Impact of Anatomic Extent of Nodal Metastasis on Adjuvant Chemotherapy Outcomes in Stage III Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: An oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy regimen improves the survival outcomes of patients with stage III colon cancer. However, its complications are well-known. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to distinguish between the survival outcomes of patients who underwent curative resection for stage III colon cancer with oxaliplatin chemotherapy and those who underwent such resection without oxaliplatin chemotherapy. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analytical study based on prospectively collected data. SETTINGS: This study used data on patients who underwent surgery at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2014. PATIENTS: A cohort of 254 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for stage III colon cancer was included in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: patients with isolated pericolic lymph node metastasis (n = 175) and those with extrapericolic lymph node metastasis (n = 79). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinicopathologic features and 3-year survival outcomes were analyzed with and without oxaliplatin therapy in the pericolic lymph node group. RESULTS: The pericolic lymph node group showed significantly improved overall survival compared with the extrapericolic lymph node group at a median follow-up of 48.5 months (95.8% vs 77.8%; p < 0.001). In contrast, there was no significant difference in overall survival (99.0% vs 92.0%; p = 0.137) and disease-free survival (89.1% vs 88.2%; p = 0.460) between the oxaliplatin and nonoxaliplatin subgroups of the pericolic lymph node group. Multivariate analysis showed that the administration of oxaliplatin chemotherapy to the pericolic lymph node group did not lead to a significant difference in the overall survival (p = 0.594). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective design and single institutional data analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the anatomic extent of metastatic lymph nodes could affect patient prognosis, and the effect of oxaliplatin-based adjuvant chemotherapy may not be prominent in stage III colon cancer with isolated pericolic lymph node metastasis.

Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Laparoscopic Surgery Could Achieve Radical D3 Dissection in Patients With Advanced Right-Sided Colon Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The optimal lymph node dissection with central vascular ligation is an important part for oncological outcomes after laparoscopic right-sided colon cancer surgery. Few studies have examined the clinical value of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided D3 dissection for right-sided colon cancer. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the clinical value of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic surgery in improving the radicality of lymph node dissection for right-sided colon cancer by comparing the outcomes of conventional laparoscopic surgery. DESIGN: The data were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single university hospital. PATIENTS: A 1:2 matched case-control study included 25 patients undergoing fluorescence imaging-guided laparoscopic surgery and 50 patients undergoing conventional laparoscopic surgery for clinical T3 or T4 right-sided colon cancer between June 2016 and December 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The extent of D3 dissection and pathological results (tumor stage, lymph node yield, and number of metastatic lymph nodes) were analyzed. RESULTS: The 2 groups were similar in baseline characteristics. The numbers of harvested pericolic and intermediate lymph nodes were not different between the 2 groups. The numbers of central lymph nodes (14 vs 7, p < 0.001) and total harvested lymph nodes (39 vs 30, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the fluorescence group than in the conventional group. In the multivariate analysis, the use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging was an independently related factor for the retrieval of higher numbers of overall and central lymph nodes. The number of metastatic lymph nodes was not significantly different between the 2 groups. LIMITATIONS: The results of this study were limited by its small patient numbers and retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time indocyanine green fluorescence imaging of lymph nodes may improve the performance of more radical D3 lymph node dissection during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for advanced right-sided colon cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B150. LA CIRUGÍA LAPAROSCÓPICA GUIADA POR IMÁGENES DE FLUORESCENCIA VERDE INDOCIANINA PODRÍA LOGRAR UNA DISECCIÓN RADICAL D3 EN PACIENTES CON CÁNCER DE COLON AVANZADO DEL LADO DERECHO: La disección óptima de los ganglios linfáticos con ligadura vascular central es una parte importante para los resultados oncológicos después de la cirugía laparoscópica de cáncer de colon del lado derecho. Pocos estudios han examinado el valor clínico de la disección D3 guiada por imágenes de fluorescencia verde indocianina para el cáncer de colon del lado derecho.Evaluamos el valor clínico de la cirugía laparoscópica guiada por imagen de fluorescencia verde indocianina para mejorar la radicalidad de la disección de ganglios linfáticos para el cáncer de colon del lado derecho mediante la comparación de los resultados de la cirugía laparoscópica convencional.Los datos se revisaron y analizaron retrospectivamente.Este estudio se realizó en un solo hospital universitario.Un estudio de casos y controles emparejado 1:2 incluyó a 25 pacientes sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica guiada por imágenes de fluorescencia y 50 pacientes sometidos a cirugía laparoscópica convencional para cáncer de colon derecho clínico T3 o T4 entre Junio de 2016 y Diciembre de 2017.Se analizó el alcance de la disección D3 y los resultados patológicos (estadio tumoral, rendimiento de los ganglios linfáticos y número de ganglios linfáticos metastásicos).Los dos grupos fueron similares en las características basicas. El número de ganglios linfáticos pericólicos e intermedios recolectados no fue diferente entre los dos grupos. El número de ganglios linfáticos centrales (14 vs 7, p < 0.001) y el total de ganglios linfáticos recolectados (39 vs 30, p = 0.003) fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo de fluorescencia que en el grupo convencional. En el análisis multivariante, el uso de imágenes de fluorescencia verde indocianina fue un factor independiente relacionado para la recuperación de un mayor número de ganglios linfáticos centrales y globales. El número de ganglios linfáticos metastásicos no fue significativamente diferente entre los dos grupos.Los resultados de este estudio fueron limitados por su pequeño número de pacientes y su naturaleza retrospectiva.Las imágenes de fluorescencia verde indocianina en tiempo real de los ganglios linfáticos pueden mejorar el rendimiento de la disección más radical de los ganglios linfáticos D3 durante la hemicolectomía derecha laparoscópica para el cáncer de colon avanzado del lado derecho. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B150.

