The multispecies microbial cluster of Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium as a precision biomarker for colorectal cancer diagnosis.

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has increased worldwide, and early diagnosis is crucial to reduce mortality rates. Therefore, new noninvasive biomarkers for CRC are required. Recent studies have revealed an imbalance in the oral and gut microbiomes of patients with CRC, as well as impaired gut vascular barrier function. In the present study, the microbiomes of saliva, crevicular fluid, feces, and non-neoplastic and tumor intestinal tissue samples of 93 CRC patients and 30 healthy individuals without digestive disorders (non-CRC) were analyzed by 16S rRNA metabarcoding procedures. The data revealed that Parvimonas, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides fragilis were significantly over-represented in stool samples of CRC patients, whereas Faecalibacterium and Blautia were significantly over-abundant in the non-CRC group. Moreover, the tumor samples were enriched in well-known periodontal anaerobes, including Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella. Co-occurrence patterns of these oral microorganisms were observed in the subgingival pocket and in the tumor tissues of CRC patients, where they also correlated with other gut microbes, such as Hungatella. This study provides new evidence that oral pathobionts, normally located in subgingival pockets, can migrate to the colon and probably aggregate with aerobic bacteria, forming synergistic consortia. Furthermore, we suggest that the group composed of Fusobacterium, Parvimonas, Bacteroides, and Faecalibacterium could be used to design an excellent noninvasive fecal test for the early diagnosis of CRC. The combination of these four genera would significantly improve the reliability of a discriminatory test with respect to others that use a single species as a unique CRC biomarker.

Parvimonas micra can translocate from the subgingival sulcus of the human oral cavity to colorectal adenocarcinoma.

Oral and intestinal samples from a cohort of 93 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and 30 healthy controls (non-CRC) were collected for microbiome analysis. Saliva (28 non-CRC and 94 CRC), feces (30 non-CRC and 97 CRC), subgingival fluid (20 CRC), and tumor tissue samples (20 CRC) were used for 16S metabarcoding and/or RNA sequencing (RNAseq) approaches. A differential analysis of the abundance, performed with the ANCOM-BC package, adjusting the P-values by the Holm-Bonferroni method, revealed that Parvimonas was significantly over-represented in feces from CRC patients (P-value < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. A total of 11 Parvimonas micra isolates were obtained from the oral cavity and adenocarcinoma of CRC patients. Genome analysis identified a pair of isolates from the same patient that shared 99.2% identity, demonstrating that P. micra can translocate from the subgingival cavity to the gut. The data suggest that P. micra could migrate in a synergistic consortium with other periodontal bacteria. Metatranscriptomics confirmed that oral bacteria were more active in tumor than in non-neoplastic tissues. We suggest that P. micra could be considered as a CRC biomarker detected in non-invasive samples such as feces.

Laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection with natural orifice specimen extraction: a prospective study / Ressecção laparoscópica do câncer colorretal com extração de espécime em orifício natural: um estudo prospectivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: Laparoscopic colorectal resection is more and more being employed in the daily oncology practice. Natural orifice techniques to obviate the need for a specimen extraction incision are evolving. Materials and methods: We studied transanal and transvaginal specimen extraction after laparoscopic colorectal resections prospectively in 16 patients. Results: The technique was successfully implemented in 75% of the cases. The site of the tumour and the patient age were the significant predictors of the technique success. Conclusion: The technique is reproducible and can be more widely adopted.

RESUMO Introdução: A ressecção colorretal laparoscópica está sendo cada vez mais empregada na prática diária de oncologia. Observa-se uma evolução nas técnicas que usam orifícios naturais de modo a evitar a necessidade de uma incisão para extração de espécimes. Materiais e métodos: O estudo avaliou prospectivamente a extração transanal e transvaginal de espécimes após ressecções colorretais laparoscópicas em 16 pacientes. Resultados: A técnica foi implementada com sucesso em 75% dos casos. A localização do tumor e a idade do paciente foram preditores significativos de sucesso da técnica. Conclusão: A técnica é reprodutível e pode ser mais amplamente adotada.

Redo transanal total mesorectal excision (Re-TaTME) after initial TaTME; is it possible?

Rectal cancer is one of the commonest human malignancies. Treatment of this serious disease conventionally involves resection with/without anastomosis. Anastomotic site stenosis is a serious complication of rectal resection for which treatment is still evolving. We report a male patient treated with minimally invasive abdominal and anal approach for stenosis after initial transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for rectal cancer. Surgeons are encouraged to put this technique in their mind while treating similar cases.

