Robotic resection of presacral tumors.

BACKGROUND: Presacral tumors are a rare entity typically treated with an open surgical approach. A limited number of minimally invasive resections have been described. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of roboticresection of presacral tumors. METHODS: This is a retrospective single system analysis, conducted at a quaternary referral academic healthcare system, and included all patients who underwent a robotic excision of a presacral tumor between 2015 and 2023. Outcomes of interest were operative time, estimated blood loss, complications, length of stay, margin status, and recurrence rates. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (11 females and 5 males) were included. The median age of the cohort was 51 years (range 25-69 years). The median operative time was 197 min (range 98-802 min). The median estimated blood loss was 40 ml, ranging from 0 to 1800 ml, with one patient experiencing conversion to open surgery after uncontrolled hemorrhage. Urinary retention was the only postoperative complication that occurred in three patients (19%) and was solved within 30 days in all cases. The median length of stay was one day (range 1-6 days). The median follow-up was 6.7 months (range 1-110 months). All tumors were excised with appropriate margins, but one benign and one malignant tumor recurred (12.5%). Ten tumors were classified as congenital (one was malignant), two were mesenchymal (both malignant), and five were miscellaneous (one malignant). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic resection of select presacral pathology is feasible and safe. Further studies must be conducted to determine complication rates, outcomes, and long-term safety profiles.

Identification of patients eligible for discharge within 48 h of colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify patients eligible for a 48-h stay after colorectal resection, to provide guidance for early discharge planning. METHODS: A bi-institutional retrospective cohort study was undertaken of consecutive patients undergoing major elective colorectal resection for benign or malignant pathology within a comprehensive enhanced recovery pathway between 2011 and 2017. Overall and severe (Clavien-Dindo grade IIIb or above) postoperative complication and readmission rates were compared between patients who were discharged within 48 h and those who had hospital stay of 48 h or more. Multinominal logistic regression analysis was performed to ascertain significant factors associated with a short hospital stay (less than 48 h). RESULTS: In total, 686 of 5122 patients (13·4 per cent) were discharged within 48 h. Independent factors favouring a short hospital stay were age below 60 years (odds ratio (OR) 1·34; P = 0·002), ASA grade less than III (OR 1·42; P = 0·003), restrictive fluid management (less than 3000 ml on day of surgery: OR 1·46; P < 0·001), duration of surgery less than 180 min (OR 1·89; P < 0·001), minimally invasive approach (OR 1·92; P < 0·001) and wound contamination grade below III (OR 4·50; P < 0·001), whereas cancer diagnosis (OR 0·55; P < 0·001) and malnutrition (BMI below 18 kg/m2 : OR 0·42; P = 0·008) decreased the likelihood of early discharge. Patients with a 48-h stay had fewer overall (10·8 per cent versus 30·6 per cent in those with a longer stay; P < 0·001) and fewer severe (2·6 versus 10·2 per cent respectively; P < 0·001) complications, and a lower readmission rate (9·0 versus 11·8 per cent; P = 0·035). CONCLUSION: Early discharge of selected patients is safe and does not increase postoperative morbidity or readmission rates. In these patients, outpatient colorectal surgery should be feasible on a large scale with logistical optimization.

