Robotic versus open and laparoscopic pelvic exenterations for pelvic cancer: a multicenter propensity-matched analysis in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration (PE) is the last resort for achieving a complete cure for pelvic cancer; however, it is burdensome for patients. Minimally invasive surgeries, including robot-assisted surgery, have been widely used to treat malignant tumors and have also recently been used in PE. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted PE (RPE) by comparing the outcomes of open PE (OPE) with those of conventional laparoscopic PE (LPE) for treating pelvic tumors. METHODS: Following the ethics committee approval, a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients who underwent pelvic exenteration between January 2012 and October 2022 was conducted. Data on patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were collected. A 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis was performed to minimize group selection bias. RESULTS: In total, 261 patients met the study criteria, of whom 61 underwent RPE, 90 underwent OPE, and 110 underwent LPE. After propensity score matching, 50 pairs were created for RPE and OPE and 59 for RPE and LPE. RPE was associated with significantly less blood loss (RPE vs. OPE: 408 mL vs. 2385 ml, p < 0.001), lower transfusion rate (RPE vs. OPE: 32% vs. 82%, p < 0.001), and lower rate of complications over Clavien-Dindo grade II (RPE vs. OPE: 48% vs. 74%, p = 0.013; RPE vs. LPE: 48% vs. 76%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This multicenter study suggests that RPE reduces blood loss and transfusion compared with OPE and has a lower rate of complications compared with OPE and LPE in patients with locally advanced and recurrent pelvic tumors.

Cytoreductive surgery without intra-peritoneal chemotherapy for metachronous colorectal peritoneal metastases.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy reportedly improve the prognosis of patients with metachronous peritoneal metastases. However, the types of peritoneal metastases indicated for cytoreductive surgery remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the category of cases for which cytoreductive surgery would be effective and report the prognosis associated with cytoreductive surgery for metachronous peritoneal metastases. METHODS: This study included 52 consecutive patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery for metachronous peritoneal metastases caused by colorectal cancer between January 2005 and December 2018 and fulfilled the selection criteria. The median follow-up period was 54.9 months. Relapse-free survival was calculated as the time from cytoreductive surgery of metachronous peritoneal metastases to recurrence. Overall survival was defined as the time from cytoreductive surgery of metachronous peritoneal metastases to death or the end of the follow-up period. RESULTS: The 5-year relapse-free survival rate was 30.0% and the 5-year overall survival rate was 72.3%. None of the patients underwent hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The analysis indicated no potential risk factors for 5-year relapse-free survival. However, for 5-year overall survival, the multivariate analysis revealed that time to diagnosis of metachronous peritoneal metastases of < 2 years after primary surgery (hazard ratio = 4.1, 95% confidence interval = 2.0-8.6, p = 0.0002) and number of metachronous peritoneal metastases ≥ 3 (hazard ratio = 9.8, 95% confidence interval = 2.3-42.3, p = 0.002) as independent factors associated with a poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Long intervals of more than 2 years after primary surgery and 2 or less metachronous peritoneal metastases were good selection criteria for cytoreductive surgery for metachronous peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer.

The impact of staple transection of the dorsal venous complex and urethra on intraoperative blood loss in cooperative laparoscopic and transperineal endoscopic pelvic exenteration.

PURPOSE: While laparoscopic pelvic exenteration reduces intraoperative blood loss, dorsal venous complex bleeding during this procedure causes issues. We previously introduced a method to transect the dorsal venous complex and urethra using a linear stapler during cooperative laparoscopic and transperineal endoscopic (two-team) pelvic exenteration. The present study assessed its effectiveness in reducing intraoperative blood loss by comparing it with conventional laparoscopic pelvic exenteration. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Japanese tertiary referral center. Eleven cases of two-team laparoscopic pelvic exenteration with staple transection of the dorsal venous complex (T-PE group) were compared to 25 cases of conventional laparoscopic pelvic exenteration (C-PE group). The primary outcome measure was intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences in patient background. The mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the T-PE group than in the C-PE group (200 vs. 850 mL, p = 0.01). The respective mean operation time, postoperative complication rate, and R0 resection rate were similar between the T-PE and C-PE groups (636 min vs. 688 min, p = 0.36; 36% vs. 44%, p = 0.65; 100% vs. 100%, p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Two-team laparoscopic pelvic exenteration with staple transection of the dorsal venous complex reduced intraoperative blood loss from the dorsal venous complex in a technically safe and oncologically feasible manner.

