Peri-operative, oncological and functional outcomes of robotic versus transanal total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Comparative outcomes of robotic low anterior resection (rTME) and trans-anal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in patients with low rectal cancer were evaluated. METHODS: A systematic online search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane database, The Virtual Health Library, Clinical trials.gov and Science Direct. Comparative studies of rTME versus TaTME for low rectal cancer were included. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak, surgical site infection, and Clavien-Dindo complication rate. Total operative time, conversion to open surgery, intra-operative blood loss, intensive therapy unit (ITU) and total hospital length of stay (LOS), oncological outcomes and functional outcomes were the other evaluated outcome parameters. RESULTS: A total of 12 studies with a total number of 3025 patients divided between rTME (n = 1881) and TaTME (n = 1144) groups were included. There was no significant difference between the two groups for total operative time (P = 0.39), conversion to open surgery (P = 0.29) and intra-operative blood loss (P = 0.62). Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3 complication rate (P = 0.47), anastomotic leak (P = 0.89), rates of re-operation (P = 0.62) and re-admission (P = 0.92), R0 resections (P = 0.52), ITU LOS (P = 0.63) and total hospital LOS (P = 0.30) also showed similar results between the two groups. However, the rTME group had higher rates of total harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.04) and complete total mesorectal excision (TME) resections (P = 0.05). Albeit with a limited dataset, the Wexner and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores showed better functional results in the rTME group compared with the TaTME group (P = 0.0009 and P = 0.00001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Compared with TaTME, rTME seems to provide better functional outcomes, higher lymph node yield and more complete TME resections with a similar post-operative complications profile.

Qualitative exploration of home life experiences and care needs among elderly patients with temporary intestinal stomas.

BACKGROUND: This study employed a phenomenological research approach within qualitative research to explore the challenges encountered by elderly individuals with temporary colostomies in managing their daily lives and care needs. Protecting the anus surgery combined with temporary colostomy has emerged as a prevalent treatment modality for low rectal cancer. However, the ileostomy is susceptible to peri-stoma skin complications, as well as fluid, electrolyte, and nutritional imbalances, posing challenges to effective management. The successful self-management of patients is intricately linked to their adjustment to temporary colostomy; nonetheless, there remains a dearth of research examining the factors influencing self-care among temporary colostomy patients and the obstacles they confront. AIM: To investigate the lived experiences, perceptions, and care requirements of temporary colostomy patients within their home environment, with the ultimate goal of formulating a standardized management protocol. METHODS: Over the period of June to August 2023, a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 12 patients with temporary intestinal stomas from a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Employing a phenomenological research approach, a semi-structured interview guide was developed, and qualitative interviews were conducted using in-depth interview techniques. The acquired data underwent coding, analysis, organization, and summarization following Colaizzi's seven-step method. RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed that the experiences and needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas can be delineated into four principal themes: Firstly, Temporary colostomy patients bear various burdens and concerns about the uncertainty of disease progression; secondly, patients exhibit limited self-care capabilities and face information deficits, resulting in heightened reliance on healthcare professionals; thirdly, patients demonstrate the potential for internal motivation through proactive self-adjustment; and finally, patients express a significant need for emotional and social support. CONCLUSION: Home-living patients with temporary intestinal stomas confront multifaceted challenges encompassing burdens, inadequate self-care abilities, informational deficits, and emotional needs. Identifying factors influencing patients' self-care at home and proposing strategies to mitigate barriers can serve as a foundational framework for developing and implementing nursing interventions tailored to the needs of patients with temporary intestinal stomas.

