Long-term survival after hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy using mitomycin C or oxaliplatin in colorectal cancer patients with synchronous peritoneal metastases: A nationwide comparative study

OBJECTIVES

In the Netherlands, limited variability exists in performance of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) among centers treating colorectal peritoneal metastases (PM), except for the intraperitoneal drug administration. This offers a unique opportunity to investigate any disparities in survival between the two most frequently used HIPEC regimens worldwide: mitomycin C (MMC) and oxaliplatin.

METHODS

This was a comparative, population-based cohort study of all Dutch patients diagnosed with synchronous colorectal PM who underwent CRS-HIPEC between 2014 and 2017. They were retrieved from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Main outcome was overall survival (OS). The effect of the intraperitoneal drug on OS was investigated using multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 297 patients treated between 2014 and 2017 were included. Among them, 177 (59.6%) received MMC and 120 (40.4%) received oxaliplatin. Only primary tumor location was different between the two groups: more left-sided colon in the Oxaliplatin group (47.5% vs. 33.3%, respectively, p=0.048). The 1-, 2- and 3-year OS were 84.6% vs. 85.8%, 61.6% vs. 63.9% and 44.7% vs. 53.5% in patients treated with MMC and oxaliplatin, respectively. Median OS was 30.7 months in the MMC group vs. 46.6 months in the oxaliplatin group (p=0.181). In multivariable analysis, no influence of intraperitoneal drug on survival was observed (adjusted HR 0.77 [0.53-1.13]).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term survival between patients treated with either MMC or oxaliplatin during CRS-HIPEC was not significantly different.

MRI cT1-2 rectal cancer staging accuracy: a population-based study

Background

Adequate MRI‐based staging of early rectal cancers is essential for decision‐making in an era of organ‐conserving treatment approaches. The aim of this population‐based study was to determine the accuracy of routine daily MRI staging of early rectal cancer, whether or not combined with endorectal ultrasonography (ERUS).

Methods

Patients with cT1–2 rectal cancer who underwent local excision or total mesorectal excision (TME) without downsizing (chemo)radiotherapy between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2018 were selected from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit. The accuracy of imaging was expressed as sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value.

Results

Of 7382 registered patients with cT1–2 rectal cancer, 5539 were included (5288 MRI alone, 251 MRI and ERUS; 1059 cT1 and 4480 cT2). Among patients with pT1 tumours, 54·7 per cent (792 of 1448) were overstaged by MRI alone, and 31·0 per cent (36 of 116) by MRI and ERUS. Understaging of pT2 disease occurred in 8·2 per cent (197 of 2388) and 27·9 per cent (31 of 111) respectively. MRI alone overstaged pN0 in 17·3 per cent (570 of 3303) and the PPV for assignment of cN0 category was 76·3 per cent (2733 of 3583). Of 834 patients with pT1 N0 disease, potentially suitable for local excision, tumours in 253 patients (30·3 per cent) were staged correctly as cT1 N0, whereas 484 (58·0 per cent) and 97 (11·6 per cent) were overstaged as cT2 N0 and cT1–2 N1 respectively.

Conclusion

This Dutch population‐based analysis of patients who underwent local excision or TME surgery for cT1–2 rectal cancer based on preoperative MRI staging revealed substantial overstaging, indicating the weaknesses of MRI and missed opportunities for organ preservation strategies.

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.

Functional complaints and quality of life after transanal total mesorectal excision: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Total mesorectal excision (TME) gives excellent oncological results in rectal cancer treatment, but patients may experience functional problems. A novel approach to performing TME is by single-port transanal minimally invasive surgery. This systematic review evaluated the functional outcomes and quality of life after transanal and laparoscopic TME.

METHODS

A comprehensive search in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase and the trial registers was conducted in May 2019. PRISMA guidelines were used. Data for meta-analysis were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 11 660 studies were identified, from which 14 studies and six conference abstracts involving 846 patients (599 transanal TME, 247 laparoscopic TME) were included. A substantial number of patients experienced functional problems consistent with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Meta-analysis found no significant difference in major LARS between the two approaches (risk ratio 1·13, 95 per cent c.i. 0·94 to 1·35; P = 0·18). However, major heterogeneity was present in the studies together with poor reporting of functional baseline assessment.