Incidence and risk factors of bowel dysfunction after minimally invasive rectal cancer surgery and discrepancies between the Wexner score and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score.

PURPOSE: Bowel dysfunction after sphincter-preserving-surgery (SPS) impacts quality of life. The Wexner score (WS) and the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score (LS) are instruments for assessing postoperative bowel dysfunction. We analyzed the incidence of and risk factors for each symptom and examined the discrepancies between the two scores. METHODS: A total of 142 patients with rectal cancer, who underwent minimally invasive SPS between May, 2018 and July, 2019, were included. A questionnaire survey using the two scores was given to the patients 2 years after SPS. RESULTS: Tumor location and preoperative radiotherapy were independent risk factors for major LARS. Intersphincteric resection with a hand-sewn anastomosis (HSA) was an independent risk factor for high WS. Among the patients who underwent HSA, 82% experienced incontinence for liquid stools, needed to wear pads, and suffered lifestyle alterations. Of the 35 patients with minor LARS, only 1 had a high WS, and 80.0% reported no lifestyle alterations. Among the 75 patients with major LARS, 58.7% had a low WS and 21.3% reported no lifestyle alterations. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide practical data to help patients understand potential bowel dysfunction after SPS. The discrepancies between the WS and LS were clarified, and further efforts are required to utilize these scores in clinical practice.

Clinical utility of the carcinoembryonic antigen level in patients with stage III colon cancer after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: The association between perioperative and post-adjuvant carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels and recurrence and prognosis remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether perioperative CEA levels are an integral component of the assessment of recurrence and prognosis of patients with stage III colon cancer (CC). METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at the Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research from 2005 to 2013. We enrolled patients with stage III CC who underwent complete resection of a primary tumor and received adjuvant chemotherapy. We analyzed the association between perioperative and post-adjuvant CEA levels and recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 564 consecutive patients were included in the analysis. The RFS and OS of patients with high postoperative CEA levels were significantly worse than those of patients with normal postoperative CEA levels. In the multivariate analysis, high postoperative CEA levels were associated with shorter RFS and OS. The number of risk factors, postoperative CEA levels, and T/N-stage all had a cumulative effect on RFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS: High postoperative CEA levels and the number of risk factors are associated with recurrence and worse prognosis for patients with stage III CC.

Prognostic factors of para-aortic lymph node metastasis from colorectal cancer in highly selected patients undergoing para-aortic lymph node dissection.

PURPOSE: We investigated the surgical outcomes of para-aortic lymph node (PALN) dissection in patients with colorectal cancer and assessed the prognostic factors related to the survival. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included 31 patients with synchronous or metachronous PALN metastasis from colorectal cancer who underwent PALN dissection between January 2006 and December 2018. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had synchronous PALN metastasis, and 10 had metachronous PALN metastasis. Seven patients had either simultaneous distant metastasis or a history of distant metastasis other than PALN metastasis at the time of PALN dissection. Eighteen patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The 5-year overall and recurrence-free survival rates were 54.2 and 17.2%, respectively. A multivariable analysis revealed that rectal cancer, metachronous PALN metastasis, and three or more pathological PALN metastases were significantly poor prognostic factors for the recurrence-free survival. Among patients with rectal cancer, lower rectal cancer and lateral pelvic lymph node metastasis were poor prognostic factors for the overall survival. CONCLUSION: Curative PALN dissection for PALN metastasis from colorectal cancer is feasible with favorable long-term outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach, including surgery and chemotherapy, is needed for colorectal cancer with PALN metastasis to improve the long-term outcomes.

Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis of Rectal Neuroendocrine Tumor and Its Prognostic Impact: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of 195 Cases with Radical Resection.

PURPOSE: The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) has been steadily increasing. The risk factors for and prognostic impact of lymph node (LN) metastasis were analyzed in 195 patients with stage I-III rectal NET who underwent radical surgery. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center study analyzed risk factors for LN metastasis focusing on previously identified factors and a novel risk factor: multiple rectal NETs. The association between LN metastasis and the prognosis was also analyzed. RESULTS: Pathologically, the LN metastasis rate (also the rate of stage III disease) was 39%, which was higher than the clinical LN metastasis rate of 14%. Tumor size > 10 mm, presence of central depression, tumor grade G2, depth of invasion, LN swelling on preoperative imaging (cN1), venous invasion and multiple NETs were identified as risk factors for LN metastasis. As the tumor size and risk factors increased, the rate of LN metastasis increased. Among these 7 factors, venous invasion, cN1, and multiple NETs were identified as independent predictors of LN metastasis. LN metastasis of rectal NETs was associated with significantly poor disease-free and disease-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: As risk factors increase, the potential for rectal NETs to metastasize to the LNs increases and LN metastasis is associated with a poor prognosis. This is the first study to report multiple NETs as a risk factor for LN metastasis. A future study examining the survival benefit of radical surgery accompanying LN dissection compared with local resection is warranted.

Adding Induction Chemotherapy Before Chemoradiotherapy with Total Mesorectal Excision and Selective Lateral Lymph Node Dissection for Patients with Poor-Risk, Locally Advanced, Mid-to-Low Rectal Cancer May Improve Oncologic Outcomes: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether the addition of induction chemotherapy before chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) with selective lateral lymph node dissection improves disease-free survival for patients with poor-risk, mid-to-low rectal cancer. METHODS: The authors' institutional prospective database was queried for consecutive patients with clinical stage II or III, primary, poor-risk, mid-to-low rectal cancer who received neoadjuvant treatment followed by TME from 2004 to 2019. The outcomes for the patients who received induction chemotherapy before neoadjuvant CRT (induction-CRT group) were compared (via log-rank tests) with those for a propensity score-matched cohort of patients who received neoadjuvant CRT without induction chemotherapy (CRT group). RESULTS: From 715 eligible patients, the study selected two matched cohorts with 130 patients each. The median follow-up duration was 5.4 years for the CRT group and 4.1 years for the induction-CRT group. The induction-CRT group had significantly higher rates of 3-year disease-free survival (83.5 % vs 71.4 %; p = 0.015), distant metastasis-free survival (84.3 % vs 75.2 %; p = 0.049), and local recurrence-free survival (98.4 % vs 94.4 %; p = 0.048) than the CRT group. The pathologically complete response rate also was higher in the induction-CRT group than in the CRT group (26.2 % vs 10.0 %; p < 0.001). Postoperative major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥III) did not differ significantly between the two groups (12.3 % vs 10.8 %; p = 0.698). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of induction chemotherapy to neoadjuvant CRT appeared to improve oncologic outcomes significantly, including disease-free survival, for the patients with poor-risk, mid-to-low rectal cancer who underwent TME using selective lateral lymph node dissection.

