Clinical benefits and oncologic equivalence of self-expandable metallic stent insertion for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction

Long-Term Outcomes of Self-Expandable Metallic Stents as a Bridge to Surgery for Obstructive and Symptomatic Primary Tumors of Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity-Score Analysis

Background: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) was introduced for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC) a few decades ago. However, its long-term outcomes remain controversial, especially for stage IV CRC. The aim of this study was to clarify the outcomes of SEMS as a "bridge to surgery" (BTS) for obstructive and symptomatic primary tumors in stage IV CRC by one-to-one propensity-score matching. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single center from January 2007 to December 2017. Patients with obstructive and symptomatic primary tumors of stage IV CRC underwent primary resection (PR) or placement of a SEMS as a BTS. They were divided into SEMS and PR groups, and their short- and long-term outcomes were compared. Results: In total, 52 patients were reviewed (SEMS group, 21; PR group, 31). Sixteen patients in both groups were matched using propensity scores. Patients in the SEMS group more frequently underwent laparoscopic surgery than those in the PR group (75% versus 19%, P = .004). The two groups showed no significant differences in perioperative and pathological outcomes. The 5-year overall survival was not significantly different between groups (29% versus 20%, P = .53). Conclusions: As a BTS, the use of SEMS for obstructive and symptomatic primary tumors in CRC stage IV can be a comparable option to PR in terms of short- and long-term outcomes, and would be less invasive with respect to surgical procedures.

Colon cancer: the 2023 Korean clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients' values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.

Malignant Acute Colonic Obstruction: Multidisciplinary Approach for Endoscopic Management

Patients presenting with acute colonic obstruction are usually evaluated in the emergency department and multiple specialties are involved in the patients' management. Pre-treatment evaluation is essential in order to establish the correct endoscopic indication for stent implantation. Contrast-enhanced imaging could allow the exclusion of benign causes of colonic obstruction and evaluation of the length of malignant stricture. Endoscopic stenting is the gold standard of treatment for palliative indications whereas there are still concerns about its use as a bridge to surgery. Different meta-analyses showed that stenting as a bridge to surgery improves short-term surgical outcomes but has no role in improving long-term outcomes. Multidisciplinary evaluation is also essential in patients that may be started on or are currently receiving antiangiogenic agents because endoscopic stenting may increase the risk of perforation. Evidence in the literature is weak and based on retrospective data. Here we report on how to correctly evaluate a patient with acute colonic malignant obstruction in collaboration with other essential specialists including a radiologist, surgeon and oncologist, and how to optimize the technique of endoscopic stenting.

Surgical treatment and overall survival in patients with right-sided obstructing colon cancer-a nationwide retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare baseline characteristics, 90-day mortality and overall survival (OS) between patients with obstructing and non-obstructing right-sided colon cancer at a national level.

METHODS

All patients who underwent resection for right-sided colon cancer between January 2015 and December 2016 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry and stratified for obstruction. Primary outcome was 5-year OS after excluding 90-day mortality as assessed by the Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 525 patients (7%) with obstructing and 6891 patients (93%) with non-obstructing right-sided colon cancer were included. Patients with right-sided obstructing colon cancer (OCC) were older and had more often transverse tumour location, and the pathological T and N stage was more advanced than in those without obstruction (p < 0.001). The 90-day mortality in patients with right-sided OCC was higher compared to that in patients with non-obstructing colon cancer: 10% versus 3%, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-year OS of those surviving 90 days postoperatively was 42% in patients with OCC versus 73% in patients with non-obstructing colon cancer, respectively (p < 0.001). Worse 5-year OS was found in patients with right-sided OCC for all stages. Obstruction was an independent risk factor for decreased OS in right-sided colon cancer (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.57-2.03).

CONCLUSION

In addition to increased risk of postoperative mortality, a stage-independent worse 5-year OS after excluding 90-day mortality was found in patients with right-sided OCC compared to patients without obstruction.

