Impact of Mitomycin-C-Induced Neutropenia after Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy with Cytoreductive Surgery in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Mitomycin-C (MMC) is the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) after cytoreductive surgery (CRS). However, MMC has a side effect of myelosuppression. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical manifestations and impact of MMC-induced neutropenia after CRS and HIPEC in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: A total of 124 colorectal cancer patients who underwent CRS with HIPEC between March 2015 and January 2019 were evaluated. Patients with malignancies of non-colorectal origin, hospital stay longer than 60 days, peritoneal cancer index > 30, and complete cytoreduction score > 2 were excluded. MMC 35 mg/m2 was administered for 90 min at 41-43 °C. The patients were divided into three groups: no neutropenia, mild neutropenia (grade 1-2), and severe neutropenia (grade 3-4). RESULTS: In total, mild and severe neutropenia occurred in 30 (24.2%) and 48 (38.7%) patients, respectively. Age and body surface area were significantly different among the neutropenia groups. Severe neutropenia developed significantly earlier than mild neutropenia (6.9 days vs. 10.4 days, p < 0.001) and also lasted significantly longer (4.6 days vs. 2.5 days, p = 0.005). The rate of major postoperative complications was significantly higher in the severe neutropenia group than in the no and mild neutropenia groups (8.3% vs. 6.7% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.015) CONCLUSIONS: Severe neutropenia starts earlier and lasts longer than mild neutropenia after CRS and HIPEC using an MMC triple method. The higher rate of major postoperative complications in patients with severe neutropenia highlights the importance of postoperative management during the neutropenia period.

Pharmacologic Effects of Oxaliplatin Instability in Chloride-Containing Carrier Fluids on the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy to Treat Colorectal Cancer In Vitro and In Vivo.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) involves mixing oxaliplatin with 5% dextrose solution (5DW) to prevent the structural degradation of oxaliplatin in chloride-containing fluids. This study evaluated oxaliplatin degradation in carrier fluids containing different chloride ion concentrations to determine a carrier fluid that is optimal for use in oxaliplatin-based HIPEC. METHODS: Five types of carrier fluids (normal saline, half saline, 5DW, Dianeal PD-2 peritoneal dialysis solution, and non-chloride Dianeal solution) were compared. An in vitro study was performed that monitored an oxaliplatin concentration of 1 ml (2 mg/ml) oxaliplatin mixed in 24 ml of each carrier fluid during 3 days to evaluate the rate of oxaliplatin degradation in each carrier fluid. An in vivo study, which subjected Sprague-Dawley rats to HIPEC for 60 min, also was performed. The efficacy of each carrier fluid for preserving oxaliplatin was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) ratios between peritoneal fluid and plasma. RESULTS: The degradation rate of oxaliplatin in non-chloride fluids was significantly lower than in chloride-containing fluids. However, the rate was less than 10 to 15% at 30 min. The in vivo study indicated that oxaliplatin concentrations in peritoneal fluids did not differ significantly, whereas those in plasma did differ. The AUC ratios of both normal saline and Dianeal were higher than those of 5DW and non-Cl- Dianeal solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Chloride-containing fluids, such as normal saline or Dianeal, which display high absorption rates of oxaliplatin and acceptable degradation rates, may be more beneficial for use in oxaliplatin-based HIPEC than 5DW.

