Short-term and long-term survival outcomes for transrectal specimen extraction after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a propensity-score matching study

Background

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) has been widely applied to the treatment of colorectal cancer. This study aim to investigate the short-term and survival outcomes of transrectal specimen extraction after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2021, a total of 166 consecutive patients with right colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Beijing Hospital were identified. Baseline data, perioperative parameters, anal function, inflammatory indicators and survival outcomes were collected and compared.

Results

Totally, 24 patients who underwent transrectal NOSE were matched with 24 patients who received conventional laparoscopic surgery (LAP). Patients in NOSES group had a significantly lower incidence of incision infection (0 vs 20.8%, P=0.048), faster recovery of gastrointestinal function (2.1 vs 3,1 days, P=0.032) compared with those in LAP group. In addition, patients in the NOSE group experienced significantly less postoperative pain on POD1 (2.3 vs 4.4, P<0.001), POD3 (2.1 vs 3.9, P<0.001), and POD5 (1.7 vs 2.8, P=0.011). Regarding to anal function 6 months after surgery, no significant difference was observed in Wexner incontinence scale (9.8 vs 9.5, P=0.559) between the two groups. In terms of indicators of the inflammatory response, there were no significant differences in body temperature, neutrophils, and PCT levels between the two groups. However, CRP levels in the NOSES group on POD 3 (6.9 vs 5.1 mg/L, P=0.016) and POD 5 (3.8 vs 2.6 mg/L, P=0.027) were significantly higher than in the LAP group. With regarded to survival outcomes, patients in the NOSES group were similar to those in the LAP group for 3-year OS (100% vs 91.2%, P=0.949), 3-year DFS (86.2% vs 84.8%, P=0.949), and 3-year LRFS (94.2% vs 88.7%, P=0.549).

Conclusion

For total laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, transrectal NOSE is effective and safe, and associated with lower incidence of wound infection, less pain, faster recovery, and similar survival outcomes compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Effectiveness and safety of self-pulling and latter transection reconstruction in totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy

Background

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is a standard treatment modality for right colon cancer. However, performing intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) for totally laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (TLRH) remains a challenge for some surgeons. To simplify IA in TLRH we used self-pulling and latter transection (SPLT) reconstruction in TLRH, and compared this procedure with overlap IA and laparoscopy-assisted right hemicolectomy (LARH) in order to evaluate its safety and effectiveness.

Methods

Patients with right colon cancer who underwent SPLT-TLRH, TLRH with overlap IA or LARH between July 2019 and June 2023 were evaluated retrospectively. Basic information, oncological features, perioperative outcomes, and postoperative complications were compared between groups.

Results

In total, 188 patients with right colon cancer that underwent SPLT-TLRH (n = 60), TLRH(n=21) or LARH (n = 107) were included in the study. No patient required conversion to open surgery. The operation time in SPLT-TLRH group was significantly shorter than that in TLRH group (P<0.05). Compared with LARH group, SPLT-TLRH group had significantly longer distal margins, shorter skin incisions (P < 0.001), time to first flatus, time to first defecation, and postoperative hospital stays (P<0.05).

Conclusion

We introduced SPLT to TLRH. The SPLT-TLRH group demonstrated better short-term outcomes. Therefore, we believe that SPLT reconstruction is effective and safe in TLRH for right colon cancer, and can simplify reconstruction.

Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery versus small-incision assisted laparoscopic radical right hemicolectomy

Conventional laparoscopic-assisted right hemicolectomy requires a small abdominal incision to extract the specimen, which becomes an important source of postoperative complications and impairs perioperative experience. Transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES VIIIA) avoids this small incision by extracting the specimen through the vagina. Here we describe the design of a multicenter, open-label, parallel, noninferior, phase III randomized controlled trial (NCT05495048). The aim of this study is to confirm that the NOSES VIIIA procedure is not inferior to small-incision assisted right hemicolectomy in long-term oncological efficacy. A total of 352 female patients with right colon adenocarcinoma/high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia will be randomly assigned to the NOSES VIIIA arm and the small-incision arm in a 1:1 ratio. The primary end point of this trial is 3 year disease-free survival. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05495048 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

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.

