Occult appendix pathology in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection and prophylactic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: The risk-benefit balance of prophylactic appendectomy in patients undergoing left colorectal cancer resection is unclear. The aim of this report is to assess the proportion of histologically abnormal appendices in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection in a unit where standard of care is appendectomy, with consent, when left-sided resection is performed. METHODS: A retrospective study on a prospectively collected database was conducted in a single tertiary-care center. Overall, 717 consecutive patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection between January 2015 and June 2021 were analyzed. The primary outcome was the proportion of histologically abnormal appendix specimens at prophylactic appendectomy. The secondary outcome was complications from prophylactic appendectomy. RESULTS: Overall, 576/717 (80%) patients had appendectomy at colorectal cancer surgery. In total, 234/576 (41%) had a right-/extended-right hemicolectomy or subtotal colectomy which incorporates appendectomy, and 342/576 (59%) had left-sided resection (left-hemicolectomy, anterior resection or abdominoperineal excision) with prophylactic appendectomy. At definitive histology, 534/576 (92.7%) had a normal appendix. The remaining 42/576 (7.3%) showed abnormal findings, including: 14/576 (2.4%) inflammatory appendix pathology, 2/576 (0.3%) endometriosis, 8/576 (1.4%) hyperplastic polyp, and 18/576 (3.1%) appendix tumors, which encompassed six low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs), three carcinoids, and nine serrated polyps. In the 342 patients who had prophylactic appendectomy, 10 (2.9%) had a neoplasm (two LAMN, three carcinoids, and five serrated polyps). There were no complications attributable to appendectomy. CONCLUSION: Occult appendix pathology in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection is uncommon when prophylactic appendectomy was performed. However, approximately 3% of patients had a synchronous appendix neoplasm.

Evaluating analgesia strategies in patients who have undergone oesophagectomy-a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

Optimal pain control following esophagectomy remains a topic of contention. The aim was to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating the analgesia strategies post-esophagectomy. A NMA was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-NMA guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using Shiny and R. Fourteen RCTs which included 565 patients and assessed nine analgesia techniques were included. Relative to systemic opioids, thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) significantly reduced static pain scores at 24 hours post-operatively (mean difference (MD): -13.73, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): -27.01-0.45) (n = 424, 12 RCTs). Intrapleural analgesia (IPA) demonstrated the best efficacy for static (MD: -36.2, 95% CI: -61.44-10.96) (n = 569, 15 RCTs) and dynamic (MD: -42.90, 95% CI: -68.42-17.38) (n = 444, 11 RCTs) pain scores at 48 hours. TEA also significantly reduced static (MD: -13.05, 95% CI: -22.74-3.36) and dynamic (MD: -18.08, 95% CI: -31.70-4.40) pain scores at 48 hours post-operatively, as well as reducing opioid consumption at 24 hours (MD: -33.20, 95% CI: -60.57-5.83) and 48 hours (MD: -42.66, 95% CI: -59.45-25.88). Moreover, TEA significantly shortened intensive care unit (ICU) stays (MD: -5.00, 95% CI: -6.82-3.18) and time to extubation (MD: -4.40, 95% CI: -5.91-2.89) while increased post-operative forced vital capacity (MD: 9.89, 95% CI: 0.91-18.87) and forced expiratory volume (MD: 13.87, 95% CI: 0.87-26.87). TEA provides optimal pain control and improved post-operative respiratory function in patients post-esophagectomy, reducing ICU stays, one of the benchmarks of improved post-operative recovery. IPA demonstrates promising results for potential implementation in the future following esophagectomy.

Evaluating geographical disparities on clinical outcomes following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Rural Australians typically encounter disparities in healthcare access leading to adverse health outcomes, delayed diagnosis and reduced quality of life (QoL) parameters. These disparities may be exacerbated in advanced malignancies, where treatment is only available at highly specialised centres with appropriate multidisciplinary expertise. Thus, this study aims to determine the association between patient residence on oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from January 2017 to March 2022. On the basis of their postcode of residence, patients were stratified into metropolitan and regional groups. Data encompassing demographics, oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes were compared. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, t-tests and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. RESULTS: Among the 317 patients, 228 (72%) were categorised as metropolitan and 89 (28%) as regional. Metropolitan patients presented higher rates of recurrence (61.8% versus 40.0%, p = 0.014) and shorter overall mean survival [3.8 years (95% CI: 3.44-4.09) versus 4.2 years (95% CI: 3.76-4.63), p = 0.019] compared with regional patients. No other statistically significant differences were observed in oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most oncological, surgical and QoL parameters did not differ by geographical location of patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal malignancies at a high-volume quaternary referral centre. Observed differences in recurrence and survival may be attributed to the selective nature of surgical referrals and variable follow-up patterns. Future research should focus on characterising referral pathways and its influence on post-operative outcomes.

Age alone is not a barrier to efficacy of cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for colorectal peritoneal metastases: analysis of 1138 patients from the UK and Ireland Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Registry.