Postponing surgery to optimise patients with acute right-sided obstructing colon cancer - A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Right-sided obstructing colon cancer is most often treated with acute resection. Recent studies on right-sided obstructing colon cancer report higher mortality and morbidity rates than those in patients without obstruction. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyse whether it is possible to optimise the health condition of patients with acute right-sided obstructing colon cancer, prior to surgery, and whether this improves postoperative outcomes.

METHOD

All consecutive patients with high suspicion of, or histologically proven, right-sided obstructing colon cancer, treated with curative intent between March 2013 and December 2019, were analysed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups: optimised group and non-optimised group. Pre-operative optimisation included additional nutrition, physiotherapy, and, if needed, bowel decompression.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients were analysed in this study. Twenty-four patients received optimisation before elective surgery, and thirty patients received emergency surgery, without optimisation. Scheduled surgery was performed after a median of eight days (IQR 7-12). Postoperative complications were found in twelve (50%) patients in the optimised group, compared to twenty-three (77%) patients in the non-optimised group (p = 0.051). Major complications were diagnosed in three (13%) patients with optimisation, compared to ten (33%) patients without optimisation (p = 0.111). Postoperative in-hospital stay, 30-day mortality, as well as primary anastomosis were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study suggests that pre-operative optimisation of patients with obstructing right sided colonic cancer may be feasible and safe but is associated with longer in-patient stay.

Self-expandable metallic stent as bridge to surgery vs. emergency resection in obstructive right-sided colon cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Emergency resection is common for malignant right-sided obstructive colon cancer. As there is evidence showing a potential benefit of self-expandable metal stents as a bridge to surgery, a new debate has been initiated.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare self-expandable metal stents with emergency resection in right-sided obstructive colon cancer.

DATA SOURCE

A systematic search was conducted accessing Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies reporting either emergency surgery or stent placement in right-sided obstructive colon cancer were included.

INTERVENTION

Stent or emergency resection in right-sided obstructive colon cancer.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Morbidity rate, mortality rate, stoma rate, laparoscopic resection rate, anastomotic insufficiency rate, success rate of stent.

RESULTS

A total of 6343 patients from 16 publications were analyzed. The stent success rate was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.87 to 0.95) with perforation of 0.03 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.06). Emergency resection was performed laparoscopically at a rate of 0.15 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.24). Primary anastomosis rate in emergency resection was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91 to 0.97) with an anastomotic insufficiency rate of 0.07 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.11). The mortality rate after emergency resection was 0.05 (95% CI, 0.02 to 0.09). Primary anastomosis and anastomotic insufficiency rate were similar between the two groups (RR: 1.02; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.1; p = 0.56 and RR: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.14 to 1.93; p = 0.33). The mortality rate in emergency resection was higher compared to stent (RR: 0.51, 95% CI 0.30 to 10.89, p = 0.016).

LIMITATION

No randomized controlled trials are available.

CONCLUSION

Stent is a safe and successful alternative to emergency resection and may increase the rate of minimally invasive surgery. Emergency resection, however, remains safe and did not result in higher rate of anastomotic insufficiency. Further high-quality comparative studies are warranted to assess long-term outcomes.

Self-expandable metallic stents as a bridge to surgery in obstructive right- and left-sided colorectal cancer: a multicenter cohort study

The insertion of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) has been proposed as an alternative to emergent surgery (ES) for obstructive colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to evaluate the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of SEMS as a bridge to surgery in obstructive CRC, as compared with ES. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent curative resection of obstructive CRC at four Hallym University-affiliated hospitals between January 2010 and December 2019. All patients were analyzed overall colon, then according to the side of obstruction (overall, right or left). Of 167 patients, 52 patients underwent ES and 115 underwent SEMS insertion and surgery (SEMS group). The postoperative hospital stay and time to soft diet were shorter in the SEMS group than in the ES group for overall and both sided cancer. The SEMS group had lower rates of stoma formation and severe complications for overall and for left-sided cancer. The 5-year overall survival (P = 0.682) and disease-free survival (P = 0.233) rates were similar in both groups. SEMS insertion as a bridge to surgery was associated with faster recovery, a lower rate of stoma formation with similar oncologic outcomes to those of ES.

