Trends in management and outcomes of colon cancer in the United States over 15 years: Analysis of the National Cancer Database

Management of colon cancer has changed over the last few decades. We assessed the trends in management and outcomes using the US National Cancer Database (NCDB). A retrospective analysis of all patients with colonic adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2019 was conducted. The cohort was divided into three equal time periods: Period 1 (2005-2009), Period 2 (2010-2014), and Period 3 (2015-2019) to examine treatment and outcomes trends. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival (OS). The study included 923,275 patients. A significant increase in patients with stage IV disease was noted in Period 3 compared to Period 1 (47.9% vs. 27.9%, respectively), whereas a reciprocal reduction was seen in patients with locally advanced disease (stage II: 20.8%-12%; stage III: 14.5%-7.7%). Use of immunotherapy significantly increased from 0.3% to 7.6%. Mean 5-year OS increased (43.6 vs. 42.1 months) despite the increase in metastatic disease and longer time from diagnosis to definitive surgery (7 vs. 14 days). A reduction in 30-day readmission (5.1%-4.2%), 30- (3.9%-2.8%), and 90-day mortality (7.1%-5%) was seen. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery increased from 45.8% to 53.1% and 2.9% to 12.7%, respectively. Median postoperative length of hospital stay decreased by 2 days. Rate of positive resection margins (7.2%-6%) and median number of examined lymph nodes (14-16) also improved. Minimally invasive surgery and immunotherapy for colon cancer significantly increased in recent years. Patient outcomes including OS improved over time.

When is neoadjuvant chemotherapy indicated in rectal neuroendocrine tumors? An analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

Rectal neuroendocrine tumors (rNET) are rare and challenging to manage. While most patients with small rNET can be definitively treated with local excision, the role of chemotherapy in general and neoadjuvant therapy particularly in managing advanced rNET has not been well established. Therefore, this study aimed to determine which patients with rNET may gain a survival benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who underwent surgical resection of rNET in the US National Cancer Database (NCDB) (2004-2019) was performed. First, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of poor overall survival (OS) and define the high-risk groups. Afterward, stratified OS analyses were performed for each high-risk group to assess whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a survival benefit in each group.

RESULTS

A total of 1837 patients (49.8% female; mean age 56.6 ± 12.3 years) underwent radical resection of a rNET. Tumors > 20 mm in size, clinical T4 tumors, poorly differentiated tumors, and metastatic disease were independent predictors of worse OS and were defined as high-risk groups. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy did not have a significant survival benefit in any of the high-risk groups, except for patients with high-grade rNETs where neoadjuvant therapy significantly improved OS to a mean of 30.9 months compared with 15.9 months when neoadjuvant therapy was not given (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy improved the OS of patients with high-grade rNET by 15 months and may be indicated for this group.

Obesity and overweight are associated with worse survival in early-onset colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Obesity and its associated lifestyle are known risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer and are associated with poor postoperative and survival outcomes in older patients. We aimed to investigate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of early-onset colorectal cancers.

METHODS

Retrospective review of all patients undergoing primary resection of colon or rectal adenocarcinoma at our institution between 2015-2022. Patients who had palliative resections, resections performed at another institution, appendiceal tumors, and were underweight were excluded. The primary endpoint was survival according to the patient's body mass index: normal weight (18-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2), and obesity (≥30 kg/m2). Patient and tumor characteristics and survival were compared between the three groups.

RESULTS

A total of 279 patients aged <50 years with colorectal cancer were treated at our hospital; 120 were excluded from the analysis for the following reasons: main treatment or primary resection performed at another hospital (n = 97), no resection/palliative resection (n = 23), or body mass index <18 kg/m2 (n = 2). Of these, 157 patients were included in the analysis; 61 (38.9%) were overweight and 45 (28.7%) had obesity. Except for a higher frequency of hypertension in the overweight (P = .062) and obese (P = .001) groups, no differences in patient or tumor characteristics were observed. Mean overall survival was 89 months with normal weight, 92 months with overweight, and 65 months with obesity (P = .032). Mean cancer-specific survival was 95 months with normal weight, 94 months with overweight, and 68 months with obesity (P = .018). No statistically significant difference in disease-free survival (75 vs 70 vs 59 months, P = .844) was seen.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with early-onset colorectal cancer who are overweight or obese present with similar tumor characteristics and postoperative morbidity to patients with normal weight. However, obesity may have a detrimental impact on their survival. Addressing obesity as a modifiable risk factor might improve early-onset colorectal cancer prognosis.

Splenic flexure mobilization in left-sided colonic and rectal resections: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of factors associated with anastomotic leak and complications

AIM

Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is commonly performed during left-sided colon and rectal resections. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the outcomes of SFM in left-sided colon and rectal resections and the risk factors for complications and anastomotic leak (AL).

METHOD

This study was a PRISMA-compliant systematic review. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies that assessed the outcomes of sigmoid and rectal resections with or without SFM. The primary outcomes were AL and total complications, and the secondary outcomes were individual complications, operating time, conversion to open surgery, length of hospital stay (LOS) and pathological and oncological outcomes.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies including data on 81 116 patients (49.1% male) were reviewed. SFM was undertaken in 40.7% of patients. SFM was associated with a longer operating time (weighted mean difference 24.50, 95% CI 14.47-34.52, p < 0.0001) and higher odds of AL (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.33, p = 0.002). Both groups had similar odds of total complications, splenic injury, anastomotic stricture, conversion to open surgery, (LOS), local recurrence, and overall survival. A secondary analysis of rectal cancer cases only showed similar outcomes for SFM and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

SFM was associated with a longer operating time and higher odds of AL, yet a similar likelihood of total complications, splenic injury, anastomotic stricture, conversion to open surgery, LOS, local recurrence, and overall survival. These conclusions must be cautiously interpreted considering the numerous study limitations. SFM may have only been selectively undertaken in cases in which anastomotic tension was suspected. Therefore, the suboptimal anastomoses may have been the reason for SFM rather than the SFM being causative of the anastomotic insufficiencies.

A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the Impact of Neoadjuvant Radiation Therapy on the Outcomes of Stage II and III Mucinous Rectal Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with mucinous rectal carcinoma tend to present in advanced stage with a poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess the effect of neoadjuvant radiation therapy on outcomes of patients with stage II and III mucinous rectal carcinomas using data from the National Cancer Database.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospective national databases.

SETTING

National Cancer Database between 2004 and 2019.

PATIENTS

Patients with mucinous rectal carcinoma.

INTERVENTION

Patients who did or did not receive neoadjuvant radiation therapy were matched using the nearest-neighbor propensity score method for age, clinical stage, neoadjuvant systemic treatment, and surgery type.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Main outcomes of the study were numbers of total harvested and positive lymph nodes, disease downstaging after neoadjuvant radiation, and overall survival. Other outcomes were hospital stay, short-term mortality, and readmission.

RESULTS

A total of 3062 patients (63.5% men) with stage II and III mucinous rectal carcinoma were included, 2378 of whom (77.7%) received neoadjuvant radiation therapy. After 2:1 propensity score matching, 143 patients in the no neoadjuvant group were matched to 286 patients in the neoadjuvant group. The mean overall survival was similar (77.3 vs 81.9 months; p = 0.316). Patients who received neoadjuvant radiation therapy were less often diagnosed with pathologic T3 and 4 disease (72.3% vs 81.3%, p = 0.013) and more often had pathologic stage 0 and 1 disease (16.4% vs 11.2%, p = 0.001), yet with a higher stage III disease (49.7% vs 37.1%, p = 0.001). Neoadjuvant radiation was associated with fewer examined lymph nodes (median: 14 vs 16, p = 0.036) and positive lymph nodes than patients who did not receive neoadjuvant radiation. Short-term mortality, readmission, hospital stay, and positive surgical margins were similar.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study and missing data on disease recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mucinous rectal carcinoma who received neoadjuvant radiation therapy had marginal downstaging of disease, fewer examined and fewer positive lymph nodes, and similar overall survival to patients who did not receive neoadjuvant radiation. See Video Abstract .

