Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery Outcomes Improved After National Training Program (LAPCO) for Specialists in England.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of The National Training Program for Lapco on the rate of laparoscopic surgery and clinical outcomes of cases performed by Lapco surgeons after completion of training. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Lapco provided competency-based supervised clinical training for specialist colorectal surgeons in England. METHODS: We compared the rate of laparoscopic surgery, mortality, and morbidity for colorectal cancer resections by Lapco delegates and non-Lapco surgeons in 3-year periods preceding and following Lapco using difference in differences analysis. The changes in the rate of post-Lapco laparoscopic surgery with the Lapco sign-off competency assessment and in-training global assessment scores were examined using risk-adjusted cumulative sum to determine their predictive clinical validity with predefined competent scores of 3 and 5 respectively. RESULTS: One hundred eight Lapco delegates performed 4586 elective colo-rectal resections pre-Lapco and 5115 post-Lapco while non-Lapco surgeons performed 72,930 matched cases. Lapco delegates had a 37.8% increase in laparoscopic surgery which was greater than non-Lapco surgeons by 20.9% [95% confidence interval (CI), 18.5-23.3, P < 0.001) with a relative decrease in 30-day mortality by -1.6% (95% CI, -3.4 to -0.2, P = 0.039) and 90-day mortality by -2.3% (95% CI, -4.3 to -0.4, P = 0.018). The change point of risk-adjusted cumulative sum was 3.12 for competency assessment tool and 4.74 for global assessment score whereas laparoscopic rate increased from 44% to 66% and 40% to 56%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lapco increased the rate of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery and reduced mortality and morbidity in England. In-training competency assessment tools predicted clinical performance after training.

Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection.

BACKGROUND: Benchmark comparisons in surgery allow identification of gaps in the quality of care provided. The aim of this study was to determine quality thresholds for high (HAR) and low (LAR) anterior resections in colorectal cancer surgery by applying the concept of benchmarking. METHODS: This 5-year multinational retrospective study included patients who underwent anterior resection for cancer in 19 high-volume centres on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 11 relevant postoperative variables at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months (for LAR). Benchmarks were calculated for two separate cohorts: patients without (ideal) and those with (non-ideal) outcome-relevant co-morbidities. Benchmark cut-offs were defined as the 75th percentile of each centre's median value. RESULTS: A total of 3903 patients who underwent HAR and 3726 who had LAR for cancer were analysed. After 3 months' follow-up, the mortality benchmark in HAR for ideal and non-ideal patients was 0.0 versus 3.0 per cent, and in LAR it was 0.0 versus 2.2 per cent. Benchmark results for anastomotic leakage were 5.0 versus 6.9 per cent for HAR, and 13.6 versus 11.8 per cent for LAR. The overall morbidity benchmark in HAR was a Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) score of 8.6 versus 14.7, and that for LAR was CCI® score 11.9 versus 18.3. CONCLUSION: Regular comparison of individual-surgeon or -unit outcome data against benchmark thresholds may identify gaps in care quality that can improve patient outcome.

Interprofessional conflict and conflict management in an educational setting.

Background: Whenever health professionals work together as a team, conflict is inevitable - some would argue even necessary. However, conflict can have negative effects on patient care, job satisfaction, personal wellness, and professional productivity. Purpose: This study aims to describe interprofessional conflicts in a hospital setting from the perspective of three groups of health science students. Methods: An online questionnaire survey collected data from 225 health science students (medicine, nursing, and social work) in Northern California (USA). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted resulting in seven central themes of conflict. Results: There are differences among health professional students in terms of how conflict is experienced and managed. Nursing students and medical students were more likely to take on the "victim" role when explaining their conflict, and their conflicts were more likely to be intra-professional. The most common cause of conflicts was related to hierarchy and power issues. The majority were dissatisfied with the way the conflict was resolved. Conclusions: Findings from this study can be used to design interprofessional curriculum to improve outcomes from conflicts and improve wellbeing, job satisfaction, and reduce patient turnover.

Erratum to: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Interactive Audit System: 10 Years' Experience with an International Web-Based Clinical and Research Perioperative Care Database.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1673357.].