Malignant obstruction in the ileocecal region treated by self-expandable stent placement under the fluoroscopic guidance: A case report

BACKGROUND

Malignant tumors of the ileocecal region often cause intestinal obstruction. Emergency surgery is the main treatment for patients presenting with an obstruction. However, this procedure is associated with a high mortality rate and frequent complications. The placement of colon stents is commonly performed for obstructions in the distal colon and is a less invasive and safer procedure. However, obstructions in the proximal colon are more challenging to treat by stent placement due to the increased distance from the anus.

CASE SUMMARY

This case report concerns an 88-year-old man with malignant intestinal obstruction in the ileocecal region. He was contraindicated for general anesthesia and surgical enterostomy. The placement of a self-expandable metallic stent seems an alternative to surgery, although stenting in this area is thought to be difficult and few studies have been reported so far. After three attempts at different interventional approaches, a stent was successfully placed in the obstructed segment under fluoroscopic guidance. After the procedure, the patient's abdominal distension and abdominal pain were significantly better than before.

CONCLUSION

For patients with proximal colonic obstruction, self-expandable metallic stent placement under fluoroscopic guidance could be considered as a feasible treatment to relieve abdominal distension and pain in patients with acute bowel obstruction. It has the characteristics of high safety and high patient tolerance. However, further study is still needed.

Comparison of Short-term Outcomes of a Self-expandable Metallic Stent as a Bridge to Laparoscopic Surgery between Right- and Left-sided Obstructive Colorectal Cancers: A Retrospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have compared the tumor-site-based postoperative short-term outcomes of a bridge to surgery using self-expandable metallic stents. This study compared the perioperative outcomes following stent placement between right- and left-sided obstructive colorectal cancers, focusing on patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

This study included 127 patients with stage I-IV obstructive colorectal cancer (right-sided, n = 25 [19.7%]; left-sided, n = 102 [80.3%]) who underwent laparoscopic-assisted surgery following stent placement between May 2012 and September 2021. We compared the postoperative complication rates and the success rates of stent placement.

RESULTS

The clinical success rate was not significantly different (92% vs. 97.1%, P = 0.254). The rates of all-grade complications (36% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.05) and postoperative ileus or small-bowel obstruction (20% vs. 2%, P = 0.003) were significantly higher in the right-sided group. The rates of the Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ III complications (8% vs. 6.9%, P = 1) and the median durations of postoperative hospital stay (8 days vs. 8 days, P = 1) were not significantly different. On multivariate analysis, right-sided colon cancer was an independent risk factor for postoperative ileus or small-bowel obstruction (odds ratio [OR]: 16.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.42-112, P = 0.004) but not for all grades of complications (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 0.976-7.09, P = 0.056).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the rates of clinical success, postoperative Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ III severe complications, and postoperative hospital stay were comparable, the bridge to surgery following stent placement for right-sided obstructive colon cancer raises concerns about ileus or small-bowel obstruction.

Case report: Stent-first strategy as a potential approach in the management of malignant right-sided colonic obstruction with cardiovascular risks