UN ANLISIS EMPAREJADO POR PUNTUACIN DE PROPENSIN DEL IMPACTO DE LA RADIOTERAPIA NEOADYUVANTE EN LOS RESULTADOS DEL CARCINOMA MUCINOSO DE RECTO EN ESTADIO IIIII

ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con carcinoma mucinoso de recto tienden a presentarse en estadio avanzado con mal pronóstico.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la radioterapia neoadyuvante en los resultados de pacientes con carcinomas mucinosos de recto en estadio II-III utilizando datos de la Base de Datos Nacional del Cáncer.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo de bases de datos nacionales prospectivas.PACIENTES:Pacientes con carcinoma mucinoso de recto.AJUSTE:Base de datos nacional sobre el cáncer entre 2004 y 2019.INTERVENCIÓN:Los pacientes que recibieron o no radioterapia neoadyuvante fueron emparejados utilizando el método de puntuación de propensión del vecino más cercano por edad, estadio clínico, tratamiento sistémico neoadyuvante y tipo de cirugía.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Los principales resultados del estudio fueron el número total de ganglios linfáticos extraídos y positivos, la reducción del estadio de la enfermedad después de la radiación neoadyuvante y la supervivencia general. Otros resultados fueron la estancia hospitalaria, la mortalidad a corto plazo y el reingreso.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 3.062 pacientes (63,5% hombres) con carcinoma mucinoso de recto estadio II-III, de los cuales 2.378 (77,7%) recibieron radioterapia neoadyuvante. Después de un emparejamiento por puntuación de propensión 2:1, 143 pacientes del grupo sin neoadyuvancia fueron emparejados con 286 del grupo neoadyuvante. La supervivencia global media fue similar (77,3 vs 81,9 meses; p = 0,316). A los pacientes que recibieron radiación neoadyuvante se les diagnosticó con menos frecuencia enfermedad pT3-4 (72,3% frente a 81,3%, p = 0,013) y con mayor frecuencia tenían enfermedad en estadio patológico 0-1 (16,4% frente a 11,2%, p = 0,001), aunque con una enfermedad en estadio III superior (49,7% vs 37,1%, p = 0,001). La radiación neoadyuvante se asoció con menos ganglios linfáticos examinados (mediana: 14 frente a 16, p = 0,036) y ganglios linfáticos positivos que los pacientes que no recibieron radiación neoadyuvante. La mortalidad a corto plazo, el reingreso, la estancia hospitalaria y los márgenes quirúrgicos positivos fueron similares.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo y datos faltantes sobre recurrencia de la enfermedad.CONCLUSIONES:Los pacientes con carcinoma mucinoso de recto que recibieron radioterapia neoadyuvante tuvieron una reducción marginal de la enfermedad, menos ganglios linfáticos examinados y positivos, y una supervivencia general similar a la de los pacientes que no recibieron radiación neoadyuvante. (Traducción- Dr Ingrid Melo ).

Immunotherapy in Stage III-IV Colon Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis of the National Cancer Database

SUMMARY

Immunotherapy for the systemic treatment of cancer offers new treatment possibilities for advanced malignancies. Despite promising initial results, evidence on efficacy of immunotherapy for colon cancer is lacking. Thus, we aimed to assess short-term and long-term outcomes of immunotherapy in patients with advanced colon cancer. A US National Cancer Database was searched for patients with stage III-IV colonic adenocarcinoma between 2010 and 2019. Propensity score matching was used to classify the cohort into 2 groups: patients who received immunotherapy and controls. Main outcome measures were primary outcome was overall survival (OS). A total of 23,778 patients with stage III-IV colonic adenocarcinoma were treated with immunotherapy during the study period compared to 114,753 controls. Immunotherapy treated patients were younger (median age 61 vs. 67 y; P<0.001), more often male (57.3% vs. 50.7%, P<0.001), had more private insurance (44.1% vs. 33.7%; P<0.001), had more left-sided tumors (49.5% vs. 39.1%; P<0.001) and liver metastasis (80.2% vs. 61.7%; P<0.001) than controls. Immunotherapy patients received more standard chemotherapy (49.8% vs. 41.6%; P<0.001). After propensity-score matching, mean OS was significantly shorter in the immunotherapy group compared with controls (34.7 vs. 36.2 mo; P=0.008). Cox regression analysis demonstrated that immunotherapy was associated with increased risk for mortality (HR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.02-1.18; P=0.005). Patients who received immunotherapy had lower 90-day mortality rates compared with controls (2.3% vs. 3.6%; P=0.004), but the groups had equivalent 30-day mortality rates (0.7% vs. 0.8%; P=0.76). Immunotherapy showed no improvement in OS in patients with stage III-IV colon cancer.

Upfront laparotomy versus conversion from minimally invasive surgery to open surgery in colon cancer: Is there a difference in outcomes?

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether conversion from minimally invasive surgery to laparotomy in patients with colon cancer contributes to worse outcomes compared with those operated by laparotomy. In this study, we aimed to assess the implications of transitioning from minimally invasive surgery to laparotomy in patients with colon cancer compared with patients undergoing upfront laparotomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database, including patients with stages I to III colon cancer (2010-2019). Patients who underwent either upfront laparotomy (Open Surgery Group) or minimally invasive surgery converted to open surgery (Converted Surgery Group) were included. Groups were balanced using propensity-score matching. Primary outcome was overall survival, and secondary outcomes included 30- and 90-day mortality and 30-day readmission rates.

RESULTS

The study included 65,083 operated patients with stage I to III colon cancer; 57,091 patients (87.7%) were included in the Open Surgery group and 7,992 (12.3%) in the Converted Surgery group. 93.5% were converted from laparoscopy, and 6.5% were converted from robotic surgery. After propensity-score matching, 7,058 patients were included in each group. Median overall survival was significantly higher in the Converted Surgery group (107.3 months) than in the Open Surgery group (101.5 months; P = .006). A survival benefit was seen in patients >65 years of age (79.5 vs 71.9 months; P = .001), left-sided disease (129.4 vs 114.5 months; P < .001), and with a high Charlson comorbidity index score (=3; 58.9 vs 42.3 months; P = .03). Positive margin rates were similar between the groups (6.3% vs 5.6%; P = .07). Converted patients had a higher 30-day readmission rate (6.7% vs 5.6%, P = .006) and shorter duration of stay (median, 5 vs 6 days, P < .001) than patients in the Open Surgery group. In addition, 30-day mortality was comparable between the groups (2.9% vs 3.5%; P = .07).

CONCLUSION

Conversion to open surgery from minimally invasive surgery was associated with better overall survival compared with upfront open surgery. A survival benefit was mainly seen in patients >65 years of age, with significant comorbidities, and with left-sided tumors. We believe these data suggest that, in the absence of an absolute contraindication to minimally invasive surgery, it should be the preferred approach in patients with colon cancer.

Characteristics and outcomes of large (≥5 cm) colonic adenocarcinomas and comparing outcomes of minimally invasive and open surgery for stage I to III disease

BACKGROUND

Colon cancer prognosis is primarily dependent on the stage at diagnosis, but tumor size and location may also impact prognosis. This study aimed to assess the characteristics and outcomes of patients with ≥5 cm colonic adenocarcinomas and compare outcomes of open and minimally invasive surgery for stage I to III large colonic adenocarcinomas.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database (2010-2019) was searched for patients with colonic adenocarcinomas ≥5 cm. Outcomes of patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery or open surgery were compared after propensity-score matching. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival and, secondarily, hospital stay, surgical margins, and short-term mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 126,959 patients were included (22.1% of all diagnosed adenocarcinomas). 56% of tumors were right-sided, 32.6% were left-sided, and 11.4% were in the transverse colon. Stage IV disease was recorded in 34.6% of patients. Lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog mutations were recorded in 35.7%, 14.9%, and 41.6% of patients. The rate of positive surgical margins was 9.8%. Median hospital stay was 6 (interquartile range: 4-8) days. 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 4.1% and 7.5%, respectively. After matching, 15,228 patients in the open surgery group were matched to a similar number in the minimally invasive surgery group. The minimally invasive surgery group was associated with significantly lower rates of 30- and 90-day mortality, positive surgical margins, shorter hospital stay, and longer median overall survival (110.6 vs 86.6 months, P < .001) than did open surgery.