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Interactive Audit System: 10 Years' Experience with an International Web-Based Clinical and Research Perioperative Care Database.

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a managed care program that has shown the ability to reduce complications following elective colorectal surgery. In 2006, the ERAS ® Society developed the ERAS ® Interactive Audit System (EIAS), which has allowed centers in over 20 countries to enter perioperative patient data to benchmark against international practice within the audit system and act as a stimulus for quality improvement. The de-identified patient data are coded in SQL (a relational database), stored on secure servers, and data governance aspects have been secured in all involved countries. A collaborative approach is undertaken within involved units toward research questions with published cohort data from the audit system having demonstrated the importance of overall compliance on improving patient outcomes and less cost of care. The EIAS has shown that collaborative clinical effort can drive quality improvement in a short time frame in an international context.

Perioperative risk prediction in the era of enhanced recovery: a comparison of POSSUM, ACPGBI, and E-PASS scoring systems in major surgical procedures of the colorectal surgeon.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine whether traditional risk models can accurately predict morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing major surgery by colorectal surgeons within an enhanced recovery program. METHODS: One thousand three hundred eighty patients undergoing surgery performed by colorectal surgeons in a single UK hospital (2008-2013) were included. Six risk models were evaluated: (1) Physiology and Operative Severity Score for the enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity (POSSUM), (2) Portsmouth POSSUM (P-POSSUM), (3) ColoRectal (CR-POSSUM), (4) Elderly POSSUM (E-POSSUM), (5) the Association of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) score, and (6) modified Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress Score (E-PASS). Model accuracy was assessed by observed to expected (O:E) ratios and area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Eleven patients (0.8%) died and 143 patients (10.4%) had a major complication within 30 days of surgery. All models overpredicted mortality and had poor discrimination: POSSUM 8.5% (O:E 0.09, AUC 0.56), P-POSSUM 2.2% (O:E 0.37, AUC 0.56), CR-POSSUM 7.1% (O:E 0.11, AUC 0.61), and E-PASS 3.0% (O:E 0.27, AUC 0.46). ACPGBI overestimated mortality in patients undergoing surgery for cancer 4.4% (O:E = 0.28, AUC = 0.41). Predicted morbidity was also overestimated by POSSUM 32.7% (O:E = 0.32, AUC = 0.51). E-POSSUM overestimated mortality (3.25%, O:E 0.57 AUC = 0.54) and morbidity (37.4%, O:E 0.30 AUC = 0.53) in patients aged ≥ 70 years and over. CONCLUSION: All models overestimated mortality and morbidity. New models are required to accurately predict the risk of adverse outcome in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery taking into account the reduced physiological and operative insult of laparoscopic surgery and enhanced recovery care.

A prospective case control study of functional outcomes and related quality of life after colectomy for neoplasia.

AIM: Our aim was to assess bowel function and its effect on overall quality of life (QOL) when compared to healthy controls after colectomy. METHODS: Patients undergoing resection of colorectal neoplasia were recruited pre-operatively and followed up at 6 and 12 months, to assess 'early' bowel function. Patients who underwent surgery 2 to 4 years previously were recruited for assessment of 'intermediate' bowel function. Healthy relatives were recruited as controls. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre and EQ-5D questionnaires were used to assess bowel function and QOL, respectively. Statistical assessment included regression analyses, parametric and non-parametric tests. The association between QOL and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre (MSKCC) scores was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were recruited for assessment of 'early' and 85 for 'intermediate' bowel function. There were 85 controls. Patients had a significantly higher number of bowel movements at each follow-up (p < 0.001). At 12 months after surgery, patients reported difficulty with gas-stool discrimination. The 'intermediate' group were found to have lower scores for flatus control (<0.001) and total frequency score (p 0.03), indicating worse function. Patients with higher total MSKCC scores, no symptoms of urgency and those able to control flatus reported better QOL (p 0.006, 0.007 and 0.005, respectively) at 6 and 12 months. Gas-stool differentiation and complete evacuation correlated with better QOL in the 'intermediate' bowel function group (p 0.02 and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Colonic resection adversely affects elements of bowel function up to 4 years after surgery. Good colonic function, represented by higher MSKCC scores, correlates with better QOL.

