Minimal invasive surgery for left colectomy adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic: laparoscopic intracorporeal resection and anastomosis, a 'don't touch the bowel' technique.

AIM: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced surgeons to adapt their standard procedures. The modifications introduced are designed to favour minimally invasive surgery. The positive results obtained with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in the right colon and rectum prompt us to adapt these procedures to the left colon. We describe a 'don't touch the bowel' technique and outline the benefits to patients of the use of less surgically aggressive techniques and also to surgeons in terms of the lower emission of aerosols that might transmit the COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This was an observational study of intracorporeal resection and anastomosis in left colectomy. We describe the technical details of intracorporeal resection, end-to-end stapled anastomosis and extraction of the specimen through mini-laparotomy in the ideal location. RESULTS: We present preliminary results of 17 patients with left-sided colonic pathologies, 15 neoplasia and two diverticular disease, who underwent four left hemicolectomies, six sigmoidectomies and seven high anterior resections. Median operating time was 186 min (range 120-280). No patient required conversion to extracorporeal laparoscopy or open surgery. Median hospital stay was 4.7 days (range 3-12 days). There was one case of anastomotic leak managed with conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Intracorporeal resection and end-to-end anastomosis with the possibility of extraction of the specimen by a mini-laparotomy in the ideal location may present benefits and also adapts well to the conditions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Future comparative studies are needed to demonstrate these benefits with respect to extracorporeal anastomosis.

Is Local Resection of Anal Canal Tumors Feasible with Transanal Endoscopic Surgery?

BACKGROUND: An important drawback of local surgery for lesions in the anal canal is the difficulty of achieving en bloc full-thickness resections. The aim of this study is to evaluate TEM/TEO in lesions of this type from the point of view of morbidity, mortality and the quality of the pathology specimen. METHODS: This is an observational study with prospective data collection from June 2004 to July 2018. Two groups are defined: group A (rectal tumors with proximal margin between 0 and ≤4 cm from anal verge) and group B (distal margin > 4 cm from anal verge). A technical description is provided; resections and postoperative complications in both groups are compared. RESULTS: During the study period, 757 patients underwent TEM/TEO. Finally, 692 patients were included, 192 patients in group A and 500 patients in group B. An en bloc surgical specimen was obtained in 176/192 patients (91.7%), although the defect was completely sutured in 132 (68.8%). In the comparative analysis, group A did not present significantly greater fragmentation of the resected piece [16/192 (8.3%) vs. 36/500 (7.2%), p = 0.630], although group A was associated with greater involvement of the surgical margin [28/192 (14.6%), 32/500 (6.4%), p = 0.001] and clinically relevant morbidity [16/192 (8.3%), 20/500 (4%), p = 0.034]. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TEM/TEO to remove lesions originating in the anal canal is feasible. But we have to take into account that there is an increase in complications, technical difficulties and affected margins resection.

Perforation in the peritoneal cavity during transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal tumors: a real surgical complication with a challenging prognosis?

BACKGROUND: Perforation in the peritoneal cavity during transanal endoscopic microsurgery represents a major challenge. It is usually treated by primary suture, though some authors propose laparoscopic repair with or without ostomy. It is unclear whether perforation increases the risk of tumor dissemination. AIM: The purpose of the study is to assess the safety of primary suture of peritoneal perforation and the long-term risk of dissemination, also, to determine risk factors for perforation and to propose a predictive model for lesions with risk of perforation. METHOD: This is an observational study with prospective data collection at Parc Taulí University Hospital, Sabadell, of patients undergoing transanal surgery with perforation into the peritoneal cavity from June 2004 to September 2017. The main variable is postoperative morbidity and mortality. The long-term follow-up of local recurrence and peritoneal tumor dissemination is described, and a quantitative predictive model for peritoneal cavity perforation is proposed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients out of 686 (6.6%) presented perforation into the peritoneal cavity. Ten patients (22.2%) in the perforation group had morbidity, a rate similar to the non-perforated group. There was no peritoneal dissemination in patients with adenoma or with carcinoma treated with curative intent. In the quantitative predictive model, risk factors for perforation were proximal edge of tumor > 14 cm from anal verge (6 points), size ≥ 6 cm (2), age ≥ 85 years (4), anterior quadrant (3) , and sex (2). Total scores of ≥ 6 points predicted perforation. CONCLUSIONS: Primary suture after peritoneal cavity perforation during transanal surgery is safe and does not increase the risk of recurrence or peritoneal dissemination. Our predictive model provides guidance regarding the risk of perforation and the need to suture the defect after transanal surgery resection.

