Laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation in 600 right total mesocolectomies: Safety, prognostic factors and oncologic outcome

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes and Long-Term Survival Rates between Patients Who Underwent Robotic and Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision for Right-Sided Colon Cancer

Introduction: Right colon cancer often requires surgical intervention, and complete mesocolic excision (CME) has emerged as a standard procedure. The study aims to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of robotic and laparoscopic CME for patients with right colon cancer and 5-year survival rates examined to determine the outcomes. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent CME for right-sided colon cancer between 2014 and 2021 were included in this study. Group differences of age, body mass index, operation time, bleeding amount, total harvested lymph nodes, and postoperative stay were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Group differences of sex, American Society of Anesthesiology, and tumor, node, and metastasis stage were analyzed by the Chi-squared test. Disease-free and overall survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank Mantel-Cox test. Results: From 109 patients, 74 of them were 1:1 propensity score matched and used for analysis. Total harvested lymph node (P ≤ .001) and estimated blood loss (P = .031) were found to be statistically significant between the groups. We found no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of disease-free and overall survival (P = .27, .86, respectively), and the mortality rate was 9.17%, with no deaths directly attributed to the surgery. Conclusions: Study shows that minimally invasive surgery is a feasible option for CME in right colon cancers, with acceptable overall survival rates. Although the robotic approach has a higher lymph node yield, there was no significant difference in survival rates. Further randomized trials are needed to determine the clinical significance of both approaches.

Complete mesocolic excision for right hemicolectomy: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Complete mesocolic excision improves lymphadenectomy for right hemicolectomy and respects the embryological planes. However, its effect on cancer-free and overall survival is questioned. Therefore, we aimed to determine the potential benefits of the technique by performing a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the available evidence.

METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, and Embase were searched on February 22, 2023. Original studies on short- and long-term oncological outcomes of adult patients undergoing right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision as a treatment for primary colon cancer were considered for inclusion. Outcomes were extracted and pooled using a model with random effects.

RESULTS

A total of 586 publications were identified through database searching, and 18 from citation searching. Exclusion of 552 articles left 24 articles for inclusion. Meta-analysis showed that complete mesocolic excision increased the lymph node harvest (5 studies, 1479 patients, MD 9.62, 95% CI 5.83-13.41, p > 0.0001, I2 84%), 5-year overall survival (5 studies, 2381 patients, OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.14-3.09, p = 0.01, I2 66%), 5-year disease-free survival (4 studies, 1376 patients, OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.51-3.23, p < 0.0001, I2 0%) and decreased the incidence of local recurrence (4 studies, 818 patients, OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.79, p = 0.02, I2 0%) when compared to standard right hemicolectomy. Perioperative morbidity was similar between the techniques (8 studies, 3899 patients, OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.89-1.22, p = 0.97, I2 0%).

CONCLUSION

Meta-analysis of observational and randomised studies showed that right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision for primary right colon cancer improves oncologic results without increasing morbidity/mortality. These results need to be confirmed by high-quality evidence and randomised trials in selected patients to assess who may benefit from the procedure.

A Systematic Review of Varying Definitions and the Clinical Significance of Fredet's Fascia in the Era of Complete Mesocolic Excision

BACKGROUND

Fredet's fascia represents a crucial landmark for vascular surgical anatomy, especially in minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right-sided colon adenocarcinoma. Fredet's fascia allows access to the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GCTH), the most critical step in both open and minimally invasive right-sided CME techniques. Despite this, a recent workshop of expert surgeons on the standardization of the laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME did not recognize or include the term of Fredet's fascia or area. Hence, we undertook a systematic review of articles that include the terms "Fredet's fascia or area", or synonyms thereof, with special emphasis on the types of articles published, the nationality, and the relevance of this area to surgical treatments.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review up to 15 July 2022 on PubMed, WOS, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

The results of the study revealed that the term "Fredet's fascia" is poorly used in the English language medical literature. In addition, the study found controversial and conflicting data among authors regarding the definition of "Fredet's fascia" and its topographical limits.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of Fredet's fascia's surgical relevance is essential for colorectal surgeons to avoid accidental injuries to the superior mesenteric vascular pedicle during minimally invasive right hemicolectomies with CME. In order to avoid confusion and clarify this fascia for future use, we suggest moving beyond the use of the eponymous term by using a "descriptive term" instead, based on the fascia's anatomic structure. Fredet's fascia could, therefore, be more appropriately renamed "sub-mesocolic pre-duodenopancreatic fascia".