CONCLUSION

No differences in function were observed between transanal and laparoscopic TME.

Diagnostic accuracy of urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein in detecting colorectal anastomotic leakage

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains a severe complication following colorectal surgery, having a negative impact on both short- and long-term outcomes. Since timely detection could enable early intervention, there is a need for the development of novel and accurate, preferably, non-invasive markers. The aim of this study was to investigate whether urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) could serve as such a marker.

METHODS

This prospective multicenter cross-sectional phase two diagnostic study was conducted at four centers in the Netherlands between March 2015 and November 2016. Urine samples of 15 patients with confirmed colorectal AL and 19 patients without colorectal AL on postoperative day 3 were included. Urinary I-FABP levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and adjusted for urinary creatinine to compensate for renal dysfunction.

RESULTS

Urinary I-FABP levels were significantly elevated in patients with confirmed AL compared to patients without AL on postoperative day 3 (median: 2.570 ng/ml vs 0.809 ng/ml, p = 0.006). The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was 0.775, yielding a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 74% at the optimal cutoff point (> 1.589 ng/ml). This difference remained significant after calculation of I-FABP/creatinine ratios (median: 0.564 ng/µmol vs. 0.158 ng/µmol, p = 0.040), with an AUROC of 0.709, sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 90% at the optimal cutoff point (> 0.469 ng/µmol).

CONCLUSIONS

Levels of urinary I-FABP and urinary I-FABP/creatinine were significantly elevated in patients with confirmed AL following colorectal surgery, suggesting their potential as a non-invasive biomarker for colorectal anastomotic leakage.

Urinary volatile organic compound markers and colorectal anastomotic leakage

AIM

Inflammatory markers such as serum C-reactive protein (CRP) are used as routine markers to detect anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery. However, CRP is characterized by a relatively low predictive value, emphasizing the need for the development of novel diagnostic approaches. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous metabolic products deriving from all conceivable bodily excrements and reflect (alterations in) the patient's physical status. Therefore, VOCs are increasingly considered as potential non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of urinary VOCs for colorectal anastomotic leakage.

METHODS

In this explorative multicentre study, urinary VOC profiles of 22 patients with confirmed anastomotic leakage and 27 uneventful control patients following colorectal surgery were analysed by field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS).

RESULTS

Urinary VOCs of patients with anastomotic leakage could be distinguished from those of control patients with high accuracy: area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.91 (95% CI 0.81-1.00, P < 0.001), sensitivity 86% and specificity 93%. Serum CRP was significantly increased in patients with a confirmed anastomotic leak but with lower diagnostic accuracy compared to VOC analysis (area under the receiver operating characteristics curve 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.95, P < 0.001). Combining VOCs and CRP did not result in a significant improvement of the diagnostic performance compared to VOCs alone.

CONCLUSION

Analysis by FAIMS allowed for discrimination between urinary VOC profiles of patients with a confirmed anastomotic leak and control patients following colorectal surgery. A superior accuracy compared to CRP and apparently high specificity was observed, underlining the potential as a non-invasive biomarker for the detection of colorectal anastomotic leakage.

The value of force and torque measurements in transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

Background

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is associated with a relatively long learning curve. Force, motion, and time parameters are increasingly used for objective assessment of skills to enhance laparoscopic training efficacy. The aim of this study was to identify relevant metrics for accurate skill assessment in more complex transanal purse-string suturing.

Methods

A box trainer was designed for TaTME and equipped with two custom made multi-DOF force/torque sensors. These sensors measured the applied forces in the axial direction of the instruments (Fz), instrument load orientation expressed in torque (Mx and My) on the entrance port, and the full tissue interaction force (Fft) at the intestine fixation point. In a construct validity study, novices for TaTME performed a purse-string suture to investigate which parameters can be used best to identify meaningful events during tissue manipulation and instrument handling.

Results

Significant differences exist between pre- and post-training assessment for the mean axial force at the entrance port Fz (p = 0.01), mean torque in the entrance port Mx (p = 0.03) and mean force on the intestine during suturing Fft (p = 0.05). Furthermore, force levels during suturing exceed safety threshold values, potentially leading to dangerous complications such as rupture of the rectum.

