Can Endorectal Ultrasound, MRI, and Mucosa Integrity Accurately Predict the Complete Response for Mid-Low Rectal Cancer After Preoperative Chemoradiation? A Prospective Observational Study from a Single Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer could be managed by a watch-and-wait approach if they achieve clinical complete response after preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Mucosal integrity, endorectal ultrasound, and rectal MRI are used to evaluate clinical complete response; however, the accuracy remains questionable. Clinical practice based on those assessment methods needs more data and discussion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the accuracy of mucosal integrity, endorectal ultrasound, and rectal MRI to predict clinical complete response after chemoradiotherapy. DESIGN: Endorectal ultrasound and rectal MRI were undertaken 6 to 7 weeks after preoperative chemoradiation therapy. Patients then received radical surgery based on the principles of total mesorectal excision. Preoperative tumor staging achieved by endorectal ultrasound and rectal MRI was compared with postoperative staging by pathologic examination. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of each evaluation method were calculated. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Patients diagnosed with mid-low rectal cancer by biopsy between May 2014 and December 2016 were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were enrolled in this study, and postoperative pathology revealed that 20 patients (16.13%) achieved complete response (ypT0N0). The sensitivity of mucosal integrity, endorectal ultrasound, and MRI to predict clinical complete response was 25%. The specificity of mucosal integrity, endorectal ultrasound, and MRI was 94.23%, 93.90%, and 93.27%. The combination of each 2 or all 3 methods did not improve accuracy. Regression analysis showed that none of these methods could predict postoperative ypT0. LIMITATIONS: The sample size is small, and we did not focus on the follow-up data and cannot compare prognosis data with previous research studies. CONCLUSIONS: Both single-method and combined mucosal integrity, endorectal ultrasound, and rectal MRI have poor correlation with postoperative pathologic examination. A watch-and-wait approach based on these methods might not be a proper strategy compared with radical surgery after neoadjuvant therapy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A693.

Prognostic Superiority of Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes in Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer.

Objective To evaluate the prognostic value of the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS) in stage 3 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who have undergone curative resection. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 175 stage 3 CRC patients who underwent curative resection in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2005 to 2012. Patients were categorized respectively according to the AJCC/UICC N grade,the metastatic lymph node ratio (LNR),and the ratio of their LODDS. The relationship between the N grade,LNR,LODDS,and overall survival (OS) rates were assessed.Results The five-year disease-free survival (DFS) was significantly different among stage 3 CRC patients in different N grade (Χ(2)=33.1,P=0.000),LNR (Χ(2)=14.3,P=0.001),and LODDS (Χ(2)=14.9,P=0.001). Univariate analysis showed that TNM stage (Χ(2)=27.0,P=0.000),cancerous node(Χ(2)=3.6,P=0.040),N grade (Χ(2)=33.1,P=0.000),LNR (Χ(2)=14.3,P=0.001),and LODDS (Χ(2)=30.4,P=0.000) were related to OS. Multivariate analysis indicated that TNM stage (HR:1.84,95%CI:1.59～6.29,P=0.001) and LODDS classification (HR:1.34,95%CI:1.01～1.80,P=0.047) were independent prognostic factors for OS in stage 3 CRC patients. Conclusion LODDS is a good prognostic indicator in stage 3 CRC patients who have undergone curative resection.