Association between plane of mesocolic dissection and recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer: a cohort study

AIM

Dissection in the mesocolic plane is considered by some medical professionals to be crucial in complete mesocolic excision. We aimed to assess whether intramesocolic plane dissection is associated with a risk of recurrence after complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colon cancer.

METHOD

This is a single-centre study based on prospectively registered data on patients undergoing resection for Union for International Cancer Control Stage I-III right-sided colon adenocarcinoma during the period 2010-2017. Patients were stratified in an intramesocolic plane group or a mesocolic plane group based on a prospective assessment of fresh specimens by a pathologist. Primary outcome was the 4.2 year risk of recurrence after inverse probability treatment weighting and competing risk analyses.

RESULTS

Of 383 patients, 4 (1%) were excluded as the specimen was assessed as muscularis propria plane, 347 (91.6%) specimens were deemed as mesocolic and 32 (8.4%) as intramesocolic. The 4.2 year cumulative incidence of recurrence after inverse probability treatment weighting was 9.1% (95% CI 6.0%-12.1%) in the mesocolic group compared with 14.0% (3.6%-24.5%) in the intramesocolic group with an absolute risk difference in favour of mesocolic plane dissection of 4.9% (-5.7 to 15.6, p = 0.37). No difference was observed in the risk of local recurrence, death before recurrence or overall survival after 4.2 years between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Mesocolic plane dissection can be achieved in more than 90% of patients. The classification seems to be a guide for good surgical practice and not to be used for research purposes.

"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.

Robot-assisted versus laparoscopic short- and long-term outcomes in complete mesocolic excision for right-sided colonic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) surgery is increasingly implemented for the resection of right-sided colonic cancer, possibly resulting in improved 5-year overall and disease-free survival compared to non-CME surgery. However, it is not clear what surgical platform should be used. The aim of this study was to compare the following outcomes between robot-assisted and laparoscopic CME-surgery for right-sided colonic cancer: (i) short-term clinical outcomes, (ii) pathological specimen quality, and (iii) long-term oncological outcomes.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched from inception until August 2021. Pooled proportions were calculated by applying the inverse variance method. Heterogeneity was explored by I-square and supplemented by sensitivity- and meta-regression analyses. The risk of bias was evaluated by either MINORS or Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2).

RESULTS

Fifty-five studies with 5.357 patients (740 robot-assisted and 4617 laparoscopic) were included in the meta-analysis. Overall postoperative morbidity was 17% [95% CI (14-20%)] in the robot-assisted group and 13% [95%CI (12-13%)] in the laparoscopic group. Robot-assisted CME was associated with a shorter hospital stay, lower intraoperative blood loss, a higher amount of harvested lymph nodes, and better 3-year oerall and disease-free survival. MINORS and RoB2 indicated a serious risk of bias across studies included.

CONCLUSIONS

This review which includes predominantly non-randomized studies suggests a possible advantage of the robot-assisted CME compared with a laparoscopic technique for several short-term outcomes.

Pattern of recurrence and survival after D2 right colectomy for cancer: is there place for a routine more extended lymphadenectomy?

BACKGROUND

Conventional Right Colectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy (RC-D2) currently represent the most common surgical treatment of right-sided colon cancer (RCC). However, whether it should be still considered a standard of care, or replaced by a routine more extended D3 lymphadenectomy remains unclear. In the present study, we aim to critically review the patterns of relapse and the survival outcomes obtained from our 11-year experience of RC-D2.

METHODS

Clinical data of 489 patients who underwent RC-D2 for RCC at two centres, from January 2009 to January 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with synchronous distant metastases and/or widespread nodal involvement at diagnosis were excluded. Post-operative clinical-pathological characteristics and survival outcomes were evaluated including the pattern of disease relapse.

RESULTS

We enrolled a total of 400 patients with information follow-up. Postoperative morbidity was 14%. The median follow-up was 62 months. Cancer recurrence was observed in 55 patients (13.8%). Among them, 40 patients (72.7%) developed systemic metastases, and lymph-node involvement was found in 7 cases (12.8%). None developed isolated central lymph-node metastasis (CLM), in the D3 site. The estimated 3- and 5-year relapse-free survival were 86.1% and 84.4%, respectively. The estimated 3- and 5-year cancer-specific OS were 94.5% and 92.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of isolated CLM, as well as the cancer-specific OS reported in our series, support the routine use of RC-D2 for RCC. However, D3 lymphadenectomy may be recommended in selected patients, such as those with pre-operatively known CLM, or with lymph-node metastases close to the origin of the ileocolic vessels.