ANTECEDENTES: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar pacientes candidatos para una estancia hospitalaria de 48 horas tras resecciones colónicas, con el fin de proporcionar una guía de planificación del alta precoz. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de pacientes consecutivos sometidos a resección colorrectal electiva mayor por patología benigna o maligna en el marco de un programa integral de recuperación intensificada (enhanced recovery pathway, ERP), de dos hospitales entre 2011 y 2017. Se compararon las tasas de complicaciones postoperatorias globales y graves (Clavien ≥ IIIb) y de reingresos entre dos grupos (< 48 horas versus ≥ 48 horas de estancia hospitalaria). Se llevó a cabo una regresión logística multinominal de factores significativos (P < 0,05) asociados con una estancia corta (< 48 horas). RESULTADOS: En total, 686/5.122 pacientes (13,4%) fueron dados de alta dentro de las primeras 48 horas. Los factores independientes que propiciaron una estancia corta fueron la edad < 60 años (razón de oportunidades, odds ratio, OR 1,34, P = 0,002), puntuación < 3 de la American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) (OR 1,42, P = 0,003), manejo restrictivo del aporte de líquidos (< 3000 mL en el día de la cirugía: OR 1,46, P < 0,001), duración de la cirugía < 180 minutos (OR 1,89, P < 0,001), abordaje mínimamente invasivo (OR 1,92, P < 0,001) and tipo de herida clase < 3 (OR 4,5, P < 0,001), mientras que el diagnóstico de cáncer (OR 0,55, P < 0,001) y la malnutrición (IMC < 18 kg/m2 : OR 0,42, P = 0,008) disminuyeron la probabilidad de alta precoz. Los pacientes con una estancia de 48 horas tuvieron menos complicaciones globales (10,8% versus 30,6%, P < 0,001), menos complicaciones graves (2,6% versus 10,2%, P < 0,001) y una menor tasa de reingresos (9% versus 11,8%, P = 0,035). CONCLUSIÓN: El alta precoz en pacientes seleccionados es segura y no aumenta las tasas de morbilidad postoperatoria o de reingresos. En estos pacientes, la cirugía colorrectal ambulatoria debería ser viable a gran escala con una optimización de la logística.

Outcomes of Early Removal of Urinary Catheter Following Rectal Resection for Cancer.

PURPOSE: Early postoperative urinary catheter removal decreases urinary tract infection (UTI) rate and accelerates patient mobilization. The aim of this study is to determine the results of systematic urinary catheter removal on postoperative day (POD) 1 in patients undergoing rectal resection for cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using a prospectively maintained database of 469 patients who underwent rectal resection for cancer, a retrospective review of all patients with urinary catheter removal on POD1 was conducted. Patients unable to void 6 h after catheter removal underwent in and out urinary catheterization (IOC group) and were compared with patients who voided spontaneously (non-IOC group) to determine risk factors for IOC. RESULTS: A total of 417 patients were identified, including 274 (66%) men. Median age was 59 (50-68) years. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) was performed in 134 (32%), and complex surgery with resection of at least one other organ in 72 (17%) patients. Non-IOC and IOC groups included 245 (59%) and 172 (41%) patients, respectively. Five independent predictive factors for IOC were male gender, obesity, history of obstructive urinary disease, APR, and metastatic disease. The cumulative risk of IOC in patients with zero, one, two, and at least three risk factors was 8%, 31%, 52%, and 68% on POD1, and 2%, 12%, 23%, and 30% on POD5, respectively (p < 0.001). Thirteen patients (3%) developed UTI. CONCLUSIONS: Early removal of urinary catheter resulted in 59% of patients voiding spontaneously with no need for IOC following rectal resection. Patients without any predictive factors had less than 10% risk of urinary dysfunction.

A Step-By-Step Surgical Protocol for the Treatment of Perianal Fistula with Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Anal fistula is a challenging condition both for surgeons and patients. Recurrent fistula, Crohn's disease, or autoimmune disorders add further complexity to this situation. Numerous clinical trials have now demonstrated that cell-based therapy appears to be a good complement to fistulous surgery. As in any new treatment, especially that involving living cells, appropriate application is paramount to achieve optimal outcomes. As stem cell-based treatments are gaining a strong foothold in fistula management worldwide, we herein aim to share our mesenchymal stem cell surgical protocol. With the goal of optimizing results of this emerging therapy, we have improved and refined our protocol over the past 17 years of working with stem cells in clinical trials. The protocol consists of nine reproducible steps for mesenchymal stem cell application inside the fistulous tract, and has proven to be safe and effective in several studies, including international phase III clinical trials.