BACKGROUND: The management of colorectal peritoneal metastases continues to be a challenge but recent evidence suggests cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) can improve survival. Uncertainty about the relationship between age and tumour biology makes patient selection challenging particularly when reported procedure related morbidity is high and impact on survival outcomes unknown. The UK and Ireland Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Registry was reviewed to assess the influence of age on efficacy of CRS and HIPEC. METHODS: A review of outcomes from the UK and Ireland Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases Registry was performed. Data from 2000 to 2021 were included from five centres in the UK and Ireland, and the cohort were sub-divided into three age groups; <45 years, 45-65 years and >65 years old. Primarily, we examined post-operative morbidity and survival outcomes across the three age groups. In addition, we examined the impact that the completeness of cytoreduction, nodal status, or adverse pathological features had on long-term survival. RESULTS: During the study period, 1138 CPM patients underwent CRS HIPEC. 202 patients(17.8%) were <45 years, 549 patients(48.2%) aged 45-65 years and 387 patients(34%) >65 years. Overall, median length of surgery (CRS and HIPEC), median PCI score and rate of HIPEC administration was similar in all three groups, as was overall rates of major morbidity and/or mortality. Complete cytoreduction rates (CC0) were similar across the three cohorts; 77%, 80.6% and 81%, respectively. Median overall survival for all patients was 38 months following complete cytoreduction. CONCLUSION: Age did not appear to influence morbidity or long-term survival following CRS and HIPEC. When complete cytoreduction is achieved survival outcomes are good. The addition of HIPEC can be performed safely and may reduce local recurrence within the peritoneum.

First Report With Medium-term Follow-up of Intestinal Transplantation for Advanced and Recurrent Nonresectable Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with the combination of radical surgical excision and intestinal transplantation in patients with recurrent pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) not amenable to further cytoreductive surgery (CRS). BACKGROUND: CRS and heated intraoperative peritoneal chemotherapy are effective treatments for many patients with PMP. In patients with extensive small bowel involvement or nonresectable recurrence, disease progression results in small bowel obstruction, nutritional failure, and fistulation, with resulting abdominal wall failure. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2022, patients with PMP who had a nutritional failure and were not suitable for further CRS underwent radical debulking and intestinal transplantation at our centre. RESULTS: Fifteen patients underwent radical exenteration of affected intra-abdominal organs and transplantation adapted according to the individual case. Eight patients had isolated small bowel transplantation and 7 patients underwent modified multivisceral transplantation. In addition, in 7 patients with significant abdominal wall tumor involvement, a full-thickness vascularized abdominal wall transplant was performed. Two of the 15 patients died within 90 days due to surgically related complications. Actuarial 1-year and 5-year patient survivals were 79% and 55%, respectively. The majority of the patients had significant improvement in quality of life after transplantation. Progression/recurrence of disease was detected in 91% of patients followed up for more than 6 months. CONCLUSION: Intestinal/multivisceral transplantation enables a more radical approach to the management of PMP than can be achieved with conventional surgical methods and is suitable for patients for whom there is no conventional surgical option. This complex surgical intervention requires the combined skills of both peritoneal malignancy and transplant teams.

Incidence and Impact of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Patients with Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus Treated with Curative Intent.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is associated with visceral obesity (VO). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common within this phenotype; however, its incidence and clinical significance in EAC have not been studied. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 559 patients with hepatic stetatosis (HS) defined by unenhanced CT were enrolled. In a sub-study, in 140 consecutive patients a liver biopsy was taken intraoperatively to study HS and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Postoperative complications were defined as per the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group (ECCG). Liver biochemistry was measured peri-operatively, with an ALT > 5 defined as acute liver injury (ALI). Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test was utilized and the Kaplan-Meier method for survival. RESULTS: 42% (n = 234/559) of patients had CT-defined HS. HS was associated with VO in 56% of cases, metabolic syndrome (Met S) in 37% and type 2 diabetes in 25%, compared with 44, 21, and 15% in non-HS patients (p < 0.01). Pathologic HS was present in 32% (45/140) and graded as mild, moderate, and severe in 73, 24, and 3%, respectively, with NASH reported in 16% and indefinite/borderline NASH in 42% of HS cases. Postoperative ALI was similar (p = 0.88) in both HS (10%) and non-HS cohorts (11%). Operative complication severity was similar in both cohorts. 5-yr survival was 53% (HS) vs 50% (p = 0.890). CONCLUSION: This study establishes for the first time the incidence and clinical impact of NAFLD in EAC patients undergoing surgery and highlights no major impact on oncologic outcomes, nor in the severity of complications.

