A comparison of whole-mount and conventional sections for pathological mesorectal extension and circumferential resection margin assessment after total mesorectal excision

INTRODUCTION

The objective of the study is to compare 2 techniques for histological handling of rectal cancer specimens, namely whole-mount in a large block vs conventional sampling using small blocks, for mesorectal pathological assessment of circumferential resection margin status and depth of tumor invasion into the mesorectal fat.

METHODS

This is a prospective study including 27 total mesorectal excision specimens of rectal cancer from patients treated for primary rectal carcinoma between 2020 and 2022 in a specialized multidisciplinary Colorectal Unit. For each total mesorectal excision specimen, 2 contiguous representative tumoral slices were selected and comparatively analyzed with whole-mount and small blocks macroscopic dissection techniques, enabling comparison between them in the same surgical specimen. The agreement between the 2 techniques to assess the distance of the tumor from the circumferential resection margin as well as the depth of tumor invasion was evaluated with the Student's t-test for paired samples, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and the Bland-Altman method comparison analysis.

RESULTS

Complete mesorectal excision was observed in 8% of cases. Circumferential resection margin involvement was observed in only one case (4 %). The whole-mount and small block techniques obtained similar results when we assessed the distance to the circumferential resection margin (t-test P = 0.8, r = 0.92) and the depth of mesorectal infiltration (t-test P = 0.6, r = 0.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Both gross dissection techniques (whole-mount vs multiple small cassettes) are equivalent and reliable to assess the distance to circumferential resection margin and the depth of mesorectal infiltration in the mesorectal fat in rectal cancer staging.

Evaluation of a quality improvement intervention to reduce anastomotic leak following right colectomy (EAGLE): pragmatic, batched stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized trial in 64 countries

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak affects 8 per cent of patients after right colectomy with a 10-fold increased risk of postoperative death. The EAGLE study aimed to develop and test whether an international, standardized quality improvement intervention could reduce anastomotic leaks.

METHODS

The internationally intended protocol, iteratively co-developed by a multistage Delphi process, comprised an online educational module introducing risk stratification, an intraoperative checklist, and harmonized surgical techniques. Clusters (hospital teams) were randomized to one of three arms with varied sequences of intervention/data collection by a derived stepped-wedge batch design (at least 18 hospital teams per batch). Patients were blinded to the study allocation. Low- and middle-income country enrolment was encouraged. The primary outcome (assessed by intention to treat) was anastomotic leak rate, and subgroup analyses by module completion (at least 80 per cent of surgeons, high engagement; less than 50 per cent, low engagement) were preplanned.

RESULTS

A total 355 hospital teams registered, with 332 from 64 countries (39.2 per cent low and middle income) included in the final analysis. The online modules were completed by half of the surgeons (2143 of 4411). The primary analysis included 3039 of the 3268 patients recruited (206 patients had no anastomosis and 23 were lost to follow-up), with anastomotic leaks arising before and after the intervention in 10.1 and 9.6 per cent respectively (adjusted OR 0.87, 95 per cent c.i. 0.59 to 1.30; P = 0.498). The proportion of surgeons completing the educational modules was an influence: the leak rate decreased from 12.2 per cent (61 of 500) before intervention to 5.1 per cent (24 of 473) after intervention in high-engagement centres (adjusted OR 0.36, 0.20 to 0.64; P < 0.001), but this was not observed in low-engagement hospitals (8.3 per cent (59 of 714) and 13.8 per cent (61 of 443) respectively; adjusted OR 2.09, 1.31 to 3.31).

CONCLUSION

Completion of globally available digital training by engaged teams can alter anastomotic leak rates. Registration number: NCT04270721 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Stoma-free survival after anastomotic leak following rectal cancer resection: worldwide cohort of 2470 patients

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection is unclear. This worldwide cohort study aimed to provide an overview of four treatment strategies applied.

METHODS

Patients from 216 centres and 45 countries with anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection between 2014 and 2018 were included. Treatment was categorized as salvage surgery, faecal diversion with passive or active (vacuum) drainage, and no primary/secondary faecal diversion. The primary outcome was 1-year stoma-free survival. In addition, passive and active drainage were compared using propensity score matching (2 : 1).

RESULTS

Of 2470 evaluable patients, 388 (16.0 per cent) underwent salvage surgery, 1524 (62.0 per cent) passive drainage, 278 (11.0 per cent) active drainage, and 280 (11.0 per cent) had no faecal diversion. One-year stoma-free survival rates were 13.7, 48.3, 48.2, and 65.4 per cent respectively. Propensity score matching resulted in 556 patients with passive and 278 with active drainage. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in 1-year stoma-free survival (OR 0.95, 95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 1.33), with a risk difference of -1.1 (95 per cent c.i. -9.0 to 7.0) per cent. After active drainage, more patients required secondary salvage surgery (OR 2.32, 1.49 to 3.59), prolonged hospital admission (an additional 6 (95 per cent c.i. 2 to 10) days), and ICU admission (OR 1.41, 1.02 to 1.94). Mean duration of leak healing did not differ significantly (an additional 12 (-28 to 52) days).

CONCLUSION

Primary salvage surgery or omission of faecal diversion likely correspond to the most severe and least severe leaks respectively. In patients with diverted leaks, stoma-free survival did not differ statistically between passive and active drainage, although the increased risk of secondary salvage surgery and ICU admission suggests residual confounding.

Stoma-free Survival After Rectal Cancer Resection With Anastomotic Leakage: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model in a Large International Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a prediction model (STOMA score) for 1-year stoma-free survival in patients with rectal cancer (RC) with anastomotic leakage (AL).

BACKGROUND

AL after RC resection often results in a permanent stoma.

