Comparison of functional and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted colonic J-pouch versus straight reconstruction after total mesorectal excision for lower rectal cancer

End-to-end anastomosis provides similar quality-of-life, compared with other reconstructive techniques six months following total mesorectal excision: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Colorectal malignancy ranked third globally in cancer incidence with 1.9 million cases and nearly 1 million deaths in 2020. Rectal cancer is primarily treated with total mesorectal excision (TME). This study examines surgical, functional, and quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes for different anastomosis types. Pre-registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022368907), the systematic search on November 8, 2022, covered three databases: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Central. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) assessing adults post-TME, comparing end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) to colonic J-pouch (CJP) and/or side-to-end anastomosis (SEA) were eligible. 29 studies out of 4459 were included. EEA vs. CJP showed no significant differences in anastomotic leakage (AL) (RR: 1.03; CI: [0.84-1.26]) or mortality (RR: 0.77; CI: [0.30-1.98]). At 12 months, the mean bowel movement difference was 1.59/day (CI: [(-)0.66-3.84]). QoL at six and 12 months was similar (SMD: -0.22; CI: [(-)0.82-0.37]). Compared with SEA, EEA had similar AL ratios (RR: 1.59; CI: [0.54-4.72]) and QoL at six months (SMD: -0.04; CI: [(-)0.66-0.58]). EEA demonstrates surgical efficacy comparable to other techniques. Six months postoperatively, EEA's impact on QoL appears similar to CJP or SEA, irrespective of daily stool frequency.

A modified method for precise anastomosis during laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer: the first clinical experience and application

BACKGROUND

There is no criterion to guide and evaluate the anastomosis of laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR). We developed a new technique for precise anastomosis. This study endeavored to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this new technology.

METHODS

Patients with mid-low rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic LAR in our department were enrolled retrospectively between January 1, 2021 and July 1, 2023. During the LAR, the distance between the sacral promontory and the rectal stump was measured and used to determine the length of the sigmoid colon, which was preserved for anastomose. The demographic characteristics and short-term outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients (26 men, 23 women) with low and middle rectal cancer were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 6.4 ± 2.7 cm. The operative time was 193 ± 42 min. All patients underwent precise anastomosis, among which 12 patients underwent freeing of the splenic flexure of the colon. According to our criteria, there was no redundant or tense state of the colon anterior to the sacrum after the anastomosis. Only one patient had a postoperative anastomotic leak (Grade B). All 15 patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy underwent terminal ileostomy. No postoperative death occurred within 30 days of the surgery. The median follow-up time in our study was 12 months. One patient developed a single metastasis in the right lobe of the liver in the eighth month after surgery and underwent microwave radiofrequency ablation, which did not recur in the four months of postoperative follow-up, and the rest of the patients survived disease-free without recurrence of metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS

Precise measurement of the proximal colon of the anastomosis can ensure accurate and convenient colorectal anastomosis and this may be a technique worthy of clinical application. However, its effectiveness needs to be further verified in a multicenter clinical trial.

Reconstructive techniques following low anterior resection for carcinoma of the rectum

INTRODUCTION

Multiple reconstructive techniques have been described for reconstruction after a low anterior resection for carcinoma rectum. Colonic J pouch (CJP), Side to end anastomosis (SEA), transverse coloplasty pouch (TCP) and Straight Colo-rectal/anal anastomosis were the most widely studied.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane data base were searched for randomized, non-randomized studies and systematic reviews from inception of the databases till July 31st, 2023.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Considerable heterogeneity existed among different study findings. Reservoir techniques, including CJP, SEA, and TCP, exhibited reduced stool frequency, decreased urgency, and improved continence status compared to SCA, particularly in the short term. CJP maintained this advantage into the intermediate term. Other functional outcomes were similar among the techniques. However, these functional improvements did not translate into enhanced Quality of Life (QoL). TCP was associated with an elevated risk of anastomotic leaks. Other surgical outcomes remained comparable across all four techniques. Sexual outcomes also exhibited no significant variation. Some studies suggested that the size of the side limb in CJP or SEA may not significantly impact functional outcomes, implying that neorectum capacity may not be the primary determinant of improved function. The precise physiological mechanism underlying these findings remains unknown.

CONCLUSIONS

In the short and intermediate terms, reservoir techniques demonstrated superior functional outcomes, but long-term performance was comparable among all techniques. Notably, enhanced functional outcomes did not translate to improved Quality of Life. TCP, while effective, is linked to an increased risk of anastomotic complications, necessitating cautious utilization.