Morbidity after transanal endoscopic microsurgery: risk factors for postoperative complications and the design of a 1-day surgery program.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive procedure with low morbidity. The definition of risk factors for postoperative complications would help to identify the patients likely to require more care and surveillance in an ambulatory or 1-day surgery (A-OdS) program. The main endpoints are overall 30-day morbidity and relevant morbidity. The secondary objectives are to detect risk factors for complications, rehospitalization, and the time of occurrence of the postoperative complications, and to describe the adverse effects following hospitalization that the A-OdS program would avoid. METHODS: This is an observational study of consecutive patients undergoing TEM between June 2004 and December 2016. Overall and relevant morbidity based on the Clavien-Dindo (Cl-D) classification were recorded, as were demographic, preoperative, surgical, and pathology variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors were carried out. RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety patients underwent surgery, of whom 639 were included in the study. Overall morbidity rate was 151/639 patients (23.6%); the clinically relevant morbidity rate was 36/639 (Cl-D > II) (5.6%) and mortality 2/639 (0.3%). The most frequent complication was rectal bleeding, recorded in 16.9% (108/639 patients) and grade I in 86/108 patients (78. 9%). The period with the greatest risk of complications was the first 2 days. The rehospitalization rate after 48 h was 7%. The risk factors for complications were as follows: tumor size > 6 cm (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.8), anti-platelet medication (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-5.1), and surgeon's experience < 150 procedures (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1-4.1). CONCLUSIONS: TEM is a safe procedure. The low rates of morbidity, re-hospitalization, and postoperative complications in the first 2 days after surgery make the procedure suitable for A-OdS.

The Effectiveness of Contralateral Drainage in Reducing Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infection in Loop Ileostomy Closure: Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Loop ileostomy reduces the rates of morbidity due to colorectal anastomotic dehiscence. For its part, ileostomy closure is associated with low mortality (0-4%) but substantial morbidity (11-37%). Incisional surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent complications (2-40%). METHODS: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled clinical trial of two study groups: control (conventional primary skin closure) and experimental (primary skin closure with a contralateral Penrose® drain). RESULTS: Seventy patients undergoing loop ileostomy closure between April 2013 and June 2017 were included (35 per branch). Four were later removed from the study. Six of the remaining 66 patients (per protocol analysis) were diagnosed with incisional SSI (9.1%); there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (control group: 9.7%; experimental group: 8.6%) or between the risk factors associated with incisional SSI. Rates of overall and relevant morbidity (Clavien ≥ III) were considerable (28.1% and 9.1%, respectively), and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. No patients died. CONCLUSION: Contralateral drainage does not significantly affect the results of primary ileostomy closure. The rate of incisional SSI was similar in the drainage and non-drainage groups, and the overall rate of 9.1% was in the low range of those reported in the literature. The absence of mortality (0%) and the non-negligible rates of overall and relevant morbidity (28.1% and 9.1%, respectively) in our series suggest that loop ileostomy is a safe procedure. However, the bowel reconstruction involves risks that must be borne in mind. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered and approved by the clinical research ethics committee of the study center (reference number 2012076). Clinical trial was registered in ClinicalTrial.gov (identification number NCT02574702 and reference: ILEOS-ISS_2013).