METHODS

This international retrospective cohort study (TENTACLE-Rectum) encompassed 216 participating centres and included patients who developed AL after RC surgery between 2014 and 2018. Clinically relevant predictors for 1-year stoma-free survival were included in uni and multivariable logistic regression models. The STOMA score was developed and internally validated in a cohort of patients operated between 2014 and 2017, with subsequent temporal validation in a 2018 cohort. The discriminative power and calibration of the models' performance were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study included 2499 patients with AL, 1954 in the development cohort and 545 in the validation cohort. Baseline characteristics were comparable. One-year stoma-free survival was 45.0% in the development cohort and 43.7% in the validation cohort. The following predictors were included in the STOMA score: sex, age, American Society of Anestesiologist classification, body mass index, clinical M-disease, neoadjuvant therapy, abdominal and transanal approach, primary defunctioning stoma, multivisceral resection, clinical setting in which AL was diagnosed, postoperative day of AL diagnosis, abdominal contamination, anastomotic defect circumference, bowel wall ischemia, anastomotic fistula, retraction, and reactivation leakage. The STOMA score showed good discrimination and calibration (c-index: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The STOMA score consists of 18 clinically relevant factors and estimates the individual risk for 1-year stoma-free survival in patients with AL after RC surgery, which may improve patient counseling and give guidance when analyzing the efficacy of different treatment strategies in future studies.

Watchful Waiting After Radiological Guided Drainage of Intra-abdominal Abscess in Patients With Crohn's Disease Might Be Associated With Increased Rates of Stoma Construction

Background

Management of spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) with radiologically guided percutaneous drainage (PD) was debated.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis from a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all the patients with CD who underwent PD followed by surgery at 19 international tertiary centers.

Results

Seventeen patients (4.8%) who did not undergo surgery after PD were compared to those who had PD followed by surgical intervention 335/352 (95.2%). Patients who had PD without surgery were those with longer disease duration, more frequently had previous surgery for CD (laparotomies/laparoscopies), enteric fistula, on steroid treatment before and continue to have it after PD. Patients who had PD without subsequent surgical resection had a higher risk of stoma construction at later stages 8/17 (47.1%) versus 90/326 (27.6%) (P < .01). Patients with PD with no subsequent surgery had numerically higher rates of abscess recurrence 5/17 (29.4%) compared to those who had PD followed by surgery 45/335 (13.4%) the difference was not statistically significant (P = .07).

Conclusions

Even with the low number of patients enrolled in this study who had PD of IAA without subsequent surgery, the findings indicate a markedly worse prognosis in terms of recurrence, length of stay, readmission, and stoma construction. Watchful waiting after PD to treat patients with spontaneous IAA might be indicated in selected patients with poor health status or poor prognostic factors.

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

BACKGROUND

Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres.

METHODS

This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low-middle-income countries.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of 'single-use' consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low-middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high- and low-middle-income countries.

Outcomes of emergency surgical interventions in right-sided colonic cancer: nationwide population-based study based on Danish Colorectal Cancer Group register

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the trends in morbidity and mortality of patients with right-sided colonic cancer who had an emergency surgical procedure in Denmark after the introduction of quality index parameters.

METHODS

This was a retrospective nationwide study based on a prospectively maintained Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database focused on right-sided colonic cancer in the interval from 1 May 2001 to 30 April 2018, who underwent emergency surgical intervention (within 48 h of hospital admission). The primary objective was to investigate the trends in morbidity and mortality throughout the study years. Multivariable estimates were adjusted for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, ASA score classification, tumour localization, type of access to abdominal cavity, surgeon's grade of specialization, and metastatic disease.

RESULTS

Out of 2839 patients, a total of 2740 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of whom 2464 underwent right or transverse colon resection (89.9 per cent). The 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were significantly reduced over the time of the study (OR 0.943, 95 per cent c.i. 0.922 to 0.965, P < 0.001 and OR 0.953, 95 per cent c.i. 0.934 to 0.972, P < 0.001 respectively); however, the complication rates did not follow this trend. Older patients (OR 1.032, 95 per cent c.i. 1.009 to 1.055, P = 0.005) and patients with high ASA scores (OR 1.61, 95 per cent c.i. 1.422 to 1.830, P < 0.001) had higher rates of severe grade 3b postoperative complications. A stoma was constructed in 276 patients (10 per cent), whereas a stent was used in only eight patients. Defunctioning procedures, including stoma construction or colonic stenting (without oncological resection), did not reduce the risk of complications compared with that of definitive surgery.

CONCLUSION

The 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality rates were significantly reduced over the time of the study. Age and ASA score were risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

The percentage of mesorectal infiltration as a prognostic factor after curative surgery for pT3 rectal cancer

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of a novel variable - the percentage of mesorectal infiltration (PMI) - in pT3 rectal cancer.

METHOD

A cohort of 241 patients with pT3 rectal adenocarcinoma, operated on between February 2002 and May 2019, was selected for the analysis. Data concerning patient, treatment and tumour characteristics were collected. The depth of mesorectal infiltration (DMI) and the distance between the deepest invasion and the circumferential resection margin (CRM) were measured. The PMI was calculated using a formula combining these parameters.

RESULTS

Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 33.2% of cases. A complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 74% of patients. The CRM was affected in 24 patients (9.9%). The 5-year actuarial local recurrence (LR), overall recurrence (OR) and overall survival (OS) rates were 7.5%, 22.9% and 72.4%, respectively. The PMI was significantly associated with worse oncological outcomes regarding LR (p = 0.009), OR (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.016) rates. A cut-off value of PMI >60% had the highest specificity (80%) for LR (p = 0.026), OR (p = 0.04) and OS (p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

The PMI has an adverse prognostic impact on the oncological results following surgery for pT3 rectal cancer. It allows prediction of the risk of both LR and distant recurrence with higher accuracy than the DMI or the distance to the CRM. A PMI >60% may be used as a cut off value while subclassifying pT3 rectal tumours. It may influence decision-making while establishing adjuvant treatment and the follow-up schedule.

Early colorectal cancer diagnosed after endoscopic resection: Conservative treatment is safe in most of the cases. Proposal for a risk-based management

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic resection offers advantages over surgical resection for early colorectal cancer (ECC). However, there might be a presumed risk of recurrence. We aimed to determine the risk of recurrence after endoscopic removal of ECC.

METHODS

A single-centre series of endoscopic resections for ECC. Patients were stratified according to four risk factors: positive resection margins, Haggitt 4, lymphatic/vascular invasion and tumour budding.

