The association of cognitive coping style with patient preferences in a patient-led follow-up study among colorectal cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION: Amidst the rising number of cancer survivors and personnel shortages, optimisation of follow-up strategies is imperative, especially since intensive follow-up does not lead to survival benefits. Understanding patient preferences and identifying the associated patient profiles is crucial. Coping style may be a key determinant in achieving this. Our study aims to evaluate preferences, identify coping styles and their associated factors, and explore the association between coping style and patients' preferences in colorectal cancer (CRC) follow-up. METHODS: In a prospective multicentre implementation study, patients completed the Threatening Medical Situations Inventory (TMSI) to determine their coping style. Simultaneously patients choose their follow-up preferences for the CRC trajectory regarding frequency of tumour marker determination, location of blood sampling, and manner of contact. RESULTS: A total of 188 patients completed the TMSI questionnaire after inclusion. A more intensive follow-up was preferred by 71.5% of patients. Of all patients, 52.0% had a coping style classified as 'blunting' and 34.0% as 'monitoring'. Variables such as a younger age, female gender, higher educational level, and lower ASA scores were associated with having higher monitoring scores. However, there were no significant associations between follow-up preferences and patients' coping styles. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that none of the provided options in a patient-led follow-up are unsuitable for patients who underwent curative surgery for primary CRC, based on coping style determined at baseline. Low-intensity surveillance after curative resection of CRC may, therefore, be suitable for a wide range of patients independent of coping styles.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery: impact on quality of life and functional outcome.

BACKGROUND: Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is emerging as an alternative to transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Quality of life (QOL) and functional outcome are important aspects when valuing a new technique. The aim of this prospective study was to assess both functional outcome and QOL after TAMIS. METHODS: From 2011 to 2013, patients were prospectively studied prior to and at least 6 months after TAMIS for rectal adenomas and low-risk T1 carcinomas using a single-site laparoscopy port. Functional outcome was determined using the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Quality of life was measured using functional [Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life (FIQL)] and generic (EuroQol EQ-5D) questionnaires. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 24 patients 13 men, median age 59 (range 42-83) with 24 tumours [median distance from the dentate line 8 cm (range 2-17 cm); median tumour size 6 cm(2) (range 0.25-51 cm(2)); 20 adenomas; 4 low-risk T1 carcinomas]. Post-operative complications occurred in one patient (4 %; grade IIIb according to Clavien Dindo classification). Compared to baseline, FISI remained unaffected (9.8 vs 7.3; P = 0.26), FIQL remained unaffected, and EuroQol EQ-5D improved (EQ-VAS: 77 vs 83; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: There was no detrimental effect of TAMIS on anorectal function. Overall QOL was improved after TAMIS, probably due to removal of the tumour, and at 6 months was equal to the general population.

Intramucosal carcinoma of the rectum can be safely treated with transanal endoscopic microsurgery; clinical support of the revised Vienna classification.

AIM: The revised Vienna criteria were proposed for classifying rectal neoplasia and subsequent treatment strategies. Restaging intramucosal carcinoma to a non-invasive subgroup seems logical, but clinical support is lacking. In this study, we investigated whether distinction between intramucosal carcinomas (IMC) and rectal adenoma (RA) is of clinical relevance and whether these neoplasms can all be similarly and safely treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). METHODS: All consecutive patients with IMC and RA, treated with TEM between 1996 and 2010 in tertiary referral centre for TEM were included. Long-term outcome of 88 IMC was compared to 356 pure rectal adenomas (RA). Local recurrence (LR) rate was the primary endpoint. Risk factors for LR were analysed. RESULTS: LR was diagnosed in 7/88 patients (8.0 %) with IMC and in 33/356 patients with primary RA (9.3 %; p = 0.700) and LR-free survival did not differ (p = 0.438). Median time to recurrence was 10 months (IQR IMC 5-30; RA 6-16). Overall recurrence occurred mainly in the first 3 years (38/40; 95 %). None of the LR revealed malignancy on pathological evaluation. No differences could be found in complication rates (IMC 9 %; RA 13 %; p = 0.34). Metastases did not occur in either group. Independent risk factors for LR were irradical margins at final histopathology (HR 2.32; 95 % CI 1.17-4.59; p = 0.016) and more proximal tumours (HR 0.84; 95 % CI 0.77-0.92; P = <0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, IMC of the rectum and RA have similar recurrence rates. This supports the revised Vienna classification. Both entities can be safely treated with TEM.