Comparison of complications and bowel function among different reconstruction techniques after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anastomosis for gastrointestinal reconstruction has been contentious after low anterior resection of rectal cancer for the past 30 years. Despite the abundance of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on colon J-pouch (CJP), straight colorectal anastomosis (SCA), transverse coloplast (TCP), and side-to-end anastomosis (SEA), most studies are small and lack reliable clinical evidence. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of the four anastomoses on postoperative complications, bowel function, and quality of life in rectal cancer.

METHODS

We assessed the safety and efficacy of CJP, SCA, TCP, and SEA in adult patients with rectal cancer after surgery by searching the Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases to collect RCTs from the date of establishment to May 20, 2022. Anastomotic leakage and defecation frequency were the main outcome indicators. We pooled data through a random effects model in a Bayesian framework and assessed model inconsistency using the deviance information criterion (DIC) and node-splitting method and inter-study heterogeneity using the I-squared statistics (I²). The interventions were ranked according to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) to compare each outcome indicator.

RESULTS

Of the 474 studies initially evaluated, 29 were eligible RCTs comprising 2631 patients. Among the four anastomoses, the SEA group had the lowest incidence of anastomotic leakage, ranking first (SUCRA_SEA = 0.982), followed by the CJP group (SUCRA_CJP = 0.628). The defecation frequency in the SEA group was comparable to those in the CJP and TCP groups at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. In comparison, the defecation frequency in the SCA group 12 months after surgery all ranked fourth. No statistically significant differences were found among the four anastomoses in terms of anastomotic stricture, reoperation, postoperative mortality within 30 days, fecal urgency, incomplete defecation, use of antidiarrheal medication, or quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that SEA had the lowest risk of complications, comparable bowel function, and quality of life compared to the CJP and TCP, but further research is required to determine its long-term consequences. Furthermore, we should be aware that SCA is associated with a high defecation frequency.

Reconstructive techniques following low anterior resection for carcinoma of the rectum: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple trials have compared reconstruction techniques used following the resection of distal rectal cancers, including straight colorectal anastomosis (SCA), colonic J pouch (CJP), side-to-end anastomosis (SEA), and transverse coloplasty (TCP). The latest meta-analysis on the subject concluded that all the reservoir techniques produce equally good surgical and functional outcomes compared with SCA. Numerous trials have been published in this regard subsequently. Hence, a network analysis (NMA) was performed to rank these techniques.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from their inception until April 2021 was conducted to identify randomized trials. Functional and surgical outcome data were pooled. ORs and standardized mean differences (MDs) were used as pooled effect size measures. A frequentist NMA model was used.

RESULTS

Thirty-two trials met the eligibility criteria comprising 3072 patients. CJP showed better functional outcomes, such as low stool frequency and better incontinence score, both in the short term (stool frequency, MD -2.06, P < 0.001; incontinence, MD -1.17, P = 0.007) and intermediate term (stool frequency, MD -0.81, P = 0.021; incontinence MD -0.56, P = 0.083). Patients with an SEA (long-term OR 4.37; P = 0.030) or TCP (long-term OR 5.79; P < 0.001) used more antidiarrheal medications constantly. The urgency and sensation of incomplete evacuation favoured CJP in the short term. TCP was associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (OR 12.85; P < 0.001) and stricture (OR 3.21; P = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Because of its better functional outcomes, CJP should be the reconstruction technique of choice. TCP showed increased anastomotic leak and stricture rates, warranting judicious use.

Comparison of the colonic J-pouch versus straight (end-to-end) anastomosis following low anterior resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

To evaluate comparative outcomes of straight (end-to-end) anastomosis versus colonic J-pouch anastomosis following anterior resection.

METHODS

A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources was conducted, and all studies comparing straight (end-to-end) anastomosis versus J-pouch anastomosis were included. Anastomotic complications, post-operative complications, re-operation, mortality, and functional outcomes were the evaluated outcome parameters. Revman 5.3 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven studies reporting a total number of 3293 patients who underwent straight anastomosis (n = 1581) or J-pouch (n = 1712) were included. Anastomotic leak and re-operation rates were significantly higher in the straight group compared to the J-pouch group [RD 0.03, P = 0.03] and [OR 1.87, P = 0.003], respectively. Stool frequency per 24 h at 6 months and 12 months was lower in the J-pouch group than the straight group [MD 2.13, P = 0.003] and [MD 1.44, P = 0.00001], respectively. In addition, the use of anti-diarrheal medication is lower at 12 months in the J-pouch group [MD 3.85, P = 0.03]. Moreover, the two groups showed comparable results regarding SSI, sepsis, paralytic ileus, anastomotic stricture formation, anastomotic bleeding, and mortality.

