Restaging locally advanced rectal cancer by different imaging modalities after preoperative chemoradiation: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

To compare the accuracy of different imaging modalities, alone and in combination in predicting findings at surgery after preoperative chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer.

METHODS

Following chemoradiation, tumors were reclassified on the basis of findings on pelvic computed tomography (CT) (94 patients), endorectal ultrasonography (EUS) (138 patients) alone or by both CT and EUS (80 patients). The ability of the imaging modalities, to predict the pathologic T status, N status, and TNM stage at surgery was evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 64.5 years (range 28-88 years); 55% were male. CT and EUS combined had a positive predictive value of 20% for pathologic pT1 stage, 29% for pT1, 29% for pT2, and 58% for pT3. Predictive values for the operative TNM stage were 50% for stage I, 45% for stage II, and 31% for stage III. These values did not exceed those for each modality alone.

CONCLUSION

The performance of preoperative CT and EUS in predicting the T and TNM stage of rectal cancer at surgery is poor. Neither modality alone nor the two combined is sufficiently accurate to serve as the basis for decisions regarding treatment modification.

Home electrical stimulation for women with fecal incontinence: a preliminary randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness and cost of home electrical stimulation and standardized biofeedback training in females with fecal incontinence

METHODS

Thirty-six females suffering from fecal incontinence were randomized into two groups, matched for mean age (67.45 ± 7.2 years), mean body mass index (kg/m2) (26.2 ± 3.9), mean disease duration (4.1 ± 0.8 years), mean number of births (2.7 ± 1.3), and reports of obstetric trauma (25%). Questionnaires were used to evaluate their demographics, medical, and childbearing history. Subjects were randomized to home electrical stimulation or standardized biofeedback training for a period of 6 weeks. Subjective outcome measures included the frequency of fecal, urine, and gas incontinence by visual analog scale, Vaizey incontinence score, and subjects' levels of fecal incontinence related anxiety. Objective outcome measures included pelvic floor muscle strength assessed by surface electromyography. We also compared the cost of each treatment modality.

RESULTS

Only females who received home electrical stimulation (HES) reported a significant improvement in Vaizey incontinence score (p = 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.046), and in frequency of leaked solid stool (p = 0.013). A significant improvement in pelvic floor muscle strength was achieved by both groups. HES was much cheaper compared to the cost of standardized biofeedback training (SBT) (US $100 vs. US $220, respectively). Our study comprised a small female population, and the study endpoints did not include objective measures of anorectal function test, such as anorectal manometry, before and after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Home electrical stimulation may offer an alternative to standardized biofeedback training as it is effective and generally well-tolerated therapy for females with fecal incontinence.

Immunohistochemistry staining for mismatch repair proteins: the endoscopic biopsy material provides useful and coherent results

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing for mismatch repair proteins (MMRP) in patients with colorectal cancer can be performed on endoscopic biopsy material or the surgical resection material. Data are continuing to accumulate regarding the deleterious effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on MMRP expression. However, despite continuing rise in the use of endoscopic biopsies for IHC, most pathology departments still use mainly the surgical materials for IHC testing. In this study we compared the quality of stains among 96 colon cancer subjects with paired endoscopic and surgical material available for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 stains (96 × 4, yielding 384 paired stains). Each slide received both a quantitative score (immunoreactivity [0-3] × percent positivity [0-4]) and a qualitative score (absent; weak and focal; strong). The quantitative scores of all MMRP were significantly higher among the endoscopic material (P<.001 for all). In 358 pairs (93.2%), both the endoscopic and operative material stained either strong (322, 83.9%) or absent (36, 9.4%). In 26 pairs (6.8%), the endoscopic material stained strong, whereas the operative material stained focal and weak. No endoscopic biopsy materials stained focal and weak. Our findings indicate that the biopsy material may provide more coherent results. Although these results may indicate that biopsy material provides coherent and useful results, it is yet to be determined if the demonstrated differences pose a real clinical problem in interpreting final results of IHC staining of such kind. Hence, we suggest that when available, the endoscopic material rather than the operative one should serve as the primary substrate for IHC staining.

Expression of MUC2 and MUC4 proteins and cytokines: early markers of intestinal graft rejection

BACKGROUND

Histopathologic examination (HP) is the primary method of monitoring intestinal graft rejection. Alterations in mucin levels have been demonstrated in bowel diseases. The aim of this study was to detect early markers of intestinal graft rejection based on mucin and cytokine levels.

