Laparoscopic vs open complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for colon cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Long-term oncological outcome of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (single-incision plus one port) as a technical option for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to clarify the oncological safety of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (single-incision plus one port) (RPS) for patients with rectal cancer.

METHODS

The clinicopathological data of 63 selected patients with clinical Stage I-III (T1-3 and N0-2) rectal cancer who underwent RPS of radical anterior resection between 2012 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The median distance of tumor from anal verge was 11 cm. Ordinarily, a multiport platform with three channels was placed in the 3-cm umbilical incision, and another 5- or 12-mm port was placed in the right lower abdomen.

RESULTS

The median operative time, amount of intraoperative bleeding, number of harvested lymph nodes, and length of distal margin were 272 min, 10 mL, 22 nodes, and 4.0 cm, respectively, and there was one (2%) patient with involvement of the radial margin. There were eight patients (13%) who required additional ports, and one patient (2%) who converted to open surgery. Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in one (2%) and 12 patients (19%), respectively. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 8 days. The median follow-up period was 79 months, and incisional hernia was observed in 3 (5%) patients at the platform site not the port site, and cancer recurrence occurred in four patients (6%). The 5-year relapse-free and overall survival rates were 100% and 100% in the patients with pathological Stage I disease, 94% and 100% in the patients with pathological Stage II disease, and 83% and 89% in the patients with pathological Stage III disease, respectively.

CONCLUSION

RPS in the selected patients with rectal cancer, performed by an expert laparoscopic surgeon, may be technically safe and oncologically acceptable as well as multiport laparoscopic surgery.

Transmesocolic approach in laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for right sided colon cancers

Introduction

A mesocolic plane, central vascular ligation (CVL) and proper proximal-distal margins are the essential components of complete mesocolic excision (CME). In the transmesocolic approach, we identify the middle colic vessels and enter the lesser sac through the mesocolon for ascending colon and caecum tumors.

Aim

To investigate the feasibility and identify the technical details of this technique.

Material and methods

The clinical and pathological findings of 26 patients who had undergone laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME between 2010 and 2020 were collected retrospectively. All operation videos were recorded and reviewed by the authors with regard to the components of CME. In the transmesocolic approach, dissection starts with identification of the middle colic vessels directly. After division of the middle colic vessels, we enter the omental bursa and dissection continues from superior to inferior direction.

Results

There were 26 patients in the study. The mean age was 59.3 ±16.1. There were 15 female and 11 male patients with a mean body mass index of 25.9 ±16.1 kg/m². The mean operative time was 137.6 ±19.4 min. The mean length of hospital stay and the time to first flatus were 7.5 ±4.6 days and 2.3 ±1.5 days, respectively. None of the patients were re-admitted to the hospital in 30 days. There was no 30-day mortality in the patients. There were no major complications.

Conclusions

The transmesocolic approach seems to be feasible and safe for CME in right sided colon cancers. However, more prospective randomized studies are needed to use the transmesocolic approach as a standard technique.

Comparison of Short- and Long-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic and Open Right Hemicolectomy for Colon Cancer

<br><b>Introduction:</b> Colorectal cancer is still among the most common malignancies in the world.</br> <br><b>Aim:</b> The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer.</br> <br><b>Materials and methods:</b> This retrospective study included 87 patients who underwent laparoscopic and open right hemicolectomy for colon cancer between January 2014 and January 2020. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the surgical technique: laparoscopic (46 cases) and open (41 cases). Patient characteristics and clinicopathological findings, surgical findings, short- and long-term results were included in the evaluation parameters. Patients with pathological diagnosis other than adenocarcinoma, distant metastases, and incomplete file datas were excluded from the study.</br> <br><b>Results:</b> Forty-six (52.9%) patients underwent laparoscopic and 41 (47.1%) patients underwent open right hemicolectomy. The operation time of the laparoscopic group was found to be significantly higher (P<0.001). The amount of blood loss was significantly higher in the open group (P < 0.001). The incidence of post-operative complications in the open group (26.8%) was higher than in the laparoscopic group (6.5%) (P = 0.010). The rate of anastomotic leakage (9.8%) was higher in patients who underwent open surgery compared to laparoscopic group (0%) (P = 0.045). It was found that the laparoscopic group had a shorter hospital stay (P = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of overall overall survival (OS) rate (P = 0.400) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate (P = 0.781).</br> <br><b>Conclusion:</b> Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for colon cancer is a feasible and reliable method with lower postoperative morbidity and similar long-term results to the open method.</br>