Assessment of the 2020 NICE criteria for preoperative radiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer treated by surgery alone in comparison with proven MRI prognostic factors: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Selection of patients for preoperative treatment in rectal cancer is controversial. The new 2020 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines, consistent with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, recommend preoperative radiotherapy for all patients except for those with radiologically staged T1-T2, N0 tumours. We aimed to assess outcomes in non-irradiated patients with rectal cancer and to stratify results on the basis of NICE criteria, compared with known MRI prognostic factors now omitted by NICE. METHODS: For this retrospective cohort study, we identified patients undergoing primary resectional surgery for rectal cancer, without preoperative radiotherapy, at Basingstoke Hospital (Basingstoke, UK) between Jan 1, 2011, and Dec 31, 2016, and at St Marks Hospital (London, UK) between Jan 1, 2007, and Dec 31, 2017. Patients with MRI-detected extramural venous invasion, MRI-detected tumour deposits, and MRI-detected circumferential resection margin involvement were categorised as MRI high-risk for recurrence (local or distant), and their outcomes (disease-free survival, overall survival, and recurrence) were compared with patients defined as high-risk according to NICE criteria (MRI-detected T3+ or MRI-detected N+ status). Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to compare the groups. FINDINGS: 378 patients were evaluated, with a median of 66 months (IQR 44-95) of follow up. 22 (6%) of 378 patients had local recurrence and 68 (18%) of 378 patients had distant recurrence. 248 (66%) of 378 were classified as high-risk according to NICE criteria, compared with 121 (32%) of 378 according to MRI criteria. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, NICE high-risk patients had poorer 5-year disease-free survival compared with NICE low-risk patients (76% [95% CI 70-81] vs 87% [80-92]; hazard ratio [HR] 1·91 [95% CI 1·20-3·03]; p=0·0051) but not 5-year overall survival (80% [74-84] vs 88% [81-92]; 1·55 [0·94-2·53]; p=0·077). MRI criteria separated patients into high-risk versus low-risk groups that predicted 5-year disease-free survival (66% [95% CI 57-74] vs 88% [83-91]; HR 3·01 [95% CI 2·02-4·47]; p<0·0001) and 5-year overall survival (71% [62-78] vs 89% [84-92]; 2·59 [1·62-3·88]; p<0·0001). On multivariable analysis, NICE risk assessment was not associated with either disease-free survival or overall survival, whereas MRI criteria predicted disease-free survival (HR 2·74 [95% CI 1·80-4·17]; p<0·0001) and overall survival (HR 2·44 [95% CI 1·51-3·95]; p=0·00027). 139 NICE high-risk patients who were defined as low-risk based on MRI criteria had similar disease-free survival as 118 NICE low-risk patients; therefore, 37% (139 of 378) of patients in this study cohort would have been overtreated with NICE 2020 guidelines. Of the 130 patients defined as low-risk by NICE guidelines, 12 were defined as high-risk on MRI risk stratification and would have potentially been missed for treatment. INTERPRETATION: Compared to previous guidelines, implementation of the 2020 NICE guidelines will result in significantly more patients receiving preoperative radiotherapy. High-quality MRI selects patients with good outcomes (particularly low local recurrence) without radiotherapy, with little margin for improvement. Overuse of radiotherapy could occur with this unselective approach. The high-risk group, with the most chance of benefiting from preoperative radiotherapy, is not well selected on the basis of NICE 2020 criteria and is better identified with proven MRI prognostic factors (extramural venous invasion, tumour deposits, and circumferential resection margin). FUNDING: None.

CROSS Versus FLOT Regimens in Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma: A Propensity-Matched Comparison.

BACKGROUND: The FLOT protocol and the CROSS trimodality regimen represent current standards in the management of locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma. In the absence of published Randomised Controlled Trial data, this propensity-matched comparison evaluated tolerance, toxicity, impact on sarcopenia and pulmonary physiology, operative complications, and oncologic metrics. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-two patients, 111 in each arm, were included from 2 high-volume centers. Computed tomography-measured sarcopenia, and pulmonary function (forced expiratory volume in first second/forced vital capacity/diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide) were compared pretherapy and posttherapy. Operative complications were defined as per the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) criteria, and severity per Clavien-Dindo. Tumor regression grade and R status were measured, and survival estimated per Kaplan-Meier. RESULTS: A total of 83% were male, cT3/cN+ was 92%/68% for FLOT, and 86%/60% for CROSS. The full prescribed regimen was tolerated in 40% of FLOT patients versus 92% for CROSS. Sarcopenia increased from 16% to 33% for FLOT, and 14% to 30% in CROSS ( P <0.01 between arms). Median decrease in diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide was -8.25% (-34 to 25) for FLOT, compared with -13.8%(-38 to 29), for CROSS ( P =0.01 between arms). Major pathologic response was 27% versus 44% for FLOT and CROSS, respectively ( P =0.03). In-hospital mortality, respectively, was 1% versus 2% ( P =0.9), and Clavien Dindo >III 22% versus 27% ( P =0.59), however, respiratory failure was increased by CROSS, at 13% versus 3% ( P <0.001). Three-year survival was similar at 63% (FLOT) and 60% (CROSS) ( P =0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Both CROSS and FLOT resulted in equivalent survival. Operative outcomes were similar, however, the CROSS regimen increased postoperative respiratory failure and atrial fibrillation. Less than half of patients received the prescribed FLOT regimen, although toxicity rates were acceptable. These data support clinical equipoise, caution, however, may be advised with CROSS in patients with greatest respiratory risk.