Localized fine-tuning and clinical evaluation of deep-learning based auto-segmentation (DLAS) model for clinical target volume (CTV) and organs-at-risk (OAR) in rectal cancer radiotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various deep learning auto-segmentation (DLAS) models have been proposed, some of which have been commercialized. However, the issue of performance degradation is notable when pretrained models are deployed in the clinic. This study aims to enhance precision of a popular commercial DLAS product in rectal cancer radiotherapy by localized fine-tuning, addressing challenges in practicality and generalizability in real-world clinical settings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 Stage II/III mid-low rectal cancer patients were retrospectively enrolled and divided into three datasets: training (n = 60), external validation (ExVal, n = 30), and generalizability evaluation (GenEva, n = 30) datasets respectively. The patients in the training and ExVal dataset were acquired on the same CT simulator, while those in GenEva were on a different CT simulator. The commercial DLAS software was first localized fine-tuned (LFT) for clinical target volume (CTV) and organs-at-risk (OAR) using the training data, and then validated on ExVal and GenEva respectively. Performance evaluation involved comparing the LFT model with the vendor-provided pretrained model (VPM) against ground truth contours, using metrics like Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95th Hausdorff distance (95HD), sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: LFT significantly improved CTV delineation accuracy (p < 0.05) with LFT outperforming VPM in target volume, DSC, 95HD and specificity. Both models exhibited adequate accuracy for bladder and femoral heads, and LFT demonstrated significant enhancement in segmenting the more complex small intestine. We did not identify performance degradation when LFT and VPM models were applied in the GenEva dataset. CONCLUSIONS: The necessity and potential benefits of LFT DLAS towards institution-specific model adaption is underscored. The commercial DLAS software exhibits superior accuracy once localized fine-tuned, and is highly robust to imaging equipment changes.

Comparing the long-term follow-up anal function between robot-assisted and laparoscopic surgery for low rectal cancer: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is increasingly used for treating low rectal cancer. Its comparative effectiveness against laparoscopic surgery (LAS) in enhancing long-term anal function remains uncertain. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted to compare long-term anal function outcomes between patients undergoing RAS and LAS. Meta-regression and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess available evidence. Studies published up to September 2023 in English or Chinese were included. RESULTS: Seven studies were identified. RAS patients exhibited lower low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) scores (standardised mean difference [SMD] = -1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.64 to -0.15) and Wexner scores (SMD = -0.74; 95% CI: -1.20 to -0.27) compared with LAS patients. However, RAS did not significantly reduce major LARS risk (odds ratio = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.68-1.04). CONCLUSIONS: RAS slightly improved postoperative anal function compared with LAS. Further studies with large samples are warranted to confirm or update our findings.

A novel technique for NO.253 lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation to avoid potential postoperative internal hernia in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The preservation of the left colic artery (LCA) has emerged as a preferred approach in laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer. However, preserving the LCA while simultaneously dissecting the NO.253 lymph node can create a mesenteric defect between the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), the LCA, and the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV). This defect could act as a potential "hernia ring," increasing the risk of developing an internal hernia after surgery. The objective of this study was to introduce a novel technique designed to mitigate the risk of internal hernia by filling mesenteric defects with autologous tissue. METHODS: This new technique was performed on eighteen patients with rectal cancer between January 2022 and June 2022. First of all, dissected the lymphatic fatty tissue on the main trunk of IMA from its origin until the LCA and sigmoid artery (SA) or superior rectal artery (SRA) were exposed and then NO.253 lymph node was dissected between the IMA, LCA and IMV. Next, the SRA or SRA and IMV were sequentially ligated and cut off at an appropriate location away from the "hernia ring" to preserve the connective tissue between the "hernia ring" and retroperitoneum. Finally, after mobilization of distal sigmoid, on the lateral side of IMV, the descending colon was mobilized cephalad. Patients'preoperative baseline characteristics and intraoperative, postoperative complications were examined. RESULTS: All patients' potential "hernia rings" were closed successfully with our new technique. The median operative time was 195 min, and the median intraoperative blood loss was 55 ml (interquartile range 30-90). The total harvested lymph nodes was 13.0(range12-19). The median times to first flatus and liquid diet intake were both 3.0 days. The median number of postoperative hospital days was 8.0 days. One patient had an injury to marginal arterial arch, and after mobolization of splenic region, tension-free anastomosis was achieved. No other severe postoperative complications such as abdominal infection, anastomotic leakage, or bleeding were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This technique is both safe and effective for filling the mesenteric defect, potentially reducing the risk of internal hernia following laparoscopic NO.253 lymph node dissection and preservation of the left colic artery in rectal cancer surgeries.