Core Outcomes for Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Consensus Study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of worldwide morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment is common, and there is a great need to improve the delivery of such care. The gold standard for evaluating surgery is within well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, the impact of RCTs is diminished by a lack of coordinated outcome measurement and reporting. A solution to these issues is to develop an agreed standard "core" set of outcomes to be measured in all trials to facilitate cross-study comparisons, meta-analysis, and minimize outcome reporting bias. This study defines a core outcome set for CRC surgery. METHODS AND FINDINGS: The scope of this COS includes clinical effectiveness trials of surgical interventions for colorectal cancer. Excluded were nonsurgical oncological interventions. Potential outcomes of importance to patients and professionals were identified through systematic literature reviews and patient interviews. All outcomes were transcribed verbatim and categorized into domains by two independent researchers. This informed a questionnaire survey that asked stakeholders (patients and professionals) from United Kingdom CRC centers to rate the importance of each domain. Respondents were resurveyed following group feedback (Delphi methods). Outcomes rated as less important were discarded after each survey round according to predefined criteria, and remaining outcomes were considered at three consensus meetings; two involving international professionals and a separate one with patients. A modified nominal group technique was used to gain the final consensus. Data sources identified 1,216 outcomes of CRC surgery that informed a 91 domain questionnaire. First round questionnaires were returned from 63 out of 81 (78%) centers, including 90 professionals, and 97 out of 267 (35%) patients. Second round response rates were high for all stakeholders (>80%). Analysis of responses lead to 45 and 23 outcome domains being retained after the first and second surveys, respectively. Consensus meetings generated agreement on a 12 domain COS. This constituted five perioperative outcome domains (including anastomotic leak), four quality of life outcome domains (including fecal urgency and incontinence), and three oncological outcome domains (including long-term survival). CONCLUSION: This study used robust consensus methodology to develop a core outcome set for use in colorectal cancer surgical trials. It is now necessary to validate the use of this set in research practice.

Low Muscularity and Myosteatosis Is Related to the Host Systemic Inflammatory Response in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the relationships between computed tomography (CT)-defined skeletal muscle parameters and the systemic inflammatory response (SIR) in patients with operable primary colorectal cancer (CRC). BACKGROUND: Muscle depletion is characterized by a reduced muscle mass (myopenia) and increased infiltration by inter- and intramuscular fat (myosteatosis). It is recognized as a poor prognostic indicator in patients with cancer, but the underlying factors remain unclear. METHODS: A total of 763 patients diagnosed with CRC undergoing elective surgical resection between 2006 and 2013 were included. Image analysis of CT scans was used to calculate Lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI), and mean muscle attenuation (MA). The SIR was quantified by the preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and albumin levels. Correlation and multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent relationships between patient SIR and muscle characteristics. RESULTS: Patients with NLR > 3 had significantly lower LSMI and lower MA than those with NLR < 3 [LSMI = 42.07 cmm vs 44.27 cmm (P = 0.002) and MA = 30.04 Hounsfield unit (HU) vs 28.36 HU (P = 0.016)]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high NLR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-2.45), P < 0.001] and low albumin [OR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.17-2.74), P = 0.007] were independent predictors of reduced muscle mass. High NLR was significantly related with a low mean MA and hence myosteatosis [OR = 1.60 (95% CI: 1.03-2.49), P = 0.038]. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight a direct association between myopenia, myosteatosis, and the host SIR in patients with operable CRC. A better understanding of factors that regulate muscle changes such as myopenia and myosteatosis may lead to the development of novel therapies that influence a more metabolically "healthy" skeletal muscle and potentially alter cancer outcomes.