Prediction of Metachronous Peritoneal Metastases After Radical Surgery for Colon Cancer: A Scoring System Obtained from an International Multicenter Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Since novel strategies for prevention and treatment of metachronous peritoneal metastases (mPM) are under study, it appears crucial to identify their risk factors. Our aim is to establish the incidence of mPM after surgery for colon cancer (CC) and to build a statistical model to predict the risk of recurrence. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of consecutive pT3-4 CC operated at five referral centers (2014-2018). Patients who developed mPM were compared with patients who were PM-free at follow-up. A scoring system was built on the basis of a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 1423 included patients, 74 (5.2%) developed mPM. Patients in the PM group presented higher preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) [median (IQR): 4.5 (2.5-13.0) vs. 2.7 (1.5-5.9), P = 0.001] and CA 19-9 [median (IQR): 17.7 (12.0-37.0) vs. 10.8 (5.0-21.0), P = 0.001], advanced disease (pT4a 42.6% vs. 13.5%; pT4b 16.2% vs. 3.2%; P < 0.001), and negative pathological characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression identified CA 19-9, pT stage, pN stage, extent of lymphadenectomy, and lymphovascular invasion as significant predictors, and individual risk scores were calculated for each patient. The risk of recurrence increased remarkably with score values, and the model demonstrated a high negative predictive value (98.8%) and accuracy (83.9%) for scores below five. CONCLUSIONS: Besides confirming incidence and risk factors for mPM, our study developed a useful clinical tool for prediction of mPM risk. After external validation, this scoring system may guide personalized decision-making for patients with locally advanced CC.

Association of Albumin-Bilirubin Grade and Myosteatosis with its Prognostic Significance for Patients with Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade is a useful prognostic and predictive marker for patients with liver disease. Its clinical significance has been limited to patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Furthermore, the association between the ALBI grade and skeletal muscle-related indices is unclear. METHODS: This study enrolled 1015 patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans within 31 days before surgery. The prognostic value of the ALBI grade in predicting overall survival (OS) was assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. The correlation between the ALBI grade and the skeletal muscle index or radiodensity (myosteatosis) was evaluated. The predictive accuracy of ALBI alone and in combination with myosteatosis was compared using Harrell's concordance index (C-index). RESULTS: The significant prognostic factors for OS identified in the multivariable analysis were the ALBI group (low vs high: hazard ratio [HR], 1.566; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.174-2.089; p = 0.002) and myosteatosis (low vs. high: HR, 0.648; 95 % CI, 0.486-0.865; p = 0.003). The rate of low-grade myosteatosis increased as the ALBI grade increased. The C-index of combined ALBI and myosteatosis (0.650; 95 % CI, 0.618-0.683) was superior to that of ALBI alone (0.603; 95 % CI, 0.575-0.631; bootstrap incremental area under the curve [iAUC] mean difference, 0.047; 95 % CI, 0.012-0.070) and myosteatosis alone (0.608; 95 % CI, 0.577-0.640; bootstrap iAUC mean difference, 0.042; 95 % CI, 0.023-0.064). CONCLUSION: The ALBI grade is significantly associated with myosteatosis. The ALBI grade is a significant prognostic factor, and the combination of ALBI and myosteatosis show an additive value in discriminating survival of patients with CRC.

Impact of laparoscopic surgical experience on the learning curve of robotic rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery has advantages in terms of the ergonomic design and expectations of shortening the learning curve, which may reduce the number of patients with adverse outcomes during a surgeon's learning period. We investigated the differences in the learning curves of robotic surgery and clinical outcomes for rectal cancer among surgeons with differences in their experiences of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent robotic surgery for colorectal cancer were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into five groups by surgeons, and their clinical outcomes were analyzed. The learning curve of each surgeon with different volumes of laparoscopic experience was analyzed using the cumulative sum technique (CUSUM) for operation times, surgical failure (open conversion or anastomosis-related complications), and local failure (positive resection margins or local recurrence within 1 year). RESULTS: A total of 662 patients who underwent robotic low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer were included in the analysis. Number of laparoscopic LAR cases performed by surgeon A, B, C, D, and E prior to their first case of robotic surgery were 403, 40, 15, 5, and 0 cases, respectively. Based on CUSUM for operation time, surgeon A, B, C, D, and E's learning curve periods were 110, 39, 114, 55, and 23 cases, respectively. There were no significant differences in the surgical and oncological outcomes after robotic LAR among the surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the limited impact of laparoscopic surgical experience on the learning curve of robotic rectal cancer surgery, which was greater than previously reported curves.

Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on renal function after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) predispose to postoperative renal dysfunction. Dexmedetomidine is an α2 adrenoreceptor agonist, which has renoprotective effects after cardiac surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dexmedetomidine on renal function after CRS and HIPEC. MATERIALS: Thirty-eight patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC were randomized to receive dexmedetomidine (dexmedetomidine group, n = 19, loading 1 µg/kg over 20 min followed by infusion at 0.5 µg/kg/h) or 0.9% sodium chloride (control group, n = 19) during surgery. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was assessed daily until postoperative day 7. Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1 were measured for 24 h after surgery. RESULTS: There was no difference in the lowest CrCl value during the first 7 days postoperatively, but the % change from baseline to the lowest value was lower in the dexmedetomidine group than in the control group (p = .037). Urine NGAL and KIM-1 levels were increased over time in both groups, but the increases were significantly less in the dexmedetomidine group (p = .018 and 0.038, respectively). In the dexmedetomidine group, the length of intensive care unit stay was shorter (p = .034). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion did not improve renal function in terms of serum Cr-related indices following CRS and HIPEC. However, as the decrease in CrCl was attenuated and early tubular-injury markers were lower in the dexmedetomidine group, dexmedetomidine may have protective effects against early tubular injury in CRS and HIPEC. Clinical Trials Registry: http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02641938).

Clinical outcomes of complete cytoreduction with concurrent liver resection followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for synchronous peritoneal and liver metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of concurrent liver resection with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with synchronous liver and peritoneal metastases. METHODS: Patients with colorectal liver and peritoneal metastasis who underwent complete cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with concurrent liver surgery between September 2014 and July 2018 were included. Perioperative outcomes, overall survival, and progression-free survival were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 22 patients were included. The median peritoneal cancer index was 13 (range, 0-26), and the median number of liver metastases was 3 (range, 1-13). The mean total operative time was 11.4 ± 2.6 h. Minor postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade I-II) were reported in 10 patients (45.5%), and major postoperative complications (grade III-V) were reported in five patients (22.7%), including one mortality patient. The median overall survival since diagnosis with metastasis was 27.4 months. The median overall survival since surgical intervention and the progression-free survival were 16.7 months and 7.1 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This short-term follow-up study showed that, in an experienced center, combined resection with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal liver and peritoneal metastases was feasible and safe with acceptable oncologic outcomes.

Pharmacologic Properties of the Carrier Solutions for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Comparative Analyses Between Water and Lipid Carrier Solutions in the Rat Model.

BACKGROUND: Carrier solutions play an important role in the distribution, plasma absorption, chemical stability, and solubility of anticancer agents during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). In the current study, lipophilic properties of carrier solutions were evaluated to determine whether they improved anticancer drug absorption rates using mitomycin-C (MMC) or oxaliplatin HIPEC as compared to hydrophilic carrier solutions. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: MMC and oxaliplatin treatment groups. Each group was then further subdivided by carrier solution: Dianeal® PD-2 peritoneal dialysis solution, 5% dextrose solution and 20% lipid solution (Lipision®). HIPEC was performed over 60 min at 41-42 °C using the anticancer drugs MMC (35 mg/m2) or oxaliplatin (460 mg/m2). The plasma area under the curve (AUC; AUCplasma), peritoneal AUC (AUCperitoneum), and peritoneal/plasma AUC ratios were compared among HIPEC carrier solutions. RESULTS: Plasma drug concentrations were significantly different among carrier solutions, varying by time. In contrast, peritoneal drug concentrations did not change with carrier solution. In the MMC group, the peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio of a lipid solution was three times higher than Dianeal® (p < 0.001). In the oxaliplatin group, the peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio was significantly different between carrier solutions (p = 0.046). Although the oxaliplatin AUCperitoneum did not vary (p = 0.941), the AUCplasma of a lipid solution was lower than that of 5% dextrose solution (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The lipid carrier solution increases the peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio and decreases plasma absorption rates. However, further study is required before clinical uses, considering its pharmacologic properties and possible risks after HIPEC.

