"High or low Inferior Mesenteric Artery ligation in Laparoscopic low Anterior Resection: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial" (HIGHLOW trial)

Comparison of a robotic surgery program for rectal cancer: short- and long-term results from a comparative, retrospective study between two laparoscopic and robotic reference centers

BACKGROUND

It is assumed that robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) may facilitate complex pelvic dissection for rectal cancer compared to the laparoscopic-assisted resection (LAR). The aim of this study was to compare perioperative morbidity, short- and long-term oncologic, and functional outcomes between the RAS and LAR approaches.

METHODS

Between 2015 and 2021, all rectal cancers operated on by (LAR) or (RAS) were retrospectively reviewed in two colorectal surgery centers.

RESULTS

A total of 197 patients were included in the study, with 70% in the LAR group and 30% in the RAS group. The tumor location and stage were identical in both groups (not significant = NS). The overall postoperative mortality rate was not significantly different between the two groups. (0% LAR; 0.5% RAS; NS). The postoperative morbidity was similar between the two groups (60% LAR vs 57% RAS; NS). The number of early surgical re-interventions within the first 30 days was similar (10% for the LAR group and 3% for the RAS group; NS). The rate of complete TME was similar (88% for the LAR group and 94% for the RAS group; NS). However, the rate of circumferential R1 was significantly higher in the LAR group (13%) compared to the RAS group (2%) (p = 0.009). The 3-year recurrence rate did not differ between the two groups (77% for both groups; NS). After a mean follow-up of three years, the incidence of anterior resection syndrome was significantly lower in the LAR group compared to the RAS group (54 vs 76%; p = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a RAS was found to be reliable for oncologic outcomes and morbidity. However, the expected benefits for functional outcomes were not observed. Therefore, the added value of RAS for rectal cancer needs to be reassessed in light of new laparoscopic technologies and patient management options.

A nomogram for predicting lymph nodes metastasis at the inferior mesenteric artery in rectal cancer: a retrospective case-control study

According to past and current literature, metastasis of the lymph nodes at the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA-LN), also known as 253LN of colorectal cancer has been seldom investigated. To date, there are still controversies on whether the 253LN need to be routinely cleaned. Using specific criteria, 347 patients who underwent radical resection for rectal cancer between April 2019 and July 2022 were selected for the study. Logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood that a patient may suffer 253LN metastasis, and a nomogram for 253LN metastasis subsequently developed. The c-index and calibration curve were used to evaluate precision and discrimination in the nomogram, and the appropriateness of the final nomogram for the clinical setting determined using decision curve analysis (DCA). 253LN metastases appeared in the pathological specimens of 29 (8.4%) of the selected patients. Logistic regression showed that preoperative parameters including serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) value ( > 5 ng / ml, OR = 2.894, P = 0.023), distance from anal margin (> 9 cm, OR = 2.406, P = 0.045) and degree of differentiation (poor, OR = 9.712, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 253LN metastasis. A nomogram to predict 253LN metastasis in rectal cancer was developed and showed considerable discrimination and good precision (c-index = 0.750). Furthermore, DCA confirmed that the nomogram has some feasibility for the clinical environment. Clinicopathological and radiological patient data can be pivotal for making surgical decisions relating to 253LN metastasis. A nomogram was developed using this data, providing an objective method that can significantly improve prognoses in colorectal cancer.

5 year oncological outcomes of the HIGHLOW randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

The oncological outcomes of low ligation (LL) compared to high ligation (HL) of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during low-anterior rectal resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision are still debated. The aim of this study is to report the 5 year oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic LAR with either HL vs. LL of the IMA MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2014 and December 2016, patients who underwent elective laparoscopic LAR + TME in 6 Italian non-academic hospitals were randomized to HL or LL of IMA after meeting the inclusion criteria (HighLow trial; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02153801). We analyzed the rate of local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival at 5 years of patients previously enrolled.

