Technique and survival after laparoscopically assisted right hemicolectomy

"Caudal to cranial" versus "medial to lateral" approach in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision for the treatment of stage II and III colon cancer: perioperative outcomes and 5-year prognosis

The purpose of this study was to compare the "caudal to cranial" (CC) versus "medial to lateral" (ML) approach for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Pertinent data from all patients with stage II and III between January 2015 and August 2017 were entered into a retrospective database. A total of 175 patients underwent the ML (N = 109) or CC approach (N = 66). Patient characteristics were equivalent between groups. The CC group showed a shorter surgical time 170.00 (145.00, 210.00) vs. (206.50 (178.75, 226.25) min) than the ML group (p < 0.001). The time to oral intake was shorter in the CC group than in the ML group ((3.00 (1.00, 4.00) vs. 3.00 (2.00, 5.00) days; p = 0.007). For the total harvested lymph nodes, there was no statistical significance between the CC group 16.50 (14.00, 21.25) and the ML group 18.00 (15.00, 22.00) (p = 0.327), and no difference was found in the positive harvested lymph nodes (0 (0, 2.00) vs. 0 (0, 1.50); p = 0.753). Meanwhile, no differences were found in other perioperative or pathological outcomes, including blood loss and complications. For 5-year prognosis, overall survival rates were 75.76% in the CC group and 82.57% in the ML group (HR 0.654, 95% CI 0.336-1.273, p = 0.207); disease-free survival rates were 80.30% in the CC group and 85.32% in the ML group (HR 0.683, 95% CI 0.328-1.422, p = 0.305). Both approaches were safe and feasible and resulted in excellent survival. The CC approach was beneficial in terms of the surgical time and time to oral intake.

Laparoscopic and open complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for right colonic adenocarcinoma: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

To examine the outcome of patients treated with complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) after conventional and laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated stage I-IV colon adenocarcinoma patients treated by the same surgeon (L.M.) from 2013 to 2018. Postoperative complications, recurrences and survival are assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (M/F: 24/27) underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME (L-CME) or open CME (O-CME) plus CVL. Tumour location was the caecum in 39.2% of cases, the transverse in 23.5%, the hepatic colonic flexure in 21.5%, and the ascending colon in 15.6%. Twenty-four patients underwent L-CME while 27 underwent O-CME. More than 15 harvested lymphnodes are reported in 74.1% of O-CME patients and in 66.7% of L-CME patients (p = 0.562). Postoperative complications occurred in 7 O-CME and 5 L-CME patients, respectively (p = 0.669). Three-year overall survival, including stage IV, was of 75% versus 77.8% for L-CME and O-CME patients, respectively, while for stage I-III, was of 88.9% vs. 80% in L-CME and O-CME, respectively (p = 0.440). The median follow-up was of 2.43 years.

CONCLUSION

CME with CVL is a meticulous, complex but feasible technique. In our experience, oncological results in terms of recurrences and overall survival, after conventional and laparoscopic CME plus CVL, are comparable. Patients with stage I-III colon adenocarcinoma have a better prognostic trend especially when more than 15 lymphnodes are removed. The respect of oncological radicality and the correct indication to minimally invasive surgery are the undiscussed key outcome variables.

What is the best surgical procedure of transverse colon cancer? An evidence map and minireview

Colorectal cancers comprise a large percentage of tumors worldwide, and transverse colon cancer (TCC) is defined as tumors located between hepatic and splenic flexures. Due to the anatomy and embryology complexity, and lack of large randomized controlled trials, it is a challenge to standardize TCC surgery. In this study, the current situation of transverse/extended colectomy, robotic/ laparoscopic/open surgery and complete mesocolic excision (CME) concept in TCC operations is discussed and a heatmap is conducted to show the evidence level and gap. In summary, transverse colectomy challenges the dogma of traditional extended colectomy, with similar oncological and prognostic outcomes. Compared with conventional open resection, laparoscopic and robotic surgery plays a more important role in both transverse colectomy and extended colectomy. The CME concept may contribute to the radical resection of TCC and adequate harvested lymph nodes. According to published studies, laparoscopic or robotic transverse colectomy based on the CME concept was the appropriate surgical procedure for TCC patients.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis. Results from a multicentre comparative study on 512 right-sided colorectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Although nowadays considered as feasible and effective surgery in terms of short- and long-term results and oncological radicality, laparoscopic right colectomy is performed by a small number of surgeons, and in the vast majority of cases, this technique was performed with an extracorporeal anastomosis. Current literature failed to solve the controversies between intracorporeal and extracorporeal anastomosis after laparoscopic right colectomy.