Dissection of the inferior mesenteric vein versus of the inferior mesenteric artery for the genitourinary function after laparoscopic approach of rectal cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) is the standard surgical technique for the treatment of rectal cancer. However, rates of sexual dysfunction ofup to 50% have been described after TME, and rates of urinary dysfunction of up to 30%. Although other factors are involved, the main cause of postoperative genitourinary dysfunction is intraoperative injury to the pelvic autonomic nerves. The risk is particularly high in the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). The aim of this study is to compare pre- and post-TME sexual dysfunction, depending on the surgical approach usedin the inferior mesenteric vessels: either directly on the IMA, or from the inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) to the IMA. METHODS: Prospective, randomized,controlled study of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, who will be randomly assigned to one of two groups depending on the surgical approach to the inferior mesenteric vessels. The main variable is pre- and postoperative sexual dysfunction; secondary variables are visualization and preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves, pre- and postoperative urinary dysfunction, and pre- and postoperative quality of life. The sample will comprise 90 patients, 45 per group. DISCUSSION: The aim is to demonstrate that the dissection route from the IMV towards the IMA favors the preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves and thus reducesrates of sexual dysfunction post-surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Ethical and Clinical Research Committee, Parc Taulí University Hospital: ID 017/315. ClinicalTrials.gov TAU-RECTALNERV-PRESERV-2018 (TRN: NCT03520088 ) (Date of registration 04/03/2018).

Endorectal ultrasound in the identification of rectal tumors for transanal endoscopic surgery: factors influencing its accuracy.

Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) is considered the technique of choice for selecting patients for transanal endoscopic surgery (TEM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ERUS in patients with rectal tumors who later underwent TEM, and to analyze the factors that influence this accuracy. Observational study including prospective data collection of patients with rectal tumors undergoing TEM with curative intent between June 2004 and May 2016. Preoperative staging by EUS (uT) was correlated with the pathology results after TEM (pT). The accuracy of the EUS was evaluated and a series of variables (tumor morphology, height, lesion size, quadrant, definitive pathology, the surgeon assessing the ERUS, and waiting time from the date of the ERUS until surgery) were analyzed as possible predictors of diagnostic accuracy. Six hundred and fifty-one patients underwent TEM, of whom 495 met the inclusion criteria. The overall accuracy of EUS was 78%, sensitivity 83.78%, specificity 20%, PPV 91.3%, and NPV 11%. Forty patients (8.08%) were understaged and 50 (10.9%) were overstaged. In the multivariate analysis, the surgeon's experience emerged as the most important predictor of accuracy (p < 0.001; OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.681-4.512). The EUS was less accurate with larger lesions (p = 0.004; OR 0.219, 95% CI 0.137-0.349) and when the definitive diagnosis was adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001; OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.746-0.946). ERUS accuracy rates are variable and there is a possibility of understaging and overstaging that must be taken into consideration. This accuracy is dependent on the operator's experience as well on lesion size; in addition, it is lower for lesions shown to be cancers in the final pathology report.

Early discharge in Mild Acute Pancreatitis. Is it possible? Observational prospective study in a tertiary-level hospital.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In acute pancreatitis (AP), first 24 h are crucial as this is the period in which the greatest amount of patients presents an organ failure. This suggests patients with Mild AP (MAP) could be early identified and discharged. This is an observational prospective trial with the aim to demonstrate the safety of early discharge in Mild Acute Pancreatitis (MAP). METHODS: Observational prospective study in a third level single centre. Consecutive patients with AP from March 2012 to March 2014 were collected. INCLUSION CRITERIA: MAP, tolerance to oral intake, control of pain, C Reactive Protein <150 mg/dL and blood ureic nitrogen < 5 mg/dL in two samples. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: pregnant, lack of family support, active comorbidities, temperature and serum bilirubin elevation. Patients with MAP, who met the inclusion criteria, were discharged within the first 48 h. Readmissions within first week and first 30 days were recorded. Adverse effects related to readmissions were also collected. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventeen episodes were collected of whom 250 patients were diagnosed with MAP. From these, 105 were early discharged. Early discharged patients presented a 30-day readmission rate of 15.2% (16 patients out of 105) corresponding to the readmission rates in Acute Pancreatitis published to date. Any patient presented adverse effects related to readmissions. CONCLUSION: Early discharge in accurately selected patients with MAP is feasible, safe and efficient and leads to a decrease in median stay with the ensuing savings per process and with no increase in readmissions or inmorbi-mortality.