Feasibility of transperineal minimal invasive surgery when performing sacrectomy for advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to clarify the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive transabdominal surgery (MIS) with transperineal minimal invasive surgery (tpMIS) for sacrectomy in advanced primary and recurrent pelvic malignancies. METHODS: Using a prospectively collected database, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical, surgical, and pathological outcomes of MIS with tpMIS for sacrectomies. Surgery was performed between February 2019 and May 2023. The median follow-up period was 27 months (5-46 months). RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients were included in this analysis. The diagnoses were as follows: recurrent rectal cancer, n = 11 (73%); primary rectal cancer, n = 3 (20%); and recurrent ovarian cancer, n = 1 (7%). Seven patients (47%) underwent pelvic exenteration with sacrectomy, six patients (40%) underwent abdominoperineal resection (APR) with sacrectomy, and two patients (13%) underwent tumor resection with sacrectomy. The median intraoperative blood loss was 235 ml (range 45-1320 ml). The postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ 3a) were graded as follows: 3a, n = 6 (40%); 3b, n = 1 (7%); and ≥ 4, n = 0 (0%). Pathological examinations demonstrated that R0 was achieved in 13 patients (87%). During the follow-up period, two patients (13%) developed local re-recurrence due to recurrent cancer. The remaining 13 patients (87%) had no local disease. Fourteen patients (93%) survived. CONCLUSIONS: Although the patient cohort in this study is heterogeneous, MIS with tpMIS was associated with a very small amount of blood loss, a low incidence of severe postoperative complications, and an acceptable R0 resection rate. Further studies are needed to clarify the long-term oncological feasibility.

Simple, Rapid, Safe, and Cost-Effective Technique for Rectal Washout During Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer.

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Endoscopic injection of lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy for rectal cavernous hemangioma: A case report.

RATIONALE: Rectal cavernous hemangioma is a rare, benign vascular disease that seldom causes lower gastrointestinal bleeding, characterized by a high rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. Surgical treatment is considered to be relatively effective; however, it is accompanied by certain employed in the treatment of superficial hemangioma, boasting the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including safety, effectiveness, reduced trauma, and rapid recovery. However, there is a lack of literature regarding the application of foam sclerosing agents for gastrointestinal hemangiomas. CASE CONCERNS: We present a case of a 60-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital with a history of recurrent hematochezia for >1 year and worsening symptoms for 1 week. The patient's medical history was unremarkable. DIAGNOSES: Following colonoscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and other examinations, the final diagnosis was rectal cavernous hemangioma. INTERVENTIONS: Due to the patient's refusal of surgery, endoscopic foam sclerotherapy using a lauromacrogol injection was performed after obtaining informed consent from the patient and their relatives. OUTCOMES: Post-sclerotherapy, hematochezia symptoms ceased, and no adverse reactions were observed. Two months later, colonoscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging showed that the hemangioma had almost completely disappeared, with only a small amount of tumor remnants, yielding a satisfactory curative effect. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that endoscopic injection of a lauromacrogol foam sclerosing agent is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for gastrointestinal cavernous hemangiomas.

Celiac trunk aortic dissection induced by bevacizumab therapy for rectal cancer: A case report.

RATIONALE: Bevacizumab (Bev) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor A and is primarily used for the treatment of various solid tumors. Aortic dissection (AD) is a severe vascular disease caused by the tearing of the intimal layer of the aorta or bleeding within the aortic wall, resulting in the separation of different layers of the aortic wall. However, the pathogenesis is not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that Bev treatment is associated with the occurrence of AD. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old Chinese male was diagnosed with rectal cancer accompanied by liver and lung metastasis. Three days after starting combined chemotherapy with Bev, the patient developed persistent abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed celiac trunk AD in the abdominal aorta. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer accompanied by liver and lung metastases. Abdominal CT tomography revealed a celiac trunk AD. INTERVENTIONS: Somatostatin combined with valsartan was used to control blood pressure. The patient was subsequently referred for vascular surgery and underwent an abdominal aortic angiography. Conservative treatment was continued. OUTCOMES: Three months after the initiation of treatment, follow-up abdominal CT scans showed stability in the condition of celiac trunk AD, with no abdominal pain or hypertension. There were no signs of worsening dissection, aneurysm formation, or inadequate perfusion of end organs. LESSONS: There may be a connection between Bev and elevated blood pressure as well as celiac trunk AD.