RESULTS

We included 127 patients. Haggitt classification was grade 4 in 54.0%. Positive margins were found in 43 (33.9%), 16 (12.6%) had lymphatic or vascular invasion, and 5 (4.0%) had high grade budding. In 82 (64.5%) endoscopic excision was the definitive treatment, 45 (35.4%) underwent surgery. Six patients (13.3%) had residual tumour on specimen and/or node metastases. Postoperative complications occurred in ten (22.2%). At a median follow-up of 63 months, none of the 82 patients treated with endoscopic resection alone had recurrence. After stratifying patients according to risk factors, those who had residual tumour also had ≥2 risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic follow up might be a valid option for patients with ECC. A risk-adjusted management seems prudent.

Extended vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap for reconstruction of large pelviperineal defects following oncologic resection

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Extended vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous (eVRAM) flap has been proposed for reconstruction of large pelviperineal defects where traditional VRAM flap is insufficient. We present our experience with eVRAM flap for pelviperineal reconstruction following oncologic resection.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted, including all the patients who underwent reconstruction with eVRAM flap after complex pelvic resection, between 2012 and 2020. EVRAM flap was indicated when traditional VRAM was considered deficient to cover or reach the skin defect or to fill the dead space.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included in the study. Successful reconstruction with eVRAM flap was achieved in 40 patients. There were three flap failures, and one patient died in the second postoperative day because of multiple organ failure. Perineal wound complications occurred in 17 patients (38.6%), eight of them requiring surgical reoperation. Donor site problems were present in five patients (11.4%), and only one patient required surgical closure because of a major dehiscence.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found the eVRAM flap to be a useful and reliable flap for reconstruction of complex pelviperineal wounds, with a low rate of donor site morbidity.

Rectal cancer at the peritoneal reflection. Preoperative MRI accuracy and histophatologic correlation. Prospective study

INTRODUCTION

To investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accuracy for determining the location of rectal tumors with respect to the peritoneal reflection (PR) and its potential involvement.

METHODS

Prospective study of 161 patients ongoing surgery for rectal cancer. A double-ink method has been aplied to examine surgical specimen, orange ink for the serosal surface and indian ink for the mesorrectal margin, and assess preoperative MRI accuracy.

RESULTS

Twenty-two tumors were located above, 65 at and 74 below PR. MRI accuracy was 90.6% for determining tumor's location with respect to the PR and 80.5% for defining peritoneal involvement. For classifying tumors according to their intra or extraperitoneal location an accuracy of 92.5% was set for MRI. Histophatologic peritoneal involvement was found in 28.7% of tumors located above or at the PR.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging accurately predicts the location of rectal tumors with respect to the PR and its potential involvement. The double-ink method is useful to assess serosal involvement (pT4a) and to distinguish mesorrectal fascia from the peritonealized surface.

Long-term Oncological Outcome of Segmental Versus Extended Colectomy for Colorectal Cancer in Crohn's Disease: Results from an International Multicentre Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Crohn's disease increases colorectal cancer risk, with high prevalence of synchronous and metachronous cancers. Current guidelines for colorectal cancer in Crohn's disease recommend pan-proctocolectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate oncological outcomes of a less invasive surgical approach.

METHODS

This was a retrospective database analysis of Crohn's disease patients with colorectal cancer undergoing surgery at selected European and US tertiary centres. Outcomes of segmental colectomy were compared with those of extended colectomy, total colectomy, and pan-proctocolectomy. Primary outcome was progression-free survival. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, synchronous and metachronous colorectal cancer, and major postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine patients were included: 66 patients underwent segmental colectomy and 33 extended colectomy. Segmental colectomy patients were older [p = 0.0429], had less extensive colitis [p = 0.0002] and no preoperatively identified synchronous lesions [p = 0.0109].Median follow-up was 43 [31-62] months. There was no difference in unadjusted progression-free survival [p = 0.2570] or in overall survival [p = 0.4191] between segmental and extended colectomy. Multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, ASA score, and AJCC staging, confirmed no difference for progression-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.00, p = 0.9993) or overall survival [HR 0.77, p = 0.6654]. Synchronous and metachronous cancers incidence was 9% and 1.5%, respectively. Perioperative mortality was nil and major complications were comparable [7.58% vs 6.06%, p = 0.9998].

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental colectomy seems to offer similar long-term outcomes to more extensive surgery. Incidence of synchronous and metachronous cancers appears much lower than previously described. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Impact of microsatellite status in early-onset colonic cancer

BACKGROUND

The molecular profile of early-onset colonic cancer is undefined. This study evaluated clinicopathological features and oncological outcomes of young patients with colonic cancer according to microsatellite status.

METHODS

Anonymized data from an international collaboration were analysed. Criteria for inclusion were patients younger than 50 years diagnosed with stage I-III colonic cancer that was surgically resected. Clinicopathological features, microsatellite status, and disease-specific outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 650 patients fulfilled the criteria for inclusion. Microsatellite instability (MSI) was identified in 170 (26.2 per cent), whereas 480 had microsatellite-stable (MSS) tumours (relative risk of MSI 2.5 compared with older patients). MSI was associated with a family history of colorectal cancer and lesions in the proximal colon. The proportions with pathological node-positive disease (45.9 versus 45.6 per cent; P = 1.000) and tumour budding (20.3 versus 20.5 per cent; P = 1.000) were similar in the two groups. Patients with MSI tumours were more likely to have BRAF (22.5 versus 6.9 per cent; P < 0.001) and KRAS (40.0 versus 24.2 per cent; P = 0.006) mutations, and a hereditary cancer syndrome (30.0 versus 5.0 per cent; P < 0.001; relative risk 6). Five-year disease-free survival rates in the MSI group were 95.0, 92.0, and 80.0 per cent for patients with stage I, II, and III tumours, compared with 88.0, 88.0, and 65.0 per cent in the MSS group (P = 0.753, P = 0.487, and P = 0.105 respectively).

CONCLUSION

Patients with early-onset colonic cancer have a high risk of MSI and defined genetic conditions. Those with MSI tumours have more adverse pathology (budding, KRAS/BRAF mutations, and nodal metastases) than older patients with MSI cancers.