Multicentre, controlled, randomized clinical trial to compare the efficacy and safety of ambulatory treatment of mild acute diverticulitis without antibiotics with the standard treatment with antibiotics.

PURPOSE: Acute diverticulitis (AD) is a highly prevalent disease in Spain. Its chronic-recurrent appearance and high rate of relapse mean that it has a major epidemiological and economic impact on our health system. In spite of this, it has not been studied in any great depth. Reassessing its etiopathology, recent studies have observed that it is an inflammatory disease-not, as classic theories had postulated, an infectious one. In the light of these findings, the suitability of antibiotics for its treatment has been reconsidered. At present, however, the evidence for incorporating these findings into clinical practice guidelines remains insufficient. METHODS: This study was designed to analyse the safety and efficacy of a non-antibiotic treatment for mild AD. Patients with mild AD (grade 0 in the modified Neff classification) who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of two outpatient treatment strategies: (a) classical treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and low-fibre diet) or (b) experimental treatment (anti-inflammatories and low-fibre diet). Clinical controls will be performed at 2, 7, 30, and 90 days. We will determine whether there are any differences in the clinical outcome between groups. The main objective is to demonstrate that antibiotics neither accelerate the resolution of the disease nor decrease the number of complications and/or recurrences in these patients, suggesting that their use may be unnecessary. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this trial will help to optimize and homogenize the treatment of this highly prevalent disease. However, more studies are required before firm changes can be introduced in international clinical practice guidelines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial has been registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov database (ID: NCT02785549) and the EU Clinical Trials Register database (EudraCT number: 2016-001596-75).

Influence of delayed cholecystectomy after acute gallstone pancreatitis on recurrence. Consequences of lack of resources.

INTRODUCTION: Acute pancreatitis is often a relapsing condition, particularly when its triggering factor persists. Our goal is to determine the recurrence rate of acute biliary pancreatitis after an initial episode, and the time to relapse, as well as to identify the risk factors for recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We included all patients admitted for a first acute gallstone pancreatitis event during four years. Primary endpoints included readmission for recurrence and time to relapse. RESULTS: We included 296 patients admitted on a total of 386 occasions. The incidence of acute biliary pancreatitis in our setting is 17.5/100,000 population/year. In all, 19.6% of pancreatitis were severe (22.6% of severe acute pancreatitis for first episodes versus 3.6% for recurring pancreatitis), with an overall mortality of 4.4%. Overall recurrence rate was 15.5%, with a median time to relapse of 82 days. In total, 14.2% of patients relapsed after an acute pancreatitis event without cholecystectomy or endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography. Severe acute pancreatitis recur in 7.2% of patients, whereas mild cases do so in 16.3%, this being the only risk factor for recurrence thus far identified. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted for pancreatitis should undergo cholecystectomy as soon as possible or be guaranteed priority on the waiting list. Otherwise, endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography with sphincterotomy may be an alternative to surgery for selected patients.