METHODS

A multicenter case-controlled study has been designed, including 286 patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) compared with 226 matched patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA).

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, BMI, and ASA score between the two groups. Surgical post history, tumor localization, and stage of disease according to AJCC/UICC TNM were similar too. Although similar oncologic radicality in term of number of lymph nodes harvested (25.7 ± 10.7 of IA group vs. 24.8 ± 8.7 of EA group; p = 0.3), as well as similar operative time (166 ± 43.7 min. in IA group vs. 157.5 ± 67.2 min in EA group) have been registered, time to flatus was statistically lower after intracorporeal anastomosis (40.8 ± 24.3 h in TLRC group vs. 55.2 ± 19.2 h in LARC group; p < 0.001) Laparoscopic colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis was associated with a lower rate of post-operative complications (OR 0.65, 95 % CI 0.44, 0.95, p = 0.027). However, when stratifying according to clavien classification, the difference was consistently confirmed for less severe (class I and II) complications (OR 0.63, 95 % CI 0.42, 0.94, p = 0.025), but not for class III, IV, and V complications (OR 1.015, 95 % CI 0.64, 1.6, p = 0.95).

CONCLUSION

Our results are encouraging to consider the intracorporeally approach the better way to fashion the anastomosis after laparoscopic right colectomy. This study clearly provides the rationale for a randomized clinical trial, which would be useful to give definitive conclusion.

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the role of laparoscopic surgical resection of transverse colon tumours

OBJECTIVES

A meta-analysis of published literature comparing outcomes after laparoscopic resection (LR) with open resection (OR) for transverse colon tumours.

METHODS

Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane were searched from inception to October 2013. The text words "minimally invasive", "keyhole surgery" and "transverse colon" were used in combination with the medical subject headings "laparoscopy" and "colon cancer". Outcome variables were chosen based upon whether the included articles reported results. A meta-analysis was performed to obtain a summative outcome.

RESULTS

Six comparatives involving 444 patients were analysed. Of them 245 patients were in the LR group and 199 in the OR group. There was a significant increase in operative time in the LR group compared with the OR group [random effects model: SMD = -0.65, 95% CI (-1.01, -0.30), z = -3.60, p < 0.001] but there was significant heterogeneity amongst trials (Q = 15.51, df = 5, p = 0.008, I(2) = 68). There was less blood loss in the LR group [fixed effects model: SMD = 0.70, 95% CI (0.47, 0.93), z = 6.01, p < 0.001] and patients returned to oral diet earlier [random effects model: SMD = 0.78, 95% CI (0.40, 1.16), z = 4.01, p < 0.001] and had a reduced time to functioning bowel [fixed effects model: SMD = 0.86, 95% CI (0.60, 1.11), z = 6.63, p < 0.001]. No difference was seen for overall morbidity (p = 0.76) or mortality (p = 0.58).

CONCLUSIONS

LR of transverse colon tumours is a safe and effective technique. Although there is an increase in operating time, operative and clinical outcomes of intraoperative blood loss and faster recovery are seen with laparoscopic procedures.

Laparoscopic right colectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies comparing two types of anastomosis