CONCLUSION

J-pouch anastomosis showed lower risk for anastomotic leak and re-operation. Furthermore, better functional outcomes such as stool frequency were achieved using the colonic J-pouch reconstruction over the conventional straight end-to-end anastomosis.

Safety and efficacy of side-to-end anastomosis versus colonic J-pouch anastomosis in sphincter-preserving resections: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The application of side-to-end anastomosis (SEA) in sphincter-preserving resection (SPR) is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of SEA with colonic J-pouch (CJP) anastomosis, which had been proven effective in improving postoperative bowel function.

Methods

The protocol was registered in PROSPERO under number CRD42020206764. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the safety or efficacy of SEA in comparison with CJP anastomosis. The outcomes included the pooled risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables and weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous variables. All outcomes were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by STATA software (Stata 14, Stata Corporation, TX, USA).

Results

A total of 864 patients from 10 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Patients undergoing SEA had a higher defecation frequency at 12 months after SPR (WMD = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.14–0.26; P < 0.01) than those undergoing CJP anastomosis with low heterogeneity (I² = 0%, P = 0.54) and a lower incidence of incomplete defecation at 3 months after surgery (RR = 0.28; 95% CI, 0.09–0.86; P = 0.03). A shorter operating time (WMD = − 17.65; 95% CI, − 23.28 to − 12.02; P < 0.01) was also observed in the SEA group without significant heterogeneity (I² = 0%, P = 0.54). A higher anorectal resting pressure (WMD = 6.25; 95% CI, 0.17–12.32; P = 0.04) was found in the SEA group but the heterogeneity was high (I² = 84.5%, P = 0.84). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of efficacy outcomes including defecation frequency, the incidence of urgency, incomplete defecation, the use of pads, enema, medications, anorectal squeeze pressure and maximum rectal volume, or safety outcomes including operating time, blood loss, the use of protective stoma, postoperative complications, clinical outcomes, and oncological outcomes.

Conclusions

The present evidence suggests that SEA is an effective anastomotic strategy to achieve similar postoperative bowel function without increasing the risk of complications compared with CJP anastomosis. The advantages of SEA include a shorter operating time, a lower incidence of incomplete defecation at 3 months after surgery, and better sphincter function. However, close attention should be paid to the long-term defecation frequency after SPR.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-021-02243-0.

Colonic pouch confers better bowel function and similar postoperative outcomes compared to straight anastomosis for low rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

With advancements in laparoscopic technology and the wide application of linear staplers, sphincter-saving procedures are increasingly performed for low rectal cancer. However, sphincter-saving procedures have led to the emergence of a unique clinical disorder termed anterior rectal resection syndrome. Colonic pouch anastomosis improves the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer > 7 cm from the anal margin. But whether colonic pouch anastomosis can reduce the incidence of rectal resection syndrome in patients with low rectal cancer is unknown.

AIM

To compare postoperative and oncological outcomes and bowel function of straight and colonic pouch anal anastomoses after resection of low rectal cancer.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of 72 patients with low rectal cancer who underwent sphincter-saving procedures with either straight or colonic pouch anastomoses. Functional evaluations were completed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 mo postoperatively. We also compared perioperative and oncological outcomes between two groups that had undergone low or ultralow anterior rectal resection.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in mean operating time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus and excrement, and duration of hospital stay between the colonic pouch and straight anastomosis groups. The incidence of anastomotic leakage following colonic pouch construction was lower (11.4% vs 16.2%) but not significantly different than that of straight anastomosis. Patients with colonic pouch construction had lower postoperative low anterior resection syndrome scores than the straight anastomosis group, suggesting better bowel function (preoperative: 4.71 vs 3.89, P = 0.43; 1 mo after surgery: 34.2 vs 34.7, P = 0.59; 6 mo after surgery: 22.70 vs 29.0, P < 0.05; 12 mo after surgery: 15.5 vs 19.5, P = 0.01). The overall recurrence and metastasis rates were similar (4.3% and 11.4%, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Colonic pouch anastomosis is a safe and effective procedure for colorectal reconstruction after low and ultralow rectal resections. Moreover, colonic pouch construction may provide better functional outcomes compared to straight anastomosis.