Laparoscopic and open complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for right colonic adenocarcinoma: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUND

To examine the outcome of patients treated with complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) after conventional and laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated stage I-IV colon adenocarcinoma patients treated by the same surgeon (L.M.) from 2013 to 2018. Postoperative complications, recurrences and survival are assessed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (M/F: 24/27) underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME (L-CME) or open CME (O-CME) plus CVL. Tumour location was the caecum in 39.2% of cases, the transverse in 23.5%, the hepatic colonic flexure in 21.5%, and the ascending colon in 15.6%. Twenty-four patients underwent L-CME while 27 underwent O-CME. More than 15 harvested lymphnodes are reported in 74.1% of O-CME patients and in 66.7% of L-CME patients (p = 0.562). Postoperative complications occurred in 7 O-CME and 5 L-CME patients, respectively (p = 0.669). Three-year overall survival, including stage IV, was of 75% versus 77.8% for L-CME and O-CME patients, respectively, while for stage I-III, was of 88.9% vs. 80% in L-CME and O-CME, respectively (p = 0.440). The median follow-up was of 2.43 years.

CONCLUSION

CME with CVL is a meticulous, complex but feasible technique. In our experience, oncological results in terms of recurrences and overall survival, after conventional and laparoscopic CME plus CVL, are comparable. Patients with stage I-III colon adenocarcinoma have a better prognostic trend especially when more than 15 lymphnodes are removed. The respect of oncological radicality and the correct indication to minimally invasive surgery are the undiscussed key outcome variables.

Complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation in colorectal cancer in the era of minimally invasive surgery

Since the 19^th century, appropriate lymphadenectomy has been considered a cornerstone of oncologic surgery and one of the most important prognostic factors. This approach can be applied to any surgery for gastrointestinal cancer. During surgery for colon and rectal cancer, an adequate portion of the mesentery is removed together with the segment of bowel affected by the disease. The adequate number of lymph nodes to be removed is standardized and reported by several guidelines. It is mandatory to determine the appropriate extent of lymphadenectomy and to balance its oncological benefits with the increased morbidity associated with its execution in cancer patients. Our review focuses on the concept of “complete mesenteric excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL),” a radical lymphadenectomy for colorectal cancer that has gained increasing interest in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of this approach over the years, its potential oncologic benefits and potential risks, and the improvements offered by laparoscopic techniques. Theoretical advantages of CME are improved local-relapse rates due to complete removal of the intact mesocolic fascia and improved distance recurrence rates due to ligation of vessels at their origin (CVL) which guarantees removal of a larger number of lymph nodes. The development and worldwide diffusion of laparoscopic techniques minimized postoperative trauma in oncologic surgery, providing the same oncologic results as open surgery. This has been widely applied to colorectal cancer surgery; however, CME entails a technical complexity that can limit its wide minimally-invasive application. This review analyzes results of these procedures in terms of oncological outcomes, technical feasibility and complexity, especially within the context of minimally invasive surgery.

Central vascular ligation and mesentery based abdominal surgery

In the nineteenth century the idea of a correct surgical approach in oncologic surgery moved towards a good lymphadenectomy. In colon cancer the segment is removed with adjacent mesentery, in gastric cancer or pancreatic cancer a good oncologic resection is obtained with adequate lymphadenectomy. Many guidelines propose a minimal lymph node count that the surgeon must obtain. Therefore, it is essential to understand the adequate extent of lymphadenectomy to be performed in cancer surgery. In this review of the current literature, the focus is on "central vascular ligation", understood as radical lymphadenectomy in upper and lower gastrointestinal cancer, the evolution of this approach during the years and the improvement of laparoscopic techniques. For what concerns laparoscopic surgery, the main goal is to minimize post-operative trauma introducing the "less is more" concept whilst preserving attention for oncological outcomes. This review will demonstrate the importance of a scientifically based standardization of oncologic gastrointestinal surgery, especially in relation to the expansion of minimally invasive surgery and underlines the importance to further investigate through new randomized trials the role of extended lymphadenectomy in the new era of a multimodal approach, and most importantly, an era where minimally invasive techniques and the idea of "less is more" are becoming the standard thought for the surgical approach.

