The percentage of mesorectal infiltration as a prognostic factor after curative surgery for pT3 rectal cancer.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of a novel variable - the percentage of mesorectal infiltration (PMI) - in pT3 rectal cancer. METHOD: A cohort of 241 patients with pT3 rectal adenocarcinoma, operated on between February 2002 and May 2019, was selected for the analysis. Data concerning patient, treatment and tumour characteristics were collected. The depth of mesorectal infiltration (DMI) and the distance between the deepest invasion and the circumferential resection margin (CRM) were measured. The PMI was calculated using a formula combining these parameters. RESULTS: Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 33.2% of cases. A complete mesorectal excision was achieved in 74% of patients. The CRM was affected in 24 patients (9.9%). The 5-year actuarial local recurrence (LR), overall recurrence (OR) and overall survival (OS) rates were 7.5%, 22.9% and 72.4%, respectively. The PMI was significantly associated with worse oncological outcomes regarding LR (p = 0.009), OR (p = 0.001) and OS (p = 0.016) rates. A cut-off value of PMI >60% had the highest specificity (80%) for LR (p = 0.026), OR (p = 0.04) and OS (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: The PMI has an adverse prognostic impact on the oncological results following surgery for pT3 rectal cancer. It allows prediction of the risk of both LR and distant recurrence with higher accuracy than the DMI or the distance to the CRM. A PMI >60% may be used as a cut off value while subclassifying pT3 rectal tumours. It may influence decision-making while establishing adjuvant treatment and the follow-up schedule.

Protective ileostomy creation after anterior resection of the rectum: Shared decision-making or still subjective?

AIM: The choice of whether to perform protective ileostomy (PI) after anterior resection (AR) is mainly guided by risk factors (RFs) responsible for the development of anastomotic leakage (AL). However, clear guidelines about PI creation are still lacking in the literature and this is often decided according to the surgeon's preferences, experiences or feelings. This qualitative study aims to investigate, by an open-ended question survey, the individual surgeon's decision-making process regarding PI creation after elective AR. METHOD: Fifty four colorectal surgeons took part in an electronic survey to answer the questions and describe what usually led their decision to perform PI. A content analysis was used to code the answers. To classify answers, five dichotomous categories (In favour/Against PI, Listed/Unlisted RFs, Typical/Atypical, Emotions/Non-emotions, Personal experience/No personal experience) have been developed. RESULTS: Overall, 76% of surgeons were in favour of PI creation and 88% considered listed RFs in the question of whether to perform PI. Atypical answers were reported in 10% of cases. Emotions and personal experience influenced surgeons' decision-making process in 22% and 49% of cases, respectively. The most frequently considered RFs were the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge (96%), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (88%), a positive intraoperative leak test (65%), blood loss (37%) and immunosuppression therapy (35%). CONCLUSION: The indications to perform PI following rectal cancer surgery lack standardization and evidence-based guidelines are required to inform practice. Until then, expert opinion can be helpful to assist the decision-making process in patients who have undergone AR for adenocarcinoma.

Gender dysphoria: laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty. Another utility of indocyanine green.

AIM: Gender dysphoria is the disagreement between the gender of birth and the one with which the patient identifies. For its management it is mandatory to have a multidisciplinary team. Gender confirmation surgery with penoscrotal skin flap is the procedure of choice, and a sigmoid vaginoplasty is a feasible alternative. The new technologies and the help of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence can help to guarantee a correct neovagina vascularization. The objective of this paper is to present the surgical technique of laparoscopic sigmoid vaginoplasty assisted by ICG. METHODS: We present two patients with gender dysphoria and a history of stricture of the penoscrotal skin flap vaginoplasty. We performed sigmoid vaginoplasty by the laparoscopic approach. We began the procedure with the mobilization and section of 30 cm of sigmoid colon, selective ligation of the vessels assisted by ICG, 180° sigmoid rotation, externalized on antiperistaltic position, construction of colovestibular anastomosis and promontory fixation. We finished the procedure with virtual ileostomy construction and drain placement. RESULTS: Patients recovered satisfactorily and were discharged on the seventh day after surgery without complications. CONCLUSION: Sigmoid vaginoplasty is a safe and feasible procedure. ICG has great value, contributing to the selective ligation of the vessels, allowing 180° sigmoid rotation and guaranteeing the irrigation of the neovagina.

Nomograms for morbidity and mortality after oncologic colon resection in the enhanced recovery era: results from a multicentric prospective national study.

