Laparoscopic surgery in patients with colon cancer: a population-based analysis

Trends and outcomes in colorectal cancer surgery: a multicenter cross-sectional study of minimally invasive versus open techniques in Germany

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to assess the trend from open to modern minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robot-assisted) surgical techniques for colorectal cancer (CRC) in Germany, with a particular focus on hospital mortality, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted using data from 36 German hospitals, encompassing 1,250,029 cases from January 2019 to December 2023. The study included all hospitalized patients aged ≥ 18 with CRC who underwent surgery. Surgical cases were categorized as open or minimally invasive. Outcomes assessed included in-hospital mortality, morbidity, and hospital length of stay. Statistical analyses involved multivariable logistic and linear regression models adjusted for main diagnosis, metastasis presence, age, sex, and comorbidities.

RESULTS

The study included 4525 CRC cases: 2767 underwent open surgery and 1758 underwent minimally invasive surgery (173 robotic). In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in open surgery (6.1% vs. 1.7%). Open surgery was also significantly associated with higher rates of acute post-hemorrhagic anemia (OR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.87-3.02), respiratory failure (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.34-2.18), and intraoperative and postprocedural complications (OR: 3.64; 95% CI: 2.83-4.70). Average hospital stay was longer for open surgery (19.5 days vs. 11.0 days).

CONCLUSION

Despite the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including reduced mortality, morbidity, and shorter hospital stays, open surgery remains the predominant approach for CRC in Germany. These findings underscore the need for increased adoption of minimally invasive techniques and highlight the potential benefits of shifting toward minimally invasive methods to enhance the overall quality of CRC care.

Survival in relation to time to start of curative treatment of colon cancer: A national register-based observational noninferiority study

AIM

There are ample discussions regarding the timing of treatment, especially in the era after Covid that caused delay to treatment. The aim of this study was to determine whether a delayed start to curative treatment, within 29-56 days after a diagnosis of colon cancer, was noninferior to starting treatment within 28 days, with regard to all-cause mortality.

METHOD

This is a national register-based observational noninferiority study, with a noninferiority margin of hazard ratio (HR) 1.1, including all patients treated with curative intent for colon cancer in Sweden between 2008 and 2016. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, readmissions and reoperations within 1 year after surgery. Exclusion criteria were emergency surgery, disseminated disease at diagnosis, missing diagnosis date and treatment for another cancer 5 years before colon cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

A total of 20 836 individuals were included. A period of 29-56 days from diagnosis to start of curative treatment was noninferior versus starting treatment within 28 days for the primary outcome of all-cause mortality (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.89-1.00). Starting treatment within 29-56 days was associated with a shorter length of stay (average 9.2 vs. 10 days) but a higher risk of reoperation compared to within 28 days. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that surgical modality was driving survival rather than time to treatment. Overall survival was greater after laparoscopic surgery (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69-0.88).

CONCLUSION

For patients with colon cancer, a period of up to 56 days from diagnosis to the start of curative treatment did not lead to worse overall survival.

Short term results in a population based study indicate advantage for laparoscopic colon cancer surgery versus open

The aim of this study was to compare LAP with OPEN regarding short-term mortality, morbidity and completeness of the cancer resection for colon cancer in a routine health care setting using population based register data. All 13,683 patients who were diagnosed 2012-2018 and underwent elective surgery for right-sided or sigmoid colon cancer were included from the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry and the National Patient Registry. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 90-day mortality, length of hospital stay, reoperation, readmission and positive resection margin (R1). Weighted and unweighted multi regression analyses were performed. There were no difference in 30-day mortality: LAP (0.9%) and OPEN (1.3%) (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.62-1.29, P = 0.545). The weighted analyses showed an increased 90-day mortality following OPEN, P < 0.001. Re-operations and re-admission were more frequent after OPEN and length of hospital stay was 2.9 days shorter following LAP (P < 0.001). R1 resections were significantly more common in the OPEN group in the unweighted and weighted analysis with P = 0.004 and P < 0.001 respectively. Therefore, the favourable short-term outcomes following elective LAP versus OPEN resection for colon cancer in routine health care indicate an advantage of laparoscopic surgery.

