Short- and long-term outcomes following laparoscopic vs open surgery for pathological T4 colorectal cancer: 10 years of experience in a single center

Long-term survival outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with colorectal cancer: A propensity score matching retrospective cohort study

Objective

Colorectal cancer (CRC) surgeries can be performed using either laparoscopic or open laparotomy approaches. However, the long-term outcomes based on tumor location and age remain unclear. This study compared the long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and laparotomy surgeries in patients with CRC, focusing on tumor location and age to identify suitable subgroups and determine an optimal cut-off age.

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed 2,014 patients with CRC who underwent radical surgery. Patients were categorized into laparoscopy and laparotomy groups, and propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank tests, and Cox regression models were used to identify the independent factors affecting overall survival (OS).

Results

Analysis results before PSM indicated higher OS in the laparoscopy group (P=0.035); however, it was no significant difference in mean OS between the two groups after PSM analysis. Cox regression analysis identified several factors influencing the OS of patients with CRC, with age, T stage, nodal involvement, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, ascites, preoperative intestinal obstruction, and local tumor spread as independent risk factors. Family history was a protective factor [hazard ratio (HR)=0.33; 95% CI, 0.16-0.68; P=0.002], and the surgical modality did not independently affect OS. The subgroup analysis highlighted the advantages of laparoscopic surgery in specific subgroups.

Conclusions

Overall, laparoscopic and laparotomy surgeries resulted in similar mid- and long-term prognoses for patients with CRC. Laparoscopic surgery showed better outcomes in specific subgroups, particularly in patients aged >60 years and in those with right-sided colon carcinoma. This study suggests that age >64 years might be the optimal cut-off age for laparoscopic surgery.

Prediction by a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics signature model of disease-free survival in patients with rectal cancer treated by surgery

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of a multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics signature model to predict disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with rectal cancer treated by surgery.

Materials and methods

We evaluated data of 194 patients with rectal cancer who had undergone radical surgery between April 2016 and September 2021. The mean age of all patients was 62.6 ± 9.7 years (range: 37-86 years). The study endpoint was DFS and 1132 radiomic features were extracted from preoperative MRIs, including contrast-enhanced T1- and T2-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient values. The study patients were randomly allocated to training (n=97) and validation cohorts (n=97) in a ratio of 5:5. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to generate a radiomics signature (rad score). The associations of rad score with DFS were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Three models, namely a radiomics nomogram, radiomics signature, and clinical model, were compared using the Akaike information criterion.

Result

The rad score, which was composed of four MRI features, stratified rectal cancer patients into low- and high-risk groups and was associated with DFS in both the training (p = 0.0026) and validation sets (p = 0.036). Moreover, a radiomics nomogram model that combined rad score and independent clinical risk factors performed better (Harrell concordance index [C-index] =0.77) than a purely radiomics signature (C-index=0.73) or clinical model (C-index=0.70).

Conclusion

An MRI radiomics model that incorporates a radiomics signature and clinicopathological factors more accurately predicts DFS than does a clinical model in patients with rectal cancer.

Obesity: A risk factor for postoperative complications in laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean is increasing significantly up to 20.8% in 2016. Therefore, a higher percentage of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients are expected to be obese. Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery (LCRCS) is regarded as a safe and feasible procedure as laparoscopic approach is becoming the gold standard in CRC surgery, especially in the early stages of disease. However, LCRCS is correlated with a higher risk of short-term post-operative complications in obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 Kg/m 2 ) than in patients with BMI <30 Kg/m 2 . This study aims to evaluate the impact of obesity on short-term post-operative complications in patients undergoing LCRCS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted. Clinical data of case and control patients were extracted from medical records. These patients underwent LCRCS between January 2018 and June 2021 at Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital, Beirut-Lebanon. Patients were divided into two groups: obese and non-obese. BMI ≥30 Kg/m 2 was used to define obese patients. Post-operative complications in the 30 days following surgery were the primary outcome. The severity of post-operative complications was evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo score. Chi-square test was used to evaluate the statistical correlation between collected variables.

RESULTS

We identified 107 patients who underwent LCRCS during this study period at our institution. Among the patients, 23 were obese (21.49%). At 30 days post-operative, 26 patients were reported to having at least one complication. Non-significant differences were found between the two groups regarding the early post-operative complications rate (obese 26.1% and non-obese 23.8% with P = 0.821). Obesity was not demonstrated as a stratification risk by severity of the early post-operative complications ( P = 0.92).

CONCLUSION

Obesity, which was defined as BMI ≥30 Kg/m 2 , was not a risk factor for early post-operative complications as well as a stratification risk by severity of post-operative complications in LCRCS.

Minimally invasive surgery versus laparotomy of nonmetastatic pT4a colorectal cancer: a propensity score analysis

AIM

The aim was to compare short-term and long-term oncological outcomes between minimally invasive surgery (MIS group) and laparotomy (lap group) in nonmetastatic pT4a colorectal cancer (CRC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 634 patients treated with radical operation from January 2015 to December 2021 for nonmetastatic pT4a CRC, with propensity score matching.