Colonic J-Pouch or Straight Colorectal Reconstruction After Low Anterior Resection For Rectal Cancer: Impact on Quality of Life and Bowel Function: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Study

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcomes associated with different bowel reconstruction techniques following anterior resection for rectal cancer are still a matter of debate.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess quality of life and bowel function in patients who underwent colonic J-pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis reconstruction after low anterior resection.

DESIGN

Bowel function and quality of life were assessed within a multicenter randomized trial. Questionnaires were administered before the surgery (baseline) and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

SETTINGS

Patients were enrolled by 19 centers. The enrollment started in October 2009 and was stopped in February 2016. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT01110798).

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent low anterior resection for primary mid-low rectal cancer and who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either stapled colonic J-pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were quality of life and bowel function.

RESULTS

Of the 379 patients who were evaluable, 312 (82.3%) completed the baseline, 259 (68.3%) the 6-month, 242 (63.9%) the 12-month, and 199 (52.5%) the 24-month assessment. Bowel functioning and quality of life did not significantly differ between arms for almost all domains. The total bowel function score, the urgency, and the stool fractionation scores significantly worsened after surgery and remained impaired over time in both arms (p < 0.0032), whereas constipation improved after surgery but recovered to baseline levels from 1 year onward (p < 0.0036). All patients showed a significant and continuous improvement in emotional functioning (p < 0.0013) and future perspective (p < 0.0001) from baseline to the end of the study.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations of the study include missing data, which increased over time; the possibility that some treatments have slightly changed since the study was conducted; and investigators not blind to treatment allocation.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study do not support the routine use of colonic J-pouch reconstruction in patients with rectal cancer who undergo a low anterior resection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B328. BOLSA J COLÓNICA O RECONSTRUCCIÓN COLORRECTAL RECTA DESPUÉS DE RESECCIÓN ANTERIOR BAJA PARA CÁNCER RECTAL: IMPACTO EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA Y LA FUNCIÓN INTESTINAL: UN ESTUDIO ALEATORIZADO PROSPECTIVO MULTICÉNTRICO: Los resultados informados por el paciente asociados con diferentes técnicas de reconstrucción intestinal después de la resección anterior para el cáncer de recto aún son tema de debate.Evaluar la calidad de vida y la función intestinal en pacientes que se sometieron a una bolsa en J colónica o reconstrucción de anastomosis colorrectal recta después de una resección anterior baja.La función intestinal y la calidad de vida se evaluaron en un ensayo aleatorizado multicéntrico. Los cuestionarios se administraron antes de la cirugía (basal) y a los 6, 12 y 24 meses después de la cirugía.Los pacientes fueron incluidos en 19 centros. La inscripción comenzó en Octubre de 2009 y se detuvo en Febrero de 2016. El estudio se registró en www.clinicaltrials.gov (Identificador: NCT01110798).Pacientes que se sometieron a resección anterior baja por cáncer rectal primario medio-bajo y que fueron aleatorizados en una proporción de 1: 1 para recibir bolsa J colónica con grapas o anastomosis colorrectal recta.calidad de vida y función intestinal.De los 379 pacientes que fueron evaluables, 312 (82.3%) completaron la evaluación inicial, 259 (68.3%) a los 6 meses, 242 (63.9%) a los 12 meses y 199 (52.5%) a los 24 meses. . El funcionamiento intestinal y la calidad de vida no difirieron significativamente entre los dos grupos en casi todos los dominios. La puntuación total de la función intestinal, la urgencia y las puntuaciones de fraccionamiento de las heces empeoraron significativamente después de la cirugía y continuaron con el tiempo extra en ambos grupos (p <0.0032), mientras que el estreñimiento mejoró después de la cirugía pero se recuperó a los niveles basales a partir de 1 año en adelante (p <0.0036). Todos los pacientes mostraron una mejora significativa y continua en el funcionamiento emocional (p <0.0013) y la perspectiva futura (<0.0001) desde el inicio hasta el final del estudio.Datos faltantes, que aumentaron con el tiempo; la posibilidad de que algunos tratamientos hayan cambiado ligeramente desde que se realizó el estudio; investigadores no cegados a la asignación del tratamiento.Los hallazgos de este estudio no respaldan el uso rutinario de la reconstrucción de la bolsa J colónica en pacientes con cáncer rectal que se someten a una resección anterior baja. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B328. (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil).