Persisting Deficits in Health-Related Quality of Life of Colorectal Cancer Survivors 14–24 Years Post-Diagnosis: A Population-Based Study

(1) Background: The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors >10 years post-diagnosis is understudied. We aimed to compare the HRQOL of CRC survivors 14–24 years post-diagnosis to that of age- and sex-matched non-cancer controls, stratified by demographic and clinical factors. (2) Methods: We used data from 506 long-term CRC survivors and 1489 controls recruited from German population-based multi-regional studies. HRQOL was assessed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) questionnaire. We estimated differences in the HRQOL of CRC survivors and controls with multiple regression, adjusted for age at survey, sex, and education, where appropriate. (3) Results: CRC survivors reported poorer social functioning but better health status/QOL than controls. CRC survivors, in general, had higher levels of symptom burden, and in particular diarrhea and constipation, regardless of demographic or clinical factors. In stratified analyses, HRQOL differed by age, sex, cancer type, and having a permanent stoma. (4) Conclusions: Although CRC survivors may have a comparable health status/QOL to controls 14–24 years after diagnosis, they still live with persistent bowel dysfunction that can negatively impact aspects of functioning. Healthcare providers should provide timely and adapted follow-up care to ameliorate potential long-term suffering.

Complete mesocolic excision for right colonic cancer: prospective multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right colonic cancer is a more complex operation than standard right hemicolectomy but evidence to support its routine use is still limited. This prospective multicentre study evaluated the effect of CME on long-term survival in colorectal cancer centres in Germany (RESECTAT trial). The primary hypothesis was that 5-year disease-free survival would be higher after CME than non-CME surgery. A secondary hypothesis was that there would be improved survival of patients with a mesenteric area greater than 15 000 mm2.

METHODS

Centres were asked to continue their current surgical practices. The surgery was classified as CME if the superior mesenteric vein was dissected; otherwise it was assumed that no CME had been performed. All specimens were shipped to one institution for pathological analysis and documentation. Clinical data were recorded in an established registry for quality assurance. The primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival for stages I-III. Multivariable adjustment for group allocation was planned. Using a primary hypothesis of an increase in disease-free survival from 60 to 70 per cent, a sample size of 662 patients was calculated with a 50 per cent anticipated drop-out rate.

RESULTS

A total of 1004 patients from 53 centres were recruited for the final analysis (496 CME, 508 no CME). Most operations (88.4 per cent) were done by an open approach. Anastomotic leak occurred in 3.4 per cent in the CME and 1.8 per cent in the non-CME group. There were slightly more lymph nodes found in CME than non-CME specimens (mean 55.6 and 50.4 respectively). Positive central mesenteric nodes were detected more in non-CME than CME specimens (5.9 versus 4.0 per cent). One-fifth of patients had died at the time of study with recorded recurrences (63, 6.3 per cent), too few to calculate disease-free survival (the original primary outcome), so overall survival (not disease-specific) results are presented. Short-term and overall survival were similar in the CME and non-CME groups. Adjusted Cox regression indicated a possible benefit for overall survival with CME in stage III disease (HR 0.52, 95 per cent c.i. 0.31 to 0.85; P = 0.010) but less so for disease-free survival (HR 0.66; P = 0.068). The secondary outcome (15 000 mm2 mesenteric size) did not influence survival at any stage (removal of more mesentery did not alter survival).

CONCLUSION

No general benefit of CME could be established. The observation of better overall survival in stage III on unplanned exploratory analysis is of uncertain significance.

Establishment of minimally invasive ventral hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement in a primary care hospital using the robotic platform

Background

The progressive availability of robotic surgical systems opens new perspectives in abdominal wall surgery due to excellent visibility and dexterity of instruments. While complex hernias until today were treated primarily through an open access, we evaluated if this promising technology is suitable for treating the entire spectrum of a hernia center, including complex hernias.

Material/methods

In 2017, minimally invasive hernia surgery with extraperitoneal mesh placement was started in Kempten hospital. Since 2019, a Da Vinci X system has been available for this purpose. In order to observe the process of transition we retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent ventral hernia repair in the department of general and visceral surgery at our hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 and were indicated for mesh implantation.

Results

In 2016, the percentage of minimally invasive procedures was 37.3%. In all of these cases an intraperitoneal mesh was implanted into the abdominal cavity. Open surgery was performed in 62.7%, of which an a retromuscular mesh was implanted in 75.7%, an intraperitoneal mesh in 21.6%, and an onlay mesh in 2.7%. In 2020, minimally invasive surgery accounted for 87.5%, of which 85.7% were performed robotically and 14.3 laparoscopically. In 94.3% of these minimally invasively treated patients the mesh was implanted in extraperitoneal position (75.8% in retromuscular and 24.2% in preperitoneal position). The percentage of complex hernias increased from 20.3% to 35.0% during the same period.

Conclusion

The majority of ventral hernia procedures can be performed safely using the robot in a minimally invasive technique with extraperitoneal mesh placement without leading to an increase in complications. Robotically-assisted hernia repair is a promising new technique that is also practical for complex hernias.