METHODS

Allogeneic and syngeneic orthotopic intestinal transplantations were performed in untreated Lewis strain recipient rats from Dark Agouti and Lewis strain donors, respectively (unmodified rejection and nonrejection groups). Similarly, allogeneic and syngeneic orthotopic intestinal transplantations were performed in tacrolimus (immunosuppression)-treated groups. HP was performed on hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff-stained sections. Expression of MUC2 and MUC4 proteins and of mRNA was detected by immunohistochemistry and Northern analysis, respectively. Interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta(1) were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

HP revealed early or mild rejection on day 3, moderate rejection on day 5, and severe rejection on day 7 posttransplantation (posttx) in the unmodified rejection group. A significant (P<0.01) increase in MUC2 and MUC4 expression was observed on day 3 posttx in the allogeneic rejection group compared with syngeneic controls; the levels decreased by day 7. Goblet cells were significantly more frequent on day 3 compared with days 5 and 7 posttx (P<0.01). IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha expression were also higher in the rejection group.

CONCLUSIONS

Early transplant rejection is associated with increased MUC2, MUC4, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha expression. These markers combined with HP may assist in the diagnosis of early intestinal graft rejection.

Pseudoaneurysm of the inferior gluteal artery: an unusual complication after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer. Report of a case

We report an unusual case of profuse, sporadic hemorrhage from a chronically infected perineal wound after an abdominoperineal resection. Surgical exploration and angiography on two occasions failed to identify the source of bleeding. A pseudoaneurysm of the internal iliac artery was eventually identified with a provocative angiogram using tissue plasminogen activator. This aneurysm was successfully treated with embolization with coils.

The prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in patients with end-stage renal disease: a case-control study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The scarcity of organs for transplantation has led to aggressive pretransplant evaluations. Many younger kidney transplant patients with end-stage renal disease, who would be ordinarily at average risk for colorectal cancer, undergo screening colonoscopy as part of this evaluation. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in patients with end-stage renal disease who are potential transplant candidates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review analysis on 57 kidney transplant candidates who underwent pretransplant screening colonoscopy between August 1999 and December 2004. The control group was comprised of 60 age- and gender-matched subjects without end-stage renal disease who underwent routine screening colonoscopy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of polyps in end-stage renal disease patients was 37 vs 22% in the control group (p=0.07, not significant). None of the risk factors studied were found to predict the presence of polyps in the study group.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that screening guidelines for colorectal cancer for the general population should be adequate for potential kidney transplant recipients.

Grading of complications and risk factor evaluation in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

A grading system for postoperative complications is important for quality control and comparison among investigations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate complications associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery according to a standardized grading system, and to examine risk factors associated with different complication grades.

METHODS

Data of all patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery at two medical centers between September 2003 and January 2011 were collected prospectively. Complications were graded retrospectively into five categories based on a previously proposed grading system for colorectal operations. Age, gender, BMI, Charlson comorbidity score, indication for surgery, pathology site, conversion rate, learning curve, operative times, previous abdominal surgery, concurrent surgical procedures performed, and length of hospital stay were evaluated as risk factors and outcome measures for complications.

RESULTS

A total of 501 patients were included in the study. Of them, 30.5 % suffered at least one complication and 6.5 % more than one. Complications that were mainly medical or surgical site infections requiring minor intervention (grades 1 and 2) occurred in 22.9 % of patients. Surgical complications requiring invasive interference (grades 3 and 4) occurred in 7.4 % of patients and mortality (grade 5) occurred in 0.2 % (1 patient). Length of hospital stay was directly related to complication grade. Average hospital stay was 6.8 ± 3.5, 10.5 ± 5.1, and 20.2 ± 12.3 days for patients with no complications, grade 1-2 complications, and grade 3-4 complications, respectively (p < 0.01). Minor complications (grades 1-2) were associated with conversion (p < 0.01), high Charlson score (p = 0.004), and additional surgical procedures (p = 0.04). Major complications (grades 3-4) were associated solely with conversion (p < 0.01) and rectal pathology (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the use of a uniform grading system for complications in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Conversion was found to be associated with all grades of complications.