CONCLUSION

Large colonic adenocarcinomas are mostly right-sided or transverse and present at a more advanced stage with adverse pathologic features. Minimally invasive surgery was associated with better overall survival and short-term benefits when compared with open surgery.

Outcomes of Early Versus Standard Closure of Diverting Ileostomy After Proctectomy: Meta-analysis and Meta-regression Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare outcomes of early and standard closure of diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) after proctectomy and determine risk factors for anastomotic leak (AL) and complications.

BACKGROUND

Formation of DLI has been a routine practice after proctectomy to decrease the incidence and potential adverse sequela of AL.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared outcomes of early versus standard closure of DLI after proctectomy. Main outcome measures were postoperative complications, AL, ileus, surgical site infection, reoperation, readmission, and hospital stay following DLI closure.

RESULTS

Eleven RCTs (932 patients; 57% male) were included. Early closure group included 474 patients and standard closure 458 patients. Early closure was associated with higher odds of AL [odds ratio (OR): 2.315, P =0.013] and similar odds of complications (OR: 1.103, P =0.667), ileus (OR: 1.307, P =0.438), surgical site infection (OR: 1.668, P =0.079), reoperation (OR: 1.896, P =0.062), and readmission (OR: 3.431, P =0.206). Hospital stay was similar (weighted mean difference: 1.054, P =0.237). Early closure had higher odds of AL than standard closure when early closure was done ≤2 weeks (OR: 2.12, P =0.047) but not within 3 to 4 weeks (OR: 2.98, P =0.107). Factors significantly associated with complications after early closure were diabetes mellitus, smoking, and closure of DLI ≤2 weeks, whereas factors associated with AL were ≥ American Society of Anesthesiologists II classification and diabetes mellitus.

CONCLUSIONS

Early closure of DLI after proctectomy has a higher risk of AL, particularly within 2 weeks of DLI formation. On the basis of this study, routine early ileostomy closure cannot be recommended.

Clinical Decision Making in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Mimics: Practice Management from Inflammatory Bowel Disease LIVE

Background

Since 2009, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) specialists have utilized "IBD LIVE," a weekly live video conference with a global audience, to discuss the multidisciplinary management of their most challenging cases. While most cases presented were confirmed IBD, a substantial number were diseases that mimic IBD. We have categorized all IBD LIVE cases and identified "IBD-mimics" with consequent clinical management implications.

Methods

Cases have been recorded/archived since May 2018; we reviewed all 371 cases from May 2018-February 2023. IBD-mimics were analyzed/categorized according to their diagnostic and therapeutic workup.

Results

Confirmed IBD cases made up 82.5% (306/371; 193 Crohn's disease, 107 ulcerative colitis, and 6 IBD-unclassified). Sixty-five (17.5%) cases were found to be mimics, most commonly medication-induced (n = 8) or vasculitis (n = 7). The evaluations that ultimately resulted in correct diagnosis included additional endoscopic biopsies (n = 13, 21%), surgical exploration/pathology (n = 10, 16.5%), biopsies from outside the GI tract (n = 10, 16.5%), genetic/laboratory testing (n = 8, 13%), extensive review of patient history (n = 8, 13%), imaging (n = 5, 8%), balloon enteroscopy (n = 5, 8%), and capsule endoscopy (n = 2, 3%). Twenty-five patients (25/65, 38%) were treated with biologics for presumed IBD, 5 of whom subsequently experienced adverse events requiring discontinuation of the biologic. Many patients were prescribed steroids, azathioprine, mercaptopurine, or methotrexate, and 3 were trialed on tofacitinib.

Conclusions

The diverse presentation of IBD and IBD-mimics necessitates periodic consideration of the differential diagnosis, and reassessment of treatment in presumed IBD patients without appropriate clinical response. The substantial differences and often conflicting treatment approaches to IBD versus IBD-mimics directly impact the quality and cost of patient care.

The value of national accreditation program for rectal cancer: A survey of accredited programs and programs seeking accreditation

BACKGROUND

Significant variation in rectal cancer care has been demonstrated in the United States. The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer was established in 2017 to improve the quality of rectal cancer care through standardization and emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. The aim of this study was to understand the perceived value and barriers to achieving the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accreditation.

METHODS

An electronic survey was developed, piloted, and distributed to rectal cancer programs that had already achieved or were interested in pursuing the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accreditation. The survey contained 40 questions with a combination of Likert scale, multiple choice, and open-ended questions to provide comments. This was a mixed methods study; descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

RESULTS

A total of 85 rectal cancer programs were sent the survey (22 accredited, 63 interested). Responses were received from 14 accredited programs and 41 interested programs. Most respondents were program directors (31%) and program coordinators (40%). The highest-ranked responses regarding the value of the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accreditation included "improved quality and culture of rectal cancer care," "enhanced program organization and coordination," and "challenges our program to provide optimal, high-quality care." The most frequently cited barriers to the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accreditation were cost and lack of personnel.

CONCLUSION

Our survey found significant perceived value in the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer accreditation. Adhering to standards and a multidisciplinary approach to rectal cancer care are critical components of a high-quality care rectal cancer program.

What is next for social media for Surgery?

Social media has morphed from an interesting phenomenon to an essential part of surgical publishing. This contribution, "What Is Next for Social Media for Surgery," reviews how we arrived at this point, how we are currently engaged in Surgery in social media, and where we, as editors-in-chief, envision social media heading over the next several years.

Ostomy continence devices: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

AIM

Colostomy complication rates range widely from 10% to 70%. The psychological burden on patients, leading to lifestyle changes and decreased quality of life (QoL), is one of the largest factors. The aim of this work was to assess the history and efficacy of ostomy continence devices in improving continence and QoL.

METHOD

In this PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and clinicaltrials.gov for studies on continence devices for all ostomies up to April 2023. Primary outcomes were continence and improvement in QoL. Secondary outcomes were leakage, patient's device preference and complications. Risk of Bias 2 and the revised tool to assess risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-1) were used to assess risk of bias. Certainty of evidence was graded using GRADE.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies assessed devices from 1978 to 2022. The two main types identified were ball-valve devices and plug systems. Conseal and Vitala were the two main devices with significant evidence allowing for pooled analyses. Conseal, the only currently marketed device, had a pooled rate of continence of 67.4%, QoL improvement was 74.9%, patient preference over a traditional appliance was 69.1%, leakage was 10.1% and complications was 13.7%. Since 2011, five studies have investigated experimental devices on both human and animal models.

CONCLUSION

Ostomy continence has been a long-standing goal without a consistently reliable solution. We propose that selective and short-term usage of continence devices may lead to improved continence and QoL in ostomy patients. Further research is needed to develop a reliable daily device for ostomy continence. Future investigation should include the needs of ileostomates.

A national database analysis of the evolution of outcomes of surgery for anal melanoma

BACKGROUND

This study assessed trends in treatment and outcomes of anal melanomas over a 17-year period.