Skeletal Muscle Changes After Elective Colorectal Cancer Resection: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Muscle depletion is a poor prognostic indicator in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, but there were no data assessing comparative temporal body composition changes following elective CRC surgery. We examined patient skeletal muscle index trajectories over time after surgery and determined factors that may contribute to those alterations. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CRC undergoing elective surgical resection between 2006 and 2013 were included in this study. Image analysis of serial computed tomography (CT) scans was used to calculate lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI). A multilevel mixed-effect linear regression model was applied using STATA (version 12.0) using the xtmixed command to fit growth curve models (GCM) for LSMI and time. RESULTS: In 856 patients, a total of 2136 CT images were analyzed; 856 (38.2 %) were preoperative. A quadratic GCM with random intercept and random slope for patients' LSMI was identified that demonstrated laparoscopy produces a positive change on the LSMI curve [estimate = 0.17 cm(2)/m(2), standard error (SE) 0.06 cm(2)/m(2); p = 0.03], whereas Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage III + IV disease contributed to a negative curve change (estimate = -0.19 cm(2)/m(2), SE 0.09 cm(2)/m(2); p = 0.03). Older age (p < 0.01), female gender (p < 0.01), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p < 0.01), and altered systemic inflammatory response [SIR] (p = 0.03) were factors significantly associated with lower values of LSMI over time. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing CRC surgery, laparoscopy and the absence of a significantly elevated SIR favored preservation and restoration of skeletal muscle, postoperatively. These emerging data may permit the development of new treatment protocols whereby monitoring and modification of body composition has therapeutic potential.

Body composition of the host influences dendritic cell phenotype in patients treated for colorectal cancer.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells that can acquire tumour antigens and initiate cytotoxic T cell reactions. Obesity has been proposed as a cause for tumours escaping immune surveillance, but few studies investigate the impact of other body composition parameters. We examined the relationship of DC phenotype with computer tomography (CT)-defined parameters in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). DCs were identified within peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry as HLA-DR positive and negative for markers of other cell lineages in 21 patients. Analysis of CT scans was used to calculate lumbar skeletal muscle index (LSMI) and mean muscle attenuation (MA). Positive correlation between the LSMI and expression of CD40 in all DCs (r = 0.45; p = 0.04) was demonstrated. The MA was positively correlated with scavenger receptor CD36 [all DCs (r = 0.60; p = 0.01) and myeloid DCs (r = 0.63; p < 0.01)]. However, the MA was negatively correlated with CCR7 expression in all DCs (r = -0.46, p = 0.03.) and with CD83 [all DCs (r = -0.63; p = 0.01) and myeloid DCs (r = -0.75; p < 0.01)]. There were no relationships between the fat indexes and the DC phenotype. These results highlight a direct relationship between muscle depletion and changes in stimulatory, migratory and fatty acid-processing potential of DC in patients with CRC.

The potential impact of local excision for T1 colonic cancer in elderly and comorbid populations: a decision analysis.

BACKGROUND: Population-based bowel cancer screening has resulted in increasing numbers of patients with T1 colonic cancer. The need for colectomy in this group is questioned due to the low risk of lymphatic spread and increased treatment morbidity, particularly for elderly, comorbid patients. This study examined the quality-of-life benefits and risks of endoscopic resection compared with results after colectomy, for low-risk and high-risk T1 colonic cancer. METHODS: Decision analysis using a Markov simulation model was performed; patients were managed with either endoscopic resection (advanced therapeutic endoscopy) or colectomy. Lesions were considered high risk according to accepted national guidelines. Probabilities and utilities (perception of quality of life) were derived from published data. Hypothetical cohorts of 65- and 80-year-old, fit and unfit patients with low-risk or high-risk T1 colonic cancer were studied. The primary outcome was quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) in life-years (QALYs). RESULTS: In low-risk T1 colonic neoplasia, endoscopic resection increases QALE by 0.09 QALYS for fit 65-year-olds and by 0.67 for unfit 80-year-olds. For high-risk T1 cancers, the QALE benefit for surgical resection is 0.24 QALYs for fit 65-year-olds and the endoscopic QALE benefit is 0.47 for unfit 80-year-olds. The model findings only favored surgery with high local recurrence rates and when quality of life under surveillance was perceived poorly. CONCLUSIONS: Under broad assumptions, endoscopic resection is a reasonable treatment option for both low-risk and high-risk T1 colonic cancer, particularly in elderly, comorbid patients. Exploration of methods to facilitate endoscopic resection of T1 colonic neoplasia appears warranted.