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: Short Term Outcomes from Two Centers.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer is now an increasing problem in both developed and developing countries. In the last 7 years, minimally invasive surgery for this disease has entered a new era of transanal resection with/without laparoscopic assistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present here a prospective study done in Egypt (probably the earliest experience) and Spain on the feasibility of hybrid NOTES in rectal cancer. RESULTS: From September 2015 till November 2017, 18 cases underwent transanal total mesorectal excision with no detected mortality and with morbidities in 44% of cases, from which 5 were class III on Clavien-Dindo scale requiring intervention. Good quality total mesorectal excision was obtained in more than three quarters of our patients. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the technique was technically demanding with a long learning curve; however, the short term results were very good in alliance with other few similar reports.

TELMA: Technology-enhanced learning environment for minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive skills training for minimally invasive surgery has traditionally relied upon diverse tools, such as seminars or lectures. Web technologies for e-learning have been adopted to provide ubiquitous training and serve as structured repositories for the vast amount of laparoscopic video sources available. However, these technologies fail to offer such features as formative and summative evaluation, guided learning, or collaborative interaction between users. METHODOLOGY: The "TELMA" environment is presented as a new technology-enhanced learning platform that increases the user's experience using a four-pillared architecture: (1) an authoring tool for the creation of didactic contents; (2) a learning content and knowledge management system that incorporates a modular and scalable system to capture, catalogue, search, and retrieve multimedia content; (3) an evaluation module that provides learning feedback to users; and (4) a professional network for collaborative learning between users. Face validation of the environment and the authoring tool are presented. RESULTS: Face validation of TELMA reveals the positive perception of surgeons regarding the implementation of TELMA and their willingness to use it as a cognitive skills training tool. Preliminary validation data also reflect the importance of providing an easy-to-use, functional authoring tool to create didactic content. CONCLUSION: The TELMA environment is currently installed and used at the Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre and several other Spanish hospitals. Face validation results ascertain the acceptance and usefulness of this new minimally invasive surgery training environment.

Flexible single-incision surgery: a fusion technique.

INTRODUCTION: The development of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery has led to other techniques, such as single-incision surgery. The use of the flexible endoscope for single-incision surgery paves the way for further refinement of both surgical methods. OBJECTIVE: To describe a new, single-incision surgical technique, namely, flexible single-incision surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Assessment of the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic cholecystectomy in a series of 30 patients. This technique consists of a single umbilical incision through which a flexible endoscope is introduced and consists of 2 parallel entry ports that provide access to nonarticulated laparoscopic instruments. RESULTS: The technique was applied in all patients for whom it was prescribed. No general or surgical wound complications were noted. Surgical time was no longer than usual for single-port surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Flexible single-incision surgery is a new single-site surgical technique offering the same level of patient safety, with additional advantages for the surgeon at minimal cost.

Prospective randomized clinical trial comparing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) (NCT00835250).

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a technique still in experimental development whose safety and effectiveness call for assessment through clinical trials. In this paper we present a three-arm, noninferiority, prospective randomized clinical trial of 1 year duration comparing the vaginal and transumbilical approaches for transluminal endoscopic surgery with the conventional laparoscopic approach for elective cholecystectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years who were eligible for elective cholecystectomy were randomized in a ratio of 1:1:1 to receive hybrid transvaginal NOTES (TV group), hybrid transumbilical NOTES (TU group) or conventional laparoscopy (CL group). The main study variable was parietal complications (wound infection, bleeding, and eventration). The analysis was by intention to treat, and losses were not replaced. RESULTS: Cholecystectomy was successfully performed on 94% of the patients. One patient in the TU group was reconverted to CL owing to difficulty in maneuvering the endoscope. After a minimum follow-up period of 1 year, no differences were noted in the rate of parietal complications. Postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and time off from work were similar in the three groups. No patient developed dyspareunia. Surgical time was longer among cases in which a flexible endoscope was used (CL, 47.04 min; TV, 64.85 min; TU, 59.80 min). CONCLUSIONS: NOTES approaches using the flexible endoscope are not inferior in safety or effectiveness to conventional laparoscopy. The transumbilical approach with flexible endoscope is as effective and safe as the transvaginal approach and is a promising, single-incision approach.

NOTES, MANOS, SILS and other new laparoendoscopic techniques.