METHODS

NCDB was searched for patients with anal melanoma (2004-2020). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine cutoff year marking increased overall survival (OS) of anal melanoma. Characteristics, treatments, and outcomes in consecutive time periods were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 815 patients (mean age: 67.2 years; 59.4% female) were included: 354 in Period 1 (2004-2012) and 461 in Period 2 (2013-2020). Period 2 included fewer abdominoperineal resections (18% vs. 28%, p = 0.002), more local tumor excisions (61.1% vs. 55%, p = 0.002), more often immunotherapy (odds ratio [OR]: 3.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.22-5.22, p < 0.001) and less often chemotherapy (OR: 0.516, 95% CI: 0.352-0.755, p < 0.001) administered and longer median OS (25.2 vs. 19.8 months, p = 0.006). Independent predictors of worse OS were older age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.02, p = 0.012), higher Charlson score (HR: 2.32, p = 0.02), and greater number of positive lymph nodes (HR: 1.15, p < 0.001); conversely private insurance (HR: 0.385, p = 0.008) was predictive of increased OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Anal melanoma patients diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 underwent fewer abdominoperineal resections and more local excisions than patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2013. Increased immunotherapy and longer median OS were noted in period two. Age and private insurance were significant predictors of OS, remaining constant across time periods.

Propensity-Score Matched Analysis of Survival Outcomes of Adjuvant Therapy in Stage II-III Signet-Ring Cell Carcinoma of the Colon

BACKGROUND

Colonic signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a mucinous adenocarcinoma subtype often associated with poor prognosis. This study assessed the survival benefits of adjuvant therapy after curative resection of stage II-III colonic SRCC.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of outcomes of adjuvant therapy in colonic SRCC using National Cancer Database (2010-2019) data. Patients who received adjuvant therapy were matched to those who did not use the nearest neighbor propensity-score matching. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

The unmatched cohort included 3530 patients. Patients who received adjuvant therapy were significantly younger, more often male, and more often had Charlson scores 0-1, left-sided cancers, stage III disease, lymphovascular invasion, and perineural invasion. The matched cohort included 958 patients (53.6% female); 479 received adjuvant therapy and 479 did not. Adjuvant therapy was associated with longer mean OS (39.9 vs. 29.2 months; P < .001). Survival benefit of adjuvant therapy was evident in stage III disease (37.5 vs. 24.7 months; P < .001), right-sided colon cancer (40.2 vs. 27.7 months; P < .001), and transverse colon cancer (40.6 vs. 31.1 months; P = .002), but not stage II disease (52.1 vs. 53.1 months; P = .694) or left-sided colon cancer (35.8 vs. 32.6 months; P = .417). Independent predictors of improved OS were adjuvant therapy (HR: 0.539; P < .001), laparoscopic surgery (HR: 0.829; P = .001), robotic-assisted surgery (HR: 0.63; P = .007), and number of harvested lymph nodes (HR: 0.976; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant therapy was associated with improved OS in stage III, right-sided, and transverse colon SRCC. The survival benefit of adjuvant therapy in stage II and left-sided colon SRCC was limited.

Colonic Diverticulosis at Colonoscopy in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Pooled Estimates

INTRODUCTION

There is need to ascertain any epidemiologic shift of diverticulosis among Africans with traditionally high fiber diet consumption patterns and rare diverticulosis prevalence.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, African Journal Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Eligibility criteria included full-text observational and experimental human colonoscopy studies on asymptomatic and symptomatic African population from 1985 to 2022. Case reports, conference abstracts, dissertations, systematic reviews, and studies lacking colonoscopy findings were excluded. NIH quality assessment tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to assess risk of bias. Meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using inconsistency (I2) statistics.

RESULTS

Thirty studies were included. Pooled prevalence rate of colonic diverticulosis in the last decade (2012-2022) has increased to 9.7% (95% CI 6.5-13.4; I2 = 97.3%) from 3.5% (95% CI 1.4-6.4; I2 = 62.7%). The highest regional prevalence rate was in West African studies at 11.3% (95% CI 7.6-14.9; I2 = 96.2%). Proportion of individuals with diverticulosis ≥50 years and male sex were 86.9% (95% CI 80.5-92.1) and 65.2% (95% CI 55.0-74.8), respectively. The left colon had the highest diverticulosis frequency (37% [148/400]). Bleeding/inflammation complications were sparingly detected (OR 0.2 [95% CI 0.03-0.75; p < 0.0001]).

CONCLUSION

An increasing utilization of colonoscopy revealed approximately a threefold increase in the prevalence rate of colonic diverticulosis in Africa. This pathology was most common in males aged >50. Left colon was predominantly affected. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the effect of westernization of diet.

Outcomes of transanal total mesorectal excision compared to laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Transanal dissection is increasingly used in laparoscopic surgery for total mesorectal excision of lower rectal cancers. Several studies compared outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with and without transanal dissection, yet there is a paucity of high-quality evidence. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a pooled comparative analysis of outcomes of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with and without transanal dissection based on evidence from randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

This Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2022-compliant systematic review of randomized controlled trials compared laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with and without transanal dissection. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched through March 2023. The Medical Subject Headings terms used in the search were Rectal neoplasms, Proctectomy, Laparoscopy, and Transanal. The main outcomes included operative and pathologic outcomes. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias version 2 tool, and certainty of the evidence was graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. The primary study outcome was conversion to open surgery.

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials (1,339 patients; median age 61.2 years) were included; 671 patients underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with transanal dissection, and 668 underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision without transanal dissection. Both groups were similar in age, body mass index, and disease stage, but the laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with transanal dissection group had a higher male-to-female ratio, received neoadjuvant therapy and had a hand-sewn anastomosis more often. Patients who underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with transanal dissection had lower conversion rates (odds ratio = 0.179; P = .001), a higher likelihood of achieving complete total mesorectal excision (odds ratio = 1.435; P = .025), and fewer harvested lymph nodes (weighted mean difference = -1.926; P = .035). The groups had similar operative times (weighted mean difference = -3.476; P = .398), total complications (odds ratio = 0.94; P = .665), major complications (odds ratio = 1.112; P = .66), anastomotic leak (odds ratio = 0.67; P = .432), positive circumferential resection margin (odds ratio = 0.549; P = .155), and positive distal margins (odds ratio = 0.559; P = .171).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with transanal dissection was associated with lower odds of conversion to open surgery, greater likelihood of achieving complete total mesorectal excision, and fewer harvested lymph nodes than laparoscopic total mesorectal excision without transanal dissection.

Strategies to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery: A qualitative umbrella review of the collective evidence

BACKGROUND

Various strategies were proposed to reduce postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. This umbrella review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence on measures to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus to identify systematic reviews that assessed the efficacy of interventions used to prevent postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Data on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were summarized in a narrative manner.

RESULTS

A total of 26 systematic reviews incorporating various strategies like early oral feeding, gum chewing, coffee consumption, medications, and acupuncture were included. Early oral feeding reduced postoperative ileus and accelerated bowel function return. The most assessed intervention was chewing gum, which was associated with a median reduction of postoperative ileus by 45% (range, 11%-59%) and shortening of the time to first flatus and time to defecation by a median of 11.9 and 17.7 hours, respectively. Coffee intake showed inconsistent results, with a median shortening of time to flatus and time to defecation by 1.32 and 14.45 hours, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Early oral feeding, chewing gum, and alvimopan were the most commonly assessed and effective strategies for reducing postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Medications used to reduce postoperative ileus included alvimopan, intravenous lidocaine, dexamethasone, probiotics, and oral antibiotics. Intravenous dexamethasone and lidocaine and oral probiotics helped hasten bowel function return. Acupuncture positively impacted the recovery of bowel function.