Complete mesocolic excision versus conventional surgery for colon cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) lacks consistent data advocating operative superiority compared to conventional surgery for colon cancer. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, analysing population characteristics and perioperative, pathological and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

D3 extended lymphadenectomy dissection was considered comparable to CME, and D2 and D1 dissection to be comparable to conventional surgery. Outcomes reviewed included lymph node yield, R1 resection, overall complications, overall survival and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

In all, 3039 citations were identified; 148 studies underwent full-text reviews and 31 matched inclusion criteria: total cohort 26 640 patients (13 830 CME/D3 vs. 12 810 conventional). Overall 3- and 5-year survival was higher in the CME/D3 group compared with conventional surgery: relative risk (RR) 0.69 (95% CI 0.51-0.93, P = 0.016) and RR 0.78 (95% CI 0.64-0.95, P = 0.011) respectively. Five-year disease-free survival also demonstrated CME/D3 superiority (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.52-0.86, P < 0.001), with similar findings at 1 and 3 years. There were no statistically significant differences between the CME/D3 and conventional group in overall complications (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.97-1.14, P = 0.483) or anastomotic leak (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.81-1.29, P = 0.647).

CONCLUSIONS

Meta-analysis suggests CME/D3 may have a better overall and disease-free survival compared to conventional surgery, with no difference in perioperative complications. Quality of evidence regarding survival is low, and randomized control trials are required to strengthen the evidence base.

Qualitative umbrella review of systematic reviews on complete mesocolic excision for colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) of colon cancer with extended lymphadenectomy was suggested to improve radical resection of colon cancer. This comprehensive review aimed to assess the current literature for the outcomes of CME of colon cancer through an appraisal of the findings of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

METHODS

A systematic literature review searching for the studies that assessed the outcome of CME of colon cancer was conducted. Electronic databases were queried from 2009 through November 2020. The main objectives of this review were to illustrate the technical aspects and outcome of CME and to summarize the findings of the published systematic reviews.

RESULTS

Thirteen systematic reviews were retrieved. All reviews found CME to provide longer bowel, larger area of mesentery resected, and more lymph nodes (LNs) retrieved than standard colectomy. All systematic reviews except two found similar complication rates between CME and standard colectomy. Four systematic reviews documented the survival benefit of CME in regards to improved overall and disease-free survival. Using the laparoscopic approach for CME did not compromise the oncologic outcomes of the procedures, yet was associated with less intraoperative blood loss, faster recovery, and potential survival benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

CME is associated with better specimen quality, more LNs clearance, and potential survival benefits compared to standard colectomy. However, the lack of robust data from well-designed multicenter randomized trials may prevent drawing firm conclusions on the oncologic benefits of CME. Further high-quality studies are needed before recommending CME as the standard of care for colon cancer.

Robotic complete mesocolic excision versus conventional robotic right colectomy for right-sided colon cancer: a comparative study of perioperative outcomes

AIM

This study aims to compare the short-term outcomes of robotic complete mesocolic excision (RCME) versus conventional robotic right colectomy (RRC) for right-sided colon cancer.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery for right-sided colon cancer in a public quaternary and a private tertiary healthcare centre between November 2018 and June 2020 were included. Clinical, perioperative and histopathological variables were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included; 25 (49%) of them had an RCME. The groups were evenly distributed in terms of demographic characteristics and tumour location. Operative time was similar between both groups, and no patients required conversion to open surgery. There were no differences in overall complications (16% in RCME vs. 26.9% in RRC; p = 0.499) or their profile between groups. There were no anastomotic leaks recorded, and the reoperation rates were similar (0% for RCME versus 3.8% for RRC; p = 1). In addition, the median length of hospital stay was similar in between the RCME and the RRC groups (4 [4-6] days versus 5 [3-8.5] days, respectively; p = 0.891). Whilst there were no differences in the TNM staging, the mean number of lymph nodes harvested with RCME was 37.7 (±12.9) compared to 21.8 (±7.5) with RCC (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In our series, RCME was associated with a higher lymph node harvest and a similar morbidity profile compared to RCC. Further studies are required to validate these results and provide long-term oncologic outcomes.

[Evidence in minimally invasive oncological surgery of the colon and rectum]

An essential component of the treatment of colorectal cancer is a resection of the tumor-bearing segment of the bowels. After the development of minimally invasive procedures the feasibility and safety in oncological, colorectal surgery was questioned. The broad study situation for colon cancer over the last years showed predominantly consistent benefits during the perioperative phase and non-inferiority concerning long-term oncological outcomes. The implementation of laparoscopic rectal resection was more hesitant due to the complexity of the procedure and insufficient study data; however, overall the short-term benefits seem to be maintained and laparoscopic rectal resection is thought to be noninferior to open resection in the long run even though findings on the quality of the resected specimen are heterogeneous. Accordingly, most guidelines now include a recommendation of laparoscopic resection for colorectal cancer. The limitation with respect to an achievable oncological equivalency of resection takes account of the complexity and the requirements of the intervention only in the setting of rational selection of patients and sufficient experience of the surgeon.