PURPOSE: Predicting postoperative complications and mortality is important to plan the surgical strategy. Different scores have been proposed before to predict them but none of them have been yet implemented into the routine clinical practice because their difficulties and low accuracy with new surgical strategies and enhanced recovery. The main aim of this study is to identify risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality after colonic resection (CR) without protective stomas, in order to develop a comprehensive, up-to-date, simple, reliable, and applicable model for the preoperative assessment of patients with colon cancer. METHODS: Multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors for 60-day morbidity and mortality. Coefficients derived from the regression model were used in the nomograms to predict morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Three thousand one hundred ninety-three patients from 52 hospitals were included into the analysis. Sixty-day postoperative complications rate was 28.3% and the mortality rate was 3%. In multivariable analysis the independent risk factors for postoperative complications were age, male gender, liver and pulmonary diseases, obesity, preoperative albumin, anticoagulant treatment, open surgery, intraoperative complications, and urgent surgery. Independent risk factors for mortality were age, preoperative albumin anticoagulant treatment, and intraoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for morbidity and mortality after CR for cancer were identified and two easy predictive tools were developed. Both of them could provide important information for preoperative consultation and surgical planning in the time of enhance recovery.

A video guide of five access methods to the splenic flexure: the concept of the splenic flexure box.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe all the possible approaches for laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization (SFM), each suitable for specific situations, and create an illustrated system to show SFM approaches in an easy and practical way to make it easy to learn and teach. METHODS: Two different phases. First part: Cadaver-based study of the colonic splenic flexure anatomy. In order to demonstrate the different approaches, a balloon was placed through the colonic hepatic flexure in the lesser sac without sectioning any of the fixing ligaments of the splenic flexure. Second part: A real case series of laparoscopic SFM. RESULTS: First part: 11 cadavers were dissected. Five potential approaches to SFM were found: anterior, trans-omentum, lateral, medial infra-mesocolic, and medial trans-mesocolic. The illustrative system developed was named: Splenic Flexure "Box"(SFBox). Second part: One of the types of SFM described in first part was used in five patients with colorectal cancer. Each laparoscopic approach to the splenic flexure was illustrated in a video accompanied by illustration aids delineating the access. CONCLUSION: With the cadaver dissection and subsequent demonstration in real-life laparoscopic surgery, we have shown five types of laparoscopic splenic flexure mobilization. The Splenic Flexure "Box" is a useful way to learn and teach this surgical maneuver.

A multifaceted individualized pneumoperitoneum strategy for laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a multicenter observational feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: While guidelines for laparoscopic abdominal surgery advise using the lowest possible intra-abdominal pressure, commonly a standard pressure is used. We evaluated the feasibility of a predefined multifaceted individualized pneumoperitoneum strategy aiming at the lowest possible intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Multicenter prospective study in patients scheduled for laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The strategy consisted of ventilation with low tidal volume, a modified lithotomy position, deep neuromuscular blockade, pre-stretching of the abdominal wall, and individualized intra-abdominal pressure titration; the effect was blindly evaluated by the surgeon. The primary endpoint was the proportion of surgical procedures completed at each individualized intra-abdominal pressure level. Secondary endpoints were the respiratory system driving pressure, and the estimated volume of insufflated CO2 gas needed to perform the surgical procedure. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients were enrolled in the study. Fourteen cases were converted to open surgery for reasons not related to the strategy. The intervention was feasible in all patients and well-accepted by all surgeons. In 61 out of 78 patients (78%), surgery was performed and completed at the lowest possible IAP, 8 mmHg. In 17 patients, IAP was raised up to 12 mmHg. The relationship between IAP and driving pressure was almost linear. The mean estimated intra-abdominal CO2 volume at which surgery was performed was 3.2 L. CONCLUSION: A multifaceted individualized pneumoperitoneum strategy during laparoscopic colorectal surgery was feasible and resulted in an adequate working space in most patients at lower intra-abdominal pressure and lower respiratory driving pressure. ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial Identifier: NCT03000465).

"Virtual ileostomy" combined with early endoscopy to avoid a diversion ileostomy in low or ultralow colorectal anastomoses. A preliminary report.