Stapler size independently predicts postoperative complications following stapled ileocolic anastomosis: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

Staplers used in ileocolic anastomosis construction differ in length and height. We assessed the impact of stapler type in creating ileocolic anastomoses on postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study of an Institutional Review Board approved database included patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer between January 2011 and August 2021. All patients had construction of extracorporeal antiperistaltic stapled ileocolic anastomosis using a linear cutting stapler. Main outcome measures were short-term (<30 day) morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

In all, 270 patients (136 men; median age 70.2 years) were included. A 75 mm stapler was used in 49 (18.1%) patients, 80 mm in 97 (35.9%) and 100 mm in 124 (45.9%). Blue cartridge (stapler height 3.5 mm) was used in 175 (64.5%) and green cartridge (4.8 mm) in 18 (7%) patients; this information was unavailable in 77 (28.5%) cases. Apical enterotomy closure was performed by linear stapler in 54% and linear cutting stapler in 46%. Apical staple line reinforcement or imbrication suturing was used in 26.3%. The overall postoperative complication rate was 28.9%. The anastomotic leak rate was 2.6%. Independent predictors of complications after laparoscopic right colectomy were older age (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1-1.06; P = 0.01), extended colectomy (OR 2.76, 95%CI 1.07-7.08; P = 0.035) and emergency surgery (OR 4.5, 95%CI 1.3-14.9; P = 0.014). A 100-mm linear cutting stapler was an independent protective factor against postoperative complications (OR 0.3, 95%CI 0.18-0.85; P = 0.019). Stapler height and closure technique of apical enterotomy did not affect postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Independent predictors of complications after laparoscopic right colectomy were older age, extended colectomy and emergency surgery. Using a 100 mm stapler was an independent protective factor against postoperative complications.

Surgical outcomes and predictors of overall survival of stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma: Retrospective cohort analysis of the national cancer database

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine predictors of overall survival (OS) after surgical treatment of stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma and compare the outcomes of partial colectomy and hemicolectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the U.S. National Cancer Database (NCDB) including patients who underwent surgery for stage I-III appendiceal adenocarcinoma between 2005 and 2019 was conducted. A propensity-score matched analysis was undertaken to compare the outcomes of partial and hemicolectomy and multivariate analysis was performed to determine predictive factors of OS. The main outcome was OS and its independent predictors.

RESULTS

2607 patients (51.6 % male) with a mean age of 61.6 ± 13.9 years were included. 61.7 % of patients underwent hemicolectomy while 31.7 % underwent partial colectomy. After matching, partial colectomy, and hemicolectomy had similar OS (117.3 vs 117.2 months; p = 0.08), positive resection margins, short-term mortality, and 30-day readmission. The hemicolectomy group was associated with more examined lymph nodes and longer hospital stays. Older age (HR: 1.047, p < 0.0001), rural residence area (HR: 3.6, p = 0.025), higher Charlson score (HR: 1.6, p = 0.016), signet-ring cell carcinoma (HR: 2.37, p = 0.009), adjuvant systemic treatment (HR: 1.55, p = 0.015), positive surgical margins (HR: 1.83, p = 0.017), positive lymph nodes number (HR: 1.09, p < 0.0001), and examined lymph nodes number (HR: 0.962, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial colectomy and hemicolectomy had similar OS and clinical outcomes. Older age, rural residence, higher Charlson score, signet-ring pathology, adjuvant systemic treatment, positive surgical margins, positive lymph node number, and examined lymph node number were independent predictors of OS.

Modified Frailty Index Predicts Postoperative Complications Following Parastomal Hernia Repair

BACKGROUND

The 5-factor frailty index (5-mFI), validated frailty index with Spearmen rho correlation of .95 and C statistic >.7 for predicting postoperative complications, can be preoperatively used to stratify patients prior to parastomal hernia repairs.

METHODS

Retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database identified patients from 2015 to 2020. 5-mFI scores were calculated by adding one point for each comorbidity present: diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure (CHF), hypertension requiring medication, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), non-independent functional status. Primary endpoint was 30-day overall complications; secondary endpoints were 30-day readmission, reoperation, and discharge to care facility.

RESULTS

2924 (52.2% female) patients underwent elective parastomal hernia repair. Univariate analysis showed 5-mFI > 2 had higher rates of overall (P = .008), pulmonary (P = .002), cardiovascular (P = .003)), hematologic (P = .003), and renal (P = .002) complications and higher rates of readmission (P = .009), reoperation (P = .001), discharge to care facility (P < .001), and death (P < .001). Multivariate analysis identified a 5-mFI of 2 or more as an independent risk factor for overall complications [OR: 1.40, 1.03-1.78; P = .032], pulmonary complications [2.97, 1.63-5.39; P < .001], hematological complications [1.60, 1.03-2.47; P = .035], renal complications [2.04, 1.19-3.46; P = .009], readmission [1.54, 1.19-1.99; P < .001], and discharge to facility [2.50, 1.66-3.77; P < .001]. Reoperation was not signification on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Parastomal hernia repair patients with 5-mFI score of >2 had higher risk of renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematologic complications, readmissions, longer hospitalization, discharge to care facility, and mortality, and can be useful during preoperative risk stratification.

Characteristics and outcomes of rectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a single-center experience

The increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been well documented in the literature. The present study aimed to assess the characteristics and outcomes of rectal cancer in patients with IBD. This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Rectal cancer patients with or without IBD treated with curative surgery between 2016 and 2020 were compared for demographics, disease characteristics, and pathologic and oncologic outcomes. The primary outcomes were 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were clinicopathologic outcomes including disease stage, tumor histology and histologic features, and treatments received. 238 patients with rectal cancer were included, 15 (6.3%) of whom had IBD. IBD patients were significantly younger (52.9 vs 60.3 years, p = 0.033), presented more often with cT1-2 tumors (64.3% vs 30.4%, p = 0.008), and signet-ring cell pathology (14.3% vs 2%, p = 0.02). IBD patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation less often (40% vs 72.6%, p = 0.029) and had shorter time between diagnosis and surgery (7.5 vs 25 weeks, p = 0.013) than did non-IBD patients. Both groups had similar OS (36 vs 34.7 months, p = 0.431) and DFS (36 vs 32.9 months, p = 0.121). IBD patients with rectal cancer tend to present at a younger age, with a less invasive disease, and signet-ring carcinomas, and receive neoadjuvant treatment less often than non-IBD patients. Based on low level of evidence, IBD and non-IBD rectal cancer patients might have similar survival.

Immunotherapy in rectal cancer patients-a propensity score matched analysis of the National Cancer Database

BACKGROUND

Rectal cancer patients with microsatellite instability (MSI-H) are candidates for immunotherapy. However, there is little evidence on its effect on overall survival (OS).

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of stage II-IV rectal adenocarcinoma patients in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2010 and 2019. Propensity score matching was adjusted for baseline and treatment confounders. The cohort was divided into patients who received immunotherapy and matched controls. The primary outcome was OS.

RESULTS

5175/206,615 (2.5%) patients with rectal adenocarcinoma underwent immunotherapy. These patients were younger (58 vs 62 years; p < 0.001), more often male (64.4% vs 61.7%; p < 0.001), were more likely to have private insurance (50.8% vs 43.4%; p < 0.001), more metastatic disease at presentation (clinical TNM stage IV-80.8% vs 23.3%; p < 0.001), presented with larger tumors (median: 5 cm vs. 4.2 cm; p < 0.001) and less often underwent surgery (33.7% vs. 69.9%; p < 0.001), radiation therapy (21.5% vs 57.4%; p < 0.001), and standard chemotherapy (38.1% vs 61%; p < 0.001) than controls. After matching, 488 patients were in each group. OS was significantly shorter in the immunotherapy group (mean survival: 56.4 months (95% CI: -53.03-59.86)) compared to controls (mean survival: 70.5 months (95% CI: -66.15-74.92) (p = 0.004)). Cox regression analysis of factors associated with OS demonstrated that immunotherapy was associated with increased mortality (HR 2.16; 95% CI: 2.09-2.24; p < 0.001). After clinical staging stratification, immunotherapy was associated with improved OS in stage IV (HR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.95; p < 0.001) but lower survival in stage II (HR 2.38; 95% CI: 2.05-2.77; p < 0.001) and stage III (HR 2.43; 95% CI: 2.18-2.7; p < 0.001) patients.

CONCLUSION

Immunotherapy showed modest increase in OS in stage IV metastatic rectal cancer. OS was significantly lower in stage II-III disease treated with immunotherapy.