Postoperative Bowel Function After Anal Sphincter-Preserving Rectal Cancer Surgery: Risks Factors, Diagnostic Modalities, and Management

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) refers to a disturbance of bowel function that commonly manifests within 1 month after rectal cancer surgery. A low level of anastomosis and chemoradiotherapy have been consistently found to be risk factors for developing LARS. Thorough history taking and physical examination with adjunctive procedures are essential when evaluating patients with LARS. Anorectal manometry, fecoflowmetry, and validated questionnaires are important tools for assessing the quality of life of patients with LARS. Conservative management (medical, physiotherapy, transanal irrigation), invasive procedures (neuromodulation), and multimodal therapy are the mainstay of treatment for patients with LARS. A stoma could be considered when other treatment modalities have failed. An initial meticulous surgical procedure for rectal cancer, creation of a neorectal reservoir during anastomosis, and proper exercise of the anal sphincter muscle (Kegel’s maneuver) are essential to combat LARS. Pretreatment counseling is a crucial step for patients who have risk factors for developing LARS.

Multicentre randomized clinical trial of colonic J pouch or straight stapled colorectal reconstruction after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Colonic J pouch reconstruction has been found to be associated with a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage than straight anastomosis. However, studies on this topic are underpowered and retrospective. This randomized trial evaluated whether the incidence of anastomotic leakage was reduced after colonic J pouch reconstruction compared with straight colorectal anastomosis following anterior resection for rectal cancer.

METHODS

This multicentre RCT included patients with rectal carcinoma who underwent low anterior resection followed by colorectal anastomosis. Patients were assigned randomly to receive a colonic J pouch or straight colorectal anastomosis. The main outcome measure was the occurrence of major anastomotic leakage. The incidence of global (major plus minor) anastomotic leakage and general complications were secondary outcomes. Risk factors for anastomotic leakage were identified by regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 457 patients enrolled, 379 were evaluable (colonic J pouch arm 190, straight colorectal arm 189). The incidence of major and global anastomotic leakage, and general complications was 14·2, 19·5 and 34·2 per cent respectively in the colonic J pouch group, and 12·2, 19·0 and 27·0 per cent in the straight colorectal anastomosis group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two arms. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, male sex (odds ratio 1·79, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 3·15; P = 0·042) and high ASA fitness grade (odds ratio 2·06, 1·15 to 3·71; P = 0·015) were independently associated with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

Colonic J pouch reconstruction does not reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage and postoperative complications compared with conventional straight colorectal anastomosis. Registration number NCT01110798 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Defining low anterior resection syndrome: a systematic review of the literature

AIM

There is increasing awareness of the poor functional outcome suffered by many patients after sphincter-preserving rectal resection, termed 'low anterior resection syndrome' (LARS). There is no consensus definition of LARS and varying instruments have been employed to measure functional outcome, complicating research into prevalence, contributing factors and potential therapies. We therefore aimed to describe the instruments and outcome measures used in studies of bowel dysfunction after low anterior resection and identify major themes used in the assessment of LARS.

METHOD

A systematic review of the literature was performed for studies published between 1986 and 2016. The instruments and outcome measures used to report bowel function after low anterior resection were extracted and their frequency of use calculated.

RESULTS

The search revealed 128 eligible studies. These employed 18 instruments, over 30 symptoms, and follow-up time periods from 4 weeks to 14.6 years. The most frequent follow-up period was 12 months (48%). The most frequently reported outcomes were incontinence (97%), stool frequency (80%), urgency (67%), evacuatory dysfunction (47%), gas-stool discrimination (34%) and a measure of quality of life (80%). Faecal incontinence scoring systems were used frequently. The LARS score and the Bowel Function Instrument (BFI) were used in only nine studies.

CONCLUSION

LARS is common, but there is substantial variation in the reporting of functional outcomes after low anterior resection. Most studies have focused on incontinence, omitting other symptoms that correlate with patients' quality of life. To improve and standardize research into LARS, a consensus definition should be developed, and these findings should inform this goal.

Meta-analysis of reconstruction techniques after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Options for reconstruction after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer include straight or side-to-end coloanal anastomosis (CAA), colonic J pouch and transverse coloplasty. This systematic review compared these techniques in terms of function, surgical outcomes and quality of life.