Multisocietal European consensus on the terminology, diagnosis, and management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases: an E-AHPBA consensus in partnership with ESSO, ESCP, ESGAR, and CIRSE

BACKGROUND

Contemporary management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases is complex. The aim of this project was to provide a practical framework for care of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases, with a focus on terminology, diagnosis, and management.

METHODS

This project was a multiorganizational, multidisciplinary consensus. The consensus group produced statements which focused on terminology, diagnosis, and management. Statements were refined during an online Delphi process, and those with 70 per cent agreement or above were reviewed at a final meeting. Iterations of the report were shared by electronic mail to arrive at a final agreed document comprising 12 key statements.

RESULTS

Synchronous liver metastases are those detected at the time of presentation of the primary tumour. The term 'early metachronous metastases' applies to those absent at presentation but detected within 12 months of diagnosis of the primary tumour, the term 'late metachronous metastases' applies to those detected after 12 months. 'Disappearing metastases' applies to lesions that are no longer detectable on MRI after systemic chemotherapy. Guidance was provided on the recommended composition of tumour boards, and clinical assessment in emergency and elective settings. The consensus focused on treatment pathways, including systemic chemotherapy, synchronous surgery, and the staged approach with either colorectal or liver-directed surgery as first step. Management of pulmonary metastases and the role of minimally invasive surgery was discussed.

CONCLUSION

The recommendations of this contemporary consensus provide information of practical value to clinicians managing patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases.

Escherichia coli Strains from Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases have Disease-specific Genomic Adaptations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Escherichia coli is over-abundant in the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Here, we aimed to identify IBD-specific genomic functions of diverse E. coli lineages.

METHODS

We investigated E. coli genomes from patients with ulcerative colitis [UC], Crohn's disease [CD] or a pouch, and healthy subjects. The majority of genomes were reconstructed from metagenomic samples, including newly sequenced faecal metagenomes. Clinical metadata were collected. Functional analysis at the gene and mutation level were performed and integrated with IBD phenotypes and biomarkers.

RESULTS

Overall, 530 E. coli genomes were analysed. The E. coli B2 lineage was more prevalent in UC compared with other IBD phenotypes. Genomic metabolic capacities varied across E. coli lineages and IBD phenotypes. Host mucin utilisation enzymes were present in a single lineage and depleted in patients with a pouch, whereas those involved in inulin hydrolysis were enriched in patients with a pouch. E. coli strains from patients with UC were twice as likely to encode the genotoxic molecule colibactin than strains from patients with CD or a pouch. Strikingly, patients with a pouch showed the highest inferred E. coli growth rates, even in the presence of antibiotics. Faecal calprotectin did not correlate with the relative abundance of E. coli. Finally, we identified multiple IBD-specific non-synonymous mutations in E. coli genes encoding for bacterial cell envelope components.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparative genomics indicates that E. coli is a commensal species adapted to the overactive mucosal immune milieu in IBD, rather than causing it. Our results reveal mutations that may lead to attenuated antigenicity in some E. coli strains.

Preservation of bowel and urinary continence in the management of locally recurrent rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The management of locally recurrent rectal cancer should achieve local tumor control and potentially improving disease-free and overall survival. Radical pelvic resection has traditionally been associated with permanent fecal and urinary diversion. However, as advanced techniques have evolved to allow restoration of intestinal and urinary continence, we reviewed the use of these techniques in patients with recurrent rectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients with recurrent rectal cancer who underwent a resection at Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center between 1993 and 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included demographic data, surgical and oncological history, patterns of recurrence, treatment modalities, and outcome. Follow-up data was obtained from the last clinic visit and/or tumor registry.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer (male/female 45/22, age 32-81 years) were included in the analysis. Continence was re-established in 22 (33%) patients, urinary continence was restored in 12 patients, and intestinal continuity in 14 patients (both in 4 patients). A temporary diverting ostomy was necessary in 5 out of 14 (36%) patients. Mortality was zero and morbidity was low and included two urinary leaks and one fecal leak all of which could be managed non-operatively. At a median follow-up of 16 months (range 5-55), 11 (50%) patients were still alive, 7 (31%) without evidence of disease. Comparison of the groups of patients either with or without continence preservation showed no statistically significant difference in disease-free survival and overall survival rates. High quality of life was achieved with restoration of continuity, no patient with restored continuity expressed a desire for a diversion.