Because of its technical difficulty, totally laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis is performed only by a small number of surgeons and most of them use a laparoscopic-assisted technique with extracorporeal anastomosis. This systematic review aims to evaluate differences in outcomes of patients undergoing right laparoscopic colectomy, either with intracorporeal or extracorporeal anastomosis. Electronic databases were searched for studies published between 1991 and 2012. Randomized controlled trials and case-control studies comparing intracorporeal to extracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy were included in the systematic review. Meta-analytical models were used to evaluate anastomotic leak rate and short-term overall morbidity. Defined primary outcomes of interest were operating time, conversion rate, return of bowel function, anastomotic leak rate, and length of hospital stay. Randomized controlled trials were not found, confirming the paucity of the literature on this topic. Six case-control studies were identified involving 484 patients undergoing right laparoscopic colectomy, 272 with intracorporeal and 212 with extracorporeal anastomosis. Best outcomes seem to be associated with totally laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis, especially in terms of return of bowel function, length of hospital stay, and cosmetic results. However, our meta-analysis did not show a significant difference between the two techniques in terms of anastomotic leak rate (OR 0.98; 95 % CI 0.30-3.15) or for short-term overall morbidity (OR 0.68; 95 % CI 0.41-1.12). Comparative analysis of outcomes is in favor of intracorporeal anastomosis. However, the meta-analysis results do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions. Further prospective randomized trials are necessary to confirm our findings.

Robot-assisted right colectomy with lymphadenectomy and intracorporeal anastomosis for colon cancer: technical considerations

BACKGROUND

A surgical robot (the da Vinci system) was developed to overcome the disadvantages of laparoscopic surgery, and applications of this system have been widely used. In this study, we present our standardized technique of robotic right colectomy with lymphadenectomy and intracorporeal anastomosis, with an assessment of feasibility in a series of 15 patients.

METHODS

All robotic right colectomies with lymphadenectomy were performed by a single surgeon between April 2009 and March 2010. Robotic assistance was used for the colonic mobilization, lymphadenectomy, and bowel reconstruction. Patient demographics, perioperative clinical outcomes, and pathologic results were reviewed.

RESULTS

Robotic-assisted right colectomy was successfully performed on 15 patients with colon cancer. The total operative time was 201.4 ± 8.1 minutes, with a mean robotic time of 114.4 ± 7.5 minutes. No patient required conversion to conventional surgery. The median time to clear liquid intake was 3 days, and the median length of stay after surgery was 8 days. The mean tumor diameter was 3.0 ± 0.3 cm, and the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 24.2 ± 15.5. Tumors were diagnosed as stage I in 7 patients, stage II in 5, and stage III in 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic right colectomy with lymphadenectomy can be performed successfully and safely. The robotic system was safe and feasible for the following steps: accurate node dissection, suturing for intracorporeal anastomosis, and natural orifice specimen extraction. Further comparative studies must be performed to verify the advantages of robotic surgery over conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic colectomy for transverse colon carcinoma: a surgical challenge but oncologically feasible

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and to compare the clinicopathological outcome with that of conventional open surgery.

METHOD

From March 1998 to December 2009, 1253 patients with colorectal tumours were operated on, 564 laparoscopically. There were 154 cases of transverse colon cancer, 86 of which were included in the study. Details were collected on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, time to resume a liquid diet, postoperative length of hospital stay, complications, TNM stage, tumour size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of nodes harvested and surgical procedure. Laparoscopic and open surgical removal was compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between laparoscopic and conventional groups in age, sex, BMI, operation time or postoperative length of hospital stay. The mean blood loss during the operations was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (105.9 ± 140.9 ml vs 305.7 ± 325.3 ml; P = 0.05). The time to the first flatus was shorter (2.1 ± 0.3 days vs 3.8 ± 3.0 days; P = 0.043) and diet was started earlier (3.1 ± 1.4 days vs 3.4 ± 1.5 days) in the laparoscopic group. No significant differences in tumour size, proximal resection margin or number of lymph nodes were observed. The mean distal resection margin was not statistically different (10.3 ± 4.5 cm vs 8.8 ± 4.9 cm). At a mean follow up of 33 ± 2.3 months, nonport-site metastases occurred in eight patients and locoregional recurrence occurred in three, with no significant difference between the groups. The 3-year cumulative overall survival rate was 78%, and the disease-free survival rate was 69%.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in the outcome of laparoscopic and open surgery for transverse colon cancer, including the cancer-specific outcome.

Total laparoscopic approach for the treatment of right colon cancer: a technical critique

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Total laparoscopic surgery is not a new concept, but it is not preferred generally for right colectomy. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcomes, which are related with surgical technique after total laparoscopic right colectomy (TLRC) and laparoscopic-assisted right colectomy (LARC) for right colon cancer in 30 consecutive patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with right colon cancer, half of which were treated with TLRC and half of which were treated with LARC, were compared with regard to patient demographics, operative and postoperative data, histopathologic findings, follow-up data, and the complications related to the surgical technique.