Conclusions

Forces and torque measured at the entrance port, and the tissue interaction force signatures provide detailed insight into instrument handling, instrument loading, and tissue handling during purse-string suturing in a TaTME training setup. This newly developed training setup for single-port laparoscopy that enables objective feedback has the potential to enhance surgical training in TaTME.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: how are we doing so far?

AIM

This subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study aims to compare postoperative morbidity between transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME).

METHOD

The study was designed as a subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study. Patients undergoing TaTME or LaTME for rectal cancer were selected. All patients were followed up until the first visit to the outpatient clinic after hospital discharge. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Propensity score matching was performed.

RESULTS

In total, 220 patients were selected from the overall prospective multicentre cohort study. After propensity score matching, 48 patients from each group were compared. The median tumour height for TaTME was 10.0 cm (6.0-10.8) and for LaTME was 9.5 cm (7.0-12.0) (P = 0.459). The duration of surgery and anaesthesia were both significantly longer for TaTME (221 vs 180 min, P < 0.001, and 264 vs 217 min, P < 0.001). TaTME was not converted to laparotomy whilst surgery in five patients undergoing LaTME was converted to laparotomy (0.0% vs 10.4%, P = 0.056). No statistically significant differences were observed for Clavien-Dindo classification, CCI, readmissions, reoperations and mortality.

CONCLUSION

The study showed that TaTME is a safe and feasible approach for rectal cancer resection. This new technique obtained similar postoperative morbidity to LaTME.

RAS Mutation Decreases Overall Survival After Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy of Colorectal Peritoneal Metastasis: A Modification Proposal of the Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score

BACKGROUND

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) are currently the most accepted treatment for peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. Restrictive selection criteria are essential to obtain the best survival benefits for this complex procedure. The most widespread score for patient selection, the peritoneal surface disease severity score (PSDSS), does not include current biological factors that are known to influence on prognosis. We investigated the impact of including RAS mutational status in the selection criteria for these patients.

METHODS

We studied the risk factors for survival by multivariate analysis using a prospective database of consecutive patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal origin treated by CRS and HIPEC in our unit from 2009 to 2017. The risk factors obtained were validated in a multicentre, international cohort, including a total of 520 patients from 15 different reference units.

RESULTS

A total of 77 patients were selected for local análisis. Only RAS mutational status (HR: 2.024; p = 0.045) and PSDSS stage (HR: 2.90; p = 0.009) were shown to be independent factors for overall survival. Early PSDSS stages I and II associated to RAS mutations impaired their overall survival with no significant differences with PSDSS stage III overall survival (p > 0.05). These results were supported by the international multicentre validation.

CONCLUSIONS

By including RAS mutational status, we propose an updated RAS-PSDSS score that outperforms PSDSS alone providing a quick and feasible preoperative assessment of the expected overall survival for patients with carcinomatosis from colorectal origin undergone to CRS + HIPEC.

Structured training pathway and proctoring; multicenter results of the implementation of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) in the Netherlands

Background

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new complex technique with potential to improve the quality of surgical mesorectal excision for patients with mid and low rectal cancer. The procedure is technically challenging and has shown to be associated with a relative long learning curve which might hamper widespread adoption. Therefore, a national structured training pathway for TaTME has been set up in the Netherlands to allow safe implementation. The aim of this study was to monitor safety and efficacy of the training program with 12 centers.

Methods

Short-term outcomes of the first ten TaTME procedures were evaluated in 12 participating centers in the Netherlands within the national structured training pathway. Consecutive patients operated during and after the proctoring program for rectal carcinoma with curative intent were included. Primary outcome was the incidence of intraoperative complications, secondary outcomes included postoperative complications and pathological outcomes.

Results

In October 2018, 12 hospitals completed the training program and from each center the first 10 patients were included for evaluation. Intraoperative complications occurred in 4.9% of the cases. The clinicopathological outcome reported 100% for complete or nearly complete specimen, 100% negative distal resection margin, and the circumferential resection margin was positive in 5.0% of patients. Overall postoperative complication rate was 45.0%, with 19.2% Clavien–Dindo ≥ III and an anastomotic leak rate of 17.3%.

Conclusions

This study shows that the nationwide structured training program for TaTME delivers safe implementation of TaTME in terms of intraoperative and pathology outcomes within the first ten consecutive cases in each center. However, postoperative morbidity is substantial even within a structured training pathway and surgeons should be aware of the learning curve of this new technique.