A new way of opening a body cavity can be a revolution in surgery. In 1980s, laparoscopy changed how surgeons had been working for years. Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), minilaparoscopy-assisted natural orifice surgery (MANOS), single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) and other new techniques are the new paradigm in our way of operating in the 21(st) century. The development of these techniques began in the late 90s but they have not had enough impact to develop and evolve. Parallels between the first years of laparoscopy and NOTES can be made. Working for an invisible surgery, not only for cosmesis but for a less invasive surgery, is the target of NOTES, MANOS and SILS performed by surgeons and endoscopists over the last 10 years. The future flexible endoscopic platforms and the fusion between laparoscopic instruments and devices and robotic surgery will be a great advance for "scarless surgery".

[Incorporation of the flexible endoscope in gastrointestinal surgery]. / Integración del endoscopio flexible en cirugía digestiva.

The flexible endoscope has not traditionally figured among the tools used by the surgeon. Intra-operative flexible endoscopy may be one of the techniques available in the operating room in the near future. On analysing the development of minimally invasive surgery and flexible endoscopy, it can be seen that they are converging and losing ground to gastrointestinal endoscopy on the one hand, and gaining it with the flexible endoscope, on the other. The technical development of «hybrid¼ NOTES has shown how some tools not usually available in theatre may be very useful. Flexible endoscopy is probably the technique to enter into the surgical area that offers improved performance. Surgeons need to work closely with the gastroenterologists, while they are trained in these techniques for future «hybrid¼ specialists.

Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic cholecystectomy: prospective human series.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) makes it possible to perform intraperitoneal surgical procedures with a minimal number of access points in the abdominal wall. Currently, it is not possible to perform these interventions without the help of abdominal wall entryways, so these procedures are hybrids fusing minilaparoscopy and transluminal endoscopic surgery. This report presents a prospective clinical series of 25 patients who underwent transvaginal hybrid cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. METHODS: The study comprised a clinical series of 25 consecutive nonrandomized women who underwent a fusion transvaginal NOTES and minilaparoscopy procedure with two trocars for cholelithiasis: one 5-mm umbilical trocar and one 3-mm trocar in the upper left quadrant. The study had no control group. RESULTS: The scheduled surgical intervention was performed for all 25 women. No intraoperative complications occurred. One patient had mild hematuria that resolved in less than 12 h, but no other complications occurred during an average follow-up period of 140 days. Of the 25 women, 20 were discharged in 24 h, and 5 were discharged less than 12 h after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy, combining NOTES and minilaparoscopy, is a good surgical model for minimally invasive surgery. It can be performed in surgical settings where laparoscopy is practiced regularly using the instruments normally used for endoscopy and laparoscopic surgery. Due to the reproducibility of the intervention and the ease of vaginal closure, hybrid transvaginal cholecystectomy will permit further development of NOTES in the future.

[Non-randomised, comparative, prospective study of transvaginal endoscopic cholecystectomy versus transparietal laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Estudio comparativo, prospectivo y no aleatorizado de la colecistectomía endoscópica transvaginal frente a la colecistectomía laparoscópica transparietal.

INTRODUCTION: We present a non-randomised comparative study of two patients series followed up prospectively, in which convention laparoscopic cholecystectomy is compared with transvaginal cholecystectomy, a hybrid transluminal endoscopic procedure, with the objective of assessing the clinical safety of the procedures and its efficacy in the resolution of cholelithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A non-randomised prospective clinical series of 40 female patients, operated on for cholelithiasis using endoscopic surgery, 20 with a conventional laparoscopic approach and 20 using a transvaginal endoscopic approach. Surgical wound infection, urinary infection, evisceration, eventration, mortality and other complications. RESULTS: Scheduled operations were performed on the 40 patients as indicated. There were no complications during the operations. There was no mortality associated with the procedures and there was only one post-surgical complication, a urinary tract infection in one patient operated on by the transvaginal approach. The mean follow up was the same in both groups (9 months). The mean hospital stay was less than 0.8 days in both groups. The duration of the surgery was longer in the transvaginal approach group, with a mean of 69.5 min, compared to 46.2 min in the laparoscopy group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the cosmetic benefit is obvious, no differences were found as regards parietal problems in this series. The duration of the transvaginal surgery is higher than that of the transparietal, but the times of both are acceptable. In this study, the non-inferiority in the safety and efficacy of the transvaginal approach is able to be assessed.