Does obesity impact postoperative outcomes following robotic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer?

INTRODUCTION: Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for both conversion and severe postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal resection. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) is proposed to overcome some of the technical limitations associated with laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of our study was to determine if obesity remains a risk factor for severe morbidity in patients undergoing robotic-assisted rectal resection. PATIENTS: This study was a retrospective review of a prospective database. A total of 183 patients undergoing restorative RAS for rectal cancer between 2007 and 2016 were divided into 2 groups: control (BMI < 30 kg/m2; n = 125) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2; n = 58). Clinicopathologic data, 30-day postoperative morbidity, and perioperative outcomes were compared between groups. The main outcome was severe postoperative morbidity defined as any complication graded Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3. RESULTS: Control and obese groups had similar clinicopathologic characteristics. Severe complications were observed in 9 (7%) and 4 (7%) patients, respectively (p > 0.99). Obesity did not impact conversion, anastomotic leak rate, length of stay, or readmission but was significantly associated with increased postoperative morbidity (29 vs. 45%; p = 0.04) and especially more postoperative ileus (11 vs. 26%; p = 0.01). Obesity and male gender were the two independent risk factors for postoperative overall morbidity (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.02-3.94; p = 0.04 and OR 2.23; 95% CI 1.10-4.76; p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: Obesity did not impact severe morbidity or conversion rate following RAS for rectal cancer but remained a risk factor for overall morbidity and especially postoperative ileus.

A systematic review of minimally invasive surgery for retrorectal tumors.

Retrorectal tumors are rare tumors that require resection for symptoms, malignancy and potential malignant transformation. Traditional approaches have included laparotomy, perineal excision or a combination. Multiple minimally invasive techniques are available which have the potential to minimize morbidity and enhance recovery. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the feasibility and surgical outcomes of retrorectal tumors approached using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Publications in which adult patients (≥ 18 years) had a minimally invasive approach (laparoscopic or robotic) for resection of a primary retrorectal tumor were included. Data were collected on approach, preoperative investigation, size and sacral level of the tumor, operating time, length of stay, perioperative complications, margins and recurrence. Thirty-five articles which included a total of 82 patients met the inclusion criteria. The majority of patients were female (n = 65; 79.2%), with a mean age of 41.7 years (range 18-89 years). Seventy-three patients (89.0%) underwent laparoscopic or combined laparoscopic-perineal resection, and 9 (10.8%) had a robotic approach. The conversion rate was 5.5%. The overall 30-day morbidity rate was 15.7%, including 1 intraoperative rectal injury (1.2%). Ninety-five percent (n = 78) of the retrorectal tumors were benign. Median length of stay was 4 days for both laparoscopic and robotic groups, with ranges of 1-8 and 2-10 days, respectively. No tumor recurrence was noted during follow-up [median 28 months (range 5-71 months)]. A minimally invasive approach for the resection of retrorectal tumors is feasible in selected patients. Careful patient selection is necessary to avoid incomplete resection and higher morbidity than traditional approaches.

Does prolonged operative time impact postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing robotic-assisted rectal resection for cancer?

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown a correlation between longer operative times and higher rates of postoperative morbidity for open and laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of prolonged operative time on early postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing robotic-assisted rectal cancer resection. METHODS: The study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database conducted in two centers of the same institution. A total of 260 consecutive patients undergoing with robotic-assisted resection for rectal cancer between 2007 and 2016 were included. Patients were divided into two groups regarding median operative time: > 300 min (prolonged operative time; n = 133) and ≤ 300 min (control; n = 127). Patient characteristics, operative and postoperative data were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether prolonged operative time was a predictive factor of 30-day postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Prolonged operative time was noted more frequently in males (p = 0.02), patients with higher BMI (p < 0.01), more severe comorbidities (p < 0.01), in tumors of the mid-rectum, and in surgery performed after neoadjuvant chemoradiation or upon surgeons' learning curve. The two groups had similar overall postoperative morbidity (32 vs. 41%; p = 0.16) and severe morbidity (6 vs. 6%; p = 0.92) rates. Prolonged operative time was associated with longer hospital stay (3.8 ± 2.5 vs. 5.0 ± 3.7 days; p = 0.004) in univariate analysis. Prolonged operative time was not independently associated with postoperative morbidity or with increased hospital stay on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In our study, prolonged operative time was not associated with an over-risk of morbidity in patients undergoing robotic resection for rectal cancer. These results suggest that more difficult robotic procedures do not lead to increased postoperative morbidity.

