Short-term Postoperative Outcomes of Colorectal Cancer Patients With Chronic Renal Failure on Dialysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Surgery for dialysis patients requires special attention because of their physical characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the short-term postoperative outcomes of colorectal cancer patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on dialysis and aimed to investigate safer treatment options for these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1,504 colorectal cancer patients who underwent primary resection between January 2008 and December 2018 were included. A retrospective analysis of clinical data, preoperative tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9), and the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification was performed. Patients were stratified into Groups A and B based on their need for dialysis or not, respectively. RESULTS: There were 20 and 1,484 patients in Groups A and B, respectively. No differences were observed regarding age, body mass index, and preoperative tumor markers. The rate of laparoscopic surgery was significantly lower in Group A than in Group B. There was one mortality in Group A due to pulmonary disease. Group A had a significantly higher rate of complications. CONCLUSION: CRF patients on dialysis who underwent colorectal cancer surgery tended to be ruled out of laparoscopic surgery, and their rates of postoperative complications were higher.

The time-dependent changes in serum carcinoembryonic antigen impact on posthepatectomy outcomes of colorectal liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Only a few studies have examined the impact of carcinoembryonic antigen variation in patients before and after curative resection of colorectal liver metastasis . This study examined the correlation between carcinoembryonic antigen levels and patient prognosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal liver metastasis between 2000 and 2017 were enrolled. This study examined patients with high preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels that normalized after resection of colorectal liver metastasis and the correlation between prognosis and time-dependent changes in carcinoembryonic antigen levels. The similarity in the risk of recurrence in patients with normal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 143 consecutive patients were included in the study cohort and classified into the normal preoperative (46 patients), normalized postoperative (57 patients), and elevated preoperative and postoperative (40 patients) carcinoembryonic antigen groups. All clinicopathologic characteristics were comparable between patients grouped according to carcinoembryonic antigen levels. The 5-year disease-free survival and overall survival rates for all patients were 30.4% and 56.0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated preoperative and postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels (hazard ratio = 1.73, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-2.87) were independently associated with poor disease-free survival; normalization of postoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% confidence interval: 0.57-1.53) was statistically indistinguishable from normal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels. The risk of recurrence was similar to that of patients with normal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels CONCLUSION: Patients with elevated preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen levels that normalized after resection of colorectal liver metastasis were not at risk of poor disease-free survival. Elevated carcinoembryonic antigen levels after surgery are independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival.

Minimally Invasive Paraesophageal Hernia Repair in the Elderly: Is Age Really Just a Number?

Introduction: Paraesophageal hernias readily affect the elderly with a median age of presentation between 65 and 75 years. Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is a technically challenging operation with potential for dire complications. Advanced age and medical comorbidities may heighten perioperative risk and limit surgical candidacy, potentially refusing patients an opportunity toward symptom resolution. Given the increased prevalence in the elderly and associated surgical risks, we aim to assess age as an independent risk factor for perioperative morbidity and mortality after PEHR. Methods: A retrospective analysis using a prospectively maintained database assessed patients undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018. Patients were stratified by age: Group A (age <65 years), Group B (65≤ age <80 years), and Group C (age ≥80 years). Patient demographics, preoperative symptoms, postoperative outcomes, and mortality rate were analyzed. Barium esophagram was performed on symptomatic postsurgical patients. Recurrence was confirmed radiologically. Results: In total, 143 patients underwent laparoscopic (94.4%) or robotic-assisted (5.6%) PEHR. Average age per group was Group A (n = 49) 55.4 years (standard deviation [SD] ±8.91), Group B (n = 76) 71.4 years (SD ±4.40), and Group C (n = 17) 84.1 (years) (SD ±3.37). Group C had significantly higher rates of nonelective surgery (P = .018), preoperative weight loss (P = .014), hypertension (P = .031), ischemic heart disease (P = .001), and cancer (P = .039); preoperative body mass index was significantly lower (P = .048). Charlson comorbidity index differences between groups were significant (2.00 versus 3.61 versus 5.28, P < .001). Median follow-up was 426 days (6-3199). Symptom improvement was seen in 78.3% of patients. Recurrence and reoperation rates were not significantly different between groups. No differences were seen in mortality, length of stay, or postoperative complications between groups. Conclusions: PEHR in elderly patients proved to be safe and effective. Avoidance of emergent intervention may be achieved through a judicious elective approach to this anatomic problem. Symptom resolution and quality-of-life improvement can be safely achieved with surgical repair in this patient population, demonstrating that age is truly just a number for PEHR.

Sleeve gastrectomy for treatment of delayed gastric emptying-indications, technique, and results.