Active and passive compliance in an enhanced recovery programme.

INTRODUCTION: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a well-established and accepted practice following colorectal surgery and has been demonstrated to reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30-day morbidity. Despite evidence to support the individual elements on which the programme is based, there remains uncertainty as to how many and which of these are required to realise its benefits. Furthermore, elements of an ERAS programme might either precipitate or reflect recovery, in which case compliance could have a role in the improvement or prediction of outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidimensional prospective database of 799 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery within an established ERAS programme at a single institution was interrogated. After application of exclusion criteria, 614 patients were studied. The novel concept of 'active compliance' is introduced. An ERAS element is classified as 'active' if the participation of the patient is required to achieve its compliance. This contrasts with 'passive' compliance, where an intervention is delivered to the patient without their direct contribution. The short-term surgical outcomes of this cohort are reported with reference to ERAS protocol compliance. RESULTS: Compliance with the passive elements of the programme was higher than with the active elements. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrate that poor compliance with active but not passive elements of the programme was significantly associated with major morbidity. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis demonstrated active compliance to be a stronger predictor of both major morbidity (AUC 0.71 vs. AUC 0.56) and length of stay (AUC 0.83 vs. 0.57) when compared with passive compliance. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that poor active compliance may be a surrogate marker of morbidity which can be recognised in the early post-operative period. This implies the potential for timely diagnosis and intervention. This aspect of ERAS compliance is clinically relevant yet has achieved scant attention. Independent validation of our observations is required.

A multi-modal approach to training in laparoscopic colorectal surgery accelerates proficiency gain.

BACKGROUND: How to efficiently train and transfer skills in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is unclear. Errors are rarely avoidable during learning but may incur patient morbidity. Multi-modality training with a modular operative approach provides proficiency-based structured task-specific training in a sequential manner, fragmenting complex laparoscopic colorectal procedures by difficulty allowing more than one trainee to gain experience irrespective of prior experience. This study assessed multi-modality training and its effect on proficiency gain in laparoscopic colorectal fellows. METHODS: A prospective study of 750 consecutive laparoscopic colon and rectal resection training cases assessing proficiency gain using a modified direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) (behaviors-assessment) and weighted global modular attainment score (GMAS) (maneuvers-assessment) was carried out. Two mentors delivered training in a standardized format from 2008. Consequential intra-operative errors (requiring a corrective maneuver to permit further progression of the operation) were recorded. Eight Laparoscopic Fellows were assessed in six-month periods over 4 years. Primary outcome was proficiency gain measured by cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis with boot-strapping comparing weighted GMAS and modified DOPS assessment. Morbidity (Clavien-Dindo classification), and consequential errors were submitted to similar analysis to assess significant variations during the training period. RESULTS: Fellows were trained on over 100 laparoscopic colorectal resections in a six Fellowship month period. Proficiency gain was identifiable in the DOPS and GMAS with 32 (99 % CI 25-37) and 39 (99 % CI 32-44) cases, respectively. Two- versus single-mentor training improved proficiency gain 35 (99 % CI 30-43) versus 55 (99 % CI 50-60). Overall consequential error rate and major morbidity rate (CD III-IV) were stable over time at 25 and 8.7 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multi-modality training with modular operative training and technique standardization shortens the time to proficiency gain with low morbidity accepting an intra-operative consequential error rate of 25 %.

