Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes operados de fístula anal. Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín. Mayo 2018 - abril 2023 / Epidemiological profile of patients operated on for anal fistula. Carlos Andrade Marín Hospital. May 2018 - April 2023

INTRODUCCIÓN. Las fístulas anales representan una gran afectación a la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Conocer su comportamiento clínico, epidemiológico y el manejo quirúrgico es de gran importancia para optimizar el tratamiento. OBJETIVO. Describir las características clínicas, quirúrgicas y de seguimiento en los pacientes con fístula anal intervenidos quirúrgicamente en la Unidad de Coloproctología del Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín, Quito-Ecuador, entre mayo del 2018 hasta abril de 2023. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Investigación descriptiva y observacional. Población: historias clínicas de todos los pacientes adultos (edad ≥ 18 años) con fístula anal a los que se les realizó tratamiento quirúrgico. Muestra: 159 historias que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Se utilizó la técnica de revisión documental. Se siguieron las pautas de STROBE para estudios observacionales. Se utilizaron estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales. Las pruebas χ² se aplicó a los datos categóricos, además de porcentajes y frecuencias. Se consideró significación estadística cuando p<0,05. RESULTADOS. Características clínicas: edad promedio 49,6 años. Sexo masculino (90,6%). Tipo de fístula: Interesfinterica baja (64,8%), Transesfinterica alta (9,4%). Subcutánea (8,2%), Transesfinterica baja (6,2%). Síntomas: secreción (71,1%). Tratamiento: Fistulotomía (40,9%), Fistulectomía con esfinteroplastia (13,2%), Fistulotomia con esfinteroplastia (8,2%), Seton (7,5%). Evolución: complicaciones (15,7%), recidivas (1,3%). Seguimiento: sin incontinencia fecal (73,6%), calidad de vida ≥ 4 puntos (97,5%). Factores relacionados con complicaciones: fístula compleja y técnica quirúrgica utilizada (p<0,05). DISCUSIÓN. Se evidenció una similitud entre las características de este trabajo y la literatura especializada. El tratamiento quirúrgico de elección es la fistulotomía. CONCLUSIÓN. La descripción de las características clínicas, quirúrgicas y de seguimiento de los pacientes con fístula anal en el Hospital Carlos Andrade Marín no difiere de otros reportes consultados. Con este trabajo se sientan las bases para el estudio epidemiológico de las fístulas anales en el Ecuador y, el manejo quirúrgico.

INTRODUCTION. Anal fistulas represent a great impact on the quality of life of patients. Knowing its clinical and epidemiological behavior and surgical management is of great importance to optimize treatment. AIM. To describe the clinical, surgical, and follow-up characteristics of patients with anal fistula who underwent surgery at the Coloproctology Unit of the Carlos Andrade Marin Hospital, Quito, Ecuador, between May 2018 and April 2023. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Descriptive and observational research. Population: medical records of all adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) with anal fistula who underwent surgical treatment. Sample: 159 records that met the selection criteria. The documentary review technique was used. STROBE guidelines for observational studies were followed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The χ² tests were applied to the categorical data, in addition to percentages and frequencies. Statistical significance was considered when p<0.05. RESULTS. Clinical characteristics: average age 49.6 years. Male sex (90.6%). Fistula type: Low intersphincteric (64,8%), High transsphincteric (9.4%), Subcutaneous (8.2%). Low transsphincteric (6.2%). Symptoms: secretion (71.1%). Treatment: fistulotomy (40.9%), fistulectomy with sphincteroplasty (13,2%), Fistulotomy with sphincteroplasty (8,2%), Seton (7,5%). Evolution: complications (15.7%), recurrences (1.3%). Follow-up: no fecal incontinence (73.6%), quality of life ≥ 4 points (97.5%). Factors related to complications: complex fistula and surgical technique used (p<0.05). DISCUSSION. A similarity was demonstrated between the characteristics of this research and the specialized literature. Fistulotomy is the surgical treatment of choice. CONCLUSION. The clinical, surgical, and follow- up characteristics of patients with anal fistula at the Carlos Andrade Marin Hospital do not differ from other consulted reports. This research lays the foundations for the epidemiological study of anal fistulas in Ecuador and their surgical management.