RESULTS

There were 16 men and 14 women, median age was 63 years (range 41-86) with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 (range 20-33). There were no differences between the groups for BMI, harvested lymph node number, or distal and radial margins. The length of the incision and the length of the postoperative stay was shorter in the TLRC group (p=0.000). Overall complications were higher in the LARC group than in the TLRC group (p=0.014). The median follow-up was 28 months (range 5-99). In the late period, two patients in the LARC group were reoperated on. The cause of reoperation was internal herniation in one patient due to ileal twisting and incisional hernia in the other one.

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data indicate that TLRC could result in better outcomes for right colon cancer patients than LARC.

A totally mini-invasive approach for colorectal laparoscopic surgery

AIM

To study the short-term outcome of patients treated with laparoscopic right colectomy and how intracorporeal anastomosis has improved the outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined all patients affected by colorectal cancer who underwent a laparoscopic right colectomy between January 2006 and December 2010 in our department. Our evaluation criteria were: diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma at presurgical biopsy, elective surgery, and the same surgeon. We excluded: emergency surgery, conversions from laparotomic colectomy, and other surgeons. The endpoints we examined were: surgical time, number of lymph nodes removed, length of stay (removal of nasogastric tube, bowel movements, gas evacuation, solid and liquid feeding, hospitalization), and major complications. Seventy-two patients were divided into two groups: intracorporeal anastomosis (39 patients) and extracorporeal anastomosis (33 patients).

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between intracorporeal vs extracorporeal anastomosis, respectively, for surgical times (186.8 min vs 184.1 min, P < 0.001), time to resumption of gas evacuation (3 d vs 3.5 d, P < 0.001), days until resumption of bowel movements (3.8 d vs 4.9 d, P < 0.001), days until resumption of liquid diet (3.5 d vs 4.5 d, P < 0.001), days until resuming a solid diet (4.6 d vs 5.7 d, P < 0.001), and total hospitalization duration (7.4 d vs 8.5 d, P < 0.001). In the intracorporeal group, on average, 19 positive lymph nodes were removed; in the extracorporeal group, on average, 14 were removed P < 0.001). Thus, intracorporeal anastomosis for right laparoscopic colectomy improved patient outcome by providing faster recovery of nutrition, faster recovery of intestinal function, and shorter hospitalization than extracorporeal anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

Short-term outcomes favor intracorporeal anastomosis, confirming that a less traumatic surgical approach improves patient outcome.

The effect of laparoscopic surgery in stage II and III right-sided colon cancer: a retrospective study

Background

This retrospective study compared the clinicopathological results among three groups divided by time sequence to evaluate the impact of introducing laparoscopic surgery on long-term oncological outcomes for right-sided colon cancer.

Methods

From April 1986 to December 2006, 200 patients who underwent elective surgery with stage II and III right-sided colon cancer were analyzed. The period for group I referred back to the time when laparoscopic approach had not yet been introduced. The period for group II was designated as the time when first laparoscopic approach for right colectomy was carried out until we overcame its learning curve. The period for group III was the period after overcoming this learning curve.

Results

When groups I and II, and groups II and III were compared, overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly whereas disease-free survival (DFS) in groups I and III were statistically higher than in group II (P = 0.042 and P = 0.050). In group III, laparoscopic surgery had a tendency to provide better long-term OS ( P = 0.2036) and DFS ( P = 0.2356) than open surgery. Also, the incidence of local recurrence in group III (2.6%) was significantly lower than that in groups II (7.4%) and I (12.1%) ( P = 0.013).

Conclusions

Institutions should standardize their techniques and then provide fellowship training for newcomers of laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. This technique once mastered will become the gold standard approach to colon surgery as it is both safe and feasible considering the oncological and technical aspects.

