A contemporary assessment of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) protocols for locally advanced rectal cancer: adoption and expert perspectives at German Cancer Society (DKG)-certified colorectal cancer centers.

PURPOSE: The treatment paradigm for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is shifting toward the total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) concept, which administered systemic chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting, either before or after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT). First results have shown higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and a favorable impact on disease-free survival (DFS). Our study aimed to evaluate the current clinical practice and expert opinion regarding TNT for locally advanced rectal cancer across DKG (German Cancer Society)-certified colorectal cancer centers. METHODS: A comprehensive online questionnaire, constituted of 14 TNT-focused queries targeting patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, was conducted among DKG-certified colorectal cancer centers registered within the database of the Addz (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Darmzentren) between December 2022 and January 2023. RESULTS: A significant majority (68%) indicated that they treated between 0 and 10 patients using a TNT protocol. Only a third (36%) of these centers participated in patient enrollment for a TNT study. Despite this, 84% of centers reported treating patients in a manner analogous to a TNT study, with the RAPIDO regimen being the most prevalent approach, employed by 60% of the respondents. The decision to adopt a TNT approach was primarily influenced by factors, such as the lower third of the rectum (93% of centers), cT4 stage (86% of centers), and a positive circumferential resection margin (80% of centers). Regarding concerns, 65% of the survey respondents expressed no reservations about the TNT concept, while 35% had concerns. In particular, there appears to be disagreement and uncertainty in regard to a clinical complete response and the "Watch and Wait" approach. While some centers adopt the watch-and-wait approach (42%), others only utilize it when extirpation is otherwise necessary (39%), and a portion still proceeds with surgery as initially planned (19%). The survey also addressed unmet needs, which were elaborated in the free-text responses. Overall, there was high interest in participating in planned observational studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents an overview of current clinical practice and unmet needs within DKG-certified German colorectal cancer centers. It is noteworthy that total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is predominantly performed outside of clinical trials. Moreover, across the centers, there is significant heterogeneity in handling clinical complete response and adopting the "watch and wait" approach. Further research is needed to establish standardization in the care of locally advanced rectal cancer.

High-resolution integrated dynamic shimming diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the assessment of rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the feasibility of high-resolution integrated dynamic shimming echo planar imaging (iEPI) applied to rectal cancer. METHODS: A total of seventy-eight patients with non-mucinous rectum adenocarcinoma were enrolled in this study. Using a prototype high-resolution iEPI sequence, high-resolution single-shot EPI (sEPI) sequence, and sEPI sequence, subjective and objective assessment and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value were measured for comparison. The spearman rank correlation analysis test and the receiver operating characteristic curve were performed to evaluate correlation between tumor ADC values, corresponding T stage, and differentiation degree of rectal cancer. RESULTS: The subjective assessment of the image quality (IQ) of high-resolution iEPI was rated superior to high-resolution sEPI and sEPI by both readers (p < 0.001). Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise, and signal-intensity ratio were significantly higher in high-resolution iEPI than the other two sequences (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference of tumor ADC values among three EPI sequences in the group of low- to well-differentiated rectal cancer. An inverse correlation was noted between ADC values on three DWI sequences and pathological T stage of rectal cancer (r = - 0.693, - 0.689, - 0.640, p < 0.001). The AUC values of high-resolution iEPI, high-resolution sEPI, and sEPI in predicting well-differentiated rectal cancer were 0.910, 0.761, and 0.725 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the high-resolution iEPI provided significantly higher IQ and stable ADC compared to another two sequences. High-resolution iEPI has the highest efficacy among three examined sequences in differentiation of rectal cancer with different degrees of differentiation. KEY POINTS: • High-resolution iEPI provided a significantly better IQ than high-resolution sEPI and sEPI when assessing rectal cancer. • The AUC of high-resolution sEPI was the highest among three EPI sequences in predicting well-differentiated rectal cancer.