Microsatellite instability in young patients with rectal cancer: molecular findings and treatment response

In this study of 400 patients with early-onset rectal cancer, 12.5 per cent demonstrated microsatellite instability (MSI). MSI was associated with a reduced likelihood of nodal positivity, an increased rate of pathological complete response, and improved disease-specific survival.

Diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin and neutrophils for the early detection of anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection: a multicentric, prospective study

AIM

The aim was to determine the accuracy of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin and neutrophils in the early detection (fourth postoperative day) of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a multicentre, prospective study that included a consecutive series of patients who underwent colorectal resection with anastomosis without ostomy (September 2015 to December 2017). CRP, procalcitonin and neutrophil values on the fourth postoperative day after colorectal resection along with the postoperative outcome (60-day AL, morbidity and mortality) were prospectively included in an online, anonymous database.

RESULTS

The analysis ultimately included 2501 cases. The overall morbidity and mortality was 30.1% and 1.6%, respectively, and the AL rate was 8.6%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values (95% CI) for detecting AL were 0.84 (0.81-0.87), 0.75 (0.72-0.79) and 0.70 (0.66-0.74) for CRP, procalcitonin and neutrophils, respectively. The best cut-off level for CRP was 119 mg/l, resulting in 70% sensitivity, 81% specificity and 97% negative predictive value. After laparoscopic resection, the accuracy for CRP and procalcitonin was increased, compared with open resection. The combination of two or three of these biomarkers did not significantly increase their accuracy.

CONCLUSION

On the fourth postoperative day, CRP was the most reliable marker for excluding AL. Its high negative predictive value, especially after laparoscopic resection, allows for safe hospital discharge on the fourth postoperative day. The routine use of procalcitonin or neutrophil counts does not seem to increase the diagnostic accuracy.

Postoperative complications and waiting time for surgical intervention after radiologically guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscess in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

In patients with active Crohn's disease (CD), treatment of intra-abdominal abscess usually comprises antibiotics and radiologically guided percutaneous drainage (PD) preceding surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of postoperative complications and identify the optimal time interval for surgical intervention after PD.

METHODS

A multicentre, international, retrospective cohort study was carried out. Details of patients with diagnosis of CD who underwent ultrasonography- or CT-guided PD were retrieved from hospital records using international classification of disease (ICD-10) diagnosis code for CD combined with procedure code for PD. Clinical variables were retrieved and the following outcomes were measured: 30-day postoperative overall complications, intra-abdominal septic complications, unplanned intraoperative adverse events, surgical-site infections, sepsis and pathological postoperative ileus, in addition to abscess recurrence. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the length of the interval from PD to surgery (1-14 days, 15-30 days and more than 30 days) for comparison of outcomes.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 335 CD patients with PD followed by surgery. Median age was 33 (i.q.r. 24-44) years, 152 (45.4 per cent) were females, and median disease duration was 9 (i.q.r. 3.6-15) years. Overall, the 30-day postoperative complications rate was 32.2 per cent and the mortality rate was 1.5 per cent. After adjustment for co-variables, older age (odds ratio 1.03 (95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 1.06), P < 0.012), residual abscess after PD (odds ratio 0.374 (95 per cent c.i. 0.19 to 0.74), P < 0.014), smoking (odds ratio 1.89 (95 per cent c.i. 1.01 to 3.53), P = 0.049) and low serum albumin concentration (odds ratio 0.921 (95 per cent c.i. 0.89 to 0.96), P < 0.001) were associated with higher rates of postoperative complications. A short waiting interval, less than 2 weeks after PD, was associated with a high incidence of abscess recurrence (odds ratio 0.59 (95 per cent c.i. 0.36 to 0.96), P = 0.042).

CONCLUSION

Smoking, low serum albumin concentration and older age were significantly associated with postoperative complications. An interval of at least 2 weeks after successful PD correlated with reduced risk of abscess recurrence.

Characteristics of Early-Onset vs Late-Onset Colorectal Cancer: A Review

Importance

The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (younger than 50 years) is rising globally, the reasons for which are unclear. It appears to represent a unique disease process with different clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics compared with late-onset colorectal cancer. Data on oncological outcomes are limited, and sensitivity to conventional neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy regimens appear to be unknown. The purpose of this review is to summarize the available literature on early-onset colorectal cancer.

Observations

Within the next decade, it is estimated that 1 in 10 colon cancers and 1 in 4 rectal cancers will be diagnosed in adults younger than 50 years. Potential risk factors include a Westernized diet, obesity, antibiotic usage, and alterations in the gut microbiome. Although genetic predisposition plays a role, most cases are sporadic. The full spectrum of germline and somatic sequence variations implicated remains unknown. Younger patients typically present with descending colonic or rectal cancer, advanced disease stage, and unfavorable histopathological features. Despite being more likely to receive neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, patients with early-onset disease demonstrate comparable oncological outcomes with their older counterparts.

Conclusions and Relevance

The clinicopathological features, underlying molecular profiles, and drivers of early-onset colorectal cancer differ from those of late-onset disease. Standardized, age-specific preventive, screening, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies are required to optimize outcomes.

Chirurgie des maladies inflammatoires chroniques de l’intestin et COVID-19 : étude européenne multicentrique (COVIBD-SURG)

But

Méthodes

Résultats

Conclusions

Surgical management of complex ileocolonic Crohn's disease: a survey of IBD colorectal surgeons to assess variability in operative strategy

INTRODUCTION

To explore the reported variability in the surgical management of ileocolonic Crohn' s disease and identify areas of standard practice, we present this study which aims to assess how different colorectal surgeons with a subspecialty interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery may act in different clinical scenarios of ileocolonic Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Anonymous videos demonstrating the small bowel walkthrough and anonymised patients' clinical data, imaging and pathological findings were distributed to the surgeons using an electronic tool. Surgeons answered on operative strategy, bowel resections, management of small bowel mesentery, type of anastomosis and use of stomas.