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.

Complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation in colorectal cancer in the era of minimally invasive surgery

Since the 19^th century, appropriate lymphadenectomy has been considered a cornerstone of oncologic surgery and one of the most important prognostic factors. This approach can be applied to any surgery for gastrointestinal cancer. During surgery for colon and rectal cancer, an adequate portion of the mesentery is removed together with the segment of bowel affected by the disease. The adequate number of lymph nodes to be removed is standardized and reported by several guidelines. It is mandatory to determine the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy and to balance its oncological benefits with the increased morbidity associated with its execution in cancer patients. Our review focuses on the concept of “complete mesenteric excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL),” a radical lymphadenectomy for colorectal cancer that has gained increasing interest in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of this approach over the years, its potential oncologic benefits and potential risks, and the improvements offered by laparoscopic techniques. Theoretical advantages of CME are improved local-relapse rates due to complete removal of the intact mesocolic fascia and improved distance recurrence rates due to ligation of vessels at their origin (CVL) which guarantees removal of a larger number of lymph nodes. The development and worldwide diffusion of laparoscopic techniques minimized postoperative trauma in oncologic surgery, providing the same oncologic results as open surgery. This has been widely applied to colorectal cancer surgery; however, CME entails a technical complexity that can limit its wide minimally-invasive application. This review analyzes results of these procedures in terms of oncological outcomes, technical feasibility and complexity, especially within the context of minimally invasive surgery.

Right-side colectomy with complete mesocolic excision vs conventional right-side colectomy in the treatment of colon cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This meta-analysis aims to investigate the role of complete mesocolic excision (CME) in the treatment of right-side colon cancer when compared with standard right-side hemicolectomy, focusing on oncological outcomes, mortality and morbidity rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE archives, including studies on CME in right-side colon cancer. Primary outcomes were five-year disease-free survival and five-year overall survival. Secondary outcomes investigated were mortality and morbidity rates, intraoperative blood loss, anastomotic leakage, postoperative ileus, day of postoperative flatus, pulmonary infection, duration of hospital stay and number of lymph nodes harvested.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies have been included in this meta-analysis for a total of 3918 patients. The five-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) results improved in the CME group with respect to conventional right-side colectomy with an OR 1.88 (95% CI 1.02-3.45) and OR 2.77 (95% CI 1.33-5.74), respectively. The incidence of mortality and morbidity was comparable between the two groups. Moreover, conventional surgery time was faster than CME (MD 33.69 min, 95% CI 12.79-54.59), while no significant differences were reported in mean blood loss and hospital stay. Furthermore, the CME group showed a higher mean number of harvested lymph nodes (MD 7.08 lymph nodes 95% CI 4.90-9.27).

CONCLUSION

Complete mesocolic excision of the right-side colectomy improves oncological outcomes without increasing mortality and morbidity rates compared to standard right-side hemicolectomy. CME should therefore be routinely performed in the treatment of right-side colon cancer.

Central vascular ligation and mesentery based abdominal surgery

In the nineteenth century the idea of a correct surgical approach in oncologic surgery moved towards a good lymphadenectomy. In colon cancer the segment is removed with adjacent mesentery, in gastric cancer or pancreatic cancer a good oncologic resection is obtained with adequate lymphadenectomy. Many guidelines propose a minimal lymph node count that the surgeon must obtain. Therefore, it is essential to understand the adequate extent of lymphadenectomy to be performed in cancer surgery. In this review of the current literature, the focus is on "central vascular ligation", understood as radical lymphadenectomy in upper and lower gastrointestinal cancer, the evolution of this approach during the years and the improvement of laparoscopic techniques. For what concerns laparoscopic surgery, the main goal is to minimize post-operative trauma introducing the "less is more" concept whilst preserving attention for oncological outcomes. This review will demonstrate the importance of a scientifically based standardization of oncologic gastrointestinal surgery, especially in relation to the expansion of minimally invasive surgery and underlines the importance to further investigate through new randomized trials the role of extended lymphadenectomy in the new era of a multimodal approach, and most importantly, an era where minimally invasive techniques and the idea of "less is more" are becoming the standard thought for the surgical approach.