Development and validation of a preoperative nomogram for predicting the surgical difficulty of laparoscopic colectomy for right colon cancer: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND

In laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for right colon cancer, complete mesocolic excision is a standard procedure that involves extended lymphadenectomy and blood vessel ligation. This study aimed to establish a nomogram to facilitate evaluation of the surgical difficulty of laparoscopic right hemicolectomy based on preoperative parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The preoperative clinical and computed tomography-related parameters, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The difficulty of laparoscopic colectomy was defined using the scoring grade reported by Escal et al . with modifications. Multivariable logistic analysis was performed to identify parameters that increased the surgical difficulty. A preoperative nomogram to predict the surgical difficulty was established and validated.

RESULTS

A total of 418 consecutive patients with right colon cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection at a single tertiary medical center between January 2016 and May 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to a training data set ( n =300, 71.8%) and an internal validation data set ( n =118, 28.2%). Meanwhile, an external validation data set with 150 consecutive eligible patients from another tertiary medical center was collected. In the training data set, 222 patients (74.0%) comprised the non-difficulty group and 78 (26.0%) comprised the difficulty group. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that adipose thickness at the ileocolic vessel drainage area, adipose area at the ileocolic vessel drainage area, adipose density at the ileocolic vessel drainage area, presence of the right colonic artery, presence of type III Henle's trunk, intra-abdominal adipose area, plasma triglyceride concentration, and tumor diameter at least 5 cm were independent risk factors for surgical difficulty; these factors were included in the nomogram. The nomogram incorporating seven independent predictors showed a high C-index of 0.922 and considerable reliability, accuracy, and net clinical benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

The study established and validated a reliable nomogram for predicting the surgical difficulty of laparoscopic colectomy for right colon cancer. The nomogram may assist surgeons in preoperatively evaluating risk and selecting appropriate patients.

Risk Factors for Severe Postoperative Complications after Oncologic Right Colectomy: Unicenter Analysis

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors for severe postoperative complications after oncologic right colectomy. Materials and Methods: All consecutive patients with right colon cancer who underwent right colectomy in our department between 2016 and 2021 were retrospectively included in this study. The Clavien-Dindo grading system was used to evaluate postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate risk factors for postoperative severe complications. Results: Of the 144 patients, there were 69 males and 75 females, with a median age of 69 (IQR 60-78). Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 41.7% (60 patients) and 11.1% (16 patients), respectively. The anastomotic leak rate was 5.3% (7 patients). Severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grades III-V) were present in 20 patients (13.9%). Univariate analysis showed the following as risk factors for postoperative severe complications: Charlson score, lack of mechanical bowel preparation, level of preoperative proteins, blood transfusions, and degree of urgency (elective/emergency right colectomy). In the logistic binary regression, the Charlson score (OR = 1.931, 95% CI = 1.077-3.463, p = 0.025) and preoperative protein level (OR = 0.049, 95% CI = 0.006-0.433, p = 0.007) were found to be independent risk factors for postoperative severe complications. Conclusions: Severe complications after oncologic right colectomy are associated with a low preoperative protein level and a higher Charlson comorbidity index.

Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Complete mesocolic excision with central vascular ligation, or simply CME, includes the sharp dissection along the mesocolic visceral and parietal layers, with the ligation of the main vessels at their origins. To date, there is low evidence on its safety and efficacy. This is a study-protocol of a multicenter, randomized, superiority trial in patients with right-sided colon cancer. It aims to investigate whether the complete mesocolic excision improves the oncological outcomes as compared with conventional right hemicolectomy, without worsening early outcomes. Data on efficacy and safety of complete mesocolic excision are available only from a large trial recruiting eastern patients and from a low-volume single-center western study. No results on survival are still available. For this reason, complete mesocolic excision continues to be a controversial topic in daily practice, particularly in western world. This new nationwide multicenter large-volume trial aims to provide further data on western patients, concerning both postoperative and survival outcomes.