Evaluating Nationwide Application of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Treatment of Small Bowel Neuroendocrine Neoplasms

Aim

Open resection of small bowel neuroendocrine neoplasms (SB-NEN) is still considered standard-of-care, mainly because of frequently encountered multifocality and central mesenteric masses. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical approach for SB-NEN at a national level and determine predictors for overall survival.

Methods

Patients with SB-NEN who underwent resection between 2005 and 2015 were included from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patient and tumor characteristics were compared between laparoscopic and open approach. Overall survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier and compared with the Log-rank test. Independent predictors were determined by Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

In total, 482 patients were included, of whom 342 (71%) underwent open and 140 (29%) laparoscopic resection. The open resection group had significantly more multifocal tumors resected (24% vs. 14%), pN2 lymph nodes (18% vs. 7%) and stage IV disease (36% vs. 22%). Overall survival after open resection was significantly shorter compared to laparoscopic resection (3-year: 81% vs. 89%, 5-year: 71% vs. 84%, p = 0.004). In multivariable analysis, age above 60-years (60–75, HR 3.38 (95% CI 1.84–6.23); > 75 years, HR 7.63 (95% CI 3.86–15.07)), stage IV disease (HR 1.86 (95% CI 1.18–2.94)) and a laparoscopic approach (HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.28–0.94)) were independently associated with overall survival, whereas multifocal primary tumor, grade and resection margin status were not.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic resection was the approach in 29% of SB-NEN at a national level with selection of the more favorable patients. Laparoscopic resection remained independently associated with better overall survival besides age and stage, but residual confounding cannot be excluded.

Laparoscopic vs open complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation for right-sided colon cancer

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) is being performed more frequently and has recently become an established oncologic surgical method for right hemicolectomy. Despite its advantages, such as its association with early mobilization, a short hospital stay, early bowel movement, mild postoperative pain, and good cosmesis, CME is technically demanding and carries the risk of severe complications. This study aims to compare the clinical, pathological, and oncological results of open and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME.The data of 76 patients who underwent right hemicolectomy with CME and high vascular ligation were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether the open or laparoscopic technique was used.Thirty-two patients underwent open right hemicolectomy, and 44 patients underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The 2 groups were similar in age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, abdominal surgical history, tumor localization, and operation time. No significant differences were found regarding the specimen length, tumor size, harvested lymph nodes, number of metastatic lymph nodes, or tumor grade. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification system, the laparoscopic group had significantly fewer complications than did the open group (11.4% vs 31.2%; P = .04). The open group had a longer postoperative hospital stay than did the laparoscopic hemicolectomy group (9.9 ± 4.7 vs 7.2 ± 3.1 days; P = .002). In addition, the groups were similar with respect to disease-free survival (P = .14) and overall survival (P = .06).The data in this study demonstrated that no differences exist between the open and laparoscopic techniques concerning pathological and oncological results. However, significantly fewer complications and a shorter length of hospital stay were observed in the laparoscopic group than in the open group. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME and central vascular ligation is a safe and feasible surgical procedure and should be considered the standard technique for right-sided colon cancer.

Laparoscopic versus Open Complete Mesocolic Excision for Right Colon Cancer

Results

The mean operative time was significantly longer in the LCME group than that in the OCME group with less mean intraoperative blood loss. Conversion was required in 4 patients (8.3%) in the LCME group. The use of laparoscopy increased the number of harvested lymph nodes compared to the open approach (39.81 ± 16.74 vs. 32.65 ± 12.28, respectively, P=0.010). The laparoscopic approach was associated with a shorter time interval to first flatus as well as shorter time interval to liquid and normal diet after surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the LCME group. The complication rate was slightly lower in the LCME (14.7%) than in the OCME group (27.2%) (P=0.252). The 3-year OS in the LCME group was similar to that in OCME (78.2% vs. 63.2%, respectively, P value = 0.423). The three-year DFS in the laparoscopic group was higher (74.5%) than the open group (60.0%), but did not reach statistical significance (P value = 0.266).

Conclusions

In conclusion, laparoscopic CME right hemicolectomy is a technically feasible and safe procedure if surgeon expertise is present. LCME has long-term oncologic outcomes (recurrence and survival) comparable to open surgery for management of patients with stage II or III colon cancer.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Gastroepiploic Lymph Node Involvement in Patients with Cancer of the Transverse Colon Including the Hepatic Flexure

BACKGROUND

To define the incidence of gastroepiploic lymph node (GLN) metastasis in patients with cancer of the transverse colon, including the hepatic flexure, and to identify the preoperative predictors of GLN involvement in a large-volume center in China.