Patient-led home-based follow-up after surgery for colorectal cancer: the protocol of the prospective, multicentre FUTURE-primary implementation study.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer in the Netherlands. Approximately 90% of patients can be treated with surgery, which is considered potentially curative. Postoperative surveillance during the first 5 years after surgery pursues to detect metastases in an early, asymptomatic and treatable stage. Multiple large randomised controlled trials have failed to show any (cancer-specific) survival benefit of intensive postoperative surveillance compared with a minimalistic approach in patients with CRC. This raises the question whether an (intensive) in-hospital postoperative surveillance strategy is still warranted from both a patient well-being and societal perspective. A more modern, home-based surveillance strategy could be beneficial in terms of patients' quality of life and healthcare costs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The multicentre, prospective FUTURE-primary study implements a patient-led home-based surveillance after curative CRC treatment. Here, patients are involved in the choice regarding three fundamental aspects of their postoperative surveillance. First regarding frequency, patients can opt for additional follow-up moments to the minimal requirement as outlined by the current Dutch national guidelines. Second regarding the setting, both in-hospital or predominantly home-based options are available. And third, concerning patient-doctor communication choices ranging from in-person to video chat, and even silent check-ups. The aim of the FUTURE-primary study is to evaluate if such a patient-led home-based follow-up approach is successful in terms of quality of life, satisfaction and anxiety compared with historic data. A successful implementation of the patient-led aspect will be assessed by the degree in which the additional, optional follow-up moments are actually utilised. Secondary objectives are to evaluate quality of life, anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence and cost-effectiveness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval was given by the Medical Ethics Review Committee of Erasmus Medical Centre, The Netherlands (2021-0499). Results will be presented in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05656326.

Traumatic inguinal hernia after fall from truck on a broom.

Background: Inguinal hernias are among the most common abdominal wall hernias but rarely caused by penetrating trauma. Case presentation: We report a case of a 61-year-old patient with a traumatic inguinal hernia after penetrating injury through the inguinal canal. Local inspection of the intestines and abdominal cavity showed no fecal spill, blood clots or signs of contamination. Therefore, no laparoscopy or laparotomy was initiated. The abdominal wall was closed using a mesh patch. No infections or re-herniation occurred. Conclusion: Clinicians could consider local exploration in the treatment of traumatic inguinal hernias.

Utility of preoperative exercise therapy in reducing postoperative morbidity after surgery; a clinical overview of current evidence.

Introduction: Surgery is a major stressor especially for older patients that are prone for postoperative complications and mortality. Hospitalization due to surgery and illness can be major life events, and the age-related impairments in physiological function and the decreased ability to respond to metabolic and hormonal perturbations in response to surgery often lead to a longer convalescence. Areas covered: This article gives an overview of the effects of PET in various surgical fields and also what to account for and expect of PET after various types of surgery. A comprehensive literature search was performed in Pubmed, Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library, and PEDro database (from the earliest date of each database to March 2019) using search words 'Preoperative Exercise Therapy', 'Physical Therapy' and 'surgery'. Secondly, the literature searches were modified depending on the surgical specialty. Expert opinion: Evidence is growing that preoperative exercise therapy in various surgical specialties is well tolerated and effective, with by far the most evidence in the cardiac surgical field. Future improvements in standards of care and optimal pre-operative preparation should not only focus on the surgical team and the hospital organization but also on incorporating the active role of the patient.