Curative resection of transverse colon cancer via minilaparotomy

Minilaparotomy has been reported to be a minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopically assisted surgery. We retrospectively evaluated the usefulness of minilaparotomy for the resection of transverse colon cancer, which has generally been considered difficult to resect laparoscopically. Patients for whom curative resection was attempted for transverse colon cancer (n = 21) or sigmoid colon cancer (n = 81) via minilaparotomy (skin incision, < or = 7cm) were analyzed. The 2 groups did not significantly differ in terms of success rate of minilaparotomy (90.5% versus 97.5%), age, sex, pathologic stage, body mass index, operative time (mean, 133.5 minutes versus 122.5 minutes), blood loss (119.7 mL versus 92.4 mL), number of lymph nodes harvested, incidence of postoperative complications (9.5% versus 12.3%), postoperative length of stay, and 5-year disease-free survival rate (86.6% versus 79.6%). Minilaparotomy is feasible, safe, and favorable in terms of early oncologic outcome in patients with transverse colon cancer as well as those with sigmoid colon cancer.

Extracorporeal versus intracorporeal anastomosis after laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term outcome (3 months) of laparoscopic right colectomy, between intra- and extracorporeal anastomosis techniques.

METHODS

This study was designed as a case-controlled study from a prospective colorectal cancer database. Forty consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (totally laparoscopic colectomy, TLC) for adenocarcinoma, with the exception of T4 lesions and metastasis, were compared with 40 patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with extracorporeal anastomosis (laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, LAC). Controls were matched for stage, age, and gender via a statistically generated selection of all laparoscopic right hemicolectomies performed between October 2006 and August 2009.

RESULTS

In terms of operating time (median 150 min), histopathological results, surgical site complications (5% for LAC and 2.5% for TLC), nonsurgical site complications (2.5% for LAC and 5% for TLC), hospitalization (median 5 days), there were no differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Incision length was significantly shorter for TLC (p < 0.05), but no differences were observed for postoperative use of analgesics. There were six postoperative cases of vomiting with reinsertion of nasogastric tube in the LAC group and only one case in the TLC group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TLC seems feasible and safe, it does not significantly affect the length of surgery, and it guarantees maintenance of radical oncological standards. Furthermore, it significantly improves cosmesis and patient comfort postoperatively, reducing the rates of emesis, which leads to higher rates of early regular diet tolerance.

[A case-control study of extracorporeal versus intracorporeal anastomosis in patients subjected to right laparoscopic hemicolectomy]

INTRODUCTION

There is still insufficient scientific evidence on which is the best technique to perform the anastomosis -intracorporeal (IC) or extracorporeal (EC)- in right laparoscopic hemicolectomy. The objective of the present study is to determine whether there are differences to compare in both techniques.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A study was performed on a prospective patient series subjected to right laparoscopic hemicolectomy in our Hospital. The preoperative and the postoperative variables associated with complications recorded depending on the type of anastomosis.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were intervened form June 2004 to June 2010 (35 IC; 25 EC). There were no significant differences between both groups as regards baseline preoperative characteristics or associated comorbidities. The median operation time was 212 minutes (142-305 min), with no significant difference between both techniques. The number of lymph nodes removed was higher in the IC group (21 versus 14; p=0.03). The beginning of oral tolerance and the first bowel movement were significantly earlier in the IC group. The complications rate was similar for both groups (14% IC; 16% EC; p=0.89). Three patients in the IC group had anastomosis dehiscence. The mortality rate was 2.8% (one patient in each group).

CONCLUSION

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis in right laparoscopic hemicolectomy can obtain a higher number of resected lymph nodes and an earlier oral tolerance and intestinal transit.

Multimedia article. Radical lymphadenectomy for advanced colon cancer via separation of the mesocolon into two layers as in filleting fish

BACKGROUND

Radical lymphadenectomy for advanced colon cancer performed via the medial approach improves oncologic outcomes. However, D3 radical lymphadenectomy possesses some unresolved problems such as the complicated vascular anatomy and concerns over surgical morbidity [1-5]. The authors present a simple and safe procedure for laparoscopic right or left hemicolectomy using a medial approach to overcome these problems. The key characteristic of their procedure is separation of the mesocolon into two layers along the superior or inferior mesenteric artery, showing the course of these branches under the mantle of the vascular sheath. This procedure resembles filleting fish into two pieces.