INTRODUCTION: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) can be caused by gastric motility disorders such as gastroparesis with idiopathic background, diabetic neuropathy, or postsurgical nerve damage. Currently, a variety of endoscopic and surgical treatment options are available. We noted clinical improvement of gastric emptying with reduction of the gastric fundus following both fundoplication and fundectomy. As a consequence, we explored the effect of sleeve gastrectomy on gastric emptying. The focus of this paper is to investigate the role of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) in the treatment of gastroparesis. METHODS: Patients with symptoms suggestive of gastroparesis received diagnostic work-up (gastric emptying scintigraphy and/or Radiographic Barium-Sandwich Emptying studies). Patients with fundic emptying problems and moderate gastric dilation were selected for a LSG. All perioperative parameters were documented regarding patients characteristics, complications, and outcomes expressed as symptoms and quality of life (GIQLI gastrointestinal quality of life index). Assessment of DGE: Barium Emptying Radigraphy Index (BERI) 0-5. RESULTS: From 122 patients with gastroparesis, 19 patients were selected for LSG (mean age 54 years (23-68); 10 males/9 females. Morbidity 2/19; no mortality; follow-up mean 24 months (12-60); preop/postop: BERI: 2, 31/1, 27 (p < 0.01); we noted significant improvement of the quality of life (preoperative GIQLI 78 (44-89)) to postoperative values of 114 (range 87-120) (p < 0.0001). Preoperative median BMI of these 19 patients was 24 [1-10], which was not significantly changed in the 15 patients at > 1 year follow-up with 23 [1-8]. Postoperative recurrence of DGE occurred in 3 patients who were reoperated after >1 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: LSG is a potential surgical treatment option for selected patients with gastroparesis and fundic emptying problems.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Repair for Intersigmoid Hernia.

Intersigmoid hernia is a rare clinical entity. Only 6 cases of laparoscopic repair for intersigmoid hernia have been reported since 1977. We herein report such a case, which was successfully diagnosed preoperatively and treated with laparoscopic repair. A 50-year-old man with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and vomiting was admitted for the treatment of small bowel obstruction. The patient had no history of abdominal surgery. Computed tomography showed a dilated small bowel and a closed loop of small bowel dorsal to the sigmoid colon and the sigmoid mesocolon. With a diagnosis of an incarcerated internal hernia, the patient underwent emergency laparoscopy-assisted surgery. Laparoscopy showed that the ileum had herniated into the intersigmoid fossa, and therefore the patient was diagnosed with an intersigmoid hernia. Because bowel ischemia was not observed, we reduced the incarcerated small bowel, and the hernial defect was widely opened. After operation, the patient developed ileus and was treated with transnasal ileus tube. Thereafter, the patient made a satisfactory recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 21. The patient is in good general condition without ileus 42 months postoperatively.

Paraesophageal hernia repair: a curative consideration for chronic anemia?

INTRODUCTION: Chronic anemia is a common, coinciding or presenting diagnosis in patients with paraesophageal hernia (PEH). Presence of endoscopically identified ulcerations frequently prompts surgical consultation in the otherwise asymptomatic patient with anemia. Rates of anemia resolution following paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) often exceed the prevalence of such lesions in the study population. A defined algorithm remains elusive. This study aims to characterize resolution of anemia after PEHR with respect to endoscopic diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with PEH and anemia undergoing PEHR from 2007 to 2018 was performed. Anemia was determined by preoperative labs: Hgb < 12 mg/dl in females, Hgb < 13 mg/dl in males, or patients with ongoing iron supplementation. Improvement of post-operative anemia was assessed by post-operative hemoglobin values and continued necessity of iron supplementation. RESULTS: Among 56 identified patients, 45 were female (80.4%). Forty patients (71.4%) were anemic by hemoglobin value, 16 patients (28.6%) required iron supplementation. Mean age was 65.1 years, with mean BMI of 27.7 kg/m2. One case was a Type IV PEH and the rest Type III. 32 (64.0%) had potential source of anemia: 16 (32.0%) Cameron lesions, 6 (12.0%) gastric ulcers, 12 (24.0%) gastritis. 10 (20.0%) had esophagitis and 4 (8%) Barrett's esophagus. 18 (36%) PEH patients had normal preoperative EGD. Median follow-up was 160 days. Anemia resolution occurred in 46.4% of patients. Of the 16 patients with pre-procedure Cameron lesions, 10 (63%) had resolution of anemia. Patients with esophagitis did not achieve resolution. 72.2% (13/18) of patients with no lesions on EGD had anemia resolution (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Patients with PEH and identifiable ulcerations showed 50% resolution of anemia after hernia repair. Patients without identifiable lesions on endoscopy demonstrated statistically significant resolution of anemia in 72.2% of cases. Anemia associated with PEH adds an indication for surgical repair with curative intent.