In obstructing left-sided colonic or rectal cancer, endoscopic stent placement with the purpose of decompression and bridge to elective colon resection has been widely utilized and accepted. However, in malignant right-sided colonic obstruction, stent placement prior to colectomy is still highly controversial, due to lower clinical success and high anastomotic leak. We report a case of malignant right-sided colonic obstruction based on the radiological findings of irregular thickening of ascending colon wall and dilation of proximal large bowel on enhanced computed tomography scan. The 72-year-old woman presented with obvious abdominal distension. Due to concerning cardiovascular complications as intermittent chest pain and a long history of type 2 diabetes, a three-step therapeutic plan was instigated. Initially, a self-expandable metallic stent was placed palliatively to relieve the bowel obstruction. Consecutively, coronary angiography was performed, and two coronary stents were implanted to alleviate more than 80% stenosis of two main coronary arteries. One month later, laparoscopic radical resection of right colon and lymphadenectomy were successfully performed, with a blood loss less than 50 millimeters and a harvest of 29 lymph nodes, 1 being positive. The patient was discharged one week postoperatively with no complications, and received adjuvant chemotherapy one month later. During a follow-up of more than one year, the patient was in complete remission with no recurrence and cardiovascular events. In patients presenting with malignant right-sided colonic obstruction and peril of high cardiovascular risks, we propose colonic and coronary stent-first strategy to emergency surgery as a potential approach so as to ensure sufficient cardiovascular preparation improving perioperative safety. Moreover, the anatomical location of the tumor would be significantly achievable thus granting high-quality radical colon resection and lymphadenectomy.

Colonic stent as a bridge to surgery versus emergency resection for right-sided malignant large bowel obstruction: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Preoperative colonic stenting for malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO), also called bridge to surgery (BTS), is considered a great substitute treatment for emergency resection (ER) in the left-sided colon. However, its efficacy in the right-sided colon remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the postoperative short-term outcomes between BTS and ER for right-sided MLBO.

METHODS

A comprehensive electronic literature search throughout December 2020 was performed to identify studies comparing short-term outcomes between BTS and ER for right-side MLBO. The main outcome measures were postoperative complications and mortality rates. A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effect or a random-effect method to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis, comprising 5136 patients, of whom 1662 (32.4%) underwent BTS and 3474 (67.6%) underwent ER. This meta-analysis demonstrated that BTS resulted in reductions in postoperative complications (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.66-0.92) and mortality (OR = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.28-0.92) than ER.

CONCLUSION

The results of this meta-analysis indicate that BTS for right-sided MLBO confers preferable short-term outcomes as well as for left-sided. This suggests that BTS results in a reduction of postoperative complications and mortality for right-sided MLBO than ER.

Novel nomogram for predicting risk of early postoperative small bowel obstruction after right colectomy for cancer

Background

Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) is a common complication after colorectal cancer surgery. Few studies have specifically studied risk factors for early small bowel obstruction after right colectomy, especially in establishing predictive models. The purpose of the current study was to establish an effective nomogram to predict the incidence of EPSBO after right colectomy.

Methods

The current study retrospectively analyzed data from a total of 424 patients who underwent right colectomy in a local hospital from January 2014 to March 2021. A logistic regression model was used to identify potential risk factors for EPSBO after right colectomy. A nomogram was established by independent risk factors, and the prediction performance of the model was evaluated using an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration chart.

Results

A total of 45 patients (10.6%) developed early small bowel obstruction after right colectomy. Male sex, history of abdominal surgery, open surgery, long operative time, anastomotic leakage, and preoperative albumin were closely related to EPSBO. Analysis of postoperative rehabilitation indices showed that EPSBO remarkably slowed the postoperative rehabilitation speed of patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex, open surgery, operative time, and anastomotic leakage were independent risk factors (P < 0.05), and the operation time had the greatest impact on EPSBO. On the basis of multivariate logistic regression, a nomogram was constructed, which showed moderate accuracy in predicting EPSBO, with a C-statistic of 0.716. The calibration chart showed good consistency between the predicted probability and ideal probability.

Conclusion

The current study constructed a nomogram based on the clinical data of patients who underwent right colectomy, which had moderate predictability and could provide reference value for clinicians to evaluate the risk of EPSBO.

Stent as a bridge to surgery versus urgent surgery for malignant right colonic obstruction: A multicenter retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The impact of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) for malignant right colonic obstruction remains undefined. The aim of this study was to compare short-term postoperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery (SBTS) and urgent colectomy for patients with malignant right-sided obstruction.