PURPOSE: Despite the benefits of a loop ileostomy after total mesorectal excision (TME), it carries a significant associated morbidity. A "virtual ileostomy" (VI) has been proposed to avoid ileostomies in low-risk patients, which could then be converted into a real ileostomy (RI) in the event of anastomotic leak (AL). The aim of the present study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of VI associated with early endoscopy in patients undergoing rectal surgery with anastomosis to detect subclinical AL prior to the onset of clinical symptoms for sepsis. METHODS: This is a single-center, retrospective study of a consecutive series of patients undergoing elective or emergent colorectal surgery with low or ultralow colorectal or ileorectal anastomosis between September 2015 and September 2016. RESULTS: We included 44 consecutive, unselected patients. Eight patients (18.2%) required conversion into RI and one required terminal colostomy because of AL, of whom 44.4% were asymptomatic and AL was detected with early endoscopy. Fashioning of RI was not associated with further morbidity. All patients with AL converted into RI (n = 8/9) (88.9%), had adequate healed anastomosis, and later underwent stoma closure with no complications. A stoma was avoided in 79.6% of VI. Endoscopy was associated with 55% sensitivity and 100% specificity, with a global accuracy of 88%. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of VI with early postoperative endoscopy could avoid unnecessary ileostomies in patients with low or ultralow anastomoses and reveal AL before the onset of symptoms, thus reducing associated morbidity.

How to reduce the superior mesenteric vein bleeding risk during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy.

PURPOSE: The superior right colic vein (SRCV) has been proposed as the main cause of superior mesenteric vein bleeding by avulsion during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Our objective is to identify the main vessel causing transverse mesocolic tension during the extraction of the surgical specimen or extracorporeal anastomosis and to perform an anatomical description of the SRCV. METHODS: In this cadaveric study, we performed a simulation of right hemicolectomy and anatomical description of the surgical area of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (SAGCTH), the gastrocolic trunk of Henle (GCTH), and SRCV. The length of the exteriorization of the anastomotic transverse colon (ATC) was measured before and after sectioning the vascular vessel causing the exteriorization tension. RESULTS: Five fresh cadavers and 12 formalin were dissected. In 100% of the specimens, the SRCV was present and drained in 95% into the GCTH and in 5% directly into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). In 100% of the specimens, the SRCV caused the tension when extracting the ATC. The mean length of exteriorization of the ATC before and after SRCV section was 7.2 and 10.4 cm in formalin cadavers, meaning a 44% of increment in the length of exteriorization. In fresh cadavers, the mean length of exteriorization increased to 2.7 cm, meaning a 28% of the initial length of exteriorization. CONCLUSIONS: The SRCV is the main cause of tension in the extraction of the surgical specimen after right hemicolectomy. Its high tie increases the length of the ATC exteriorization, in about 3 cm, and could reduce the risk of SMV bleeding during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and facilitate an extracorporeal anastomosis free of tension.

Laparoscopy may decrease morbidity and length of stay after elective colon cancer resection, especially in frail patients: results from an observational real-life study.

BACKGROUND: Advantages of laparoscopic approach in colon cancer surgery have been previously demonstrated in controlled, randomized trials and in retrospective analysis of large administrative databases. Nevertheless, evidence of these advantages in prospective, observational studies from real-life settings is scarce. METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study, including a consecutive series of patients that underwent elective colonic resection for cancer in 52 Spanish hospitals. Pre-/intraoperative data, related to patient, tumor, surgical procedure, and hospital, were recorded as well as 60-day post-operative outcomes, including wound infection, complications, anastomotic leak, length of stay, and mortality. A univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine the influence of laparoscopy on short-term post-operative outcome. A sub-analysis of the effect of laparoscopy according to patients' pre-operative risk (ASA Score I-II vs. III-IV) was also performed. RESULTS: 2968 patients were included: 44.2% were initially operated by laparoscopy, with a 13.9% conversion rate to laparotomy. At univariate analysis, laparoscopy was associated with a decreased mortality (p = 0.015), morbidity (p < 0.0001), wound infection (p < 0.0001), and post-operative length of stay (p < 0.0001). At multivariate analysis, laparoscopy resulted as an independent protective factor for morbidity (OR 0.7; p = 0.004), wound infection (OR 0.6; p < 0.0001), and length of post-operative stay (Effect-2 days; p < 0.0001), compared to open approach. These advantages were more relevant in high-risk patients (ASA III-IV), even if the majority of them were operated by open approach (67.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In a real-life setting, laparoscopy decreases wound infection rate, post-operative complications, and length of stay, especially in ASA III-IV patients.