Assessment of complications after transperineal and transrectal prostate biopsy using a risk-stratified pathway identifying patients at risk for post-biopsy infections.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence of transperineal (TP) superiority over transrectal (TR) biopsy is growing due to lower infectious complication rates. However, TR biopsy is the most common procedure, and it seems that a cross-over to TP is delayed by logistical challenges such as costs, complexity, and lack of experience. We investigate whether well-selected patients without any risk factors may further undergo TR biopsy if all precautions to avoid infections are warranted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected in our academic institution between August 2021 and March 2022 and after clinical implementation of the currently updated European Association of Urology guideline recommendations on the performance of prostate biopsy. Patients underwent either TP or TR biopsy according to a riskstratification based on risk factors of infectious complications. Follow-up asked for post-biopsy complications. Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) propensity score was used to balance baseline characteristics. Complications were subdivided into infectious and non-infectious complications. RESULTS: In total, 294 patients were included with 161 patients undergoing TR vs. 133 patients undergoing TP biopsy. Complication rates were 2.2% for TP vs. 5.5% for TR biopsy concerning all complications. Infectious complication rates only were 0.7% for TP vs. 1.8% for TR biopsy. After IPTW adjustment, differences were statistically significant different (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that even in a well-selected patient cohort with presumably lower risk of infectious complications, TR biopsy leads to more post-biopsy complications than TP biopsy. This conclusion should motivate the urological community to switch to TP biopsy.

Significant improvement after training in the assessment of lateral compartments and short-axis measurements of lateral lymph nodes in rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with rectal cancer, the size and location of lateral lymph nodes (LLNs) are correlated to increased lateral local recurrence rates. Sufficient knowledge and accuracy when measuring these features are therefore essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in measurements and anatomical classifications of LLNs before and after training. METHODS: Fifty-three Dutch radiologists examined three rectal MRI scans and completed a questionnaire. Presence, location, size, and suspiciousness of LLNs were reported. This assessment was repeated after a 2-hour online training by the same radiologists with the same three cases plus three additional cases. Three expert radiologists independently evaluated these 6 cases and served as the standard of reference. RESULTS: Correct identification of the anatomical location improved in case 1 (62 to 77% (p = .077)) and in case 2 (46 to 72% (p = .007)) but decreased in case 3 (92 to 74%, p = .453). Compared to the first three cases, cases 4, 5, and 6 all had a higher initial consensus of 73%, 79%, and 85%, respectively. The mean absolute deviation of the short-axis measurements in cases 1-3 were closer-though not significantly-to the expert reference value after training with reduced ranges and standard deviations. Subjective determination of malignancy had a high consensus rate between participants and experts. CONCLUSION: Though finding a high consensus rate for determining malignancy of LLNs, variation in short-axis measurements and anatomical location classifications were present and improved after training. Adequate training would support the challenges involved in evaluating LLNs appropriately. KEY POINTS: • Variation was present in the assessment of the anatomical location and short-axis size of lateral lymph nodes. • In certain cases, the accuracy of short-axis measurements and anatomical location, when compared to an expert reference value, improved after a training session. • Consensus before and after training on whether an LLN was subjectively considered to be suspicious for malignancy was high.

Assessment of mesorectal fascia status in MRI compared with circumferential resection margin after total mesorectal excision and predictors of involved margins.

BACKGROUND: Circumferential resection margin is an important prognosticator for total mesorectal excision outcome. We investigated the status of mesorectal fascia on magnetic resonance imaging compared with circumferential resection margin on pathology and factors associated with status change. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery. Mesorectal fascia status on magnetic resonance imaging done before neoadjuvant therapy and circumferential resection margin status on pathology were compared. The study outcomes were factors associated with a margin status conversion between magnetic resonance imaging and pathology, and predictors of involved circumferential resection margin. RESULTS: In total, 244 patients (average follow-up of 25.4 months) were included. Eighty-one (33.2%) patients had potentially involved mesorectal fascia in magnetic resonance imaging and 12 (4.9%) had involved circumferential resection margin in pathology. A total of 2.8% of patients had a conversion of clear mesorectal fascia in magnetic resonance imaging to involved circumferential resection margin. Abdominoperineal resection was significantly associated with this status change (odds ratio: 25, 95% confidence interval: 2.4-255.8, P = .007). In total, 7.4% of patients with potentially involved mesorectal fascia had persistently involved circumferential resection margin. Lack of total neoadjuvant therapy was associated with higher, yet statistically insignificant, odds of persistently involved circumferential resection margin (odds ratio: 12, 95% confidence interval: 0.65-220.8, P = .09). The significant independent predictors of involved circumferential resection margin were body mass index (odds ratio: 1.2, P = .016) and abdominoperineal resection (odds ratio: 4.22, P = .04). CONCLUSION: Change of clear mesorectal fascia in magnetic resonance imaging to an involved circumferential resection margin in pathology was recorded in 2.8% of patients; abdominoperineal resection might be associated with this change. Approximately 7% of patients had persistent involvement of circumferential resection margin as determined by pathology. Omission of total neoadjuvant therapy might be associated with persistent margin involvement.

