Meta-analysis of transanal vs laparoscopic total mesorectal excision of low rectal cancer: Importance of appropriate patient selection

BACKGROUND

Achieving a clear resection margins for low rectal cancer is technically challenging. Transanal approach to total mesorectal excision (TME) was introduced in order to address the challenges associated with the laparoscopic approach in treating low rectal cancers. However, previous meta-analyses have included mixed population with mid and low rectal tumours when comparing both approaches which has made the interpretation of the real differences between two approaches in treating low rectal cancer difficult.

AIM

To investigate the outcomes of transanal TME (TaTME) and laparoscopic TME (LaTME) in patients with low rectal cancer.

METHODS

A comprehensive systematic review of comparative studies was performed in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, anastomotic leak, R0 resection, completeness of mesorectal excision, circumferential resection margin (CRM), distal resection margin (DRM), harvested lymph nodes, and operation time were the investigated outcome measures.

RESULTS

We included twelve comparative studies enrolling 969 patients comparing TaTME (n = 969) and LaTME (n = 476) in patients with low rectal tumours. TaTME was associated with significantly lower risk of postoperative complications (OR: 0.74, P = 0.04), anastomotic leak (OR: 0.59, P = 0.02), and conversion to an open procedure (OR: 0.29, P = 0.002) in comparison with LaTME. Moreover, the rate of R0 resection was significantly higher in the TaTME group (OR: 1.96, P = 0.03). Nevertheless, TaTME and LaTME were comparable in terms of rate of intraoperative complications (OR: 1.87; P = 0.23), completeness of mesoractal excision (OR: 1.57, P = 0.15), harvested lymph nodes (MD: -0.05, P = 0.96), DRM (MD: -0.94; P = 0.17), CRM (MD: 1.08, P = 0.17), positive CRM (OR: 0.64, P = 0.11) and procedure time (MD: -6.99 min, P = 0.45).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that for low rectal tumours, TaTME is associated with better clinical and short term oncological outcomes compared to LaTME. More randomised controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and to evaluate long term oncological and functional outcomes.

Ischaemic bowel perforation secondary to a gravid uterus in a patient with treated inflammatory bowel disease and an ileoanal pouch: a case report

The diagnosis of visceral perforation during pregnancy is often delayed and the management complex. A 32-year-old primigravid woman in her second trimester presented with abdominal pain and a pre-existing ileoanal pouch. Initial imaging was negative but later imaging was suggestive of serious pathology. At laparotomy, a caesarean section was performed. Peritonitis was encountered secondary to two discrete perforations in the small bowel separate from her pouch. Histology found an ischaemic perforation secondary to a pressure effect from the gravid uterus. In pregnancy, ileoanal pouches may make the interconnected bowel vulnerable to the pressure effect of the gravid uterus and perforation. Pregnant women with such a surgical history who develop symptoms suggestive of bowel perforation should have rapid imaging and their clinical team should consider early definitive surgical intervention.

1457 Subcutaneous Emphysema in Adolescents: A Trap for The Unwary

Discussion

Boerhaave’s syndrome (BS) (described by Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave in 1724) is the phenomenon of spontaneous oesophageal perforation. The underlying mechanism is due to a sudden rise in intra-luminal pressure against a closed glottis resulting in barotrauma. BS in adolescents remains a rare entity with a paucity of reported cases. Mackler’s triad describes the classical presentation comprising vomiting, CP and SE. Non-specific presentation may delay diagnosis and a high clinical index of suspicion is required. CT thorax and water-soluble-contrast studies are diagnostic. Timing of presentation, complications and haemodynamic status dictate conservative or surgical management approach. BS carries a 20-40% mortality, and must be included in differential diagnoses of adolescents presenting with vomiting and CP.