Pouch excision: indications and outcomes.

AIM: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis is the procedure of choice for ulcerative colitis. Unfortunately, up to 10% of pouches will fail, requiring either reconstruction or excision. While several series have reported on the aetiology of pouch failure, no study to date has focused on the postoperative complications associated with pouch excision. METHODS: Patients who had excision of ileoanal reservoir with ileostomy (CPT code 45136) were included. Data abstracted included preoperative, operative and postoperative variables. A Kaplan-Meier curve of pouch survival was performed. RESULTS: In all, 147 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. The median age of patients was 47 years (73 women), and 132 had a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis at the time of colectomy. The most common indications for pouch excision were sepsis (n = 46; 31%) and Crohn's disease (n = 37; 25%). 84 (57%) patients experienced short-term (< 30 days) postoperative complications, the most common of which was a surgical site infection (n = 32; 21%); 55 (37%) patients had long-term complications (> 30 days) postoperatively, the most common of which was a return to the operating room (n = 19; 13%) largely for perineal wounds. Thirty-day mortality was zero. 4.8%, 47.6%, 65.3% and 84.4% of patients had undergone pouch excision by 1, 5, 10 and 20 years from the time of pouch construction, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pouch excision has a high rate of both short- and long-term postoperative complications. Patients should be appropriately counselled to set expectations accordingly. In view of these findings we suggest that this operation should ideally be performed at a high volume centre with the availability of a multidisciplinary surgical team.

Safety, feasibility, and short-term outcomes in 588 patients undergoing minimally invasive ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a single-institution experience.

PURPOSE: A laparoscopic approach to proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis has grown in popularity secondary to reports of small series demonstrating short-term patient benefits. Limited data exist in large numbers of patients undergoing laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (L-IPAA). We aimed to analyze surgical outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing L-IPAA. METHODS: From a prospectively maintained surgical database, 30-day surgical outcome data were reviewed for all L-IPAA performed for chronic ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis from 1999 to 2012. Demographics, operative approach, and operative and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 588 L-IPAA ileal pouch-anal anastomoses were performed predominantly for chronic ulcerative colitis (93.9 %). The mean age was 36.2 years, and 54.3 % were male, with a mean BMI of 24.1 kg/m(2). Three-stage operations were performed in 17.7 %. The mean operating time of the patients excluding 3-stage operation was 269.4 min. Minimally invasive techniques included hand-assist in 55 % and straight laparoscopy in 45 %. Conversion to open occurred in 8.8 %. Median length of stay was 5 days. There was no mortality. Complications occurred in 36.9 % of patients: Clavien grade I (17.5 %), grade II (72.8 %), and grade III (9.7 %). Analysis of the grouped data over time demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in operative time (p < 0.001) and an increase in the ratio of hand-assisted over straight laparoscopy (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive IPAA performed using either a laparoscopic or hand-assisted technique is safe, can be performed with low conversion rates, and confers beneficial perioperative outcomes.

Clostridium difficile infection after restorative proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis.