Gracilis muscle interposition for pouch-vaginal fistulas: a single-centre cohort study and literature review

BACKGROUND

First described by Parks and Nicholls in 1978, the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has revolutionized the treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis (MUC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). IPAA is fraught with complications, one of which is pouch-vaginal fistulas (PVF), a rare but challenging complication noted in 3.9-15% of female patients. Surgical treatment success approximates 50%. Gracilis muscle interposition (GMI) is a promising technique that has shown good results with other types of perineal fistulas. We present the results from our institution and a comprehensive literature review.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study including all patients with a PVF treated with GMI at our institution from December 2018-January 2000. Primary outcome was complete healing after ileostomy closure.

RESULTS

Nine patients were included. Eight of nine IPAAs (88.9%) were performed for MUC, and one for FAP. A subsequent diagnosis of Crohn's disease was made in five patients. Initial success occurred in two patients (22.2%), one patient was lost to follow-up and seven patients, after further procedures, ultimately achieved healing (77.8%). Four of five patients with Crohn's achieved complete healing (80%).

CONCLUSION

Surgical healing rates quoted in the literature for PVFs are approximately 50%. The initial healing rate was 22.2% and increased to 77.8% after subsequent surgeries, while it was 80% in patients with Crohn's disease. Given this, gracilis muscle interposition may have a role in the treatment of pouch-vaginal fistulas.

A National Inpatient Sample Analysis of Racial Disparities After Segmental Colectomy for Inflammatory Colorectal Diseases

BACKGROUND

Racial disparities and poor access to care are common among African Americans (AA), potentially adversely affecting surgical outcomes in inflammatory bowel conditions. We aimed to analyze the effect of race on outcomes in patients undergoing segmental colectomy for inflammatory bowel conditions.

METHODS

Retrospective review of data from the National Inpatient Sample between 2010 and 2015 identified patients who underwent segmental colectomy without ostomy for Crohn's or diverticular disease. AA patients were compared with Caucasians using a multivariable analysis model. Primary outcomes of interest were overall complications, mortality, and extended hospital stay.

RESULTS

38,143 admissions were analyzed; AA patients constituted 8% of the overall cohort. Diagnoses included Crohn's (11%) and diverticular disease (89%). After multivariable analysis, AA patients had significantly higher overall risk of complications (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.15-1.40) and extended hospital stay (OR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.45-1.75) than Caucasians. On bivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in mortality between AA and Caucasian patients. AA patients had significantly higher rates of Medicaid insurance (14% vs 6%, P < .001), lower rates of private insurance (35% vs 47%, P < .001), and were less likely to undergo surgery at a private hospital (31% vs 41%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

AA patients requiring segmental colectomy for inflammatory colorectal conditions experience significantly higher rates of postoperative complications, longer hospital stays, and lower rates of private insurance. Direct correlation between insurance status and postoperative outcomes could not be established, but we speculate such great disparity in outcomes may stem from these socioeconomic differences.

Predicting Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Older Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Real-World Data From the International GOSAFE Study

PURPOSE

The GOSAFE study evaluates risk factors for failing to achieve good quality of life (QoL) and functional recovery (FR) in older patients undergoing surgery for colon and rectal cancer.

METHODS

Patients age 70 years and older undergoing major elective colorectal surgery were prospectively enrolled. Frailty assessment was performed and outcomes, including QoL (EQ-5D-3L) recorded (3/6 months postoperatively). Postoperative FR was defined as a combination of Activity of Daily Living ≥5 + Timed Up & Go test <20 seconds + MiniCog >2.

RESULTS

Prospective complete data were available for 625/646 consecutive patients (96.9%; 435 colon and 190 rectal cancer), 52.6% men, and median age was 79.0 years (IQR, 74.6-82.9 years). Surgery was minimally invasive in 73% of patients (321/435 colon; 135/190 rectum). At 3-6 months, 68.9%-70.3% patients experienced equal/better QoL (72.8%-72.9% colon, 60.1%-63.9% rectal cancer). At logistic regression analysis, preoperative Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool ≥2 (3-month odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.73; P = .034, 6-month OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.75; P = .027) and postoperative complications (3-month OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.42; P = .008, 6-month OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.68; P = .02) are associated with decreased QoL after colectomy. Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 is a strong predictor of postoperative QoL decline in the rectal cancer subgroup (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.45 to 9.92; P = .006). FR was reported by 254/323 (78.6%) patients with colon and 94/133 (70.6%) with rectal cancer. Charlson Age Comorbidity Index ≥7 (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.26 to 5.32; P = .009), ECOG ≥2 (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.36 to 7.20; P = .007 colon; OR, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.45 to 14.63; P = .009 rectal surgery), severe complications (OR, 17.33; 95% CI, 7.30 to 40.8; P < .001), fTRST ≥2 (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.40 to 5.25; P = .003), and palliative surgery (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.29 to 13.07; P = .017) are risk factors for not achieving FR.

CONCLUSION

The majority of older patients experience good QoL and stay independent after colorectal cancer surgery. Predictors for failing to achieve these essential outcomes are now defined to guide patients' and families' preoperative counseling.

Age-related variations in colon and rectal cancer: An analysis of the national cancer database

BACKGROUND

Characteristics of colorectal diseases may vary according to the patient's age. By using a large national database, we assessed age-related differences in characteristics and treatments of colorectal cancer and to evaluate the influence of age on outcomes.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort analysis of all patients who underwent surgical resection for colorectal cancer in the US National Cancer Database between 2005 and 2019. Patients were divided into 3 age groups: young age onset (<50 years), middle age group (50-79 years), and very old (≥80 years). Differences in tumor characteristics among groups were assessed. The main outcomes were clinical and treatment characteristics and short-term mortality.

RESULTS

In total, 662,102 patients with colon cancer and 114,460 with rectal cancer were included-36.1% of young patients with colon cancer presented with metastatic disease. Older patients underwent open surgery more often and received chemotherapy and radiation therapy less often than did the other 2 groups regarding disease stage. Very old patients, compared to middle-aged and young patients, had longer hospitalization and significantly higher rates of 30-day mortality after colon (7.6% vs 2.4% vs 0.7%; P < .001) and rectal (5.9% vs 1.3% vs 0.3%; P < .001) cancer surgery and higher 90-day mortality after colon (12.9% vs 4.6% vs 1.7% P < .001) and rectal (10.3% vs 2.6% vs 0.7%; P < .001) cancer surgery.Older patients had significantly shorter overall survival than the other 2 groups, regardless of pathologic stage, Charlson -Deyo comorbidity score, or tumor side.

CONCLUSION

Significant age-related disparities in characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of colorectal cancer were found in this study. Recognizing these differences can be the first step toward reducing age-related treatment differences.

Gracilis Muscle Interposition: A Valuable Tool for the Treatment of Failed Repair of Post-partum Rectovaginal Fistulas-A Single-Center Experience

INTRODUCTION

Rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) account for approximately 40% of anorectal complications from obstetrical trauma. Treatment can be challenging requiring multiple surgical repairs. Interposition of healthy transposed tissue (lotus or Martius flap or gracilis muscle) has been used for recurrent RVF. We aimed to review our experience with gracilis muscle interposition (GMI) for post-partum RVF.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent GMI for post-partum RVF from February 1995 to December 2019 was undertaken. Patient demographics, number of prior treatments, comorbidities, tobacco use, postoperative complications, additional procedures, and outcome were assessed. Success was defined as absence of leakage from the repair site after stoma reversal.

RESULTS

Six of 119 patients who underwent GMI did so for recurrent post-partum RVF. Median age was 34.2 (28-48) years. All patients had at least 1 previously failed procedure [median: 3 (1-7)] including endorectal advancement flap, fistulotomy, vaginoplasty, mesh interposition, and sphincteroplasty. All patients underwent fecal diversion prior to or at initial procedure. Success was achieved in 4/6 (66.7%) patients; 2 underwent further procedures (1 fistulotomy and 1 rectal flap advancement) for a final 100% success rate as all ileostomies were reversed. Morbidity was reported in 3 (50%) patients, including wound dehiscence, delayed rectoperineal fistula, and granuloma formation in one each, all managed without surgery. There was no morbidity related to stoma closure.