MRI-Diagnosed Tumor Deposits and EMVI Status Have Superior Prognostic Accuracy to Current Clinical TNM Staging in Rectal Cancer.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: MRI assessment of rectal cancer not only assesses tumor depth and surgical resectability but also extramural disease which affects prognosis. We have observed that nonnodal tumor nodules (tumor deposits; mrTDs) have a distinct MRI appearance compared to lymph node metastases (mrLNMs). OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess whether mrTDs and mrLNMs have different prognostic implications and compare these to other known prognostic markers. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 233 patients undergoing resection for rectal cancer from January 2007 to October 2015. Data were obtained from electronic records and MRIs blindly rereported. Survival was determined using Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic markers were evaluated using Cox regression and competing risks analysis. Inter-observer agreement for mrTD was measured using Cohen Kappa. RESULTS: On multivariable analysis, baseline mrTD/mrEMVI (extramural venous invasion) status was the only significant MRI factor for adverse survival [hazard ratio (HR) 2.36 (1.54-3.61] for overall survival, 2.37 (1.47-3.80) for disease-free survival (both P < 0.001), superseding T and N categories. mrLNMs were associated with good prognosis (HR 0.50 (0.31-0.80) P = 0.004 for overall survival, 0.60 (0.40-0.90) P = 0.014 for disease-free survival). On multivariable analysis, mrTDs/mrEMVI were strongly associated with distant recurrence (HR 6.53 (2.52-16.91) P ≤ 0.001) whereas T and N category were not. In a subgroup analysis of posttreatment MRIs in postchemoradiotherapy patients, mrTD/mrEMVI status was again the only significant prognostic factor; furthermore those who showed a good treatment response had a prognosis similar to patients who were negative at baseline. Inter-observer agreement for detection of mrTDs was k0.77 and k0.83. CONCLUSIONS: Current MRI staging predicting T and N status does not adequately predict prognosis. Positive mrTD/mrEMVI status has greater prognostic accuracy and would be superior in determining treatment and follow-up protocols. Chemoradiotherapy may be a highly effective treatment strategy in mrTD/mrEMVI positive patients.

Overall Survival is More Closely Associated with Peritoneal than Primary Appendiceal Pathological Grade in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei with Discordant Pathology.

BACKGROUND: The WHO classification of mucinous appendix neoplasms and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) describes low- and high-grade histology and is of prognostic importance. The metastatic peritoneal disease grade can occasionally be different from the primary appendix tumor. This analysis aimed to report outcomes from a high-volume center in patients with pathological discordance. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospective data of patients treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for PMP at a single institution between January 2016 and December 2020. Reporting was by pathologists with a special interest in peritoneal malignancy. Discordant pathology was classified as a low-grade primary appendix tumor with high-grade peritoneal disease, or a high-grade primary appendix tumor with low-grade peritoneal disease. Outcomes analyzed were overall and recurrence-free survival, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test were used to analyze the outcomes. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2020, 830 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC for PMP, of whom 37 (4.4%) had discordant pathology. The primary appendix tumors were low-grade in 23 patients and high-grade in 14 patients. The median Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was significantly higher in patients with a low-grade primary tumor (31 vs. 16; p = 0.001), while complete cytoreduction (CC0/1) was achieved in 31/37 (83.8%) patients. The median follow-up was 19 months. Overall survival was worse in those with high-grade peritoneal disease (p = 0.029), whereas recurrence-free survival was similar in both groups (p = 0.075). CONCLUSION: In PMP with pathological discordance, the peritoneal disease grade influences prognosis and survival.

Management of Significant Polyp and Early Colorectal Cancer Is Optimized by Implementation of a Dedicated Multidisciplinary Team Meeting: Lessons Learned From the United Kingdom National Program.