AIM: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) of the ileal pouch following restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) is becoming increasingly recognized. We aimed to understand better (i) the associated risk factors, (ii) treatment practices and (iii) the pouch diversion and failure rate in patients who developed CDI of the pouch after RPC for ulcerative colitis (UC). METHOD: Patients who tested positive for C. difficile of the pouch between 2007 and 2010 were included in the analysis. Data collected included patient demographics, time from RPC to documented CDI, the treatment of CDI and rate of excision of the pouch. RESULTS: Of 2785 patients recorded in the hospital CDI database, 15 had had an RPC with ileal pouch anal anastomosis. The median age was 44 years and the median interval from RPC to first documented episode of CDI was 3 years. Thirteen (81%) patients had had multiple episodes of pouchitis before and after CDI infection, and all were symptomatic at the time of testing for CDI. Within 30 days of the diagnosis of CDI, six (40%) patients were taking immunosuppressive medication, seven (47%) were taking a proton pump inhibitor and 12 (80%) had received antibiotics. Five patients required hospitalization for CDI and four had severe infections characterized by a serum creatinine more than 1.5 times baseline (n = 3) and a white cell count above 15 000 (n = 1). Six patients who underwent endoscopy had severe inflammation of the pouch including the presence of a pseudomembrane in one case. Ten patients were treated with metronidazole alone and five with vancomycin. Two patients had recurrent CDI of the pouch during a median follow-up period of 2.9 years and one had CDI refractory to medical management. This patient required diversion of the pouch with an ileostomy for refractory CDI but no patient required excision of the pouch. CONCLUSION: All 15 patients developing CDI of the pouch were successfully treated with antibiotics and only one required surgery in the form of an ileostomy.

Outcomes after implementation of a multimodal standard care pathway for laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess which aspects of an enhanced recovery programme are associated with better outcomes following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: A database of laparoscopic colorectal procedures performed in 2011 was reviewed. Elements of the enhanced recovery programme and compliance were evaluated for short-term (30-day) outcomes. Individual elements included gabapentin, celecoxib, intrathecal analgesia, diet, postoperative fluids, and paracetamol/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug pain management. RESULTS: Five hundred and forty-one consecutive procedures were included. Compliance with the enhanced recovery programme elements ranged from 82.4 to 99.3 per cent. Median length of hospital stay was 3 (i.q.r. 2-5) days, with 25.9 per cent of patients discharged within 48 h. Patients without complications had a median length of stay of 3 (i.q.r. 2-4) days if compliant and 3 (3-5) days if not (P < 0.001). Low oral opiate intake (oral morphine equivalent of less than 30 mg) (odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95 per cent confidence interval 1.29 to 3.03; P = 0.002), full compliance (OR 2.36, 1.42 to 3.90; P < 0.001) and high surgeon volume (more than 100 cases per year) (OR 1.50, 1.19 to 1.89; P < 0.001) were associated with discharge within 48 h. Compliance with the elements of oral intake and fluid management in the first 48 h was associated with a reduced rate of complications (8.1 versus 19.6 per cent; P = 0.001). Median oral opiate intake was 37.5 (i.q.r. 0-105) mg in 48 h, with 26.2 per cent of patients receiving no opiates. CONCLUSION: Compliance with an enhanced recovery pathway was associated with less opiate use, fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay.

Impact of radiotherapy on surgical repair and outcome in patients with rectourethral fistula.

AIM: Most patients presenting with rectourethral fistula acquire it as a complication of radiotherapy for prostate cancer, as a result of injury to the rectum during prostatectomy, through trauma or from Crohn's disease. This study examined whether choice of operation and results of surgery for rectourethral fistula are influenced by prior radiotherapy. METHOD: Male patients undergoing surgery for rectourethral fistula were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Data regarding aetiology, surgical treatment and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Fifty patients (median age = 65.5 years) were identified. Radiation was received by 29 patients for prostate or rectal cancer, and 21 patients developed a fistula following prostatectomy, Crohn's disease or pelvic fracture (without radiation). Prior to definitive surgery, 30 patients underwent fecal diversion and 37 underwent urinary diversion. In total, 57 repairs were performed (44 patients had one repair, five patients had two and one patient had three). Definitive surgery was approached predominantly abdominally in radiated patients (90.6 vs 9.3%, P < 0.001) and perineally in nonradiated patients (80 vs 20%, P < 0.001). Successful primary fistula repair was more frequent in the nonradiated group compared with the radiated group (80.9 vs 0%, P < 0.001). Permanent colostomy and urinary diversion were more often required in radiated patients than in nonradiated patients (colostomy: 83 vs 0%, P < 0.001; urorostomy: 100 vs 19%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Few patients with radiation-induced rectourethral fistula avoid permanent colostomy and urostomy. In contrast, most patients with nonradiation-related fistulae undergo successful perineal repair without permanent faecal and urinary diversion.