METHODS

A total of 98 consecutive patients who underwent SEMS placement during the period 2004-2015 from three hospitals were included. For comparative analyses, patients were matched (1:2) with 196 patients treated with emergency colectomy from our prospective database.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in terms of demographics and tumor characteristics. The proportion of patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy was higher in SBTS group than urgent colectomy group (75.5% vs. 37.2%; p < 0.001). Patients treated with SBTS were less likely to have a temporary stoma constructed (3.1% vs. 10.7%; p = 0.024). SBTS was associated with significantly less median estimated blood loss (90 vs. 100 ml; p = 0.029), shorter length of hospital stay (11 vs. 12 days; p < 0.001), lower overall postoperative complication rate (18.4% vs. 31.3%; p = 0.018), and wound-related complication rate (5.1% vs. 14.3%; p = 0.019) compared with urgent surgery. Reoperation rate, 30-day mortality, and lymph nodes harvested were not significantly different between two groups. Disease-free survival rate and overall survival rate were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS insertion is safe and feasible for treating malignant right-sided obstruction. SBTS is associated with better short-term outcomes and equivalent long-term oncologic results compared with urgent colectomy.

Cost-effectiveness of self-expandable metallic stents as bridge to surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer

AIM

Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is an emergent decompression approach for patients with obstructive colorectal cancer, alongside drainage tube (DT) and emergency surgery (ES). Few reports have compared the health care cost of each treatment. We aimed to compare the efficacy of SEMS as a bridge to surgery (BTS), including health care costs during decompression and colorectal resection, with those of DT and ES.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled patients treated for acute obstructed colorectal cancer at a single institution from January 2007 to December 2019. A total of 45 patients that underwent placement of a DT, emergency colostomy, or SEMS insertion followed by elective radical colectomy or rectectomy for obstructed colorectal cancer were included, and their data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 45 patients with obstructive colorectal cancer, 29 (55.6%) patients underwent SEMS, 7 (15.6%) underwent DT, and 9 (20.0%) underwent ES as BTS. The time to oral intake from the decompression treatment in the SEMS group was significantly shorter than that of the DT and ES group (1 vs. 13 vs. 3 day, p < 0.001). Total hospitalization during the decompression and colorectal resection in the SEMS group was significantly shorter that in the DT and ES groups (23 vs. 34 vs. 44 day, p < 0.001). The total health care cost for the decompression and the colorectal resection of DT and SEMS treatment was significantly less inexpensive than ES treatment (180.8 vs. 206.7 vs. 250.3 × 10⁴ yen, p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS insertion as a BTS might represent a cost-effective and safe approach compared to other treatments.

Self-expandable metallic stenting as a bridge to elective surgery versus emergency surgery for acute malignant right-sided colorectal obstruction

Background

The use of a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery has increased for patients with obstructing colorectal cancer. However, relatively few reports have compared SEMS as a bridge to elective surgery for acute malignant obstruction of the right-sided colon (MORC) vs. emergency surgery (ES). This study aimed to evaluate the benefits of elective surgery after SEMS placement vs. ES for patients (including stage IV cases) with acute MORC.

Methods

Patients with acute MORC who underwent radical resection for a primary tumour from July 2008 to November 2016 at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University were retrospectively enrolled. Postoperative short-term outcomes, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were compared between the SEMS and ES groups.

Results

In total, 107 patients with acute MORC (35 in the SEMS group and 72 in the ES group) were included for analysis. The Intensive Care Unit admission rate was lower (11.4% vs. 34.7%, P = 0.011), the incidence of complications was reduced (11.4% vs. 29.2%, P = 0.042), and the postoperative length of hospitalisation was significantly shorter (8.23 ± 6.50 vs. 11.18 ± 6.71 days, P = 0.033) for the SEMS group. Survival curves showed no significant difference in PFS (P = 0.506) or OS (P = 0.989) between groups. Also, there was no significant difference in PFS and OS rates between patients with stage II and III colon cancer. After colectomy for synchronous liver metastases among stage IV patients, the hepatectomy rates for the SEMS and ES groups were 85.7% and 14.3%, respectively (P = 0.029). The hazard ratio for colectomy alone vs. combined resection was 3.258 (95% CI 0.858–12.370; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Stent placement offers significant advantages in terms of short-term outcomes and comparable prognoses for acute MORC patients. For synchronous liver metastases, SEMS placement better prepares the patient for resection of the primary tumour and liver metastasis, which contribute to improved survival.