METHODS

This retrospective monocentric cross-sectional study respected the STROBE statement. Of 3208 consecutive patients who underwent colon cancer resection, a total of 371 patients with cancer of the transverse colon including the hepatic flexure who underwent complete mesocolic excision and GLN resection in our center were retrospectively reviewed between November 2010 and November 2017. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of GLN metastasis. Endoscopic obstruction was defined as a luminal obstruction of the colon severe enough to prevent the colonoscope from passing beyond the tumor regardless of the presenting symptoms.

RESULTS

The GLN involvement rate was 4.0 (2.0-6.1)%. Patients who had GLN involvement had a significantly higher rate of endoscopic obstruction (P = 0.030), higher rate of signet ring adenocarcinoma or lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.05), higher preoperative CEA level (P = 0.037), more advanced pN stage (P < 0.001) and more advanced M stage (P = 0.003) than the patients without GLN involvement. ROC curve analyses showed that the cutoff value for CEA was 17.0 ng/ml (46.7% sensitivity, 84.3% specificity, P = 0.037) for the prediction of GLN metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that endoscopic obstruction, signet ring adenocarcinoma, a CEA level ≥17 ng/ml and M1 stage were independently correlated with the GLN metastasis.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of GLN metastasis was low. To the best of our knowledge, the present study was the first to evaluate the preoperative predictors of GLN metastasis. Combinations of predictive factors may be useful for stratifying patients at high risk of GLN metastasis.

A global systematic review and meta-analysis on laparoscopic vs open right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of right hemicolectomy with CME performed with laparoscopic and open surgery.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Google Scholar and the ClinicalTrials.gov register were searched. Primary outcome was the overall number of harvested lymph nodes. Secondary outcomes were short and long-term course variables. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk ratios.

RESULTS

Twenty-one studies were identified with 5038 patients enrolled. The difference in number of harvested lymph nodes was not statistically significant (MD 0.68, - 0.41-1.76, P = 0.22). The only RCT shows a significant advantage in favour of laparoscopy (MD 3.30, 95% CI - 0.20-6.40, P = 0.04). The analysis of CCTs showed an advantage in favour of the laparoscopic group, but the result was not statically significantly (MD - 0.55, 95% CI - 0.57-1.67, P = 0.33). The overall incidence of local recurrence was not different between the groups, while systemic recurrence at 5 years was lower in laparoscopic group. Laparoscopy showed better short-term outcomes including overall complications, lower estimated blood loss, lower wound infections and shorter hospital stay, despite a longer operative time. The rate of anastomotic and chyle leak was similar in the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the several limitations of this study, we found that the median number of lymph node harvested in the laparoscopic group is not different compared to open surgery. Laparoscopy was associated with a lower incidence of systemic recurrence.

Robotic Complete Mesocolic Excision with Central Vascular Ligation for Right Colon Cancer: Surgical Technique and Short-term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery has demonstrated to have the same oncological results as open surgery, with better clinical outcomes. Robotic assistance is an evolution of minimally invasive technique.

PURPOSE

The study aims to present technical details and short-term oncological outcomes of robotic-assisted complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) for right colon cancer.

METHODOLOGY

Fifty-two consecutive patients affected by right colon cancer were operated between May 2016 and February 2020 with da Vinci Xi platform. Data regarding surgical and short-term oncological outcomes were systematically collected in a colorectal specific database for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (71.15%) and 15 (28.85%) patients underwent right and extended right hemicoletomy with an extracorporeal anastomosis. Median age was 55 years. Mean operative time was 182 ± 36 min. Mean blood loss was 110 ± 90 ml. Conversion rate was 3.84% (two cases). 78.84% (41 cases) were pT3 and mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 28 ± 4. 1/52 (1.92%) had a documented anastomotic leak requiring exploratory laparotomy and diversion proximal ileostomy. Surgery-related grade IIIa-IIIb Calvien Dindo morbidity were noted in 9.61% and 1.92%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Robotic assistance allows performance of oncological adequate dissection of the right colon with radical lymphadenectomy as in open surgery, confirming the safety and oncological adequacy of this technique, with acceptable results and short-term outcomes.

Recurrence Risk after Radical Colorectal Cancer Surgery-Less Than before, But How High Is It?