RESULTS

Eight small bowel walkthrough videos were registered and 12 assessors completed the survey with a questionnaire completion rate of 87.5%. There was 87.7% agreement in the need to perform an ileocolonic resection. However, the agreement for the need to perform associated surgical procedures such as strictureplasties or further bowel resections was only 57.4%. When an anastomosis was fashioned, the side to side configuration was the most commonly used. The preferred management of the mesentery was dissection close to the bowel.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision on the main procedure to be performed had a high agreement amongst the different assessors, but the treatment of multifocal disease was highly controversial, with low agreement on the need for associated procedures to treat internal fistulae and the use of strictureplasties. At the same time, there was significant heterogeneity in the decision on when to anastomose and when to fashion an ileostomy.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease patients requiring surgery can be treated in referral centres regardless of the COVID-19 status of the hospital: results of a multicentric European study during the first COVID-19 outbreak (COVIBD-Surg)

Outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients requiring surgery during the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) are unknown. Aim of this study was to analyse the outcomes depending on the COVID-19 status of the centre. Patients undergoing surgery in six COVID-19 treatment and one COVID-free hospitals (five countries) during the first COVID-19 peak were included. Variables associated with risk of moderate-to-severe complications were identified using logistic regression analysis. A total of 91 patients with Crohn's disease (54, 59.3%) or ulcerative colitis (37, 40.7%), 66 (72.5%) had surgery in one of the COVID-19-treatment hospitals, while 25 (27.5%) in the COVID-19-free centre. More COVID-19-treatment patients required urgent surgery (48.4% vs. 24%, p = 0.035), did not discontinue biologic therapy (15.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.039), underwent surgery without a SARS-CoV-2 test (19.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.0033), and required intensive care admission (10.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.032). Three patients (4.6%) had a SARS-CoV-2 infection postoperatively. Postoperative complications were associated with the use of steroids at surgery (Odds ratio [OR] = 4.10, 95% CI 1.14-15.3, p = 0.03), presence of comorbidities (OR = 3.33, 95% CI 1.08-11, p = 0.035), and Crohn's disease (vs. ulcerative colitis, OR = 3.82, 95% CI 1.14-15.4, p = 0.028). IBD patients can undergo surgery regardless of the COVID-19 status of the referral centre. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection should be taken into account.

Early colorectal cancer diagnosed after endoscopic resection: Conservative treatment is safe in most of the cases. Proposal for a risk-based management

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic resection offers advantages over surgical resection for early colorectal cancer (ECC). However, there might be a presumed risk of recurrence. We aimed to determine the risk of recurrence after endoscopic removal of ECC.

METHODS

A single-centre series of endoscopic resections for ECC. Patients were stratified according to four risk factors: positive resection margins, Haggitt 4, lymphatic/vascular invasion and tumour budding.

RESULTS

We included 127 patients. Haggitt classification was grade 4 in 54.0%. Positive margins were found in 43 (33.9%), 16 (12.6%) had lymphatic or vascular invasion, and 5 (4.0%) had high grade budding. In 82 (64.5%) endoscopic excision was the definitive treatment, 45 (35.4%) underwent surgery. Six patients (13.3%) had residual tumour on specimen and/or node metastases. Postoperative complications occurred in ten (22.2%). At a median follow-up of 63 months, none of the 82 patients treated with endoscopic resection alone had recurrence. After stratifying patients according to risk factors, those who had residual tumour also had ≥2 risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic follow up might be a valid option for patients with ECC. A risk-adjusted management seems prudent.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing surgical and oncological outcomes of upper rectal, rectosigmoid and sigmoid tumours

AIM

Management paradigms for tumours from the sigmoid colon to the lower rectum vary significantly. The upper rectum (UR) represents the transition point both anatomically and in treatment protocols. Above the UR is clearly defined and managed as colon cancer and below is managed as rectal cancer. This study compares outcomes between sigmoid, rectosigmoid and UR tumours to establish if differences exist in operative and oncological outcomes.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for published studies with comparative data on peri-operative and oncological outcome for upper rectal and sigmoid/rectosigmoid (SRS) tumours treated without neoadjuvant radiation. The search adhered to PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. Data was combined using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Seven comparative series examined outcomes in 4355 patients. There was no difference in ASA grade (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.99-1.67; P = 0.06), T3/T4 tumours (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.95-1.63; P = 0.12), or lymph node positivity (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.70-1.36; P = 0.87). UR cancers had higher rates of operative morbidity (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.93; P = 0.01) and anastomotic leak (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.31-0.71; P = 0.0004). There was no difference in local recurrence (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.37-1.08; P = 0.10). SRS tumours had lower rates of distant recurrence (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.68-1.0; P = 0.05). Rectosigmoid operative and cancer outcomes were closer to UR than sigmoid.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on existing data, UR and rectosigmoid tumours have higher morbidity, leak rates and distant recurrence than more proximal tumours.

Rectal cancer at the peritoneal reflection. Preoperative MRI accuracy and histophatologic correlation. Prospective study

INTRODUCTION

To investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accuracy for determining the location of rectal tumors with respect to the peritoneal reflection (PR) and its potential involvement.

METHODS

Prospective study of 161 patients ongoing surgery for rectal cancer. A double-ink method has been aplied to examine surgical specimen, orange ink for the serosal surface and indian ink for the mesorrectal margin, and assess preoperative MRI accuracy.

RESULTS

Twenty-two tumors were located above, 65 at and 74 below PR. MRI accuracy was 90.6% for determining tumor's location with respect to the PR and 80.5% for defining peritoneal involvement. For classifying tumors according to their intra or extraperitoneal location an accuracy of 92.5% was set for MRI. Histophatologic peritoneal involvement was found in 28.7% of tumors located above or at the PR.

CONCLUSIONS

Magnetic resonance imaging accurately predicts the location of rectal tumors with respect to the PR and its potential involvement. The double-ink method is useful to assess serosal involvement (pT4a) and to distinguish mesorrectal fascia from the peritonealized surface.

