Utility of intra-operative flexible sigmoidoscopy to assess colorectal anastomosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Is end-to-end or side-to-end anastomotic configuration associated with risk of positive intraoperative air leak test in left-sided colon and rectal resections for colon and rectal cancers?

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak after colorectal resection is associated with morbidity, mortality, and poor bowel function. Minimal data exist on the relationship between anastomotic technique, intraoperative leak test, and subsequent clinical leak, particularly on the utility of performing end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) vs non-EEA (NEEA) to avoid postoperative leaks. This study aimed to analyze potential associations between anastomotic construction, intraoperative anastomotic assessments, and clinical leak.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study comparing anastomotic techniques used in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent left-sided colorectal resections with colorectal or coloanal anastomoses at a tertiary care center. The outcomes were rates of intraoperative air leak, incomplete anastomotic donuts, and postoperative clinical leak. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the potential association between anastomotic technique and intraoperative anastomotic assessments and subsequent leak.

RESULTS

Among 844 patients, 27 (3.2%) had intraoperative leak, 6 (0.7%) had incomplete donuts, and 27 (3.2%) experienced clinical leak. Of note, 500 patients (59.2%) had EEAs, and 344 patients (40.7%) had NEEAs. There were no significant differences in demographics or comorbidities between groups (P >.05) or rates of incomplete donuts (P =.07). EEA was associated with significantly more intraoperative air leaks than NEEA on univariate analysis (4.9% vs 1.2%, respectively; P =.005) and multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 3.6; 95% CI, 1.01-12.50; P =.049). There was no difference in postoperative clinical leak between the groups on univariate analysis (3.0% in EEA vs 3.5% in NEEA; P =.69) or multivariate analysis (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.40-2.34; P =.94).

CONCLUSION

EEA is associated with higher rates of intraoperative air leak than NEEA, even after adjusting for potential confounders.

Is It Necessary to Endoscopically Evaluate the Anastomosis in Robotic or Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures for Colorectal Cancer?

Background: In the surgical treatment of colorectal cancers, disease-free survival and life expectancy are inversely proportional to the increase in complications. We evaluated the superiority of colonoscopy and air and water tests in detecting anastomotic leaks in sigmoid and rectosigmoid junction colon cancers. Methods: Data of patients who underwent robotic/laparoscopic surgical procedures for sigmoid and rectosigmoid junctional colon cancers at a single center between January 2018 and February 24 were retrospectively evaluated. The anastomoses were evaluated by intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) and intraoperative air leak test (IALT), and two groups were formed. Intraoperative leaks, intraoperative repair techniques, and postoperative anastomotic leaks were evaluated. Results: In our study, there were 125 patients in the IOC group and 148 patients in the IALT group, totaling 273 patients. Leakage was detected in 7 patients (4.7%) in the IALT group and 14 patients (11.2%) in the IOC group (P = .06). In the IALT group, 5 of 7 patients were repaired primary, and the anastomosis was reconstructed in 2 patients. In the IOC group, 10 of 14 patients were repaired primary, 2 patients underwent reanastomosis, and 2 patients needed colostomy. Of these 15 patients with postoperative leakage, 4 had intraoperative leakage (2 patients in the IALT group and 2 patients in the IOC group), and all of them underwent primary repair. Conclusion: In the anastomotic evaluation of sigmoid colon and rectosigmoid junction tumors, we found that IOC detected more leaks than IALT, but in these leaks, reanastomosis and/or diversion ostomy was superior to primary repair.

Perioperative assessment of colorectal anastomoses with flexible endoscopy

Flexible sigmoidoscopy has emerged as a vital tool for the purpose of assessing colorectal anastomoses: a procedure that can play a crucial role in reducing postoperative complications. The present technical note aims at describing a comprehensive strategy for the perioperative evaluation of colorectal anastomoses integrity. An endoscopic grading system is utilized to categorize findings, ensuring consistency and external validity. Postoperative flexible sigmoidoscopy can evaluate anastomotic integrity using a classification system, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and enabling targeted local treatment options. Additionally, flexible sigmoidoscopy can be carried out post-discharge from the hospital for further assessment of late-onset anastomotic leakage. While a consensus on the utility of flexible sigmoidoscopy is yet to be established, its potential to improve surgical decision-making is evident.

Feasibility of Intraoperative Proctosigmoidoscopy After Discoid Bowel Resection for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Pilot Multicenter Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Although surgery is the gold standard treatment for pain refractory to medical management or partial occlusion owing to rectosigmoid endometriosis, surgical resection can be associated with major perioperative complications. From general surgery experience, intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy has shown encouraging results as a feasible, safe, and effective technique in reducing the risk of complications related to intestinal anastomosis after segmental resection. Unfortunately, there are no studies evaluating its role after discoid resection for rectosigmoid endometriosis.