METHODS

A systematic literature search (MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library, from inception of the databases until November 2014) was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials comparing reconstructive techniques after LAR. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out, and results presented as weighted odds ratios or mean differences with corresponding 95 per cent c.i. A network meta-analysis was conducted for the outcome anastomotic leakage.

RESULTS

The search yielded 965 results; 21 trials comprising data from 1636 patients were included. Colonic J pouch was associated with lower stool frequency and antidiarrhoeal medication use for up to 1 year after surgery compared with straight CAA. Transverse coloplasty and side-to-end CAA had similar functional outcomes to the colonic J pouch. No superiority was found for any of the techniques in terms of anastomotic leak rate.

CONCLUSION

Colonic J pouch and side-to-end CAA or transverse coloplasty lead to a better functional outcome than straight CAA for the first year after surgery.

Have early postoperative complications from laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery improved over the past 20 years?

AIM

Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery has been increasingly used since 1991 following the publication of the first case series. Since then, several studies have confirmed that laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer is challenging with associated morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine if the rates of early postoperative complications in laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery have improved over the past 20 years.

METHOD

A literature search of the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases between August 1991 and August 2011 was conducted using the keywords laparoscopy, rectal cancer and postoperative complications. Data were analysed using linear regression ANOVA performed in GNUMERICS software.

RESULTS

Ninety-seven studies were included for analysis. Over the last 20 years there has been no significant change in the rate of any early postoperative complications (anastomotic leak, conversion, sexual, urinary or faecal dysfunction, wound infection, overall morbidity or mortality). However, in the last 3 years, the rate of positive resection margins has decreased significantly (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence of a statistically significant change in early postoperative complications until 3 years ago. This may reflect the inherent morbidity associated with rectal surgery regardless of the approach used, the limitations of the current laparoscopic instrumentation or the relatively long learning curve. With increasing experience, a repeat analysis in the near future following the publication of ongoing randomized clinical trials might show improved outcomes.

A new colorectal/coloanal anastomotic technique in sphincter-preserving operation for lower rectal carcinoma using transanal pull-through combined with single stapling technique

PURPOSE

This study aims to introduce a new anastomotic technique-transanal pull-through combined with single stapling technique (PT-SST), and evaluate the value in the sphincter-preserving operation for lower rectal carcinoma.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and September 2011, 131 consecutive patients had sphincter-preserving operations using PT-SST and double stapling technique (DST) for low colorectal anastomosis. The data was prospectively collected.

RESULTS

There are 45 patients (male 26, median = 55 years) in PT-SST group and 86 (male 46, median = 55 years) in the DST group. Anastomotic leakage took place in three patients in DST group, while no anastomotic leakage happened in PT-SST group. There are recurrences in pelvic cavity for one patient (2.2 %), in anastomotic stoma for no patient, and hepatic metastasis for four patients (8.9 %) in PT-SST group; while there are recurrences in pelvic cavity for three patients (3.5 %), in anastomotic stoma for two patients (2.3 %), and hepatic metastasis for seven patients (8.1 %) in DST group. No significant difference was indicated in the terms of the recurrence and hepatic metastasis between the two groups. Patients were satisfied with functional results.

CONCLUSIONS

This new technique can solve some technique problems of DST and has at least comparable outcomes compared with DST. It is a safe and feasible procedure for performing low anastomosis with high rate of sphincter preservation. It can be used especially for patients with small pelvis.

Better functional outcome provided by short-armed sigmoid colon-rectal side-to-end anastomosis after laparoscopic low anterior resection: a match-paired retrospective study from China

PURPOSE

Side-to-end anastomosis using the descending colon has been proved to be as effective as J pouch in alleviating low anterior resection syndrome. However, using the sigmoid colon, which is less compliant for reconstruction after rectal cancer surgery, is common in China due to less prevalence of diverticulosis. The effectiveness of using the sigmoid colon for a side-to-end colorectal anastomosis in improving bowel dysfunction after laparoscopic low anterior resection of rectal cancer has not been investigated. This study was designed to compare the functional and surgical outcomes between the two anastomoses.

METHODS

From October 2007 to December 2008, 16 rectal cancer patients underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection with short-armed (length of side limb 2-4 cm) side-to-end sigmoidorectal anastomosis at our department. The bowel functional results of these patients at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively were recorded and compared with that of another 1:2 matched 30 patients undergoing straight anastomosis.