METHODS

Between October 2009 and March 2010, 11 consecutive patients with advanced colon cancer underwent a curative laparoscopic right (n=5) or left (n=6) hemicolectomy via a medial approach by a single surgeon. The body mass image (BMI) for the 11 patients ranged from 22 to 32 kg/m2. With this procedure, the D3 lymphadenectomy procedure is performed first [6]. The mesocolon is dissected between the superficial layer of the fat tissue and the deep layer of the vascular sheath along the superior or inferior mesenteric artery. After the course of each branch is exposed, each supplying or draining vessel is transected at its root [7, 8]. The use of a laparoscope and a spatula-type electric cautery greatly contributes to this procedure [9]. Next, the bowel is mobilized, and the specimen is retrieved through the small incision. Finally, extra- or intracorporeal anastomosis is performed.

RESULTS

No intraoperative complications occurred. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 23 (range, 13-52). The median total operative time was 220 min (range, 145-318 min), and the intraoperative blood loss was minimal (range, 0-70 g). The postoperative course was uneventful for all the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors consider the described method to be simple and safe for radical lymphadenectomy during a laparoscopic right or left hemicolectomy.

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer

Laparoscopic surgery as an alternative to traditional open surgery, has been accepted by an increasing number of surgeons and patients. In this paper, we review the advances in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer and summarize its pros and cons by comparing with open surgery, including patient inclusion and exclusion, intraoperative outcomes, and short- and long-term outcomes. Furthermore, we provide an initial overview of the Da Vinci robotic system and the single-port laparoscopic surgery.

Impact of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer

INTRODUCTION

This study specifically examined right colonic cancer resection, a common operation for colorectal surgeons starting laparoscopic resection, to assess the impact of commencing laparoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 56 patients undergoing open (n = 34) and attempted laparoscopic (n = 22) elective right hemicolectomy for colorectal cancer between November 2003 and March 2007 were compared. Postoperative stay was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included analgesic requirements, bowel recovery, morbidity and mortality. Frequency of laparoscopic versus open surgery over time was also examined.

RESULTS

Resections attempted laparoscopically increased from 9.1% to 75% in the first and last quarters of the study period, respectively (P = 0.0002). Uptake of 'enhanced recovery' was mainly in the laparoscopic group. Conversion was required in two of 22 patients. Attempted laparoscopic cases had a shorter median postoperative stay (6 vs 10 days; P < 0.0001), duration of parenteral or epidural analgesia (48 vs 72 h; P < 0.0001) and time to first bowel action (3 vs 4 days; P = 0.001) compared with open cases. Demography, tumour characteristics, morbidity and mortality were comparable between groups. Multivariate analysis identified decreased age, attempted laparoscopic surgery, use of enhanced recovery and absence of complications as independently shortening postoperative stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Advantages of laparoscopic surgery and enhanced recovery, even early in a surgeon's experience, suggest this is the preferred mode for elective right colon cancer resection.

A comparative study on the short-term clinicopathologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery versus conventional open surgery for transverse colon cancer

BACKGROUND

The long-term oncologic stability of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer was established, and laparoscopic surgery was accepted as an alternative to conventional open surgery for colon cancer. However, transverse colon cancer was excluded from the majority of the previous prospective studies. As a result, debate on laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer continues. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathologic outcome of laparoscopic surgery with that of conventional open surgery for transverse colon cancer.

METHODS

From August 2004 to December 2007, 106 cases of transverse colon cancer were managed by resection at our institution, and 89 of these cases were included in this study. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, time to start of diet, hospital stay, complications, tumor size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, and number of nodes harvested were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the laparoscopic and conventional groups in terms of age, sex, BMI, operation time, or hospital stay. The mean blood loss during the operations was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (113.8 +/- 128.9 ml) than in the conventional group (278.8 +/- 268.7 ml; p < 0.05). Moreover, the time to the first flatus was shorter (2.8 +/- 0.9 days vs. 4.4 +/- 2.0 days; p < 0.00) and the diet was started earlier (3.9 +/- 1.7 days vs. 5.4 +/- 1.9 days; p < 0.00) in the laparoscopic group. No intergroup differences in tumor size, proximal resection margin, or number of lymph nodes were observed. The mean distal resection margin was longer in the laparoscopic group (12.5 +/- 4.1 cm vs. 9.2 +/- 6.2 cm; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic and conventional open surgeries were found to have similar clinical outcomes in transverse colon cancer, and the oncologic quality of laparoscopic surgery was found to be acceptable compared with conventional open surgery.

