fue del 88% (IC 95%: 76-99) y 83% (IC 95%: 72-95) respectivamente. La sobrevida global a 5 años de los pacientes convertidos versus lo no convertidos, fue del 83,3% y 94% respectivamente (p= NS). Conclusiones: El tratamiento laparoscópico del cáncer de recto es oncologicamente seguro. No ha afectado la calidad de las piezas quirúrgicas obtenidas ni los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo. La sobrevida global de los pacientes convertidos resultó equivalente a la de los operados en forma laparoscópica.(AU)

Background: Even though the laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer has been previously described, its extended application is still controversial and the long-term oncological results are limited. Objective: To analyze the surgical results, local recurrence rate and 5-year survival in patients with rectal cancer operated on by laparoscopy. Secondarily, to compare the survival of patients operated on by laparoscopy with those who required conversion to open surgery. Setting: Private University Hospital Design: Retrospective observational. Material and Methods: One hundred and sixty four consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer were analyzed between January 2005 and December 2011. The clinical, pathological and oncological data were collected into a database. Overall and disease free survival at 5 years was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 66% of patients had tumors in middle (n=76) and low (n=32) rectum, and 26% (n=43) received neoadjuvant therapy. The sphincter preservation rate was 95%. The median distance between the anastomosis and the anal verge was 5 cm (range: 2 - 12), and a "j" pouch was performed in 8.5%. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 14.6%. The morbidity and mortality was 19.5% and 0% respectively. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-28). Surgical margins were negative. The median of lymph nodes harvested was 15 (range: 0-56). According to TNM staging, there were 3.8% for stage 0, 37.8 for stage I, 22.5% for stage II, 29,2% for stage III and 6.7 for stage IV. The median follow up time was 25 months (range: 3-81). The overall local recurrence rate was 1.2% (two patients). The overall and disease free 5-year survival was 88% (IC 95%: 76-99) and 83% (IC 95%: 72-95) respectively. The overall 5-year survival of patients operated on by laparoscopy and those who required conversion to open surgery was 83.3% and 94%, respectively (p= NS). Conclusions: The laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer is safe. It does not affect the quality of the specimens and the oncological long-term outcomes. The 5-year overall survival of converted patients to open surgery is similar to the laparoscopic group.(AU)

El área de superficie corporal: un factor predictor de conversión en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica

Antecedentes: El área de superficie corporal es una medida usada en el entorno clínico. Su impacto en la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica no ha sido estudiado previamente. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la superficie corporal sobre la tasa de conversión y el tiempo operatorio en cirugía laparoscópica. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo de datos recogidos prospectivamente. Marco: Una sola institución de atención terciaria. Pacientes: Fueron identificados 916 pacientes consecutivos operados entre enero de 2004 y agosto de 2011, incluidos en una base de datos completada en forma prospectiva. Principales medidas de resultado: Se analizaron la tasa de conversión y el tiempo operatorio laparoscópico en relación a la edad, el género, la obesidad, la localización de la enfermedad (colon vs recto), el tipo de enfermedad (neoplásica vs no neoplásica), el antecedente de cirugías previas, y la superficie corporal; el área de superficie corporal se calculó mediante la fórmula de Mosteller. El área de superficie corporal se analizó utilizando la mediana, y cuartilos con valores de corte de 1.6; 1.8 y 2.0. Se utilizó la regresión logística para analizar la asociación entre el área de superficie corporal y la tasa de conversión, ajustada por diferentes factores. Se investigó la interacción entre la superficie corporal y el índice de masa corporal, pero no fue constatada. Resultados: La tasa de conversión global fue del 10%. La mediana del área de superficie corporal fue de 1.84 m² (rango: 1.14- 2.53). Las tasas de conversión de los cuartiles 1, 2, 3 y 4 fueron: 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.7% y 14.8%, respectivamente, p=0.001. Los pacientes con superficie corporal > 1.8 m²(N = 503) tuvieron una tasa de conversión más alta que los de superficie corporal < 1.8 m²(N=413) [13.8% vs 6.3%, respectivamente, OR: 2.35 (IC 95%: 1.45-3.86, p=0.0001)]. El análisis multivariado mostró que el área de superficie corporal > 1.8m² se asoció a la conversión (OR: 2, 95% Cl: 1.1-3.7, p=0.023) después de ajustar por sexo, edad, obesidad, localización de la patología (recto vs colon), tipo de abordaje laparoscópico y antecedente de cirugías previas. Limitación: se trata de un estudio retrospectivo realizado en una sola institución. Conclusión: El área de superficie corporal es un buen predictor de la conversión; debe ser incluido como parte de los futuros estudios sobre los resultados de la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica, como información a los pacientes, cuando se seleccionan casos al inicio de la curva de aprendizaje, y al determinar el estándar de calidad de atención.