Surgical electronic logbook: A step forward.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical electronic logbook (surgical e-logbook) aims to: simplify registration of the training activities of surgical residents, and to obtain reliable and detailed reports about these activities for resident evaluation. METHODS: The surgical e-logbook is a unique and shared database. Residents prospectively record their activities in 3 areas: surgical, scientific and teaching. We can access activity reports that are constantly updated. RESULTS: Study period using the surgical e-logbook: Between June 2011 and May 2013. Number of surgeries reported: 4,255. Number of surgical procedures reported: 11,907. Number of surgeries per resident per year reported: 250. Number of surgical procedures per resident per year reported: 700. Surgical activity as a primary surgeon during the first year of residency is primarily in emergency surgery (68,01%) and by laparotomy (97,73%), while during the fifth year of residency 51,27% is performed in elective surgery and laparoscopy is used in 23,10% of cases. During this period, residents participated in a total of 11 scientific publications, 75 conference presentations and 69 continuing education activities. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical e-logbook is a useful tool that simplifies the recording and analysis of data about surgical and scientific activities of the residents. It is a step forward in the evaluation of the training of surgical residents, however, is only an intermediate step towards the development of a larger Spanish registry.

Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of complex benign colonic polyps (CELS): Observational study.

PURPOSE: Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS) has emerged as a promising method for managing complex benign lesions that would otherwise require major colonic resection. The aim of this study was to describe the different techniques and to evaluate the safety of CELS, assess its outcomes in a technique that is scarcely widespread in our environment. METHOD: Observational retrospective study, short-term outcomes of patients undergoing CELS for benign colon polyps from October 2018 to June 2020 were evaluated. Postoperative outcomes, length of hospital stay and pathological findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventeen consecutive patients underwent CELS during the study period. The median size of the lesion was 3.5 cm (range 2.5-6.5 cm), the most frequent location was the cecum (10 from 17). Most patients treated with CELS underwent an endoscopic-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (11 from 17). In four patients this resection was combined with another CELS technique, and two patients underwent an endoscopic-assisted laparoscopic segment resection. The success rate of CELS in our series was in 14 from 17 (82.4%). The median operative time was 85 min (range 50-225 min). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-15 days). One patient experienced an organ/space surgical site infection which did not require further intervention. Four lesions were shown to be malignant by postoperative pathology study. CONCLUSION: CELS is a safe and multidisciplinar technique that requires collaboration between gastroenterologists and surgeons. It can be considered as an alternative to colonic resection for complex benign colonic polyps.

Management of intra- and postoperative complications during TEM/TAMIS procedures: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe procedure and the rates of intra- and postoperative complications are low. The information in the literature on the management of these complications is limited, and so their importance may be either under- or overestimated (which may in turn lead to under- or overtreatment). The present article reviews the most relevant series of TEM procedures and their complications and describes various approaches to their management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic review of the literature, including TEM series of more than 150 cases each. We analyzed the population characteristics, surgical variables and intraoperative and postoperative complications. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 1043 records were found. After review, 1031 were excluded. The review therefore includes 12 independent cohorts of TEM procedures with a total of 4395 patients. The rate of perforation into the peritoneal cavity was 5.1%, and conversion to abdominal approach was required in 0.8% of cases. The most frequent complications were acute urinary retention (AUR, 4.9%) and rectal bleeding (2.2%). Less common complications included abscesses (0.99%) and rectovaginal fistula (0.62%). Mortality rates were low, with a mean value of 0.29%. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness and knowledge of TEM complications and their management can play an important role in their treatment and patient safety. Here, we present a review of the most important TEM series and their complication rates and describe various approaches to their management.

How to Learn a Complex Endoscopic Procedure: Knots in Transanal Endoscopic Surgery: Different Skill Among Surgeons.

PURPOSE: The intrarectal suture is considered a high technically complex procedure. The study's objectives were to assess the feasibility of making an intrarectal knot, through an in vitro study and assessing whether the video tutorial facilitates learning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A detailed description of the technique. A comparative observational cross-sectional study in surgeons with no previous experience in intrarectal knots. RESULTS: Twenty-one of these 32 participants passed the intrarectal knot test without video tutorial (T1) (65.6%), and 26 (81.2%) after the video tutorial (T2) (P=0.26). The mean time taken to tie the knot fell from 74 seconds (SD=46) in T1 to 41 seconds (SD=41) in T2 (P<0.001). At T1, 26 participants (81.3%) described the technique as difficult, but only 7 (21.9%) at T2 (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Performing the intrarectal knot suture is feasible. Despite the technical difficulty, the video tutorial is sufficient for surgeons to learn the technique.

Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of complex benign colonic polyps (CELS): observational study. / Cirugía endoscópica y laparoscópica combinada para el tratamiento de pólipos de colon benignos complejos (CELS): estudio observacional.

PURPOSE: Combined endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery (CELS) has emerged as a promising method for managing complex benign lesions that would otherwise require major colonic resection. The aim of this study was to describe the different techniques and to evaluate the safety of CELS, assess its outcomes in a technique that is scarcely widespread in our environment. METHOD: Observational retrospective study, short-term outcomes of patients undergoing CELS for benign colon polyps from October 2018 to June 2020 were evaluated. Postoperative outcomes, length of hospital stay and pathological findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Seventeen consecutive patients underwent CELS during the study period. The median size of the lesion was 3.5 cm (range 2.5 - 6.5 cm), the most frequent location was the cecum (10 from 17). Most patients treated with CELS underwent an endoscopic-assisted laparoscopic wedge resection (11 from 17). In four patients this resection was combined with another CELS technique, and two patients underwent an endoscopic-assisted laparoscopic segment resection. The success rate of CELS in our series was in 14 from 17 (82,4%). The median operative time was 85 min (range 50-225 min). The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-15 days). One patient experienced an organ/space surgical site infection which did not require further intervention. Four lesions were shown to be malignant by postoperative pathology study. CONCLUSION: CELS is a safe and multidisciplinar technique that requires collaboration between gastroenterologists and surgeons. It can be considered as an alternative to colonic resection for complex benign colonic polyps.

Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery: An Alternative Perineal Approach to Treat Rectal Prolapse: A Video Vignette.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy is the most favored surgical treatment for rectal prolapse. Perineal approaches are recommended for frail patients and those with major comorbidities, and in young men to avoid genitourinary disorders. There are very few descriptions in the literature of transanal endoscopic surgery to treat complete rectal prolapse. The aim of this article is to describe our experience with this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing transanal endoscopic surgery for rectal prolapse repair between 2010 and 2019 were recruited for the study. Preoperative, surgical, and postoperative variables were recorded. Surgical technique, 30-day morbidity and follow-up are described. RESULTS: Five patients have been included. The postoperative period was uneventful and all patients were discharged in 48 hours without complications. All showed improved symptoms at 1-year control, and none presented recurrence in a mean follow-up period of 6 years. CONCLUSIONS: The transanal endoscopic procedure allows improved endoscopic vision, and the reconstruction is performed transpelvically by fixing the anastomosis suture to the pelvic wall to prevent recurrence. Therefore, we think it is a valid alternative to other perineal procedures in patients in whom abdominal surgery is contraindicated.

Urinary catheter in colorectal surgery: current practices and improvements in order to allow prompt removal. A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the publication of the guidelines for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), attitudes to urinary catheter (UC) management vary widely in colorectal surgery. The aim of the present study was to define current practices in UC management in colorectal surgery. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study carried out in March-April 2019, based on the responses to a survey administered to public hospitals in Catalonia. Respondents were asked about their observance of ERAS programs, the percentage of laparoscopic procedures performed, and the time of UC withdrawal in surgery of the colon and rectum. RESULTS: Forty-three of 45 hospitals contacted eventually responded (95.6%). As two hospitals reported that they did not perform colorectal surgery, the study is based on the results from 41 centers. Thirty-five (85.4%) reported following ERAS programs; 30 (73.2%) have coloproctology units, and 39 (95.1%) perform more than 70% of colorectal surgeries by laparoscopy. In colon surgery, 27 (65.9%) remove the UC at 24 h, and 12 (29.3%) on day 2 or day 3. In rectal surgery, 17 (58.6%) remove the UC on day 2-3. CONCLUSIONS: Management of UC in colon and rectal surgery varies widely. There is clearly room for improvement in UC management, but needs to be thoroughly assessed in randomized multicenter studies.