Incidence and Characterization of Rectal Complications From Fecal Management Systems.

BACKGROUND: Fecal management systems have become ubiquitous in hospitalized patients with fecal incontinence or severe diarrhea, especially in the setting of perianal wounds. Although fecal management system use has been shown to be safe and effective in initial series, case reports of rectal ulceration and severe bleeding have been reported, with a relative paucity of clinical safety data in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of rectal complications attributable to fecal management systems, as well as to characterize possible risk factors and appropriate management strategies for such complications. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large academic medical center. PATIENTS: All medical and surgical patients who underwent fecal management system placement from December 2014 to March 2017 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured any rectal complication associated with fecal management system use, defined as any rectal injury identified after fecal management system use confirmed by lower endoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were captured, with a median duration of fecal management system use of 4 days. Overall, 8 patients (1.3%) experienced a rectal injury associated with fecal management system use. All of the patients who experienced a rectal complication had severe underlying comorbidities, including 2 patients on dialysis, 1 patient with cirrhosis, and 3 patients with a recent history of emergent cardiac surgery. In 3 patients the bleeding resolved spontaneously, whereas the remaining 5 patients required intervention: transanal suture ligation (n = 2), endoscopic clip placement (n = 1), rectal packing (n = 1), and proctectomy in 1 patient with a history of pelvic radiotherapy. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective design and single institution. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date evaluating rectal complications from fecal management system use. Although rectal injury rates are low, they can lead to serious morbidity. Advanced age, severe comorbidities, pelvic radiotherapy, and anticoagulation status or coagulopathy are important factors to consider before fecal management system placement. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B698. INCIDENCIA Y CARACTERIZACIN DE LAS COMPLICACIONES RECTALES DE LOS SISTEMAS DE MANEJO FECAL: ANTECEDENTES:Los sistemas de manejo fecal se han vuelto omnipresentes en pacientes hospitalizados con incontinencia fecal o diarrea severa, especialmente en el contexto de heridas perianales. Aunque se ha demostrado que el uso del sistema de tratamiento fecal es seguro y eficaz en la serie inicial, se han notificado casos de ulceración rectal y hemorragia grave, con una relativa escasez de datos de seguridad clínica en la literatura.OBJETIVO:Determinar la tasa de complicaciones rectales atribuibles a los sistemas de manejo fecal. Caracterizar los posibles factores de riesgo y las estrategias de manejo adecuadas para tales complicaciones.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO:Centro médico académico de mayor volumen.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes médicos y quirúrgicos que se sometieron a la colocación del sistema de manejo fecal desde diciembre de 2014 hasta marzo de 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Cualquier complicación rectal asociada con el uso del sistema de manejo fecal, definida como cualquier lesión rectal identificada después del uso del sistema de manejo fecal confirmada por endoscopia baja.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron un total de 629 pacientes, con una duración media del uso del sistema de manejo fecal de 4,0 días. En general, 8 (1,3%) pacientes desarrollaron una lesión rectal asociada con el uso del sistema de manejo fecal. Todos los pacientes que mostraron una complicación rectal tenían comorbilidades subyacentes graves, incluidos dos pacientes en diálisis, un paciente con cirrosis y tres pacientes con antecedentes recientes de cirugía cardíaca emergente. En tres pacientes el sangrado se resolvió espontáneamente, mientras que los cinco pacientes restantes requirieron intervención: ligadura de sutura transanal (2), colocación de clip endoscópico (1), taponamiento rectal (1) y proctectomía en un paciente con antecedentes de radioterapia pélvica.LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo, institución única.CONCLUSIONES:Este es el estudio más grande hasta la fecha que evalúa las complicaciones rectales del uso del sistema de manejo fecal. Si bien las tasas de lesión rectal son bajas, pueden provocar una morbilidad grave. La edad avanzada, las comorbilidades graves, la radioterapia pélvica y el estado de anticoagulación o coagulopatía son factores importantes a considerar antes de la colocación del sistema de manejo fecal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B698.