Íleo biliar: descripción de dos casos / Gallstone ileus: Description of two cases

Introducción. El íleo biliar es una complicación rara de la colelitiasis y su incidencia varía del 1 al 4 %. Consiste en la migración de un cálculo de la vesicular biliar al tracto gastrointestinal, generando obstrucción intestinal. Presenta síntomas inespecíficos dependiendo del nivel de la obstrucción, lo que hace que su diagnóstico no suela ser precoz, repercutiendo en el deterioro clínico del paciente. Es especialmente grave en pacientes de edad avanzada y con comorbilidades. Casos clínicos. Se reportan los casos de dos pacientes con dolor abdominal difuso, en quienes se diagnosticó íleo biliar por tomografía. Se realizó manejo quirúrgico, el primero mediante técnica abierta y estrategia de dos pasos, y el otro mediante técnica laparoscópica. Discusión. El íleo biliar es una etiología rara de obstrucción intestinal. El cálculo migra debido a una fistula colecisto-entérica y el nivel de obstrucción es con mayor frecuencia la válvula ileocecal. Los síntomas son inespecíficos y dependen del nivel de obstrucción: dolor abdominal difuso mal caracterizado, náuseas, vómito, ausencia de flatos. El diagnóstico se hace mediante tomografía abdominal, en la cual se evidencia la tríada de Rigler. El manejo es quirúrgico, con enterotomía para extraer el cálculo y resolver la obstrucción. Conclusión. El íleo biliar es una patología que debe ser considerada en el abordaje de la obstrucción intestinal, aunque sea poco frecuente. El manejo quirúrgico es clave para resolver el cuadro de obstrucción intestinal; aún así genera importante morbimortalidad en especial en pacientes de avanzada edad.

Introduction. Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, its incidence varies from 1% to 4%. It consists of the migration of a stone from the gallbladder to the gastrointestinal tract, causing intestinal obstruction. It presents with non-specific symptoms depending on the level of the obstruction, which means that its diagnosis is not usually early, with repercussions on the clinical deterioration of the patient, being serious especially in elderly patients and with comorbidities. Clinical cases. Two patients with diffuse abdominal pain are reported. A tomographic diagnosis was made showing gallstone ileus. Surgeries were performed, in the first case using an open technique and a 2-step strategy, and on the second one using a laparoscopic technique. Discussion. Gallstone ileus is a rare etiology of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms are usually poorly characterized: diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, absence of flatus. The diagnosis is made by abdominal tomography in which Rigler's triad is evident. Management is surgical through enterotomy to remove the stone and resolve the obstruction. Conclusion. Gallstone ileus is a rare pathology that should be considered in the approach to intestinal obstruction. Surgical management is key to resolving intestinal obstruction. Even so, it generates significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients.

[Prevention and treatment of postoperative complications of esophageal cancer].

Surgery is the primary treatment for esophageal cancer, but the postoperative complication rate remains high. Therefore, it is important to prevent and manage postoperative complications to improve prognosis. Common perioperative complications of esophageal cancer include anastomotic leakage, gastrointestinal tracheal fistula, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Respiratory and circulatory system complications, such as pulmonary infection, are also quite common. These surgery-related complications are independent risk factors for cardiopulmonary complications. Complications, such as long-term anastomotic stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux, and malnutrition are also common after esophageal cancer surgery. By effectively reducing postoperative complications, the morbidity and mortality of patients can be reduced, and their quality of life can be improved.

Chinese expert consensus on interventional diagnosis and management of acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas (second edition).

Acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas occur with abnormal communication between the respiratory tract and digestive tract caused by a variety of benign or malignant diseases, leading to the alimentary canal contents in the respiratory tract. Although various departments have been actively exploring advanced fistula closure techniques, including surgical methods and multimodal therapy, some of which have gotten good clinical effects, there are few large-scale evidence-based medical data to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines update the etiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas. It has been proved that the implantation of the respiratory and digestive stent is the most important and best treatment for acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas. The guidelines conduct an in-depth review of the current evidence and introduce in detail the selection of stents, implantation methods, postoperative management and efficacy evaluation.