RESULTS

The conversion rate from the MIS group to laparotomy is 3.5%. Intraoperative blood loss, time to first anal exhaust, defecation and drainage tube removal, and complication rate were significantly less in the MIS group. After 5 years, the outcomes of the MIS group were no inferior to laparotomy outcomes [overall survival (OS): 72.7 vs. 77.8%, P =0.285; disease-free survival (DFS): 72.2 vs. 75.0%, P =0.599]. And multivariate analysis showed that age greater than or equal to 60 years old, lymph node metastasis and the carcinoembryonic antigen levels were independent variables for OS, while lymph node metastasis and CA125 levels were independent variables for DFS. The results of the graph show the relationship between the sum of scores of sex, age, complications, BMI, carcinoembryonic antigen, age, CA125, tumor site, N stage and tumor length diameter and 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality and DFS of patients. Among them, tumor length diameter and N stage are significantly correlated with long-term survival and disease-free of patients.

CONCLUSION

MIS is safe and feasible for nonmetastatic pT4a CRC, with the added benefit of accelerated postoperative recovery. In oncology, MIS did not affect OS and DFS.

Short- and long-term results of open vs laparoscopic multisegmental resection and anastomosis for synchronous colorectal cancer located in separate segments

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether laparoscopic multisegmental resection and anastomosis (LMRA) is safe and advantageous over traditional open multisegmental resection and anastomosis (OMRA) for treating synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC) located in separate segments.

AIM

To compare the short-term efficacy and long-term prognosis of OMRA as well as LMRA for SCRC located in separate segments.

METHODS

Patients with SCRC who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2021 at the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and the Peking University First Hospital were retrospectively recruited. In accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 109 patients who received right hemicolectomy together with anterior resection of the rectum or right hemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy were finally included in the study. Patients were divided into the LMRA and OMRA groups (n = 68 and 41, respectively) according to the surgical method used. The groups were compared regarding the surgical procedure's short-term efficacy and its effect on long-term patient survival.

RESULTS

LMRA patients showed markedly less intraoperative blood loss than OMRA patients (100 vs 200 mL, P = 0.006). Compared to OMRA patients, LMRA patients exhibited markedly shorter postoperative first exhaust time (2 vs 3 d, P = 0.001), postoperative first fluid intake time (3 vs 4 d, P = 0.012), and postoperative hospital stay (9 vs 12 d, P = 0.002). The incidence of total postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade: ≥ II) was 2.9% and 17.1% (P = 0.025) in the LMRA and OMRA groups, respectively, while the incidence of anastomotic leakage was 2.9% and 7.3% (P = 0.558) in the LMRA and OMRA groups, respectively. Furthermore, the LMRA group had a higher mean number of lymph nodes dissected than the OMRA group (45.2 vs 37.3, P = 0.020). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates in OMRA patients were 82.9% and 78.3%, respectively, while these rates in LMRA patients were 78.2% and 72.8%, respectively. Multivariate prognostic analysis revealed that N stage [OS: HR hazard ratio (HR) = 10.161, P = 0.026; DFS: HR = 13.017, P = 0.013], but not the surgical method (LMRA/OMRA) (OS: HR = 0.834, P = 0.749; DFS: HR = 0.812, P = 0.712), was the independent influencing factor in the OS and DFS of patients with SCRC.

CONCLUSION

LMRA is safe and feasible for patients with SCRC located in separate segments. Compared to OMRA, the LMRA approach has more advantages related to short-term efficacy.

Results of Laparoscopic Surgery and D3 Lymph Node Dissection Combined With Chemotherapy for the Radical Treatment of Advanced-Stage Right Colon Cancer: A Single-Center Observational Study in Vietnam

AIM

To describe the results of laparoscopic surgery and D3 lymph node dissection combined with adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for the treatment of advanced-stage right colon cancer (stages II and III).

METHODS

A total of 172 right colon cancer patients (with tumour, node, and metastasis (TNM) stage II and III; mean age of 59.30±14.27 years; 58.1% male, 41.9% female) who had undergone complete mesocolic excision (CME) with D3 lymph node dissection at Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=34) without ACT and group 2 (n=138) with ACT. We collected clinical and laboratory data twice (before and after one year of performing laparoscopic surgery). Rates of recurrence and mortality were obtained during a five-year follow-up.

RESULTS

After one year of surgery, the rate of anemia and the increase in serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in group 1 were significantly higher than those in group 2 (p<0.001). After five years of follow-up, the recurrence rate was 11.6% (that of group 1 was 41.2%, which is higher than that of group 2, i.e., 4.3%; p<0.001), and the mortality rate was 8.7% (that of group 1 was 32.4%, which is higher than that of group 2, i.e., 2.9%; p<0.001). Preoperative serum CEA levels were predictive of recurrence and mortality, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.729 and 0.805, respectively (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic CME surgery and D3 lymph node dissection combined with ACT reduced the five-year recurrence and mortality rates for advanced-stage right colon cancer patients.