International expert consensus on endpoints for full-thickness laparoendoscopic colonic excision.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness laparoendoscopic excision has been reported for complex endoscopically unresectable colonic polyps. However, the endpoints used in these studies vary significantly and therefore making definitive conclusions regarding the novel procedure would be improved if a common data set were adopted. This study sought to define most appropriate endpoints that should be measured and reported for research on full-thickness laparoendoscopic excision of colonic polyps. METHODS: A Web-based Delphi Questionnaire was developed using a systematic literature review of reported endpoints. Outcomes were grouped into general, complication, technical and histopathology endpoints. International specialists in laparoscopic surgery, endoscopy and transanal endoscopic microsurgery were invited to participate. The questionnaire required prioritization of outcomes on a 5-point Likert scale. Respondents were then sent a second questionnaire containing feedback on scores from round 1 and asked to re-prioritize outcomes based on the feedback received to identify a final core outcome set. RESULTS: A total of 33 (75% response rate) participants from 11 countries completed the round 1 Delphi of 28 proposed endpoints, and all completed the second round. Eight endpoints were rated the most important to stakeholders within the four domains--reoperation (general); anastomotic leak, mortality (complications); secure closure of the excision site, macroscopic completeness of excision (technical); presence of cancer, clearance of resected margins and en bloc specimen production (histopathology). CONCLUSIONS: This study has developed a provisional consensus on a minimum number of feasible and clinically meaningful outcome measures to use in studies of full-thickness laparoendoscopic excision of colonic polyps. Widespread adoption will allow better reporting of the technique and more efficient development in clinical practice.

Factors Implicated for Delay of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

BACKGROUND: The survival benefit of administering adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) in colorectal cancer is well established, as is the impact of its timing. Although various factors have been associated with treatment delay, their implications remain controversial. We determined clinicopathological factors associated with delay in transition to AC via systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Studies assessing factors for delay in initiating AC were identified from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Databases. Studies were included only if relevant clinicopathological factors were adequately described and appropriate comparative groups were balanced. For each study, the odds ratio (OR) and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were estimated, regarding response to early versus delayed AC initiation. RESULTS: We identified 15 eligible studies involving 67,537 patients. Twelve studies were multicentre studies and three were single-center cohort studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated age >75 years [4 studies, OR = 1.44 (95 % CI 1.32-1.58)], marital status-single [3 studies, OR = 1.32 (95 % CI 1.20-1.44)], low socioeconomic status (SES) [7 studies, OR = 1.67 (95 % CI 1.32-2.12)], worse comorbidity status [5 studies, OR = 1.47 (95 % CI 1.14-1.90)], low tumour grade [7 studies, OR = 1.06 (95 % CI 1.02-1.11)], prolonged length of stay [3 studies, OR 2.37 (95 % CI 2.10-2.68)], and readmission [3 studies, OR = 3.23 (95 % CI 1.66-6.26)] were significant predictors of delayed initiation of AC. Laparoscopy compared to an open surgical approach was a significant predictor of earlier AC initiation [5 studies, OR = 0.70 (95 % CI 0.51-0.97)]. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is associated with earlier initiation of AC, encouraging its increased adoption. Social isolation and low SES merit consideration of approaches that counter the lack of social support and deprivation to improve cancer outcomes.

Defining characteristics of patients with colorectal cancer requiring emergency surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency surgery for colorectal cancer has been associated with high mortality. The aim of this study is to determine factors predictive of undergoing emergency surgery, of 30-day mortality, and explore the role of screening in patients undergoing emergency surgery. METHODS: All patients at our unit, undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2014 were included. Data on patient demographics, tumour staging, admission type, comorbidity score, mortality data, and screening data were analysed. Multivariable analyses were carried out to determine predictors of undergoing emergency surgery as well as mortality postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 1911 consecutive patients underwent elective and emergency surgery for colorectal cancer. Of the 263 patients who underwent emergency surgery for CRC, 37.3 % (n = 98) had right-sided colonic cancers. Multivariable analyses determined right-sided cancers (OR 2.92, 95 % CI 2.03-4.20, p < 0.001) and stage IV tumours to be independently associated with undergoing emergency surgery (OR 6.64, 95 % CI 2.86-15.42, p < 0.001). Undergoing emergency surgery was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality (OR 9.62, 95 % CI 5.96-15.54, p < 0.001). Of the 50 patients that died within 30 days in the emergency surgery group, 32 % were in patients with right-sided colon cancers. Cancer detection through guaiac faecal occult blood testing (gFOBT) amongst this group is low with six out of nine patients having a false negative gFOBT test. CONCLUSION: Emergency CRC surgery is associated with high mortality. Alternative screening strategies that improve detection of proximal colon cancers may reduce the number of patients undergoing emergency surgery for right-sided cancers.