Open mesh plug repair for inguinal hernia after femoro-femoral arterial bypass: Two retrospective case series.

INTRODUCTION: Reports on inguinal hernia repair after femoral arterial bypass are limited, and a recommended procedure has not been established. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Case 1. A 77-year-old man who had a history of femoro-femoral arterial bypass (FFB) for limb graft occlusion following endovascular aortic repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm presented with a left inguinal hernia. CT revealed an inguinal hernia and the FFB graft was identified in the subcutaneous plane. We selected mesh-plug repair under local infiltration anesthesia and his postoperative course was uneventful. Case 2. A 73-year-old man who had a history of FFB for occlusion the branch of the graft of endovascular stent for abdominal aortic aneurysm presented with a left inguinal hernia. CT revealed an inguinal hernia and the FFB graft was identified in the subcutaneous plane. We performed mesh-plug repair under general anesthesia and his postoperative course was uneventful. The patients are free of recurrence of the hernia or complication of the FFB graft as of 13 months and 30 months after the surgery, respectively. DISCUSSION: We herein report two cases of successful open mesh plug repair for inguinal hernia after FFB. CONCLUSION: The mesh plug repair is safe and useful for the treatment of inguinal hernia after FFB, for which preoperative CT is helpful for understanding precise anatomy which facilitates surgical planning.

Identification of the Risk Factors for Recurrence of Stage III Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study aimed to identify risk factors for recurrence of patients with stage III colorectal cancer by assessing clinicopathological features. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 231 patients with stage III colorectal cancer who underwent curative resection between 2006 and 2012 at the Department of Surgery of the Jikei University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Clinicopathological data of the patients were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The recurrence rate was 27.7% (64/231) in the study group. The univariate analysis for recurrence identified five risk factors: site of primary tumor (rectal cancer), surgical procedure (open surgery), preoperative serum CEA level (>5 ng/ml), preoperative serum CA19-9 level (>37 U/ml), and number of metastatic lymph nodes (over three metastases). The multivariate analysis for recurrence identified three risk factors: rectal cancer, preoperative serum CEA level >5.0 ng/ml 95%, and more than three metastatic lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: The risk factors for stage III colorectal cancer recurrence seem to be rectal cancer, preoperative serum CEA level >5.0 ng/ml, and more than three metastatic lymph nodes.

Standardization of surgical procedures to reduce risk of anastomotic leakage, reoperation, and surgical site infection in colorectal cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 1189 patients.

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage (AL) and surgical site infection (SSI) are prevalent complications of colorectal surgery. To lower this risk, we standardized our surgical procedures in 2012, with a preferential use of laparoscopic approach (LS) for both colon and rectal surgery, combined with triangulating anastomosis (TA) for colon surgery and defunctioning ileostomy (DI) for low anterior resection. Our aim was to evaluate the outcomes of our standardized procedures. METHODS: The incidence rate of AL (primary outcome) and of reoperation and SSI (secondary outcome) was compared before (early period, n = 648) and after (late period, n = 541) standardization, through a retrospective analysis. RESULTS: The incidence rate of AL (6.6 versus 1.8%; P = 0.001), reoperation (3.5 versus 0.7%; P = 0.0012), and SSI (7.7 versus 4.6%; P = 0.029) was lower in late than in the early period. For colon cancer, TA and LS reduced the risk of AL (2.1 versus 0.3%, P = 0.020, for TA, and 3.2 versus 0.4%, P = 0.0027, for LS) and reoperation (2.9 versus 0.3%, P = 0.003, for TA, and 2.5 versus 0.2%, P = 0.0040, for LS). For rectal cancer, the incidence of all adverse outcomes (AL, reoperation, and SSI) was lower in cases treated by LS. However, the incidence of AL was lower in the late than in early period (P = 0.002) and with LS (P = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, late period and LS were independent factors of a lower risk of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Our surgical standardization seems to be effective in lowering the risks of AL, reoperation, and SSI after colorectal cancer surgery.

Defunctioning Ileostomy Is a Key Risk Factor for Small Bowel Obstruction After Colorectal Cancer Resection.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO) prolongs hospital stays after surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors for EPSBO associated with colorectal cancer resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared the clinical variables of patients with EPSBO (n=37) and those without (n=812) after primary tumor resection for colorectal cancer at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2015. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, significant differences between the two groups was found in male sex, open surgery, and defunctioning ileostomy (DI) placement (p=0.024, p<0.0001, and p=0.023, respectively), but not for colostomy placement. Of 16 patients with DI who developed EPSBO, 13 (81.3%) cases resulted from obstruction of the stomal outlet. CONCLUSION: Male sex, open surgery, and DI placement are risk factors for EPSBO after colorectal cancer resection. For patients with placement of DI, obstruction of the stomal outlet should be carefully considered.