Effect of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery with Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Postoperative Stress Response of Patients with Gastrointestinal Tumors

Objective. To investigate the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on postoperative stress response of patients suffering from gastrointestinal tumors. Methods. A total of 74 patients with gastrointestinal tumors who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from April 2019 to March 2021 were recruited and randomized into the control group and the observation group (1 : 1). The control group received routine treatment and care, while the observation group received ERAS plus integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine. Clinical observation was performed regarding changes in preoperative mood and postoperative pain level in each group. Changes in expression levels of plasma cortisol, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β) before and after surgery were detected in each group. Time of patients’ first fart and defecation and complications after surgery in each group were recorded. Results. The visual analogue scale (VAS) of patients in the observation group after 12 and 24 h of surgery was significantly lower than that in the control group (12 h: observation group 2.0 (1.00, 3.00) vs. control group 4.00 (3.00, 5.00), $p=0.001$ ; 24 h: observation group 2.00 (1.00, 3.00) vs. control group 3.00 (2.00, 5.00), $p=0.005$ ). The preoperative anxiety degree of patients in the two groups was not statistically significant ( $p=0.489$ ). The plasma cortisol level of patients in the observation group after 24 and 48 h of surgery was significantly lower than that in the control group (24 h: observation group $426.54\pm 52.15$  nmol/L vs. control group $508.32\pm 41.08$  nmol/L, $p=0.001$ ; 48 h: observation group $287.19\pm 44.24$  nmol/L vs. control group $362.57\pm 43.46$  nmol/L, $p=0.001$ ). Patients’ postoperative CRP, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-β expression levels in the observation group were remarkably lower than those in the control group at all time points. The first postoperative defecation came earlier in the observation group than that in the control group (observation group 76.00 h (64.50, 87.50) vs. control group 89.00 h (73.50, 116.00), $p=0.007$ ). There was 1 postoperative urinary tract infection in the observation group and 1 postoperative intestinal obstruction and 1 incisional wound infection in the control group. Conclusion. ERAS with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine could effectively reduce the postoperative stress response and inflammatory reaction in patients with gastrointestinal tumors, contributing to the safe and quick recovery of gastrointestinal functions of patients.

Comparison of Short-Term Results of Laparoscopic and Open Surgeries for Colorectal Cancer: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

Although laparoscopic colon cancer surgeries have increased in recent years, their oncological competence is questioned. In our study, we aimed to evaluate oncological competence by comparing laparoscopic and open surgery.

METHOD

The study was planned retrospectively. A total of 94 patients were included in the study, 42 of whom underwent laparoscopy, and 52 patients underwent open surgery. Both groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, staging, number of benign/malignant lymph nodes, histological findings, and complications.

RESULT

The final pathology report of all patients was adenocarcinoma. The median number of dissected lymph nodes was 20.9 in the open group (8-34) and 19.46 in the laparoscopy group (7-31) (p = 0.639). The median number of dissected malignant lymph nodes was 1 (0-13) in the open surgery group and 3.1 (0-8) in the laparoscopy group (p = 0.216). The laparoscopy group exhibited a longer operation time (281.2 ± 54.2 and 221.0 ± 51.5 min, respectively; p = 0.036) than the open surgery group, but a shorter intensive care unit (ICU) discharge, quicker initiation oral feeding, and shorter length of hospital stay (4.0 ± 0.9 vs 5.7 ± 2.0 days, respectively; p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Laparoscopic surgery elicits many benefits such as less wound infection, lower requirement for blood transfusion, shorter hospitalization, quicker initiation of oral feeding, and mobilization. Our study has shown that laparoscopic surgery provides quite adequate lymph node dissection when compared to oncological surgery, which is viewed with suspicion in the light of these benefits of laparoscopy.

Comparison of prolonged postoperative ileus between laparoscopic right and left colectomy under enhanced recovery after surgery: a propensity score matching analysis

Background

There were differences in the recovery of bowel function and prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) between laparoscopic right colectomy (RC) and left colectomy (LC) under the guidance of enhanced recovery after surgery.

Methods

We selected 870 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy from June 2016 to December 2021, including 272 patients who had RC and 598 who had LC. According to 1:1 proportion for propensity score matching and correlation analysis, 247 patients who had RC and 247 who had LC were finally enrolled.

Results

The incidence of PPOI in all patients was 13.1%. Age, sex, smoking habit, preoperative serum albumin level, operation type, and operation time were the important independent risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression and correlation analysis for PPOI (p<0.05). Age, sex, body mass index, preoperative serum albumin level, operation time, and degree of differentiation between the two groups were significantly different before case matching (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics and preoperative biochemical parameters between the two groups after case matching (p>0.05). The incidence of PPOI in patients who had RC was 21.9%, while that in patients who had LC was 13.0%. The first flatus, first semi-liquid, and length of stay in LC patients were lower than those in RC patients (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The return of bowel function in LC was faster than that in RC, and the incidence of PPOI was relatively lower. Therefore, caution should be taken during the early feeding of patients who had laparoscopic RC.

