Significance of Comprehensive Analysis of Preoperative Sarcopenia Based on Muscle Mass, Muscle Strength, and Physical Function for the Prognosis of Patients with Esophageal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The assessment of muscle mass loss, muscle strength, and physical function has been recommended in diagnosing sarcopenia. However, only muscle mass has been assessed in previous studies. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of comprehensively diagnosed preoperative sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer. METHODS: The study analyzed 115 patients with esophageal cancer (age ≥ 65 years) who underwent curative esophagectomy. Preoperative sarcopenia was analyzed using the skeletal mass index (SMI), handgrip strength, and gait speed based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria. Clinicopathologic factors, incidence of postoperative complications, and overall survival (OS) were compared between the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. The significance of the three individual parameters also was evaluated. RESULTS: The evaluation identified 47 (40.9%) patients with low SMI, 31 (27.0%) patients with low handgrip strength, and 6 (5.2%) patients with slow gait speed. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 23 patients (20%) and associated with older age and advanced pT stage. The incidence of postoperative complications did not differ significantly between the two groups. Among the three parameters, only slow gait speed was associated with Clavien-Dindo grade 2 or greater complications. The sarcopenia group showed significantly worse OS than the non-sarcopenia group. Those with low handgrip strength tended to have worse OS, and those with slow gait speed had significantly worse OS than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative sarcopenia diagnosed using skeletal muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical function may have an impact on the survival of patients with esophageal cancer.

The clinical significance of the lymph node ratio as a recurrence indicator in ampullary cancer after curative pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of the lymph node ratio (LNR), the number of metastatic lymph nodes per dissected lymph node, has not been sufficiently clarified in ampullary cancer. METHODS: Among patients diagnosed histopathologically with ampullary cancer between 1980 and 2018, the study included 106 who underwent pathological radical resection by pancreaticoduodenectomy. The relationships between the LNR and metastatic lymph node sites and prognosis were examined. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis revealed that sex and lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors. In the 46 patients (43%) with metastatic lymph nodes, the LNR in the recurrence group was significantly higher than that in the non-recurrence group (0.15 ± 0.11 vs. 0.089 ± 0.071, p = 0.025). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the LNR cut-off value, 0.07 (area under the curve = 0.70, sensitivity 81%, specificity 56%), was a significant indicator for recurrence (22% vs. 61%, p = 0.016) and prognosis (5-year survival: 48% vs. 83%, p = 0.028). Among the metastatic lymph node sites in the 46 positive cases, lymph node metastases developed from the peripancreatic head region (80%, 37/46) to the superior mesenteric artery (33%, 15/46) and para-aortic (11%, 5/46) regions. CONCLUSION: Lymph node metastasis is an independent prognostic factor, and the LNR is a significant indicator for recurrence and prognosis in patients with ampullary cancer.

Clinical Impact of Early Tumour Shrinkage in Metastatic or Unresectable Oesophageal Cancer Treated with Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic or unresectable locally advanced oesophageal cancer remains a disease with high mortality. More recently, pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy has been indicated as the first-line treatment for those patients, but the predictive factors for treatment efficacy remain controversial. This study investigated the clinical utility of early tumour shrinkage (ETS) and depth of response (DpR) in metastatic or unresectable oesophageal cancer treated with pembrolizumab plus CF therapy. METHODS: ETS and DpR, defined as the percent decreases at the second evaluation and the percentage of the maximal tumour shrinkage during treatment, were measured in 53 eligible patients. The ETS and DpR cut-off values were 20% and 30%, respectively, based on survival outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (51%) were treatment-naïve, while 26 (49%) had received any treatment before initiating pembrolizumab plus CF therapy. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for ETS ≥20% and <20% were 12.7 and 5.5 months and 14.4 and 8.2 months, and 12.7 and 4.9 months and 14.4 and 8.0 months for DpR ≥30% and <30%, respectively. ETS <20% showed early tumour growth, whereas ETS ≥20% had a good response rate with sufficient longer response duration. In addition, an ETS cut-off of 20% predicted the best overall response and was not associated with prior treatment. In multivariable analysis, ETS ≥20% and DpR ≥30% were independent factors of longer PFS. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that an ETS is a promising on-treatment marker for early prediction of further sensitivity to pembrolizumab plus CF therapy.

[A Case of Advanced Gastric Cancer in Which Tumor Relapse Was Observed after Discontinuation of Nivolumab Due to Complete Response, and for Which Re-Administration Was Initiated].