Cost analysis of pathology services comparing conventional 6-core transrectal biopsy versus transperineal saturation biopsy in diagnosing prostate cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Patients who are suspected of having prostate cancer from screening tests require a tissue biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer. This study aims to compare the cost and cancer detection rate of two different biopsy protocols: 6-core transrectal (TR) approach, and transperineal (TP) saturation biopsy. METHODS: In this descriptive, retrospective study, we selected all prostate biopsies received by the diagnostic pathology department of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia in the year 2020, from adult patients for analysis. Data on demographics, specimen preparation processes, and final histopathological diagnosis was extracted from the Laboratory Information System (LIS). The cost incurred for each biopsy diagnosed as cancer was calculated with the cost prices referenced from laboratory documentation. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 28. RESULTS: The total cost for detection of cancer using TR biopsy ranged from RM11.22 - RM271.02 with mean of RM47.53. The standard deviation, s is RM43.45. For TP biopsies, the total cost ranged from RM112.20 - RM349.56 with mean of RM160.85, standard deviation of RM80.37. TR biopsies had a detection rate of 43.2%, while TP biopsies had a 24.2% cancer detection rate. There is a 3.38-fold increase in costs between TR and TP biopsy. CONCLUSION: The results show a 3.38-fold increase in costs and a reduction in cancer detection rate when comparing TR and TP biopsy. The reason for the reduced detection rate is unascertained in this study.

An Observational Analysis of a Novel Digital Rectoscope.

BACKGROUND: This is an analysis of the first 50 in-human uses of a novel digital rigid sigmoidoscope. The technology provides digital image capture, telemedicine capabilities, improved ergonomics, and the ability to biopsy under pneumorectum while maintaining the low cost of conventional rigid sigmoidoscopy. The primary outcome was adverse events, and the secondary outcome was diagnostic view. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent outpatient (n = 25) and surgical rectal assessment (n = 25), with a mean age of 60 years. This included 31 men and 19 women with 12 different clinical use indications. No adverse events were reported, and no defects were reported with the instrumentation. Satisfactory diagnoses were obtained in 48 (96%) of 50 uses, images were captured in 48 (96%) of 50 uses, and biopsies were successfully taken in 13 uses (26%). No adverse events were recorded. Independent reviewers of recorded videos agreed on the quality and diagnostic value of the images with a κ of 0.225 (95% CI, 0.144-0.305) when assessing whether the target pathology was adequately visualized. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: The improved views afforded by digital rectoscopy facilitated a satisfactory clinical diagnosis in 96% of uses. The device was successfully deployed in the operating room and outpatients irrespective of bowel preparation method, where it has the potential to replace flexible sigmoidoscopy for specific use cases. The technology provides a high-quality image and video that can be securely recorded for documentation and medicolegal purposes with agreement between blinded users despite a lack of standardized training and heterogenous pathology. We perceive significant impact of this technology for the assessment of colorectal anastomoses, the office management of colitis, "watch and wait," and for diagnostic support in rectal cancer diagnosis. The technology has significant potential to facilitate proctoring and training, and it now requires prospective trials to validate its diagnostic accuracy against more costly flexible sigmoidoscopy systems.

Morphometric assessment of the mesorectal fat in Chinese Han population: A clinical MRI study.