BACKGROUND: The concept of significant polyps and early colorectal cancer encompasses complex polyps not amenable to routine snare polypectomy or where malignancy cannot be excluded. The assessment and management of these lesions is contentious and increasingly important due to the significant risk of over- or undertreatment. OBJECTIVE: Following the recommendations of the Significant Polyps and Early Colorectal Cancer National Program, we implemented a dedicated multidisciplinary team meeting and analyzed the influence on patient outcomes. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study using a prospectively collected database of patients discussed at the dedicated multidisciplinary team meeting. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a single tertiary-care center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with significant polyps and early colorectal cancer were identified either through the Bowel Cancer Screening Program or colonoscopy for symptomatic patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportions of patients who had organ preservation, and secondary treatment and recurrence rate served as outcome measures. RESULTS: Overall, 135 patients discussed at the dedicated multidisciplinary team meeting were included, with a median age of 71 years. Median size of the lesions was 25 mm, and 39% were in the rectum. Patients were discussed either after the lesion was removed during the initial colonoscopy (n = 38), of whom 16 (42%) had unexpected cancer, or had no initial treatment with subsequent case review (n = 97). Of these 97 patients, 46 underwent endoscopic excision (26% cancer), 20 trans-anal excision (10% cancer), 23 primary surgical resection (35% cancer), and 8 had no treatment. In 104 (82%) patients, organ preservation was achieved. Secondary surgery was required in 7 of 104 (6.7%) patients after local excision due to radical treatment of high-risk T1 lesions, local recurrence, or patients' decisions. The cumulative hazard estimates for recurrence after a median follow-up of 18.5 months was less than 10% for both benign and malignant lesions. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its relatively small sample size and single-center setting. CONCLUSIONS: A dedicated multidisciplinary team meeting improved the management of significant polyps and early colorectal cancer, safely refining organ preservation for patients, with low recurrence rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B826. MANEJO DE SPECC PLIPO COMPLEJO Y CNCER COLORRECTAL TEMPRANO ES OPTIMIZADO MEDIANTE LA IMPLEMENTACIN DE REUNIONES DE UN EQUIPO MULTIDISCIPLINARIO ESPECIALIZADOS LECCIONES APRENDIDAS DEL PROGRAMA NACIONAL DEL REINO UNIDO: ANTECEDENTES:El concepto de pólipos complejos y cáncer colorrectal temprano abarca engloba pólipos avanzados que no es posible la reseccion endoscopica rutinaria, o aquellos en los que no se puede excluir malignidad. La evaluación y el manejo de estas lesiones es controversial y cada vez más importante debido al riesgo significativo de ser tratadas o no.OBJETIVO:Siguiendo las recomendaciones del Programa Nacional de Pólipos Complejos y Cáncer Colorrectal Temprano, implementamos reuniónes del equipo multidisciplinario especializado y analizamos el impacto en los resultados de los pacientes.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo sobre una base de datos recopilada prospectivamente de los pacientes discutidos en la reunión del equipo multidisciplinario especializado.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en un centro de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Pacientes consecutivos con pólipos complejos y cáncer colorrectal temprano identificado a través del Programa de detección de cáncer intestinal o colonoscopia para pacientes sintomáticos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Proporción de pacientes que tuvieron preservación de órganos, tratamiento secundario y tasa de recurrencia.RESULTADOS:En total, se incluyeron 135 pacientes discutidos en la reunión del equipo multidisciplinario especializado dedicada, con una media de edad de 71 años. El tamaño medio de las lesiones fue de 25 mm y el 39% estaban en el recto. Se discutio de los pacientes después de que se resecara la lesión durante la colonoscopia inicial [n = 38, de los cuales 16 (42%) tenían un cáncer imprevisto] o no recibieron tratamiento de inicio, con revisión posterior del caso (n = 97). De estos, 46/97 fueron sometidos a resección endoscópica (26% cáncer), 20/97 resección transanal (10% cáncer), 23/97 resección quirúrgica primaria (35% cáncer) y 8/97 no recibieron tratamiento. En 104 (82%) pacientes, se logró la preservación de órgano. Cirugía secundaria fue requeria en 7/104 (6,7%) pacientes después de la resección local debido a tratamiento radical de lesiones T1 de alto riesgo, recidiva local o decisión del paciente. Las estimaciones de riesgo acumulativo de recurrencia después de una media de seguimiento de 18,5 meses fue inferior al 10% tanto para las lesiones benignas como para las malignas.LIMITACIONES:Tamaño de muestra relativamente pequeño y entorno de un solo centro.CONCLUSIONES:La Reunion del equipo multidisciplinario especializado mejoró el manejo de los pólipos complejos y cáncer colorrectal temprano, refinando de manera segura la preservación de órganos para los pacientes, con bajas tasas de recurrencia. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B826. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

Managing Recurrent Pseudomyxoma Peritonei in 430 Patients After Complete Cytoreduction and HIPEC: A Dilemma for Patients and Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial appendiceal neoplasms are uncommon peritoneal malignancies causing a spectrum of disease including pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). The optimal management is cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Despite complete CRS (CCRS), recurrence develops in almost 45% of patients. No consensus exists for the optimal treatment of recurrent disease, with treatment strategies including repeat CRS, watch-and-wait, and palliative chemotherapy. This report aims to describe evolving management strategies for a large cohort with recurrence after CCRS. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed a prospective database of patients with recurrence after CCRS for appendiceal neoplasms from 1994 to 2017 who had long-term follow-up evaluation with tumor markers and computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Overall, 430 (37.6%) of 1145 PMP patients experienced recurrence at a median of 19 months. Of these 430 patients 145 (33.7%) underwent repeat CRS, 119 (27.7%) had a watch-and-wait approach, and 119 (27.7%) had palliative chemotherapy. The patients with recurrence had a median overall survival (OS) of 39 months, a 3-year survival of 74.6%, a 5-year survival of 57.4%, and a 10-year survival of 36.5%. In the multivariate analysis, the patients who had recurrence within 1 year after primary CRS (hazard ratio [HR], 3.55), symptoms at recurrence (HR, 3.08), a high grade of disease or adenocarcinoma pathology (HR, 2.94), signet ring cells (HR, 1.91), extraperitoneal metastatic disease (HR, 1.71), or male gender (HR, 1.61) had worse OS. The OS was longer for the patients who had repeat CRS (HR, 0.41). The patients who underwent repeat CCRS had a 3-year OS of 87.5%, a 5-year OS of 78.1%, and a 10-year OS of 67.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Dilemmas persist around the optimal management of patients with recurrence after CRS and HIPEC for appendiceal tumors. Selected patients benefit from repeat CRS, particularly those with favorable tumor biology and focal disease.

Histopathological diagnosis of tumour deposits in colorectal cancer: a Delphi consensus study.

