Abdominoperineal Resection for Rectal Cancer: Historic Perspective and Current Issues

A technique for laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy with an intact posterior sheath of rectus

Regardless of the advances in surgical techniques, parastomal hernia is still an inevitable complication for many patients with low rectal cancer undergoing abdominal perineal resection (APR). Extraperitoneal colostomy (EPC) seems to be a effective method to reduce the risk of parastomal hernia. We propose a new approach to simplify and standardize laparoscopic EPC to make this operation easy to perform. We used the technique of laparoscopic TEP groin hernia repair to produce an extraperitoneal tunnel, which can not only facilitate precise visualization of the extraperitoneal tunnel but also utilize the intact posterior rectus abdominis sheath as biologic materials to maintain soft-tissue augmentation, with a satisfactory result. With laparoscopy, we can create adequate space without insufficient dissection of the extraperitoneal tunnel while avoiding damage to the retrorectus sheath. At the time of writing, we had performed this method in four patients, without any complications. This technique is effective at preventing parastomal hernia without extra costs.

Extraperitoneal colostomy after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection using a cannula for tunnel creation through a trocar port

BACKGROUND

Extraperitoneal colostomy (EPC) after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection (APR) remains a challenge for surgeons. This study aims to summarize our laparoscopic EPC method and assess its effects versus a transperitoneal colostomy (TPC) for patients with rectal tumors.

METHODS

A total of 133 patients with rectal cancer treated with laparoscopic APR between May 2009 and May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data, including demographics, comorbidities, tumor stage, colostomy duration, and complications were compared between the EPC group and the TPC group.

RESULTS

The EPC group included 83 patients whose extraperitoneal tunnels were created using a cannula through a trocar port, and the TPC group included 50 patients whose stomata were formed traditionally. There were no differences in colostomy time [(23.1 ± 6) min vs. (21.4 ± 4) min, P = 0.078], number of parastomal dermatitis patients (5 vs. 2, P = 0.916), or number of stomal stenoses (1 vs. 1, P = 0.715) between the EPC and TPC groups. No cases of parastomal hernia developed in the EPC group, whereas 4 patients were diagnosed with a parastomal hernia; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic EPC have a lower incidence of parastomal hernia than TPC. It is easy and inexpensive to create an extraperitoneal tunnel using a cannula through a trocar port.

Nonsurgical Management of Rectal Cancer

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical resection is the standard of care for locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma. Up to one third of patients achieve pathologic complete response (CR) with neoadjuvant therapy. Promising disease-free and overall survival outcomes have been reported in patients who achieve clinical CR after neoadjuvant therapy without surgical resection. Furthermore, patients who have local recurrence have acceptable disease control outcomes with salvage resection. With consideration of morbidities associated with surgical resection and similar clinical outcomes, interest in nonsurgical management of low rectal cancers has emerged. Randomized clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate a nonsurgical approach in rectal cancer. Lack of consensus on the definition of clinical CR, molecular biomarkers, and standardized nonsurgical management protocols is a significant barrier for routine clinical implementation of a nonsurgical management approach. This article aims to provide a concise review of the clinical experience and practical approach to the nonsurgical management of locoregional rectal adenocarcinoma.

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy creates an opportunity to perform sphincter preserving resection for low-lying locally advanced rectal cancer based on an oncologic outcome study

Low-lying locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) can be surgically removed by either abdominperineal resection (APR) or sphincter preserving resection (SPR). This retrospective cohort study of 251 consecutive patients with low lying LARC who underwent CRT followed by radical surgery in a single institute, between March 2003 and November 2012, aimed to compare the oncological benefits between the two groups. 3-year disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), cumulative incidence of recurrence and postoperative complications were compared between the two approaches. With median follow-up of 48.6 months, SPR group had higher 3-year DFS rate (86.4% vs 73.6%, P=0.023) and lower incidence of distant recurrence (12.0% vs 23.7%, P=0.026). The postoperative complications, incidence of local recurrence and the 3-year OS were comparable between the two groups. Pathologic T and N stage were the independent predictors for 3-year DFS (P=0.020 and P<0.001). In conclusion, our study suggest that low-lying LARC patients with a significant response to preoperative CRT can benefit from the advantage of SPR in preserving the anal sphincter function without compromising their oncologic outcome.