RESULTS

Bowel movement frequency in the side-to-end group was obviously less than that in the straight group 6 months postoperatively. Patients in the side-to-end group also had an improved incontinence score, a better ability to defer defecation, and less repeated evacuation. No differences were found between two groups 1 year after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The study shows that the short-armed side-to-end colorectal anastomosis using the sigmoid colon can also improve the short-term bowel function in patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection.

Impact of fat obesity on laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: more reliable indicator than body mass index

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of visceral fat obesity (VFO) on early surgical and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) for rectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between June 2003 and June 2009, a total of 142 patients who had undergone LTME were included. Patients were divided into the obese group (OG) and the non-obese group (NOG) according to BMI and visceral fat area (VFA). Obesity was defined by BMI ≥25 kg/m² or VFA ≥130 cm².

RESULTS

There were 37 (26.0%) and 29 (20.4%) obese patients according to BMI and VFA, respectively. The OG, defined by both VFA and BMI, had a significantly longer operative time. The VFO group experienced more frequent conversion to laparotomy (17.2% vs. 5.0%; P = 0.047) and significantly higher blood loss during surgery (205.8 ± 257.0 mL vs. 102.5 ± 219.9 mL; P = 0.031), whereas there was no significant difference when defined by BMI. Time to first flatus was significantly longer in the VFO group compared with the NOG (mean 3.5 days vs. 2.7 days; P = 0.046), whereas it was not significantly different when classified by BMI. Regarding oncologic parameters, the VFO group had a significantly higher number of patients from whom less than 12 total lymph nodes were retrieved (65.5% vs. 34.5%; P = 0.002); however, there was no difference between the two groups defined by BMI.

CONCLUSION

VFO is proven to be a more reliable predictive factor than BMI in estimating early surgical outcomes for patients who underwent LTME. VFO is associated with fewer numbers of retrieved lymph nodes.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal rectal cancer surgery: the clinical practice guidelines of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)

BACKGROUND

The laparoscopic approach is increasingly applied in colorectal surgery. Although laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer has been proved to be safe and feasible with equivalent long-term oncological outcome compared to open surgery, safety and long-term oncological outcome of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer remain controversial. Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery might be efficacious, but indications and limitations are not clearly defined. Therefore, the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) has developed this clinical practice guideline.

METHODS

An international expert panel was invited to appraise the current literature and to develop evidence-based recommendations. The expert panel constituted for a consensus development conference in May 2010. Thereafter, the recommendations were presented at the annual congress of the EAES in Geneva in June 2010 in a plenary session. A second consensus process (Delphi process) of the recommendations with the explanatory text was necessary due to the changes after the consensus conference.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic surgery for extraperitoneal (mid- and low-) rectal cancer is feasible and widely accepted. The laparoscopic approach must offer the same quality of surgical specimen as in open surgery. Short-term outcomes such as bowel function, surgical-site infections, pain and hospital stay are slightly improved with the laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer is not inferior to the open in terms of disease-free survival, overall survival or local recurrence. Laparoscopic pelvic dissection may impair genitourinary and sexual function after rectal resection, like in open surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery for mid- and low-rectal cancer can be recommended under optimal conditions. Still, most level 1 evidence is for colon cancer surgery rather than rectal cancer. Upcoming results from large randomised trials are awaited to strengthen the evidence for improved short-term results and equal long-term results in comparison with the open approach.

Randomized clinical trials in rectal and anal cancers

This article reviews randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published between April 2001 and November 2008 on the management of patients with rectal cancer. In total, the authors reviewed 78 RCTs on therapy for rectal cancer. Of these, five met the authors' criteria for level 1a evidence. The article discusses the major RCTs and relevant findings that have impacted clinical management most and includes most but not all RCTs on therapy for rectal cancer published during this period.

Mortality risk analysis following routine vs selective defunctioning stoma formation after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To answer the question whether a defunctioning stoma (DS) should be constructed routinely after total mesorectal excision or whether it could be used selectively to ensure patient safety.

METHOD

A PubMed search was performed. All randomized trials on the role of a DS were included. Also, observational articles published between January 1997 and August 2007 were reviewed. Sensitivity analysis of the mortality risk was performed.