Treatment of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection: The TENTACLE-Rectum study

AIM

Anastomotic leakage is a severe complication after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer and occurs in up to 20% of patients. Most research focuses on reducing its incidence and finding predictive factors for anastomotic leakage. There are no robust data on severity and treatment strategies with associated outcomes. The aims of this work were (1) to investigate the factors that contribute to severity of anastomotic leakage and to compose an anastomotic leakage severity score and (2) to evaluate the effects of different treatment approaches on prespecified outcome parameters, stratified for severity score and other leakage characteristics.

METHOD

TENTACLE-Rectum is an international multicentre retrospective cohort study. Patients with anastomotic leakage after LAR for primary rectal cancer between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2018 will be included by each centre. We aim to include 1246 patients in this study. The primary outcome is 1-year stoma-free survival (i.e. patients alive at 1 year without a stoma). Secondary outcomes include number of reinterventions and unplanned readmissions within 1 year, total length of hospital stay, total time with a stoma, the type of stoma present at 1 year (defunctioning, permanent), complications related to secondary leakage and mortality. For aim (1) regression models will be used to create an anastomotic leakage severity score. For aim (2) the effectiveness of different treatment strategies for leakage will be tested after correction for severity score and leakage characteristics, in addition to other potential related confounders.

CONCLUSION

TENTACLE-Rectum will be an important step towards drawing up evidence-based recommendations and improving outcomes for patients who experience severe treatment-related morbidity.

Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

BACKGROUND

80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494.

FINDINGS

Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70-8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39-8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11-3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26-11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08-7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications.

INTERPRETATION

Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit.

Segmental Colectomy for Ulcerative Colitis: Is There a Place in Selected Patients Without Active Colitis? An International Multicentric Retrospective Study in 72 Patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The aim of this study was to report a multicentric experience of segmental colectomy [SC] in ulcerative colitis [UC] patients without active colitis, in order to assess if SC can or cannot represent an alternative to ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA].

METHODS

All UC patients undergoing SC were included. Postoperative complications according to ClavienDindo's classification, long term results, and risk factors for postoperative colitis and reoperation for colitis on the remnant colon, were assessed.

RESULTS: A TOTAL OF

72 UC patients underwent: sigmoidectomy [n = 28], right colectomy [n = 24], proctectomy [n = 11], or left colectomy [n = 9] for colonic cancer [n = 27], 'diverticulitis' [n = 17], colonic stenosis [n = 5], dysplasia or polyps [n = 8], and miscellaneous [n = 15]. Three patients died postoperatively and 5/69 patients [7%] developed early flare of UC within 3 months after SC. After a median followup of 40 months, 24/69 patients [35%] were reoperated after a median delay after SC of 19 months [range, 2-158 months]: 22/24 [92%] underwent total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis [n = 9] or total coloproctectomy [TCP] [n = 13] and 2/24 [8%] an additional SC. Reasons for reoperation were: colitis [n = 14; 20%], cancer [n = 3] or dysplasia [n = 3], colonic stenosis [n = 1], and unknown reasons [n = 3]. Endoscopic score of colitis before SC was Mayo 23 in 5/5 [100%] patients with early flare vs 15/42 without early flare [36%; p = 0.0101] and in 9/12 [75%] patients with reoperation for colitis vs 11/35 without reoperation [31%; p = 0.016].

CONCLUSIONS

After segmental colectomy in UC patients, postoperative early colitis is rare [7%]. Segmental colectomy could possibly represent an alternative to IPAA in selected UC patients without active colitis.

Nomograms for morbidity and mortality after oncologic colon resection in the enhanced recovery era: results from a multicentric prospective national study

PURPOSE

Predicting postoperative complications and mortality is important to plan the surgical strategy. Different scores have been proposed before to predict them but none of them have been yet implemented into the routine clinical practice because their difficulties and low accuracy with new surgical strategies and enhanced recovery. The main aim of this study is to identify risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality after colonic resection (CR) without protective stomas, in order to develop a comprehensive, up-to-date, simple, reliable, and applicable model for the preoperative assessment of patients with colon cancer.

METHODS

Multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 60-day morbidity and mortality. Coefficients derived from the regression model were used in the nomograms to predict morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Three thousand one hundred ninety-three patients from 52 hospitals were included into the analysis. Sixty-day postoperative complications rate was 28.3% and the mortality rate was 3%. In multivariable analysis the independent risk factors for postoperative complications were age, male gender, liver and pulmonary diseases, obesity, preoperative albumin, anticoagulant treatment, open surgery, intraoperative complications, and urgent surgery. Independent risk factors for mortality were age, preoperative albumin anticoagulant treatment, and intraoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for morbidity and mortality after CR for cancer were identified and two easy predictive tools were developed. Both of them could provide important information for preoperative consultation and surgical planning in the time of enhance recovery.

Biological mesh reconstruction versus primary closure for preventing perineal morbidity after extralevator abdominoperineal excision: a multicentre retrospective study

AIM

The aim of the study was to compare the incidence of perineal hernia and the perineal wound morbidity following extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) between two groups - primary perineal closure and reconstruction with a biological mesh.

METHOD

One hundred and forty-seven consecutive patients who underwent ELAPE for primary rectal cancer between January 2007 and December 2018 in two tertiary referral centres were retrospectively identified from prospective databases. Perineal closure was carried out via primary closure or with a biological mesh (porcine dermal collagen mesh). Outcome measures were perineal hernia and perineal wound morbidity (infection, dehiscence, persistent sinus and chronic pain).

RESULTS

A total of 139 patients were included in the study. A prophylactic mesh was used in 80 (57.5%) and primary closure was practised in 59 (42.4%) patients. The median follow-up was 30 (interquartile range 46.88) months. Thirty patients (21.6%) developed perineal hernia. No significant differences were found between prophylactic mesh and primary closure (16.3% vs 23.3%, P = 0.07). The median period between surgery and hernia diagnosis was 8 months in the primary closure group and 24 months in the mesh group (P < 0.01). Perineal wound morbidity was significantly higher in the prophylactic mesh group (55% vs 33.9%, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In our study, the use of a biological mesh did not reduce the rate of perineal hernia, although it did delay its appearance. Perineal closure using a biological mesh may increase perineal morbidity, both acute and chronic.