Securing the surgical field for mobilization of right-sided colon cancer using the duodenum-first multidirectional approach in laparoscopic surgery

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcomes of the duodenum-first multidirectional approach (DMA) in laparoscopic right colectomy with those of the conventional medial approach to assess its safety and feasibility.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 120 patients who had laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon cancer in our institution between April 2013 and December 2019. Fifty-four patients underwent colectomy using the multidirectional approach; among these, 20 underwent the DMA and 34 underwent the caudal-first multidirectional approach (CMA). Sixty-six patients underwent the conventional medial approach. Complications within 30 days of surgery were compared between the groups.

Results

There were 54 patients in the multidirectional group [29 females, median age 72 years (range 36–91 years)] and 66 in the medial group [42 females, median age 72 years (range 41–91 years)]. Total operative time was significantly shorter in multidirectional approach patients than conventional medial approach patients (208 min vs. 271 min; p = 0.01) and significantly shorter in patients who underwent the DMA compared to the CMA (201 min vs. 269 min; p < 0.001). Operative time for the mobilization procedure was also significantly shorter in patients who underwent the DMA (131 min vs. 181 min; p < 0.001). Blood loss and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ. In 77 patients with advanced T3/T4 tumors, the DMA, CMA, and conventional medial approach were performed in 13, 21, and 43 patients, respectively. Total operative time and operative time of the mobilization procedure were significantly shorter in patients undergoing DMA. Blood loss and incidence of postoperative complications did not differ. R0 resection was achieved in all patients with advanced tumors.

Conclusions

The DMA in laparoscopic right colectomy is safe and feasible and can achieve R0 resection with a shorter operative time than the conventional medial approach, even in patients with advanced tumors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10151-021-02444-5.

Complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy with central vascular ligation in right-sided colon cancer: a systematic review of postoperative outcomes, tumor recurrence and overall survival

BACKGROUND

In right-sided colon cancer surgery, currently there is a great deal of discussion and debate regarding complete mesocolic excision (CME) versus conventional right hemicolectomy (CRH) on postoperative outcomes and oncological results. Our aim was to perform a systematic review of the short- and long-term outcomes of CME to standardize surgical approach in patients with right-sided colon cancer.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed examining available data on randomized and non-randomized studies evaluating the role of CME and D3 lymphadenectomy in the treatment of right-sided colon cancer, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) standards.

RESULTS

After literature search, 919 studies have been recorded, 110 studies underwent full-text reviews and 30 studies met inclusion criteria. The total number of CME procedures was 5931. Postoperative complications was reported in 28 studies with pooled overall complications of 1.88% for CME surgery. Six studies reported 0% of overall postoperative complications and they demonstrated a low incidence of complications following CME procedure. Anastomotic leak was reported in 27 studies with pooled proportion of 0.92% after CME resections. There were 16 papers reporting overall survival following CME procedure, with a mean of 85% of patients survived at 5 years. Mean 5-year overall survival was 93.05% in stage I patients, 89.76% in stage II patients and 79.65% in stage III patients. Local and distant recurrence were included in 21 studies, reporting tumor recurrence rate of 12.25% following CME. 5-year tumor recurrence was 5.8% in stage I patients, 7.68% in stage II patients and 15.69% in stage III patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CME does not increase the risk of postoperative complications and significantly improves the long-term oncological impact. Prospective multicentre studies results are needed to verify if CME could be considered standard surgery for right colon cancer.

Robotic complete mesocolic excision versus conventional robotic right colectomy for right-sided colon cancer: a comparative study of perioperative outcomes

AIM

This study aims to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic complete mesocolic excision (RCME) versus conventional robotic right colectomy (RRC) for right-sided colon cancer.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery for right-sided colon cancer in a public quaternary and a private tertiary healthcare centre between November 2018 and June 2020 were included. Clinical, perioperative and histopathological variables were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included; 25 (49%) of them had an RCME. The groups were evenly distributed in terms of demographic characteristics and tumour location. Operative time was similar between both groups, and no patients required conversion to open surgery. There were no differences in overall complications (16% in RCME vs. 26.9% in RRC; p = 0.499) or their profile between groups. There were no anastomotic leaks recorded, and the reoperation rates were similar (0% for RCME versus 3.8% for RRC; p = 1). In addition, the median length of hospital stay was similar in between the RCME and the RRC groups (4 [4-6] days versus 5 [3-8.5] days, respectively; p = 0.891). Whilst there were no differences in the TNM staging, the mean number of lymph nodes harvested with RCME was 37.7 (±12.9) compared to 21.8 (±7.5) with RCC (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our series, RCME was associated with a higher lymph node harvest and a similar morbidity profile compared to RCC. Further studies are required to validate these results and provide long-term oncologic outcomes.