Self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery in the treatment of left colon cancer obstruction: Cost-benefit analysis and oncologic results. / Stents metálicos autoexpandibles como puente a la cirugía en el tratamiento del cáncer de colon izquierdo en oclusión. Análisis coste-beneficio y resultados oncológicos.

INTRODUCTION: The use of a self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery in acute malignant left colonic obstruction has been suggested as an alternative treatment to emergency surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the morbi-mortality, cost-benefit and long-term oncological outcomes of both therapeutic options. METHODS: This is a prospective, comparative, controlled, non-randomized study (2005-2010) performed in a specialized unit. The study included 82 patients with left colon cancer obstruction treated by stent as a bridge to surgery (n=27) or emergency surgery (n=55) operated with local curative intention. The main outcome measures (postoperative morbi-mortaliy, cost-benefit, stoma rate and long-term oncological outcomes) were compared based on an "intention-to-treat" analysis. RESULTS: There were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative data and tumor characteristics. The technically successful stenting rate was 88.9% (11.1% perforation during stent placement) and clinical success was 81.4%. No difference was observed in postoperative morbi-mortality rates. The primary anastomosis rate was higher in the bridge to surgery group compared to the emergency surgery group (77.8% vs. 56.4%; P=.05). The mean costs in the emergency surgery group resulted to be €1,391.9 more expensive per patient than in the bridge to surgery group. There was no significant statistical difference in oncological long-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The use of self-expanding metalllic stents as a bridge to surgery is a safe option in the urgent treatment of obstructive left colon cancer, with similar short and long-term results compared to direct surgery, inferior mean costs and a higher rate of primary anastomosis.

Standard outcome indicators after colon cancer resection. Creation of a nomogram for autoevaluation. / Resultados quirúrgicos estándar tras resección oncológica de colon. Creación de un nomograma para la autoevaluación.

INTRODUCTION: Lately there has been an increasing interest in identifying quality standards in different pathologies, among them colon cancer due to its great prevalence. The main goal of this study is to define the quality standards of colon cancer surgery based on a large prospective national study dataset. METHODS: Data from the prospective national study ANACO were used. This study included a consecutive series of patients operated on for colon cancer in 52 Spanish hospitals (2011-2012). Centers with less than 30 patients were excluded. The present analysis finally included 42 centers (2975 patients). Based on the results obtained in 4main indicators from each hospital (anastomotic leak, lymph-nodes found in the specimen, mortality and length of stay), a nomogram that allows the evaluation of the performance of each center was designed. Standard results for further 5 intraoperative and 5 postoperative quality indicators were also reported. RESULTS: Median of anastomotic leak and mortality rate was 8.5% (25th-75th percentiles 6.1%-12.4%) and 2.5% (25th-75th percentiles 0.6%-4.7%), respectively. Median number of nodes found in the surgical specimen was 15,1 (25th-75th percentiles 18-14 nodes). Median length of postoperative stay was 7.7 days (25th-75th percentiles 6.9-9.2 days). Based on these data, a nomogram for hospital audit was created. CONCLUSIONS: Standard surgical results after colon cancer surgery were defined, creating a tool for auto-evaluation and allowing each center to identify areas for improvement in the surgical treatment of colon cancer.

Risk factors for anastomotic leak and postoperative morbidity and mortality after elective right colectomy for cancer: results from a prospective, multicentric study of 1102 patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies focused on postoperative outcome after oncologic right colectomy are lacking. The main objective was to determine pre-/intraoperative risk factors for anastomotic leak after elective right colon resection for cancer. Secondary objectives were to determine risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Fifty-two hospitals participated in this prospective, observational study (September 2011-September 2012), including 1102 patients that underwent elective right colectomy. Forty-two pre-/intraoperative variables, related to patient, tumor, surgical procedure, and hospital, were analyzed as potential independent risk factors for anastomotic leak and postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Anastomotic leak was diagnosed in 93 patients (8.4 %), and 72 (6.5 %) of them needed radiological or surgical intervention. Morbidity, mortality, and wound infection rates were 29.0, 2.6, and 13.4 %, respectively. Preoperative serum protein concentration was the only independent risk factor for anastomotic leak (p < 0.0001, OR 0.6 per g/dL). When considering only clinically relevant anastomotic leaks, stapled technique (p = 0.03, OR 2.1) and preoperative serum protein concentration (p = 0.004, OR 0.6 g/dL) were identified as the only two independent risk factors. Age and preoperative serum albumin concentration resulted to be risk factors for postoperative mortality. Male gender, pulmonary or hepatic disease, and open surgical approach were identified as risk factors for postoperative morbidity, while male gender, obesity, intraoperative complication, and end-to-end anastomosis were risk factors for wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative nutritional status and the stapled anastomotic technique were the only independent risk factors for clinically relevant anastomotic leak after elective right colectomy for cancer. Age and preoperative nutritional status determined the mortality risk, while laparoscopic approach reduced postoperative morbidity.