Lymph Node Status and Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes After Colon Resection in Locally Advanced Colon Cancer

Locally advanced colon cancer is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this report was to examine the association between the lymph node status and prognosis of locally advanced colon cancer. Perioperative and oncologic outcomes were studied in patients who had undergone colectomy for colon cancer between June 2004 and December 2018. Locally advanced colon cancer was defined as stage T4a/T4b cancer. The long-term oncologic results were investigated in patients with non-metastatic locally advanced colon cancer. Of 195 patients operated for locally advanced colon cancer, 83 (42.6%), 43 (22.1%), and 69 (35.3%) had pN0, pN1, and pN2 disease, respectively. Preoperative serum levels of CEA and CA 19-9, as well as incidence of distant metastases were significantly higher in patients with pN2 compared to those with pN0 and pN1. In non-metastatic setting, a trend towards higher incidence of recurrence was observed in node-positive patients. Nodal stage was a significant predictor for survival in the univariable analysis but non-significant after adjusting for confounders. Subgroup analyses among the patients with T4a and T4b cancer did not demonstrate any association between the nodal stage and survival. Preoperative CA 19-9 > 37 U/ml and adjuvant chemotherapy were the only prognostic factors in T4a and T4b colon cancer, respectively. Although a trend towards higher incidence of recurrence was observed in node-positive locally advanced colon cancer, nodal stage was not associated with survival. Adjuvant chemotherapy should be strongly considered in T4b stage colon cancer.

The natural orifice specimen extraction surgery compared with conventional laparoscopy for colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis of efficacy and long-term oncological outcomes

PURPOSE

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has gradually become established in treating colorectal cancer. This meta-analysis assesses NOSES in the treatment of colorectal cancer compared with conventional laparoscopy (CL) and determines the effect of long-term prognosis.

METHODS

Various medical databases were searched up to May 2021. We included retrospective and randomized trials on the treatment of colorectal cancer with NOSES. Pooled weighted/standardized mean differences (WMD/SMD), odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using either fixed- or random-effects models. STATA was conducted for the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 16 studies comprising 2266 patients. Compared with CL, NOSES had more benefits in terms of overall postoperative complications (OR = 0.47, 95%CI [0.35,0.64]; Z = 4.91, P < 0.001), incision-related complications (OR = 0.15, 95%CI [0.07,0.31]; Z = 4.97, P < 0.001), time to first flatus (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI [-0.68,-0.48]; Z = 11.21, P < 0.001), hospital stay (WMD = -1.03, 95%CI [-1.55,-0.51]; Z = 3.86, P < 0.001), cosmetic scores (WMD = 1.37, 95%CI [0.59,2.14]; Z = 3.47, P = 0.001), the visual analogue scale on postoperative day 1（WMD = -1.46, 95%CI [-2.39,-0.52]; Z = 3.06, P = 0.002), additional analgesics usage (OR = 0.33, 95%CI [0.26, 0.43]; Z = 8.43, P < 0.001), whereas the operative time of NOSES was prolonged (WMD = 13.09, 95%CI [7.07,19.11]; Z = 4.26, P < 0.001). Postoperative anastomotic complications, intra-abdominal infection, pelvic floor function, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph node dissection, 3-year disease-free and overall survival in the NOSES group were comparable with those in the CL group.

CONCLUSIONS

NOSES is a safe and reliable surgical procedure for the treatment of colorectal cancer and provides good long-term oncological outcomes. Large-scale multicenter studies are required to confirm its clinical benefits.

Fluorescence ureteral navigation during laparoscopic surgery for clinically suspected stage T4 colorectal cancer: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Approximately 15% of patients with colorectal cancer present with locally advanced tumors (T4 stage). Laparoscopic surgery for stage T4 disease has not yet been established. The near-infrared ray catheter fluorescent ureteral catheter (NIRFUC) is a new device that uses near-infrared fluorescence resin. We examined the utility of fluorescence ureteral navigation (FUN) with the NIRFUC during laparoscopic surgery for stage T4 colorectal cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with stage T4 colorectal cancer (n = 143, from January 2017 to March 2021) were divided into a T4FUN + group, in which the NIRFUC was used (n = 21), and a T4FUN- group, in which the NIRFUC was not used (n = 122). Short-term outcomes were compared between the groups. Next, the laparoscopic surgery rate and incidence of ureteral injury from January 2017 to March 2021 were compared between the T4FUN- group and the non-stage T4FUN- group (n = 434, from January 2017 to March 2021), in which fluorescence ureter navigation was not used.