Comparison of safety between self-expanding metal stents as a bridge to surgery and emergency surgery based on pathology: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To explore the long-term oncological safety of using self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery for acute obstructive colorectal cancer by comparing the pathological results of emergency surgery (ES) with elective surgery after the placement of SEMS.

METHODS

Studies comparing SEMS as a bridge to surgery with emergency surgery for acute obstructive colorectal cancer were retrieved through the databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries, and a meta-analysis was conducted based on the pathological results of the two treatments. Risk ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for the outcomes under random effects model.

RESULTS

A total of 27 studies were included, including 3 randomized controlled studies, 2 prospective studies, and 22 retrospective studies, with a total of 3737 patients. The presence of perineural invasion (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.48, 0.71, P < 0.00001), lymphovascular invasion (RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.47, 0.99, P = 0.004) and vascular invasion (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.45, 0.99, P = 0.04) in SEMS group were significantly higher than those in ES group, and there was no significant difference in lymphatic invasion (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.77, 1.09, P = 0.33). The number of lymph nodes harvested in SEMS group was significantly higher than that in ES group (MD = - 3.18, 95% CI - 4.47, - 1.90, P < 0.00001). While no significant difference was found in the number of positive lymph nodes (MD = - 0.11, 95% CI - 0.63, 0.42, P = 0.69) and N stage [N0 (RR = 1.03, 95% CI 0.92, 1.15, P = 0.60), N1 (RR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.87, 1.14, P = 0.91), N2 (RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.77, 1.15, P = 0.53)].

CONCLUSIONS

SEMS implantation in patients with acute malignant obstructive colorectal cancer may lead to an increase in adverse tumor pathological characteristics, and these characteristics are mostly related to the poor prognosis of colorectal cancer. Although the adverse effect of SEMS on long-term survival has not been demonstrated, their adverse effects cannot be ignored. The use of SEMS as the preferred treatment for patients with resectable obstructive colorectal cancer remains to be carefully weighed, especially when patients are young or the surgical risk is not very high.

A Systematic Review Comparing Emergency Resection and Staged Treatment for Curable Obstructing Right-Sided Colon Cancer

BACKGROUND

Treatment for obstructing colon cancer (OCC) is controversial because the outcome of acute resection is less favorable than for patients without obstruction. Few studies have investigated curable right-sided OCC, and patients with OCC usually undergo acute resection. This study aimed to better understand the outcome and best management of potentially curable right-sided OCC.

METHODS

A systematic review of studies was performed with a focus on differences in mortality and morbidity between emergency resection and staged treatment for patients with potentially curable right-sided OCC. In March 2019, the study searched Embase, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google scholar databases according to PRISMA guidelines using search terms related to "colon tumour," "stenosis or obstruction and surgery," and "decompression or stents." All English-language studies reporting emergency or staged treatment for potentially curable right-sided OCC were included in the review. Emergency resection and staged resection were compared for mortality, morbidity, complications, and survival.

RESULTS

Nine studies were found to be eligible and comprised 600 patients treated with curative intent for their right-sided OCC by emergency resection or staged resection. The mean overall complication rate was 42% (range 19-54%) after emergency resection, and 30% (range 7-44%) after staged treatment. The average mortality rate was 7.2% (range 0-14.5%) after emergency resection and 1.2% (range 0-6.3%) after staged treatment. The 5-year disease-free and overall survival rates were comparable for the two treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The patients who received staged treatment for right-sided OCC had lower mortality rates, fewer complications, and fewer anastomotic leaks and stoma creations than the patients who had emergency resection.