DESIGN

A pilot, multicentric, observational, prospective, cohort study.

SETTING

Two academic hospitals, from March 1 to December 31, 2022.

PATIENTS

We enrolled all consecutive fertile-age patients affected by symptomatic endometriosis scheduled for laparoscopic discoid bowel resection. Inclusion criteria were (1) age between 18 and 50 years, (2) diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis performed by transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) women scheduled for laparoscopic discoid bowel resection of endometriosis at low risk of segmental resection.

INTERVENTIONS

During data analysis, enrolled patients were divided into 2 study groups for comparisons based on whether or not the intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy was performed upon surgeons' discretion after discoid resection for treating endometriosis, in addition to standard integrity tests. Primary outcome was the rate of intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy success. Secondary study outcomes were the differences between the intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy group and the nonintraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy group in (1) mean of total operative time and (2) rate of perioperative complications.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled and equally distributed in the 2 groups. The rate of intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy success was 86%. No significant difference was reported between the 2 groups in terms of total operative time (p = .1) and intraoperative and postoperative complications (p = .5 and p = 1, respectively), with no surgical complication related to intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy seems as a feasible and non-time-consuming intraoperative procedure in women undergone discoid resection for rectosigmoid endometriosis. Larger studies with longer follow-up period are necessary to confirm our findings and assess clinical benefits over standard procedure.

The SAGES MASTERS program presents: the top 10 seminal articles for laparoscopic left and sigmoid colectomy pathway for uncomplicated disease

BACKGROUND

As one of the 8 Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Masters Program clinical pathways, the Colorectal Pathway aims to deliver educational content for the general surgeon organized along 3 levels of performance (competency, proficiency and mastery) each represented by an anchoring procedure. In this article, the SAGES Colorectal Task Force presents focused summaries of the top 10 seminal articles selected for laparoscopic left/sigmoid colectomy for uncomplicated disease.

METHODS

Using a systematic literature search of Web of Science, the most cited articles on laparoscopic left and sigmoid colectomy were identified, reviewed, and ranked by members of the SAGES Colorectal Task Force. Additional articles not identified in the literature search were included if deemed impactful by expert consensus. The top 10 ranked articles were then summarized, including their findings, strengths and limitations with emphasis on relevance and impact in the field.

RESULTS

The top 10 articles selected focus on variations in minimally invasive surgical techniques, video demonstrations, stratified approaches for benign and malignant disease as well as assessments of the learning curve.

CONCLUSIONS

The selected top 10 seminal articles for laparoscopic left and sigmoid colectomy in uncomplicated disease are considered by the SAGES colorectal task force to be fundamental to the knowledge base of minimally invasive surgeons as they progress to mastery in these procedures.

The SAGES MASTERS program presents: the top 10 seminal articles for laparoscopic left and sigmoid colectomy pathway for uncomplicated disease

BACKGROUND

As one of the 8 Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) Masters Program clinical pathways, the Colorectal Pathway aims to deliver educational content for the general surgeon organized along 3 levels of performance (competency, proficiency and mastery) each represented by an anchoring procedure. In this article, the SAGES Colorectal Task Force presents focused summaries of the top 10 seminal articles selected for laparoscopic left/sigmoid colectomy for uncomplicated disease.

METHODS

Using a systematic literature search of Web of Science, the most cited articles on laparoscopic left and sigmoid colectomy were identified, reviewed, and ranked by members of the SAGES Colorectal Task Force. Additional articles not identified in the literature search were included if deemed impactful by expert consensus. The top 10 ranked articles were then summarized, including their findings, strengths and limitations with emphasis on relevance and impact in the field.

RESULTS

The top 10 articles selected focus on variations in minimally invasive surgical techniques, video demonstrations, stratified approaches for benign and malignant disease as well as assessments of the learning curve.

CONCLUSIONS

The selected top 10 seminal articles for laparoscopic left and sigmoid colectomy in uncomplicated disease are considered by the SAGES colorectal task force to be fundamental to the knowledge base of minimally invasive surgeons as they progress to mastery in these procedures.

Feasibility and safety of a robotic approach to diverticular disease: a retrospective series of short-term outcomes

BACKGROUNDS

Robotic colorectal surgery is a method of performing complex surgery in a minimally invasive manner. In diverticular disease, chronic inflammation obscures tissues planes and increases difficulty of resection. This study aims to assess feasibility and safety of application of a robotic approach to diverticular disease, by reviewing short-term outcomes from a series of diverticular resections.

METHODS

Forty-one patients underwent robotic colorectal surgery for diverticular disease across three centres within Melbourne from June 2016 to June 2022. Demographic, operative, and clinicopathological data were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate primary and secondary outcomes. Comparative analysis between simple and complex diverticular disease was performed to identify differences in groups regarding short term outcomes. The primary outcome in this study is to determine conversion rate from minimally invasive to open surgery. Secondary outcomes include major complication rates and length of stay.