RESULTS

Five-year follow up data were available for 196 patients. Recurrence happened in 42 (21.4%) of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the distant recurrence rate (15.8% HL vs. 18.9% LL; P = 0.970) and pelvic recurrence rate (4,9% HL vs 3,2% LL; P = 0.843). No statistically significant difference was found in 5-year OS (p = 0.545), DSS (p = 0.732) or DFS (p = 0.985) between HL and LL. Low vs medium and upper rectum site of tumor, conversion rate, Clavien-Dindo post-operative grade ≥3 complications and tumor stage were found statistically significantly associated to poor oncological outcomes in univariate analysis; in multivariate analysis, however, only conversion rate and stage 3 cancer were found to be independent risk factors for poor DFS at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

We confirmed the results found in the previous 3-year survival analysis, the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation does not affect OS, DSS and DFS at 5-year follow-up.

Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes in Mid and Low Rectal Cancer With Robotic Surgery

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for postoperative complications and anastomotic leakage after robotic surgery for mid and low rectal cancer and their influence on long-term outcomes.

Methods

A total of 641 patients who underwent radical mid and low rectal cancer robotic surgery at Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University from January 2014 to December 2018 were enrolled in this study. The clinicopathological factors of the patients were collected. The risk factors for short-term outcomes of complications and anastomotic leakage were analyzed, and their influences on recurrence and overall survival were studied.

Results

Of the 641 patients, 516 (80.5%) underwent AR or LAR procedures, while 125 (19.5%) underwent the NOSES procedure. Only fifteen (2.3%) patients had stoma diversion. One hundred and seventeen patients (17.6%) experienced surgical complications. Anastomotic leakage occurred in 44 patients (6.9%). Eleven patients (1.7%) underwent reoperation within 90 days after surgery. Preoperative radiotherapy did not significantly increase anastomotic leakage in our study (7.4% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.869). The mean postoperative hospital stay was much longer with complication (10.4 vs. 7.1 days, P<0.05) and leakage (12.9 vs. 7.4 days, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (OR = 1.855, 95% CI: 1.175–2.923, P < 0.05), tumor distance 5 cm from the anus (OR = 1.563, 95% CI: 1.016–2.404, P < 0.05), and operation time length (OR = 1.563, 95% CI: 1.009–2.421, P < 0.05) were independent risk factors for complications in mid and low rectal cancer patients. The same results for anastomotic leakage: male sex (OR = 2.247, 95% CI: 1.126–4.902, P < 0.05), tumor distance 5 cm from the anus (OR = 2.242, 95% CI: 1.197–4.202, P < 0.05), and operation time length (OR = 2.114, 95% CI: 1.127–3.968, P < 0.05). The 3-year DFS and OS were 82.4% and 92.6% with complication, 88.4% and 94.0% without complication, 88.6% and 93.1% with leakage, and 87.0% and 93.8% without leakage, respectively. The complication and anastomotic leakage showed no significant influences on long-term outcomes.

Conclusion

Being male, having a lower tumor location, and having a prolonged operation time were independent risk factors for complications and anastomotic leakage in mid and low rectal cancer. Complications and anastomotic leakage might have no long-term impact on oncological outcomes for mid and low rectal cancer with robotic surgery.

High Versus Low Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery During Rectal Resection for Cancer: Oncological Outcomes After Three Years of Follow-Up From the HIGHLOW Trial

Objectives

To determine the disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence in patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior rectal resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) with either high or low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA).

Background

The level of IMA ligation during anterior rectal resection with TME is still a matter of debate, especially in terms of oncological adequacy.

Methods

Between June 2014 and December 2016, patients scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) and TME in 6 Italian nonacademic hospitals were randomized into 2 groups in the HIGHLOW Trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02153801) according to the level of IMA ligation: high ligation (HL) versus low ligation (LL). DFS, DSS, and recurrence were inquired. Recurrence was determined at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and every 6 months thereafter. Patients and tumor characteristics as well as surgical outcomes were analyzed to identify risk factors for recurrence.