Short- and long-term outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic surgery for right colon cancer: A multicenter propensity score-matched analysis

INTRODUCTION

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for colon cancer is a recent innovation in minimally invasive surgery that can improve short-term outcome. However, several biases exist in current favorable comparisons of SILS with conventional laparoscopic (CL) surgery. Moreover, the oncological outcomes in SILS remain unclear. The aim of this study was to identify outcomes following SILS and CL for right colectomy using a propensity score-matched analysis.

METHODS

A total of 553 patients underwent curative resection for right colon cancer (58 SILS and 495 CL). After propensity score matching, 58 patients in each group were matched.

RESULTS

Before matching, median age was younger (p = 0.037) and clinical stage was lower (p < 0.001) in the SILS group. After matching, operation time was shorter (172 versus 193 min, p = 0.007) and blood loss was less (12 versus 20 mL, p = 0.037) in the SILS group. Most of the SILS cases were performed (43.1%) or supervised (51.7%) by an expert surgeon. Median follow-up duration was 30 and 37 mo in the SILS and CL groups, respectively. Three-year relapse-free survival was 92.5% and 92.4% (p = 0.781); and overall survival was 100% versus 98.1% (p = 0.177).

CONCLUSIONS

Under the control of expert surgeons, SILS appeared to be a safe and feasible approach and had similar oncological outcomes compared with CL in a propensity score-matched cohort of patients with right-sided colon cancer.

[Application of three-dimensional visualization technique in laparoscopic D3 radical resection of right colon cancer]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) visualization technique in laparoscopic D3 radical resection of right colon cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 73 patients with right colon cancer undergoing laparoscopic D3 radical operation in our hospital between May, 2019 and March, 2021. Among these patients, 41 underwent enhanced CT examination with 3D visualization reconstruction to guide the actual operation, and 32 underwent enhanced CT examination only before the operation (control group). In 3D visualization group, we examined the coincidence rate between the 3D visualization model and the findings in surgical exploration of the anatomy and variations of the main blood vessels, supplying vessels of the tumor, and the tumor location, and the coincidence rate between the actual surgical plan for D3 radical resection of right colon cancer and the plan formulated based on the 3D model. The operative time, estimated blood loss, unexpected injury of blood vessels, number of harvested lymph nodes, mean time of the first flatus, complications, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative drainage volume were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The operative time was significantly shorter in 3D visualization group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The volume of blood loss, proportion of unexpected injury of blood vessel, the number of harvested lymph nodes, time of the first flatus, proportion of complications, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative drainage volume did not differ significantly between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the 3D visualization group, the 3D visualization model clearly displayed the shape and direction of the colon, the location of the tumor, the anatomy and variation of the main blood vessels and the blood vessels supplying the cancer, and showed a coincidence rate of 100% with the findings by surgical exploration. The surgical plan for D3 radical resection of right colon cancer was formulated based on the 3D model also showed a coincidence rate of 100% with the actual surgical plan.

CONCLUSION

The 3D visualization reconstruction technique allows clear visualization the supplying arteries of the tumor and their variations to improve the efficiency, safety and accuracy of laparoscopic D3 radical resection of right colon cancer.

Multidimensional evaluation of the learning curve for laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision for right colon cancer: a risk-adjusted cumulative summation analysis

AIM

Despite the suggested potential benefit of complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right-sided colon cancer (RCC) for patient survival, concerns about its safety and feasibility have contributed to delayed acceptance of the procedure, especially when performed by a minimally invasive approach. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the actual learning curve (LC) of laparoscopic CME for experienced colorectal surgeons.

METHOD

Prospectively collected data for consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic CME for RCC between October 2015 and January 2021 at our institution, operated on by experienced surgeons, were analysed. A multidimensional assessment of the LC was performed through cumulative sum (CUSUM) and risk-adjusted (RA) CUSUM analysis.

RESULTS

Two hundred and two patients operated by on by three surgeons were considered. The CUSUM graphs based on operating time showed one peak of the curve between 17 and 27 cases. The CUSUM graphs based on surgical failure showed one peak of the curve between 20 and 24 cases The RA-CUSUM curve also showed one preeminent peak at 24-33 cases. Based on the CUSUM and RA-CUSUM analyses all the surgeons reached proficiency in 24-33 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed that an experienced minimally invasive colorectal surgeon acquires proficiency in laparoscopic CME for RCC after performing 24-33 cases.