Comparison of Postoperative Outcomes Between Laparoscopic and Open Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To determine the superiority of the laparoscopic vs. open technique for colorectal cancer surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery by laparoscopic colectomy (LC) or open colectomy (OC) for colon cancer. The patients were classified into two groups: as LC group and OC group. We retrospectively assessed clinical characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes and long-term outcomes between the two groups by univariate analysis. RESULTS: The LC group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss, complications, and shorter post-operative hospital stay than the OC group. The overall survival of Stage II in the LC group is significantly longer than the OC group. DFS of Stage III in the LC group was significantly longer than the OC group. CONCLUSION: LC showed more favorable results in both short-term and long-term outcomes than OC.

Which Is the Safer Anastomotic Method for Colon Surgery? - Ten-year Results.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In colon surgery, the anastomotic method is generally selected by surgeon's preferences or by local conditions. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed anastomotic complications to assess safe methods of anastomosis in colonic resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 684 cases, performed between July 2003 and June 2013 in our Hospital. Anastomosis complications, such as leakage, stricture and bleeding, were analyzed in relation to the three methods of anastomosis, hand-sewn (HS), functional end-to-end (FEEA) and triangulating anastomosis (TRI). RESULTS: Univariate analysis indicated that the incidence of leakage was significantly lower in laparoscopic surgeries (p=0.034) and TRI (p=0.047). The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that anastomotic leakage was significantly less with TRI (p=0.029). CONCLUSION: In colon surgery, TRI seems to be associated with a low risk of anastomotic leakage compared to HS and FEEA.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programs for Laparoscopic Colorectal Resection May Not Need Thoracic Epidural Analgesia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity of thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) as enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs for laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared between perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent LC with TEA (n=31) and with multimodal analgesia (MMA) (n=31). Furthermore, we also evaluated the patients' satisfaction by a questionnaire survey to the nurses. RESULTS: The only numeric rating scale (NRS) score on post-operative day (POD) 1 of the MMA group was significantly higher than that in the TEA group (p=0.002). In multivariate analysis, the factors that demonstrated significant correlation with hospital stay did not include analgesia. The 74% of the nurses felt equal or higher analgesic effect in the MMA group and interestingly, 84% of them answered that they would choose MMA if they were to undergo LC. CONCLUSION: TEA may not be necessary for ERAS in LC.

Comparison of Transumbilical and Conventional Defunctioning Ileostomy in Laparoscopic Anterior Resections for Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Laparoscopic surgery has made possible anterior resections with small incisions suitable for creating stomas. We retrospectively compared surgical results and stomal complications between transumbilical defunctioning ileostomy (TDI) and conventional defunctioning ileostomy (CDI) in laparoscopic anterior resections for rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We compared patients who underwent laparoscopic anterior resection with TDI (n=47) with those undergoing CDI (n=27) for rectal cancer between February 2011 and January 2015. RESULTS: For the initial operations, the TDI group had significantly less intraoperative blood loss (30.3 ml vs. 117.0 ml; p=0.014). For stomal closure, the TDI group experienced significantly fewer wound infections (2 vs. 8 cases; p=0.002) and bowel obstructions (none vs. 3 cases; p=0.039). No significant differences in stomal complication rates were observed. CONCLUSION: TDI is associated with better surgical results and fewer complications than CDI after laparoscopic anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Usefulness of circulating tumor cells after preliminary chemotherapy for prediction of response to further anticancer therapy in patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) after preliminary chemotherapy for prediction of response to further anticancer therapy in patients with initially unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: CTCs from 14 consecutive patients with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) wild-type colorectal cancer with synchronous or metachronous unresectable metastatic lesions were measured using the CellSearch system between January 2009 and December 2011. CTCs were measured before and after chemotherapy. The regimen consisted of four courses (three months) of oxaliplatin with oral S-1 (SOX) + panitumumab. RESULTS: Ten (71%) out of all patients had no detectable CTCs after chemotherapy. Eight out of these ten patients received further chemotherapy, and liver metastases were completely resected in the other two patients; none of these patients died of cancer within a year after starting chemotherapy. The remaining four patients with CTCs continued to have CTCs after chemotherapy, and all four of these patients died of cancer within eight months after starting chemotherapy. The prognosis of the patients who had no detectable CTCs after the chemotherapy was significantly better than that of those who had CTCs even after the chemotherapy (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: CTCs after preliminary chemotherapy may be useful in predicting the response to further anticancer therapy.