Results

One hundred ninety-six patients from the HIGHLOW trial were analyzed. Median follow-up for DFS was 40.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 6-64.7) and 40 (IQR, 7.6-67.8), while median follow-up for DSS was 41.2 (IQR, 10.7-64.7) and 42.7 (IQR, 6-67.6) in the HL and LL groups, respectively. The 3-year DFS rate of HL and LL patients was 82.2% and 82.1% (P = 0.874), respectively. The 3-year DSS for HL and LL patients was 92.1% and 93.4% (P = 0.897), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the local recurrence rate (2% HL vs 2.1% LL), in the regional recurrence rate (3% HL vs 2.1% LL), and in the distant recurrence rate (12.9% HL vs 13.7% LL). Multivariate analysis found conversion to open surgery (hazard ratio [HR], 3.68; P = 0.001) and higher stage of disease (HR, 7.73; P < 0.001) to be significant determinant for DFS.

Conclusions

The level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation during LAR and TME for rectal cancer does not affect DFS, DSS, and recurrence.

Surgical Outcomes of Rectal Resection: Our 10 Years Experience

Background: Colorectal cancer, one of the most common tumor- and cancer-related deaths worldwide, requires a multidisciplinary management including neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery. Laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is gaining popularity due to its safety profile and good oncological results, if performed by experienced surgeons in specialized centers. This study describes our 10 years experience in minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery. Methods: We have retrospectively evaluated a series of 140 patients treated with laparoscopic approach for rectal malignant and benign diseases. Results: A total of 134 patients (95.7%) underwent anterior rectal resection, in the remaining 6 cases (4.3%) abdominoperineal amputation was performed. All but 13 cases have been treated with laparoscopic approach, with conversion rate of 5.7%. Postoperative morbidity rate was 8.6% (2 cases of peritoneal bleeding and 10 cases of anastomotic fistulae; in 2 cases, fistula occurred in patients previously treated with chemoradiation). Conclusions: Conventional laparoscopy can provide adequate oncological outcomes even in patients with advanced rectal cancer, with advantages in terms of postoperative hospital stay, recovery time, acceptable operative time, and low complication and conversion rates.

Vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery in laparoscopic radical resection with the preservation of left colic artery for rectal cancer

AIM

To investigate the vascular anatomy of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) in laparoscopic radical resection with the preservation of left colic artery (LCA) for rectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 110 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgical resection with preservation of the LCA were retrospectively reviewed. A 3D vascular reconstruction was performed before each surgical procedure to assess the branches of the IMA. During surgery, the relationship among the IMA, LCA, sigmoid artery (SA) and superior rectal artery (SRA) was evaluated, and the length from the origin of the IMA to the point of branching into the LCA or common trunk of LCA and SA was measured. The relationship between inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) and LCA was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Three vascular types were identified in this study. In type A, LCA arose independently from IMA (46.4%, n = 51); in type B, LCA and SA branched from a common trunk of the IMA (23.6%, n = 26); and in type C, LCA, SA, and SRA branched at the same location (30.0%, n = 33). The difference in the length from the origin of IMA to LCA was not statistically significant among the three types. LCA was located under the IMV in 61 cases and above the IMV in 49 cases.

CONCLUSION

The vascular anatomy of the IMA and IMV is essential for laparoscopic radical resection with preservation of the LCA for rectal cancer. To recognize different branches of the IMA is necessary for the resection of lymph nodes and dissection of vessels.

Randomized clinical trial of high versus low inferior mesenteric artery ligation during anterior resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The optimal level for inferior mesenteric artery ligation during anterior resection for rectal cancer is controversial. The aim of this randomized trial was to clarify whether the inferior mesenteric artery should be tied at the origin (high tie) or distal to the left colic artery (low tie).

METHODS

Patients were allocated randomly to undergo either high- or low-tie ligation and were stratified by surgical approach (open or laparoscopic). The primary outcome was the incidence of anastomotic leakage. Secondary outcomes were duration of surgery, blood loss and 5-year overall survival.