CONCLUSIONS

Gracilis muscle interposition is a valuable tool for recurrent post-partum RVF. Our ultimate success rate in this very small series was 100% with a relatively low morbidity rate.

Distal Tumor Spread in Rectal Cancer-How Low Should We Go?

BACKGROUND

Distal tumor spread (DTS) is an adverse prognostic factor in rectal cancer correlating with advanced stage disease. We aimed to assess prevalence and location of distal tumor spread and impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in patients who underwent proctectomy for rectal cancer.

METHODS

The pathology database at our institution was queried for all patients who underwent proctectomy with curative intent for rectal cancer from 1/2008 to 12/2016. Specimen slides were re-evaluated by a single expert rectal cancer pathologist to verify diagnosis and measure the distance to the distal resection margin. Main outcome measures were 3-year overall and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

275 consecutive patients were identified. 109/111 patients with clinical stage 3 disease received preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. DTS was found in 13 (4.7%) specimens, 6 with intra-mural and 7 with extra-mural distal tumor spread. DTS was found only in patients with clinical stage 3 disease. Length of DTS from the distal end of the tumor ranged from 0 to 30 mm; in only 4 specimens DTS was >10 mm. A positive distal resection margin was found in 5/275 (1.8%) specimens.

CONCLUSION

A macroscopically tumor-free margin may suffice in patients with pre-treatment stage 1 or 2 disease. Furthermore, a 1 cm margin is adequate in most patients with stage 3 disease.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Peritoneal Chemotherapy in Appendiceal and Colorectal Cancer: Outcomes and Survival

BACKGROUND

We reviewed outcomes following cytoreductive surgery/hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for patients with appendiceal or colorectal neoplasms and evaluated key prognostic indicators for treatment.

METHODS

All patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC for appendiceal and colorectal neoplasms were identified from an IRB-approved database. Patient demographics, operative reports, and postoperative outcomes were reviewed.

RESULTS

110 patients [median age 54.5 (18-79) years, 55% male] were included. Primary tumor location was colorectal (58; 52.7%) and appendiceal (52; 47.3%). 28.2%, .9%, and 12.7% had right, left, and sigmoid tumors, respectively; 11.8% had rectal tumors. 12/13 rectal cancer patients underwent preoperative radiotherapy. Mean Peritoneal Cancer Index was 9.6 ± 7.7; complete cytoreduction was achieved in 90.9%. 53.6% developed postoperative complications. Reoperation, perioperative mortality, and 30-day readmission rates were 1.8%, .09%, and 13.6%, respectively. Recurrence at a median of 11.1 months was 48.2%; overall survival at 1 and 2 years was 84% and 56.8%, respectively; disease-free survival was 60.8% and 33.7%, respectively, at a median follow-up of 16.8 (0-86.8) months. Univariate analysis of preoperative chemotherapy, primary malignancy location, primary tumor perforated or obstructive, postoperative bleeding complication, and pathology of adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma and negative lymph nodes were identified as possible predictive factors of survival. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative chemotherapy (P < .001), perforated tumor (P = .003), and postoperative intra-abdominal bleeding (P < .001) were independent prognostic indicators for survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Cytoreductive surgery/HIPEC for colorectal and appendiceal neoplasms has low mortality and high completeness of cytoreduction score. Preoperative chemotherapy, primary tumor perforation, and postoperative bleeding are adverse risk factors for survival.

Multicenter phase II trial of transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: preliminary results

BACKGROUND

Transanal TME (taTME) combines abdominal and transanal dissection to facilitate sphincter preservation in patients with low rectal tumors. Few phase II/III trials report long-term oncologic and functional results. We report early results from a North American prospective multicenter phase II trial of taTME (NCT03144765).

METHODS

100 patients with stage I-III rectal adenocarcinoma located ≤ 10 cm from the anal verge (AV) were enrolled across 11 centers. Primary and secondary endpoints were TME quality, pathologic outcomes, 30-day and 90-day outcomes, and stoma closure rate. Univariable regression analysis was performed to assess risk factors for incomplete TME and anastomotic complications.

RESULTS

Between September 2017 and April 2022, 70 males and 30 females with median age of 58 (IQR 49-62) years and BMI 27.8 (IQR 23.9-31.8) kg/m2 underwent 2-team taTME for tumors located a median 5.8 (IQR 4.5-7.0) cm from the AV. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy was completed in 69%. Intersphincteric resection was performed in 36% and all patients were diverted. Intraoperative complications occurred in 8% including 3 organ injuries, 2 abdominal and 1 transanal conversion. The 30-day and 90-day morbidity rates were 49% (Clavien-Dindo (CD) ≥ 3 in 28.6%) and 56% (CD ≥ 3 in 30.4% including 1 mortality), respectively. Anastomotic complications were reported in 18% including 10% diagnosed within 30 days. Higher anastomotic risk was noted among males (p = 0.05). At a median follow-up of 5 (IQR 3.1-7.4) months, 98% of stomas were closed. TME grade was complete or near complete in 90%, with positive margins in 2 cases (3%). Risk factors for incomplete TME were ASA ≥ 3 (p = 0.01), increased time between NRT and surgery (p = 0.03), and higher operative blood loss (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

When performed at expert centers, 2-team taTME in patients with low rectal tumors is safe with low conversion rates and high stoma closure rate. Mid-term results will further evaluate oncologic and functional outcomes.

Intracorporeal Vessel Ligation in Laparoscopic Right Colectomy for Cancer is Associated with Increased Lymph Node Yield

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare intra- and extracorporeal division of the vascular pedicle in laparoscopic right colectomy regarding pathological outcomes, short-term morbidity, and local recurrence and distant metastases.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of an IRB-approved database of all patients who underwent laparoscopic right colectomy for cancer between 01/2011 and 08/2021. Main outcome measures were number of harvested lymph nodes, length of resected colon, R1 rate, positive lymph node ratio, short-term post-operative morbidity, local recurrence, and distant metastases.

RESULTS

Two-hundred seventy-one consecutive patients (136 males) patients underwent laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for cancer during the study period. Vessel ligation was intracorporeal in 171 (63%) and extracorporeal in 100 patients (37%); groups had similar baseline characteristics except for extent of resection as extended right hemicolectomy was significantly more often performed in the intracorporeal group. When the two groups were matched for the extent of resection (standard versus extended right hemicolectomy), the mean number of harvested lymph nodes (28.61 ± 12.04 versus 25.37 ± 10.06, p = 0.04) and median length of the resected colon [26.00 (IQR: 21.00, 32.00) versus 23.00 (IQR: 19.00, 27.00) cm, p = 0.003] were significantly higher in the intracorporeal than in the extracorporeal group. The intracorporeal group required a significantly longer operative time than did the extracorporeal group (168.94 ± 57.9 vs. 139.7 ± 41.3 mins, p = 0.001). No significant differences were noted between the groups in terms of ileus, hemorrhage, surgical site infection, re-operation rates, recurrence, or distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

Intracorporeal vessel ligation in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy was associated with increased lymph node yield and longer specimens, although requiring longer operative times. Postoperative clinical outcomes were similar to outcomes in the extracorporeal ligation group.

Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials on Long-term Outcomes of Surgical Treatment of Perforated Diverticulitis

OBJECTIVE

To assess long-term outcomes of patients with perforated diverticulitis treated with resection or laparoscopic lavage (LL).