Structured Reporting of Rectal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Suspected Primary Rectal Cancer: Potential Benefits for Surgical Planning and Interdisciplinary Communication

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of structured reports (SRs) in comparison to nonstructured, free-text (FT) rectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports in patients with histologically proven rectal cancer and potential effects of both types of reporting on referring surgeons' satisfaction, interdisciplinary communication, and further clinical decision making.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The institutional review board approved this retrospective study with waiver of informed consent. Forty-nine patients with histologically proven rectal cancer were included in this study. All patients underwent rectal MRI for local rectal cancer staging before surgery. Free-text reports and SRs for local MR staging of rectal cancer were generated for all subjects by radiologists. Two experienced abdominal surgeons evaluated a questionnaire that included 9 questions regarding satisfaction with content, presence of reported key features, effort for information extraction, and report quality.

RESULTS

Structured reports achieved significantly higher satisfaction rates with report content and clarity, and included significantly more of the 13 predefined key features compared with FT reports (SRs: mean ± SD, 12.2 ± 4.6 [range, 9-13] versus FT reports: mean ± SD, 9.2 ± 10.8 [range, 5-13]) (P < 0.001). Definite further clinical decision making (surgery vs neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy) was possible in 96% of SRs and only in 60% of FT reports (P < 0.001). In case of surgery, the reported information was considered to be sufficient for surgical planning in 94% of SRs versus only 38% in FT reports (P < 0.001). Structured report received a significantly higher overall report quality rated on a Likert scale from 1 to 6 (1, insufficient; 6, excellent) with a mean of 5.8 ± 0.42 (range, 5-6) in comparison to FT reports with 3.6 ± 1.19 (range, 1-5) (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Structured reporting of rectal MRI in patients with rectal cancer facilitates surgical planning and leads to a higher satisfaction level of referring surgeons in comparison to FT reports. Abdominal surgeons were more confident about report correctness and further clinical decision making on the basis of SRs.

Risk factors for wound complications after abdominoperineal excision: analysis of the ACS NSQIP database

AIM

The perineal wound following abdominoperineal excision (APR) is associated with a high complication rate. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for wound complications and examine the effect of flap reconstruction on wound healing.

METHOD

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was searched for patients who underwent APR for rectal adenocarcinoma. They were divided into two groups: primary closure of the perineal wound and flap reconstruction. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for deep surgical site infection (SSI) and wound dehiscence.

RESULTS

A total of 8449 (94%) patients from the database underwent primary closure and 550 (6%) underwent flap reconstruction. Patients who underwent flap reconstruction had a longer operation time, a higher incidence of deep SSI, wound dehiscence, more blood transfusion requirement and a higher rate of return to the operating room (all P < 0.001). Risk factors for deep SSI were African American race (OR 1.5, P = 0.02), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥ 4 (OR 3.2, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m(2) (OR 1.7, P = 0.006), weight loss (OR 2, P < 0.001) and closure with a flap (OR 1.9, P < 0.001). Risk factors for wound dehiscence included ASA classification ≥ 4 (OR 2.2, P = 0.003), history of smoking (OR 2.2, P < 0.001), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.7, P = 0.03), BMI ≥ 35 kg/m(2) (OR 1.9, P = 0.001) and closure with a flap (OR 2.9, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Perineal wound complications are related to a patient's race, ASA classification, smoking, obesity and weight loss. Compared with primary closure, closure with a flap was associated with higher odds of wound infection and dehiscence and was not protective of wound complications in the presence of other risk factors. Therefore optimizing the patient's medical condition will lead to a better outcome irrespective of the technique used for perineal wound closure.

Sphincter preservation in distal CT2N0 rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is usually not indicated for cT2N0 rectal cancer. Abdominoperineal resection is the standard treatment for distal rectal tumors. The aim of the study was to evaluate the actual sphincter-preservation rate in patients with distal cT2N0 rectal cancer given neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected for all patients who were diagnosed with distal cT2N0 rectal cancer at a tertiary medical center in 2000-2008 and received chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (5-7 weeks later).

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients (22 male) of median age 65 years (range, 32-88) were identified. Tumor distance from the anal verge ranged from 0 to 5 cm. R0 resection with sphincter preservation was accomplished in 22 patients (66%), with a 22% pathological complete response rate. Median follow-up time was 62 months (range 7-120). There were no local failures. Crude disease-free and overall survival were 82% and 86%, respectively. Factors associated with sphincter preservation were tumor location (OR=0.58, p=0.02, 95% CI=0.37-0.91) and pathological downstaging (OR=7.8, p=0.02, 95% CI=1.35-45.85). Chemoradiotherapy was well tolerated.