Surgical and pathological outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer

PURPOSE

Several multi-institutional prospective randomized trials have demonstrated short-term benefits using laparoscopy. Now the laparoscopic approach is accepted as an alternative to open surgery for colon cancer. However, in prior trials, the transverse colon was excluded. Therefore, it has not been determined whether laparoscopy can be used in the setting of transverse colon cancer. This study evaluated the peri-operative clinical outcomes and oncological quality by pathologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection from August 2004 to November 2007 was made. Computed tomography, barium enema, and colonoscopy were performed to localize the tumor preoperatively. Extended right hemicolectomy, transverse colectomy, and extended left hemicolectomy were performed for transverse colon cancer. Surgical outcomes and pathologic outcomes were compared between transverse colon cancer (TCC) and other site colon cancer (OSCC).

RESULTS

Of the 312 colorectal cancer patients, 94 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for OSCC, and 34 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for TCC. Patients with TCC were similar to patients with OSCC in age, gender, body mass index, operating time, blood loss, time to pass flatus, start of diet, hospital stay, tumor size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of lymph nodes, and radial margin. One case in TCC and three cases in OSCC were converted to open surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and OSCC had similar peri-operative clinical and acceptable pathological outcomes.

Predictive factors for conversion in laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Although laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery can be safely performed in the hands of well-trained surgeons, criteria for patient selection should be further developed in order to decrease the conversion rate. The main objective of this study was to identify predictive factors for conversion of laparoscopic colorectal surgery to an open procedure based on statistical analysis.

METHODS

A retrospective survey was performed using data collected from 400 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery between March 2000 and December 2006. As potential predictive factors for conversion, we considered demographic characteristics, surgery-related variables and disease-related variables. Univariable analysis was performed to identify individual predictive risk factors for conversion. Factors with p values below 0.05 were included in a regression model.

RESULTS

Conversion to open surgery was required in 51 patients (12.7%). Age (>65 years) was the only independent predictive demographic factor (OR=2.3; 95% CI, 1.25-4.46). Low anterior resection (OR=3.9; 95% CI, 1.64-9-18) and complicated diverticulitis (OR=3.9; 95% CI, 1.64-9.18) were also predictive factors. The only predictive factor evidenced in the multivariate analysis was complicated diverticulitis (OR=159.99; 95% CI, 41.02-624.02). Indications for conversion were: adhesions in 53% of the patients, technical problems in 18%, bleeding in 1%, and other indications for the remaining 28%.

CONCLUSION

Complicated diverticulitis or cancer of the rectum treated by low anterior resection have higher probabilities of conversion.

Division of the small bowel with the LigaSure Atlas device during the right laparoscopic colectomy

BACKGROUND

Bowel division and anastomosis were facilitated greatly with the advent of stapling techniques. Since then, there have not been any new evolving technologies to facilitate these maneuvers. For this reason, we recently applied the LigaSure Atlas device (Valleylab, Boulder, CO) to the division of the small bowel during this procedure to obtain a reliable and low-cost division of the ileum.

METHODS

After vessel ligation and ileocolic mobilization, the terminal ileum is sealed and divided with the LigaSure Atlas. This device is applied sequentially along the small bowel twice to ensure an adequate seal before the cut. A terminolateral ileotransversostomy is performed extracorporeally with a mechanical circular stapling device, installing the anvil of the circular stapler into the ileal stump.

RESULTS

We have not encountered any problems with this technique since its introduction in our institution, and no leakage or bursting of the ileal stumps.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique enables an easy, reliable, and inexpensive technical option to optimize the right laparoscopic colectomy procedure.

Open right colectomy is still effective compared to laparoscopy: results of a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The primary goal of this study was to clarify whether a laparoscopic (LPS) approach could be considered the dominant strategy in patients undergoing right colectomy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Because few nonrandomized or small sized studies have been carried out so far, definitive conclusions about the role of LPS right colectomy cannot be drawn.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-six patients, candidates for right colectomy, were randomly assigned to LPS (n = 113) or open (n = 113) resection. The postoperative care protocol was the same for both groups. Trained members of the surgical staff who were not involved in the study registered postoperative morbidity. Follow-up was carried out for 30 days after hospital discharge. The following costs were calculated: surgical instruments, operative room occupation, routine care, postoperative morbidity, and hospitalization.