Síndrome de Bouveret como variante de íleo biliar / Bouveret syndrome as a variant of gallstone ileus

Introducción. El síndrome de Bouveret es una variante del íleo biliar, de rara presentación dentro de las causas de obstrucción intestinal, generada por la impactación de un lito biliar a nivel del duodeno, secundario a la formación de una fístula bilioentérica. Es más común en mujeres en la octava década de la vida, con múltiples comorbilidades. y presenta síntomas inespecíficos, documentándose la triada de Rigler hasta en el 80 % de las tomografías de abdomen. La cirugía sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección. Caso clínico. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 76 años, con múltiples antecedentes y cuadros previos de cólico biliar, que consultó por dolor abdominal y signos de hemorragia de vías digestivas altas y se documentó un síndrome de Bouveret. Fue tratada en la misma hospitalización mediante extracción quirúrgica del cálculo con posterior resolución de su sintomatología.Conclusión. A pesar de que el síndrome deBouveret es una entidad de infrecuente presentación, los cirujanos generalesdeben estar familiarizados con esta patología, en el contexto del paciente que consulta con un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal, conociendo el valor de la tomografía de abdomen y la endoscopia de vías digestivas altas, teniendo en cuenta la edad y las condiciones del paciente para definir el manejo quirúrgico más adecuado.

Introduction. Bouveret's syndrome is a variant of gallstone ileus, of rare presentation within the causes of intestinal obstruction, generated by the impaction of a biliary stone at the level of the duodenum, secondary to the formation of a biliary-enteric fistula. It is more common in women in the eighth decade of life, with multiple comorbidities, and presents non-specific symptoms, with Rigler's triad being documented in up to 80% of abdominal CT scans. Surgery remains the treatment of choice. Clinical case. We present the case of a 76-year-old patient, with history of multiple episodes of biliary colic, who consulted for abdominal pain and signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Bouveret's syndrome was documented. She was treated in the same hospitalization by surgical extraction of the stone with subsequent resolution of her symptoms. Conclussion. Although Bouveret's syndrome is an entity of infrequent presentation, general surgeons must be familiar with this pathology in the context of the patient who presents with intestinal obstruction, knowing the value of abdominal tomography and upper GI endoscopy, taking into account the age and conditions of the patient to define the most appropriate surgical management.

Colo-umbilical enterocutaneous fistula as a rare complication of diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon / Fístula enterocutánea sigmoidea umbilical como una rara complicación de una diverticulitis del colon sigmoide

Abstract The care of patients with enterocutaneous fistula constitutes a significant challenge owing to the alterations it usually brings about. For successful treatment, it is necessary to manage fluids and electrolytes adequately, provide practical nutritional support, and control sepsis until its eradication; thus, many fistulae close spontaneously. We present the case of a 36-year-old male patient with a four-month history of fecal-like umbilical secretion. When performing the fistulogram, we confirmed a fistulous tract of 9 cm, which ended at the level of the sigmoid colon, a rare location. In cases where the enterocutaneous fistula does not close, and surgical treatment is indicated, it is imperative to maximize perioperative care, decrease surgical time, choose the correct surgical technique, and prepare the patient for surgery to avoid complications with a fatal outcome.

Resumen La atención de los pacientes con fístula enterocutánea constituye un gran reto, por las alteraciones con las que suelen acompañarse. Para lograr un tratamiento exitoso es necesario realizar un adecuado manejo de los líquidos y electrolitos, brindar un apoyo nutricional eficaz y controlar la sepsis hasta lograr su erradicación; de esta manera, muchas fístulas cierran espontáneamente. Se expone el caso de un paciente de 36 años de edad, con un cuadro de secreción umbilical de aspecto fecaloideo de 4 meses de evolución. Al realizar la fistulografía se constató un trayecto fistuloso de 9 cm, el cual terminaba a nivel del colon sigmoide, localización poco frecuente. En los casos en que la fístula enterocutánea no cierre y tenga indicación de tratamiento quirúrgico, es necesario extremar los cuidados perioperatorios, minimizar el tiempo quirúrgico, elegir la técnica quirúrgica correcta y preparar al paciente para la cirugía, de modo que se eviten complicaciones que pueden tener un desenlace fatal.