CONCLUSION

High rates of sphincter preservation can be achieved after preoperative chemoradiotherapy for distal cT2N0 rectal cancer, with tolerable toxicity, without compromising oncological outcome.

Research development of the relationship between thymidine phosphorylase expression and colorectal carcinoma

Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is a key enzyme that contributes to the composition and decomposition of pyrimidine nucleotides. TP seems homologous to platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, and its effects on inducing vascularization and anti-apoptosis are closely related to growth and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. In addition, TP is a key enzyme that catalyzes the transformation from 5-fluorouracil (FU) prodrugs of 5′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5′-DFUR) to 5-FU. The activity of TP is closely related to the sensitivity of colorectal carcinoma cells to fluorouracil drugs and targeted therapy. Given the important functions of TP in growth, metastasis, tumor treatment, and prognosis, determining its expression mechanism is significant. This article summarizes the research development of TP expression in colorectal carcinoma, tumor neovascularization, cytotoxicity activation of 5′-DFUR, and colorectal carcinoma therapy.

Multimodal treatment strategies for locally advanced rectal cancer

This review outlines the important multimodal treatment issues associated with locally advanced rectal cancer. Changes to chemotherapy and radiation schema, as well as modern surgical approaches, have led to a revolution in the management of this disease but the morbidity and mortality remains high. Adequate treatment is dependent on precise preoperative staging modalities. Advances in staging via endorectal ultrasound, computed tomography, MRI and PET have improved pretreatment triage and management. Important prognostic factors and their impact for this disease are under investigation. Here we discuss the different treatment options including modern tumor-related surgical approaches, neoadjuvant as well as adjuvant therapies. Further clinical progress will largely depend on the broader implementation of multidisciplinary treatment strategies following the principles of evidence-based medicine.

Extended abdominoperineal excision vs. standard abdominoperineal excision in rectal cancer--a systematic overview

BACKGROUND

After introduction of total mesorectal excision (TME) as the gold standard for rectal cancer surgery, oncologic results appeared to be inferior for abdominoperineal excision (APE) as compared to anterior resection. This has been attributed to the technique of standard APE creating a waist at the level of the tumor-bearing segment. This systematic review investigates outcome of both standard and extended techniques of APE regarding inadvertent bowel perforation, circumferential margin (CRM) involvement, and local recurrence.

METHODS

A literature search was performed to identify all articles reporting on APE after the introduction of TME using Medline, Ovid, and Embase. Extended APE was defined as operations that resected the levator ani muscle close to its origin. All other techniques were taken to be standard. Studies so identified were evaluated using a validated instrument for assessing nonrandomized studies. Rates for perforation, CRM involvement, and local recurrence were compared using chi-square statistics.

RESULTS

In the extended group, 1,097 patients, and in the standard group, 4,147 patients could be pooled for statistical analysis. The rate of inadvertent bowel perforation and the rate of CRM involvement for extended vs. standard APE was 4.1% vs. 10.4% (relative risk reduction 60.6%, p = 0.004) and 9.6% vs. 15.4% (relative risk reduction 37.7%, p = 0.022), respectively. The local recurrence rate was 6.6% vs. 11.9% (relative risk reduction 44.5%, p < 0.001) for the two groups.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review suggests that extended techniques of APE result in superior oncologic outcome as compared to standard techniques.

Identification of a biomarker profile associated with resistance to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy in rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To identify a biomarker profile associated with tumor response to chemoradiation (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer response to neoadjuvant CRT is variable. Whereas some patients have a minimal response, others achieve a pathologic complete response (pCR) and have no viable cancer cells in their surgical specimens. Identifying biomarkers of response will help select patients more likely to benefit from CRT.

METHODS

This study includes 132 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery. Tumor DNA from pretreatment tumor biopsies and control DNA from paired normal surgical specimens was screened for mutations and polymorphisms in 23 genes. Genetic biomarkers were correlated with tumor response to CRT (pCR vs non-pCR), and the association of single or combined biomarkers with tumor response was determined.