CONCLUSION

If an oncologically adequate resection of the recurrent rectal cancer can be performed without impairment of the pelvic floor integrity, continence preservation is feasible and results in good functional and oncological outcome.

Management of acquired rectourinary fistulas: how often and when is permanent fecal or urinary diversion necessary?

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate our experience in the management of acquired rectourinary fistulas at our tertiary center.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with fistulas treated from 1999 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, etiology of the fistulas, treatment, and outcome.

RESULTS

The median age of the group was 69 years. Sixteen patients had fistulas that were malignant-associated. One patient died from tumor progression before any surgical therapy. The remaining 17 patients underwent surgical treatment of the fistula with a median of one procedure per patient. Eight patients had excision with permanent diversion, two had excision with repair/reconstructive procedures, and seven had repair surgical procedures. Initial surgical management was successful for 13 (76 percent) patients. Reoperation resulted in a final success rate of 100 percent. The rates of permanent fecal, urinary, and fecal plus urinary diversion in the malignant associated fistula group were 5.8, 47, and 5.8 percent, respectively. The median follow-up for all patients was 9.5 months. There were no procedure-related mortalities and five (29 percent) patients had significant surgical-related morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that surgical treatment for acquired rectourinary fistulas can successfully avoid permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion in a large number of patients if locally curative cancer treatment can be achieved.

Anastomotic healing in a small bowel transplantation model in the rat

Anastomotic healing is impaired after intestinal surgery because of ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI), which can result in intestinal leaks leading to increased mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of transplant IRI and immune mechanisms on intestinal graft anastomotic healing. Orthotopic intestinal transplantations (OIT) were performed in rats. The experimental design consisted of six groups A-F (n=5/group): A, allogeneic OIT treated with tacrolimus (1 mg/kg/day); B, syngeneic OIT treated with tacrolimus; C, syngeneic OIT; D, allogeneic OIT; E, proximal and distal anastomoses performed in nontransplanted animals; F, same as in group E but treated with tacrolimus. Anastomotic bursting pressure (ABP), hydroxyproline content (HPC), and mucosal inflammatory infiltrate (MII) were determined at the anastomotic sites (proximal and distal) and compared between groups. ABP was significantly (p<0.001) reduced in OIT groups A, B, C, and D compared to control groups E and F at both the proximal and distal anastomotic sites. HPC was approximately 1 microg/mg of tissue in groups A, B, C, and D, and approximately 5 microg/mg of tissue in groups E and F. This demonstrates a significant (p<0.001) reduction in HPC after OIT. MII was significantly (p<0.001) increased in OIT groups when compared to nontransplanted control groups. MII was also significantly (p<0.05) increased in allogeneic OIT groups A and D compared to syngeneic OIT groups B and C. Generally, ABP and HPC were inversely proportional to MII in both nontransplanted control and OIT groups. Reduced anastomotic strength was demonstrated in both syngeneic and allogeneic OIT anastomotic sites irrespective of immunosuppressive therapy, and is probably related to IRI.

Human intestinal epithelial cells can internalize luminal fungi via LC3-associated phagocytosis

BACKGROUND

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are the first to encounter luminal microorganisms and actively participate in intestinal immunity. We reported that IECs express the β-glucan receptor Dectin-1, and respond to commensal fungi and β-glucans. In phagocytes, Dectin-1 mediates LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) utilizing autophagy components to process extracellular cargo. Dectin-1 can mediate phagocytosis of β-glucan-containing particles by non-phagocytic cells. We aimed to determine whether human IECs phagocytose β-glucan-containing fungal particles via LAP.

METHODS

Colonic (n=18) and ileal (n=4) organoids from individuals undergoing bowel resection were grown as monolayers. Fluorescent-dye conjugated zymosan (β-glucan particle), heat-killed- and UV inactivated C. albicans were applied to differentiated organoids and to human IEC lines. Confocal microscopy was used for live imaging and immuno-fluorescence. Quantification of phagocytosis was carried out with a fluorescence plate-reader.