RESULTS

Some 331 patients entered the trial between June 2006 and September 2012. The trial was stopped prematurely as recruitment was slow. Seven patients were excluded after randomization but before operation because of procedural changes. High tie and low tie were performed in 164 and 160 patients respectively. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was not significantly different (17·7 versus 16·3 per cent respectively; P = 0·731). The incidence of severe complications requiring intervention was 2·4 versus 5·0 per cent for high and low tie respectively (P = 0·222). In multivariable analysis, risk factors for anastomotic leakage included male sex (odds ratio 4·36, 95 per cent c.i. 1·56 to 12·18) and distance of the tumour from the anal verge (odds ratio 0·99, 0·98 to 1·00). At 5 years there were no significant differences in overall (87·2 versus 89·4 per cent respectively; P = 0·386) and disease-free (76·3 versus 77·6 per cent; P = 0·765) survival.

CONCLUSION

The level of ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery does not significantly influence the rate of anastomotic leakage. Registration number: NCT01861678 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov).

Surgical Anatomy of the Superior Mesenteric Vessels Related to Pancreaticoduodenectomy: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mesopancreas dissection with central vascular ligation and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach represent the cornerstone of current principles for radical resection for pancreatic head cancer. The surgeon dissecting around the SMV and SMA should be aware regarding the anatomical variants in this area. The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to detail the surgical anatomy of the superior mesenteric vessels and to propose a standardized terminology with impact in pancreatic cancer surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search to identify all published studies in PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases from their inception up to March 2017.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight studies, involving a total of 18,369 specimens, were included. The prevalence of the mesenteric-celiac trunk, replaced/accessory right hepatic artery (RRHA), common hepatic artery, and SMV inversion was 2.8, 13.2, 2.6, and 4.1%, respectively. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery has its origin into the first jejunal artery, SMA, and RRHA, in 58.7, 35.8, and 1.2% of cases, respectively. The SMV lacks a common trunk in 7.5% of cases. The first jejunal vein has a trajectory posterior to the SMA in 71.8% of cases. The left gastric vein drains into the portal vein in 58%, in splenic vein (SV) in 35.6%, and into the SV-PV confluence in 5.8% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Complex pancreaticoduodenal resections require detailed knowledge of the superior mesenteric artery and vein, which is significantly different from the one presented in the classical textbooks of surgery. We are proposing the concept of the first jejunopancreatic vein which impacts the current oncological principles of pancreatic head cancer resection.

Optimum level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation for the left-sided colorectal cancer. Systematic review for high and low ligation continuum

OBJECTIVES

To compares the effectiveness and impact of high inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) versus low IMA ligation on 5-year survival, lymph node yield rates, and peri-operative morbidity and mortality. 

METHODS

The databases of Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC), the Web of Science, EBSCO and MEDLINE were searched using MeSH terms 'colorectal cancer', 'inferior mesenteric artery', 'high ligation', 'low ligation', 'mesenteric lymph nodes', 'prognosis', and 'survival'. Only clinical studies were selected and review articles and meta-analysis were excluded. In cases of duplicate cohorts, only the latest article was included. Irrelevant articles and the articles on both right and left sided CRC were excluded. The finally selected studies were analysed for the defined end-point outcomes. 

RESULTS

The published data has shown that high IMA ligation improves the yield of harvested lymph node that allows accurate tumor staging and a more reliable estimation of prognosis. High ligation was not found to be positively correlated with increased anastomotic leakage or impaired genito-urinary function. However, high ligation demands advanced surgical expertise and longer operating time. There was no significant difference in 5-year survival rates for both techniques. Some studies have reported fatal complications of high ligation such as proximal bowel necrosis.  

CONCLUSION

Although there is no consensus, this research signals the routine use of high ligation for left-sided CRC. However, the published fatal complications following high ligation and no significant difference in 5-year survival rates demand more studies to establishing a unified protocol.

A prospective study of sexual and urinary function before and after total mesorectal excision

PURPOSE

Although rectal cancer is a very common malignancy and has an improved cure rate in response to oncological treatment, research on rectal cancer survivors' urogenital function remains limited. In this study, urogenital dysfunction after surgical rectal cancer treatment was measured and possible predisposing factors that may have an impact on the development of this disorder were discussed.