Long-term oncologic after robotic versus laparoscopic right colectomy: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of robot-assisted right colectomy (RAC) with those for conventional laparoscopy-assisted right surgery (LAC) for treating right-sided colon cancer. BACKGROUND: The enthusiasm for the robotic techniques has gained increasing interest in colorectal malignancies. However, the role of robotic surgery in the oncologic safety has not yet been defined. METHODS: From September 2009 to July 2011, 71 patients with right-sided colonic cancer were randomized in the study. Adjuvant therapy and postoperative follow-up were similar in both groups. The primary and secondary endpoints of the study were hospital stay and survival, respectively. Data were analyzed by intention-to-treat principle. RESULTS: The RAC and LAC groups did not differ significantly in terms of baseline clinical characteristics. Compared with the LAC group, RAC was associated with longer operation times (195 min vs. 129 min, P < 0.001) and higher cost ($12,235 vs. $10,319, P = 0.013). The median follow-up was 49.23 months (interquartile range 40.63-56.20). The combined 5-year disease-free rate for all tumor stages was 77.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.6-92.1%) in the RAC group and 83.6% (95% CI 72.1-0.97.0%) in the LAC group (P = 0.442). The combined 5-year overall survival rates for all stages were 91.1% (95% CI 78.8-100%) in the RAC group and 91.0% (95% CI 81.3-100%) in the LAC group (P = 0.678). Using multivariate analysis, RAC was not a predictor of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: RAC appears to similar long-term survival as compared with LAC. However, we did not observe any clinical benefits of RAC which could translate to a decrease in expenditures. TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov , number NCT00470951.

Single-Incision Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Multi-Center Randomized Controlled Trial (SCAR trial).