Background: Body surface área is a measurement used in clinical settings. Its impact on laparoscopic colorectal surgery has not been previously studied. Objective:To assess the impact of body surface área on conversión rate. Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting: Single tertiary care institution. Patients: 916 consecutive patients operated on between January 2004 and August 2011 were identified from a prospectively datábase. Main outcome measures: Conversión rate was analyzed related to age, gender, obesity, disease location (colon vs. rectum), type of disease (neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic), history of previous surgery, and body surface área; body surface área was calculated by Mosteller formula. Body surface área was analyzed using median and quartiles cut off valúes (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between body surface área and conversión, adjusting for different confounders. Interaction between body surface área and body mass Índex was checked and not found. Results: Overall conversión rate was 10%. Median body surface área was 1.84 (range: 1.14-2.53).Conversión rates for quartiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were: 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.7%, and 14.8%, respectively, p = 0.001. Patients with body surface área > 1.8 (N=503) had a higher conversión rate than those with body surface área < 1.8 (N=413) [13.8% vs 6.3%, respectively, OR: 2.35 (95% Cl: 1.45-3.86; p=0.0001)j. Multivariate analysis showed that body surface área > 1.8 was associated with conversión (OR: 2, 95% Cl: 1.1-3.7, p=0.023) after adjusting for gender, age, and previous surgery. ROC analysis of body surface área showed an área under the curve of 0.62. Body surface área > 1.8 had a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 48% respectively. Limitation: This was a single institution retrospective study. Conclusión: Body surface área is a good predictor for conversión and should be included as part of future studies on outcomes for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

El área de superficie corporal: un factor predictor de conversión en cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica

Antecedentes: El área de superficie corporal es una medida usada en el entorno clínico. Su impacto en la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica no ha sido estudiado previamente. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la superficie corporal sobre la tasa de conversión y el tiempo operatorio en cirugía laparoscópica. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo de datos recogidos prospectivamente. Marco: Una sola institución de atención terciaria. Pacientes: Fueron identificados 916 pacientes consecutivos operados entre enero de 2004 y agosto de 2011, incluidos en una base de datos completada en forma prospectiva. Principales medidas de resultado: Se analizaron la tasa de conversión y el tiempo operatorio laparoscópico en relación a la edad, el género, la obesidad, la localización de la enfermedad (colon vs recto), el tipo de enfermedad (neoplásica vs no neoplásica), el antecedente de cirugías previas, y la superficie corporal; el área de superficie corporal se calculó mediante la fórmula de Mosteller. El área de superficie corporal se analizó utilizando la mediana, y cuartilos con valores de corte de 1.6; 1.8 y 2.0. Se utilizó la regresión logística para analizar la asociación entre el área de superficie corporal y la tasa de conversión, ajustada por diferentes factores. Se investigó la interacción entre la superficie corporal y el índice de masa corporal, pero no fue constatada. Resultados: La tasa de conversión global fue del 10%. La mediana del área de superficie corporal fue de 1.84 m² (rango: 1.14- 2.53). Las tasas de conversión de los cuartiles 1, 2, 3 y 4 fueron: 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.7% y 14.8%, respectivamente, p=0.001. Los pacientes con superficie corporal > 1.8 m²(N = 503) tuvieron una tasa de conversión más alta que los de superficie corporal < 1.8 m²(N=413) [13.8% vs 6.3%, respectivamente, OR: 2.35 (IC 95%: 1.45-3.86, p=0.0001)]. El análisis multivariado mostró que el área de superficie corporal > 1.8m² se asoció a la conversión (OR: 2, 95% Cl: 1.1-3.7, p=0.023) después de ajustar por sexo, edad, obesidad, localización de la patología (recto vs colon), tipo de abordaje laparoscópico y antecedente de cirugías previas. Limitación: se trata de un estudio retrospectivo realizado en una sola institución. Conclusión: El área de superficie corporal es un buen predictor de la conversión; debe ser incluido como parte de los futuros estudios sobre los resultados de la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica, como información a los pacientes, cuando se seleccionan casos al inicio de la curva de aprendizaje, y al determinar el estándar de calidad de atención.(AU)