Ertapenem prophylaxis of surgical site infections in elective colorectal surgery in China: a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to evaluate ertapenem versus ceftriaxone/metronidazole for prophylaxis of surgical site infections (SSIs) following elective colorectal surgery in Chinese adult patients. METHODS: Eligible Chinese adults aged 18-80 years scheduled to undergo elective colorectal surgery by laparotomy were randomized to receive a 30 min infusion of 1 g of ertapenem/metronidazole placebo or 2 g of ceftriaxone/500 mg of metronidazole within 2 h before initial incision. The study endpoint was the proportion of patients with successful prophylaxis at 4 weeks after treatment. The primary analysis was based on the evaluable population (PP population) and the pre-specified non-inferiority margin was set at -15%. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01254344. RESULTS: Of 599 patients randomized, 499 (251 ertapenem and 248 ceftriaxone) were eligible for inclusion in the PP population. The proportions of patients with successful prophylaxis in the ertapenem and ceftriaxone groups were 90.4% (227/251) and 90.3% (224/248), respectively. The difference in the proportion of successful outcomes was 0.1% (95% CI -5.2%, 5.5%). Unexplained antibiotic use was the most frequent reason for prophylaxis failure in both groups [ertapenem 4.8% (12/251), ceftriaxone 4.4% (11/248); difference 0.3%; 95% CI -3.6, 4.3]. Pathogen species isolated from SSI sources were consistent with previously conducted studies and the product package insert. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar between the groups, with the most common AE being pyrexia [ertapenem 7.6% (22/290), ceftriaxone 5.7% (17/297)]. CONCLUSIONS: Ertapenem is as effective as ceftriaxone/metronidazole for SSI prophylaxis in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, and is well tolerated.

Clinical outcome of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy with oxaliplatin and capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil for locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the safety and efficiency of preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with the XELOX or FOLFOX regimen in locally advanced rectal cancer patients. METHODS: One hundred forty-four patients (T3/T4 or N+) were enrolled between 2005 and 2011. The patients received preoperative concomitant CRT (XELOX or FOLFOX regimen). Patients were divided into four groups: pCR (pT0N0), downstaging, no-downstaging, and progression group. Clinical outcome with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared for each group. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-eight patients received radical resection after preoperative CRT. Twenty-seven patients (20%) achieved pCR. The response rate (pCR + downstaging) was 67%. The most common side effects were nausea (64%), diarrhea (49%), and leucopenia (49%). The overall estimated 5-year OS was 86% for all patients. The estimated 5-year OS was significantly better in the responders (pCR + downstaging) than the non-responders (no-downstaging + progression, 94% vs. 68%, P = 0.001). There was also statistical difference in 3-year DFS between the two groups (93% vs. 68%, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: pCR and downstaging after neoadjuvant CRT are associated with improved survival for locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Preoperative CRT with the XELOX or FOLFOX regimen is well tolerated and has mild adverse events.

[A comparative study upon two surgical procedures of local resection of early rectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the application of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) technique with Mason's operation in the treatment of early rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients with early rectal cancer were divided into two groups according to different surgical procedures they underwent during different period. Patients in Mason Group underwent Mason's operations during the period from January 2000 to March 2006; and in TEM Group were managed with TEM procedures from April 2006 to July 2011. There were 21 patients in TEM Group and 26 patients in Mason Group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of patient's age, gender, preoperative TNM staging, and tumor diameter. In comparison with Mason Group, TEM Group had a longer distance of the tumor from the anal verge. The safety, postoperative complications, patients' postoperative recovery, and the oncological outcomes of 2 groups were compared with each other. RESULTS: No perioperative death occurred in the two groups. The TEM Group had notably shorter operating time ((67 ± 24) minutes) and lesser intra-operative blood loss ((9 ± 6) ml) than Mason Group (t = 3.526 and 7.078, P < 0.05). The time of the postoperative bed rest, the urinary drainage, the recovery of oral intake, and the hospital stay in TEM Group were (1.3 ± 0.5) days, (1.2 ± 0.4) days, (1.5 ± 0.5) days, and (4.3 ± 1.6) days, respectively, and all were prominently shorter than those of Mason group (t = 4.925 - 14.640, P < 0.05). Patients in TEM group were followed up for an average of 36.5 months with one patient being lost, while patients in Mason group were followed up for an average of 81.6 months. The difference between the two groups in terms of short-term accumulated survival (94.8% vs. 96.3%) showed no statistical significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TEM technique is a favorable minimally invasive procedure associated with satisfactory oncological outcomes in the treatment of early rectal cancer.

[Acquiring laparoscopic skill for colorectal surgery: based on the experience of a colorectal surgeon].

