Comparison of surgical performance using articulated (ArtiSential®) and conventional instruments for colorectal laparoscopic surgery: A single-centre, open, before-and-after, prospective study.

AIM: Rigid surgical instruments limit movement whereas articulated instruments offer better control in small spaces and allow for intuitive and ergonomic movements. However, the effectiveness of the use of articulated instruments in improving colorectal laparoscopic outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this work was to determine whether colorectal laparoscopic surgical proficiency improved when multijoint instruments were used instead of conventional ones. METHOD: We enrolled 70 consecutive patients (n = 20 for conventional instruments) aged 19-80 years who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery for colorectal diseases. Unedited surgery videos were validated using the modified Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (mGOALS) scale. Learning curves were analysed using a cumulative sum control chart for mGOALS grades. RESULTS: The surgery type, length of hospital stay and 30-day postoperative complication rates were comparable between the groups, and the surgeon's mGOALS grades were similar (p = 0.190). However, in the articulated group, the scores were significantly higher for depth perception (p = 0.012) and tissue-handling domains (p = 0.046), while surgical duration was significantly shorter and intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower (p = 0.022), compared with those in the conventional (p = 0.002) group. Learning curve findings indicated that the first 10 and subsequent 40 surgeries in the articulated group were within the inexperienced and experienced phases, respectively. The mGOALS score in the experienced phase improved in the articulated group compared with that in the conventional group (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The use of articulated instruments in laparoscopic colorectal surgery showed potential benefits. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Cranial-first approach for laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy.

Complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation with D3 lymphadenectomy are important surgical principles for improving oncological outcomes in colon cancer. The cranial-first approach is a colonic mobilization-first approach to radical right hemicolectomy, which has several advantages, including early feasibility assessment, safe dissection from surrounding organs, preestablished inferior margin of lymph node dissection, and revelation of the tangible anatomy of the tributaries of the gastrocolic trunk. This video demonstrates the cranial-first approach to radical right hemicolectomy in a 66-year-old man with locally advanced cecal cancer.

Effect of prophylactic abdominal drainage on postoperative pain in laparoscopic hemicolectomy for colon cancer: a single-center observational study in Korea.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic abdominal drainage (AD) in laparoscopic hemicolectomy, focusing on assessing postoperative pain outcomes. Methods: Patients were categorized into two groups: those with and without AD (AD group vs. no-AD group). A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess postoperative pain on each postoperative day (POD). Further, the inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method was used to reduce intergroup bias. Results: In total, 204 patients who underwent laparoscopic hemicolectomies by a single surgeon between June 2013 and September 2022 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. After adjusting for IPTW, NRS scores on POD 2 were significantly lower in the no-AD group (3.2 ± 0.8 vs. 3.4 ± 0.8, p = 0.043). Further examination of postoperative outcomes showed no statistically significant differences in complications between the AD (17.3%) and no-AD (12.4%) groups (p = 0.170). The postoperative length of hospital stay was 7.3 ± 2.8 days in the AD group and 6.9 ± 3.0 days in the no-AD group, with no significant difference (p = 0.298). Time to first flatus was 3.0 ± 0.9 days in the AD group and 2.7 ± 0.9 days in the no-AD group, with no significant difference (p = 0.078). Regarding readmission within 1 month, there were four cases each in the AD (2.3%) and no-AD (1.7%) groups, with no significant difference (p = 0.733). Conclusion: Laparoscopic hemicolectomy without AD resulted in no significant differences in postoperative clinical outcomes, except for postoperative pain. This finding suggests that prophylactic AD may exacerbate postoperative pain.

Communicative competence of generative artificial intelligence in responding to patient queries about colorectal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: To examine the ability of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) to answer patients' questions regarding colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: Ten clinically relevant questions about CRC were selected from top-rated hospitals' websites and patient surveys and presented to three GAI tools (Chatbot Generative Pre-Trained Transformer [GPT-4], Google Bard, and CLOVA X). Their responses were compared with answers from the CRC information book. Response evaluation was performed by two groups, each consisting of five healthcare professionals (HCP) and patients. Each question was scored on a 1-5 Likert scale based on four evaluation criteria (maximum score, 20 points/question). RESULTS: In an analysis including only HCPs, the information book scored 11.8 ± 1.2, GPT-4 scored 13.5 ± 1.1, Google Bard scored 11.5 ± 0.7, and CLOVA X scored 12.2 ± 1.4 (P = 0.001). The score of GPT-4 was significantly higher than those of the information book (P = 0.020) and Google Bard (P = 0.001). In an analysis including only patients, the information book scored 14.1 ± 1.4, GPT-4 scored 15.2 ± 1.8, Google Bard scored 15.5 ± 1.8, and CLOVA X scored 14.4 ± 1.8, without significant differences (P = 0.234). When both groups of evaluators were included, the information book scored 13.0 ± 0.9, GPT-4 scored 14.4 ± 1.2, Google Bard scored 13.5 ± 1.0, and CLOVA X scored 13.3 ± 1.5 (P = 0.070). CONCLUSION: The three GAIs demonstrated similar or better communicative competence than the information book regarding questions related to CRC surgery in Korean. If high-quality medical information provided by GAI is supervised properly by HCPs and published as an information book, it could be helpful for patients to obtain accurate information and make informed decisions.