A 61-year-old male was diagnosed with unresectable advanced gastric cancer(cT4b[SI; panc], N+, M0, cStage ⅣA). However he was administered S-1 plus oxaliplatin as a primary treatment and ramucirumab plus paclitaxel as a secondary treatment, the primary tumor and lymph nodes were enlarged. We judged PD and switched to the third-line treatment with nivolumab. After starting nivolumab, both the primary tumor and the lymph nodes shrank, and the PET-CT scan after 24 courses showed no FDG accumulation in the primary tumor or lymph nodes, so we judged the response as CR. The patient requested discontinuation of nivolumab, and nivolumab administration was stopped. Twenty months later after nivolumab administration was discontinued, CT scan showed re-growth of the primary tumor, and nivolumab administration was resumed. After resumption, he received 22 courses of nivolumab for 10 months with maintenance of SD.

Comparison of clinical outcomes of single-incision versus multi-port laparoscopic surgery for descending colon cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for descending colon cancer (DCC) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SILS for DCC compared with multi-port laparoscopic surgery (MPLS). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 137 consecutive patients with stage I-III DCC who underwent SILS or MPLS at two high-volume multidisciplinary tertiary hospitals between April 2008 and December 2018, using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: After propensity score-matching, we enrolled 88 patients (n = 44 in each group). SILS was successful in 97.7% of the matched cohort. Compared with the MPLS group, the SILS group showed significantly less blood loss and a greater number of harvested lymph nodes. Morbidity rates were similar between groups. Recurrence pattern did not differ between groups. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of 3-year disease-free and overall survivals. CONCLUSION: SILS appears safe and feasible and can provide satisfactory oncological outcomes for patients with DCC.

Impact of antithrombotic agents on short-term outcomes following minimally invasive colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether minimally invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery under the suitable management of perioperative antithrombotic therapy (ATT) is safe and feasible in patients treated with chronic ATT. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ATT on short-term outcomes following minimally invasive CRC surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1495 consecutive patients who underwent elective minimally invasive CRC surgery between 2011 and 2021, using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 230 patients had chronically received ATT. After propensity score matching, we enrolled 412 patients (n = 206 in each group). Before matching, significant group-dependent differences were observed in terms of sex (p < 0.01), age (p < 0.01), American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status (p < 0.01), body mass index (p < 0.01), and pathological N classification (p = 0.03). The frequencies of overall postoperative complications, bleeding events, and thromboembolic events were significantly higher in the ATT group than in the Non-ATT group (p < 0.01). After matching, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of clinical or surgical characteristics, or in terms of the frequency of overall postoperative complications, bleeding events, thromboembolic events, length of postoperative stay, or any other postoperative complication. Multivariate analysis identified no significant risk factors for postoperative bleeding events or severe postoperative complications associated with ATT. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with chronic ATT showed acceptable short-term outcomes for minimally invasive CRC surgery compared with those not receiving ATT. Minimally invasive CRC surgery appears safe and feasible under the suitable management of perioperative ATT regardless of whether the patient has a history of ATT.

Impact of prior abdominal surgery on short-term outcomes following laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Whether laparoscopic surgery after prior abdominal surgery (PAS) is safe and feasible for colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of PAS on short-term outcomes following laparoscopic CRC surgery. METHODS: We performed retrospective analysis used propensity score-matched analysis to reduce the possibility of selection bias. Participants comprised 1284 consecutive patients who underwent elective laparoscopic CRC surgery between 2010 and 2020. Patients were divided into two groups according to PAS. Patients with PAS were then matched to patients without these conditions. Short-term outcomes were evaluated between groups in the overall cohort and matched cohort, and risk factors for conversion to laparotomy and severe postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, we enrolled 762 patients (n = 381 in each group). Before matching, significant group-dependent differences were observed in sex, age, primary tumor site, pathological (p) T stage, and type of procedure. No significant difference was found between groups in terms of rate of conversion to laparotomy, estimated blood loss, rate of extended resection, length of postoperative stay, and postoperative complications. After matching, estimated operative time was significantly longer in the PAS group (p = 0.01). Significant differences were found between groups in terms of reason for conversion to laparotomy. Multivariate analyses identified significant risk factors for conversion to laparotomy as pT stage ≥ 3 (odds ratio [OR] 2.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-5.26) and body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 (OR 3.56; 95% CI 1.07-11.7). Multivariate analyses identified rectum in the primary tumor site as the only significant risk factor for severe postoperative complications (OR 2.37; 95% CI 1.08-5.20). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic CRC surgery after PAS showed acceptable short-term outcomes compared to Non-PAS. The laparoscopic approach appears safe and feasible for CRC regardless of whether the patient has a history of PAS.