Initial Retrocolic Endoscopic Tunnel Approach As an Ergonomic and Oncologically Apt Laparoscopic Technique for Resection of Malignant Right Colonic Lesions: An Experience from a University Hospital

Introduction: Radical minimal access cancer surgery has demonstrated similar outcomes as open surgery of late, but with less morbidity, improving the quality of life especially in patients with colorectal cancer. Initial retrocolic endoscopic tunnel approach (IRETA) has been described in the literature by Palanivelu et al. as a laparoscopic technique for radical resection of malignant right colonic lesions (MRCL) following the modified concept of medial to lateral dissection. In this work, the authors present their experience of this ergonomic surgical technique. Materials and Methods: To begin with, retrocolic dissection was carried out to free and dissect the ascending colon up to hepatic flexure with the reflection of the peritoneum over the right colon along the white line of Toldt with abdominal wall kept intact initially to sustain intracorporeal specimen steadiness. Subsequently, the specimen is lifted medially in a distinct lymphovascular sheath, leading to high ligation of ileocolic, right colic, and the right branch of the middle colic vein with a consequent definite en bloc thorough removal of the lesion. The specimen was delivered through a transumbilical incision. Results: Ten patients (age 45.4 ± 5.6 years) underwent resection by the IRETA technique with a mean operating time of 185 ± 30 minutes and blood loss of 90 ± 20 mL. Mean hospital stay was 6 days. R0 surgical resection was achieved in all patients with proper marginal clearance. Ninety percent had adequate lymph nodal resection. One patient had an intraoperative complication and n = 3 patients developed postoperative ileus. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given and there is no recurrence on 28 months of average follow-up. Conclusion: With the increasing use of laparoscopic surgery for the management of colorectal cancers, the IRETA technique appears to be an ergonomic and oncologically robust procedure for the removal of MRCL. The presented data set needs to be increased with at least 5 years of follow-up to establish long-term surgical outcomes.

Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy With Complete Mesocolic Excision and Central Vascular Ligation Using a Right Colon Rotation Technique (Flip-Flap Method)

Background: Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (Lap-RHC) with complete mesocolic excision (CME) and central vascular ligation (CVL) is technically challenging. A standardized procedure is thus needed to minimize technical hazards. Technique: We have developed the "flip-flap method," comprising repeated inversion and restoration of the mobilized right colon according to the anatomical complexity and vascularity in Lap-RHC, and showed that this technique is safe, feasible, and useful in terms of CME and CVL. Our study included 30 consecutive patients who underwent Lap-RHC using the flip-flap method between April 2018 and December 2020. The short-term surgical outcomes suggested this method was safe and feasible. We report herein the surgical procedure for this flip-flap method. The hepatic flexure is mobilized, then the ileocecal vessels are divided, and the cecum is separated from the retroperitoneal space. The mobilized right colon is rotated to the left of the superior mesenteric vein, continuing to separate the mesentery from right to left, and the right colic vessels are divided. If division of the right colic vessels is technically difficult, the inverted right colon is restored to its original position, and the right colon vessels are divided. Finally, the transverse mesenteric fat is dissected along the left edge of the superior mesenteric artery to the inferior border of the pancreas. Conclusions: We consider that the most useful point of this technique is the ability to develop an optimal operative field according to the anatomical complexity and vascularity of the individual, securing CME without unexpected bleeding or damage to other organs.