Risk Factors for Anastomotic Leak After Colon Resection for Cancer: Multivariate Analysis and Nomogram From a Multicentric, Prospective, National Study With 3193 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine pre-/intraoperative risk factors for anastomotic leak after colon resection for cancer and to create a practical instrument for predicting anastomotic leak risk. BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak is still the most dreaded complication in colorectal surgery. Many risk factors have been identified to date, but multicentric prospective studies on anastomotic leak after colon resection are lacking. METHODS: Fifty-two hospitals participated in this prospective, observational study. Data of 3193 patients, operated for colon cancer with primary anastomosis without stoma, were included in a prospective online database (September 2011-September 2012). Forty-two pre-/intraoperative variables, related to patient, tumor, surgical procedure, and hospital, were analyzed as potential independent risk factors for anastomotic leak (60-day follow-up). A nomogram was created to easily predict the risk of anastomotic leak for a given patient. RESULTS: The anastomotic leak rate was 8.7%, and widely varied between hospitals (variance of 0.24 on the logit scale). Anastomotic leak significantly increased mortality (15.2% vs 1.9% in patients without anastomotic leak, P < 0.0001) and length of hospitalization (median 23 vs 7 days in uncomplicated patients, P < 0.0001). In the multivariate analysis, the following variables were independent risk factors for anastomotic leak: obesity [P = 0.003, odds ratio (OR) = 2.7], preoperative serum total proteins (P = 0.03, OR = 0.7 per g/dL), male sex (P = 0.03, OR = 1.6), ongoing anticoagulant treatment (P = 0.05, OR = 1.8), intraoperative complication (P = 0.03, OR = 2.2), and number of hospital beds (P = 0.04, OR = 0.95 per 100 beds). CONCLUSIONS: Anastomotic leak after colon resection for cancer is a frequent, relevant complication. Patients, surgical technique, and hospital are all important determining factors of anastomotic leak risk.

Selective approach for upper rectal cancer treatment: total mesorectal excision and preoperative chemoradiation are seldom necessary.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of preoperative chemoradiation combined with total mesorectal excision has reduced local recurrence rates in rectal cancer. However, the use of both types of treatment in upper rectal cancer is controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to assess oncological results after radical resection of upper rectal cancers compared with sigmoid, middle, and lower rectal cancers and to determine risk factors for local recurrence in upper rectal cancer. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a tertiary care referral hospital in Valencia, Spain. PATIENTS: Analysis included 1145 patients who underwent colorectal resection with primary curative intent for primary sigmoid (n = 450), rectosigmoid (n = 70), upper rectal (n = 178), middle rectal (n = 186), or lower rectal (n = 261) cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Oncological results, including local recurrence, disease-free survival, and cancer-specific survival, were compared between the different tumor locations. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for local recurrence in upper rectal cancer. RESULTS: A total of 147 patients (82.6%) with upper rectal tumors underwent partial mesorectal excision, and only 10 patients (5.6%) of that group received preoperative chemoradiation. The 5-year actuarial local recurrence, disease-free survival, and cancer-specific survival rates for upper rectal tumors were 4.9%, 82.0%, and 91.6%. Local recurrence rates showed no differences when compared among all of the locations (p = 0.20), whereas disease-free survival and cancer-specific survival were shorter for lower rectal tumors (p = 0.006; p = 0.003). The only independent risk factor for local recurrence in upper rectal cancer was an involved circumferential resection margin at pathologic analysis (HR, 14.23 (95% CI, 2.75-73.71); p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: This was a single-institution, retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: Most upper rectal tumors can be treated with partial mesorectal excision without the systematic use of preoperative chemoradiation. Involvement of the mesorectal fascia was the only independent risk factor for local recurrence in these tumors.

Evaluation of mesorectal fascia in mid and low anterior rectal cancer using endorectal ultrasound is feasible and reliable: a comparison with MRI findings.