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of perforated diverticulitis has changed in the last few decades. LL and increasing evidence that primary anastomosis (PRA) is feasible in certain patients have broadened surgical options. However, debate about the optimal surgical strategy lingers.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials (RCT) on surgical treatment of perforated diverticulitis from inception to October 2022. Long-term reports of RCT comparing surgical interventions for the treatment of perforated diverticulitis were selected. The main outcome measures were long-term ostomy, long-term complications, recurrence, and reintervention rates.

RESULTS

After screening 2431 studies, 5 long-term follow-up studies of RCT comprising 499 patients were included. Three studies, excluding patients with fecal peritonitis, compared LL and colonic resection, and 2 compared PRA and Hartmann procedures. LL had lower odds of long-term ostomy [odds ratio (OR) = 0.133, 95% CI: 0.278-0.579; P < 0.001] and reoperation (OR = 0.585, 95% CI: 0.365-0.937; P = 0.02) compared with colonic resection but higher odds of diverticular disease recurrence (OR = 5.8, 95% CI: 2.33-14.42; P < 0.001). Colonic resection with PRA had lower odds of long-term ostomy (OR = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.003-0.195; P < 0.001), long-term complications (OR = 0.195, 95% CI: 0.113-0.335; P < 0.001), reoperation (OR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.108-0.384; P < 0.001), and incisional hernia (OR = 0.184, 95% CI: 0.102-0.333; P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in odds of mortality among the procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term follow-up of patients who underwent emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis showed that LL had lower odds of long-term ostomy and reoperation, but more risk for disease recurrence when compared with resection in purulent peritonitis. Colonic resection with PRA had better long-term outcomes than the Hartmann procedure for fecal peritonitis.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials on the Prevention and Treatment of Pouchitis after Ileoanal Pouch Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review explored different medications and methods for prevention and treatment of pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials that assessed prevention or treatment of pouchitis. The systematic review was reported in line with updated 2020 PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias in the trials included was assessed using the ROB-2 tool and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. The main outcomes were the incidence of new pouchitis episodes in the preventative studies and resolution or improvement of active pouchitis in the treatment studies.

RESULTS

Fifteen randomized trials were included. A meta-analysis of 7 trials on probiotics revealed significantly lower odds of pouchitis with the use of probiotics (RR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16-0.42, I2 = 20%, p < 0.001) and similar odds of adverse effects to placebo (RR: 2.43, 95% CI: 0.11-55.9, I2 = 0, p = 0.579). One trial investigated the prophylactic role of allopurinol in preventing pouchitis and found a comparable incidence of pouchitis in the two groups (31% vs 28%; p = 0.73). Seven trials assessed different treatments for active pouchitis. One recorded the resolution of pouchitis in all patients treated with ciprofloxacin versus 67% treated with metronidazole. Both budesonide enema and oral metronidazole were associated with similar significant improvement in pouchitis (58.3% vs 50%, p = 0.67). Rifaximin, adalimumab, fecal microbiota transplantation, and bismuth carbomer foam enema were not effective in treating pouchitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Probiotics are effective in preventing pouchitis after IPAA. Antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin and metronidazole, are likely effective in treating active pouchitis.

Liver Venous Deprivation for Rapid Liver Hypertrophy Before Major Hepatectomy: A Case Report

Liver venous deprivation (LVD) is an emerging, minimally invasive strategy to induce rapid liver hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (FLR) before a major hepatectomy. LVD (aka "double vein embolization") entails same-session percutaneous embolization of the portal and hepatic veins of the planned liver resection. This report discusses LVD's utilization and technical challenges in managing a 49-year-old male with recurrent multifocal colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). The patient initially underwent neoadjuvant FOLFOX chemotherapy followed by a simultaneous laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy and liver surgery (microwave ablation of segment V and wedge resections of segment one and IVb), followed by completion of chemotherapy. The patient had an R0 resection with clear colon and liver surgical margins. Nine months after the initial surgery, the patient had a rise in tumor markers, and surveillance imaging demonstrated recurrence of liver metastases in segments I and V. LVD was performed by interventional radiology, which led to a 28% increase in FLR (segments II, III, and IV); initially measuring 464 cm3 before LVD and measuring 594 cm3 on post-procedure day 21. The patient underwent right hemi-hepatectomy and caudate resection on post-procedure day 29. The patient did not have any complications and was discharged on postoperative day 6. The patient remains disease-free with no evidence of recurrence at 12 months follow-up.

A national cancer database analysis of the clinicopathologic characteristics and outcomes of appendiceal malignant mesenchymal tumors

The present study aimed to assess the characteristics and outcomes of appendiceal malignant mesenchymal tumors. This was a retrospective case-series study of patients with appendiceal malignant mesenchymal tumors in the national cancer database (2005-2019). The main outcomes were overall survival (OS) and short-term mortality. 53 patients (40 GISTs and 13 sarcomas) were included. 92.6% of GIST patients had stage I disease and 76.9% of GISTs were ≤2 cm. Most appendiceal GISTs were treated with appendectomy or partial colectomy whereas half of patients with appendiceal sarcoma underwent hemicolectomy or subtotal colectomy. Only one short-term mortality was recorded in the sarcoma group. One-third of patients with sarcoma had positive surgical margins versus 5.1% of patients with GISTs. GIST patients had longer median OS (117.1 vs 54.8 months) than sarcoma patients.

Does drinking coffee reduce the risk of colorectal cancer? A qualitative umbrella review of systematic reviews

PURPOSE

Coffee drinking has been linked to many positive health effects, including reduced risk of some cancers. The present study aimed to provide an overview of the collective evidence on the association between coffee consumption and risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) through an umbrella review of the published systematic reviews.

METHODS

This PRISMA-compliant systematic review of systematic reviews assessed the association between coffee drinking and the risk of CRC. An umbrella review approach was followed in a qualitative narrative manner. The quality of included reviews was assessed by the AMSTAR 2 checklist. The main outcome was the association between coffee drinking and CRC and colon and rectal cancer separately.

RESULTS

Fourteen systematic reviews were included in this umbrella review. Coffee drinking was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of CRC according to five reviews (11-24%), colon cancer according to two reviews (9-21%), and rectal cancer according to one review (25%). One review reported a significant risk reduction of CRC by 7% with drinking six or more cups of coffee per day and another review reported a significant risk reduction of 8% with five cups per day reaching 12% with six cups per day. Decaffeinated coffee was associated with a significant risk reduction according to three reviews.

CONCLUSION

The evidence supporting caffeinated coffee as associated with a reduced risk of CRC is inconsistent. Dose-dependent relation analysis suggests that the protective effect of coffee drinking against CRC is evident with the consumption of five or more cups per day.

Segmental and extended resections provide comparable survival for clinically node-negative splenic flexure cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis of the National Cancer Database

PURPOSE

There is an ongoing debate regarding the extent of resection for splenic flexure tumors (SFT). The purpose of this study was to compare segmental and extended resections in terms of overall survival (OS) and pathologic outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all patients surgically treated for SFT in the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for the period 2010-2019. Outcomes of segmental and extended resections were compared and a 1:1 propensity score matching was used to match for confounders. Primary outcome was OS.

RESULTS

In total 3498/668,852 (0.5%) patients with clinical stage I-III splenic flexure adenocarcinoma in the NCDB were included. Of these, 1533 (43.8%) underwent segmental resection while 1965 (56.1%) underwent extended resection. After matching, mean OS was similar between the groups (92 vs 91 months; p = 0.94). When survival was stratified by clinical N stage, an 8-month survival benefit was shown in the extended resection group for clinical N-positive status (86 vs 78); however, this difference did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.078). Median number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly lower in the segmental resection group (16 vs 17; p < 0.001) and the percentage of patients with  fewer than 12 harvested nodes was significantly higher (18.4% vs 11.6%; p < 0.001). Length of stay was significantly shorter in the segmental resection group (5 vs 6 days; p = 0.027). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of 30-day readmission or 30- or 90-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

While segmental and extended resections were associated with similar OS for clinically node-negative SFT, there might be a survival benefit for extended resection in patients with clinical evidence of lymph node involvement.