AIMS: Tumour deposits (TDs) are an important prognostic marker in colorectal cancer. However, the classification, and inclusion in staging, of TDs has changed significantly in each tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) edition since their initial description in TNM-5, and terminology remains controversial. Expert consensus is needed to guide the future direction of precision staging. METHODS AND RESULTS: A modified Delphi consensus process was used. Statements were formulated and sent to participants as an online survey. Participants were asked to rate their agreement with each statement on a five-point Likert scale and also to suggest additional statements for discussion. These responses were circulated together with anonymised comments, and statements were modified prior to carrying out a second online round. Consensus was set at 70%. Overall, 32 statements reached consensus. There were concerns that TDs were currently incorrectly placed in the TNM system and that their prognostic importance was being underestimated. There were concerns regarding interobserver variation and it was felt that a clearer, more reproducible definition of TDs was needed. CONCLUSIONS: Our main recommendations are that the number of TDs should be recorded even if lymph node metastases (LNMs) are also present and that nodules with evidence of origin [extramural venous invasion (EMVI), perineural invasion (PNI), lymphatic invasion (LI)] should still be categorised as TDs and not excluded, as TNM-8 specifies. Whether TDs should continue to be included in the N category at all is controversial, and did not achieve consensus; however, participants agreed that TDs are prognostically worse than LNMs and the N1c category is suboptimal, as it does not reflect this.

Decision-Making Analysis for Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Ovarian Cancer: A Survey by the Executive Committee of the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the individual treatment strategies among international experts in peritoneal carcinosis, specifically their decision-making in the process of patient selection for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in women suffering from ovarian cancer, to identify relevant decision-making criteria, and to quantify the level of consensus for or against HIPEC. METHODS: The members of the executive committee of the Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) were asked to describe the clinical conditions under which they would recommend HIPEC in patients with ovarian cancer and to describe any disease or patient characteristics relevant to their decision. All answers were then merged and converted into decision trees. The decision trees were then analyzed by applying the objective consensus methodology. RESULTS: Nine experts in surgical oncology provided information on their multidisciplinary treatment strategy including HIPEC for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Three of the total of 12 experts did not perform HIPEC. Five criteria relevant to the decision on whether HIPEC is performed were applied. In patients with resectable disease, a peritoneal cancer index (PCI) <21, and epithelial ovarian cancer without distant metastasis, consent was received by 75% to perform HIPEC for women suffering from recurrent disease. Furthermore, in the primary disease setting, consent was received by 67% to perform HIPEC according to the same criteria. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Among surgical oncology experts in peritoneal surface malignancy and HIPEC, HIPEC plays an important role in primary and recurrent ovarian cancer, and the PCI is the most important criterion in this decision.

Local Recurrence and Disease-Free Survival After Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: Results From the International TaTME Registry.

BACKGROUND: The oncologic safety of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for rectal cancer has recently been questioned, with high local recurrence (LR) rates reported in Dutch and Norwegian experiences. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oncologic safety of TaTME in a large cohort of patients with primary rectal cancer, primarily in terms of LR, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a prospective international registry cohort study, including all patients who underwent TaTME for primary rectal adenocarcinoma from February 2010 through December 2018. The main endpoints were 2-year LR rate, pattern of LR, and independent risk factors for LR. Secondary endpoints included 2-year DFS and OS rates. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to calculate actuarial LR, DFS, and OS rates. RESULTS: A total of 2,803 patients receiving primary TaTME were included, predominantly men (71%) with a median age of 65 years (interquartile ratio, 57-73 years). After a median follow-up of 24 months (interquartile ratio, 12-38 months), the 2-year LR rate was 4.8% (95% CI, 3.8%-5.8%) with a unifocal LR pattern in 99 of 103 patients (96%). Independent risk factors for LR were male sex, threatened resection margin on baseline MRI, pathologic stage III cancer, and a positive circumferential resection margin on final histopathology. The 2-year DFS and OS rates were 77% (95% CI, 75%-79%) and 92% (95% CI, 91%-93%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This largest TaTME cohort to date supports the oncologic safety of the TaTME technique for rectal cancer in patients treated in units that contributed to an international registry, with an acceptable 2-year LR rate and a predominantly unifocal LR pattern.

Indications and long-term outcomes of preoperative inferior vena caval filters in 111 patients at high risk of pulmonary embolism undergoing major abdominal surgery.

AIMS: Patients with abdominal cancer requiring major surgical intervention are at high risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTE), particularly pulmonary emboli (PE). A proportion of patients with cancer can present with, or have had, major VTEs prior to definitive surgical treatment. Preoperative percutaneous inferior venal caval filters (IVCF) may reduce the risk of PE. The aim of this study was to assess the indications, complications, retrieval rates, and long-term outcome of IVCFs in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a prospective IVCF database between 2007 and 2018 of all patients with IVCF insertion prior to major abdominal surgery. The indications for an IVCF, procedural complications and surgical interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 111 patients had IVCF insertion. IVCF placement failed in one patient with gross abdominal disease. Indications for an IVCF were: prior PE in 65/111 (59%) and major vein thrombus in 42 (38%). Overall, 26/111 (23%) had the IVCF removed at a median of 91 days. In two patients IVCF removal failed. At follow-up of the 85 patients who had the IVCF left in situ, six developed filter-related thrombus and 13 a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Four patients had a PE with an indwelling IVCF. CONCLUSION: Preoperative IVCF may reduce perioperative PE in patients at high risk of thrombosis undergoing major abdominal surgery where early anticoagulation is contraindicated. Long-term follow-up of retained IVCF suggests that major problems are infrequent, though further thrombosis may occur and long-term anticoagulation may be needed.

Patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin should be consented for umbilical excision as 30% have umbilical infiltration.

AIM: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) for peritoneal malignancy has traditionally included umbilical excision with no published evidence on the incidence of umbilical involvement. The primary aim of this work was to determine the incidence of umbilical involvement in patients undergoing CRS for peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship of umbilical involvement with prior surgery affecting the umbilicus, such as diagnostic laparoscopy and midline laparotomy. METHOD: This study is from a national referral centre in the United Kingdom for appendiceal tumours and peritoneal malignancy. It is a retrospective analysis from a dedicated prospective database. We evaluated the most recent 200 consecutive patients who underwent CRS for peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin where all pathology specimens were reported by a recognized expert pathologist in appendiceal tumours and peritoneal malignancy. RESULTS: From June 2016 to September 2019, 200 consecutive patients had CRS and 178 had umbilical excision. Of these 54/178 (30.3%) had disease involving the umbilicus. The pathological findings in the 178 patients were low-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei in 90/178 (50.6%), high-grade mucinous carcinoma peritonei in 31/178 (17.4%), metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma in 29/178 (16.4%) and diffuse acellular mucin in 28/178 (15.7%). Umbilical involvement was found in 25/90 (27.8%) with low-grade, 11/31 (35.5%) with high-grade, 8/29 (27.6%) with adenocarcinoma and 10/28 (35.7%) of patients with acellular mucin. In the 54 patients with umbilical disease, 30/54 (55.6%) had previous diagnostic surgery affecting the umbilicus. In the 124 patients without umbilical disease, 76/124 (61.2%) had prior surgery involving the umbilicus. The difference between the groups was not significant (p = 0.24). CONCLUSION: In patients with peritoneal malignancy of appendiceal origin, approximately 30% have umbilical involvement, irrespective of the primary appendiceal pathology. Umbilical involvement was not associated with prior surgery involving the umbilicus. This is the first report to document the incidence of umbilical pathology and supports consideration of routine umbilical excision in CRS for peritoneal malignancy.

Adverse Biology in Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagus and Esophagogastric Junction Impacts Survival and Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy Independent of Anatomic Subtype.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to propose and test a novel adverse pathology classification in AEG. BACKGROUND: Recent scientific advances show genomic and molecular concordance across all AEG types, suggesting a rationale for a biologic classification. We tested a 3-dimension adverse pathology classification across the entire junction and per Siewert anatomic subtype. METHODS: Of 1625 patients with AEG, 650 underwent radical surgery, 55% post-neoadjuvant therapy (NeoT). Adverse features defined a priori were poor differentiation (PD), lymphatic invasion (LI), vascular invasion (VI), and perineural invasion (PN), with 3 groupings: 0 (no adverse feature), 1 to 2, and 3 to 4. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression were applied. RESULTS: For adverse pathology, 31%, 46%, and 23% had 0, 1 to 2, and 3 to 4, respectively. Fifty percent of cases were AEG I, 25% AEG II, and 25% AEG III. Median survival was not reached, 49 and 17 months for 0, 1 to 2, and 3 to 4 adverse pathology, respectively (P < 0.001), and 76, 51, and 34 months for AEG I, II, and III, respectively (P < 0.001); AEG I was significantly (P< 0.001) associated with lower c (y)pT and c (y)pN stages, and LI, VI, PN, and PD (poor vs other). The pathology model was significant for survival along with (y)pT and (y)pN, and predicted response to chemotherapy and chemoradiation irrespective of anatomic subtype (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A novel classification using standard pathology as proxy for poor biology is associated with survival and response to therapy. This effect is observed across the entire AEG spectrum, highlighting how biology should be aligned with anatomy in the modern paradigm of AEG management and design of clinical trials.

Quality of Life After Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Early Results from a Prospective Cohort Study of 115 Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe short- and medium-term longitudinal quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC were recruited. The primary outcome was QoL, measured using the short-form 36 questionnaire and expressed as a physical component score (PCS) and a mental component score (MCS), with higher scores representing better QoL. Data were collected prospectively at baseline and before discharge, then 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Trajectories of the PCS and MCS were described for the study period and grouped according to a peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) (≤ 12 vs. ≥ 13) and a completeness of cytoreduction (CC) score (CC0 vs. CC1-CC3). RESULTS: Overall, 117 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC and 115 (98.3%) of the 117 patients participated in the study. The main primary pathology was colorectal in 52 (45%) of the 115 patients and appendiceal in 27 (23.5%) of the 115 patients. The median baseline PCS [48.16; interquartile range (IQR), 38.6-54.9] had decreased at pre-discharge (35.34; IQR, 28.7-41.8), then increased slightly at 3 months (42.54; IQR, 37.6-51.6), before returning to baseline within 6 months (48.35; IQR, 39.1-52.5) and remaining unchanged 12 months after surgery (48.55; IQR, 40.8-55.5). The MCS remained unchanged during the study period. The patients with a PCI of 13 or higher had worse PCS and MCS during the postoperative period than the patients with a PCI of 12 or lower. CONCLUSIONS: The CRS and HIPEC procedures impaired PCS, with scores returning to baseline within 6 months after surgery, whereas MCS remained unchanged. The patients with a lower PCI had better postoperative QoL outcomes. For patients with peritoneal malignancy, CRS and HIPEC can be performed with acceptable short- to medium-term QoL outcomes.