RESULTS

Rectal cancer, stage T4b disease, and invasion into the urinary tract were observed more often in the T4FUN + group than in the T4FUN- group. In the comparisons of the T4FUN + versus T4FUN- groups, the operative time was 398 (161-1090) vs. 256 (93-839) minutes, the blood loss was 10 (1-710) vs. 25 (0-1360) ml, and the ratio of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery was 21:0 vs. 79:43. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) were present in 2 (10%; 0 ureteral injury) patients in the T4FUN + group and 13 (11%; 2 ureteral injury) patients in the T4FUN- group. In the T4FUN + group, the operative time was longer (p < 0.0001), but the laparoscopic ratio was higher (p = 0.0002), and the blood loss volume and incidence of ureteral injury tended to be lower. In the comparisons of the T4FUN- versus non-stage T4FUN- groups, the ratio of laparoscopic surgery to open surgery was 79:43 vs. 384:50, the incidence of open conversion was 8 (6.6%) vs. 15 (3.5%), and the incidence of ureteral injury was 2 (1.6%) vs. 0 (0%). In the T4FUN- group, the open surgery rate (<0.0001), open conversion rate (p = 0.0205) and incidence of ureteral injury (p = 0.0478) were high, with a significant difference observed between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Patients with stage T4 disease have an increased risk of ureteral injury and are more likely to be converted to open surgery. FUN can help to safely increase the laparoscopic surgery rate while safely visualizing the ureter. FUN is recommended for laparoscopic surgery in patients with stage T4 colorectal cancer.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Examination of fluorescence navigation for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery; Research Ethics Committee of the Kawaguchi Municipal Medical Center (Saitama, Japan) approval number: 2020-3. https://kawaguchi-mmc.org/wp-content/uploads/clinical research-r02.pdf.

Laparoscopic versus open resection in patients with locally advanced colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) is challenging due to tumor size and the frequent need for multivisceral resection. The role of laparoscopic resection in LACC is controversial. This study aims to compare outcomes for laparoscopic versus open surgery in LACC.

METHODS

A population-based retrospective review was conducted of patients treated at a Provincial Cancer Center for LACC from 2005 to 2015. Patients with non-metastatic T4 colon cancers were included. Descriptive, survival, and recurrence analyses were used.

RESULTS

In all, 1,328 patients were reviewed, 23% of whom had laparoscopic surgery. A greater number of T4b tumors were removed via an open approach (35.9% vs 12.7%, P < .001). Positive resection margins occurred in 7.5% of laparoscopic and 16.5% of open cases (P < .001), and multivisceral resection was required in 11.0% and 27.7% (P < .001), respectively. Median follow-up was 37 months (interquartile range [IQR] 17-64) during which 48.6% patients died and 42.1% developed recurrence: locoregional (15.0%), distant (35.3%), peritoneal (11.4%). Age, right-sided tumors, nodal status, and laparoscopic approach were independent predictors of peritoneal recurrence. Overall survival (OS) (73 vs 61 months, P = .188) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (39 vs 31 months, P = .288) were similar with both approaches. Age, nodal, and margin status were predictive of OS and RFS.

CONCLUSION

Open surgical approach is used more frequently when tumors invade adjacent organs or require multivisceral resections. When employed, laparoscopic approach had similar rates of survival and recurrence compared with open approach, but was an independent predictor of peritoneal recurrence. Careful patient selection in operative approach is suggested.

Feasibility and outcomes of ERAS protocol in elective cT4 colorectal cancer patients: results from a single-center retrospective cohort study

Background

Programs of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery reduces morbidity and shorten recovery in patients undergoing colorectal resections for cancer. Patients presenting with more advanced disease such as T4 cancers are frequently excluded from undergoing ERAS programs due to the difficulty in applying established protocols. The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possibility of applying a validated ERAS protocol in patients undergoing colorectal resection for T4 colon and rectal cancer and to evaluate the short-term outcome.

Methods

Single-center, retrospective cohort study. All patients with a clinical diagnosis of stage T4 colorectal cancer undergoing surgery between November 2016 and January 2020 were treated following the institutional fast track protocol without exclusion. Short-term postoperative outcomes were compared to those of a control group treated with conventional care and that underwent surgical resection for T4 colorectal cancer at the same institution from January 2010 to October 2016. Data from both groups were collected retrospectively from a prospectively maintained database.

Results

Eighty-two patients were diagnosed with T4 cancer, 49 patients were included in the ERAS cohort and 33 in the historical conventional care cohort. Both, the mean time of tolerance to solid food diet and postoperative length of stay were significantly shorter in the ERAS group than in the control group (3.14 ± 1.76 vs 4.8 ± 1.52; p < 0.0001 and 6.93 ± 3.76 vs 9.50 ± 4.83; p = 0.0084 respectively). No differences in perioperative complications were observed.

Conclusions

Results from this cohort study from a single-center registry support the thesis that the adoption of the ERAS protocol is effective and applicable in patients with colorectal cancer clinically staged T4, reducing significantly their length of stay and time of tolerance to solid food diet, without affecting surgical postoperative outcomes.

Surgical treatment strategy for locally advanced colorectal cancer with abdominal wall invasion

Background

The incidence of abdominal wall metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) is very low, but it has a poor prognosis. Despite the advances in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, patient prognosis has not improved significantly. Through surgical treatment, some patients with locally advanced CRC with abdominal wall invasion can achieve tumor-free survival or an improved quality of life.

Methods

The clinical data of 15 patients in our department from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction of the tumor and abdominal wall after discussion with a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Patient information, including tumor size, defect size, operation time, intraoperative bleeding, hospital stay, and other factors, was collected.