Experimental study of a physician-controlled electrocautery-enhanced delivery system incorporating a newly developed lumen-apposing metal stent for interventional endoscopic ultrasound (with videos).

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Although the lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is useful for interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures, there has been some concern about the potential for stent-induced adverse events because of the high lumen-apposing force. A newly designed LAMS with less lumen-apposing force has been developed for use with a physician-controlled electrocautery-enhanced delivery system. The aim of this animal study was to evaluate the feasibility of performing interventional EUS using this newly designed LAMS system. METHODS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided cystogastrostomy was performed using the novel LAMS three times in a wet simulation model. EUS-guided gastroenterostomy and EUS-guided gallbladder drainage were then performed using the system in four pigs. RESULTS: The LAMS was successfully placed in all three EUS-guided cystogastrostomy procedures using the wet simulation model and in all four EUS-guided gastroenterostomy and gallbladder drainage procedures in the animal model. In the 3 weeks following the procedure, eating behavior was normal in all animals and there were no adverse events. The stents remained patent during this time and were removed without difficulty. The fistula was mature in all cases and a standard upper gastrointestinal endoscope was easily advanced via the fistula to observe the afferent and efferent loops or the lumen of the gallbladder. Necropsy confirmed complete adhesion between the stomach and the wall of the jejunum or gallbladder. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings demonstrate the feasibility of this new LAMS system and its potential clinical value for interventional EUS.

Efficacy and safety of over-the-scope clips (OTSC®) for closure of gastrointestinal fistulas less than 2 cm.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gastrointestinal (GI) fistula is a complication of surgery associated with potential morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of over-the-scope clips (OTSC®) for closing GI fistulas. METHODS: Patients with GI fistula who underwent endoscopic closure using OTSC® were enrolled. The clinical date, duration, location and diameter of the fistula, technical success of the OTSC®, complications, follow-up periods and clinical success were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients with GI fistula underwent OTSC® closure. Their median age was 50 years (range 16-88 years), and the median duration of the fistula was 185.5 days (range 12-3129 days). The mean diameter of fistula was 4.64 ± 1.16 mm. Technical success was achieved in 100% of the patients, and clinical success was achieved in 55.10% (54/98) of the patients after a median follow-up of 168.5 days (range 36-424 days). Based on the location of the fistula, the clinical success rate of treating a fistula in the esophagus and small intestine was 100%, followed by the rectum (70%, 7/10), anastomotic stoma (61.90%, 13/21), duodenum (53.33%, 8/15), colon (47.06%, 8/17), stomach (43.47%, 10/23) and appendix stump (33.33%, 2/6). The duration of the fistula (HR 3.609, 95% CI 1.387-9.387, P = 0.009) was a risk factor for clinical success by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: OTSC® is a safe and efficient treatment for GI fistula and is a potential alternative to the surgical approach. Before OTSC® placement, the duration of the fistula should be assessed since it is related to the successful closures with OTSC®.