Comparison of Postoperative and Oncologic Outcomes in Laparoscopic and Open Right Colectomy for Colon Cancer: A 5-year Experience

BACKGROUND/AIM

Laparoscopic colectomy is a procedure which is being performed for three decades and is gaining popularity continuously over the traditional open colectomy. This study was conducted in order to compare postoperative and oncologic results based on several factors in laparoscopic and open right colectomy for right colon cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study of right colectomy at a single institution from 2015 until 2020. The factors that were studied included postoperative values of C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), the number of excised lymph nodes, the use of postoperative analgesics and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

We collected data from 21 open and 17 laparoscopic right colectomies through a 5-year period. Measurements on the second postoperative day revealed mean CRP and CPK values significantly lower in the laparoscopic group compared to the open group, while LDH levels did not affirm major differences between the two groups. The mean number of lymph nodes excised during the open procedure was superior to those harvested in the laparoscopic group. The use of analgesics throughout the entire hospital stay was a combination of pethidine and tramadol for the first three postoperative days in open procedures, while paracetamol and, occasionally, tramadol were administered upon patient request following laparoscopic procedures. The mean hospital stay was substantially shorter in the laparoscopic group compared to the open surgery group.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic right colectomy is superior compared to open right colectomy with regards to postoperative analgesia and length of hospital stay, but also in certain postoperative laboratory values. Despite these there was no supremacy considering oncologic clearance.

Proper surgical extent for clinical Stage I right colon cancer

Purpose:

Pre-operative evaluation identifying clinical-stage affects the decision regarding the extent of surgical resection in right colon cancer. This study was designed to predict a proper surgical resection through the prognosis of clinical Stage I right colon cancer.

Patients and Methods:

We included patients who were diagnosed with clinical and pathological Stage I right-sided colon cancer, including appendiceal, caecal, ascending, hepatic flexure and proximal transverse colon cancer, between August 2010 and December 2016 in two tertiary teaching hospitals. Patients who underwent open surgeries were excluded because laparoscopic surgery is the initial approach for colorectal cancer in our institutions.

Results:

Eighty patients with clinical Stage I and 104 patients with pathological Stage I were included in the study. The biopsy reports showed that the tumour size was larger in the clinical Stage I group than in the pathological Stage I group (3.4 vs. 2.3 cm, P < 0.001). Further, the clinical Stage I group had some pathological Stage III cases (positive lymph nodes, P = 0.023). The clinical Stage I group had a higher rate of distant metastases (P = 0.046) and a lower rate of overall (P = 0.031) and cancer-specific survival (P = 0.021) than the pathological Stage I group. Compared to pathological Stage II included in the period, some of the survival curves were located below the pathological Stage II, but there was no statistical difference.

Conclusion:

The study results show that even clinical Stage I cases, radical resection should be considered in accordance with T3 and T4 tumours.

[Metastasis of the right colon mucinous adenocarcinoma to aortocaval and retropancreatic space: case report and literature review]

Metastases of the right colon cancer to extra-regional lymph nodes are rarely observed. Available literature data cannot be a reliable guide to choose the optimal treatment strategy. Indeed, excision of extra-regional lymph nodes is a rare experience and its results are poorly represented. According to our clinical experience, surgical intervention following comprehensive examination may be radical in patients with right colon cancer if distant metastases are absent. Resection of extra-regional lymph nodes can be safely performed in these cases. We report a patient with the right colon cancer and lesion of extra-regional lymph nodes behind the pancreatic head, paracaval and paraaortic space, hepatoduodenal ligament. Standard laparoscopic right-sided hemicolectomy with D-3 lymph node dissection was accompanied by resection of a conglomerate of nodal metastases behind the pancreatic head and superficial resection of the pancreas. Extra-regional lymph node excision is a reasonable option for colon mucinous adenocarcinoma stage I-III. However, comprehensive preoperative examination is required. Technical difficulty of extra-regional lymph node excision it is not the reason for limitation of surgical intervention. However, safe and total resection requires an adequate surgical approach.

Real-time indocyanine green lymphangiography in radical resection of right colon cancer allows the identification of chyle leakage

Chyle leakage can be caused by abdominal surgery and managed successfully without surgical treatment; however, no preventive measures are available. Therefore, we introduce a new method to prevent post-operative chyle leakage.

To investigate the role of indocyanine green (ICG) lymphangiography in the reduction of chyle fistula formation after radical resection of right colon cancer.

Five patients with a diagnosis of right colon cancer undergoing laparoscopic radical colectomy with D3 lymph node dissection were examined in this study. At the end of the operation, two points of 2.5 mg ICG were injected subserosally at the proximal end of the anastomosis (1 ml per point). Then the surgical field was screened by using ICG fluorescence to accurately locate the chyle leakage. Chyle leakage was noted and repaired with a Hem-O-Lock. The volume of output of each drain after surgery was measured daily until the patients were discharged.