Multidisciplinary management and optimization of frail or high surgical risk patients in colorectal cancer surgery: Prospective observational analysis. / Manejo multidisciplinar y optimización del paciente oncofrágil o de elevado riesgo quirúrgico en cirugía del cáncer colorrectal. Análisis observacional prospectivo.

INTRODUCTION: Frailty is associated with greater postoperative morbidity and mortality. Individualized multidisciplinary management of these patients can improve the quality of care. The objectives of this study are to determine the percentage of frail patients with colorectal cancer in our population, and to describe the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery and the evolution of palliative treatment. METHODS: A prospective, observational study of patients with surgical colorectal cancer (February 1, 2018-April 30, 2019). Frail patients were screened and classified according to degrees of frailty. Therapeutic decision-making (surgery or palliative treatment) was determined by the degree of fragility and explicit will of the patient. Postoperative comorbidities were analyzed (according to Clavien-Dindo and Comprehensive Complication Index), as were mortality and oncological follow-up. RESULTS: The study included 193 patients with surgical colorectal cancer, with a mean age of 74 years (44-92). Screening identified 46 frail patients (24%), with a mean age of 80 years (57-92). Twenty-two patients were optimized and underwent surgery (48%), with a mean age of 78 years (57-89). Relevant adverse effect rate was 27.7% (4 grade iva adverse effects, one ivb and one v, according to Clavien-Dindo). Comprehensive Complication Index was 17.5. Palliative treatment was administered in 24 patients (52%), with a mean age of 82 years (59-92). Mean follow-up was 7.8 months. There were 2 deaths due to disease progression (8.3%), 5 re-consultations due to complications of colorectal cancer (20.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary and individualized management of frail patients with colorectal cancer is key to improve the quality of care in the treatment of this patient group.

Is obesity a factor of surgical difficulty in transanal endoscopic surgery?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) in obese patients. METHODS: Observational descriptive study evaluating the feasibility of TES in obese rectal tumors between June 2004 and January 2019. Patients were assigned to two groups: body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2, the latter defined as obese. RESULTS: From 775 patients, 681 were enrolled in the study, 145 (21.3%) of them obese. No statistically significant differences between groups were found with respect to overall morbidity (27, 18.6%).The obese patients presented trends towards shorter mean surgical time (65 min, IQR 48 min), less perforation in the peritoneal cavity (eight, 5.5%), and 133 (91.7%) presented a lower rate of lesion fragmentation. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes in obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). TES in those obese patients does not represent a factor of surgical difficulty.

TEO-Transanal Intersphincteric Intramesorectal and Laparoscopic Approach in Proctosigmoidectomy for Benign Disease.

PURPOSE: Completion proctectomy is the traditional approach in the rectal stump remaining after subtotal colectomy for benign disease. It is associated with high morbidity and urinary and sexual dysfunction. To reduce this risk, a minimally invasive approach is presented, intersphincteric intramesorectal proctosigmoidectomy by transanal endoscopic operation and laparoscopy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had undergone total or subtotal colectomy for benign disease, those with a rectosigmoid stump who had rejected intestinal reconstruction and with refractory symptoms or risk of degeneration were selected. The technique proposed and the morbidity outcomes are described. RESULTS: Three patients underwent this minimally invasive approach, operative time was 130 to 150 minutes. The median postoperative hospital stay was 6.6 days. Genitourinary and sexual tests performed in the male patient showed no dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: This minimally invasive technique, with intersphincteric resection and dissection close to the rectal wall, theoretically reduces morbidity and the damage to the autonomic pelvic nerves.