The efficacy and long-term outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness suturing for chronic gastrointestinal fistulas with an Overstitch device: is it a durable closure?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic closure of chronic gastrointestinal fistulas (CGFs) is challenging due to their epithelialized surfaces. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and long-term closure rate of endosuturing for CGFs with an Apollo Overstitch device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutive CGF patients undergoing endosuturing for fistula closure from April 2018 to January 2020 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled for retrospective review. Demographics, fistula characteristics, details of the suturing procedures and outcomes were collected for analysis. RESULTS: Twenty patients (mean age 59.8 ± 9.1 years; 85% males) with a total of 23 CGFs underwent sutured fistula closure. Esophagotracheal fistulas were the most common CGFs (12/23, 52.2%), and prior cancer surgery was the most common fistulization etiology (14/20, 70%). Twelve patients (12/20, 60%) had undergone failed endoscopic attempts at fistula closure before suturing. Additional endoscopic therapies used during suturing were 100% argon plasma coagulation, 50% clip fixation, and 10% stent placement. Although all patients undergoing suturing achieved immediate technical success of fistula closure, sustained fistula closure was observed in only 5 patients (5/20, 25.0%) on surveillance endoscopy 3 months after suturing with a mean follow-up of 19.5 months. Esophagotracheal fistula patients were predisposed to shorter dehiscence-free survival than those with other fistulas (HR 3.378; 95% CI 1.127-10.13). CONCLUSIONS: Endosuturing is safe and should be considered for use as the first-line or salvage therapy for CGF closure, primarily for patients with fistulas not involving the trachea. However, the long-term healing of CGFs by suturing is challenging, and CGF patients might not benefit from repeated suturing.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection combined with clip for closure of gastrointestinal fistulas including those refractory to previous therapy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) fistula is a life-threatening condition and a therapeutic challenge. Endoscopic approaches include mucosal abrasion, clip closure, or stent diversion, with moderate success rates in the long term. We assessed whether fistula endoscopic submucosal dissection with clip closure (FESDC) could lead to complete resolution of fistulas even after failure of previous endoscopic therapy. METHODS: Patients with GI fistulas, including those with previous failed treatment, were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was long-term (> 3 months) success of fistula healing. Secondary outcomes included technical success, safety, and factors associated with FESDC success. RESULTS: 23 patients (13 refractory 57 %) were included. Tight immediate sealing was achieved in 19 patients (83 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 61 %-95 %). Long-term closure was achieved in 14 patients (61 %; 95 %CI 39 %-80 %), with median follow-up of 20 months. Complications occurred in two patients (9 %). Previous local malignancy (P = 0.08) and radiotherapy (P = 0.047) were associated with a higher risk of failure. CONCLUSION: This novel FESDC strategy was demonstrated to be safe and feasible for permanent endoscopic closure of GI fistulas. Further studies are warranted to determine the place of this technique in the management of chronic GI fistula.

Guidewire-assisted over-the-scope clip delivery method into the distal intestine: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The Over-the-scope clip (OTSC) has been recently introduced for multiple purposes, including refractory bleeding, perforation, fistula, and anastomotic dehiscence of the gastrointestinal tract. However, no easy access techniques for delivering OTSCs to distant sites have been described. Therefore, we have developed a simple and safe guidewire-assisted OTSC delivery (GOD) method for use on the distal intestine. This study aimed to investigate the technical feasibility and safety of the method. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between June 2018 and April 2019, all eight patients who underwent the GOD method were retrospectively examined. The primary outcome was the successful rate of OTSC delivery to the lesion without complications. The secondary outcomes were GOD procedure time, total procedure time, technical and clinical OTSC success rates, and GOD- and OTSC-associated complications. RESULTS: The rate of successful OTSC delivery was 100%. The median procedure time of GOD was 21 min (range 8-29). The median total procedure time was 38.5 min (range 26-41). The technical and clinical success rates of OTSC were 100% and 75% (6/8), respectively. No GOD- or OTSC-associated complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The GOD method is a feasible and safe technique for delivering OTSC toward the small and proximal large intestine.

Clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors containing air-fluid levels.

An air-fluid level within a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is unusual and indicates the presence of a fistula within the lumen of the GI tract. Until recently, the optimal management of such patients was not clear-cut. This retrospective study investigated the clinicopathological characteristics, surgical procedures, pre-and post-operative management, and prognosis of patients with GIST containing an air-fluid level. Data of GIST patients, spanning 5 years, including 17 GIST patients with air-fluid levels in the experimental group and 34 GIST patients without air-fluid levels in the control group, were retrieved from two hospitals in China. The clinicopathological characteristics, types of surgery, management, and clinical outcomes of GIST patients were compared between the two groups. GISTs containing air-fluid levels were significantly different from GISTs without air-fluid levels regarding tumor morphology, NIH risk category, invasion of adjacent organs, and necrosis or ulceration. Most GIST patients with air-fluid levels (14/17, 82.4%) received open surgery, significantly higher than the 20.6% in the control group. Targeted therapy with Imatinib mesylate (IM) was implemented in all GIST patients in the experimental group (17/17, 100%); markedly higher than those (3/34, 8.8%) in the control group. During follow-up, recurrence and death rates (5.9% and 5.9%) in the experimental group were higher than those (2.9% and 0%) in the control group. Open surgery is commonly performed in GIST patients with air-fluid levels who also require targeted therapy with IM. The Torricelli-Bernoulli sign could be a risk factor, adversely affecting the patient's prognosis.