Oncological reasons for performing a complete mesocolic excision: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

While complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been shown to have an oncological benefit as compared to conventional colonic surgery for colon surgery, this benefit must be weighed up against the risk of major intra-abdominal complications. This paper aimed to assess the comparative oncological benefits of CME.

METHODS

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines, a systematic review of the literature until May 2020 was performed. Comparative studies assessing CME versus conventional colonic surgery for colon cancer were compared, and outcomes were pooled.

RESULTS

A total of 700 publications were identified, of which 19 were found to meet the inclusion criteria. A total of 25 886 patients were compared, with 14 431 patients in the CME arm. CME was associated with a significantly higher rate of vascular injury (odds ratio 3, P < 0.001). Rates of local and distant recurrence were lower in the CME group (odds ratio 0.66 and 0.73, respectively, both P < 0.001). CME patients had a significantly higher lymph node yield (P < 0.001). While no significant differences were noted between the two groups in terms of pooled 3- or 5-year disease-free survival, pooled 5-year overall survival was significantly higher in the CME group (relative risk 0.82, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on the available evidence, CME is associated with improved oncologic outcomes at the expense of higher complication rates, including vascular injury. The oncological benefits need to weighed up against a multitude of factors including the level of hospital support, surgeon experience, patient age, and associated comorbidities.

Complete mesocolic excision in minimally invasive surgery of colonic cancer: do we need the robot?

Background

Robotic surgery offers favorable prerequisites for complex minimally invasive surgeries which are delivered by higher degrees of freedom, improved instrument stability, and a perfect visualization in 3D which is fully surgeon controlled. In this article we aim to assess its impact on complete mesocolic excision (CME) in colon cancer and to answer the question of whether the current evidence expresses a need for robotic surgery for this indication.

Methods

Retrospective analysis and review of the current literature on complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer comparing the outcome after open, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches.

Results

Complete mesocolic excision results in improved disease-free survival and reduced local recurrence, but turns out to be complex and prone to complications. Introduced in open surgery, the transfer to minimally invasive surgery resulted in comparable results, however, with high conversion rates. In comparison, robotic surgery shows a reduced conversion rate and a tendency toward higher lymph node yield. Data, however, are insufficient and no high-quality studies have been published to date. Almost no oncologic follow-up data are available in the literature.

Conclusion

The current data do not allow for a reliable conclusion on the need of robotic surgery for CME, but show results which hypothesize an equivalence if not superiority to laparoscopy. Due to recently published technical improvements for robotic CME and supplementary features of this method, we suppose that this approach will gain in importance in the future.

Robotic complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation for right-sided colon cancer: short-term outcomes from a case series

BACKGROUND

Despite conflicting data regarding oncological outcomes, studies demonstrate that complete mesocolic excision (CME) and central vascular ligation (CVL) for right-sided colon cancer removes significantly more tissue and yields higher lymph node counts when compared to conventional resection. This study aims to report the safety profile of CME and CVL in patients undergoing robotic surgery for right-sided colon cancer during the introduction of this technique across two institutions.

METHODS

Patients who underwent an elective robotic right colectomy with CME and CVL for right-sided colon cancer in a public quaternary and a private tertiary healthcare centre between November 2018 and April 2020 were included. Demographic, clinical, perioperative and histopathological variables were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (13 females) with a median age of 69 (23-83) years and median body mass index of 27 (19-46) were included. All of them had a pre-operative diagnosis of right-sided colon adenocarcinoma. Median operative time and blood loss were 140 (130-300) min and 30 (20-100) mL, respectively. There were no conversions or intra-operative complications. There were two post-operative complications recorded (one ileus and one intra-abdominal collection treated with intravenous antibiotics) and no re-interventions. Median length of stay was 4 (2-8) days. All patients had an R0 resection, and the median lymph node yield was 36 (22-80) lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

This series demonstrates a safe introduction of robotic CME and CVL in patients with right-sided colon cancer. The lymph node harvest obtained with CME and CVL in this setting was high.