Vascular variants in laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with central vascular ligation for right colon cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the right colic vascularity, focusing on the confluences of veins. METHODS: The subjects of this retrospective study were 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy (Lap-ERHC) between April 2015 and September 2020, at our hospitals. Veins draining into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) included the ileocecal vein (ICV), the right colic vein (RCV), the middle colic vein (MCV), and the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GCT). Veins draining into vessels other than the SMV were defined as accessory colic veins (aICV, aRCV or aMCV). RESULTS: The GCT, aRCV, and aMCV were found in 86, 89, and 15 patients, respectively. In 66 patients with one aRCV, drainage was split as the anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal vein (ASPDV) in 12, the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) in 7, and the GCT in 47. In 23 patients with two aRCVs, drainage was split as the ASPDV in 4, the RGEV in 1, the GCT in 11, and the ASPDV and GCT in 7. In 14 patients with one aMCV, drainage was split as the GCT in 8, the splenic vein in 5, and the first jejunal vein (FJV) in 1. One patient had two aMCVs, draining into the GCT and the FJV. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our evaluation of vascular anatomy, focusing on confluences of the colic veins, provides useful information for colorectal surgeons.

[A Case of Synchronous Secondary Lymph Node Metastasis in the Mesentery of the Ileum with cCR Achievement after Surgery for Sigmoid Colon Cancer].

A 71-year-old woman was hospitalized with loose stools and lightheadedness. She was subsequently diagnosed with sigmoid colon cancer for which we performed a laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy, small intestine partial resection, partial bladder resection, and open conversion. The intraoperative findings and histopathological analysis showed secondary lymph node metastasis in the mesentery of the ileum, and the surgery resulted in R2 resection. Chemotherapy(CAPOX plus Bev) was initiated thereafter, and the L-OHP and Bev were discontinued over time. A complete response was achieved at 1 year postoperative. Capecitabine alone was continued, and no signs of recurrence were noted at 2 years postoperative.

[A Resected Case of the Sigmoid Colon Cancer after the Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Which Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Method Was Useful for Evaluating the Blood Flow in the Colon].

A man in his 70s underwent an endovascular aneurysm repair(EVAR)for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Blood test revealed an anemia and an increased tumor marker. Enhanced computed tomography revealed the wall thickening in the sigmoid colon and the Type Ⅱ endoleak after EVAR. Colonoscopy showed the wall thickening in the sigmoid colon, and biopsy indicated a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma. We performed open sigmoid colectomy with D3 lymph node dissection and ileostomy. We performed intraoperative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence method for evaluating the blood flow in the colon before the high ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery and the creation of the anastomosis, and perfusion of the colon was visualized. He was discharged postoperative day 14, and was performed closure of ileostomy 5 months later. Intraoperative ICG fluorescence method was safety and useful for evaluating the blood flow in the colon.

[Outcome of Hepatectomies for Non-Colorectal Liver Metastases].

We performed 16 cases of non-colorectal liver metastasis resection(19 resections)between January 2011 and December 2021. Among the 16 cases, the primary lesions were as follows: gastric cancer in 7 cases; GIST in 2 cases; and neuroendocrine tumor, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer(acinic cell carcinoma), cholangiocarcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and leiomyosarcoma in 1 case each. The median time from primary lesion resection to the diagnosis of liver metastasis was 20.6 months. In cases of neuroendocrine tumors and renal cancer, hepatectomy was performed with a preoperative diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Four cases underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy, and 10 cases underwent anatomical liver resection. Postoperative chemotherapy was performed in 8 cases. Recurrence of liver metastasis was observed in 7 cases. One case of gastric cancer and 1 case of neuroendocrine tumor underwent repeat hepatectomy. The median relapse-free survival was 13.8 months, and the median overall survival was 55.7 months.

[A Case of Resection of Sigmoid Colon Metastasis from Pancreatic Cancer].

A 73-year-old man underwent distal pancreatectomy for invasive pancreatic ductal carcinoma in 2018. He showed stenosis of sigmoid colon due to recurrence of pancreatic cancer and received transverse colostomy in 2020. One year after initiation of gemcitabine monotherapy, he complained of abdominal pain. CT images and colonoscopy revealed accumulation of mucus in sigmoid colon due to stenotic lesions. Because conservative treatment using antibiotics was not effective, we performed sigmoidectomy. Histological examination revealed that tubular adenocarcinoma located mainly in the muscularis propria invaded into the colonic mucosa. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for CK7, and negative for CK20. We diagnosed sigmoid colon metastases of pancreatic cancer.