Stenting versus surgery in obstructed malignant colorectal cancer-a review of short and long-term results

Obstructed colorectal cancers (CRCs) continue to be challenging to manage. Apart from surgical resection, the use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) has become increasingly popular. SEMS could potentially allow for the conversion of an emergency operation into a semi-elective procedure, allow for the optimization of the patient's physiology, avoid the requirement for a stoma, as well as allow for a minimally-invasive approach to be adopted. This review article therefore highlights the evidence available in the literature pertaining to the use of SEMS in obstructed CRCs.

Cost-effectiveness of palliative emergent surgery versus endoscopic stenting for acute malignant colonic obstruction

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic stenting has demonstrated value over emergent surgery as a palliative intervention for patients with acute large bowel obstruction due to advanced colorectal cancer. However, concerns regarding high reintervention rates and the risk of perforation have brought into question its cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

A decision tree analysis was performed to analyze costs and survival in patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer who present with acute large bowel obstruction. The model was designed with two treatment arms: self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) placement and emergent surgery. Costs were derived from medicare reimbursement rates (US$), while effectiveness was represented by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The model was tested for validation using one-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

Endoscopic stenting resulted in an average cost of $43,798.06 and 0.68 QALYs. Emergent surgery cost $5865.30 more, while only yielding 0.58 QALYs. This resulted in an ICER of - $58,653.00, indicating that SEMS placement is the dominant strategy. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses demonstrated that emergent surgery would require an improved survival rate in comparison to endoscopic stenting to become the favored treatment modality. In 100,000 probabilistic simulations, endoscopic stenting was favored 96.3% of the time.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute colonic obstruction in the presence of unresectable or metastatic disease, endoscopic stenting is a more cost-effective palliative intervention than emergent surgery. This recommendation would favor surgery over SEMS placement with improved surgical survival, or if the majority of patients undergoing stenting required reintervention.

Endoscopic Self-Expandable Metallic Stent Insertion without Fluoroscopic Guidance Is Feasible and Safe for Acute Colonic Obstruction Caused by Colorectal Cancer

Aims

Endoscopic self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) insertion for acute colonic obstruction caused by colorectal cancer (CRC) is always performed under fluoroscopic guidance. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of an endoscopic stenting procedure without fluoroscopic guidance.

Methods

A total of 36 patients with an acute colonic obstruction caused by CRC underwent endoscopic SEMS insertion using a colonoscope without fluoroscopic guidance, followed by analyses of the technical and clinical success and short-term complications.

Results

Total technical success rate and clinical success rate were 91.7% and 86.1%, respectively. The mean procedure time was 21.2 ± 10.3 minutes. There was no stent dislodgement. One case of hematochezia and two cases of tenesmus occurred in patients with left-sided complete obstructions. No other short-term complications occurred. Procedure time, technical success, and clinical success rate were 16.3 ± 9.4 minutes, 93.1%, and 89.6% for left-sided obstructions, respectively, and were 26.8 ± 10.7 minutes, 85.7%, and 71.4% for right-sided obstructions, respectively. For complete obstructions, procedure time, technical success, and clinical success rate were 22.5 ± 8.9 minutes, 90%, and 83.3%, respectively. In the incomplete cases, procedure time, technical success, and clinical success were 13.5 ± 6.7 minutes, 100%, and 100%, respectively. Technical success, clinical success, and short-term complications were not differed between lesion locations and degrees.

Conclusions

This simple technique is feasible and safe for palliation of acute colonic obstruction caused by CRC.

Comparison of decompression tubes with metallic stents for the management of right-sided malignant colonic obstruction

BACKGROUND

Emergency surgical resection is a standard treatment for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction; however, the procedure is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Although a bridge to surgery can be created to obviate the need for emergency surgery, its effects on long-term outcomes and the most practical management strategies for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction remain unclear.

AIM

To determine the appropriate management approach for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction.