Vandenbroucke-Grauls CMJ, Wilschut JA, van Egmond M, C. Stockmann HBA, van der Bij GJ, de Korte N, Oosterling SJ, Acherman YIZ, den Boer FC, Sonneveld DJA, Poort L. Randomized clinical trial of selective decontamination of the digestive tract in elective colorectal cancer surgery (SELECT trial)

Background

Infectious complications and anastomotic leakage affect approximately 30 per cent of patients after colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of this multicentre randomized trial was to investigate whether selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) reduces these complications of elective colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

The effectiveness of SDD was evaluated in a multicentre, open-label RCT in six centres in the Netherlands. Patients with colorectal cancer scheduled for elective curative surgery with a primary anastomosis were eligible. Oral colistin, tobramycin and amphotericin B were administered to patients in the SDD group to decontaminate the digestive tract. Both treatment and control group received intravenous cefazolin and metronidazole for perioperative prophylaxis. Mechanical bowel preparation was given for left-sided colectomies, sigmoid and anterior resections. Anastomotic leakage was the primary outcome; infectious complications and mortality were secondary outcomes.

Results

The outcomes for 228 patients randomized to the SDD group and 227 randomized to the control group were analysed. The trial was stopped after interim analysis demonstrated that superiority was no longer attainable. Effective SDD was confirmed by interspace DNA profiling analysis of rectal swabs. Anastomotic leakage was observed in 14 patients (6·1 per cent) in the SDD group and in 22 patients (9·7 per cent) in the control group (odds ratio (OR) 0·61, 95 per cent c.i. 0·30 to 1·22). Fewer patients in the SDD group had one or more infectious complications than patients in the control group (14·9 versus 26·9 per cent respectively; OR 0·48, 0·30 to 0·76). Multivariable analysis indicated that SDD reduced the rate of infectious complications (OR 0·47, 0·29 to 0·76).

Conclusion

SDD reduces infectious complications after colorectal cancer resection but did not significantly reduce anastomotic leakage in this trial. Registration number: NCT01740947 (https://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Short-term outcomes of transanal completion total mesorectal excision (cTaTME) for rectal cancer: a case-matched analysis

BACKGROUND

Local excision of early rectal tumors as a rectal preserving treatment is gaining popularity, especially since bowel cancer screening programs result in a shift towards the diagnosis of early stage rectal cancers. However, unfavorable histological features predicting high risk for recurrence within the "big biopsy" may mandate completion total mesorectal excision (cTME). Completion surgery is associated with higher morbidity, poorer specimen quality, and less favorable oncological outcomes compared to primary TME. Transanal approach potentially improves outcome of completion surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to compare radical completion surgery after local excision for rectal cancer by the transanal approach (cTaTME) with conventional abdominal approach (cTME).

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent cTaTME for rectal cancer between 2012 and 2017 were case-matched with cTME patients, according to gender, tumor height, preoperative radiotherapy, and tumor stage. Surgical, pathological, and short-term postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

In total, 25 patients underwent completion TaTME and were matched with 25 patients after cTME. Median time from local excision to completion surgery was 9 weeks in both groups. In the cTaTME and cTME groups, perforation of the rectum occurred in 4 and 28% of patients, respectively (p = 0.049), leading to poor specimen quality in these patients. Number of harvested lymph nodes was higher after cTaTME (median 15; range 7-47) than after cTME (median 10; range 0-17). No significant difference was found in end colostomy rate between the two groups. Major 30-day morbidity (Clavien-Dindo≥ III) was 20 and 32%, respectively (p = 0.321). Hospital stay was significantly longer after cTME.

CONCLUSION

TaTME after full-thickness excision is a promising technique with a significantly lower risk of perforation of the rectum and better specimen quality compared to conventional completion TME.

Organ preservation in rectal cancer: a synopsis of current guidelines

BACKGROUND

The high morbidity associated with radical resection for rectal cancer is an incentive for surgeons to adopt strategies aimed at organ preservation, particularly for early disease. There are a number of different approaches to achieve this. In this study we have collated current national and international guidelines to produce a synopsis to support this changing practice.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase, Trip database, national guideline clearinghouse, BMJ Best practice were interrogated. Guidelines published before 2010 were excluded. The AGREE-II tool was used for quality assessment.