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in an elderly population with high comorbidity: a single centre experience

PURPOSE

The use of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in elderly patients with high comorbidity is a controversial subject. This retrospective analysis aims to compare two different age groups with respect to short and long term clinical and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

All laparoscopic colorectal resections for cancer performed between February 2011 and October 2017 with curative or palliative intention were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 128 completed resections, the rate of major complications, length of hospital stays, 30-day mortality, 2-year recurrence rate, and the survival after palliative surgery were comparable between group A (< 75 years; n = 76) and B (≥ 75 years; n = 52). Patients in group B showed an extraordinarily high proportion of ASA III stage (73.1% vs. A: 35.5%; p < 0.01) and, in this context, an increased rate of minor postoperative complications (17.3% vs. A: 6.6%; p < 0.05) and lower overall 2 and 5-year survival rates. Within the first 2 years, they died sooner in the event of recurrence (57.1% vs. A: 18.2%; p < 0.05), and their survival after rectal resection, especially for low rectal carcinoma, was significantly reduced (58.8% vs. A: 96.7%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer can be strongly advocated for elderly patients even in the face of high comorbidity. Whether very old patients with low rectal carcinoma also benefit from minimally invasive surgery or should undergo alternative therapies would need to be clarified primarily by examining the quality of life.

Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumborum Block Preemptive Analgesia on Postoperative Recovery of Patients with Open Radical Colon Cancer Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block (QLB) preemptive analgesia on recovery in colon cancer patients undergoing open radical surgery and provide reference for its clinical application.

Methods

From July 2019 to June 2020, according to the anesthesia method, 56 patients who received open radical colon surgery were divided into two groups: Group Q (n=27), which received QLB combined general anesthesia, and Group C (n=29), which received general anesthesia only. Both groups were given self-controlled intravenous analgesia pump after surgery. The primary outcome is a series of parameters representing postoperative recovery. The secondary outcome was VAS scores and opioid consumption.

Results

The first time of getting up, flatus, taking semi-liquid diet and the postoperative hospital stay in Group Q were significantly reduced (P<0.01). The rest and active VAS scores were significantly lower in Group Q (P<0.01). The opioids consumption was significantly decreased in Group Q (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The application of ultrasound-guided QLB preemptive analgesia in open radical colon cancer surgery can significantly enhance the postoperative analgesia effect, reduce opioid consumption, and accelerate the postoperative recovery of the patients.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-2000034824).

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision plus D3 lymphadenectomy (CME + D3): a new medial approach for central vascular ligation

Due to the high risk of vascular injuries, it remains a technical challenge and time-consuming procedure for surgeons to perform CME and D3 lymph node dissection in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. To overcome this difficulty, we developed a novel method of the vessel's management for central vascular ligation (CVL). The key feature of this new approach focused on vascular dissection in two aspects. The first one was to expose the superior mesentery vein (SMV) and the branches of the superior mesentery artery (SMA) at their roots from left to right after dividing the peritoneum near the left border of SMV, which has the advantage of exposing SMV and controlling bleeding. The second was to selectively ligate the colic tributaries of gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GTH) after expanding its surrounding spaces. We named this technique the "new approach (NA)". Thirty-eight patients who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with the new approach (NA) were retrospectively analyzed and compared with data from 35 patients, who underwent the conventional medial approach (TA) performed by the same surgical team from April 2017 to March 2021. There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline data (all p > 0.05). All 38 operations were completed with this procedure successfully. The NA approach was associated with a shorter operation time (190.5 min vs.215.5 min; P < 0.05) and a smaller blood loss (50 ml vs. 95 ml; P < 0.05) compared with the conventional approach. Two cases of vascular injuries occurred in the TA group and had been managed laparoscopically. The lymph nodes count (15 vs. 16; P > 0.05) was not significantly different; additionally, no difference was observed regarding anastomotic leakage (both n = 0) and postoperative complications (3/31 vs. 3/30; P > 0.05). No mortality was observed. NA is feasible and can be an optional method of vessel's management in laparoscopic CME and D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer.

Effect of Dezocine on the Ratio of Th1/Th2 Cytokines in Patients Receiving Postoperative Analgesia Following Laparoscopic Radical Gastrectomy: A Prospective Randomised Study

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of dezocine on the postoperative ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

Patients and Methods

Sixty patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were randomly divided into two groups (n=30): dezocine group (Group D) and sufentanil group (Group S). They received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after the operation with either dezocine 0.8 mg/kg (Group D) or sufentanil 2 µg/kg (Group S). Both groups also received ondansetron 8 mg diluted to 100 mL with saline. The primary outcome was the Th1/Th2 cytokines ratio at predetermined intervals, 30 min before the induction of general anaesthesia and 0, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The secondary endpoints were patients’ pain scores, measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) at predetermined intervals (0, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery), and side effects at follow-up 48 h after surgery.