Simple Summary

Evidence indicates that recurrence risk after colon cancer today is less than it was when trials performed decades ago showed that adjuvant chemotherapy reduces the risk and prolong disease-free and overall survival. After rectal cancer surgery, local recurrence rates have decreased but it is unclear if systemic recurrences have. After a systematic review of available literature reporting recurrence risks after curative colorectal cancer surgery we report that the risks are lower today than they were in the past and that this risk reduction is not solely ascribed to the use of adjuvant therapy. Adjuvant therapy always means overtreatment of many patients, already cured by the surgery. Fewer recurrences mean that progress in the care of these patients has happened but also that the present guidelines giving recommendations based upon old data must be adjusted. The relative gains from adding chemotherapy are not altered, but the absolute number of patients gaining is less.

Abstract

Adjuvant chemotherapy aims at eradicating tumour cells sometimes present after radical surgery for a colorectal cancer (CRC) and thereby diminish the recurrence rate and prolong time to recurrence (TTR). Remaining tumour cells will lead to recurrent disease that is usually fatal. Adjuvant therapy is administered based upon the estimated recurrence risk, which in turn defines the need for this treatment. This systematic overview aims at describing whether the need has decreased since trials showing that adjuvant chemotherapy provides benefits in colon cancer were performed decades ago. Thanks to other improvements than the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy, such as better staging, improved surgery, the use of radiotherapy and more careful pathology, recurrence risks have decreased. Methodological difficulties including intertrial comparisons decades apart and the present selective use of adjuvant therapy prevent an accurate estimate of the magnitude of the decreased need. Furthermore, most trials do not report recurrence rates or TTR, only disease-free and overall survival (DFS/OS). Fewer colon cancer patients, particularly in stage II but also in stage III, today display a sufficient need for adjuvant treatment considering the burden of treatment, especially when oxaliplatin is added. In rectal cancer, neo-adjuvant treatment will be increasingly used, diminishing the need for adjuvant treatment.

Laparoscopic Versus Open Complete Mesocolon Excision in Right Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic complete mesocolon excision (LCME) for right colonic cancer improves oncological outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare intraoperative, postoperative, and oncological outcomes after LCME and open total mesocolon excision (OCME) for right-sided colonic cancers.

METHODS

Literature searches of electronic databases and manual searches up to January 31, 2019, were performed. Random-effects meta-analysis model was used. Review Manager Version 5.3 was used for pooled estimates.

RESULTS

After screening 1334 articles, 10 articles with a total of 2778 patients were eligible for inclusion. Compared to OCME, LCME improves results in terms of overall morbidity (OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.80, p = 0.0001), blood loss (MD = 56.56, 95% CI 19.05 to 94.06, p = 0.003), hospital stay (MD = 2.18 day, 95% CI 0.54 to 3.83, p = 0.009), and local (OR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.12, p = 0.03) and distant recurrence (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.23-2.16, p = 0.0008). There was no significant difference regarding mortality, anastomosis leakage, number of harvested lymph nodes, and 3-year disease-free survival. Open approach was significantly better than laparoscopy in terms of operative time (MD = - 34.76 min, 95% CI - 46.01 to - 23.50, p < 0.00001) and chyle leakage (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.96, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that LCME in right colon cancer surgery is superior to OCME in terms of overall morbidity, blood loss, hospital stay, and local and distant recurrence with a moderate grade of recommendation due to the retrospective nature of the included studies.

Minimally invasive complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL) follows the same principles as the total mesorectal excision (TME) in the rectum of following the embryological planes for right-sided cancers. The number of lymph nodes yielded increased with a resultant improvement in the oncological outcomes and by reducing local recurrence rates. Hohenberger's radical CME and CVL and the East's modified CME with D3 lymphadenectomy, which traditionally followed the embryological plane dissection for most of its intraabdominal cancer resection, have both shown to harvest significantly higher number of lymph nodes leading to a higher overall survival rate than the traditional right hemicolectomies of the West. To achieve the oncologically superior excision of the CME, awareness of the significant vascular anatomical variation will enhance the precision of the oncosurgery as well as minimize the risk of vascular complications. There has been an increasing body of evidence emerging on the safety of minimally invasive surgery (MIS); both its oncological safety as well as complication rates in the hands of expert and trained surgeons. The surgical technique of a CME right hemicolectomy is described step by step to aid standardization. There is mounting evidence that CME + CVL/ D3 improves survival in patients with colon cancer. Whilst the technical aspect of MIS is more challenging than the left, with a standardized technique and systematic teaching method, safety and benefits for patients can be achieved.