Small bowel obstruction secondary to a pericecal hernia in an adult patient, an extremely rare condition

Internal hernias are defined by the protrusion of an abdominal organ through a peritoneal or mesenteric aperture. They are responsable for up to 5.8% of all small bowel obstructions (SBOs). Pericecal hernia is a highly unusual variation. We present a case of a 17-year-old Asian male turned to the emergency department due to abrupt abdominal pain and peritonitis. An emergent laparotomy revealed a small bowel herniation through the avascular space of Treves with small bowel necrosis. A pericecal hernia is an extremely unusual clinical entity; however, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of SBO.

Postoperative Complications in Hemorrhoidal Disease and Special Conditions

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhoidal disease is still one of the most prevalent proctological diseases. Pain is the most common complication after surgery but bleeding, urinary retention and perianal infection are also frequent. There is also an important group of patients, such as those with inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy or immunosuppression, who can present an increased rate or more severe complications.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the complications following different surgical and instrumental techniques for hemorrhoids in a literature review. Special situations were reviewed to determine how they affect the management of the disease.

METHODS

During August 2019, a narrative review of hemorrhoid surgery complications and special situations was performed using the Pubmed MESH DATABASE.

CONCLUSION

Pain, urinary retention and bleeding remain the most frequent complications after surgery for hemorrhoids; however, special situations must be taken into account in order to choose the best technique to prevent more severe complications.

Video-laparoscopic assessment of the small bowel in Crohn's disease: a comparative study to evaluate surgeons' inter-observer variability

BACKGROUND

Assessment of the entire small bowel is advocated during Crohn's disease (CD) surgery, as intraoperative detection of new lesions may lead to change in the planned procedure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter-observer variability in the assessment of extent and severity of CD at the small bowel laparoscopic "walkthrough".

METHODS

A survey on laparoscopic assessment of the small bowel in patients with CD, including items adapted from the MREnterography or ultrasound in Crohn's disease (METRIC) study and from the classification of severity of mesenteric disease was developed by an invited committee of colorectal surgeons. Anonymous laparoscopic videos demonstrating the small bowel "walkthrough" in ileocolonic resection for primary and recurrent CD were distributed to the committee members together with the anonymous survey. The primary outcome was the rate of inter-observer variability on assessment of strictures, dilatations, complications and severity of mesenteric inflammation.

RESULTS

12 assessors completed the survey on 8 small bowel walkthrough videos. The evaluation of the small bowel thickening and of the mesenteric fat wrapping were the most reliable assessments with an overall agreement of 87.1% (k = 0.31; 95% CI - 0.22, 0.84) and 82.7% (k = 0.35; 95% CI - 0.04, 0.73), respectively. The presence of strictures and pre-stenotic dilatation demonstrated agreement of 75.2% (k = 0.06: 95% CI - 0.33, 0.45) and 71.2% (k = 0.33; 95% CI 0.15, 0.51), respectively. Evaluation of fistulae had an overall agreement of 75.3%, while there was a significant variation in the evaluation of mild, moderate and severe mesenteric disease with overall agreement ranging from 33.3 to 100%.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic assessment of the small bowel thickening and of the presence of mesenteric fat wrapping is reliable for the intraoperative evaluation of CD with high inter-rater agreement. There is significant heterogeneity in the assessment of the severity of the mesenteric disease involvement.

A video guide of five access methods to the splenic flexure: the concept of the splenic flexure box

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe all the possible approaches for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization (SFM), each suitable for specific situations, and create an illustrated system to show SFM approaches in an easy and practical way to make it easy to learn and teach.

METHODS

Two different phases. First part: Cadaver-based study of the colonic splenic flexure anatomy. In order to demonstrate the different approaches, a balloon was placed through the colonic hepatic flexure in the lesser sac without sectioning any of the fixing ligaments of the splenic flexure. Second part: A real case series of laparoscopic SFM.

RESULTS

First part: 11 cadavers were dissected. Five potential approaches to SFM were found: anterior, trans-omentum, lateral, medial infra-mesocolic, and medial trans-mesocolic. The illustrative system developed was named: Splenic Flexure "Box"(SFBox). Second part: One of the types of SFM described in first part was used in five patients with colorectal cancer. Each laparoscopic approach to the splenic flexure was illustrated in a video accompanied by illustration aids delineating the access.

CONCLUSION

With the cadaver dissection and subsequent demonstration in real-life laparoscopic surgery, we have shown five types of laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization. The Splenic Flexure "Box" is a useful way to learn and teach this surgical maneuver.

Relevance of dynamic studies with magnetic resonance enterography in Crohn's disease

INTRODUCTION

A proper quantification of the inflammatory activity in Crohn's disease (CD) lesions is needed to establish the appropriate management for each patient. The aim of this study is to evaluate the inflammatory activity of affected segments in small bowel lesions using dynamic studies of magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) in patients undergoing surgery, and their correlation with the level of inflammation and histological fibrosis of the surgical piece.

METHODS

A prospective, consecutive, observational, clinical study was conducted that included all the patients with small bowel CD that underwent surgery in this center between March 2011 and September 2013. Diagnosis was established according to Lennard-Jones criteria and the Montreal classification. All the patients underwent MRE within three months before surgery, using a routine protocol involving Liver Acquisition with Volume Acceleration-Extended Volume (LAVA-XV) sequence for the dynamic studies before intravenous administering of gadolinium and 30, 70, 120, and 420s after administering this. The results allowed the designing of graphics with different uptake patterns. The Chiorean classification was used in the histological analysis, as well as a modified version published previously by this study group.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients with 47 lesions were analyzed. There was a significant correlation between both curve patterns, including the modified Chiorean classification (P<0.0001) as well as the level of inflammation (P<0.0001) and fibrosis (P<0.002). Inflammatory patterns of dynamic studies are related to histological findings with 80.9% accuracy (sensitivity=75.7%; specificity=100%).

CONCLUSION

There is a high correlation between dynamic enhancement studies and the level of inflammatory activity. MRE is a suitable tool to differentiate between inflammatory and fibrotic lesions, making it useful to decide the appropriate management of each patient.