Comparative analysis of different surgical approaches for recurrent inguinal hernia: a single-center observational study.

Purpose: Managing recurrent inguinal hernias is complex, and choosing the right surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. open) is vital for patient outcomes. This study compared the outcomes of using the same vs. different surgical approaches for initial and subsequent hernia repairs. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent recurrent inguinal hernia repair at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2014 and May 2023. Patients were divided into the "concordant" and "discordant" groups, comprising patients who underwent same and different approaches in both surgeries, respectively. Preoperative baseline characteristics, index surgery data, postoperative outcomes, and recurrence rates were analyzed and compared. Results: In total, 131 patients were enrolled; the concordant and discordant groups comprised 31 (open, n = 19; laparoscopic, n = 12) and 100 patients (open to laparoscopic, n = 68; laparoscopic to open, n = 32), respectively. No significant differences were observed in the mean operation time (50.5 ± 21.7 minutes vs. 50.2 ± 20.0 minutes, P = 0.979), complication rates (6.5% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.356), or 36-month cumulative recurrence rates (9.8% vs. 9.8%; P = 0.865). The mean postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the discordant than in the concordant group (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 1.4 ± 0.6, P = 0.003). Conclusion: Most recurrent inguinal hernia repairs were performed using the discordant surgical approach. Overall, concordance in the surgical approach did not significantly affect postoperative outcomes. Therefore, the selection of the surgical approach based on the patient's condition and surgeon's preference may be advisable.

Are sporadic colorectal cancers in young patients distinct from those in elderly patients?

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological and oncological characteristics of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC) between young and elderly patients without any genetic mutations that cause hereditary CRC. METHOD: In this cross-sectional, retrospective study conducted at three tertiary referral hospitals, we enrolled 1599 patients with CRC who underwent surgery between January 2010 and December 2017, including 157 young patients (age ≤ 40 years; yCRC) and 1442 elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years; eCRC). The clinicopathological and oncological outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 37 years in the yCRC group (range 33.0-39.2 years) and 76 years in the eCRC group (range 72.0-79.0 years). The yCRC group did not present with advanced stages at diagnosis compared with the eCRC group, and the distribution of tumour stages was similar between the two groups. Microsatellite instability (MSI) testing revealed no difference in the frequency of tumours with high MSI (7.8% in yCRC, 5.8% in eCRC), and the frequency of mutations in the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes was also similar. The 3-year overall survival was better in the yCRC group than in the eCRC group (97.4% vs. 83.5%, p < 0.001); however, no such difference was observed in cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSION: Genetically proven sporadic CRCs did not differ significantly between young and elderly patients in terms of tumour stage, tumour location and various molecular features. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The study was retrospectively registered with Clinical Trials.gov (no. NCT05601609).

Comparison of partial and total cystectomy for colorectal cancer with histologically confirmed bladder invasion.

BACKGROUND: Although organs are preserved and quality of life is improved, insufficient evidence is available for the oncologic safety of partial cystectomy in patients with colorectal cancer with suspected bladder invasion. Therefore, we aimed to compare partial and total cystectomy outcomes in patients with pathologically confirmed or clinically suspected bladder invasion. METHODS: Patients with colorectal cancer with suspected bladder invasion who underwent R0 resection from 2000 to 2020 were evaluated. Long-term outcomes were determined in patients with histologically confirmed bladder invasion. RESULTS: Of the 151 consecutive patients, 96 (64.6%) had histologically confirmed bladder involvement, and 105 (69.5%) underwent partial cystectomy. Operative time, estimated blood loss, and reoperation rate in ≤30 days were significantly worse in the total cystectomy group than in the partial cystectomy group. The overall recurrence rate was significantly higher in the total cystectomy group than in the partial cystectomy group (39.1% vs 21.9%; P = .046). Five-year overall survival (75.8% vs 53.2%; P = .006) rates were higher in the partial cystectomy group than in the total cystectomy group; however, disease-free survival (60.8% vs 41.6%; P = .088) rates were similar in patients with suspected bladder invasion. In patients with histologically confirmed bladder invasion, 5-year overall survival rates (78.1% vs 52.1%; P = .017) were higher in the partial cystectomy group than in the total cystectomy group; however, disease-free survival rates (53.4% vs 41.2%; P = .220) did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: R0 resection is associated with favorable long-term outcomes in patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer. If R0 resection is possible, partial cystectomy is considered safe.