Long-term oncologic outcome and risk factors after conversion in laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer

PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term oncologic outcomes after laparoscopic converted surgery for patients with colon cancer.

METHODS

Retrospective database of consecutive curative-intent laparoscopic-assisted surgery for primary stage I-III colon cancer was reviewed from 2000 to 2013. The patients were divided into non-conversion and conversion groups. The patient characters, operative features, perioperative parameters, pathologic features, and oncologic outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 4010 patients were included in the study: 3929 in the non-conversion group and 81 (2%) in the conversion group. The median follow-up period was 63.9 months. There were significant differences in age, preoperative clinical T-stage, and tumor size between the groups. In operative details between the two groups, there were also significant differences in access to surgery, tumor location, cancer obstruction, cancer perforation, and estimated blood loss (P < 0.001). The two most common reasons for conversion were adhesion (n = 37, 46%) and bleeding (n = 21, 26%). Multivariate analysis showed that conversion was an independent predictor of both overall survival (OS) (P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (P = 0.003). The 5-year OS rate of the conversion group was 79.6%, and that of the non-conversion group was 96.2% (P < 0.001). The multivariate predictors of conversion were age, type of surgery, cancer obstruction, cancer perforation, and clinical T-stage.

CONCLUSION

Conversion to open surgery may affect patient survival and recurrence after laparoscopic-assisted surgery for colon cancer. Our data suggest that conversion is associated with poor outcomes, but we should not hesitate to convert it to patients who have difficulty in laparoscopic surgery.

Robotic-assisted complete mesocolic excision, central vascular ligation and para-aortic lymph node dissection in multifocal carcinoid: A case report and technical description

•

Neuroendocrine tumours are the most common type of small bowel neoplasm.

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Robotic technique may be superior to open technique for lymph node dissection.

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Robotic-assisted complete mesocolic excision is a safe and effective technique.

Introduction

Neuroendocrine tumours are the most common type of primary small bowel neoplasm. Consensus guidelines recommend a multimodal approach to treatment of such tumours, with aggressive surgical resection remaining the mainstay of management. There is evidence that complete mesocolic excision (CME) of lymph nodes is associated with superior oncological outcomes including longer disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer than standard lymph node dissection and there is increasing evidence to suggest that the robotic approach may be superior to laparoscopic or open CME. This report discusses a robotic-assisted approach to CME with central vessel ligation (CVL) and para-aortic lymph node dissection in a case of multifocal neuroendocrine tumour of the small bowel.

Presentation of case and technical approach

This report details the case of a 73-year-old male with multifocal small bowel neuroendocrine tumour. He underwent a robotic-assisted right hemicolectomy, small bowel resection, CME, CVL and para-aortic lymph node dissection. The approach described involved undertaking CME, CVL and bowel resection with a standard right hemicolectomy robotic set-up before re-docking the robot to perform the retroperitoneal para-aortic lymph node dissection.

Discussion

This case highlights the management of multifocal small bowel neuroendocrine tumour using a robotic approach for surgical resection and lymph node clearance.

Conclusion

The robotic approach provides a safe and effective technique for undertaking surgical resection of small bowel neuroendocrine tumour as well as complete mesocolic excision of lymph nodes. With a change in port positions, a robotic approach can be utilised for CME/CVL as well as retroperitoneal node dissection.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Single-Incision Versus Multiport Laparoscopic Complete Mesocolic Excision Colectomy for Colon Cancer

Background. Our aim was to compare the emerging technique of single-incision laparoscopic surgery complete mesocolic excision (SILS CME) colectomy with the standard multiport laparoscopic CME (MPL CME) colectomy. Methods. MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, EMBASE, Ovid, and the Cochrane library were searched. Studies comparing the SILS CME with MPL CME in adults with colon adenocarcinoma were included. The Jadad and Newcastle Ottawa Scales were used to critically appraise the studies. The presence of statistical heterogeneity or publication bias was examined. Results. Seven studies (3 randomized) with a total number of 1344 patients were included (546 SILS CME and 798 MPL CME). No difference was found in anastomotic leakage (odds ratio [OR] = 0.79 [0.31 to 2.03]; P = .63), number of lymph nodes (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 0.85 [-0.97 to 2.66]; P = .36), hospital stay (WMD = 0.01 [-0.19 to 0.20]; P = .96), overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19 [0.29 to 4.80]; P = .81), and disease-free survival (HR = 1.30 [0.30 to 5.61]; P = .72). Skin incision was shorter in SILS CME group (WMD = -3.02 [-3.25 to -2.80]; P < .00001) but with no difference in pain reported in postoperative day 1 (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.21 [-0.50 to 0.09]; P = .17) or day 2 (SMD = 0.16 [-0.52 to 0.84]; P = .64). Conclusions. SILS CME, although technically more demanding, has equivalent short- and long-term outcomes when compared with MPL CME. Potential benefits in cosmesis or postoperative pain need to be further explored by high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Laparoscopic versus open right hemicolectomy in colon carcinoma: A propensity score analysis of the DGAV StuDoQ|ColonCancer registry

Objective

To assess whether laparoscopy has any advantages over open resection for right-sided colon cancer.