Results

The Th1/Th2 cytokines ratio in Group D was significantly higher than Group S (P<0.05) 12, 24 and 48 h after the operation. There were no significant differences in VAS pain scores between groups at 0, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery (P>0.05). Compared to Group S, the incidence of postoperative nausea, vomiting and lethargy was significantly lower in Group D (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Dezocine increases the ratio of Th1/Th2 cytokines, relieves postoperative pain and causes fewer side effects in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.

[Current robotic ventral hernia surgery exemplified by 50 consecutive patients]

BACKGROUND

In recent years there has been a rise in robotic techniques and approaches regarding hernia repair with extraperitoneal mesh placement.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the first 50 patients who underwent robotic ventral hernia repair between May 2019 and November 2020 at the department of general surgery of the Kempten Clinic was performed.

RESULTS

This case series consisted of 36 incisional hernias, 12 primary hernias (8 umbilical and 3 epigastric hernias in combination with a diastasis recti abdominis as well as 1 Spigelian hernia) and 2 parastomal hernias. A complete closure of the hernia was achieved in all cases. Extraperitoneal mesh placement in the retromuscular or preperitoneal space was achieved in 98 % of the ventral procedures. We used an extraperitoneal approach with retromuscular mesh implantation (r-eTEP= robotic enhanced view total extraperitoneal plasty) in 22 cases, 3 of those along with a transversus abdominis release (r-eTAR= robotic extraperitoneal transversus abdominis release) and 26 operations were carried out transperitoneally. These included 11 preperitoneal (r-vTAPP= robotic ventral TAPP), 7 retrorectus (TARUP= robotic transabdominal retromuscular umbilical prosthetic hernia repair) and 1 intraperitoneal onlay mesh placements (r-IPOM= robotic intraperitoneal onlay mesh) as well as 7 transperitoneal transversus abdominis releases with retromuscular mesh placement. The 2 parastomal hernias were treated with an intraperitoneal 3D funnel mesh. After the initial treatment of smaller hernias the indications could be rapidly extended to complex hernias in 38 % of this case series. One conversion to an open operation was necessary due to technical problems in closing the posterior rectus sheath. The complication rate was 12 % and the reintervention rate 4 %.

CONCLUSION

Robotic surgery of ventral hernia is safe and effective. Even complex hernias can be treated minimally invasively with closure of the hernia defect and extraperitoneal mesh placement.

[Evidence in minimally invasive oncological surgery of the colon and rectum]

An essential component of the treatment of colorectal cancer is a resection of the tumor-bearing segment of the bowels. After the development of minimally invasive procedures the feasibility and safety in oncological, colorectal surgery was questioned. The broad study situation for colon cancer over the last years showed predominantly consistent benefits during the perioperative phase and non-inferiority concerning long-term oncological outcomes. The implementation of laparoscopic rectal resection was more hesitant due to the complexity of the procedure and insufficient study data; however, overall the short-term benefits seem to be maintained and laparoscopic rectal resection is thought to be noninferior to open resection in the long run even though findings on the quality of the resected specimen are heterogeneous. Accordingly, most guidelines now include a recommendation of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer. The limitation with respect to an achievable oncological equivalency of resection takes account of the complexity and the requirements of the intervention only in the setting of rational selection of patients and sufficient experience of the surgeon.

Wir brauchen strukturierte inhaltliche und formale Vorgehensweisen zur Nutzung versorgungsnaher Daten

Für die Nutzung vorhandener Versorgungsdaten gibt es immer mehr gute Gründe, wobei v. a. die Nutzung von Registerdaten im Fokus steht. Das zugehörige, klar strukturierte methodische Vorgehen ist bisher noch unzureichend zusammengeführt, aufbereitet und transparent dargestellt.

Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer

Background

To evaluate a new procedure in daily clinical practice, it might not be sufficient to rely exclusively on the findings of randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This is the first systematic review providing a synthesis of the most important RCTs and relevant retrospective cohort studies on short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer patients.

Materials and methods

In a literature search, more than 1800 relevant publications on the topic were identified. Relevant RCTs and representative high-quality retrospective studies were selected based on the widely accepted Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria. Finally, 9 RCTs and 14 retrospective cohort studies were included.

Results

Laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer is associated with a slightly longer duration of surgery, but a variety of studies show an association with a lower rate of postoperative complications and a shorter duration of hospital stay. Particularly in older patients with more frequent comorbidities, laparoscopy seems to contribute to decreasing postoperative mortality. Concerning long-term oncologic outcomes, the laparoscopic and open techniques were shown to be at least equivalent.

Conclusion

The findings of the existing relevant RCTs on laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer are mostly confirmed by representative retrospective cohort studies based on real-world data; therefore, its further implementation into clinical practice can be recommended.