[Metachronous Ovarian Metastasis of Colorectal Cancer at Our Hospital].

Among the cases that underwent primary tumor resection(PTR)of colorectal cancer at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2020, we examined 6 cases that involved ovarian metastasis(OM)surgery. The period from PTR to recurrence of OM was 2-28 months. Bilateral oophorectomy or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 5 cases, and unilateral oophorectomy was performed in 1. The reasons for surgery were symptom development and progressive disease. The period from recurrence of OM to OM surgery was short, that of 0-6 months. In 5 cases, peritoneal dissemination and other distant metastases were observed during OM surgery; R0 resection was performed in 2 cases. Postoperative complications associated with OM surgery were not observed. The median time required from the day of OM surgery to the resumption of chemotherapy was 33 days, and it was possible to resume chemotherapy early. The median survival time after OM surgery was approximately 11 months, which is considered to be owing to the influence of complications of peritoneal dissemination and other distant metastases.

Evaluation of short- and long-term outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in elderly patients aged over 80 years old: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: It remains controversial whether the advantages of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) are beneficial in elderly patients (EP, age ≥ 80 years). The present study aimed to evaluate whether age itself is an independent risk factor for laparoscopic surgery by comparing short- and long-term outcomes between non-EP and EP groups. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 730 consecutive patients with stage I-III CRC who had undergone elective surgery between 2010 and 2017, using propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 49 months. After matching, we enrolled 228 patients. In the matched cohort, estimated operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node dissection ≥ D3, number of lymph nodes harvested < 12, conversion rate, multivisceral resection rate, postoperative complication rate, and length of postsurgical stay were similar between the two groups. Before matching, compared with the non-EP group, the EP group had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) (p < 0.01), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p < 0.01), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p < 0.01), and higher frequency of local recurrence (LR) (p = 0.01); however, there was no significant difference in terms of incidence of LR or CSS between the two groups in the matched cohort. Prior to matching, multivariate analysis identified age ≥ 80 years as an independent prognostic factor for OS (p < 0.01), CSS (p < 0.01), and RFS (p = 0.01); however, after matching, age ≥ 80 years was not an independent poor prognostic factor for OS or CCS. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery offers a safe, effective option for CRC in EP aged ≥ 80 years.

Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation using a right colon rotation technique (flip-flap method).

INTRODUCTION: Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation is technically challenging, and a standardized procedure is needed to minimize technical hazards. TECHNIQUE: As a first step, the hepatic flexure is mobilized from the duodenum, and the third part of the duodenum and pancreatic head was exposed. Next, the ileocecal vessels are divided at the root using a medial-to-lateral approach, and the cecum is separated from the retroperitoneal space. This process completes the mobilization of the right colon. In the second step, the omental bursa is opened, and the inferior border of the pancreas is exposed. The mobilized right colon is turned around to the left of the superior mesenteric vein, continuing to separate the mesentery from right to left side, and the right colic vessels are divided at the roots. The inverted right colon is restored to its original position, and the mesenteric fat is dissected along the left edge of the superior mesenteric artery to the inferior border of the pancreas. RESULTS: A total of 57 consecutive patients with advanced hepatic flexure colon cancer (n = 24) and transverse colon cancer (n = 33) underwent S-ERHC. The conversion rate to open surgery was 5.3%. Operative time, blood loss, and number of harvested lymph nodes were 232 min (interquartile range [IQR], 184-277 min), 5 mL (IQR, 5-66 mL), and 30 (IQR, 22-38), respectively. According to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the grade ≥ 2 complication rate was 10.5%. Median duration of hospitalization was 9 days (IQR, 7-13 days). CONCLUSIONS: Single-port laparoscopic extended right hemicolectomy using a right colon rotation technique is safe, feasible, and useful. This technique of repeating the inversion and restoration of the right colon may help avoid bleeding and damage to other organs and facilitate reliable lymph node dissection.