Korean Society of Coloproctology (KSCP) trial of cONsolidation Chemotherapy for Locally advanced mid or low rectal cancer after neoadjUvant concurrent chemoraDiothErapy: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (KONCLUDE).

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) has been a standard treatment option for locally advanced rectal cancer with improved local control. However, systemic recurrence despite neoadjuvant CRT remained unchanged. The only significant prognostic factor proven to be important was pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant CRT. Several efforts have been tried to improve survival of patients who treated with neoadjuvant CRT and to achieve more pCR including adding cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, chronologic modification of chemotherapy schedule or adding chemotherapy during the perioperative period. Consolidation chemotherapy is adding several cycles of chemotherapy between neoadjuvant CRT and TME. It could increase pCR rate, subsequently could show better oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Patients with advanced mid or low rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant CRT will be included after screening. They will be randomized and assigned to undergo TME followed by 8 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (control arm) or receive 3 cycles of consolidation chemotherapy before TME, and receive 5 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy (experimental arm). The primary endpoints are pCR and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS), and the secondary endpoints are radiotherapy-related complications, R0 resection rate, tumor response rate, surgery-related morbidity, and peripheral neuropathy at 3 year after the surgery. The authors hypothesize that the experimental arm would show a 15% improvement in pCR (15 to 30%) and in 3-year DFS (65 to 80%), compared with the control arm. The accrual period is 2 years and the follow-up period is 3 years. Based on the superiority design, one-sided log-rank test with α-error of 0.025 and a power of 80% was conducted. Allowing for a drop-out rate of 10%, 358 patients (179 per arm) will need to be recruited. Patients will be followed up at every 3 months for 2 years and then every 6 months for 3 years after the last patient has been randomized. DISCUSSION: KONCLUDE trial aims to investigate whether consolidation chemotherapy shows better pCR and 3-year DFS than adjuvant chemotherapy alone for the patients who received neoadjuvant CRT for locally advanced rectal cancer. This trial is expected to provide evidence to support clear treatment guidelines for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02843191 (First posted on July 25, 2016).

MRI-based EMVI positivity predicts systemic recurrence in rectal cancer patients with a good tumor response to chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of baseline magnetic resonance imaging-based extramural vascular invasion status (EMVI) among rectal cancer patients with a good tumor response to standard chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery. METHODS: A total of 359 patients with ypT0-2/N0 disease from The Yonsei Multicenter Colorectal Cancer Electronic Database were retrospectively included between January 2000 and December 2014. Magnetic resonance images and medical records were reviewed to investigate risk factors for tumor recurrence. RESULTS: When we compared patients without and with EMVI, significant differences were observed in the 5-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) (80.8% vs 57.8%, P = 0.005) and in the 5-year systemic recurrence-free survival rate (SRFS) (86.9% vs 64.3%, P = 0.007). In the multivariate analysis, both mrEMVI and APR independently predicted overall DFS (APR; HR 2.088, 95% CI: 1.082-4.031, P = 0.028, mrEMVI; HR: 2.729, 95% CI: 1.230-6.058, P = 0.014). mrEMVI was only independent prognostic factor for systemic recurrence with statistical significance (HR: 3.321, 95% CI: 1.185-9.309, P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: Even in rectal cancer patients with a good response to chemoradiotherapy followed by curative surgery, extramural vascular invasion and APR may predict poor disease-free survival outcomes. Intensified treatment strategy should be considered.

Outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in pathologic T4 colon cancers compared to those of open surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the oncologic safety of laparoscopic surgery in colon cancer management, laparoscopy is not regarded as a standard treatment for T4 colon cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with locally advanced colon cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: From March 2003 to June 2013, a total of 109 consecutive patients with proven pathologic T4 colon cancer were enrolled. These patients were divided into the laparoscopy group (LG, n = 52) and the open group (OG, n = 57). Perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the LG, open conversion occurred in four patients (7.6%). Combined resection was less commonly performed in the LG (13.5%) than in the OG (36.8%, P = 0.005). Operation time was similar between the two groups. In the LG, blood loss (129 mL vs. 437 mL, P < 0.001) and overall complication rate (13.5 vs. 36.8%, P = 0.005) were lower and length of hospital stay was shorter (median 7 vs. 17 days, P < 0.001) than in the OG. The 5-year overall survival rate was 60.7% for the LG and 61.9% for the OG (P = 0.817). Local recurrence-free survival did not differ between the groups (88.9% in LG vs. 88.1% in OG, P = 0.725). CONCLUSION: Considering the benefits of early recovery and similar oncologic outcomes, laparoscopic surgery in T4 colon cancer could be a viable option in selected patients.

Long-term oncological outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision of mid-low rectal cancer following neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.

PROPOSE: The use of robotic surgery and neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for rectal cancer is increasing steadily worldwide. However, there are insufficient data on long-term outcomes of robotic surgery in this clinical setting. The aim of this study was to compare the 5-year oncological outcomes of laparoscopic vs. robotic total mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-eight patients who underwent robotic (n = 74) or laparoscopic (n = 64) resections between January 2006 and December 2010 for mid and low rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT were identified from a prospective database. The long-term oncological outcomes of these patients were analyzed using prospective follow-up data. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 56.1 ± 16.6 months (range 11-101). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the laparoscopic and robotic groups was 93.3 and 90.0 %, respectively, (p = 0424). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 76.0 % (laparoscopic) vs. 76.8 % (robotic) (p = 0.834). In a subgroup analysis according to the yp-stage (complete pathologic response, yp-stage I, yp-stage II, or yp-stage III), the between-group oncological outcomes were not significantly different. The local recurrence rate was 6.3 % (laparoscopic, n = 4) vs. 2.7 % (robotic, n = 2) (p = 0.308). The systemic recurrence rate was 15.6 % (laparoscopic, n = 10) vs. 18.9 % (robotic, n = 14) (p = 0.644). All recurrences occurred within less than 36 months in both groups. The median period of recurrence was 14.2 months. CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT can be performed safely, with long-term oncological outcomes comparable to those obtained with laparoscopic surgery. More large-scale studies and long-term follow-up data are needed.

Anastomotic Leakage After Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer Is Different Between Minimally Invasive Surgery and Open Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To review and compare clinical manifestations of and risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer between minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and open surgery (OS). BACKGROUND: MIS for rectal cancer has become popular, and its clinical course is different from OS. Many studies have reported on the risk factors and oncologic influence of AL. However, few have directly compared clinical manifestations and risk factors for AL between MIS and OS. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2012, a total of 1704 consecutive patients who underwent elective low anterior resection with colorectal anastomosis for rectal cancer were eligible. The variables associated with short-term outcomes and risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall AL incidence was 6.4%. In the MIS-AL group, the time to diagnosis of AL and the time to second operation were shorter. A majority of the patients (77.8%) in the MIS-AL group underwent second MIS operation, whereas none in the OS-AL group. The hospital stays after second MIS were shorter than those after second open operation. Multivariate analyses revealed that male sex, smoking and alcohol intake history, previous abdominal surgery, longer operation times, low-lying tumor, and using 2 or more staplers for distal rectal resection were independent risk factors in the MIS-AL group, whereas smoking and alcohol intake history, operation times, and blood loss were significant in the OS-AL group. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical manifestations of and risk factors for AL were different between MIS and OS. AL after MIS may be more influenced by factors related to technical difficulties. Close attention should be given to patients undergoing surgery with risk factors for AL.