RESULTS

zymosan and C. albicans particles were phagocytosed by monolayers of human colonic and ileal organoids and IEC lines. LAP was identified by LC3 and Rubicon recruitment to phagosomes and lysosomal processing of internalized particles was demonstrated by co-localization with lysosomal dyes and LAMP2. Phagocytosis was significantly diminished by blockade of Dectin-1, actin polymerization and NAPDH oxidases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that human IECs sense luminal fungal particles and internalize them via LAP. This novel mechanism of luminal sampling suggests that IECs may contribute to the maintenance of mucosal tolerance towards commensal fungi.

Comparison between laparoscopic and open Hartmann's reversal: results of a decade-long multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Hartmann's reversal is a challenging surgical procedure with significant postoperative morbidity rates. Various surgical methods have been suggested to lower the risk of postoperative complications. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative results between open and laparoscopic techniques for Hartmann's reversal.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all patients who underwent Hartmann's reversal in five centers in central Israel between January 2004 and June 2015 was conducted. Medical charts were reviewed, analyzing preoperative and operative parameters and short-term postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS

260 patients were included in the study. 76 patients were operated laparoscopically with a conversion rate of 26.3% (20 patients). No differences were found between patients operated laparoscopically and those operated in an open technique regarding gender (p = 0.785), age (61.34 vs. 62.64, p = 0.521), body mass index (26.6 vs. 26.2, p = 0.948), Charlson index score (1.79 vs. 1.95, p = 0.667), and cause for Hartmann's procedure (neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic, p = 0.644). No differences were seen in average time from the Hartmann's procedure to reversal (204.89 vs. 213.60 days, p = 0.688) and in overall complication rate (46.4 vs. 46.5%, p = 1). The Clavien-Dindo score for distinguishing between minor (0-2 score, p = 1) and major complications (3-5 score, p = 0.675) failed to demonstrate an advantage to laparoscopy, as well as to average length of stay (10.91 days in the laparoscopic group vs. 11.72 days in the open group, p = 0.529). An analysis based on the intention-to-treat with laparoscopy, including converted cases in the laparoscopic group, showed similar results, including overall complication rate (48.6 vs. 45.6%, p = 0.68) and Clavien-Dindo score in both minor (p = 0.24) and major complications (p = 0.44). Length of stay (10.92 vs. 11.81 days, p = 0.45) was also similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In this series, a laparoscopic approach to Hartmann's reversal did not offer any short-term advantage when compared to an open surgical approach.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy for colovesical fistula associated with diverticular disease

To evaluate the feasibility and short-term outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy (HALC) for the treatment of colovesical fistula complicating diverticulitis, we reviewed the files of all 34 patients who underwent surgery for diverticular colovesical fistula in 1999 to 2010 at a major tertiary medical center. Twenty-one were treated with HALC and 13 with open colectomy. There were no differences in demographic parameters among the groups. HALC and open colectomy had similar operating time. HALC was associated with a significantly shorter hospital stay compared with open colectomy (5 vs. 8 d, P=0.001). HALC proved to be technically feasible and safe in this setting. It provided benefits of tactile feedback and manual manipulation as in open colectomy while maintaining the advantages of a minimal invasive approach.

Early postoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT in high-risk stage III colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

PET/CT may contribute to staging modification in different phases of colorectal cancer (CRC) management. However, it is not routinely indicated for stage III CRC. This study sought to determine the role of early postoperative PET/CT in patients with high-risk stage III CRC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The tumor registry of a tertiary medical center was searched (2004-2011) for all patients with stage III CRC who underwent early postoperative PET/CT because of the presence of high-risk factors for systemic disease. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were compared between patients found/not found to have metastatic disease.

RESULTS

The cohort included 91 patients with a median age of 67 years (range, 29-90 years). Pathological FDG uptake was observed in 38 (41%). Of these, 14 (15% of the whole cohort) were upstaged with alteration of their treatment protocol, 10 (11%) had local postoperative changes, and 14 (15%) had false-positive findings. The sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT for detecting metastatic disease were 100% and 69%, respectively. Elevated postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen and CA-19.9 levels correlated with a positive PET/CT (P = 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively). The median follow-up time was 34 months (range, 4-85 months). The estimated 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in patients with a negative than a positive scan (70% vs 42%, P < 0.0006).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings on early postoperative PET/CT may influence staging and treatment in 15% of selected patients with high-risk stage III CRC. Postoperative levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and CA-19.9 may serve as indications for PET/CT scanning in this setting. Prospective validation is warranted.