Accelerated wound healing after topical application of hyaluronic acid cotton to hemorrhoidectomy wounds in a rat model.

Purpose: Anal wounds following hemorrhoidectomy can lead to severe pain and postoperative bleeding, impacting patient recovery and quality of life. Hyaluronic acid (HA) stimulates tissue regeneration and wound healing by accelerating cell migration and proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the differences in wound healing rate and completeness of recovery of perianal wounds topically treated with HA-soaked cotton in a murine model. Methods: Forty-eight 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats with perianal wounds created using a biopsy punch were divided into 2 groups: simple dressing with gauze (control) and topical HA-soaked cotton. A single application of HA-soaked cotton was administered after surgery. Wound healing rate and completeness of recovery were evaluated by measuring the healed area and conducting histological analyses. Results: The HA-cotton group exhibited a shorter complete wound healing duration compared to the control group (13.9 days vs. 16.4 days, P = 0.031). Differences in wound healing area between the 2 groups were greatest on postoperative day 2 (51.6% vs. 28.8%, P < 0.001). The HA-cotton group exhibited fewer cases of granulation tissue (2 vs. 5) or redness (0 vs. 3) upon complete wound healing. Histologically, the HA-cotton group showed accelerated reepithelialization, rapid shift to lymphocyte-dominant inflammation, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, and increased collagen deposition compared to the control group. Conclusion: Herein, topical application of HA-soaked cotton on perianal wounds in rats resulted in accelerated wound healing, particularly in the initial stages, and improved completeness of recovery, underscoring the potential of the topical application of HA-soaked cotton on hemorrhoidectomy wounds in human patients to improve wound healing.

Different oncological features of colorectal cancer codon-specific KRAS mutations: Not codon 13 but codon 12 have prognostic value.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 40% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are linked to Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations. KRAS mutations are associated with poor CRC prognosis, especially KRAS codon 12 mutation, which is associated with metastasis and poorer survival. However, the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of KRAS codon 13 mutation in CRC remain unclear. AIM: To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value of codon-specific KRAS mutations, especially in codon 13. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study included patients who underwent surgery for stage I-III CRC between January 2009 and December 2019. Patients with KRAS mutation status confirmed by molecular pathology reports were included. The relationships between clinicopathological characteristics and individual codon-specific KRAS mutations were analyzed. Survival data were analyzed to identify codon-specific KRAS mutations as recurrence-related factors using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Among the 2203 patients, the incidence of KRAS codons 12, 13, and 61 mutations was 27.7%, 9.1%, and 1.3%, respectively. Both KARS codons 12 and 13 mutations showed a tendency to be associated with clinical characteristics, but only codon 12 was associated with pathological features, such as stage of primary tumor (T stage), lymph node involvement (N stage), vascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor size, and microsatellite instability. KRAS codon 13 mutation showed no associations (77.2% vs 85.3%, P = 0.159), whereas codon 12 was associated with a lower 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (78.9% vs 75.5%, P = 0.025). In multivariable analysis, along with T and N stages and vascular and perineural invasion, only codon 12 (hazard ratio: 1.399; 95% confidence interval: 1.034-1.894; P = 0.030) among KRAS mutations was an independent risk factor for recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that KRAS codon 13 mutation is less likely to serve as a prognostic biomarker than codon 12 mutation for CRC in a large-scale cohort.

Public effect of the 2022 Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign delivered through a metaverse platform.