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is a skill-dependent procedure. The present study aims to analyze the learning curve of a properly trained surgeon, with basic laparoscopic techniques, to become skillful in performing laparoscopic colorectal operations. METHODS: A series of non-selective, consecutive 189 cases of laparoscopic colorectal surgery were accomplished, from December 2009 to February 2012, by one surgeon with years of skilled technique in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, rich experience in assisting laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and experience of approximately 180 procedures of gastric and colorectal surgery annually. 170 out of 189 procedures were radical operations for colorectal neoplasma, including right colectomies in 28 cases, left colectomies in 5 cases, sigmoidectomies in 28 cases, high Dixon procedures in 45 cases, low Dixon (total mesorectal excision, TME) procedures in 41 cases and Miles procedure in 23 cases. 19 other patients underwent combined procedures for multi-primary tumors or inflammatory enteritis. All these procedures were analyzed according to time span (the earlier half and later half) in respect to length of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, number of lymph nodes retrieved, intraoperative events and postoperative complications. RESULTS: For radical right colectomy, the D2 dissection conducted in the earlier phase (n = 8) had the similar length of surgery, more blood loss and less LN retrieval, compared with the D3 dissection conducted in recent phase (n = 20). The earlier performed high Dixon procedures (n = 22) consumed longer time than the later procedures (n = 23) consumed, but with similar blood loss and LN retrieval. Low Dixon (TME) procedures showed significant differences in length of surgery and blood loss relative to time span. Recently performed simoidectomy and Miles procedures showed a trend of shorter time consumed compared with earlier performed procedures. Conversion ratio to open surgery was 1.05%. Adverse effects occurred in 8 cases of surgeries, including intestinal injury (3/189), insufficient distal margin (2/189), intraoperative bleeding (2/189) and vaginal injury (1/76). There was no operative death. Chief complications included urinary retention 5.82%, ileus 4.76%, anastomotic leak 4.24%, perineal infection 23.08% (6/26), wound dehiscence 2.65%, gastrointestinal bleeding 1.59%, peritoneal infection 1.06%. Surgery for distal rectum tended to have more complications, such as urinary retention, anastomotic leak and perineal infection. The later performed low Dixon procedures produced insignificantly fewer anastomotic leaks than those in the earlier phase. CONCLUSIONS: For a trained surgeon with basic laparoscopic techniques, there are at least 15 - 25 cases of different procedures needed for him/her to become skilled to perform laparoscopic surgery. The learning curve should also depend on the annual number of colorectal surgeries.

Anorectal dysfunction in patients with mid-low rectal cancer after surgery: A pilot study with three-dimensional high-resolution manometry.

BACKGROUND: The quality of life in patients who develop low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after surgery for mid-low rectal cancer is seriously impaired. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism of LARS has not been fully investigated. AIM: To assess anorectal function of mid-low rectal cancer patients developing LARS perioperatively. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with mid-low rectal cancer were included. The LARS score was used to evaluate defecation symptoms 3 and 6 mo after anterior resection or a stoma reversal procedure. Anorectal functions were assessed by three-dimensional high resolution anorectal manometry preoperatively and 3-6 mo after surgery. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 24 patients. The total LARS score was decreased at 6 mo compared with 3 mo after surgery (P < 0.05), but 58.3% (14/24) lasted as major LARS at 6 mo after surgery. The length of the high-pressure zone of the anal sphincter was significantly shorter, the mean resting pressure and maximal squeeze pressure of the anus were significantly lower than those before surgery in all patients (P < 0.05), especially in the neoadjuvant therapy group after surgery (n = 18). The focal pressure defects of the anal canal were detected in 70.8% of patients, and those patients had higher LARS scores at 3 mo postoperatively than those without focal pressure defects (P < 0.05). Spastic peristaltic contractions from the new rectum to anus were detected in 45.8% of patients, which were associated with a higher LARS score at 3 mo postoperatively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The LARS score decreases over time after surgery in the majority of patients with mid-low rectal cancer. Anorectal dysfunctions, especially focal pressure defects of the anal canal and spastic peristaltic contractions from the new rectum to anus postoperatively, might be the major pathophysiological mechanisms of LARS.

Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopy-Assisted vs Open Surgery for Patients With Low Rectal Cancer: The LASRE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The efficacy of laparoscopic vs open surgery for patients with low rectal cancer has not been established. Objective: To compare the short-term efficacy of laparoscopic surgery vs open surgery for treatment of low rectal cancer. Design, Setting, and Participants: This multicenter, noninferiority randomized clinical trial was conducted in 22 tertiary hospitals across China. Patients scheduled for curative-intent resection of low rectal cancer were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to undergo laparoscopic or open surgery. Between November 2013 and June 2018, 1070 patients were randomized to laparoscopic (n = 712) or open (n = 358) surgery. The planned follow-up was 5 years. Data analysis was performed from April 2021 to March 2022. Interventions: Eligible patients were randomized to receive either laparoscopic or open surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures: The short-term outcomes included pathologic outcomes, surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, and 30-day postoperative complications and mortality. Results: A total of 1039 patients (685 in laparoscopic and 354 in open surgery) were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (median [range] age, 57 [20-75] years; 620 men [59.7%]; clinical TNM stage II/III disease in 659 patients). The rate of complete mesorectal excision was 85.3% (521 of 685) in the laparoscopic group vs 85.8% (266 of 354) in the open group (difference, -0.5%; 95% CI, -5.1% to 4.5%; P = .78). The rate of negative circumferential and distal resection margins was 98.2% (673 of 685) vs 99.7% (353 of 354) (difference, -1.5%; 95% CI, -2.8% to 0.0%; P = .09) and 99.4% (681 of 685) vs 100% (354 of 354) (difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -1.5% to 0.5%; P = .36), respectively. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 13.0 vs 12.0 (difference, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.1-1.9; P = .39). The laparoscopic group had a higher rate of sphincter preservation (491 of 685 [71.7%] vs 230 of 354 [65.0%]; difference, 6.7%; 95% CI, 0.8%-12.8%; P = .03) and shorter duration of hospitalization (8.0 vs 9.0 days; difference, -1.0; 95% CI, -1.7 to -0.3; P = .008). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications rate between the 2 groups (89 of 685 [13.0%] vs 61 of 354 [17.2%]; difference, -4.2%; 95% CI, -9.1% to -0.3%; P = .07). No patient died within 30 days. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial of patients with low rectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery performed by experienced surgeons was shown to provide pathologic outcomes comparable to open surgery, with a higher sphincter preservation rate and favorable postoperative recovery. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01899547.

[The diagnosis and treatment of colorectal Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 32 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic experiences of colorectal Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). METHODS: Clinical data of 32 patients with colorectal NHL admitted to our hospital from January 1988 to December 2006 was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: This study included 22 B-cell NHL and 10 T-cell NHL cases. In the B-cell NHL group, the male: female ratio was 14:8 and the median age was 60.5 years. In the T-cell NHL group, the male: female ratio was 5:5 and the median age was 31.0 years. The ileocecal region was most frequently involved in both groups, which accounted for 77.3% and 60.0% of the B and T group respectively. The common clinical manifestations included abdominal pain, weight loss, and abdominal mass. Of the 14 cases of B-cell NHL with definite subtype classifications, 64.3% were of the Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) type. Among the 22 B-cell NHL, 40.9% were with localized diseases (stage I-II1), while all 10 patients in T-cell NHL group were in stage IV with 3 patients complicated with massive GI bleeding and 4 with perforation. All patients of B-cell type received chemotherapy utilizing mainly CHOP after surgical resection. After a median follow-up of 55 months, the disease-free survival was rate 88.2%. Among the T-cell NHL group, 8 out of 10 patients underwent surgery and chemotherapy was given to all those who could tolerate it. Five patients died within 2 months after surgery. It's known that 3 patients were still alive after 23 months. CONCLUSIONS: The ileocecal region is the most frequently involved site of the colorectal NHL. The histology is usually B-cell type with a majority being DLBCL. Currently R-CHOP chemotherapy after the surgical resection is the principal treatment modality. Patients of B-cell type have a better prognosis while the prognosis of T-cell NHL is poor. Therefore more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are recommended for T-cell NHL patients. The prospective of organ preservation treatment for colorectal NHL is still in need of further investigations.