Feasibility of an Intraluminal Bypass Device in Low Colorectal Anastomosis: Preliminary Results in a Porcine Model

BACKGROUND

The Cologuard CG-100 is a novel intraluminal bypass device designed to reduce the clinical outcomes associated with low colorectal anastomotic leak. The device is inserted transanally, anchored to the colon above the anastomosis, and deployed intraluminally to cover the anastomosis from within. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the device in a porcine model.

METHOD

Twelve pigs underwent low colorectal anastomosis with insertion of the Cologuard CG-100 device. Contrast material injection, abdominal X-ray, and histologic studies were used to evaluate sealing quality, device positioning, and tissue damage, respectively. The surgeons completed a usability and satisfaction questionnaire after completion of the procedure.

RESULTS

Absolute sealing was observed in all 4 animals euthanized immediately after surgery. In the other 8 animals, the device was kept in situ for 10 days and then extracted. X-ray films with injection of contrast material through a designated injection tube before device removal showed that the sheath and ring were correctly placed. No leak was demonstrated. There were no device-related adverse events, and no critical histological abnormalities were noted in the bowel area that was compressed by the device. The device was found to be easy to insert, position, and extract.

CONCLUSION

The Cologuard CG-100 device efficiently reduced contact between fecal content and low colorectal anastomosis in a porcine model and is easily deployed and extracted. It holds promise for possible clinical use pending further studies.

High Rates of Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Right Colectomy With Midline Extraction Site

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic surgery aims at reducing wound complications and improving cosmetics, among other advantages. High rates of postoperative ventral hernia (POVH) are observed after laparoscopic-assisted colectomies.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a 2011 to 2016 retrospective study of all patients at Rabin Medical Center, we examined POVH prevalence after right hemicolectomy for neoplasia and correlation to specimen extraction site. We also compared laparoscopic-assisted colectomy to hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy. Included were patients who had postoperative abdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan as part of their routine oncological follow-up to 6 months postsurgery. Patients were excluded for conversion to laparotomy, and prior abdominal surgeries after right colectomy and before follow-up computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scan. Demographic and surgical data were collected from patient electronic records, and scans reviewed for POVH by a designated radiologist.

RESULTS

Of 370 patients, 138 (mean age 70.09 y, 58 males) were included: 54 (39.1%) were diagnosed with POVH, 42/72 (58.3%) at midline extraction site, and 12/66 (18.8%) at off-midline extraction sites (P<0.0001). Surgical site infections and patients positive for tumor metastasis were associated with higher POVH rates. Most (74%) POVHs were identified within 18 months postsurgery (P<0.0001). Body mass index, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking, tumor size, lymph nodes positive for metastasis, and hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy were not associated with POVH prevalence.

CONCLUSION

High rates of radiologically diagnosed POVH were found after laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, with association to midline extraction site, surgical site infections, and positive tumor distant metastasis.

High incidence of non-upper aerodigestive primary tumors in patients with esophageal cancer

Earlier reports have described an association between esophageal cancer (EC) and high incidence of other primary tumors (OPTs) of the upper aerodigestive tract and breast cancer. We evaluated the incidence of non-upper aerodigestive OPTs among Israeli EC patients; 2328 EC patients were retrieved from the Israeli National Cancer Registry between 1980 and 2004. The relative risk of OPTs for EC patients was measured using standardized incidence ratio (SIR). Two cohorts, Israeli National Cancer Registry registered colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and the general Israeli population, were used for reference; 297 EC patients (12.7%) had OPTs, including breast (18.9%), CRC (16.2%), prostate (8.8%), and bladder (8.4%) cancers. Upper aerodigestive OPTs were less common. Most OPTs were identified before (74.4%) or simultaneously with (13.8%) EC diagnosis. The median time interval between OPTs diagnoses and EC development was 6.0 years. The incidence of OPTs was significantly higher among EC patients compared with CRC patients (SIR: 2.05, P < 0.01) or the general Israeli population (SIR: 3.90, 95% CI: 3.46-4.34, P < 0.01) regardless of gender or tumor histology. Patients with EC have high incidence of non-upper aerodigestive malignancies. Unlike previous reports, the distribution of OPTs in EC seems to represent the relative incidences of these cancers in the western populations.