Effect of nalbuphine on patient controlled intravenous analgesia after radical resection of colon cancer

Effect of nalbuphine on patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) after radical resection of colon cancer was explored. Retrospective analyses of 100 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer in Xiang Yang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine from June 2014 to December 2016 were made. Forty-seven patients were treated with nalbuphine as experimental group and 53 cases were treated with morphine as control group. All patients received PCIA after surgery. According to visual analogue scale (VAS), pain degree at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery, total dosage of analgesia pump, total times and effective times of pressing were evaluated. Analgesic satisfaction rate, and adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache at the same time were observed and recorded. The postoperative VAS in the experimental group was evidently lower than that in the control group (P<0.05) at 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery, which was statistically significant. There was no significant difference in postoperative VAS between experimental group and control group at 2 and 4 h after surgery (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions to nausea and vomiting in the experimental group was low. There was no significant difference in the total dosage of analgesia pump, total times and effective times of pressing and analgesic satisfaction rate (P>0.05). After laparoscopic radical resection of colon cancer, nalbuphine is effective in PCIA, with low incidence of adverse reactions and high safety.

Rivaroxaban for extended antithrombotic prophylaxis after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. Design of the PRO-LAPS II STUDY

BACKGROUND

The clinical benefit of extending prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE) beyond hospital discharge after laparoscopic surgery for cancer is undefined. Extended prophylaxis with rivaroxaban is effective in reducing post-operative VTE after major orthopedic surgery without safety concern.

METHODS

PROLAPS II is an investigator-initiated, randomized, double-blind study aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of extended antithrombotic prophylaxis with rivaroxaban compared with placebo after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in patients who had received antithrombotic prophylaxis with low molecular-weight heparin for 7 ± 2 days (NCT03055026). Patients are randomized to receive rivaroxaban (10 mg once daily) or placebo for 3 weeks (up to day 28 ± 2 from surgery). The primary study outcome is a composite of symptomatic objectively confirmed VTE, asymptomatic ultrasonography-detected DVT or VTE-related death at 28 ± 2 days from laparoscopic surgery. The primary safety outcome is major bleeding defined according to the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis. Symptomatic objectively confirmed VTE, asymptomatic ultrasonography-detected DVT, major bleeding or death by day 28 ± 2 and by day 90 from surgery are secondary outcomes. Assuming an 8% event rate with placebo and 60% reduction in the primary study outcome with rivaroxaban, 323 patients per group are necessary to show a statistically significant difference between the study groups.

DISCUSSION

The PROLAPS II is the first study with an oral anti-Xa agent in cancer surgery. The study has the potential to improve clinical practice by answering the question on the clinical benefit of extending prophylaxis after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

Association of laparoscopic colectomy versus open colectomy on the long-term health-related quality of life of colon cancer survivors

Background

Laparoscopic colectomy (LC) is a less invasive alternative to open colectomy (OC) in the treatment of stage I–III colon cancer. Research on the long-term (5-year post-diagnosis) health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of LC patients is scarce. Our study aimed to compare the long-term HRQOL and psychological well-being of stage I–III colon cancer survivors treated either with LC or OC.

Methods

This study used a German population-based cohort of patients treated with either LC (n = 86) or OC (n = 980). LC patients were matched to OC patients using a propensity score. At 5-year follow-up, patients completed assessments on HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR29) and psychological well-being (distress and disease/treatment burden). Least square mean scores of HRQOL were derived using linear regression. Proportions of patients with moderate/high distress and disease/treatment burden were compared with Chi-square tests.

Results

In total, 81 LC patients were matched to 156 OC patients. Generally, LC patients had HRQOL comparable to OC patients, albeit LC patients reported significantly better body image (87.1 versus 81.0, p = 0.03). Distress levels were generally low and comparable between the two groups, even though LC patients were more likely to experience disease recurrence (16% versus 7%, p = 0.02) than OC patients. OC patients were more likely to feel moderate/high levels of burden associated with the treatment (72% versus 56%, p = 0.01) and the time after treatment completion (43% versus 28%, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

LC patients reported comparable long-term HRQOL outcomes but higher levels of psychological well-being than OC patients 5 years after diagnosis, even though LC was associated with higher risk of disease recurrence.

Stress biomarkers in minimally invasive and conventional colorectal resections

INTRODUCTION

Any surgical procedure develops a stress situation for the patient, which can modulate the individual outcome. At present, there is only limited information about stress response in colorectal resections by laparoscopic compared to conventional surgery. Therefore, our objectives were the feasibility and the investigation of stress biomarkers including copeptin and steroid hormones before, during and after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Eleven patients underwent minimally invasive and ten patients conventionally open colorectal surgery. Blood samples were collected before, during and 24 h after surgery and copeptin, NT-proBNP, cortisol, cortisone, interleukin-6 and glucose were analyzed.