INTRODUCTION: Although single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) was introduced decades ago, it is still considered a difficult technique to perform compared to conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA). In addition, controversy about the benefits of SILA compared to CLA abound and no definite criteria for choosing SILA over CLA in patients with appendicitis currently exist. Therefore, we have planned a multi-center randomized controlled trial to compare SILA with CLA in terms of cosmetic satisfaction and pain reduction. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients diagnosed with appendicitis at the participating centers will be recruited and allocated into either a CLA or an SILA groups using a 1:1 randomization. Patients in the CLA group will receive a conventional 3-port laparoscopic appendectomy and patients in the SILA group will receive a laparoscopic appendectomy using a single-incision at the umbilicus. The primary trial endpoint is cosmetic satisfaction assessed using the Patients and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) administered 6 weeks post-surgery. Secondary trial endpoints include cosmetic satisfaction assessed via the Body Image Questionnaire, pain levels assessed via the Visual Analog Scale and International Pain Outcomes questionnaire, and the presence of postoperative complications. The target sample size of this superiority trial is 120 patients, as this will provide 80% power at the 2.5% level of significance to detect a 3-point difference in POSAS. DISCUSSION: The results of this planned multi-center randomized controlled trial will provide substantive evidence to help surgeons choose when to use SILA over CLA in patients with appendicitis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This trial was approved by the institutional review board at Daegu joint on February 27, 2020 (No: 19-12-001-001) and registered with the clinical research information service (CRIS) (KCT0005048). The results of the study will be published and presented at appropriate conferences. HIGHLIGHTS: To investigate the clinical benefits comparing between single incision laparoscopic appendectomy and conventional laparoscopic appendectomyTo assess the pain and cosmetic satisfaction through quantitative scales, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures (PROMs), International Pain Outcome (IPO) Questionnaire, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and the Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ)To help surgeons choose when to use single incision laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with appendicitis.

Optimal strategies of rectovaginal fistula after rectal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is a type of anastomotic leakage. The aim of this study was to find out the difference of leakage, according to RVF presence or absence and to identify the optimal strategy for RVF. METHODS: All female patients who underwent low anterior resection with colorectal anastomosis or coloanal anastomosis (n = 950) were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' demographics and perioperative outcomes were analyzed between the RVF group and leakage without the RVF (nRVF) group. We performed 4 types of procedures-primary repair, diverting stoma, redo coloanal anastomosis (RCA), and conservative procedure-to treat RVF, and calculated the success rates of each type of procedure. RESULTS: The leakage occurred in 47 patients (4.9%). Among them, 18 patients (1.9%) underwent an RVF and 29 (3.0%) underwent nRVF. The RVF group received more perioperative radiotherapy (27.8% vs. 3.4%, P < 0.015) and occurred late onset after surgery (181.3 ± 176.4 days vs. 23.2 ± 53.6 days, P < 0.001) more than did the nRVF group. In multivariate analysis for the risk factor of the RVF group, the RVF group was statistically associated with less than 5 cm of anastomosis more than was the no-leakage group. A total of 35 procedures were performed in 18 patients with RVF for treatment. RCA showed satisfactory success rates (85.7%, n = 6) and, primary repair (transanal or transvaginal) showed acceptable success rate (33.3%, n = 8). CONCLUSION: After low anterior resection for rectal cancer, RVF was strongly correlated with a lower level of primary tumor location. Among the patients who underwent leakages, receipt of perioperative radiotherapy was significantly high in the RVF group than that of the nRVF group. Additionally, this study suggests that RCA might be considered another successful treatment strategy for RVF.

Life-threatening bleeding with intussusception due to gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Massive intraluminal bleeding requires urgent intervention and management. However, the source of bleeding on the small intestine is difficult to determine. Intestinal tumor with intussusception is a rare and normally not an urgent condition. Herein, we present a rare case of intestinal intussusception with massive bleeding due to jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) that required emergency surgical treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: A 51-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and acute hematochezia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy could not determine the source of the bleeding site. Abdominal pelvic computed tomography (AP-CT) revealed GIST with intussusception, strongly suggestive of distal jejunal bleeding. Unresponsive transfusion with low blood pressure and continuous hematochezia led to emergency laparotomy. GIST, which was the leading point for intussusception, was located in the jejunum and showed mucosal ulceration of approximately 3.5 cm in diameter. Following resection and functional anastomosis, histology revealed a GIST with low mitotic count (< 5 per 50HPF). Moreover, immunochemical analysis revealed positivity for c-kit (CD117) and DOG-1. There were no complications 2 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Intussusception associated with GIST is a rare finding that can be life-threatening if it occurs with an ulcer. This case showed that the early detection of bleeding and emergency surgery could prevent severe complications.