Summary background data

Right hemicolectomy can be performed using either a conventional open or a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique. It is not clear whether these different access routes differ with regard to short-term postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Patients documented in the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery StuDoQ|ColonCancer registry who underwent right hemicolectomy were analyzed regarding early postoperative complications according to Clavien-Dindo (primary endpoint), operation (OP) time, length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS), MTL30 and number of lymph nodes retrieved (secondary endpoints).

Results

A total of 4.997 patients were identified as undergoing oncological right hemicolectomy without additional interventions. Of these, 4.062 (81.3%) underwent open, 935 (18.7%) laparoscopic surgery. Propensity score analysis showed a significantly shorter LOS (OR: 0.55 CI 95%0.47-.64) and a significantly longer OP time (OR2.32 CI 1.98–2.71) for the laparoscopic route. Risk factors for postoperative complications, anastomotic insufficiency, ileus, reoperation and positive MTL30 were higher ASA status, higher age and increasing BMI. The surgical access route (open / lap) had no influence on these factors, but the laparoscopic group did have markedly fewer lymph nodes retrieved.

Conclusion

The present registry-based analysis could detect no relevant advantages for the minimally invasive laparoscopic access route. Further oncological analyses are needed to clarify the extent to which the smaller lymph node harvest in the laparoscopic group is accompanied by a poorer oncological outcome.

Propofol Promotes Activity and Tumor-Killing Ability of Natural Killer Cells in Peripheral Blood of Patients with Colon Cancer

Background

We investigated the effect of propofol on activities and tumor-killing ability of natural killer (NK) cells in patients with colon cancer.

Material/Methods

Twenty colon cancer patients and 20 healthy subjects were included. Peripheral blood (5 ml) was collected from all patients and healthy subjects. NK cells in peripheral blood were separated by negative screening using immunomagnetic beads. Flow cytometry was used to determine expression of activated receptors, inhibitory receptors, killing effector molecules, and proliferation-associated markers on NK cell surfaces. After in vitro treatment with propofol for 24 h, expression of activated receptors, inhibitory receptors, killing effector molecules, and proliferation-associated markers on NK cell surfaces was examined again. In addition, the tumor-killing effect of NK cells was studied by co-culture with K562 cells or colon cancer SW620 cells at a ratio of 1: 1.

Results

The number of NK cells in peripheral blood from colon cancer patients was increased compared with healthy subjects, but activities and proliferation ability of the NK cells were decreased. The tumor-killing effect of NK cells isolated from colon cancer patients was decreased. Of note, propofol promoted activation of NK cells from colon cancer patients. In addition, propofol increased expression of tumor-killing effector molecules by NK cells and the proliferation ability of NK cells. Propofol also enhanced the killing effect of NK cells on colon cancer cells.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that propofol promotes the activity and tumor-killing ability of NK cells in peripheral blood of patients with colon cancer.

Predictors of adequate lymph node harvest during colectomy for colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Consensus guidelines recommend a yield of 12 lymph nodes in resections for colon cancer. Factors affecting this yield are not well defined.

METHODS

Retrospective study using the colectomy-targeted American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for years 2014-2016. Primary outcome was resection of at least 12 nodes. Univariate and multivariate analyses determined factors associated with ≥12 LN yield.

RESULTS

17,612 colectomies for colon cancer were extracted from the NSQIP database. 7.26% of cases did not reach a 12 LN harvest. Harvesting ≥12 LN was 74% more likely (p = 0.001) if the resection was laparoscopic and 72% more likely (p < 0.0001) if hand-assisted. Advanced T and N stage had a higher likelihood of reaching 12 LN harvest. Older age, female gender and smoking history decreased the likelihood of ≥12 LN harvest.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic and robotic colectomies were 1.5-2.5 times more likely to achieve adequate LN harvest compared to open surgery. Several non-modifiable patient and disease related factors may render adequate LN yield challenging.