RESULTS

Both, minimally invasive and conventional-open colorectal surgery caused a fast but heterogeneous response of stress biomarkers. However, the postoperative decrease of cortisol, cortisone and glucose differed between both groups. The stress biomarkers decreased faster down to baseline after minimally invasive surgery, while in open surgery cortisol, cortisone and glucose did not return to baseline within 24 h after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

We show in this feasibility study for the first time an increase of copeptin in combination with glucocorticoids as stress biomarkers by open surgery compared to minimally invasive procedures in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Exceeding an individual threshold of 'stress burden' may have unfavorable effects on the long-time clinical outcome.

Laparoscopic and open surgery in rectal cancer patients in Germany: short and long-term results of a large 10-year population-based cohort

Background

Rectal cancer is frequent in Germany and worldwide. Several studies have assessed laparoscopic surgery as a treatment option and most have shown favorable results. However, long-term oncologic safety remains a controversial issue.

Methods

The current dataset derives from 30 clinical cancer registries in Germany and includes 16,378 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer between 2007 and 2016. Outcomes were 90-day mortality, overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (RFS) and relative survival of patients treated with either open or laparoscopic surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate factors that affected the probability of a patient undergoing laparoscopic surgery as well as to evaluate short-term mortality. OS and RFS were analyzed by Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression conducted separately for UICC stages I–III, tumor location, and sex as well as by propensity score matching followed by univariable and multivariable survival analysis.

Results

Of 16,378 patients, 4540 (27.7%) underwent laparoscopic surgery, a trend which increased during the observation period. Patients undergoing laparoscopy attained better results for 90-day mortality (odds ratio, OR 0.658, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.526–0.822). The 5-year OS rate in the laparoscopic group was 82.6%, vs. 76.6% in the open surgery group, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.819 in multivariable Cox regression (95% CI 0.747–0.899, p < 0.001). The laparoscopic group showed a better 5-year RFS, with 81.8 vs. 74.3% and HR 0.770 (95% CI 0.705–0.842, p < 0.001). The 5-year relative survival rates were also in favor of laparoscopy, with 93.1 vs. 88.4% (p = 0.012).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer can be performed safely and, according to this study, is associated with an oncological outcome superior to that of the open procedure. Therefore, in the absence of individual contraindications, it should be considered as a standard approach.

[Quality indicators for colon cancer surgery : Evidence-based development of a set of indicators for the outcome quality]

BACKGROUND

Quality assessment in surgery is gaining in importance. Although sporadic recommendations for quality indicators (QI) in oncological colon surgery can be found in the literature, these are usually not systematically derived from a solid evidence base. Moreover, reference ranges for QI are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this initiative was the development of evidence-based QI for oncological colon resections by an expert panel invited by the German Society of General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV). Reference ranges from the literature and reference values from the Study, Documentation, and Quality Center (StuDoQ)|Colon Cancer Register were compared in order to deduce recommendations which are tailored to the German healthcare system.

RESULTS

Based on the most recent scientific evidence and agreed by expert consensus, five QI for oncological colon surgery were defined and evaluated according to the QUALIFY tool. Mortality, MTL30 (mortality, transfer to another acute care hospital, or length of stay ≥30 days), anastomotic leakage requiring reintervention, surgical site infections necessitating reopening of the wound and ≥12 lymph nodes in the specimen qualified as QI owing to their relevance, scientific nature, and practicability. Based on the results of the systematic literature search and the statistical analysis of the StuDoQ|Colon Cancer Register, preliminary reference values are proposed for each QI.

CONCLUSION

The presented set of QI seems appropriate for quality assessment of oncological colon surgery in the context of the German healthcare system. The validity of the QI and the reference values must be reviewed within the framework of their implementation. The StuDoQ|Colon Cancer Register provides a suitable infrastructure for collecting clinical data for quality assessment and risk adjustment.

Decentralized colorectal cancer care in Germany over the last decade is associated with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality

Purpose

Despite several national initiatives, centralization of cancer care in Germany remains insufficient for most malignancies. Currently, there is a plethora of centers, including 290 voluntary certified and audited colorectal cancer (CRC) centers by the end of 2017, in the nation with many patients still being treated outside of such centers. This study aimed to assess morbidity and mortality rates of surgical procedures for primary colorectal CRC in Germany over the last decade through a comprehensive unbiased analysis.

Patients and methods

We performed an analysis of the national diagnosis-related group inpatient statistics from 2005 to 2015 including all German hospitals. All patients who underwent surgeries for primary CRC during the study period were included.