Mode of Presentation in 1070 Patients With Perforated Epithelial Appendiceal Tumors, Predominantly with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei.

BACKGROUND: Perforated epithelial appendiceal tumors are uncommon and can give rise to pseudomyxoma peritonei. Pseudomyxoma peritonei is rare, almost always of appendiceal origin, and presents in various ways relevant to abdominal surgeons. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the mode of presentation of pseudomyxoma peritonei of appendiceal origin in patients treated in a high-volume UK peritoneal malignancy center. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study was conducted. SETTINGS: This was a single-center study. PATIENTS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of consecutive patients undergoing surgery between March 1994 and December 2016 was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mode of presentation was classified into 7 categories: "histological diagnosis at abdominal surgery for presumed appendicitis," "probable pseudomyxoma peritonei" based on abnormality on cross-sectional imaging (± image-guided biopsy)," "abnormal imaging (other cause suspected) and operative finding of pseudomyxoma peritonei," "diagnostic laparoscopy," "ovarian mass," "new-onset hernia," and "miscellaneous." RESULTS: Overall, 1070 patients underwent surgery (female 61%, male 39%); median age was 57. The mode of presentation was abnormality on cross-sectional imaging in 324 of 1070 patients (30.3%), histological diagnosis at emergency surgery for presumed appendicitis in 203 of 1070 patients (19%), and abnormal imaging with eventual pseudomyxoma peritonei diagnosis in 180 of 1070 patients (16.8%); 124 of 651 women (19.2%) presented with an ovarian mass. New-onset hernia was the presenting feature in 9.9%; 83 of 1070 patients (7.7%) were diagnosed at diagnostic laparoscopy, and 32 of 1070 patients (3%) were described as "miscellaneous." Overall, 775 of 1070 patients (72.4%) had complete cytoreductive surgery with 10-year survival of 63.5%. LIMITATIONS: Results are limited by the retrospective nature of the study, radiological improvements over the study period, and the number of patients who had overlapping features at presentation. CONCLUSION: Perforated appendiceal tumors present in various ways but predominantly at cross-sectional imaging or coincidentally at laparoscopy or laparotomy. All abdominal surgeons will occasionally encounter cases, often unexpectedly, and recognition and referral to a specialized unit results in excellent outcomes in most cases. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B256. MODO DE PRESENTACIÓN EN 1070 PACIENTES CON TUMORES EPITELIALES APENDICULARES PERFORADOS, PREDOMINANTEMENTE CON PSEUDOMIXOMA PERITONEAL: Los tumores epiteliales apendiculares perforados son poco frecuentes y pueden dar lugar a Pseudomyxoma peritonei. El pseudomixoma peritoneal es raro, casi siempre de origen apendicular, y se presenta de diversas formas relevantes para los cirujanos abdominales.El objetivo fue informar el modo de presentación del Pseudomixoma peritoneal de origen apendicular en pacientes tratados en un centro de malignidad peritoneal de alto volumen en el Reino Unido.Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo.Este fue un estudio de centro único.Análisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de pacientes consecutivos sometidos a cirugía entre marzo de 1994 y diciembre de 2016.El modo de presentación se clasificó en 7 categorías: "diagnóstico histológico en la cirugía abdominal por presunta apendicitis", "probable Pseudomixoma peritoneal" basado en la anormalidad en la imagen de corte transversal (biopsia guiada por imagen +/-), "imagen anormal (se sospecha otra causa) y hallazgo quirúrgico de Pseudomixoma peritoneal", "laparoscopia diagnostica", "masa ovarica", "hernia de reciente aparicion" y "varios".En total, 1070 pacientes fueron operados (mujeres 61%, hombres 39%); edad media 57. El modo de presentación fue anormalidad en la imágen transversal en 324/1070 (30.3%), el diagnóstico histológico en cirugía de emergencia por presunta apendicitis en 203/1070 (19%), la imágen anormal con eventual diagnóstico de Pseudomixoma peritoneal en 180 / 1070 (16.8%), 124/651 (19.2%) las mujeres presentaron una masa ovárica. La hernia de reciente aparición fue la característica de presentación en 9.9%, 83/1070 (7.7%) fueron diagnosticados por laparoscopia diagnóstica y 32/1070 (3%) "misceláneos". En general, 775/1070 (72,4%) se sometió a cirugía citorreductora completa con una supervivencia a 10 años del 63,5%.Una deficiencia es que los resultados están limitados por la naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio, las mejoras radiológicas a lo largo del período de estudio, y varios pacientes tenían características superpuestas en la presentación.Los tumores apendiculares perforados se presentan de varias maneras, pero predominantemente en imágenes transversales o casualmente en laparoscopia o laparotomía. Todos los cirujanos abdominales encontrarán ocasionalmente con casos, a menudo inesperados, y el reconocimiento y la derivación a una unidad especializada da lugar a excelentes resultados en la mayoría de los casos. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B256.).