The impact of anastomotic leak and its treatment on cancer recurrence and survival following elective colorectal cancer resection.

AIM: Anastomotic leakage is a serious complication in restorative colorectal surgery. Anastomotic leakage and its subsequent management may have long-term impact on survival. This study aims to assess the impact of colorectal anastomotic leak (AL) on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). METHODS: A prospective database of 1,048 patients undergoing restorative colorectal cancer resections at St Mark's hospital between October 2004 and October 2013 was examined. RESULTS: The overall leak rate was 99/1,048 (9.4%). 43 ALs were managed conservatively with antibiotics or radiological drainage and 56 with reoperations. OS was significantly reduced in the AL group treated with a reoperation (HR 2.74, 95% CI 1.67-4.52, p < 0.001). AL was not significantly associated with worse DFS [conservatively managed AL's vs. no AL-HR 2.07 (95% CI 1.05-4.10); reoperated AL's vs. no AL-HR 1.56 (95% CI 0.81-2.99), overall p value = 0.058]. CONCLUSION: Patients who suffer anastomotic leaks requiring reoperations have worse OS compared to patients who do not leak, but there were no significant differences in DFS between patients who leaked and those who did not.

A preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio of 3 predicts disease-free survival after curative elective colorectal cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the role of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a prognostic marker for patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer undergoing curative resection. BACKGROUND: An NLR reflects a systematic inflammatory response, with some evidence suggesting that an elevated preoperative NLR of more than 5.0 is associated with poorer survival in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Data from 506 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of nonmetastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma undergoing surgical resection between 2006 and 2011 were included. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to identify the optimal value for NLR in relation to disease-free and overall survival. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the role of NLR after stratification by several clinicopathological factors. Patients were followed by a standardized protocol until February 2013. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 45 months [interquartile range, 21-65]. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified an NLR of more than 3 as an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (odds ratio = 2.41; 95% confidence interval = 1.12-5.15; P = 0.024) but not for overall survival (odds ratio = 1.23; 95% confidence interval = 0.80-1.90; P = 0.347). A high NLR was significantly associated with older age, higher T and N stages, the presence of microvascular invasion, low preoperative albumin levels, and higher ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) status of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with colorectal cancer, a preoperative NLR of more than 3.0 may be an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival. Considering this in addition to well-established prognostic variables may improve the processes of identifying patients at higher risk of recurrence who would benefit from adjuvant therapies or more frequent surveillance, thereby providing more personalized cancer care.

The emerging role of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in determining colorectal cancer treatment outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence suggesting that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can act as an independent predictor of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to systematically review the role of NLR in predicting survival for patients with CRC undergoing treatments, and to evaluate its utility within a CRC surveillance program. METHODS: This meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Outcomes of interest included disease-free survival (DFS) for patients undergoing treatment with curative intent and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients undergoing treatments with palliative intent. RESULTS: Thirteen observational cohort studies published from 2007 to 2013 evaluated the role of NLR as a predictor of outcome following treatment for CRC. These included (i) patients undergoing surgery to resect the primary cancer (seven studies); (ii) those undergoing palliative chemotherapy (three studies); and (iii) patients undergoing potentially curative treatments for CRC liver metastases (three studies). When all studies were considered, a high pretreatment NLR independently predicted survival (HR 2.08; 95 % CI 1.64-2.64). A high NLR also predicted significantly poorer survival in each of the three groups. Finally, over a 3-year follow-up period, high NLR became a significant predictor of poor outcome at year 2 (HR 2.76; 95 % CI 2.06-3.69; p < 0.00001) and 3 (HR 2.03; 95 % CI 1.48-2.78; p < 0.0001), but not in the first year of follow-up (HR 1.47; 95 % CI 0.89-2.41; p = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated preoperative NLR is associated with poorer survival in CRC patients undergoing treatment and may have a role in CRC surveillance programs as a means of delivering more personalized cancer care.