Results

A total of 351,028 cases were analyzed (61.6% colonic and 38.4% rectal resections). The mortality rate of colonic resections remained high during the study period (4.9% in 2005 vs 4.5% in 2015; P=0.57). Reduced perioperative mortality after rectal surgery was observed only after 2012 compared to previous years (3.8% in 2005 vs 3.0% in 2015; P<0.001), with no further improvement. In-hospital morbidity such as anastomotic leak, wound infections, hemorrhage, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and lung embolism did not improve for either rectal or for colonic surgery, but in contrast, most outcomes deteriorated over time.

Conclusion

The present study challenges the current national health policies aiming to improve outcomes of surgical patients. CRC care in Germany remains decentralized with high in-hospital morbidity and mortality rates. New national strategies focusing on the implementation of centralization and high-quality CRC care are urgently needed.

Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision for Right-Sided Colon Cancer: Analysis of Feasibility and Safety from a Single Western Center

BACKGROUND

Colectomies performed according to complete mesocolic excision (CME) principles have demonstrated an improvement in the quality of surgical specimen and a potential improvement of long-term results. Laparoscopic CME right hemicolectomy is considered a demanding procedure and adopted in few centers from the West. The main purpose of this paper is to present a video showing our technique for laparoscopic CME right hemicolectomy and to analyze our short-term results to prove its safety.

METHODS

Data from 38 patients operated on at the Division of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, University of Verona Hospital Trust, between September 2014 and February 2017, were included in the study.

RESULTS

In the present series, 37% of patients were ≥75 years old, 32% of patients were ASA class 3, 46% of patients had ≥2 comorbidities, 30% of patients had BMI >28 and 17% of patients had ≥2 previous abdominal surgeries. Despite these unfavorable clinic characteristics, no mortality was observed, Clavien-Dindo ≥3 complications occurred in 13.1% and redo surgery in 5.3%. Good quality specimens were obtained with a mean (SD) length of 34.5±7.5 cm, a proximal margin of 16.8±9.2 cm and a distal margin of 14.3±6.4 cm. The mean (SD) number of harvested lymph nodes was 24.3 (8.3).

CONCLUSIONS

When implemented in a Western center, laparoscopic CME right hemicolectomy is feasible and safe and allows obtaining good quality specimens.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME: standardization using the "critical view" concept

Background

Complete mesocolic excision is gradually becoming an established oncologic surgical principle for right hemicolectomy. However, the procedure is technically demanding and carries the risk of serious complications, especially when performed laparoscopically. A standardized procedure that minimizes technical hazards and facilitates teaching is, therefore, highly desirable.

Methods

An expert group of surgeons and one anatomist met three times. The initial aim was to achieve consensus about the surgical anatomy before agreeing on a sequence for dissection in laparoscopic CME. This proposal was evaluated and discussed in an anatomy workshop using post-mortem body donors along with videos of process-informed procedures, leading to a definite consensus.

Results

In order to provide a clear picture of the surgical anatomy, the “open book” model was developed, consisting of symbolic pages representing the corresponding dissection planes (retroperitoneal, ileocolic, transverse mesocolic, and mesogastric), vascular relations, and radicality criteria. The description of the procedure is based on eight preparative milestones, which all serve as critical views of safety. The chosen sequence of the milestones was designed to maximize control during central vascular dissection. Failure to reach any of the critical views should alert the surgeon to a possible incorrect dissection and to consider converting to an open procedure.

Conclusion

Combining the open-book anatomical model with a clearly structured dissection sequence, using critical views as safety checkpoints, may provide a safe and efficient platform for teaching laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-018-6267-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer remains underutilized in Germany despite its nationwide application over the last decade

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has superior short-term outcomes than open surgery (OS) for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a nationwide dataset has not been analysed to confirm these findings. We evaluated the distribution and outcomes of MIS for CRC from 2005 to 2015; all in-patients with CRC surgery procedure codes were identified from hospital data, which are entered into the nationwide diagnosis-related group database and forwarded anonymised to the Federal Bureau of Statistics. We determined absolute MIS, morbidity, and mortality rates for specific sub-categories, including procedure type. We identified 345,913 in-patient files. The MIS rate increased from 6.4% (n = 2366; 2005) to 28.5% (n = 8363; 2015), with the highest rates for sigmoid colon (38%) and rectal (39%) resections. The overall conversion rate was 14.4%, without noticeable improvement over time. International Classification of Disease codes related to postoperative complications were documented more frequently after OS than after MIS. OS was associated with a higher mortality rate (4.7%) than MIS (1.8%) (P < 0.001), even after stratifying patients according to the resection site. Use of MIS remains low in Germany compared with that in other European countries. Underutilization of MIS has to be addressed in the future by promoting structured training programs and standardization of laparoscopic surgery.