BACKGROUND: Accuracy of MRI in assessing mesorectal fascia and predicting circumferential resection margin decreases in low anterior rectal tumors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the accuracy of endorectal ultrasound in predicting the pathologic circumferential resection margin in low rectal anterior tumors and to compare it with MRI findings. DESIGN: This was a prospective series comparing the preoperative circumferential resection margin assessed by endorectal ultrasound and MRI with pathologic examination. SETTINGS: The study was conducted by a specialized colorectal multidisciplinary team at a tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Between 2002 and 2008, 76 patients with mid to low rectal cancer were preoperatively evaluated by endorectal ultrasound and MRI and underwent total mesorectal excision without neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Twenty-seven patients with posterior or postero-lateral tumors were excluded, leaving 49 patients with anterior or antero-lateral tumors for the present subanalysis. We compared preoperative circumferential resection margin status using endorectal ultrasound and MRI with pathologic examination. INTERVENTIONS: We conducted a comparison between preoperative circumferential resection margin status and pathologic examination after total mesorectal excision surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Accuracy in predicting pathologic circumferential resection margin status was measured. RESULTS: Overall accuracy of endorectal ultrasound and MRI in assessing circumferential resection margin status was 83.7% and 91.8%, with negative predictive values of 97.2% and 97.5%. When focusing on low rectal tumors, the overall accuracy of endorectal ultrasound increased to 87.5%, whereas the accuracy of MRI decreased to 87.5%, with a negative predictive value of 95.6% for both diagnostic tests. LIMITATIONS: The sample size is small, and interobserver variability in radiologic assessment was not evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: Endorectal ultrasound can help MRI in predicting circumferential resection margin involvement in mid to low anterior rectal cancer, especially at the low third of the rectum, with a high negative predictive value.

Management of cryptoglandular supralevator abscesses in the magnetic resonance imaging era: a case series.

AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of supralevator abscess, regarding its origin, location, drainage route, subsequent treatment of the fistula, and long-term results. METHODS: A retrospective case series including thirteen consecutive patients with cryptoglandular supralevator abscess treated between 2001 and 2011 at a colorectal unit of a tertiary referral center. A magnetic resonance imaging was performed in all patients before surgical drainage, and its usefulness in assessing supralevator abscess origin was analyzed. Short- and long-term results after drainage were also evaluated. RESULTS: The final diagnosis of supralevator abscess and the location described in the magnetic resonance were confirmed intraoperatively in all patients. An ischiorectal origin was identified in nine patients, and perineal translevator drainage was performed placing a mushroom catheter through the ischiorectal or the postanal space. Four patients underwent secondary treatment of anal fistula: two rectal advancement flap and two non-cutting seton. In the other four patients, an intersphincteric origin was identified and transanal surgical drainage was performed placing a long-term mushroom catheter. Several weeks later, transanal unroofing of the residual cavity was performed and the fistula lay open to the anorectal lumen. In the long-term follow-up (median 61 months), only patients with supralevator abscess of ischiorectal origin in whom fistula was not subsequently treated presented a recurrence of the anal sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Magnetic resonance imaging seems essential to clarify the location of supralevator abscess, its origin, and choice of the right drainage route. Subsequent treatment of the fistula is necessary to avoid recurrence.

Extralevator abdominoperineal resection in the prone position.

The Miles operation is every day more in the limelight. The abdominoperineal resection compared to anterior resection results in increased rate of circumferential resection margin (CRM) infiltration, increased iatrogenic tumor perforation rate and poorer quality of the mesorectum. These worse results may be caused by excessive dissection between the distal mesorectum and the plane of the levator ani and the consequent "resection waist" or "cone" effect in the specimen. A wider excision of the pelvic floor muscles, known as extraelevator abdominoperineal resection (ELAPE), would provide a "cylindrical" specimen which would hypothetically reduce the risk of tumor perforation and CRM infiltration and local recurrence rate. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that the ELAPE is oncologically superior compared to standard abdominoperineal resection. Independently from the surgical technique adopted, another actual point of discussion is the position of the patient during the perineal part of the operation. The position on "prone" provides excellent pelvic exposure, a top-down dissection under direct vision and is very comfortable for the operating surgeons. However, there is no clear scientific evidence of the superiority of prone ELAPE over supine ELAPE in terms of oncologic results, morbidity and mortality. The laparoscopy seems to be the best surgical approach for the abdominal part of the operation, although it has not been validated so far by large prospective studies. Prospective, controlled and randomized trials are necessary to resolve all these issues. The current interest in a more accurate and standardized perineal surgery to obtain a cylindrical specimen, undoubtedly, will improve results.