Recurrence and Long-Term Survival Following Segmental Colectomy for Right-Sided Colon Cancer in 813 Patients: a Single-Institution Study

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists regarding optimal surgical approach to right-sided colon cancer due to increasing complete mesocolic excision outcome data; yet, scarce long-term surgical and oncologic outcome data from high-volume centers following right segmental resections without complete mesocolic excision make comparisons difficult to interpret. We report long-term outcomes following standard mesocolic excision for right-sided colon adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective database was conducted of all consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for a right-sided colon adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2007. Demographics, oncologic, operative, and pathologic details are reported. Primary endpoints consisted of overall survival and recurrence. Patients with stage IV and recurrent disease were excluded.

RESULTS

Eight hundred thirteen patients were identified. Majority of tumors were stage II (n = 318, 39%). Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 228 patients (28%). Recurrence was observed in 97 patients (12%), at median 1.3 years. Recurrence was most commonly distant (n = 73, 9%). At median follow-up 7.3 years, 5- and 10-year overall survival was 72.4%, and 48.6%, respectively. Five- and 10-year disease-free survival was 67% and 45.8%, respectively. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that TNM stage was a significant predictor of recurrence. For disease-free survival, T stage, and N stage were significant on multivariate analysis. Multivariable predictors of overall survival included age, number of lymph nodes removed, N stage, and adjuvant chemotherapy use.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent long-term outcomes from a large cohort of patients with non-metastatic, right colon adenocarcinoma treated by segmental colectomy without complete mesocolic excision are reported. The majority of recurrences were distant.

A Proposal for Novel Standards of Histopathology Reporting for D3 Lymphadenectomy in Right Colon Cancer: The Mesocolic Sail and Superior Right Colic Vein Landmarks

BACKGROUND

Strong agreement exists concerning the standards of pathologic reporting for total mesorectal excision and complete mesocolic excision. It represents a quality standard that correlates with survival. However, no agreed standards of reporting are available to define D3 lymphadenectomy for right colectomy.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to define anatomopathological standards of specimen quality obtained from the surgical specimen when an oncologic right hemicolectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy has been correctly performed.

DESIGN

This study was conducted in 2 different phases. The first part consisted of a cadaver-based study of right colon anatomy, and the second part consisted of a prospective assessment of a series of surgical specimens obtained after right hemicolectomy for cancer.

SETTINGS

The anatomic phase of the study was performed in collaboration with the University of Valencia Department of Anatomy and Embryology. The second part was performed at a colorectal unit of a tertiary hospital.

PATIENTS

Seventeen cadavers were used for the first phase, and 65 surgical specimens were examined for the second part of the study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

In each specimen, the pathologists looked for anatomic structures defined as markers of quality standards of the D3 lymphadenectomy during the first phase. Specimens were classified as complete, partial, and incomplete D3 lymphadenectomy.

RESULTS

Twenty percent of specimens were classified as incomplete D3 lymphadenectomy, 31% as partial, and 49% as complete. A median number of 14 (6-64), 22 (11-47), and 29 (14-55) lymph nodes were isolated (p = 0.01). Similarly, the median numbers of lymph nodes isolated in the area of D3 lymphadenectomy were 0 in incomplete, 1 (0-5) in Partial, and 3 (0-8) in Complete D3 lymphadenectomy specimens (p = 0.0001).

LIMITATIONS

A large multicenter study with adequate power is needed.

CONCLUSIONS

We propose the right mesocolic sail and trunk of superior right colic vein as new and reproducible anatomopathologic standards of D3 lymphadenectomy in oncologic right hemicolectomy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B149. PROPUESTA PARA NUEVOS ESTÁNDARES HISTOPATOLÓGICOS EN LA LINFADENECTOMÍA D3 EN EL CÁNCER DE COLON DERECHO: LA VELA MESOCÓLICA Y LA VENA CÓLICA DERECHA SUPERIOR: Existe un claro acuerdo sobre los estándares de calidad patológicos para la escisión total del mesorrecto y la escisión completa del mesocolon. Son considerados "estándar de calidad" que se correlaciona con la supervivencia. Sin embargo, no se dispone de estándares de calidad para definir la linfadenectomía D3, en la colectomía derecha.Definir los estándares anatomopatológicos de calidad obtenidos de una muestra quirúrgica, cuando se ha realizado correctamente una hemicolectomía derecha oncológica, con linfadenectomía D3.Dos fases diferentes. La primera parte consistió en un estudio basado en la anatomía del colon derecho, realizado en cadáveres, y la segunda parte consistió en una evaluación prospectiva de una serie de muestras quirúrgicas obtenidas después de la hemicolectomía derecha para cáncer.La fase anatómica del estudio se realizó en colaboración con el Departamento de Anatomía y Embriología de la Universidad de Valencia. La segunda parte se realizó en la Unidad Colorrectal de un hospital terciario.Se utilizaron diecisiete cadáveres para la primera fase y se examinaron 65 muestras quirúrgicas para la segunda parte del estudio.En cada muestra, los patólogos buscaron estructuras anatómicas definidas, como marcadores de los estándares de calidad de la linfadenectomía D3, durante la primera fase. Las muestras se clasificaron como linfadenectomía D3 completa, parcial e incompleta.El veinte por ciento de las muestras se clasificaron como "Linfadenectomía D3 Incompleta", el 31% como "Parcial" y el 49% como "Completa." Se aisló una media de 14 (6-64), 22 (11-47) y 29 (14-55) ganglios linfáticos respectivamente (p = 0,01). Del mismo modo, el número medio de ganglios linfáticos aislados en el área de la linfadenectomía D3 fue 0 en "Incompleta", 1 (0-5) en "Parcial" y 3 (0-8) en muestras de "Linfadenectomía D3 Completa" (p = 0,0001).Se necesita un estudio multicéntrico con potencia adecuada.Proponemos la vela mesocólica derecha y el tronco de la vena cólica derecha superior, como estándares anatomopatológicos nuevos y reproducibles de linfadenectomía D3, en hemicolectomía derecha oncológica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B149.