Laparoscopic repositioning of Heliogast gastric band after anterior slippage

BACKGROUND

Gastric slippage is a well-described complication of gastric banding. The Heliogast band is equipped with a locking mechanism that enables its straightforward reopening and repositioning. Our experience with Heliogast band salvage after anterior slippage is reported.

METHODS

The study sample comprised 418 consecutive patients who underwent 2-step laparoscopic gastric banding with the Lap-Band first (n=235) followed with the Heliogast band (n=183). Gastric slippage was diagnosed by symptoms of dysphagia and vomiting and was confirmed with Gastrografin swallow. Patients who did not respond to conservative treatment were laparoscopically reoperated. In the Heliogast group, the band was dissected free, unlocked, and repositioned. In the Lap-Band group, when reopening proved impossible, the band was removed with or without replacement.

RESULTS

10 patients (2.4%) underwent reoperation for anterior slippage, 5 with a Lap-Band (2.1%) and 5 with a Heliogast band (2.7%). Band repositioning was feasible in all 5 patients in the Heliogast group, but in only one of the patients in the Lap-Band group; in the others, the band was removed. Band repositioning was confirmed radiologically. No postoperative complications were recorded, and all patients were discharged on the first day after surgery. At a median 10 months' follow-up after Heliogast repositioning, all patients had satisfactory weight loss.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic Heliogast band salvage after anterior slippage is comparatively simple and safe, with excellent postoperative results and no interference with continued weight loss. This constitutes an important means of management for the bariatric surgeon.

Sphincter preservation in distal CT2N0 rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is usually not indicated for cT2N0 rectal cancer. Abdominoperineal resection is the standard treatment for distal rectal tumors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the actual sphincter-preservation rate in patients with distal cT2N0 rectal cancer given neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected for all patients who were diagnosed with distal cT2N0 rectal cancer at a tertiary medical center in 2000-2008 and received chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (5-7 weeks later).

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (22 male) of median age 65 years (range, 32-88) were identified. Tumor distance from the anal verge ranged from 0 to 5 cm. R0 resection with sphincter preservation was accomplished in 22 patients (66%), with a 22% pathological complete response rate. Median follow-up time was 62 months (range 7-120). There were no local failures. Crude disease-free and overall survival were 82% and 86%, respectively. Factors associated with sphincter preservation were tumor location (OR=0.58, p=0.02, 95% CI=0.37-0.91) and pathological downstaging (OR=7.8, p=0.02, 95% CI=1.35-45.85). Chemoradiotherapy was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

High rates of sphincter preservation can be achieved after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for distal cT2N0 rectal cancer, with tolerable toxicity, without compromising oncological outcome.

Some Nursing Screening Tools Can Be Used to Assess High-Risk Older Adults Who Undergo Colorectal Surgery for Cancer

AIM

Life expectancy and incidence of cancer among older adults are increasing. The aim of this study was to assess whether routinely used nursing screening tools can predict surgical outcomes in older adults with colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Data of patients who underwent elective colorectal cancer surgery at Rabin Medical Center during the years 2014-2016 were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into study group (age 80-89 y), and control group (age 60-69 y) for comparing surgical outcomes and six-month mortality. In the study group, screening tool scores were evaluated as potential predictors of surgical outcomes. These included Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Admission Norton Scale Scores (ANSS), Morse Fall Scale (MFS), and Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI).

RESULTS

The study group consisted of 77 patients, and the control group consisted of 129 patients. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were similar in both groups. Nursing screening tools did not predict immediate postoperative outcomes in the study group. MUST and CCI were predictors for six-month mortality. CCI score was 9.43±2.44 in those who died within six months from surgery compared to 7.07 ±1.61 in those who were alive after six months (p<0.05). Post-operative complications were not associated with increased 30-day mortality. Advanced grade complications were associated with an increased six-month mortality (RR=1.37, 95% CI 0.95-1.98, p=0.013).

CONCLUSION

Different screening tools for high-risk older adults who are candidates for surgery have been developed, with the caveat of necessitating skilled physicians and resources such as time. Routinely used nursing screening tools may be helpful in better patient selection and informed decision making. These tools, specifically MUST and CCI who were found to predict six-month survival, can be used to additionally identify high-risk patients by the nursing staff and promote further evaluation. This can be a valuable tool in multidisciplinary and patient-centered care.