Results

All 15 patients underwent resection followed by reconstruction for locally advanced CRC with abdominal wall invasion. The average tumor area and abdominal wall defects were 98.13±71.70 and 270.07±101.95 cm², respectively; and accurate abdominal wall classification and zoning were obtained for all patients. The average operation time was 431.7±189.2 min, and the average blood loss was 513.3±244.6 mL. The recurrence rates in the incisional hernia and abdominal wall were 6.0% and 13.3%, respectively. The patient survival rate was 87.7%.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment of locally advanced CRC with abdominal wall invasion is feasible, but requires accurate and comprehensive preoperative evaluation.

Comparison of the Effects of Laparoscopic and Open Surgery on Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Propensity Score Analysis

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication that increases patient morbidity and mortality. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of laparoscopic surgery on postoperative AKI. This study compared the incidence of postoperative AKI between laparoscopic and open surgery in patients with colorectal cancer. This study retrospectively analyzed 3637 patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery between June 2008 and February 2012. The patients were classified into laparoscopic (n = 987) and open (n = 2650) surgery groups. We performed multivariable regression analysis to assess the risk factors for AKI and propensity score matching analysis to compare the incidence of AKI between the two groups. We also assessed postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, complications, hospital stay, and 1-year mortality. We observed no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative AKI between the two groups before (8.8% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.406) and after (8.8% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.406) matching. Laparoscopic surgery was not associated with AKI even after adjusting for intraoperative variables (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-1.62, p = 0.355). Body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and albumin were risk factors for AKI. ICU admission (0.6% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.001), complications (0.2% vs. 1.5%, p = 0.002), hospital stay (6.89 days vs. 8.61 days, p < 0.001), and 1-year mortality (0.1% vs. 0.9%, p = 0.021) were significantly better in the laparoscopic than in the open group. The incidence of postoperative AKI did not differ significantly between laparoscopic and open surgery. However, considering its better surgical outcomes, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended for patients with colorectal cancer.

Laparoscopic approach for T4 colon cancer can be associated with poor prognosis in right-sided T4b tumours

INTRODUCTION

Although recent studies have demonstrated the safety of laparoscopic surgery in T4 colon cancer, some patients could have poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to analyse the risk factors affecting oncologic outcome of laparoscopic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among the 1033 T4 colon cancer patients collected from a multicentre database (2004-2017), 584 patients (458 T4a and 126 T4b) underwent laparoscopic approach for radical surgery. Risk factors associated with 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated through multivariate analysis. In addition, subgroups were classified using a combination of risk factors, and the survival rate was evaluated.

RESULTS

During this period, 188 (32.2%) had recurrence, and 151 (25.9%) died. In the multivariate analysis for oncologic outcome, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37) and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.60) were associated with poor DFS. T4b (HR 1.56, 1.46), right-sided location (HR 1.52, 1.42), and open conversion (HR 2.70, 2.12) were independently associated with both poor DFS and OS. When four subgroups were analysed through the combination of tumour location and T stage, the DFS and OS rates were significantly lower in patients with right-sided T4b cancer than in other groups (log-rank p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Right-sided T4b colon cancer for laparoscopic surgery may lead to poor oncologic outcome. This approach could be a caution in suspected cases preoperatively.

Applicability of minimally invasive surgery for clinically T4 colorectal cancer

The role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) to treat clinically T4 (cT4) colorectal cancer (CRC) remains uncertain and deserves further investigation. A retrospective cohort study was conducted between September 2006 and March 2019 recruiting patients diagnosed as cT4 CRC and undergoing MIS at a university hospital and its branch. Patients’ demography, clinicopathology, surgical and oncological outcomes, and radicality were analyzed. A total of 128 patients were recruited with an average follow-up period of 33.8 months. The median time to soft diet was 6 days, and the median postoperative hospitalization periods was 11 days. The conversion and complication (Clavien–Dindo classification ≥ II) rates were 7.8% and 27.3%, respectively. The 30-day mortality was 0.78%. R0 resection rate was 92.2% for cT4M0 and 88.6% for pT4M0 patients. For cT4 CRC patients, the disease-free survival and 3-year overall survival were 86.1% and 86.8% for stage II, 54.1% and 57.9% for stage III, and 10.8% and 17.8% for stage IV. With acceptable conversion, complication and mortality rate, MIS may achieve satisfactory R0 resection rate and thus lead to good oncological outcomes for selected patients with cT4 CRC.