METHODS

One hundred eight patients undergoing curative rectal cancer surgery from January 2008 to December 2014 were questioned using questionnaires: male urinary function was assessed using the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, for sexual function-International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for female urogenital function assessment prior to the operation and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 67.0 % of male (36) and 33.0 % (18) of female patients who completed the questionnaire were included in the study. Preoperatively, male urinary dysfunction was 80.1 % and postoperatively-88.9 %. In female patients, preoperative urinary dysfunction was seen in 75.0 % patients, postoperatively-78.0 %. Erectile dysfunction was seen in 41.7 % males preoperatively and in 63.9 % postoperatively. A total of 83.3 % of female patients had sexual dysfunction preoperatively and 94 % postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Sexual and urinary problems after surgery for rectal cancer are common. Preoperative genitourinary dysfunction is not uncommon in patients older than 60 years as well. Female patients reported higher rates of sexual dysfunction than males. These results point out the importance of sexual and urinary (dys)function in survivors of rectal cancer. More attention should be drawn to this topic for clinical and research purposes.

Assessment of lymph node involvement in colorectal cancer

Lymph node metastasis informs prognosis and is a key factor in deciding further management, particularly adjuvant chemotherapy. It is core to all contemporary staging systems, including the widely used tumor node metastasis staging system. Patients with node-negative disease have 5-year survival rates of 70%-80%, implying a significant minority of patients with occult lymph node metastases will succumb to disease recurrence. Enhanced staging techniques may help to identify this subset of patients, who might benefit from further treatment. Obtaining adequate numbers of lymph nodes is essential for accurate staging. Lymph node yields are affected by numerous factors, many inherent to the patient and the tumour, but others related to surgical and histopathological practice. Good lymph node recovery relies on close collaboration between surgeon and pathologist. The optimal extent of surgical resection remains a subject of debate. Extended lymphadenectomy, extra-mesenteric lymph node dissection, high arterial ligation and complete mesocolic excision are amongst the surgical techniques with plausible oncological bases, but which are not supported by the highest levels of evidence. With further development and refinement, intra-operative lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy may provide a guide to the optimum extent of lymphadenectomy, but in its present form, it is beset by false negatives, skip lesions and failures to identify a sentinel node. Once resected, histopathological assessment of the surgical specimen can be improved by thorough dissection techniques, step-sectioning of tissue blocks and immunohistochemistry. More recently, molecular methods have been employed. In this review, we consider the numerous factors that affect lymph node yields, including the impact of the surgical and histopathological techniques. Potential future strategies, including the use of evolving technologies, are also discussed.

Three-dimensional reconstruction of the vascular arrangement including the inferior mesenteric artery and left colic artery in laparoscope-assisted colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

We performed three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to investigate the vascular anatomy, including the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), left colic artery (LCA), and inferior mesenteric vein (IMV), for laparoscope-assisted left-side colorectal surgery. Furthermore, we also examined the distances from the root of the IMA to the bifurcation of the LCA and to the IMV using 3D imaging.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 46 patients who underwent laparoscope-assisted left-side colorectal surgery via 3D surgical reconstruction at Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital. The branching patterns among the IMA, LCA, and sigmoidal colic artery (SCA) in colon cancer could be classified into three groups (types A, B, and C): type A, in which both arteries (LCA and SCA) branch off from the same point of the IMA; type B, in which the common trunk of the LCA and SCA branches off from the IMA; and type C, in which the LCA and SCA branch off separately from the IMA. The shortest length from the root of the IMA to bifurcation of the LCA and SCA branches (D mm) or to the IMV (d mm) was measured by 3D imaging.

RESULTS

The mean D mm and d mm for all cases were 39.4 ± 11.2 and 27.9 ± 9.21 mm, respectively. The D mm from the IMA root to the LCA or SCA branch in types A, B, and C was 37.8 ± 9.21, 40.5 ± 12.7, and 38.6 ± 10.2 mm, respectively. Similarly, the d mm from the IMA root to the IMV in types A, B, and C was 30.2 ± 11.3, 29.9 ± 7.27, and 25.2 ± 10.3 mm, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The present 3D reconstruction technique was useful for determining the 3D vascular anatomical pattern including the relative positions of the IMA, SCA, and IMV during laparoscope-assisted left-side colorectal surgery.