Impact of perioperative transfusions and sepsis on long-term oncologic outcomes after curative colon cancer resection. A retrospective analysis of a prospective database

OBJECTIVE

Intra-abdominal septic complications (IASC) affect short-term outcomes after surgery for colon cancer. Blood transfusions have been associated with worse short-term results. The role of IASC and blood transfusions on long-term oncologic results is still debated. This study aims to assess the impact of these two variables on survival after curative colon cancer resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent curative surgery for colon cancer at a university hospital, between 1993 and 2010. Cox regression was used to identify the role of IASC and transfusions (alone and combined) on local recurrence (LR), disease-free survival (DFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

RESULTS

Out of the 1686 patients analyzed, 1277 fit in the inclusion criteria. Colorectal surgeons performed the procedure in 82.2% of the patients. Blood transfusions were administered to 25.8% of the patients. Thirty-day complication and mortality rates were 34.5% and 6.1%. IASC occurred in 9.9%. The mean follow-up was 66 months. The 5-year rates of LR, DFS, and CSS were 7%, 79.8%, and 85.1%. The year of surgery and pT (Hazard ratio 9.35, 95% CI 1.23-70.9, for T4) and pN (Hazard ratio 2.57, 95% CI 1.39-4.72, for N2) stages were independent risk factors for LR. The same variables, bowel obstruction and surgeries performed by surgeons not specialized in colorectal surgery, were also associated with worse DFS and CSS. IASC and blood transfusions were not associated with LR, DFS, and CSS, whether alone or combined.

CONCLUSIONS

IASC and transfusions were not associated with worse oncological outcomes after curative colon cancer surgery per se. Other factors were more important predictors of survival.

Risk factors for locally advanced cancer associated with ulcerative colitis: Results of a retrospective multicentric study in the era of biologics

BACKGROUND

Patients affected by ulcerative colitis (UC) are more likely to develop colorectal cancer, and are often diagnosed with lymph node involvement (N+) at surgery.

AIM

To identify the risk factors for N+ cancer in UC patients.

METHODS

Patients undergoing surgery from 2001 to 2018 in six European tertiary centres were included. N+ patients were compared to the control group (N-) for clinical variables. The evaluation of risk factors for N+ was assessed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were included. Median duration of disease was 21 years (1-52). Forty patients (30.8%) were N+ at surgery. Eighteen (13.8%) developed cancer within 10 years from the onset of UC. Younger age at surgery (Odds ratio -OR- 0.96, p = 0.042), left colon location (OR 2.44, p = 0.045) and the presence of stricture (OR 5.07, p = 0.002) were associated with N+.

CONCLUSION

Location in the left colon, presence of strictures and younger age strongly correlated with a higher risk of N+ cancer, which could develop before the starting point of surveillance. Duration, extension and severity of disease were not associated with N+. These results should be considered in the evaluation of risk of advanced cancer in UC patients.

Risk factors for leak, complications and mortality after ileocolic anastomosis: comparison of two anastomotic techniques

INTRODUCTION

There are no definitive data concerning the ideal configuration of ileocolic anastomosis. Aim of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors for anastomotic leak and for 60-day morbidity and mortality after ileocolic anastomoses (stapled vs handsewn).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a STROBE-compliant study. Demographic and surgical data were gathered from patients with an ileocolic anastomosis performed between November 2010 and September 2016 at a tertiary hospital. Anastomoses were performed using standardised techniques. Independent risk factors for anastomotic leak, complications and mortality were assessed.

RESULTS

We included 477 patients: 53.7% of the anastomoses were hand sewn and 46.3% stapled. Laterolateral anastomosis was the most common configuration (93.3%). Anastomotic leak was diagnosed in 8.8% of patients and 36 were classified as major anastomotic leak (7.5%). In the multivariate analysis, male sex (P = 0.014, odds ratio, OR, 2.9), arterial hypertension (P = 0.048, OR 2.29) and perioperative transfusions (P < 0.001, OR 2.4 per litre) were independent risk factors for major anastomotic leak. The overall 60-day complication rate was 27.3%. Male sex (31.3% vs female 22.3%, P = 0.02, OR 1.7), diabetes (P = 0.03 OR 2.0), smoking habit (P = 0.04, OR 1.8) and perioperative transfusions (P < 0.001, OR 3.3 per litre) were independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity. The 60-day-mortality rate was 3.1% and no significant risk factors were identified.

CONCLUSION

Anastomotic leak after ileocolic anastomosis is a relevant problem. Male sex, arterial hypertension and perioperative transfusions were associated with major anastomotic leak. Conversion to open surgery was more frequently associated with perioperative death.

Use of magnetic resonance index of activity (MaRIA) in the preoperative assessment of small bowel Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Accurate quantification of the inflammatory activity in Crohn's Disease is essential to determine adequate treatment for each patient. The aim of the present study is to assess the correlation between the pre-operative Magnetic Resonance Index of Activity (MaRIA) and the histologic degree of inflammation from surgically resected intestinal Crohn's Disease lesions.

METHODS

This is a prospective study including a consecutive case series of patients with small bowel Crohn's Disease, who underwent surgical resection. Magnetic resonance enterography was performed in the 3months prior to surgery, applying a pre-established protocol. Relative contrast enhancements, wall thickness, presence of edema or ulcerations were the parameters used to calculate the MaRIA Index. All patients underwent surgery and every specimen was analyzed. The modified Chiorean classification was applied for the histological analysis and an ordinal regression analysis was used to correlate MaRIA and the grade of inflammation for each lesion.

RESULTS

59 lesions from 35 different patients were analyzed. The degree of inflammation of the lesions was statistically correlated to the MaRIA values (P=.002). The MaRIA index was significantly different (P<.001) between the different histological types of the Crohn's Disease lesions (inflammatory/ fibrotic). The best cut-off for detecting severe inflammation using MaRIA was 20 (AUC: 0.741; 74.1% sensitivity and 78.1% specificity).

CONCLUSION

MaRIA is a reliable tool to distinguish inflammatory from fibrotic lesions. Therefore, it could be considered essential for determining the most appropriate Crohn's Disease treatment for each patient.