Distribution of TMEM100 in the mouse and human gastrointestinal tract--a novel marker of enteric nerves.

Identification of markers of enteric neurons has contributed substantially to our understanding of the development, normal physiology, and pathology of the gut. Previously identified markers of the enteric nervous system can be used to label all or most neuronal structures or for examining individual cells by labeling just the nucleus or cell body. Most of these markers are excellent but have some limitations. Transmembrane protein 100 (TMEM100) is a gene at locus 17q32 encoding a 134-amino acid protein with two hypothetical transmembrane domains. TMEM100 expression has not been reported in adult mammalian tissues but does appear in the ventral neural tube of embryonic mice and plays a role in signaling pathways associated with development of the enteric nervous system. We showed that TMEM100 messenger RNA is expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and demonstrated that TMEM100 is a membrane-associated protein. Furthermore TMEM100 immunoreactivity was restricted to enteric neurons and vascular tissue in the muscularis propria of all regions of the mouse and human gastrointestinal tract. TMEM100 immunoreactivity colocalized with labeling for the pan-neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) but not with the glial marker S100ß or Kit, a marker of interstitial cells of Cajal. The signaling molecule, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) 4, was also expressed in enteric neurons of the human colon and co-localized with TMEM100. TMEM100 is also expressed in neuronal cell bodies and fibers in the mouse brain and dorsal root ganglia. We conclude that TMEM100 is a novel, membrane-associated marker for enteric nerves and is as effective as PGP9.5 for identifying neuronal structures in the gastrointestinal tract. The expression of TMEM100 in the enteric nervous system may reflect a role in the development and differentiation of cells through a transforming growth factor ß, BMP or related signaling pathway.

An unusual cause of anal pain following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a safe and effective operation in properly selected patients, but a variety of potential complications can occur. We present a case of a 56-year-old female who underwent a double-stapled IPAA for refractory ulcerative colitis and postoperatively developed unrelenting, severe anal pain requiring daily narcotics. Examination under anesthesia revealed that her pain was a result of staples from the anastomosis that had migrated into the highly sensitive anoderm below the dentate line. Removal of these staples led to resolution of her symptoms.

Outcomes following surgery without radiotherapy for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study determined survival and recurrence rates following curative resection of rectal cancer without radiotherapy. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic database of patients with rectal cancer treated with curative intent using surgery alone from 1990 to 2006. Patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy and those who had any postoperative radiotherapy were excluded. Details were collected from the database and patient records using a protocol approved by the institutional review board. RESULTS: Some 655 consecutive patients with rectal cancer treated with curative intent using surgery alone were identified; 397 had stage I disease, 125 stage II and 133 stage III. Four hundred and nine patients underwent anterior resection (AR) and 246 abdominoperineal resection (APR). Median follow-up was 62 months. The 5-year rate of local recurrence was 4·3 per cent, disease-free survival 90·0 per cent and cancer-specific survival 91·5 per cent. Stage-specific and all-stage disease-free survival did not differ significantly between AR and APR. The 5-year cumulative local recurrence rate was lower following AR than APR (3·6 versus 5·5 per cent; P = 0·321). There were only two patients with positive margins and type of operation was not significant on multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: Well-performed, standardized APRs have similar local recurrence to AR. Radiation therapy may not confer much additional benefit.