The study aimed to analyze morphometric assessment of the mesorectal fat thickness and its correlation with body mass index in Chinese Han population. The anterior, posterior, right lateral, and left lateral mesorectal fat thickness were measured using MRI T2-weighted images. The mean distance from the rectal wall to the mesorectal fascia were 3.8, 8.4, 11.3, and 11.7 mm in anterior, posterior, right lateral, and left lateral portion, respectively. The mesorectal area, rectal area, mesorectal fat thickness area, and rectal height were 2395.3 ± 691.1 mm2, 709.6 ± 403.5 mm2, 1685.7 ± 525.3 mm2, and 9.1 ± 0.8 cm. BMI was found to be directly proportional to and statistically significant to the mesorectal fat area (p = 0.01). Since the mean mesorectal fat thickness was found to be <12 mm, T3d staged rectal cancer is less likely to be found in an average Chinese population that may affect the overall-survival and progression-free survival in rectal cancer patients. Anterior portion of the rectum was least thick compared to all other sides. Therefore, extra-caution should be taken in handling tumors on the anterior part of the rectum.

Avoidance of Overtreatment of Rectal Cancer by Selective Chemoradiotherapy: Results of the Optimized Surgery and MRI-Based Multimodal Therapy Trial.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with rectal cancer carries a high risk of adverse effects. The aim of this study was to examine the selective application of nCRT based on patient risk profile, as determined by MRI, to find the optimal range between undertreatment and overtreatment. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective multicenter observational study, nCRT before total mesorectal excision (TME) was indicated in high-risk patients with involved or threatened mesorectal fascia (≤1 mm), or cT4 or cT3 carcinomas of the lower rectal third. All other patients received primary surgery. RESULTS: Of the 1,093 patients, 878 (80.3%) were treated according to the protocol, 526 patients (59.9%) underwent primary surgery, and 352 patients (40.1%) underwent nCRT followed by surgery. The 3-year locoregional recurrence (LR) rate was 3.1%. Of 604 patients with clinical stages II and III, 267 (44.2%) had primary surgery; 337 (55.8%) received nCRT followed by TME. The 3-year LR rate was 3.9%, without significant differences between groups. In patients with clinical stages II and III who underwent primary surgery, 27.3% were diagnosed with pathological stage I. CONCLUSIONS: The results justify the restriction of nCRT to high-risk patients with rectal cancer classified by pretreatment MRI. Provided that a high-quality MRI diagnosis, TME surgery, and standardized examination of the resected specimen are performed, nCRT, with its adverse effects, costs, and treatment time can be avoided in more than 40% of patients with stage II or III rectal cancer with minimal risk of undertreatment. (clinicaltrials.gov NCT325649).

Syphilis: A Contemporary Clinicopathologic Assessment.

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochetal bacterium Treponema pallidum that has been of public health concern for centuries. In the United States, it is currently a reportable disease and one which is recently generating increasing case numbers especially in at risk populations of immune deficiency and men who have sex with men. The present series examines biopsies from 13 patients collected over a 12-year period from a general hospital network in north suburban Cook County, Illinois. There were 13 patients (11 male: 2 female) with varied presentations, including primary ulcerated anogenital chancres, mucosal lesions, peculiar rashes, and alopecia. The reason(s) for biopsy were not clear from the clinical record, as a clinical consideration of syphilis was recorded in only 3 cases. Histologic examination of the mucocutaneous lesions encompassed a spectrum of findings including ulceration, psoriasiform hyperplasia, intense mixed band-like inflammation at the dermal-epidermal junction with a prominent plasma cell component. The contemporary availability of an effective immunostain is a valuable diagnostic adjunct. The organisms generally parallel the intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate but the distribution may vary and rarely, organisms may be absent despite serologic confirmation. Previous corkscrew morphology of the organism described ultrastructurally is reflected in the immunostained representation. Although the diagnosis of syphilis remains a clinical one in most cases, some patients will have unusual presentations and biopsies will be done. The awareness of the pathologist will facilitate prompt and effective treatment.

Assessment of T and N staging with MRI3T in lower and middle rectal cancer and impact on clinical strategy.

BACKGROUND: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative T/N stage using MRI in lower and middle rectal cancer patients and the impacts on clinical decision-making. PATIENTS AND METHODS: There were 354 patients recruited from May 2017 to February 2019. MRI was performed within 2 weeks before surgery. Histopathologic results were evaluated for the postoperative T/N stage and MRI diagnostic accuracy was assessed based on the postoperative histopathologic results. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Kappa values were used to evaluate MRI diagnostic accuracy and analysis consistency compared with postoperative histopathologic staging. RESULTS: Overall MRI diagnostic accuracy was 78.2% and 56.8% for T1-4 and N0-2 staging. The Kappa values were 0.625 and 0.323 for T1-4 and N0-2 staging, respectively. After combination, MRI diagnostic accuracy was 85% and 69.5% for T and N staging. The Kappa values were 0.693 and 0.4 for T and N staging. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for treatment decision-making was 79.1%. CONCLUSION: MRI enables a highly accurate preoperative assessment of T stage but only a fairly accurate preoperative assessment of the N stage for rectal cancer with surgery. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI for treatment decision-making is promising.