Geriatric nutritional risk index after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and survival in older patients with advanced rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical impact of malnutrition on the survival of older patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: We investigated the clinical significance of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in 237 patients aged over 60 years with clinical stage II/III rectal adenocarcinoma who were treated with neoadjuvant long-course chemoradiotherapy or total neoadjuvant therapy followed by radical resection from 2004 to 2017. Pre-treatment and post-treatment GNRI were evaluated, with patients split into low (< 98) and high (≥ 98) GNRI groups. The prognostic impact of pre-treatment and post-treatment GNRI levels on overall survival (OS), post-recurrence survival (PRS), and disease-free survival (DFS) was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (24.1%) before neoadjuvant treatment and 94 patients (39.7%) after neoadjuvant treatment were categorized with low GNRI. Pre-treatment GNRI levels were not associated with OS (p = 0.80) or DFS (p = 0.70). Patients in the post-treatment low GNRI group had significantly poorer OS than those in the post-treatment high GNRI group (p = 0.0005). The multivariate analysis showed that post-treatment low GNRI levels were independently associated with poorer OS (hazard ratio, 3.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.55-6.05; p = 0.001). Although post-treatment GNRI levels were not associated with DFS (p = 0.24), among the 50 patients with recurrence, post-treatment low GNRI levels were associated with poorer PRS (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Post-treatment GNRI is a promising nutritional score associated with OS and PRS in patients over 60 years with advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Inferior versus medial approach in laparoscopic colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer: A propensity-score-matched analysis.

AIM: In laparoscopic colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer, either an inferior approach (IA) or a medial approach (MA) is selected in our institution based on the surgeon's preference. The present study compared the treatment outcomes between IA and MA. METHOD: This retrospective, single-centre study using propensity score matching analysed the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in patients with right-sided colon cancer from 2010 to 2019 at Cancer Institute Hospital. RESULTS: After patient selection, 1011 patients remained for the analysis, of which 67% underwent IA surgery and 33% underwent MA surgery. After propensity score matching (1:1), 325 patients in each group were analysed. Regarding the short-term outcomes, there were no significant differences in the operation time, rate of conversion to open surgery or postoperative complication rate (Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥ III) between the two groups, although the intra-operative median blood loss was significantly less in the IA group than in the MA group (IA, 13 ml vs. MA, 20 ml, P < 0.0001). Regarding the long-term outcomes, the relapse-free survival, liver-relapse-free survival, cancer-specific survival and overall survival were all similar between groups. CONCLUSION: Both the IA and MA in laparoscopic colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy for right-sided colon cancer are safe and feasible approaches; the IA may have an advantage over the MA in terms of reduced intra-operative blood loss. Based on their similar oncological outcomes, either the IA or MA can be selected, based on one's preference.

The evaluation of postoperative bowel dysfunction in Japanese patients with rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: The present study assessed postoperative bowel dysfunction in Japanese patients with rectal cancer, including patients who underwent preoperative radiotherapy (RT). METHODS: A total of 277 rectal cancer patients who underwent primary resection were included in the analyses. A questionnaire survey was administered using the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score and Wexner score. Scores were determined one year after rectal surgery or diverting ileostomy closure. The LARS score was categorized as minor LARS (21-29) and major LARS (30-42). RESULTS: The proportions of patients with minor and major LARS were significantly larger and Wexner scores significantly higher in patients with distal tumors and a lower anastomosis level than in those with proximal tumors and a higher anastomosis level. Among the patients with lower rectal cancer, the proportions with minor and major LARS were similar between those with and without preoperative RT. The Wexner scores in patients with preoperative RT were significantly higher than in patients without RT. A distal tumor location and lower anastomosis level were independent risk factors of major LARS in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: A distal tumor location, low anastomosis level, and preoperative RT might be associated with postoperative bowel dysfunction in rectal cancer patients.

Novel mobilization of the medial approach without changing the position for robotic right hemicolectomy.

Conventional laparoscopic or robotic surgery for right-sided colon cancer often requires intraoperative repositioning and removal of the bowel. Changing positions during robotic surgery can be troublesome and robotic removal of the small intestine carries a risk of unexpected injury because robotic devices have a strong grasping force and no sense of touch. Herein, we introduce a novel mobilization of the medial approach without changing the position for robotic right hemicolectomy. Using this technique, mobilization is performed in counterclockwise succession, allowing all mobilizations and bowel removal to be completed sequentially, without positional change.