Risk factors for perioperative complications in laparoscopic surgeries of retrorectal cystic lesions.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of retrorectal lesions is low, and no consensus has been reached regarding the most optimal surgical approach. Laparoscopic approach has the advantage of minimally invasive. The risk factors influencing perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery are rarely discussed. AIM: To investigate the risk factors for perioperative complications in laparoscopic surgeries of retrorectal cystic lesions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of retrorectal cystic lesions between August 2012 and May 2020 at our hospital. All surgeries were performed in the general surgery department. Patients were divided into groups based on the lesion location and diameter. We analysed the risk factors like type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, the history of abdominal surgery, previous treatment, clinical manifestation, operation duration, blood loss, perioperative complications, and readmission rate within 90 d retrospectively. RESULTS: Severe perioperative complications occurred in seven patients. Prophylactic transverse colostomy was performed in four patients with suspected rectal injury. Two patients underwent puncture drainage due to postoperative pelvic infection. One patient underwent debridement in the operating room due to incision infection. The massive-lesion group had a significantly longer surgery duration, higher blood loss, higher incidence of perioperative complications, and higher readmission rate within 90 d (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and logistic regression showed that lesion diameter was an independent risk factor for the development of perioperative complications in patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of retrorectal cystic lesions. CONCLUSION: The diameter of the lesion is an independent risk factor for perioperative complications in patients who undergo laparoscopic excision of retrorectal cystic lesions. The location of the lesion was not a determining factor of the surgical approach. Laparoscopic surgery is minimally invasive, high-resolution, and flexible, and its use in retrorectal cystic lesions is safe and feasible, also for lesions below the S3 level.

[Management of presacral developmental cysts:experience of 22 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic experiences of presacral developmental cysts. METHODS: Clinical data of 22 patients with presacral developmental cysts underwent tumor excision surgery from January 1989 to December 2008 was retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In this group, 8 male and 14 female patients were included with a median age of 29.5 yrs (18 - 72 yrs) at diagnosis. The mean diameter of the cysts was (8.3 + or - 2.7) cm. Of the cases, 6 patients presented with epidermoid cysts, 4 cases with dermoid cysts and 12 cases with teratomas (2 with malignant change). Surgical approaches included the trans sacrococcygeal approach (18 cases), the transabdominal approach (3 cases), and the combined transabdominal-sacrococcygeal approach (1 case). The operative duration and blood loss of each operative approach was as follows: modified Kraske's procedure (142 + or - 43) min/(192 + or - 149) ml, Mason's procedure (102 + or - 27) min/(54 + or - 37) ml, transabdominal procedure (147 + or - 25) min/(117 + or - 76) ml, combined approach 360 min/1000 ml. In the trans sacrococcygeal group, 1 case (6.3%) of intra-operative presacral vein bleeding and 1 case (6.3%) of the surgical incision infection occurred. One case in the combined approach group suffered from incision infection. No significant complication was found in the transabdominal group. The patients were followed up for 9-92 months (mean, 40 months) and meanwhile the tumor relapsed in 2 cases in 20 patients with benign lesions: one patient underwent trans sacrococcygeal surgery and the other received transabdominal surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The presacral developmental cysts develop slowly with a tendency toward malignancy. And delayed treatment brings much more difficulties to the surgical excision, so it should be radically excised once diagnosed. The trans sacrococcygeal approach is a preferable surgical procedure with direct access, minimal operative injuries and complications; and the combined transabdominal-sacrococcygeal approach could be employed when needed.