Outcomes of Laparoscopic Surgery for Mucinous Colorectal Adenocarcinoma

Background: Mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma (MAC) has a higher incidence of local extension, leading to lower overall resection rates. Few studies have investigated the outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for MACs to date. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the validity of laparoscopic surgery for mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC). Methods: This study analyzed short-term and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic and open surgery for MACs from 2008 to 2018. Multivariate analyses were used to define prognostic factors of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: Patients in the laparoscopy (LAP) group had significantly less blood loss, fewer days to first flatus and to diet, and shorter length of hospital stay. The 3-year and 5-year DFS rates for all stages combined were 65.7% and 62.5% in the LAP group compared with 60.5% and 57.6% in the open (OPEN) surgery group (P = .521). The 3-year and 5-year OS rates for all stages combined were 72.3% and 67.3% in the LAP group compared with 72.6% and 67.8% in the OPEN group (P = .934). OS and DFS in stage II, stage III, and pathological T4 (pT4) stage patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery did not differ from patients who underwent open surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that stage pT4, pN2, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were significant predictors of OS. Independent factors, including intraoperative blood transfusion, stage pT4, pN2, CEA, and CA19-9, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, have a great effect on DFS. Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible option for mucinous colorectal AC, which provides faster postoperative recovery and less intraoperative blood loss.

Radiomics of rectal cancer for predicting distant metastasis and overall survival

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer (RC) patient stratification by different factors may yield variable results. Therefore, more efficient prognostic biomarkers are needed for improved risk stratification, personalized treatment, and prognostication of RC patients.

AIM

To build a novel model for predicting the presence of distant metastases and 3-year overall survival (OS) in RC patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 148 patients (76 males and 72 females) with RC treated with curative resection, without neoadjuvant or postoperative chemoradiotherapy, between October 2012 and December 2015. These patients were allocated to a training or validation set, with a ratio of 7:3. Radiomic features were extracted from portal venous phase computed tomography (CT) images of RC. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis was used for feature selection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop the radiomics signature (Rad-score) and the clinicoradiologic risk model (the combined model). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the models for predicting distant metastasis of RC. The association of the combined model with 3-year OS was investigated by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 51 (34.5%) patients had distant metastases, while 26 (17.6%) patients died, and 122 (82.4%) patients lived at least 3 years post-surgery. The values of both the Rad-score (consisted of three selected features) and the combined model were significantly different between the distant metastasis group and the non-metastasis group (0.46 ± 0.21 vs 0.32 ± 0.24 for the Rad-score, and 0.60 ± 0.23 vs 0.28 ± 0.26 for the combined model; P < 0.001 for both models). Predictors contained in the combined model included the Rad-score, pathological N-stage, and T-stage. The addition of histologic grade to the model failed to show incremental prognostic value. The combined model showed good discrimination, with areas under the curve of 0.842 and 0.802 for the training set and validation set, respectively. For the survival analysis, the combined model was associated with an improved OS in the whole cohort and the respective subgroups.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a clinicoradiologic risk model, visualized in a nomogram, that can be used to facilitate individualized prediction of distant metastasis and 3-year OS in patients with RC.

Laparoscopic vs open colorectal cancer surgery in elderly patients: short- and long-term outcomes and predictors for overall and disease-free survival

Background

Colorectal cancer is common in elderly patients. Laparoscopy is widely used to approach this kind of disease. This study was to examine short-term outcomes and long-term survival for laparoscopic and open surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

From January 2007 to December 2018, patients with colorectal cancer older than 80 operated at China National Cancer Center were included in the study. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to minimize the adverse effects. The clinical data between open and laparoscopic surgery was compared, and the effect of factors on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) was analyzed by Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Ninety-three pairs were selected after PSM. Patients in laparoscopic group had less intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, time to first flatus, time to oral feeding, postoperative hospital stay, and higher retrieved lymph node (P < 0.05). The OS and DFS rates were similar (P > 0.05), besides the CEA level, III/IV stage, and perineural invasion were independent predictors of survival (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In elderly patients with colorectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery had better short-term outcomes than open surgery. CEA level, III/IV stage, and perineural invasion were reliable predictors for OS and DFS.

Laparoscopic surgery facilitates administration of adjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced colon cancer: propensity score analyses

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a laparoscopic approach on long-term oncological outcomes in curative intent surgery for pT4 colon cancer, in both overall and stratified subgroups with distinct clinical entities.

Patients and methods

Patients with a pT4N0-2M0 colon cancer from four centers between 2000 and 2014 were included. Laparoscopic and open approaches were compared according to the intention-to-treat principle. Propensity scores were used to adjust for baseline differences between the groups in three manners: i) as a linear predictor in a Cox regression model, ii) to create a 1:1 matched cohort, and iii) to stratify patients into four groups with an increasing chance of receiving laparoscopy.

Results

In total, 424 patients were included. After 1:1 matching, a laparoscopic approach correlated with higher rates of radical resection, lower morbidity, and a higher percentage of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. This translated into better 5-year disease-free survival (52% vs 40%, HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.50–0.96) and 5-year overall survival (68% vs 57%, HR 0.66; 95% CI 0.43–0.99). These results were confirmed in the other two propensity score analyses. In the multivariable models, adjuvant chemotherapy remained independently associated with better survival, whereas surgical approach lost significance.

Conclusions

In locally advanced colon cancer, an intentional laparoscopic approach in experienced hands seems to decrease morbidity and to increase the proportion of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Receiving adjuvant chemotherapy was independently associated with improved survival.

Outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for pathological T4 colon cancer

PURPOSE

The surgical indication of laparoscopic surgery for pT4 colon cancer remains to be established because only a few studies have investigated the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for them to date. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the validity of laparoscopic surgery for them.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 81 patients with pT4 colon cancer who underwent surgical resection with a curative intent at Kobe University Hospital from January 2007 to December 2015. The short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the propensity score-matched patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy (LAP group, n = 25) and those who underwent open colectomy (OP group, n = 25).

RESULTS

Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less in the LAP group than in the OP group (p = 0.029). Operative time, R0 resection rate, and morbidity did not significantly differ between the two groups. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and the 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) did not significantly differ between the propensity score-matched groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the entire cohort showed the surgical approach (LAP vs OP) selected was not a significant prognostic factor for OS or RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

The short and the long-term outcomes were similar between the LAP and OP groups. Laparoscopic surgery might be a safe and feasible option for pT4 colon cancer patients.

Is there still a place for open surgery in the treatment strategy of rectal cancer?

Over the last 30 years laparoscopic surgery of rectal cancer has been progressively gaining popularity due to expanding experience and the development of technical skills according to the surgeons’ learning curves. The report constitutes a review of recently published articles concerning surgical techniques in colon cancer, with special emphasis on rectal cancer treatment. We tried to address the question of whether, in view of further development and broader use of laparoscopic surgery, there still is a place for open surgery in the treatment strategy of rectal cancer.

Laparoscopic approach for left-sided T4 colon cancer is a safe and feasible procedure, compared to open surgery

BACKGROUND

A laparoscopic approach can be attempted for pathologic T4 (pT4) colon cancer. Our aim was to evaluate the clinico-oncologic outcomes following laparoscopic versus open surgery for right and left-sided pT4 colon cancer.

METHODS

From a multicentric collaborative database, we enrolled 245 patients with right-sided colon cancer (RCC, 128 laparoscopy and 117 open) and 338 with left-sided colon cancer (LCC, 176 laparoscopy and 162 open). All patients underwent intended curative surgery for histologically proven T4 adenocarcinoma, between 2004 and 2013. The primary end-point of our analysis was the oncologic outcome, including the 5-year disease-free survival (5 year-DFS) and the 5-year overall survival (5 year-OS). The secondary end-points included the R0 resection rate and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Our study group included 224 T4N0 and 359 T4N+ tumors. The median follow-up was 53 months. For patients with RCC, the rate of postoperative morbidities was lower for the laparoscopy than that for the open surgery group (12.5 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.044). There was no difference in the R0 resection rate (94.5 vs. 96.6%, p = 0.425) between the groups. The 5 year-DFS and 5 year-OS rates were lower for the laparoscopy than that in the open group (48.9% vs. 59.2%, p = 0.093; 60.0% vs. 70.0%, p = 0.284, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant. Among patients with LCC, there were no differences in the rate of postoperative complication and R0 resection (15.3 vs. 21.0%, p = 0.307; 96.0 vs. 95.7%, p = 0.875, respectively). Both groups had comparable 5 year-DFS and 5 year-OS rates (62.7% vs. 61.1%, p = 0.552; 72.0% vs. 71.8%, p = 0.611, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic surgery appears to be a safe procedure for patients with pT4 LCC, but requires careful consideration for patients with pT4 RCC.

Oncological outcomes of laparoscopic versus open surgery in pT4 colon cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Widespread adoption of minimally invasive surgery for colon cancer has achieved improved short-term benefits and better long-term oncological outcomes compared with open surgery. However, it is still controversial whether laparoscopic surgery is suitable for patients with stage T4 colon cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare short- and long-term oncological outcomes associated with laparoscopic and conventional open surgery for pT4 colon cancer.

METHODS

Published studies from 2003 to 2018 comparing oncological outcomes following laparoscopic and open surgery for pT4 colon cancer were systematically searched. Data on conversion rate, R0 resection rate, number of harvested lymph nodes, morbidity and mortality, and overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were subjected to meta-analysis using fixed-effect and random-effect models.

RESULTS

Twelve observational studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 2396 cases (1250 laparoscopic and 1146 open). There was no significant difference in R0 resection rate [relative risk (RR) = 1.007; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.935-1.085; P = 0.850], number of harvested lymph nodes (MD = 0.004; 95% CI = -0.139 to 0.148; P = 0.951), mortality (RR = 0.509; 95% CI = 0.176-1.470; P = 0.212), and 3-year OS (RR = 1.056; 95% CI = 0.939-1.188; P = 0.360), 5-year OS (RR = 1.003; 95% CI = 0.883-1.139; P = 0.966), 3-year DFS (RR = 1.032; 95% CI = 0.903-1.179; P = 0.642), and 5-year DFS (RR = 0.995; 95% CI = 0.868-1.140; P = 0.973) between the groups. The rate of conversion from laparoscopic to open procedures was 10.7% (95% CI = 0.090-0.124). There was a significant difference in incidence of complications within 30 postoperative days between laparoscopic and open surgery (RR = 0.703; 95% CI = 0.564-0.876; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible in pT4 colon cancer, oncological outcomes are similar, and more importantly, there are fewer postoperative complications compared with open surgery.