Robotic Complete Mesocolic Excision Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hemicolectomy for Right-Sided Colon Cancer

Background: Robotic technique has been proposed to overcome the limitations of laparoscopic surgery. In this study, we aimed at determining whether robotic complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right-sided colon cancer can be safe and effective as conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (CLRH). Materials and Methods: Between February 2015 and September 2017, patients undergoing robotic right CME and CLRH with curative intent for right-sided colon cancer were included. Patient characteristics, short-term and histopathological outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: Ninety-six patients (robotic, n = 35) were included in this study. The operative time (286 ± 77 versus 132 ± 40 minutes, P = .0001) was significantly longer in the robotic group. There were no conversions in either group. No significant differences existed between the groups regarding the mean estimated blood loss, time to first flatus, length of hospital stay (6 ± 3 versus 6 ± 3 days, P = .64), and follow-up times (robotic 15 ± 8 versus laparoscopic 16 ± 10 months P = .11). Overall complication rates (n = 10 [29%] versus n = 15 [25%], P = .67) were similar. In the robotic group, vascular injury occurred in 2 patients, and both were repaired robotically. The mean number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly higher (41 ± 12 versus 33 ± 10, P = .04) and length between the vascular tie and colonic wall was longer (13 ± 3.5 versus 11 ± 3, P = .02) in the robotic group. Conclusion: Although robotic right CME seems equally safe to CLRH in terms of short-term morbidity, future prospective randomized trials are needed to define its role for treatment of right colectomy.

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.

Risk Factors for Complications following Introduction of Radical Surgery for Colon Cancer: A Consecutive Patient Series

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer surgery is standardized, resulting in improved survival. Colon cancer has fallen behind and therefore more radical surgical techniques have been introduced. One technique is complete mesocolic excision. The aim of this article was to study the complications after the introduction of standardized complete mesocolic excision in a single center.

METHODS

Complete mesocolic excision was introduced in 2007, and data were collected from 286 patients prior to surgery (2007-2010). The surgeon decided on open or laparoscopic surgery. Follow-up information was recorded until 31 December 2015. Complications were classified according to a modified Clavien-Dindo classification.

RESULTS

Complications occurred in 47%, severe complications (grade III and IV) in 15%. In-hospital mortality was 3.5%. A total of 142 patients (49.7%) were operated by open surgery. Logistic regression revealed anemia (p = 0.001), open surgery (p < 0.001), and long operating time (p < 0.001) as significant factors for complications in general. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that severe complications occurred more often in males (odds ratio: 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 0.98-6.68), patients with anemia (odds ratio: 3.49; 95% confidence interval: 1.27-9.60), elevated body mass index (odds ratio: 1.14; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.28), and in open surgery (odds ratio: 9.95; 95% confidence interval: 2.58-38.35). Age was not associated with severe complications. Survival was not significantly influenced by complications. Overall survival (5 years) was 90% among patients with complications and 92% among those without complications.

CONCLUSION

Severe complications following the introduction of complete mesocolic excision are patient dependent and related to open surgery. Patients selected for laparoscopy had less number of complications; therefore, introducing complete mesocolic excision by laparoscopy is justified. Identification of these factors can improve selection of appropriate surgical approach and postoperative patient safety.