RESULTS

The clinical anastamotic leak (CAL) rate was 17% in 358 patients from four randomized trials and 9.6% in 4059 patients from 39 observational studies. The CAL rate increased significantly from 9.6% with DS to 24.4% without DS in four randomized trials, and from 7.9% with DS to 13.2% without DS in 17 observational studies. The re-operation rate as a result of anastomotic leakage was lower in patients with DS than in patients without DS in both study types. Leak-related mortality was not significantly different: 7.2% with vs 7.7% without DS in observational studies, and 0% with vs 4.6% without DS in randomized trials. Sensitivity analysis indicated that a selective DS strategy is acceptable if the CAL rate without DS is less than 16.6% with a CAL-related mortality of no more than 4.6%.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review support the routine construction of a protective stoma. However, selective use of a DS is justified from a patient safety point of view if the CAL-rate and its related mortality are limited. Each unit should audit its performance.

Metastasis to the sigmoid or sigmoid mesenteric lymph nodes from rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed metastases to the sigmoid and sigmoid mesenteric lymph nodes from rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND

It has been reported that rectal cancer spreads upward and lateral. However, metastasis to the sigmoid mesenteric or sigmoid nodes from rectal cancer has been rarely reported.

METHODS

We enrolled 347 patients who underwent curative resection for rectal cancer with proven lymph node metastases and dissection of the sigmoid and sigmoid mesenteric lymph nodes. Lymph node classification was performed by the colorectal surgeon and the lymph nodes were sent to pathology. Two hundred ninety sigmoid mesenteric and 248 sigmoid lymph node dissections were confirmed by pathologic examination.

RESULTS

There were 185 and 162 patients with extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal rectal cancers, respectively. The T categories were T1 in 4 patients (1.2%), T2 in 25 patients (7.2%), T3 in 252 patients (72.6%), and T4 in 66 patients (18.8%). The N categories were N1 in 216 patients (62.2%) and N2 in 131 patients (37.8%). Metastases to the sigmoid and sigmoid mesenteric lymph nodes occurred in 60 (20.7%) and 28 patients (11.3%), respectively. Metastases to the sigmoid or sigmoid mesenteric lymph nodes, without metastases to the superior rectal and inferior mesenteric lymph nodes, developed in 18 patients (5.2%). Compared with patients without sigmoid mesenteric lymph node metastases, N2 category disease, and poor differentiation, overall recurrence was more common in patients with sigmoid mesenteric lymph node metastases. Patients with sigmoid lymph node metastases were common in the N2 category of disease. However, the number of retrieved lymph nodes, and the overall and local recurrence rates were not significantly different. Seventeen of 18 patients with only sigmoid mesenteric or sigmoid lymph node metastases had N1 category disease; 8 and 10 patients had extraperitoenal and intraperitoneal rectal cancers, respectively. For patients with N1 category disease, there was no difference in the overall and local disease recurrence rates among the patients.

CONCLUSION

Sigmoid mesenteric or sigmoid lymph node metastases developed in 23.2% of patients in the present study. But, there were no differences in the cancer-specific survival, overall and local disease recurrence rates in the patients with sigmoid mesenteric or sigmoid lymph node metastases.

Ultrasonically activated scalpel versus monopolar electrocautery shovel in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

AIM: To investigate the feasibility and safety of monopolar electrocautery shovel (ES) in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) with anal sphincter preservation for rectal cancer in order to reduce the cost of the laparoscopic operation, and to compare ES with the ultrasonically activated scalpel (US).

METHODS: Forty patients with rectal cancer, who underwent laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation from June 2005 to June 2007, were randomly divided into ultrasonic scalpel group and monopolar ES group, prospectively. White blood cells (WBC) were measured before and after operation, operative time, blood loss, pelvic volume of drainage, time of anal exhaust, visual analogue scales (VAS) and surgery-related complications were recorded.

RESULTS: All the operations were successful; no one was converted to open procedure. No significant differences were observed in terms of preoperative and postoperative d 1 and d 3 WBC counts (P = 0.493, P = 0.375, P = 0.559), operation time (P = 0.235), blood loss (P = 0.296), anal exhaust time (P = 0.431), pelvic drainage volume and VAS in postoperative d 1 (P = 0.431, P = 0.426) and d 3 (P = 0.844, P = 0.617) between ES group and US group. The occurrence of surgery-related complications such as anastomotic leakage and wound infection was the same in the two groups.

CONCLUSION: ES is a safe and feasible tool as same as US used in laparoscopic TME with anal sphincter preservation for rectal cancer on the basis of the skillful laparoscopic technique and the complete understanding of laparoscopic pelvic anatomy. Application of ES can not only reduce the operation costs but also benefit the popularization of laparoscopic operation for rectal cancer patients.