RESULTS

Of the 41 patients, 24 (58.5%) had simple disease, and 17 (41.5%) had complex disease. One patient (2.4%) required conversion to open resection. The median length of stay for complex disease was 7 days, for simple disease 5 days (P = 0.05). Four surgical Clavien-Dindo III or above complications occurred (9.8%), one patient required return to theatre. There were no anastomotic leaks or collections requiring radiological drainage. Thirteen patients (31.7%) underwent ureteric stenting and intraoperative indocyanine green dye ureteric identification.

CONCLUSION

Robotic diverticular resections in this series are safe and associated with a low conversion rate of 2.4%. Robotic resection of complex disease was feasible with an acceptable safety profile.

The Colorectal Anastomosis: A Timeless Challenge

Colorectal anastomosis is a sophisticated problem that demands an elaborate discussion and an elegant solution. "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana, Life of Reason , 1905.

Survey Regarding Gastrointestinal Stoma Construction and Closure in Japan

Background and Aim

In Japan, the actual number of stoma constructions and stoma closures is not known. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey to determine the number of gastrointestinal stoma constructions and closures in Japan.

Methods

Enrolled participants comprised patients undergoing selected gastrointestinal surgeries who were recorded in the National Clinical Database. This database uses the "Common Items for Gastrointestinal Surgeons." These procedures were formulated by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterological Surgery during 2013-2018.

Results

According to the National Clinical Database, a total of 154,323 gastrointestinal stomas were constructed between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2018. By procedure, there were 78,723 cases of stoma construction, 39,653 of abdominoperineal resection, 2470 total pelvic exenteration procedures, and 33,572 Hartmann's procedures. The ratio of stoma closures to stoma constructions increased annually in patients under 70 y of age but not in older patients. Approximately 35% of total colectomies, 60% of proctocolectomies, and 20% of low anterior resections were accompanied by stoma construction. The number of patients with rectal cancer who underwent colostomy increased gradually during the study period and the number who underwent stoma construction increased among older patients.

Conclusion

The number of cases of gastrointestinal stoma construction has increased gradually in Japan, and the proportion of older patients is increasing each year. The purposes and surgical techniques for stoma construction are diverse and are expected to increase in Japan, a super-aged society.

An Observational Analysis of a Novel Digital Rectoscope

BACKGROUND

This is an analysis of the first 50 in-human uses of a novel digital rigid sigmoidoscope. The technology provides digital image capture, telemedicine capabilities, improved ergonomics, and the ability to biopsy under pneumorectum while maintaining the low cost of conventional rigid sigmoidoscopy. The primary outcome was adverse events, and the secondary outcome was diagnostic view.

PRELIMINARY RESULTS

Fifty patients underwent outpatient (n = 25) and surgical rectal assessment (n = 25), with a mean age of 60 years. This included 31 men and 19 women with 12 different clinical use indications. No adverse events were reported, and no defects were reported with the instrumentation. Satisfactory diagnoses were obtained in 48 (96%) of 50 uses, images were captured in 48 (96%) of 50 uses, and biopsies were successfully taken in 13 uses (26%). No adverse events were recorded. Independent reviewers of recorded videos agreed on the quality and diagnostic value of the images with a κ of 0.225 (95% CI, 0.144-0.305) when assessing whether the target pathology was adequately visualized.

IMPACT OF INNOVATION

The improved views afforded by digital rectoscopy facilitated a satisfactory clinical diagnosis in 96% of uses. The device was successfully deployed in the operating room and outpatients irrespective of bowel preparation method, where it has the potential to replace flexible sigmoidoscopy for specific use cases. The technology provides a high-quality image and video that can be securely recorded for documentation and medicolegal purposes with agreement between blinded users despite a lack of standardized training and heterogenous pathology. We perceive significant impact of this technology for the assessment of colorectal anastomoses, the office management of colitis, "watch and wait," and for diagnostic support in rectal cancer diagnosis. The technology has significant potential to facilitate proctoring and training, and it now requires prospective trials to validate its diagnostic accuracy against more costly flexible sigmoidoscopy systems.

Intraoperative complications during laparoscopic total mesorectal excision

Intraoperative complication during laparoscopic mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is a common complication occurring in 11% to 15% of the cases. They are probably underestimated because not systematically reported. The most frequent intraoperative complications are haemorrhage (3-7%), tumour perforation (1-4%), bowel injury (1-3%), ureter injury (1%), urogenital injury (2%), other organ injury (<1%), and anastomotic complications (1%). The mechanisms, management and prevention of vascular port injury, inferior mesenteric artery bleeding, small bowel and colon perforation, ureteral and urethral injury, pelvic nerve damage, tumour perforation and anastomotic failure are described. This review underlines the necessity to prevent intraoperative complication to avoid operative death and severe side-effects.