Does aortic calcification really affect anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery?

The purpose of the current study was to analyze whether aortic calcification had impact on the anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer (RC) surgery. We collected patients' information from January 2011 to January 2020 in a single teaching hospital. Preoperative computed tomography images were obtained. Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), superior mesenteric aortic calcification, and inferior mesenteric aortic calcification were recorded. The difference of AL and grade C AL was calculated. A total of 2412 RC patients were included in this study. Ninety-seven (4.0%) RC patients experienced AL and 47 (1.9%) RC patients experienced grade C AL. The amount of AAC, superior mesenteric aortic calcification, and inferior mesenteric aortic calcification was 1546 (64.1%), 128 (5.3%), and 31 (1.3%). The AL group had higher portion of AAC (P = .019) than the no AL group, and the grade C AL group had higher portion of AAC (P = .016) than the no grade C AL group. In univariate logistic regression analysis, AAC was a significant potential factor for AL (P = .021, OR = 1.739, 95% CI = 1.088-2.779) and grade C AL (P = .019, OR = 2.339, 95% CI = 1.115-4.986). However, in multivariate logistic regression, AAC was not an independent predictive factor for AL (P = .157, OR = 1.443, 95% CI = 0.871-2.358) or grade C AL (P = .064, OR = 2.055, 95% CI = 0.960-4.399). AAC was associated with higher amount of AL and grade C AL, however, AAC was not an independent predictive factor for AL or grade C AL.

Decalogue for mastering robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (rTAMIS).

This manuscript offers a detailed description of our successful tips for mastering transanal robotic surgery. It covers various aspects, including patient positioning, management of abdominal pressures to maintain a stable pneumorectum, platform positioning, camera alignment, trocar positioning to minimize collisions, instruments used, and approaches to tumor resection.

Predictive value of circulating lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy response in rectal mucinous adenocarcinoma patients: A machine learning approach.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the predictive value of circulating lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory indexes in response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) in patients with rectal mucinous adenocarcinomas (MACs). METHODS: Rectal MAC patients who underwent NCRT and curative resection at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital's Department of Colorectal Surgery between 2016 and 2020 were included in the study. Patients were categorized into good and poor response groups based on their pathological response to NCRT. An independent risk factor-based nomogram model was constructed by utilizing multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) algorithm was applied to build a machine learning (ML)-based predictive model. Feature importance was quantified using the Shapley additive explanations method. RESULTS: Out of the 283 participants involved in this research, 190 (67.1%) experienced an unfavorable outcome. To identify the independent risk factors, logistic regression analysis was performed, considering variables such as tumor length, pretreatment clinical T stage, PNI, and Th/Tc ratio. Subsequently, a nomogram model was constructed, achieving a C-index of 0.756. The ML model exhibited higher prediction accuracy than the nomogram model, achieving an AUROC of 0.824 in the training set and 0.762 in the tuning set. The top five important parameters of the ML model were identified as the Th/Tc ratio, neutrophil to lymphocyte, Th lymphocytes, Gross type, and T lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: Radiochemotherapy sensitivity is markedly influenced by systemic inflammation and lymphocyte-mediated immune responses in rectal MAC patients. Our ML model integrating clinical characteristics, circulating lymphocyte subsets, and inflammatory indexes is a potential assessment tool that can provide a reference for individualized treatment for rectal MAC patients.