Purpose: The Korean Society of Coloproctology has been conducting Colorectal Cancer Awareness Campaign, also known as the Gold Ribbon Campaign, every September since 2007. The 2022 campaign was held through a metaverse platform targeting the younger age group under the slogan of raising awareness of early-onset colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aimed to analyze the impact of the 2022 campaign on a metaverse platform. Methods: Anonymized survey data were collected from participants in the metaverse campaign from September 1 to 15, 2022. The satisfaction score of the participants was evaluated by sex, age group, and previous campaign participation status. Results: During the campaign, 2,770 people visited the metaverse. Among them, 455 people participated in the survey (response rate, 16.4%). Approximately 95% of the participants reported being satisfied with the information provided by the campaign, understood the necessity of undergoing screening for and prevention of early-onset CRC, and were familiar with the structure of the metaverse. The satisfaction score for campaign information tended to decrease as the participants' age increased. When the participants' overall level of satisfaction with the metaverse platform was assessed, teenagers scored particularly lower than the other age groups. The satisfaction scores for CRC information provided in the metaverse, as well as the scores for recognizing the seriousness and necessity of screening for early-onset CRC, indicated a high positive tendency (P<0.001). Conclusion: Most of the 2022 Gold Ribbon Campaign participants were satisfied with the metaverse platform. Medical society should pay attention to increasing participation in and satisfaction with future public campaigns.

Safety of early surgery after self-expandable metallic stenting for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Self-expanding metallic stenting (SEMS) is usual for the temporary resolution of obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC) as a bridge to elective surgery. However, there is no consensus regarding adequate time intervals from stenting to radical surgery. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal time interval that results in favorable short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: Data on patients with obstructive left-sided CRC who underwent elective radical surgery after clinically successful SEMS deployment in five tertiary referral hospitals from 2004 to 2016 were analyzed, retrospectively. An inverse probability treatment-weighted propensity score analysis was used to minimize bias. Postoperative short- and long-term outcomes were compared between two groups: an early surgery (within 8 days) group and delayed surgery (after 8 days) group. RESULTS: Of 311 patients, 148 (47.6%) underwent early and 163 (52.4%) underwent delayed surgery. The median surgery interval was 9.0 days. After adjustment, the groups had similar patient and tumor characteristics. In terms of short-term outcomes, there was no difference in hospitalization length or postoperative complications. No deaths were observed. With a median follow-up of 71.0 months, no significant difference was observed between the groups in 5-year overall survival (early vs. delayed surgery: 79.6% vs. 71.3%, P = 0.370) and 5-year disease-free survival (early vs. delayed surgery: 59.1% vs. 60.4%, P = 0.970). CONCLUSIONS: In obstructive left-sided CRC, the time interval between SEMS and radical surgery did not significantly influence short- and long-term outcomes. Therefore, early surgery after SEMS could be suggested if there is no reason to postpone surgery for preoperative medical optimization.

Clinical impact of inferior mesenteric vein preservation during left hemicolectomy with low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery for distal transverse and descending colon cancers: A comparative study based on computed tomography.

Purpose: Presence of a long remnant sigmoid colon after left hemicolectomy with inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) ligation for distal transverse and descending colon cancers may be a risk factor for venous ischemia. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of IMV preservation in patients who underwent left hemicolectomy with inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) preservation. Methods: We included 155 patients who underwent left hemicolectomy with IMA preservation for distal transverse and descending colon cancers from 2003 to 2020. Technical success of IMV preservation was determined by assessing pre- and post-operative patency of the IMV on computed tomography (CT) by an abdominal radiologist. Intestinal complications comprising ulceration, stricture, venous engorgement, and colitis in remnant colon were compared between the IMV preservation and ligation groups. Results: IMV was preserved in 22 (14.2%) and ligated in 133 (85.8%) patients. Surgical time, postoperative recovery outcomes, and number of harvested lymph nodes were similar in both groups. The technical success of IMV preservation was 81.8%. Intestinal complications were less common in the preservation group than in the IMV ligation group (4.5% vs. 23.3%, P=0.048). The complications in the IMV ligation group were anastomotic ulcer (n=2), anastomotic stricture (n=4), venous engorgement of the remnant distal colon (n=4), and colitis in the distal colon (n=21). Conclusions: IMV preservation may be beneficial after left hemicolectomy with IMA preservation for distal transverse and descending colon cancers. We suggest that IMV preservation might be considered when long remnant sigmoid colon is expected during left hemicolectomy with low ligation of IMA.