RESULTS

24 guidelines were drawn from 2278 potential publications. A consensus exists for local excision for "low risk" T1 rectal cancer but there is no agreement how to stratify the risk of treatment failure. There is a low level of agreement for rectal preservation for more advanced disease but when mentioned is recommended for unfit patients or in th context of a clinical trial. Guidelines are inconsistent with respect to surveillance in node negative disease and after, complete response to chemoradiotherapy CONCLUSION: According to current guidelines and consensus statements organ preservation for rectal cancer beyond low risk T1, is still considered experimental and only indicated in patients unsuitable for radical surgery.. Follow up strategies and cN0 staging deserve attention and highlight the need for high quality clinical trials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Transanal minimally invasive rectal resection for deep endometriosis: a promising technique

AIM

Surgical management of patients with deep endometriosis (DE) of the rectum is difficult. Inflammation and subsequent adhesions due to DE impede access to the lower pelvis and may lead to complications during laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is an alternative to an abdominal approach with potential advantages. The aim of this study was to provide a description of the TAMIS technique and to present the perioperative results of TAMIS and of conventional LAR in patients with DE.

METHOD

A prospective consecutive cohort of patients undergoing rectal resection for DE had either conventional laparoscopic LAR or TAMIS rectal excision. Pre-, intra- and postoperative parameters, such as patient symptomatology, operating time and postoperative complications were compared between the groups. Quality of life was assessed using the EORTC-QLQ-29/30 questionnaires.

RESULTS

Between May 2014 and March 2016 a total of 11 rectal resections were performed, including five TAMIS procedures. No differences were found in the pre-, intra- or postoperative parameters. Two major complications occurred after conventional LAR and none after TAMIS. No differences in quality of life were found between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Transanal minimally invasive surgery for DE of the rectum is feasible. Potential advantages include better surgical access to the pelvis, possibly fewer complications than LAR and no extraction incision with no difference in quality of life. Larger prospective studies are required to compare TAMIS with conventional rectal resection.

Biliary tract visualization using near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: results of a systematic review

Background

Near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) has been extensively investigated during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, methods vary between studies, especially regarding patient selection, dosage and timing. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the potential of the near-infrared imaging technique with ICG to identify biliary structures during LC.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed. Prospective trials examining the use of ICG during LC were included. Primary outcome was biliary tract visualization. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. Secondly, a meta-analysis was performed comparing ICG to intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) for identification of biliary structures. GRADE was used to assess the quality of the evidence.

Results

Nineteen studies were included. Based upon the pooled data from 13 studies, cystic duct (Lusch et al. in J Endourol 28:261–266, 2014) visualization was 86.5% (95% CI 71.2–96.6%) prior to dissection of Calot’s triangle with a 2.5-mg dosage of ICG and 96.5% (95% CI 93.9–98.4%) after dissection. The results were not appreciably different when the dosage was based upon bodyweight. There is moderate quality evidence that the CD is more frequently visualized using ICG than IOC (RR 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.35); however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This systematic review provides equal results for biliary tract visualization with near-infrared imaging with ICG during LC compared to IOC. Near-infrared imaging with ICG has the potential to replace IOC for biliary mapping. However, methods of near-infrared imaging with ICG vary. Future research is necessary for optimization and standardization of the near-infrared ICG technique.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-016-5318-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