Change in incidence, characteristics and management of colorectal neuroendocrine tumours in the Netherlands in the last decade.

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are rare. However, a rising incidence has been reported over the past decades. For colorectal NETs, this is presumably caused by an increased awareness of colorectal diseases and colonoscopic procedures. This study aims to analyse the change in incidence of colorectal NETs, characteristics and management and evaluate the proportion of colorectal NETs detected in a national colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programme. METHODS: Histopathological reports on colorectal well-differentiated NETs detected between 2006 and 2016 were collected from the Dutch pathology database (PALGA) containing nationwide histo- and cytopathology reports of all pathology laboratories in the Netherlands. RESULTS: Colorectal NETs were detected in 1055 individuals. Increasing incidence rates were observed from 0.36 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2006 to 0.75 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2011 (p value < 0.001), remaining stable afterward. Most NETs were grade I (73.5%) and detected in the rectum (76.4%). The majority (88.2%) were detected by colonoscopy, and the final intervention depended significantly on primary location of the tumour; 94.6% of rectal NETs were endoscopically removed, whereas 61.0% of colonic NETs were removed by surgery. There was an increase in local excision both of rectal and colonic NETs over the years instead of radical resection. Screening for CRC started in 2014 and contributed by detecting 32% of the diagnosed colorectal NETs within the invited age group, of which 94.6% were detected at an early stage. CONCLUSION: The incidence of reported colorectal NETs in the Netherlands doubled over the last decade. The Dutch CRC screening programme had a clear contribution to colorectal NETs incidence among its target population. A shift to more local management of detected lesions was observed over time.

The Role of Histological Assessment of Distal Doughnut in Low Anterior Resection for Low Rectal Cancer.

Anterior resection (AR), especially low anterior resection (LAR), for low rectal cancer and colorectal anastomosis is a technical challenge to surgeons. But by using circular stapling devices now it is possible make more LARs technically feasible. A stapled end-to-end colorectal anastomosis is increasingly adopted following a low anterior resection for low rectal cancer. This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the department of Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from December 2015 to December 2016. The ensuing doughnuts created from the stapling device are routinely sent for histological analysis. However, its efficacy remains debatable. This study aims to determine the role of sending distal doughnut for histological examination following a stapled end-to-end colorectal anastomosis done in low anterior resection for low rectal cancers.

A novel artificial intelligence system for the assessment of bowel preparation (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The quality of bowel preparation is an important factor that can affect the effectiveness of a colonoscopy. Several tools, such as the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale, have been developed to evaluate bowel preparation. However, understanding the differences between evaluation methods and consistently applying them can be challenging for endoscopists. There are also subjective biases and differences among endoscopists. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a novel, objective, and stable method for the assessment of bowel preparation through artificial intelligence. METHODS: We used a deep convolutional neural network to develop this novel system. First, we retrospectively collected colonoscopy images to train the system and then compared its performance with endoscopists via a human-machine contest. Then, we applied this model to colonoscopy videos and developed a system named ENDOANGEL to provide bowel preparation scores every 30 seconds and to show the cumulative ratio of frames for each score during the withdrawal phase of the colonoscopy. RESULTS: ENDOANGEL achieved 93.33% accuracy in the human-machine contest with 120 images, which was better than that of all endoscopists. Moreover, ENDOANGEL achieved 80.00% accuracy among 100 images with bubbles. In 20 colonoscopy videos, accuracy was 89.04%, and ENDOANGEL continuously showed the accumulated percentage of the images for different BBPS scores during the withdrawal phase and prompted us for bowel preparation scores every 30 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: We provided a novel and more accurate evaluation method for bowel preparation and developed an objective and stable system-ENDOANGEL-that could be applied reliably and steadily in clinical settings.