RESULTS

Conversion rate in the LPS group was 2.6% (3 of 113). Operative time (in minutes) was longer in the LPS group (131 vs. 112, P = 0.01). Postoperative morbidity rate was 18.6% in the open group and 13.3% in the LPS group (P = 0.31). Postoperative stay was one day longer in the open group (P = 0.002). No difference was found in postoperative quality of life. The additional operative charge in the LPS group was euro980 per patient randomized (euro821 for surgical instruments and euro159 for longer operative time). The savings in the LPS group was euro390 per patient randomized (euro144 for shorter length of hospital stay and euro246 for the lower cost of postoperative morbidity). The net balance resulted in a euro590 extra charge per patient randomly allocated to the LPS group.

CONCLUSION

LPS slightly improved postoperative recovery. This translated into a savings that covered only 40% of the extra operative charge. Therefore, open right colectomy could be still considered an effective procedure.

Outcomes of Right and Left Colectomy at Academic Centers

Few studies have compared outcomes of right colectomy (RC) and left colectomy (LC) with respect to both benign and malignant disease. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of RC versus LC for benign and malignant disease using a national administrative database of academic medical centers. Using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision diagnosis and procedure codes, data was obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium Clinical Data Base for patients that underwent RC and LC for benign and malignant disease between 2002 and 2006. The main outcomes compared were demographics, length of hospital stay, observed to expected in-hospital mortality, complications, 30-day readmission, and mean cost. There were a total of 27,483 patients; 12,971 patients (47.2%) underwent RC. Compared with LC for benign disease, RC was associated with a shorter length of stay, lower overall complications, lower wound infections, lower 30-day readmissions, and lower cost. Compared with LC for malignant disease, RC was associated with lower overall complications, lower wound infections, and lower cost. In this analysis of academic centers, RC was associated with a lower length of stay, lower morbidity, and lower cost when compared with LC for benign and malignant disease.

Laparoscopic colon surgery: past, present and future

Since its first described case in 1991, laparoscopic colon surgery has lagged behind minimally invasive surgical methods for solid intra-abdominal organs in terms of acceptability, dissemination, and ease of learning. In colon cancer, initial concerns over port site metastases and adequacy of oncologic resection have considerably dampened early enthusiasm for this procedure. Only recently, with the publication of several large, randomized controlled trials, has the incidence of port site metastases been shown to be equivalent to that of open resection. Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer has also been demonstrated to be at least equivalent to traditional laparotomy in terms of adequacy of oncologic resection, disease recurrence, and long-term survival. In addition, numerous reports have validated short-term benefits following laparoscopic resection for cancer, including shorter hospital stay, shorter time to recovery of bowel function, and decreased analgesic requirements, as well as other postoperative variables. In benign colonic disease, much less high-quality literature exists supporting the use of laparoscopic methods. Two recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated some short-term benefits to laparoscopic ileocolic resection for CD, in addition to evident cosmetic advantages. On the other hand, the current evidence on laparoscopic surgery for UC does not support its routine use among nonexpert surgeons outside of specialized centers. Laparoscopic colonic resection for diverticular disease appears to provide several short-term benefits, although these advantages may not translate to cases of complicated diverticulitis. Despite the increasing acceptability of minimally invasive methods for the management of benign and malignant colonic pathologies, laparoscopic colon resection remains a prohibitively difficult technique to master. Numerous technological innovations have been introduced onto the market in an effort to decrease the steep learning curve associated with laparoscopic colon surgery. Good evidence exists supporting the use of second-generation, sleeveless, hand-assist devices in this context. Similarly, new hemostatic devices such as the ultrasonic scalpel and the electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer may be particularly helpful for extensive colonic mobilizations, in which several vascular pedicles must be taken. The precise role of these hemostatic technologies has yet to be established, particularly in comparison with stapling devices and significantly cheaper laparoscopic clips. Finally, recent advances in camera systems are promising to improve the ease with which difficult colonic dissections can be performed.