Current status of transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer and the expanding indications of the transanal approach for extended pelvic surgeries.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has been rapidly accepted as a promising surgical approach to the distal rectum. The benefits include ease of access to the bottom of the deep pelvis linearly over a short distance in order to easily visualize the important anatomy. Furthermore, the distal resection margins can be secured under direct vision. Additionally, a two-team approach combining taTME with a transabdominal approach could decrease the operative time and conversion rate. Although taTME was expected to become more rapidly popularized worldwide, enthusiasm for it has stalled due to unfamiliar intraoperative complications, a lack of oncologic evidence from randomized trials, and the widespread use of robotic surgery. While international registries have reported favorable short- and medium-term outcomes from taTME, a Norwegian national study reported a high local recurrence rate of 9.5%. The characteristics of the recurrences included rapid, multifocal growth in the pelvis, which was quite different from recurrences following traditional transabdominal TME; thus, the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Group reached a consensus for a temporary moratorium on the performance of taTME. To ensure acceptable baseline quality and patient safety, taTME should be performed by well-trained colorectal surgeons. Although the appropriate indications for taTME remain controversial, the transanal approach is extremely important as a means of goal setting in difficult TME cases and as an aid to the transabdominal approach in various types of extended pelvic surgeries. The benefits in transanal lateral lymph node dissection and pelvic exenteration are presented herein.

Advantages of the umbilical minilaparotomy-first approach in robotic rectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Since 2018, we have performed robotic rectal cancer surgery at our institution via the umbilical mini-laparotomy-first approach. In the present technical note, we introduce the advantages of this approach. METHODS: In this approach, a 3-cm mini-laparotomy and the wound protector attachment are performed prior to port placement for the da Vinci® Xi system. During robotic surgery, the assistant can adjust the location of the camera port within the wound protector. RESULTS: This approach is only different from the standard port placement in terms of the timing of minilaparotomy; therefore, there is no additional cost. This approach has several advantages. 1: Intraabdominal adhesion around the umbilicus can be dissected under direct vision. 2: Robot arm collision can be diminished. 3: The diverting stoma can be located just at the preoperative stoma-site marking. 4: The da Vinci® camera is less likely to be dirty. 5: Assistant ports can be added through the wound protector. However, sometimes interference between the wound protector extends inside the abdomen and other ports can be a problem, especially in small patients. A smaller-size wound protector is thus recommended in such cases. CONCLUSIONS: The umbilical minilaparotomy-first approach in robotic rectal cancer surgery is a simple and feasible technique with great advantages for not only ensuring successful robotic surgery but also reducing the stoma-associated complications.

Laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy has a lower risk of parastomal hernia and bowel obstruction than transperitoneal colostomy.

PURPOSE: Several studies indicate that an extraperitoneal colostomy can prevent the development of a parastomal hernia (PSH) as compared to a transperitoneal colostomy. However, the clinical value of laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy, and its influence on bowel obstruction and PSH remain unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the impact of laparoscopic extraperitoneal colostomy on the development of a PSH and bowel obstruction. METHODS: This study included 327 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection or Hartmann's procedure between January 2013 and December 2019 after fulfilling selection criteria. The incidence of a PSH (Clavien-Dindo classification ≥ grade I) and bowel obstruction (≥ grade IIIa) in the transperitoneal and extraperitoneal route groups were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The patients were classified into transperitoneal (n = 222) and extraperitoneal (n = 105) route groups. The patient characteristics, except for body mass index and operative time, were comparable between the groups. A PSH and bowel obstruction occurred more frequently in the transperitoneal than in the extraperitoneal route group (17.1% vs. 1.9% and 15.3% vs. 6.7%, respectively; p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). The multivariate analysis showed that age ≥ 70 years, body mass index ≥ 22.4 kg/m2, and a transperitoneal route were independent risk factors for the development of a PSH, and a transperitoneal route was an independent risk factor for bowel obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The transperitoneal route was identified as a risk factor for the development of both a PSH and bowel obstruction after laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection or Hartmann's procedure.