Short-term outcomes after laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery in patients with limited peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety of laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery versus open surgery for patients with limited peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. METHODS: Laparoscopic surgery for patients with colorectal cancer with peritoneal metastases has been performed at our institution since December 2004. We retrospectively evaluated data from patients with colorectal cancer metastatic to the peritoneum, with a peritoneal cancer index ≤10. We compared short-term operative and survival outcomes in the laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery group and open cytoreductive surgery group. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients underwent open cytoreductive surgery and 42 underwent laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery, of whom 6 (14%) required open conversion. Clinicopathologic characteristics and operative outcomes were comparable between the groups. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in all patients in the laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery group and in 19 patients (91%) in the open cytoreductive surgery group (P = .042). Both the mean hospital stay and use of postoperative narcotics were significantly less in the laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery group than in the open cytoreductive surgery group. The type of operation (open cytoreductive surgery versus laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery) was not related to survival outcomes. CONCLUSION: With careful selection by experienced laparoscopic surgeons, laparoscopic cytoreductive surgery was technically feasible and safe to treat colorectal cancer patients with limited peritoneal metastases.

Clinical Outcomes of a Redo for a Failed Colorectal or Coloanal Anastomosis.

PURPOSE: Redo surgery in patients with a persistent anastomotic failure (PAF) is a rare procedure, and data about this procedure are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of redo surgery in such patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent a redo anastomosis for PAF from January 2004 to November 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Data from a prospective colorectal database were analyzed. Success was defined as the combined absence of any anastomosis-related complications and a stoma at the last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 1,964 patients who underwent curative surgery for rectal cancer during this study period were included. Among them, 32 consecutive patients underwent a redo anastomosis for PAF. Thirteen patients of those 32 had major anastomotic dehiscence with a pelvic sinus, 12 had a recto-vaginal fistula, and 7 had anastomosis stenosis. There were no postoperative deaths. The median operation time was 255 minutes (range, 80-480 minutes), and the median blood loss was 80 mL (range, 30-1,000 mL). The overall success rate was 78.1%, and the morbidity rate was 40.6%. Multivariable analyses showed that the primary tumor height at the lower level was the only statistically significant risk factor for redo surgery (P = 0.042; hazard ratio, 2.444). CONCLUSION: In our experience, a redo anastomosis is a feasible surgical option that allows closure of a stoma in nearly 80% of patients. Lower tumor height (<5 cm from the anal verge) is the only independent risk factor for nonclosure of defunctioning stomas after primary rectal surgery.

A novel robotic right colectomy for colon cancer via the suprapubic approach using the da Vinci Xi system: initial clinical experience.

PURPOSE: We developed a technique of totally-robotic right colectomy with D3 lymphadenectomy and intracorporeal anastomosis via a suprapubic transverse linear port. This article aimed to introduce our novel robotic surgical technique and assess the short-term outcomes in a series of five patients. METHODS: All colectomies were performed using the da Vinci Xi system. Four robot trocars were placed transversely in the supra pubic area. Totally-robotic right colectomy was performed, including colonic mobilization, D3 lymphadenectomy, and intra corporeal stapled functional anastomosis. The 2 middle suprapubic trocar incisions were then extended to retrieve the specimen. RESULTS: Five robotic right colectomies via the suprapubic approach were performed between August 2015 and February 2016. The mean operation time was 183 ± 29.37 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 27 ± 9.75 mL. The time to clear liquid intake was 3 days in all patients, and the mean length of stay after surgery was 6.2 ± 0.55 days. No patient required conversion to conventional laparoscopic surgery. There were no perioperative complications. According to the pathology report, the mean number of harvested lymph nodes was 36.6 ± 4.45. Four patients were stage III, and 1 patient was stage II according to the 7th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer system. CONCLUSION: Totally-robotic right colectomy via the suprapubic approach can be performed successfully in selected patients. Further comparative studies are required to verify the clinical advantages of our technique over conventional robotic surgery.