Assessment of haemorrhoidal artery network using Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation for haemorrhoids and pathogenesis implications.

BACKGROUND: Some authors, either with anatomical studies or Doppler laser flowmetric investigations have shown the blood flow to the posterior midline of the anus to be potentially deficient. This relative local ischaemia might explain pathogenesis of anal fissure, which is often located posteriorly. The aim of this study was to record the exact position of the distal branches of the superior rectal artery during Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation-rectoanal repair (HAL-RAR) procedures with special reference to posterior distribution of the arteries. METHODS: All consecutive patients with symptomatic haemorrhoids who were treated with the HAL-RAR procedure between February 2008 and February 2014 in a single institution were included in the study. Number and position of Doppler-guided ligations were prospectively collected. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to compare artery locations. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients (75 women) with symptomatic haemorrhoids were included in the study. Median age was 53 years (range 23-83). A median of 10 ligations were placed per patient (range 3-18). A significantly lower number of cumulative arterial ligations was recorded in the posterior position (88 ligations overall, P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The number of distal branches of the superior rectal artery that have been localized by the Doppler-guided HAL-RAR technique is lower at the posterior midline than in the other segments of the lower rectum. This is another evidence of the vascular deficiency at the posterior pole of the anal canal that might explain the pathogenesis of the anal fissure.

The Financial Impact of Fractionation Scheme and Treatment Planning Method for Rectal Cancer in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative long-course chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and short-course radiotherapy (SCR) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) were found to have equivalent outcomes in 3 randomized trials. SCR has not been widely adopted in the United States (US). Three-dimensional (3D) treatment planning is standard, whereas intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is controversial. In this study, we assessed the economic impact of fractionation scheme and planning method for payers in the US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a population-based analysis of the total cost of radiotherapy for LARC in the US annually. The national annual target population was calculated using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Radiotherapy costs were based on billing codes and 2018 pricing by Medicare's Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System. RESULTS: We estimate that 12,945 patients with LARC are treated with radiotherapy annually in the US. The cost of CRT with 3D or IMRT is US $15,882 and $23,745 per patient, respectively. With SCR, the cost with 3D or IMRT is $5,458 and $7,323 per patient, respectively. The use of SCR would lead to 53% to 77% annual savings of $106,168,871 to $232,105,727 compared with CRT. IMRT increases the total cost of treatment by 34% to 50%, and if adopted widely, would lead to an excess cost of $24,152,134 and $101,784,723 annually with SCR and CRT, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SCR may have the potential to save approximately US $106 to t232 million annually in the US, likely without impacting outcomes. Lack of evidence showing benefit with costly IMRT should limit its use to clinical trials. It would be reasonable for public and private payers to consider which type of radiation is most suited to reimbursement.

Young-age onset colorectal cancer in Brazil: Analysis of incidence, clinical features, and outcomes in a tertiary cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies report increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in the young-age population, but data concerning clinical behavior, pathologic findings, and prognosis are controversial for this group. Early recognition of CRC in young patients is a challenge and diagnosis at advanced stage is clearly associated with worse outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 5806 patients diagnosed with CRC between January/2011 and November/2016 and identified 781 patients aged less than 50-years-old. RESULTS: We found an absolute increasing in the incidence of CRC in patients <50 years old of 1.88%-2.23% annually, with a relative increasing of 35.3% between 2011 and 2016. Median age was 42 years, 57.4% were female and 20.9% reported family history of CRC. Left-sided tumors were more frequent and the majority of patients were symptomatic. The most common stages at diagnosis were III (34.1%) and IV (37.3%). The median overall survival (OS) for stage IV was 25 months (95% CI 20.7-29.3) and was not reached for Stages I-III (P < 0.001). Family history of CRC was independently associated with better OS in stage IV(P = 0.02). For stages I-III, wild-type KRAS, family history of CRC, and absence of angiolymphatic invasion were associated with better OS (P = 0.02, P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, the incidence of early-onset CRC is increasing over the past years. Young patients were more likely to be diagnosed with metastatic disease, left-sided and/or rectum site and symptoms at presentation. These findings highlight the emerging importance of young-age onset CRC and the need to discuss strategies to early diagnosis.