[Management of the perineal wounds after abdominoperineal resection: simple drainage only or with continuous irrigation?].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of presacral irrigation and simple drainage on the perineal wound healing in patients after abdominoperineal resection (APR). METHODS: From October 2004 to August 2009, patients with rectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, who underwent APR or proctocolectomy, were randomized into two arms: simple drainage group (n = 37) and continuous irrigation (n = 37). Patients randomized to arm B received simple drainage only to presacral space; while those patients in arm A received continuous irrigation in addition to simple drainage. Perineal wound healing was taken as endpoint of this study. Major complication was defined as wound dehiscence or wound infection that the perineal wound should be reopened for drainage. Minor complication was defined as delayed healing wound with seroma or hematoma. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were enrolled in present study, with 37 patients in each arm, and there were 12 cases and 10 cases who received preoperative radiation therapy, respectively. In the arm A, 2 patients developed major complications, 3 patients incurred with minor complications and 32 patients got primary healing of the perineal wounds. In arm B, 8 patients suffered major complications, 3 patients incurred with minor complications and 26 patients got primary healing of the perineal wounds. The incidence of major complication was significantly lower in arm A (5.4% vs.21.6%, P = 0.042). Patients received preoperative radiation therapy had significantly higher rate of minor complications than patients underwent surgery only (18.2% vs. 3.9%, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Simple drainage with continuous irrigation of the presacral space, in patients with abdominoperineal resection or proctocolectomy, could significantly lower the incidence of major complication and improve wound healing for perineal wound when compared with simple drainage only. Preoperative radiation therapy tends to increase the incidence of minor complications.

[Clinical pathologic factors predicting tumor response after preoperative neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical pathologic factors predicting tumor response of preoperative neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectal cancer. METHODS: Seventy-nine patients with rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant therapy before surgery from July 2000 to July 2009 were included in this study. Clinical pathologic factors were retrospectively analyzed to check the predicting effect of tumor response to the neoadjuvant therapy.Pathologic complete response (pCR) and T down-staging were the study endpoints. RESULTS: Of the 79 patients, 10 cases (12.7%) got pCR after the neoadjuvant treatment. T down-staging was achieved in 41 patients (51.9%). The colonoscopy showed that the tumor occupied < or = 1/3 proportion of the bowel lumen in 22 patients, and 7 of them got pCR after the neoadjuvant therapy. Chi-square analysis showed that the proportion of tumor occupied in the bowel lumen was relevant to pCR rate (P < 0.05). Serum carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) level was examined in 74 patients. Twenty-seven cases of the 46 patients with a serum CEA level < 5 microg/L got a T down-staging. Twenty-three cases of the 38 patients with a normal range of both serum CEA/CA19-9 levels got a T down-staging. Chi-square analysis showed normal range of both serum CEA/CA19-9 levels indicated better T down-staging. CONCLUSIONS: It's defined some possible predictive factors for effects of neoadjuvant therapy in patients with rectal cancer. Particularly, patients with less tumor occupation of the bowel lumen and a serum CEA level < 5 microg/L seem to be more likely to get better clinical results.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy might provide survival benefit in patients with stage IIIb/IIIc locally advanced rectal cancer: A retrospective single-institution study with propensity score-matched comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) are standard treatments of stage II/III locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), currently. Here, we evaluated the oncological outcomes in LARC patients treated with NACRT compared to TME alone, and determined whether tumor regression grade (TRG) and pathologic response after NACRT was related to prognosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparison of 358 LARC patients treated with either TME alone (non-NACRT group, n = 173) or NACRT plus TME (NACRT group, n = 185) during 2003-2013. Perioperative and oncologic outcomes, like overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and recurrence were compared using 1:1 propensity score matching analysis. RESULTS: A total of 133 patients were matched for the analysis. After a median follow-up of 45 months (8-97 months), the 5-year OS (NACRT vs non-NACRT: 75.42% vs 72.76%; P = 0.594) and 5-year DFS (NACRT vs non-NACRT: 74.25% vs 70.13%; P = 0.224) were comparable between NACRT and non-NACRT, whereas the 5-year DFS rate was higher in the NACRT group when only stage IIIb/IIIc patients were considered (NACRT vs. non-NACRT: 74.79% vs. 62.29%; P = 0.056). In the NACRT group of 185 patients, those with pCR/stage I (vs stage II/stage III disease) or TRG3/TRG4 disease (vs TRG0/TRG1/TRG2) had significantly better prognosis. CONCLUSION: NACRT might provide survival benefit in patients with stage IIIb/IIIc locally advanced rectal cancer.