RESULTS

Thirty-three of 132 (25%) patients achieved a pCR and 99 (75%) patients had non-pCR. Three individual markers were associated with non-pCR; v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutation (P = 0.0145), cyclin D1 G870A (AA) polymorphism (P = 0.0138), and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) C677T (TT) polymorphism (P = 0.0120). Analysis of biomarker combinations revealed that none of the 27 patients with both tumor protein p53 (p53) and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations had a pCR. Further, in patients with both p53 and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations or the cyclin D1 G870A (AA) polymorphism or the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (NAD(P)H) C677T (TT) polymorphism (n = 52) the association with non-pCR was further strengthened; 51 of 52 (98%) of patients were non-pCR. These biomarker combinations had a validity of more than 70% and a positive predictive value of 97% to 100%, predicting that patients harboring these mutation/polymorphism profiles will not achieve a pCR.

CONCLUSIONS

A specific biomarker profile is strongly associated with non-pCR to CRT and could be used to select optimal oncologic therapy in rectal cancer patients. ClinicalTrials.org Identifier: NCT00335816.

A phase II trial of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and local excision for T2N0 rectal cancer: preliminary results of the ACOSOG Z6041 trial

PURPOSE

We designed American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z6041, a prospective, multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial to assess the efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) and local excision (LE) for T2N0 rectal cancer. Here, we report tumor response, CRT-related toxicity, and perioperative complications (PCs).

METHODS

Clinically staged T2N0 rectal cancer patients were treated with capecitabine and oxaliplatin during radiation followed by LE. Because of toxicity, capecitabine and radiation doses were reduced. LE was performed 6 weeks after CRT. Patients were evaluated for clinical and pathologic response. CRT-related complications and PCs were recorded.

RESULTS

Ninety patients were accrued; 6 received nonprotocol treatment. The remaining 84 were 65% male; median age 63 years; 83% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score 0; 92% white; mean tumor size 2.9 cm; and average distance from anal verge 5.1 cm. Five patients were considered ineligible. Therapy was completed per protocol in 79 patients, but two patients did not undergo LE. Among 77 eligible patients who underwent LE, 34 patients achieved a pathologic complete response (44%) and 49 (64%) tumors were downstaged (ypT0-1), but 4 patients (5%) had ypT3 tumors. Five LE specimens contained lymph nodes; one T3 tumor had a positive node. All but one patient had negative margins. Thirty-three (39%) of 84 patients developed CRT-related grade ≥3 complications. Rectal pain was the most common PC.

CONCLUSIONS

CRT before LE for T2N0 tumors results in a high pathologic complete response rate and negative resection margins. However, complications during CRT and after LE are high. The true efficacy of this approach will ultimately be assessed by the long-term oncologic outcomes.

Voiding dysfunction after pelvic colorectal surgery

Bladder dysfunction following colorectal surgery may be related to extirpative procedures in the region of the pelvic autonomic plexus. The most common etiology is from autonomic disruption during abdominoperineal or low anterior resections. Contemporary technical modifications have allowed surgeons to achieve oncologic control while preserving the autonomic nerves that innervate the bladder and sexual organs. Although these modifications have resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of postoperative bladder dysfunction, bladder dysfunction continues to be a source of significant morbidity after surgery. In this patient population, symptoms are not reliable for accurate diagnosis. The use of urodynamics provides objective measurements of bladder and outlet function and are paramount in providing an accurate diagnosis and in recommending treatments. Follow-up and treatment are highly individualized based on urodynamic findings, patient expectations, patient abilities, and family support. This article provides an overview of pertinent neuroanatomy, diagnosis, urodynamic interpretation, and treatment related to bladder dysfunction following pelvic colorectal surgery.

Wall defects after abdominoperineal resection: A modified tension-free technique

Background

The treatment of wall defects after abdominoperineal resection has yet to be defined. In this study we report the outcome of a modified prosthetic technique for the treatment of combined large incisional and parastomal hernia performed after abdominoperineal resection.

Material and methods

Between January 2005 and July 2008, 21 consecutive patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer received surgical repair for large incisional hernias with a modified mesh technique consisting of a tension-free attachment of the prosthetic material to the posterior sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle. The surgical outcome was assessed mainly as the recurrence rate of abdominal hernia and postoperative complications.

Results

Among the 21 patients we reported two minor complications: partial necrosis of the skin flap (4.8%) and a seroma (4.8%). One major complication occurred: extensive necrosis of the skin flap (4.8%). We reported one death due to stroke 20 days after surgery. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 6.1 days (SD, 2.3).

Conclusions

This study encourages the use of a tension-free modified prosthetic technique for the repair of combined wall defects after abdominoperineal resection. The technique does not lead to an increase in the incidence of complications, offering a considerable advantage to the patient.