Development and validation of a nomogram for preoperatively predicting permanent stoma after rectal cancer surgery with ileostomy: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: For patients with rectal cancer, the utilization of temporary ileostomy (TI) has proven effective in minimizing the occurrence of severe complications post-surgery, such as anastomotic leaks; however, some patients are unable to reverse in time or even develop a permanent stoma (PS). We aimed to determine the preoperative predictors associated with TS failure and develop and validate appropriate predictive models to improve patients' quality of life. METHODS: This research included 403 patients with rectal cancer who underwent temporary ileostomies between January 2017 and December 2021. All patients were randomly divided into either the developmental (70%) or validation (30%) group. The independent risk factors for PS were determined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Subsequently, a nomogram was constructed, and the prediction probability was estimated by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A calibration plot was used to evaluate the nomogram calibration. RESULTS: Of the 403 enrolled patients, 282 were randomized into the developmental group, 121 into the validation group, and 58 (14.39%) had a PS. The development group consisted of 282 patients, of whom 39 (13.81%) had a PS. The validation group consisted of 121 patients, of whom, 19 (15.70%) had a PS; 37 related factors were analyzed in the study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between the occurrence of PS and various factors in this patient cohort, including tumor location (OR = 6.631, P = 0.005), tumor markers (OR = 2.309, P = 0.035), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (OR = 4.784, P = 0.004), T4 stage (OR = 2.880, P = 0.036), lymph node metastasis (OR = 4.566, P = 0.001), and distant metastasis (OR = 4.478, P = 0.036). Furthermore, a preoperative nomogram was constructed based on these data and subsequently validated in an independent validation group. CONCLUSION: We identified six independent preoperative risk factors associated with PS following rectal cancer resection and developed a validated nomogram with an area under the ROC curve of 0.7758, which can assist surgeons in formulating better surgical options, such as colostomy, for patients at high risk of PS.

Current State of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

ABSTRACT: In locally advanced rectal cancer, neoadjuvant treatment has evolved from no preoperative treatment to the addition of radiation and systemic therapy and ultimately total neoadjuvant therapy. Total neoadjuvant therapy is the completion of preoperative radiation or chemoradiation and chemotherapy before surgery in order to maximize tumor response and improve survival outcomes. This review summarizes the literature of the neoadjuvant approaches related to locally advanced rectal cancer and highlights the nuances of selecting the appropriate treatment.

Nonoperative Management for Rectal Cancer.

ABSTRACT: The treatment paradigm for rectal cancer has been shifting toward de-escalated approaches to preserve patient quality of life. Historically, the standard treatment in the United States for locally advanced rectal cancer has standardly comprised preoperative chemoradiotherapy coupled with total mesorectal excision. Recent data challenge this "one-size-fits-all" strategy, supporting the possibility of omitting surgery for certain patients who achieve a clinical complete response to neoadjuvant therapy. Consequently, patients and their physicians must navigate diverse neoadjuvant options, often in the context of pursuing organ preservation. Total neoadjuvant therapy, involving the administration of all chemotherapy and radiation before total mesorectal excision, is associated with the highest rates of clinical complete response. However, questions persist regarding the optimal sequencing of radiation and chemotherapy and the choice between short-course and long-course radiation. Additionally, meticulous response assessment and surveillance are critical for selecting patients for nonoperative management without compromising the excellent cure rates associated with trimodality therapy. As nonoperative management becomes increasingly recognized as a standard-of-care treatment option for patients with rectal cancer, ongoing research in patient selection and monitoring as well as patient-reported outcomes is critical to guide personalized rectal cancer management within a patient-centered framework.

Local Excision for Early-Stage Rectal Adenocarcinomas.

ABSTRACT: Although total mesorectal excision (TME) remains the standard of care for rectal cancer, including early-stage T1/T2 rectal adenocarcinoma, local excision may be warranted for these early-stage tumors in a select group of patients who may decline surgery or may be nonoptimal surgical candidates. Operative approaches for transanal local excision include transanal endoscopic microsurgery or transanal minimally invasive surgery for tumors <4 cm, occupying <40% of the rectal circumference and <10 cm from the dentate line. The use of preoperative chemoradiation therapy may help to downstage tumors and allow for more limited resections, and chemoradiation may also be employed postoperatively. Local excision approaches appear to result in improved quality of life compared with TME, but limited resections may also compromise survival rates compared with TME. Multidisciplinary management and shared decision-making can allow for the desired patient outcomes.

Point/Counterpoint #2: Current Clinical Considerations With Nonoperative Management of Rectal Cancer.

ABSTRACT: Locally advanced rectal cancer has historically been treated with multimodal therapy consisting of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and total mesorectal excision. However, recent prospective trials and registry studies have demonstrated similar disease outcomes with nonoperative management for patients who experience an excellent clinical response to radiation and chemotherapy. This article reviews data regarding nonoperative management for rectal cancer, and highlights current challenges and limitations in a point-counterpoint format, in the context of two clinical cases.