We were able to observe ICG fluorescence in the lymphatic vessels within 3 minutes of ICG injection. This visualization allowed us to accurately locate and quickly repair chyle leakage within 5 minutes. Clinical observation after surgery and at a 1-month follow-up showed no chyle leakage in all 5 patients.

Indocyanine green lymphangiography can feasibly guide the location and repair of chyle leakage after right colon cancer resection.

Examining More Lymph Nodes May Improve the Prognosis of Patients With Right Colon Cancer: Determining the Optimal Minimum Lymph Node Count

OBJECTIVES

The objective is to determine the optimal minimum lymph node examination number for right colon cancer (RCC) patients.

METHODS

We comprehensively analysed the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database data from 2004 to 2016 to determine the 13-year trend in the number of lymph nodes examined among 108,703 left colon cancer and 165,937 RCC patients. 133,137 RCC patients eligible for inclusion were used to determine the optimal minimum for lymph node examination. We used restricted cubic splines to analyse the dose-response relationship between the number of lymph nodes examined and prognosis. X-tiles and decision trees were used to determine the optimal cutoff for the number of lymph nodes based on the survival outcomes of patients with RCC. The Kaplan-Meier method and COX model were used to estimate the overall survival and independent prognostic factors, and a prediction model was constructed. The C-index, calibration curve, net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were used to determine the predictive performance of the model, and decision curve analysis was used to evaluate the benefits.

RESULTS

Lymph node examinations were common among colon cancer patients over the 13-year study period. It is generally agreed that at least 12 lymph nodes must be examined to ensure proper dissection and accurate staging of RCC; however, the optimal number of lymph nodes to be examined is controversial. The dose-response relationship indicated that 12 was not the optimal minimum number of lymph nodes for RCC patients. X-tile and survival decision-tree analysis indicated that 20 nodes was the optimal number. Survival analysis indicated that <20 nodes examined was a risk factor for poor prognosis, and the classification performance was superior for 20 nodes compared to 12 nodes.

CONCLUSION

Lymph node examination in RCC patients should be altered. Our research suggests that a 20-node measure may be more suitable for RCC patients.

Effect of primary colorectal cancer tumor location on survival after pulmonary metastasectomy

OBJECTIVES

Although colorectal cancer bowel segment location has been shown to independently predict the outcomes in early stage disease, it has not been previously studied in the setting of pulmonary metastases. We sought to determine whether colorectal cancer location affects survival after pulmonary metastasectomy.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone pulmonary metastasectomy for colorectal cancer at a single institution from 2011 to 2018 were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of overall survival and disease-free survival. The Kaplan-Meier survival method was used to determine differences between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 194 patients were evaluated. The median follow-up, survival time, and 5-year survival rate were 36.8 months, 75.8 months, and 57%, respectively, and 122 patients (63%) had experienced disease recurrence at any location. On univariable analysis, age, primary tumor location, pulmonary nodule size, ≥3 pulmonary nodules, and intrathoracic nodal disease were associated with overall survival. On multivariable analysis, patients with left-sided tumors experienced a survival benefit (hazard ratio, 0.31; P = .036). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a median survival time of 90 months (95% confidence interval, 82 months to not reached) compared with 55 months (95% confidence interval, 49 months to not reached) for patients with left-sided and rectal tumors, respectively, after metastasectomy (P = .078). Location was not associated with disease-free survival on Cox multivariable regression.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that left-sided colorectal cancer is associated with prolonged survival after pulmonary metastasectomy. Future investigations are required to determine the validity of such findings, including the effect of location in the prognostication for patients who are candidates for pulmonary metastasectomy.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy oriented by superior mesenteric artery for right colon cancer: efficacy evaluation with a match-controlled analysis

Background

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRC) with a principle of D3 lymphadenectomy seems to be appropriate in treatment of right-sided colon cancer (RCC). This study aimed to evaluate clinical efficacy of superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-guided LRC (SLRC) for RCC patients.