Surgical Anatomy of the Superior Mesenteric Vessels Related to Colon and Pancreatic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The surgeon dissecting the base of the mesenterium, around the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and artery, is facing a complex tridimensional vascular anatomy and should be aware of the anatomical variants in this area. The aim of this systematic review is to propose a standardized terminology of the superior mesenteric vessels, with impact in colon and pancreatic resections. We conducted a systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases up to March 2017. Forty-five studies, involving a total of 6090 specimens were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of the ileocolic, right colic and middle colic arteries was 99.8%, 60.1%, and 94.6%, respectively. The superior right colic vein and Henle trunk were present in 73.9%, and 89.7% of specimens, respectively. In conclusion, the infra-pancreatic anatomy of the superior mesenteric vessels is widely variable. We propose the term Henle trunk to be used for any venous confluence between gastric, pancreatic and colic veins, which drains between the inferior border of the pancreas and up to 20 mm downward on the right-anterior aspect of the SMV. The term gastrocolic trunk should not be synonymous, but a subgroup of the Henle trunk, together with to gastropancreatocolic, gastropancreatic, or colopancreatic trunk.

Implementing complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer - mission completed?

The definition of complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colon carcinomas revolutionized the way of colon surgery. This technique conquered the world starting from Erlangen. Nevertheless, currently new developments especially in minimally invasive surgery challenge CME to become settled as a standard of care. To understand the evolution of CME, anatomical details occurring during embryogenesis and their variations have to be considered. This knowledge is indispensable to transfer CME from an open to a minimally invasive setting. Conventional surgery for colon cancer (non-CME) has a morbidity of 12.1–28.5% and a 3.7% mortality risk vs. 12–36.4% morbidity and 2.1–3% mortality for open CME. The morbidity of laparoscopic CME is between 4 and 31% with a mortality of 0.5–0.9%. In robotic assisted surgery, morbidity between 10 and 25% with a mortality of 1% was published. The cancer-related survival after 3 and 5 years for open CME is respectively 91.3–95% and 90% vs. 87% and 74% for non-CME. For laparoscopic CME the 3- and 5-year cancer-related survival is 87.8–97% and 79.5–80.2%. In stage UICC III the 3- and 5-year cancer-related survival is 83.9% and 80.8% in the Erlangen data of open technique vs. 75.4% and 65.5–71.7% for laparoscopic surgery. For stage UICC III the 3- and 5-year local tumor recurrence is 3.8%. The published data and the results from Erlangen demonstrate that CME is safe in experienced hands with no increased morbidity. It offers an obvious survival benefit for the patients which can be achieved solely by surgery. Teaching programs are needed for minimally invasive CME to facilitate this technique in the same quality compared to open surgery. Passing these challenges CME will become the standard of care for patients with colon carcinomas offering all benefits of minimally invasive surgery and oncological outcome.

Safety, quality and effect of complete mesocolic excision vs non-complete mesocolic excision in patients with colon cancer: a systemic review and meta-analysis

AIM

The application of complete mesocolic excision (CME) in colon cancer is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety, quality and effect of CME with non-complete mesocolic excision (NCME) in patients with colon cancer.

METHOD

We searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, the Cochrane Library and Scopus to identify studies comparing CME with NCME in colon cancer. We focused on three study outcome areas: safety (operation time, blood loss, complications, mortality); quality (large bowel length, distance from the tumour to the high vascular tie, area of mesentery, total lymph nodes); and effect (long-term survival).

RESULTS

A total of 8586 patients from 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. CME was associated with greater intra-operative blood loss [weighted mean difference (WMD) 79.87, 95% CI: 65.88-93.86], more postoperative surgical complications (relative risk 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40), longer large bowel resection (WMD 47.06, 95% CI: 10.49-83.62), greater distance from the tumour to the high vascular tie (WMD 17.51, 95% CI: 15.16-19.87), larger area of mesentery (WMD 36.09, 95% CI: 18.06-54.13) and more lymph nodes (WMD 6.13, 95% CI: 1.97-10.28) than NCME. CME also had positive effects on 5-year survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.33, 95% CI: 0.13-0.81], 3-year survival (HR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.86) and 3-year survival for Stage III disease (HR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.60-0.80) compared with NCME.

CONCLUSION

Limited evidence suggests that CME is a more effective strategy for improving specimen quality and survival but with a higher complication rate.