Oncologic Outcomes of Colon Cancer Patients with Extraregional Lymph Node Metastasis: Comparison of Isolated Paraaortic Lymph Node Metastasis with Resectable Liver Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: The treatment strategy and benefit of extended lymph node dissection among patients with preoperatively diagnosed paraaortic lymph node metastasis (PALNM) in colon cancer remains highly controversial. In the current study, we analyzed the oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent extraregional lymph node dissection for colon cancer with isolated PALNM. METHODS: From March 2000 to December 2009, the study group included 1082 patients who underwent curative surgery for colonic adenocarcinoma with pathological lymph node metastasis. RESULTS: Of 1082 patients who underwent curative surgery for colonic carcinoma, 953 (88.1 %) patients underwent regional lymphadenectomy, and 129 (11.9 %) patients underwent paraaortic lymph node dissection. Pathologic examination revealed N1 stage disease in 738 (68.2 %), N2 in 295 (27.3 %), and PALNM in 49 (4.5 %). Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rate were significantly better in the regional LNM group than in the PALNM group (OS 75.1 vs. 33.9 %, p < 0.001; DFS 66.2 vs. 26.5 %, p < 0.001). Five-year OS and DFS were not significantly different between the PALNM and resectable liver metastasis patients who underwent curative resection (OS 33.9 vs. 38.7 %, p = 0.080; DFS 26.5 vs. 27.6 %, p = 0.604). CONCLUSIONS: PALNM in colon cancer is associated with poorer survival than regional lymph node metastasis and showed comparable survival rates with metastasectomy for liver metastasis. Further studies evaluating the net benefit of upfront chemotherapy compared with initial resection for patients with potentially resectable PALNM are needed.

Robotic Surgery for Colon and Rectal Cancer.

Robotic surgery, used generally for colorectal cancer, has the advantages of a three-dimensional surgical view, steadiness, and seven degrees of robotic arms. However, there are disadvantages, such as a decreased sense of touch, extra time needed to dock the robotic cart, and high cost. Robotic surgery is performed using various techniques, with or without laparoscopic surgery. Because the results of this approach are reported to be similar to or less favorable than those of laparoscopic surgery, the learning curve for robotic colorectal surgery remains controversial. However, according to short- and long-term oncologic outcomes, robotic colorectal surgery is feasible and safe compared with conventional surgery. Advanced technologies in robotic surgery have resulted in favorable intraoperative and perioperative clinical outcomes as well as functional outcomes. As the technical advances in robotic surgery improve surgical performance as well as outcomes, it increasingly is being regarded as a treatment option for colorectal surgery. However, a multicenter, randomized clinical trial is needed to validate this approach.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for intestinal Behcet's disease: a comparative study with open surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment of intestinal Behcet's disease (BD) is not well established. Specifically, it is still difficult to assess the clinical value of laparoscopic surgery to address this condition. We aimed to evaluate the clinical course and the characteristics of laparoscopic surgery for intestinal BD compared with open surgery. METHODS: We reviewed charts of 91 patients who underwent surgical treatment for intestinal BD between January 1995 and December 2012. We retrospectively compared the laparoscopic group (LG, n = 30) and the open group (OG, n = 61) in terms of patient demographics, clinical features, operative data, postoperative course, complications within 30 days after operation, and long-term follow-up data. RESULTS: There were more females in the LG than in the OG (63.3 vs. 36.1%, p = 0.014), and oral/genital ulcers were more frequent in the LG (76.7 vs. 54.1%, p = 0.038; 60 vs. 36.1%, p = 0.031). Intractability with medical treatment was dominant in the LG (76.7 vs. 45.9%, p = 0.02), while intestinal perforation or fistula were more prevalent in the OG (10 vs. 44.3%, p = 0.001). Most patients received an ileocecectomy or a right hemicolectomy as their first surgery. In the LG, the patients had a shorter operation time (162.0 vs. 228.5 min, p < 0.001) and had less blood loss (61.7 vs. 232.3 ml, p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, reoperation, mortality, and hospital stay between the groups. During the follow-up period, the mean number of operations was less in the LG than in the OG (1.3 vs. 2.1, p = 0.011). Analysis indicated that 20% of patients in the LG and 50.8% in the OG underwent more than two operations (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery is feasible and safe for selected intestinal BD patients. However, there were no better short-term outcomes in LG compared with OG.