Patients and methods

Data for RCC patients with radical resection were retrieved from our database and electronic medical records (January 2010 to December 2014). Patients undergoing SLRC procedure were compared with those undergoing conventional laparoscopic right hemi-colectomy (CLRC), with a match ratio of 1:2 for group balance. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between two groups.

Results

In sum, 102 matched patients were selected, with a median follow-up of 32 (range, 3–68) months. The mean operative time was significantly reduced in the SLRC group compared to the CLRC group (206.9 vs 240.0 minutes, P=0.007), with increased incidence of postoperative complications observed (14.7% vs 8.8%, P=0.499). Average length of stay after surgery (7.4 vs 8.0 days), estimated blood loss (85.3 vs 105.4 mL), number of harvested (28.4 vs 28.2) and positive (0.6 vs 0.9) lymph nodes, and overall costs ($4826.9 vs $4874.6) were comparable between two groups (P>0.05). The 3-year disease-free survival rate (89.4% vs 92.1%, P=0.840) and overall survival rate (93.0% vs 83.1%, P=0.273) were similar in both groups. Older age (≥65 years, P=0.049) and advanced tumor stage (≥II, P=0.009) were independent risk factors of recurrence.

Conclusion

The perioperative and oncologic outcomes of SLRC were not superior, but comparable to CLRC. SMA-guided dissection was a feasible surgical approach in treatment of RCC.

Outcomes of open, laparoscopic, and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgeries in elderly patients with right colon cancers: A case-control study

An increasing proportion of patients aged more than 70 years old are suffering from colorectal cancers. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-terms outcomes between open surgery (OS) or conventional laparoscopic surgery (LS) and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) in treatment of these elderly patients with right colon cancers.We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent right colon resections for cancers in our institution between June, 2009 and December, 2014. Short- and long-terms outcomes including surgical endpoints, postsurgical recovery data, postoperative morbidity and mortality, overall survival and disease-free survival were compared among OS, LS, and HALS groups. All data were analyzed by SPSS 22.0.Finally, 69 consecutive patients (OS = 26, LS = 24, HALS = 19) with right colon cancers were included in the analysis. Compared with OS, HALS was associated with less time to first anus exhaust (P = .013), first liquid diet (P = .045), and first soft diet (P = .036). Meanwhile, there were significant less operative time (P = .0027), blood loss (P < .001), and less time to first liquid diet (P = .009) in HALS, compared with LS. In regards to long-term outcomes, there were no significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival among the 3 groups.Compared with OS or LS, HALS may be more favorable in the treatment of elderly right colon cancers with decreased surgical time and postoperative recovery, and comparable cancer-specific survivals.

Learning curve for single-incision laparoscopic resection of right-sided colon cancer by complete mesocolic excision

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is cosmetically beneficial, but technically challenging. In this study, the learning curve (LC) for single-incision laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (SILRC), incorporating complete mesocolic excision to resect right-sided colon cancer, was investigated through multidimensional techniques. Between December 2009 and May 2015, 64 patients each underwent SILRC of right-sided colon cancer at Severance Hospital, performed in all instances by the same surgeon. Moving average and cumulative sum control chart (CUSUM) were used for LC analyses retrospectively. Surgical failure was defined as conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery, postsurgical morbidity within 30 days, harvested lymph node count <12, or local tumor recurrence. Both moving average and CUSUM graphics of operative time registered nadirs at the 24th patient, with slight ascent thereafter, reaching a plateau at the 40th patient. The CUSUM for surgical success peaked at the 23rd patient. Operative time for 23 patients in phase 1 (1-23) and for 41 patients in phase 2 (24-64) of the LC did not differ significantly. By comparison, significant differences in patients of phase 2 included larger tumor size, higher harvested lymph node counts, longer proximal resection margins, and more advanced disease. As indicated by multidimensional statistical analyses, the LC for SILRC of right-sided colon cancer was 23 patients. In terms of operative time and surgical success, SILRC is feasible for surgeons experienced in LS, but may prove more challenging for novices, given the fundamental technical difficulties of this procedure.