Effects of laparoscopic surgery on survival, quality of care and utilization in patients with colon cancer: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Laparoscopy is a safe and effective treatment for colon cancer. However, its effects on short- and long-term health outcomes and medical utilization are not fully elucidated. This study aimed to compare short- and long-term utilization and health outcomes of colon cancer patients who underwent either laparoscopic or open surgery in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

This study was conducted by linking data from Taiwan Cancer Registry, National Health Insurance claims and Death Registry. Patients aged 18 and older with colon cancer between 2009 and 2012 were included in the study. Propensity score matching was used to minimize selection bias between laparoscopic and open surgery groups. Cox proportional hazard regression and generalized linear mixed logistic regression were used to test hypotheses.

RESULTS

Among the 11,269 colon cancer patients who underwent colectomy, 3236 (28.72%) received laparoscopy and 8033 (71.28%) underwent open surgery. Patients who received laparoscopic surgery had better overall survival (HR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70-0.97). These patients also had lower 30 day mortality (0.44% vs. 0.91%), lower 1 year mortality (2.83% vs. 4.68%), lower overall occurrence of complications (6.16% vs. 8.77%), shorter mean length of stay (12.53 vs. 14.93 days) and lower cost for index hospitalization (US$4325.34 vs. US$4453.90). No significant differences were observed in medical utilization over a period of 365 days after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that, in both the short- and long-term post-operation periods, laparoscopic surgery reduced the likelihood of postoperative complications, 30 day, and 1 year mortality while being no more expensive than open surgery for colon cancer.

Improved perioperative care is associated with improved long-term survival in colorectal cancer

PURPOSE

To compare perioperative colorectal cancer care and survival in patient cohorts operated in 2005 and in 2010 in Lithuania.

METHODS

Comparative observational cohort study was performed. The study was conducted in the three Lithuanian cancer hospitals. Patients, who underwent curative surgery for colorectal cancer in 2005 and 2010, were included. Demographic characteristics, distribution of the tumors, preoperative diagnostics and staging, surgical treatment, the quality of pathological examination, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. One- and 5-year overall survival data were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Colorectal cancer diagnostics and treatment improved from 2005 to 2010 significantly. The disease was identified as stage III-IV for 45 vs. 48% of the patients; however, computed tomography staging scan was performed only for 5.9 vs. 17.8% in 2005 and 2010, respectively. Laparoscopic operations were performed 1.5 vs. 10.5% and abdominoperineal resections-42.7 vs. 31.7% in 2005 and 2010, respectively. The number of harvested lymph nodes was mentioned in 55.8 vs. 97.7% of the cases, whereas more than 12 lymph nodes were examined in 18 vs. 66.6% of cases after histological examination. The overall 5-year survival was 52.1 vs. 63.1% (p < 0.0001), while the 5-year survival of the patients with stage IV of disease was 4.2 vs. 17.8% in 2005 and 2010, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative investigation, surgical treatment, pathological examination, and postoperative course are associated with improved overall survival in colorectal cancer patients, undergoing curative surgery in the resource-limited settings.

Long-term oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic vs. open colon cancer resection: a high-quality population-based analysis in a Southern German district

Background

Over 20 years after the introduction of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer, many surgeons still prefer the open approach. Whereas randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have proven the oncologic safety of laparoscopy, long-term data depicting daily clinical routine are scarce.

Methods

This population-based cohort study compares 5-year overall, relative, and recurrence-free survival rates after laparoscopic and open colon carcinoma surgery. Data derive from an independent German cancer registry encompassing all tumor patients within a political district of 1.1 million inhabitants. The final analysis included 2669 patients with major elective resection of primary non-metastatic colonic adenocarcinoma between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2013. Survival rates were compared using Kaplan–Meier analyses, relative survival models, and multivariate Cox regression. Sensitivity analysis quantified selection bias.

Results

The proportion of laparoscopic procedures increased from 9.7 to 25.8% in 2011 and dropped again to 15.8% at the end of observation period. Laparoscopy patients were younger, had a lower tumor stage, and were more likely to receive postoperative chemotherapy. Overall, relative, and recurrence-free survival was significantly superior or equivalent in Kaplan–Meier analysis (5-year overall survival rate open vs. laparoscopic: 69.0 vs. 80.2%, p < 0.001). The superiority of laparoscopy mostly remained stable after adjusting for confounders, although significance was only reached in T1-3 patients without lymph node metastases (overall survival: hazard ratio (HR) 0.654; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.446–0.958; p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Laparoscopy is a safe and promising alternative to the open approach in daily clinic practice. These favorable outcomes require future confirmation by high-quality studies outside the setting of RTCs.