Efficacy and safety of 5% lidocaine patches for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing unilateral inguinal hernia repair: study protocol for a prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute postoperative pain is a common complication of inguinal hernia repair. Pain management using local application of anesthetic agents over the skin surrounding the surgical incision may reduce the requirement for other pain medications. Targeted topical analgesics such as 5% lidocaine patches have been known to improve acute and chronic pain. However, the clinical effect of lidocaine patches on postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair has not been studied, especially in patients undergoing surgery at day surgery units. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Participants with unilateral inguinal hernia will be randomized to the lidocaine patch group or the placebo patch group. Based on the randomized allocation sequence, either lidocaine patches or placebo patches will be attached near each participant's surgical wound after open hernia repair under general anesthesia. Participants will be asked to follow up at our outpatient clinic on the first postoperative day and at 1 week after surgery. The primary outcome is pain intensity, which will be measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) at the time of discharge from the day surgery unit. The secondary outcomes are VAS score at 24 h and 1 week after surgery. We will collect and analyze the participants' clinical data (amount of intraoperative opioid use, time to recovery, and pain intensity at 30 min after surgery) and demographic characteristics (age, sex, body weight, and height). DISCUSSION: This trial may not only provide evidence on the efficacy of a 5% lidocaine patch for acute postoperative pain management after unilateral inguinal hernia repair, but also demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the patch for post-discharge pain management. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04754451. Registered on February 10, 2021.

Efficacy of geriatric multidisciplinary oncology clinic in the surgical treatment decision-making process for frail elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

Purpose: Multidisciplinary care has become a cornerstone of colorectal cancer management. To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a geriatric multidisciplinary oncology clinic (GMOC), we analyzed the surgical treatment decision-making process and outcomes. Methods: This retrospective single-center study reviewed the data of patients aged ≥65 years who participated in the GMOC at a tertiary referral hospital between 2015 and 2021. The clinical adherence rate, comprehensive geriatric assessment, and a multidimensional frailty score (MFS) were obtained. The groups that were recommended and not recommended for surgery were compared, analyzing the factors impacting the decision and 1-year survival outcomes. Furthermore, the postoperative complications of patients who underwent surgery were evaluated. Results: A total of 165 patients visited the GMOC, and 74 had colorectal cancer (mean age, 85.5 years [range, 81.2-89.0 years]). Among patients with systemic disease (n = 31), 7 were recommended for surgery, and 5 underwent surgery. Among patients with locoregional disease (n = 43), 18 were recommended for surgery, and 12 underwent surgery. Patients recommended and not recommended for surgery had significantly different activities of daily living (ADL) (P = 0.024), instrumental ADL (P = 0.001), Mini-Mental State Examination (P = 0.014), delirium risk (P = 0.039), and MFS (P = 0.001). There was no difference in the 1-year overall survival between the 2 groups (P = 0.980). Of the 17 patients who underwent surgery, the median (interquartile range) of operation time was 165.0 minutes (120.0-270.0 minutes); hospital stay, 7.0 days (6.0-8.0 days); and 3 patients had wound complications. Conclusion: Proper counseling of patients through the GMOC could lead to appropriate management and favorable outcomes.

Predicting stage ypT0-1N0 for nonradical management in patients with middle or low rectal cancer who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: It is important to discover predictive factors that can identify rectal cancer patients who will respond well to neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) to develop management strategies, preserve sphincter and avoid over-treatment. This study explored clinical factors that would predict the adequacy of nonradical management after CCRT in patients with middle or low rectal cancer. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 447 patients with middle or low rectal cancer who were treated with curative surgery after neoadjuvant CCRT between January 2010 and December 2019. The good response group comprised patients with stages ypT0-1N0 on resection after CCRT; the remaining patients were included in the poor response group. Results: Of 447 patients (mean age, 60.37 ± 11.85 years), 108 (24.2%) had ypT0-1N0 (71.3% with ypT0N0, 4.6% with ypTisN0, and 24.1% with ypT1N0). Overall, 19 patients with cT1-2 (50.0% vs. 21.8% with cT3-4, P < 0.001), 22 with well-differentiated tumors (51.2% vs. 21.3% with moderately/poorly differentiated tumors, P < 0.001), 16 with fungating tumors (47.1% vs. 22.3% with other types, P = 0.001), and 66 with anterior/posterior circumference direction (28.9% vs. 19.2% with lateral/encircling direction, P = 0.016) had stage ypT0-1N0. On multivariable analysis, cT1-2 (P = 0.021) and well-differentiated tumor (P = 0.001) were independent predictors of ypT0-1N0. Fungating tumors were not significantly associated with ypT0-1N0 (P = 0.054). Conclusion: Stage cT1-2 and well differentiation are predictors of ypT0-1N0, while fungating tumors could be considered clinically meaningful, possibly identifying candidates for nonradical treatment post-CCRT.