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

Laparoscopic Imaging Techniques in Endometriosis Therapy: A Systematic Review

Endometriosis is a common disease associated with pelvic pain and subfertility. Laparoscopic surgical treatment has proven effective in endometriosis, but is hampered by a high rate of recurrence. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the intraoperative identification of endometriosis by enhanced laparoscopic imaging techniques, focusing on sensitivity and specificity. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Published prospective studies reporting on enhanced laparoscopic imaging techniques during endometriosis surgery were included. General study characteristics and reported outcomes, including sensitivity and specificity, were extracted. Nine studies were eligible for inclusion. Three techniques were described: 5-ALA fluorescence (5-ALA), autofluorescence (AFI), and narrow-band imaging (NBI). The reported sensitivity of 5-ALA and AFI for identifying endometriosis ranged from 91% to 100%, compared with 48% to 69% for conventional white light laparoscopy (WL). A randomized controlled trial comparing NBI + WL with WL alone reported better sensitivity of NBI (100% vs 79%; p < .001). All 9 studies reported an enhanced detection rate of endometriotic lesions with enhanced imaging techniques. Enhanced imaging techniques are a promising additive for laparoscopic detection and treatment of endometriosis. The 5-ALA, AFI, and NBI intraoperative imaging techniques had a better detection rate for peritoneal endometriosis compared with conventional WL laparoscopy. None of the studies reported clinical data regarding outcomes. Future studies should address long-term results, such as quality of life, recurrence, and need for reoperation.

Meta-analysis of oncological outcomes after local excision of pT1-2 rectal cancer requiring adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy or completion surgery

BACKGROUND

Completion total mesorectal excision (TME) is advised for high-risk early (pT1/pT2) rectal cancer following transanal removal. The main objective of this meta-analysis was to determine oncological outcomes of adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy as a rectum-preserving alternative to completion TME.

METHODS

A literature search using PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library was performed in February 2015. Studies had to include at least ten patients with pT1/pT2 adenocarcinomas that were removed transanally and followed by either adjuvant chemoradiotherapy or completion surgery. A weighted average of the logit proportions was determined for the pooled analyses of subgroups according to treatment modality and pT category.

RESULTS

In total, 14 studies comprising 405 patients treated with adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy and seven studies comprising 130 patients treated with completion TME were included. Owing to heterogeneity it was not possible to compare the two strategies directly. However, the weighted average local recurrence rate for locally excised pT1/pT2 rectal cancer treated with adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy was 14 (95 per cent c.i. 11 to 18) per cent, and 7 (4 to 14) per cent following completion TME. The weighted averages for distance recurrence were 9 (6 to 14) and 9 (5 to 16) per cent respectively. Weighted averages for local recurrence rate after adjuvant chemo(radiotherapy) and completion TME for pT1 were 10 (4 to 21) and 6 (3 to 15) per cent respectively. Corresponding averages for pT2 were 15 (11 to 21) and 10 (4 to 22) per cent respectively.

CONCLUSION

A higher recurrence rate after transanal excision and adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy must be balanced against the morbidity and mortality associated with mesorectal excision. A reasonable approach is close follow-up and salvage mesorectal surgery as needed.

Four anastomotic techniques following transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME)

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a novel approach pioneered to tackle the challenges posed by difficult pelvic dissections in rectal cancer and the restrictions in angulation of currently available laparoscopic staplers. To date, four techniques can be employed in order to create the colorectal/coloanal anastomosis following TaTME. We present a technical note describing these techniques and discuss the risks and benefits of each.

Multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing ferric(III)carboxymaltose infusion with oral iron supplementation in the treatment of preoperative anaemia in colorectal cancer patients

Background

At least a third of patients with a colorectal carcinoma who are candidate for surgery, are anaemic preoperatively. Preoperative anaemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In general practice, little attention is paid to these anaemic patients. Some will have oral iron prescribed others not. The waiting period prior to elective colorectal surgery could be used to optimize a patients’ physiological status. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of preoperative intravenous iron supplementation in comparison with the standard preoperative oral supplementation in anaemic patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods/Design

In this multicentre randomized controlled trial, patients with an M0-staged colorectal carcinoma who are scheduled for curative resection and with a proven iron deficiency anaemia are eligible for inclusion. Main exclusion criteria are palliative surgery, metastatic disease, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (5 × 5 Gy = no exclusion) and the use of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin within three months before inclusion or a blood transfusion within a month before inclusion. Primary endpoint is the percentage of patients that achieve normalisation of the haemoglobin level between the start of the treatment and the day of admission for surgery. This study is a superiority trial, hypothesizing a greater proportion of patients achieving the primary endpoint in favour of iron infusion compared to oral supplementation. A total of 198 patients will be randomized to either ferric(III)carboxymaltose infusion in the intervention arm or ferrofumarate in the control arm. This study will be performed in ten centres nationwide and one centre in Ireland.