EP.FRI.103 Acute Appendicitis in an Amyand Hernia – a case report and literature review

Introduction

An Amyand Hernia (AH) is the presence of an Appendix within an Inguinal Hernia. We present here our clinical management of acute appendicitis in an AH and subsequent literature review. A 73 year old male patient presented with a two day history of right sided irreducible inguinoscrotal hernia with tender swelling on standing and walking. This was not associated with symptoms of bowel obstruction or fevers. Blood investigations revealed a raised C-Reactive Protein of 129m/l and White Cell Count of 15x 10^9/L. A Computed Tomography scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis revealed a right sided inguinoscrotal hernia arising lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels, containing an inflamed appendix and omental fat. The patient underwent an emergency open hernia repair with mesh and, considering that the appendix base was intra-abdominal, also underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy. 

Method

We conducted a literature review on Pubmed and Medline using the MeSH terms ‘Amyand Hernia’ AND ‘Appendicitis’ from 1970-2020.  

Results

We longlisted 179 articles. Of these, 117 were excluded, as they were either paediatric cases, not relevant or mentioned in discussions. Finally, 62 relevant articles were included in the review. 

Conclusion

Acute Appendicitis in Amyand Hernias has an incidence of 0.07-0.13%. Most cases remain as incidental findings however, increased use of imaging techniques has allowed accurate diagnoses and attempts at classifications. There is also weak association with Situs Inversus and atypical appendiceal tumours including adenocarcinoma, carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumour. Their management varies according to the extent of inflammation, radiological and intraoperative findings.

TH7.7 Pre-operative Coagulation Screening in General Surgery

Aim

Routine preoperative coagulation screening is considered standard practice to predict peri-operative bleeding. However, according to British Society of Haematology, indiscriminate coagulation screening is not recommended as it may to inappropriate delay of surgery, lead to further unnecessary tests and is also associated with significant costs. Instead, they recommend detailed bleeding history, including family history and use of medications.

Methodology

A retrospective audit of 148 post-operative patients in Northwick Park Hospital admitted under the General Surgical who presented to Surgical Assessment Unit between 01.04.2021 to 14.05.2021 at the initial audit and between 20.09.2021 to 07.10.2021 at the re-audit.

Results

The initial audit was done over a 6 week period with 98 cases selected. 19% of them had appropriate requests with 81% of the tests done being inappropriate. There was significant improvement by the re-audit with appropriate requests increasing to 56% and inappropriate tests dropping at 44%. The criteria for appropriate were: a) Not requested as no significant medical history. b) Requested as clinically indicated. With each coagulation screening costing an average of £29.42, an overall estimate of £2971.42 was expended in inappropriate requests

Conclusion

All patients had relevant blood requests and PMH were documented but many inappropriate requests were made. It was recommended that instead of indiscriminate coagulation testing, a thorough history was advised to determine appropriate testing. There was a marked improvement at the re-audit with more appropriate requests being made.

Recommendations

827 Acute Appendicitis in An Amyand Hernia – A Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

An Amyand Hernia (AH) is the presence of an Appendix within an Inguinal Hernia. We present here our clinical management of acute appendicitis in an AH and subsequent literature review. A 73-year-old male patient presented with a two-day history of right sided irreducible inguinoscrotal hernia with tender swelling on standing and walking. This was not associated with symptoms of bowel obstruction or fevers. Blood investigations revealed a raised C-Reactive Protein of 129m/l and White Cell Count of 15x10^9/L. A Computed Tomography scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis revealed a right sided inguinoscrotal hernia arising lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels, containing an inflamed appendix and omental fat. The patient underwent an emergency open hernia repair with mesh and, considering that the appendix base was intra-abdominal, also underwent a laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Method

We conducted a literature review on Pubmed and Medline using the MeSH terms ‘Amyand Hernia’ AND ‘Appendicitis’ from 1970 to 2020.

Results

We longlisted 179 articles. Of these, 117 were excluded, as they were either paediatric cases, not relevant or mentioned in discussions. Finally, 62 relevant articles were included in the review.

Conclusions

Acute Appendicitis in Amyand Hernias has an incidence of 0.07-0.13%. Most cases remain as incidental findings however, increased use of imaging techniques has allowed accurate diagnoses and attempts at classifications. There is also weak association with Situs Inversus and atypical appendiceal tumours including adenocarcinoma, carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumour. Their management varies according to the extent of inflammation, radiological and intra-operative findings.