Background: Body surface área is a measurement used in clinical settings. Its impact on laparoscopic colorectal surgery has not been previously studied. Objective:To assess the impact of body surface área on conversión rate. Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Setting: Single tertiary care institution. Patients: 916 consecutive patients operated on between January 2004 and August 2011 were identified from a prospectively datábase. Main outcome measures: Conversión rate was analyzed related to age, gender, obesity, disease location (colon vs. rectum), type of disease (neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic), history of previous surgery, and body surface área; body surface área was calculated by Mosteller formula. Body surface área was analyzed using median and quartiles cut off valúes (1.6, 1.8 and 2.0). Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between body surface área and conversión, adjusting for different confounders. Interaction between body surface área and body mass Index was checked and not found. Results: Overall conversión rate was 10%. Median body surface área was 1.84 (range: 1.14-2.53).Conversión rates for quartiles 1, 2, 3 and 4 were: 4.4%, 8.3%, 12.7%, and 14.8%, respectively, p = 0.001. Patients with body surface área > 1.8 (N=503) had a higher conversión rate than those with body surface área < 1.8 (N=413) [13.8% vs 6.3%, respectively, OR: 2.35 (95% Cl: 1.45-3.86; p=0.0001)j. Multivariate analysis showed that body surface área > 1.8 was associated with conversión (OR: 2, 95% Cl: 1.1-3.7, p=0.023) after adjusting for gender, age, and previous surgery. ROC analysis of body surface área showed an área under the curve of 0.62. Body surface área > 1.8 had a sensitivity and specificity of 76% and 48% respectively. Limitation: This was a single institution retrospective study. Conclusión: Body surface área is a good predictor for conversión and should be included as part of future studies on outcomes for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.(AU)

[Superselective embolization in the treatment of massive gastrointestinal bleeding]. / Embolización superselectiva en el tratamiento de la hemorragia digestiva baja masiva.

INTRODUCTION: Massive lower gastrointestinal (LGI) bleeding is a severe clinical picture associated with high mortality in hospitalized patients with comorbidities. Current international publications have highlighted the role of embolization in the treatment of this pathology, although there is little experience in Latin America. The aim of this paper is to describe a series of cases treated in the same institution using embolization as safe and effective treatment of massive LGI bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The embolization was performed by superselective catheterization after a percutaneous transfemoral approach. RESULTS: We included 26 patients (10 women) with mean age of 62 years old (range 2 to 92 years). Twenty-five (96%) patients had comorbidities, including bleeding disorders in 18 cases (69%). All patients had hematochezia, hypotension and/or hypovolemic shock, requiring transfusion of red blood cells (mean 3.8 units, range 2 to 12 units). The embolization was effective in stopping bleeding in 24 patients (immediate success rate of 92%). There was no digestive tract infarction or complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Superselective embolization of the massive LGI bleeding was safe and effective in this series of patients. Embolization is recommended as the treatment of choice to stop massive LGI bleeding in centers that have the appropriate human and technological resources.

[Diffusion-weighted MR imaging in patients with rectal cancer: our initial experience]. / Resonancia magnética con difusión en pacientes con cáncer de recto: experiencia inicial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-surgical characterization of post-neoadjuvant residual tumor response in patients with rectal cancer by means of an imaging technique could be useful in order to determine the therapeutic strategy or observation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of the diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (DWMR) in the determination of residual primary tumor (RPT) or post-neoadjuvant complete pathologic response (CPR) in patients with rectal cancer (RC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (13 males and 5 females) operated between June 2009 and September 2010 were included. The inclusion criteria were medial and low rectal tumors, with T3-T4- positive lymph nodes, defined by physical examination (rectal tact) and studies by imaging techniques (DWMR and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). All patients received neoadjuvant treatment before surgery. Patients were later reevaluated with DWMR using visual and quantitative scales in order to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). The results were compared to pathological anatomy (PA) as gold standard. DWMR was performed on a Siemens Avanto 1.5 T RESULTS: In the PA 15 of 18 patients presented RPT, whereas 3 patients showed a CPR. When the DWMR was used with the visual scale, RPT was detected in 14 of 15 patients, whereas all patients with RPT were detected using the quantitative scale. In those cases with complete CPR by PA, the DWMR and visual scale detected 2 of 3 patients whereas the quantitative scale in ADC detected all three cases. CONCLUSION: DWMR proved to be a useful method in the determination of post-neoadjuvant RPT and CPR in patients with rectal cancer, especially when the quantitative assessment of the ADC was performed, resulting in an improvement of the results obtained by means of the qualitative visual analysis.