Oncological outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for pathological T4 colon cancer: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSES: Whether laparoscopic colectomy (LC) is safe and effective for patients with locally advanced T4 colon cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the oncological outcomes of LC and open colectomy (OC) for patients with pathological (p) T4 colon cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 151 consecutive patients with pT4M0 colon cancer who underwent curative surgery between 2010 and 2017 using a propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: After propensity score-matching, we enrolled 100 patients (n = 50 in each group). Median follow-up was 43.5 months. The conversion rate to laparotomy in this study was 5.5% for the entire patient cohort and 6.0% for the matched cohort. Compared to the OC group, the LC group showed reductions in estimated blood loss and length of postsurgical stay. Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ II and all-grade complication rates were significantly lower in the LC group than in the OC group. R0 resection was achieved in all patients with LC. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of overall, cancer-specific, recurrence-free survival, or incidence of local recurrence among the entire patient cohort and matched cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The oncological outcomes were similar between the LC and OC groups. LC offers a safe, feasible option for patients with pT4 colon cancer.

[A Case Report of Gastric Cancer with Long-Term Prognosis by Multidisciplinary Treatment].

The patient was a 55-year-old man. For gastric cancer with peritoneal dissemination and pyloric stenosis, gastrojejunostomy was performed and S-1 plus paclitaxel combination therapy was started. After confirming tumor shrinkage and negative peritoneal dissemination, pyloric gastrectomy was performed. Paclitaxel therapy was performed for 1 year after surgery, and the patient was followed up without systemic chemotherapy. Since the CA19-9 level increased 1 year and 8 months after gastrectomy, ramucirumab plus paclitaxel therapy and followed S-1 plus oxaliplatin therapy were performed. Two years and 6 months after gastrectomy, solitary metastasis of the paraportal lymph nodes was observed, and radiation therapy was introduced. One year later after radiation, lymph node metastasis of near the left common iliac artery was detected, and nivolumab therapy was performed. Although nivolumab was discontinued due to hepatic dysfunction, he is alive without recurrence, 7 years after gastrectomy. It could be important to judge treatment decision based on the evaluation of radiographic assessment, tumor markers and clinical symptoms.

[A Case of Cecal Cancer Directly Invading the Duodenum with a Mobile Cecum].

A 70-year-old man showing positive results for a fecal occult blood test was admitted to a local hospital. He was suspected of double cancer in the cecum and duodenum. While performing ileocolic and segmental duodenal resections, he was diagnosed with cecal cancer invading the duodenum, following which he underwent surgical intervention. The tumor directly invaded the duodenum because of the mobile cecum. This case of duodenal invasion by cecal cancer is atypical.

[A Case of Surgical Resection for Solitary Lymph Node Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma].

A 77-year-old man has undergone 5 times of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)and 5 times of radiofrequency ablation(RFA)for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)since 2015. In February 2019, serum tumor marker levels extremely increased and CT scan showed a 40 mm mass in hepatoduodenal ligament. Imaging study revealed that intrahepatic lesions of HCC were well controlled and the mass was diagnosed as solitary lymph node metastasis of HCC. We performed surgical resection of the lymph node. The patient discharged 8 days after the surgery. Histopathologicaly, the tumor was diagnosed as lymph node metastasis of HCC. The patient remains free from recurrence 14 months after surgery.

Prognostic impact of postoperative intra-abdominal infections after elective colorectal cancer resection on survival and local recurrence: a propensity score-matched analysis.

PURPOSE: Several authors have reported an association between anastomotic leak and/or intra-abdominal abscess and oncological survival and recurrence. However, no reports have investigated whether combining anastomotic leak/intra-abdominal abscess and positive drainage culture influences long-term oncological outcomes. Therefore, we defined these complications as postoperative intra-abdominal infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of postoperative intra-abdominal infections on long-term oncological outcomes after curative stage I-III colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 755 consecutive patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer undergoing curative surgery between 2010 and 2015 by performing a propensity score-matched analysis to reduce selection bias. RESULTS: Of the 755 patients, 62 were matched for postoperative intra-abdominal infections analyses. The median follow-up was 48 months. Compared with the non-infections group, the postoperative intra-abdominal infections group had a significantly shorter local recurrence-free survival (P = 0.01 prior to matching, and P = 0.05 after matching). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of overall, cancer-specific free, recurrence-free, or distant recurrence-free survival. However, multivariate analyses identified postoperative intra-abdominal infections as an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence-free survival (P = 0.04 prior to matching, and P = 0.03 after matching). CONCLUSIONS: In this matched-pair analysis comparing stage I-III colorectal cancer patients with and without postoperative intra-abdominal infections, postoperative intra-abdominal infections were associated with poor local recurrence-free survival, but not overall, cancer-specific free, recurrence-free, or distant recurrence-free survival.