Total Transperineal Laparoscopic Proctectomy for the Treatment of Crohn's Proctitis.

INTRODUCTION: Completion proctectomy is traditionally performed using a combination of abdominal and perineal approaches. Access to and exposure of the pelvis through the abdominal cavity can be limited in patients with prior surgery or inflammatory conditions. We describe a novel technique for a total transperineal approach for proctectomy for Crohn's proctitis, avoiding technical challenges, risks, and recovery associated with abdominal surgery. TECHNIQUE: We utilized the skills and expertise acquired from our experience with transanal total mesorectal excision to perform a total transperineal laparoscopic proctectomy in a male patient with medically refractory proctitis. He previously underwent an anterior resection, drainage of a chronic presacral abscess, omental pedicle flap transposition to the pelvis, and end colostomy for severe Crohn's colitis. The total transperineal laparoscopic proctectomy approach avoids the need for abdominal access, including the risks associated with abdominal entry, adhesiolysis, pelvic access and visualization, and wound-related issues. Following an initial intersphincteric perineal dissection, the GelPOINT Path minimal access platform is utilized to perform a total transperineal proctectomy. RESULTS: The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged to home 2 days after surgery. At 1-month postoperative follow-up, the patient is recovering well with complete healing of the perineal wound. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and technical steps of a minimally invasive completion proctectomy for fistulizing Crohn's proctitis by using a total transperineal approach. This approach allowed us to utilize direct, inline, high-definition visualization to access and safely operate in the distal aspects of a narrow, scarred, and fibrotic pelvis while avoiding the need for any abdominal access. Advanced experience with redo pelvic and minimally invasive transanal surgery is critical. See Video at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B664.

Regenerative medicine for digestive fistulae therapy: Benefits, challenges and promises of stem/stromal cells and emergent perspectives via their extracellular vesicles.

Despite current management strategies, digestive fistulae remain extremely debilitating complications associated with significant morbidity and mortality, generating a need to develop innovative therapies in these indications. A number of clinical trials and experimental studies have thus investigated the potential of stem/stromal cells (SCs) or SC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) administration for post-surgical and Crohn's-associated fistulae. This review summarizes the physiopathology and current standards-of-care for digestive fistulae, along with relevant evidence from animal and clinical studies regarding SC or EV treatment for post-surgical digestive fistulae. Additionally, existing preclinical models of fistulizing Crohn's disease and results of SC therapy trials in this indication will be presented. The optimal formulation and administration protocol of SC therapy products for gastrointestinal fistula treatment and the challenges for a widespread use of darvadstrocel (Alofisel) in clinical practice will be discussed. Finally, the potential advantages of EV therapy and the obstacles towards their clinical translation will be introduced.

Short course radiotherapy and delayed surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer in frail patients: is it a valid option?

OBJECTIVE: The endpoint of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes of short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) and SCRT with delayed surgery (SCRT-DS) on a selected subgroup of frail patients with locally advanced middle/low rectal adenocarcinoma. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2018, a total of 128 frail patients with locally advanced middle-low rectal adenocarcinoma underwent SCRT and subsequent restaging for eventual delayed surgery. Rates of complete pathological response, down-staging, disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. RESULTS: 128 patients completed 5 × 5 Gy pelvic radiotherapy. 69 of these were unfit for surgery; 59 underwent surgery 8 weeks (average time: 61 days) after radiotherapy. Downstaging of T occurred in 64% and down-staging of N in 50%. The median overall survival (OS) of SCRT alone was 19.5 months. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year and 5-year OS was 48%, 22%, 14% and 0% respectively. In the surgical group, the median disease-free survival (DFS) and median OS were, respectively, 67 months (95% CI 49.8-83.1 months) and 72.1 months (95% CI 57.5-86.7 months). The 1, 2, 3, 5-year OS was 88%, 75%, 51%, 46%, respectively. Post-operative morbidity was 22%, mortality was 3.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Frail patients with advanced rectal cancer are often "unfit" for long-term neoadjuvant chemoradiation. A SCRT may be considered a valid option for this group of patients. Once radiotherapy is completed, patients can be re-evaluated for surgery. If feasible, SCRT and delayed surgery is the best option for frail patients.