[Diffusion weighted imaging combined with magnetic resonance conventional sequences for the diagnosis of rectal cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) combined with conventional sequences of magnetic resonance imaging (T1 and T2-weighted imaging) for the diagnosis of rectal cancer. METHODS: DWI and conventional sequences were performed in 29 patients with endoscopically diagnosed rectal cancer and 15 patients without rectal cancer. Two doctors who were blind to the history of the patients interpreted the imaging findings. The sensitivity and specificity of conventional sequences with and without DWI were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: The areas under ROC were 0.915 and 0.930 for conventional sequences alone, and 0.990 and 0.994 for conventional sequences with DWI, respectively, indicating that although both of them were optimal methods for the diagnosis of rectal cancer, the accuracy of conventional sequences with DWI was significantly superior to that of conventional sequence alone (P < 0.05). The Kappa value was 0.850 for conventional sequences alone and 0.858 for DWI with conventional sequences. CONCLUSION: DWI was necessary for the diagnosis of rectal cancer when performing conventional sequences.

[Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for the treatment of localized rectal neoplasms].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for localized rectal neoplasms. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with localized rectal neoplasms were treated by using TEM between April 2006 and December 2008. The clinical data was summarized and analyzed retrospectively to report the therapeutic effect of TEM in these cases. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the rectal lesions was (1.6 +/- 0.8) cm (range, 0.5-5.0 cm). The average distance of lesions from the anal verge was (7.6 +/- 2.8) cm (range, 5-20 cm). Locations of the lesions at the rectal wall: 25 located at the anterior wall, 24 at the posterior wall, 14 at the left wall and 12 at the right wall. Surgical procedures included the transmural excision (64 cases) and the submucosal excision with partial muscular layer excision (11 cases) was performed. The average operating time was (73.7 +/- 32.1) min (range, 30-180 min). The mean operative blood loss was (9.8 +/- 7.7) ml (range, 3-50 ml). The postoperative pathological examination identified 28 cases of rectal adenoma, 25 rectal adenocarcinoma or carcinomatous changes of adenoma (14 cases with phase Tis tumor, 5 cases T1 and 6 cases T2), 7 rectal carcinoid and 15 cases of inflammatory polyps or others. Surgical margins of all specimens were negative. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases (5.3%), included 2 cases of anal hemorrhage, 1 case of pulmonary infection and 1 urinary infection. The average postoperative hospital stay was (3.4 +/- 1.2) d (range, 2-7 d). All the patients were followed-up for a mean period of 8. 4 months (range, 3-26 months), no tumor recurrence or metastasis was observed. CONCLUSION: Being a kind of minimally invasive surgery, TEM shows advantages of decreased blood loss, better therapeutic effect and faster recovery, and it is a better choice of procedure for local excision for rectal neoplasms.