Discussion

This is the first randomized controlled trial to determine the efficacy of preoperative iron supplementation in exclusively anaemic patients with a colorectal carcinoma. Our trial hypotheses a more profound haemoglobin increase with intravenous iron which may contribute to a superior optimisation of the patient’s condition and possibly a decrease in postoperative morbidity.

Trial registration

ClincalTrials.gov: NCT02243735.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal carcinoma: short-term outcomes and experience after 80 cases

BACKGROUND

Low anterior resection for distal and mid-rectal cancer is associated with high positive resection margins. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new treatment in which the rectum is dissected transanally according to TME principles. The short-term results and oncological follow-up of the first 80 patients were described.

METHODS

Between June 2012 and September 2014, all patients in the Gelderse Vallei Hospital and the VU University Medical Center with histologically proven distal or mid-rectal carcinomas without evidence of distant metastases underwent TaTME. Patients with T4 tumors were excluded. Transanal mobilization was performed with the aid of a single port and endoscopic instruments according to TME criteria.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were operated in a period of 2 years. Laparotomy was recommended and performed in four patients. Postoperative morbidity was 39%. Ten (12%) complications were graded as severe (Clavien-Dindo grade 3, 4 and 5) and needed re-intervention. Median operative time was 204 min (range 91-447). Median hospital stay was 8 days (range 3-41). Specimens were graded as complete in 88% of the patients, nearly complete in 9% and incomplete in 3%. A positive circumferential resection margin (<2 mm) was observed in two patients. During the two and half years study period, a local recurrence was observed in two patients.

CONCLUSION

TaTME is a safe alternative to standard laparoscopic TME in selected low-risk patients with rectal carcinoma when treated by an experienced colorectal team. In the future, randomized trials are necessary to prove its oncological safety.

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery for local excision of rectal neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) may be an option for rectum-preserving excision of neoplasms. Recent cadaveric studies showed improved vision, control and manoeuvrability compared with use of laparoscopic instruments. This study reports the clinical application.

METHODS

Consecutive patients eligible for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) or TAMIS in three participating centres were operated on using a robotic platform and transanal glove port. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, perioperative data, complications and follow-up of all patients were recorded prospectively.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients underwent robotic TAMIS for rectal lesions with a median (range) distance from the anal verge of 8 (range 3-10) cm. The median size of the resected specimen was 5·3 (0·5-21) cm(2) . The median docking time and duration of operation were 36 (18-75) and 108 (40-180) min respectively. One conversion to regular (non-robotic) TAMIS was needed owing to difficulties accessing the rectum. Glove puncture necessitated replacement in four procedures, an unstable pneumorectum arose during one operation and one patient developed a pneumoperitoneum. One patient required catheterization for urinary retention. The median hospital stay was 1·3 (0-4) days. The additional cost of the robotic approach was approximately €1000 per procedure (excluding the capital expenditure on the robotic system and its maintenance).

CONCLUSION

Robotic TAMIS is feasible in patients with rectal lesions. Potential advantages over TEM and non-robotic TAMIS will need to be balanced against the cost of the robotic system.

Local recurrence after stenting for obstructing left-sided colonic cancer

BACKGROUND

Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) may be used in acute obstructing left-sided colonic cancers to avoid high-risk emergency surgery. However, oncological safety remains uncertain. This study evaluated the long-term oncological outcome of SEMS as a bridge to elective curative surgery versus emergency resection.

METHODS

A consecutive prospective cohort of patients admitted with obstructing left-sided colonic cancer between 2006 and 2012 was analysed. The decision to stent as a bridge to surgery or to perform emergency surgery was made by the on-call consultant colorectal surgeon in conjunction with a consultant interventional radiologist; when appropriate, they performed the stent procedure together. Primary outcomes were local and distant recurrence, and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, in-hospital mortality, proportion of procedures undertaken laparoscopically, and anastomosis and stoma rates.

RESULTS

In total, 105 patients with obstructing left-sided colonic cancer were treated with curative intent; 62 were treated with SEMS as a bridge to surgery and 43 had emergency resection. In patients aged 75 years or less, stenting and delayed surgery was associated with a higher local recurrence rate compared with emergency surgery at the end of follow-up (32 versus 8 per cent; P = 0·038). This did not translate into a significant difference in overall survival.

CONCLUSION

SEMS was associated with an increased local recurrence rate.