METHODS

Forty patients with right-sided malignant colonic obstruction who underwent curative resection from January 2007 to April 2017 were included in the study. We compared the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients who received bridges to surgery established using decompression tubes and those created using self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS). The primary outcome was the overall survival duration (OS) and the secondary endpoints were the disease-free survival (DFS) duration and the preoperative and postoperative morbidity rates. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

There were 21 patients in the decompression tube group and 19 in the SEMS group. There were no significant differences in the perioperative morbidity rates of the two groups. The OS rate was significantly higher in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group (5-year OS rate; decompression tube 79.5%, SEMS 32%, P = 0.043). Multivariate analysis revealed that the bridge to surgery using a decompression tube was significantly associated with the OS (hazard ratio, 17.41; P = 0.004). The 3-year DFS rate was significantly higher in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group (68.9% vs 45.9%; log-rank test, P = 0.032). A propensity score–adjusted analysis also demonstrated that the prognosis was significantly better in the decompression tube group than in the SEMS group.

CONCLUSION

The bridge to surgery using trans-nasal and trans-anal decompression tubes for right-sided malignant colonic obstruction is safe and may improve long-term outcomes.

A high preoperative Glasgow prognostic score predicts a high likelihood of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery in patients with colon cancer

Background

Although the use of laparoscopic resection for colon cancer (LRC) has been increasing, conversion to open surgery sometimes becomes necessary because of intraoperative difficulties. Although the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) is well known to be a predictor of outcome in patients with various cancers, it is unclear whether the preoperative GPS can predict the need for conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery.

Objective

To investigate factors predictive of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery in patients with colon cancer.

Methods

Data from 308 consecutive patients who underwent LRC between January 2006 and March 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. Preoperative clinical factors in patients who had undergone LRC were compared between conversion and non-conversion groups, and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify preoperative factors that might predict conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery.

Results

Among 308 patients who had undergone LRC, conversion to open surgery was necessary in 28 (9.1%). Sixteen of the latter patients (6.8%) had GPS 0 (among a total of 234) and 6 (11.5%) had GPS 1 (among a total of 52). The proportion of patients with GPS 2 who required conversion was 27.2% (6/22), which was significantly higher than for those with GPS 0 or 1. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that GPS 2 (odds ratio [OR] 3.352; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.049–10.71; p = 0.041) and preoperative ileus (OR 7.405; 95% CI 2.386–22.98; p = 0.001) were independent factors predictive of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery.

Conclusions

A high preoperative GPS is an independent factor predictive of conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery in patients with colon cancer.

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Colon Cancer

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care by advancing the science, prevention, and management of disorders and diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. The Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee is composed of society members who are chosen because they have demonstrated expertise in the specialty of colon and rectal surgery. This committee was created to lead international efforts in defining quality care for conditions related to the colon, rectum, and anus. This is accompanied by developing Clinical Practice Guidelines based on the best available evidence. These guidelines are inclusive and not prescriptive. Their purpose is to provide information on which decisions can be made, rather than to dictate a specific form of treatment. These guidelines are intended for the use of all practitioners, health care workers, and patients who desire information about the management of the conditions addressed by the topics covered in these guidelines. It should be recognized that these guidelines should not be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care or exclusive of methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. The ultimate judgment regarding the propriety of any specific procedure must be made by the physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient.

Effectiveness and safety of metallic stent for ileocecal obstructive colon cancer: a report of 4 cases

Background and study aims  Self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) have been widely used for left-sided colorectal obstruction. Few studies on SEMS placement for right-sided colonic obstructions have been reported because stenting in the right colon is technically difficult, particularly in the ileocecal region. We present 4 cases of successful bridge-to-surgery stenting for ileocecal cancer. Using an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography catheter with a movable tip and a decompression tube was effective for stenting. No adverse events occurred during or after SEMS placement in any of these cases. Short-term stenting for ileocecal cancer seems to be effective and safe.