Abdominoperineal resection does not decrease quality of life in patients with low rectal cancer

PURPOSE

Issues related to body image and a permanent stoma after abdominoperineal resection may decrease quality of life in rectal cancer patients. However, specific problems associated with a low anastomosis may similarly affect quality of life for patients undergoing low anterior resection. The aim of this study was to compare quality of life of low rectal cancer patients after undergoing abdominoperineal resection versus low anterior resection.

METHODS

Demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and prospectively collected preoperative quality-of-life data for patients undergoing low anterior resection or abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer between 1995 and 2009 were compared. Quality of life collected at specific time intervals was compared for the two groups, adjusting for age, body mass index, use of chemoradiation, and 30 days postoperative complications. The short-form-36 questionnaire was used to determine quality of life.

RESULTS

The query returned 153 patients (abdominoperineal resection = 68, low anterior resection = 85) with a median follow-up of 24 (3-64) mo. The after abdominoperineal resection group had a higher mean age (63 + 12 vs. 54 + 12, p < 0.001) and more American Society of Anesthesiologists classification 3/4 patients (65 percent vs. 43 percent, p = 0.03) than low anterior resection. Other demographics, tumor stage, use of chemoradiation, overall postoperative complication rates, and quality-of-life follow-up time were not statistically different in both groups. Patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection had a lower baseline short-form-36 mental component score than those undergoing low anterior resection. However, 6 mo after surgery this difference was no longer statistically significant and essentially disappeared at 36 mo after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection for low rectal cancer have a similar long-term quality of life as those undergoing low anterior resection. These findings can help clinicians to better counsel patients with low rectal cancer who are being considered for abdominoperineal resection.

Local excision for rectal carcinoma

Local excision is an alternative approach to radical proctectomy for rectal cancer, but from an oncologic standpoint, it is a compromise, and its role remains controversial. Careful patient selection is essential because local excision is generally considered only for early rectal cancer with no evidence of nodal metastasis, parameters that can be predicted by clinical examination, and various radiologic modalities with variable accuracy. In this review, we present the literature evaluating the oncologic adequacy of local excision, including transanal endoscopic microsurgery and the results of salvage surgery after local excision. An overview of local excision in the context of perioperative adjuvant therapies is included. Finally, we suggest a treatment algorithm for local excision in rectal cancer.

Multidisciplinary management of patients with advanced rectal cancer

The chance of lymph node involvement in T(3) and T(4) rectal cancers is 20% to 60%, a risk sufficiently high that most clinicians favor mesorectal excision rather than less aggressive approaches. Patients who have a complete clinical response of the primary lesions to neoadjuvant therapy may represent a special case. Total mesorectal excision can be accomplished without sacrifice of the anal sphincters, and continence can be preserved. Evolving understanding of patterns of tumor spread and mechanisms of anal continence have resulted in increased use of continence-preserving procedures. Removal of the anal sphincters seems to be advantageous only if the sphincters are directly involved. A few small series suggest that a segmental sphincter resection could result in good local control and continence preservation, even if the sphincters are involved. Areas of controversy currently include the role of neoadjuvant therapy for high rectal lesions, the role of lateral lymph node dissection, and methods of improving anal continence after rectal resection.

Total mesorectal excision and pelvic node dissection for rectal cancer: an appraisal

Total mesorectal excision has revolutionized the surgical treatment of rectal cancer since its introduction in the 1980s. The rationale, technique, and outcomes of total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer are explored. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection is used by the Japanese in selected patients and has remained a controversial approach in the management of rectal cancer. The technique, controversies, and outcomes are summarized.

Organ preservation for rectal cancer

Organ preservation with maintenance of function in the treatment of rectal cancer is highly valued by patients. Although most patients with resectable rectal cancer can undergo a sphincter-sparing radical procedure, there are patient, tumor, surgeon, and treatment factors that influence the ability to restore intestinal continuity after radical resection. Although population-based data suggest that the rate of sphincter preservation is lower than could be obtained at expert centers, there are patients in whom low anterior resection with colo-anal anastomosis is not technically feasible and/or oncologically sound. Additionally, resection with ultralow anastomosis results in functional compromise in many patients. Local treatment of rectal cancer aims to decrease the morbidity and the functional sequelae associated with radical resection; however, local excision is associated with a higher rate of local recurrence than is radical resection. Strict selection criteria are essential when considering local excision, and patients should be informed of the risk of local recurrence. The use of adjuvant therapy with local excision, particularly in patients with T2 lesions, has promise but should be considered only as part of a clinical trial.