[Impact of neoadjuvant therapy on lymph nodes retrieval in locally advanced mid-low rectal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on lymph nodes retrieval in locally advanced mid-low rectal carcinoma. METHODS: Data collected from 120 patients with locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer (T2-4 and/or N1-2M0) treated from January 2005 to June 2008 was investigated. The patients were divided into two groups: the study group (n=54) was treated with neoadjuvant therapy (preoperative radiation with a total dosage of 50 Gy and synchronous 5-Fu-based chemotherapy) followed by radical tumor resection 4-6 weeks after;the control group (n=66) underwent primary surgery without neoadjuvant therapy. The clinical stage was evaluated before and after neoadjuvant therapy. The total lymph nodes yields, as well as the tumor-positive lymph nodes of each resected specimen was compared between the two groups statistically. RESULTS: Clinical downstage was achieved in 30 cases (56%) in study group after neoadjuvant therapy. The number of total lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes harvested from each resected specimen in the control group were 14+/-7 and 2.2+/-3.7, meanwhile those were 9+/-6 and 0.7+/-2.4 in study group, which were all significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy can downstage the tumor and reduce the retrieval rate of total lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes in locally advanced rectal cancer. It is necessary to retrieve as many lymph nodes as possible for it has some prognostic significance for the patients.

A single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial to investigate the optimal removal time of the urinary catheter after laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Urinary catheter placement is essential before laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer. Whether early removal of the catheter increases the incidence of urinary retention and urinary tract infection (UTI) is not clear. This study aims to determine the optimal time for removal of the urinary catheter after laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum. METHODS/DESIGN: A total of 220 participants meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group will have their urethral catheters removed on postoperative day 2 and the control group will have their urethral catheters removed on postoperative day 7. In both groups, catheter removal will be performed when the bladder is full. The incidence of urinary retention and UTI in the two groups will be compared to determine the optimal catheter removal time. DISCUSSION: This is a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial to determine whether early removal of the urinary catheter after laparoscopic anterior resection of the rectum will help to decrease the incidence of postoperative acute urinary retention and UTI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03065855 . Registered on 23 February 2017.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Resection for Advanced Colorectal Cancer in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients.

AIM: To evaluate the feasibility, short- and long-term outcomes, and safety of laparoscopic resection for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) in solid organ transplant recipients. METHODS: Between September 2001 and April 2016, five patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection for CRC after solid organ transplantation were included in this study. Their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed with regard to patient demographics, immunosuppressive therapy, tumor characteristics, surgical outcomes, and follow-up data. RESULTS: Four kidney and one heart transplant recipients were included. Laparoscopic-assisted low anterior resection was performed in four patients with rectal or rectosigmoid junction cancer, and sigmoidectomy was done in one with sigmoid colon cancer. One kidney transplant patient received a protective loop transverse colostomy. All resections achieved complete tumor removal with tumor-free margins and total mesorectal excision, with an average number of 14 lymph nodes harvested. Most tumors were in stage III (n = 3), one was in stage II, and one in stage IV. The mean duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative hospital stay were 144 min, 105 mL, and 8.8 days, respectively. No major complications occurred and graft function stayed well. During a mean follow-up period of 62 months, two patients developed metastasis and died eventually. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic resection for advanced CRC in organ transplant recipients is technically feasible and therapeutically safe, and seems to have the advantages of few postoperative complications, short recovery time, and acceptable oncological outcomes.

[Therapeutic effects of transsphincteric surgery in treating rectal tumors: a report of 97 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of transsphincteric surgery in local excision of mid and lower rectal tumors. METHODS: The clinical data of 97 patients with mid and lower rectal tumors underwent transsphincteric surgery from March 1990 to March 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients underwent partial proctectomy, and six underwent segmental proctectomy. Postoperative complications included wound infection in 5 (5.2%), fecal fistula in 4 (4.2%). Pathological examination showed rectal villous adenoma in 35 cases, rectal cancer in 50, rectal carcinoid and others in 12. The pathological stages of rectal cancers included Tis stage in 17 cases, T1 in 21, T2 in 7, T3 in 2, T4 in 3. The mean follow-up was 6.4 years (range, 2 months - 16 years). Three patients developed postoperative local recurrence (6.2%). The three- and five-year survival rate was 93.7% and 87.5%, respectively. There was no operation-related mortality, and no patient developed fecal incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: The transsphincteric surgery brings minor invasion, low operative risk and increased chance of sphincter preservation, which is suitable for treatment of mid and lower rectal tumors.