Short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis for transverse colon cancer: comparison of triangulating anastomosis with functional end-to-end anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: We compared triangulating anastomosis (TRI) with functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) in terms of patient demographics, clinicopathological features, and short- and long-term outcomes in this study. METHODS: From November 2005 to May 2016, 315 patients with transverse colon cancer underwent laparoscopic resection. TRI was performed in 62 patients and FEEA in 253 patients. Patients with another concomitant cancer, who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and/or who underwent another operation at the same time were excluded. RESULTS: The patients' backgrounds were comparable in each group. Transverse colectomy was selected more frequently in TRI and right hemicolectomy in FEEA. The operation time was shorter in TRI. The rate of anastomotic leakage was comparable (1.6% in TRI vs. 0.8% in FEEA). Stricture was more common in TRI (8.1% vs. 0%) and bleeding was more common in FEEA (1.6% vs. 10.6%). The rate of long-term complications was comparable in each group. Overall survival of stage 0-III patients was comparable in each group (94.7% in TRI vs. 93.7% in FEEA). 5-year disease-free survival of stage 0-III, stage II, and stage III patients was also comparable in each group (94.8% vs. 93.0%, 100% vs. 92.1%, and 80.3% vs. 79.2% in TRI and FEEA, respectively). CONCLUSION: The short- and long-term outcome rates were acceptable in both groups. Specific attempts to prevent complications are required for each anastomotic procedure.

Systemic Inflammatory Markers Combined with Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Density for the Improved Prediction of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported the utility of systemic inflammatory markers and CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) separately in predicting response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in rectal cancer; however, the efficacy of combining these markers remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to elucidate the predictive efficacy of systemic inflammatory markers combined with CD8+ TIL density on response to neoadjuvant CRT in locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: Ten systemic inflammatory markers and CD8+ TIL density were assessed in 267 patients with rectal cancer using pretreatment clinical data and biopsy samples. Response to CRT was determined using the Dworak tumor regression grade (TRG), with good responders classified as TRG3-4. RESULTS: Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed high areas under the curve for the lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR) and neutrophil × monocyte (N × M) value (0.58 and 0.62, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, LCR, N × M value, and CD8+ TIL density were independently associated with good responders (p = 0.016, 0.005, and 0.002, respectively). Stratified analysis with these three markers showed a positive correlation between TRG3-4 ratio and the number of positive predictive factors (8.2%, 20.0%, 34.2%, and 59.1% in patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 predictors, respectively). Overall and disease-free survival were significantly worse in patients with zero factors present compared with those with one to three factors present. CONCLUSIONS: LCR, N × M value, and CD8+ TIL density are independently associated with response to CRT. Assessing local TIL density along with systemic inflammatory markers may be useful for selecting a multimodal neoadjuvant approach in rectal cancer therapy.

Educational system for acquiring appropriate laparoscopic colorectal surgical skills: analysis in a Japanese high-volume cancer center.

BACKGROUND: Acquiring appropriate laparoscopic technique is necessary to safely perform laparoscopic surgery. The Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System of the Japanese Society of Endoscopic Surgery, which was established to improve the quality of laparoscopic surgery in Japan, provides training to become an expert laparoscopic surgeon. In this study, we describe our educational system, in a Japanese highest volume cancer center, and evaluate the system according to the pass rate for the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System examination. METHODS: We assessed 14 residents who trained for more than 2 years from 2012 to 2018 in our department. All teaching surgeons, qualified by the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System, participated in all surgeries as supervisors. For the first 3 months, trainees learned as the scopist, then as the first assistant for 3 months, and then by performing laparoscopic surgery as an operator during ileocecal resection or sigmoidectomy. Trainees apply for this training in their second year of residency or later. All laparoscopic procedures in our department are standardized in detail. RESULTS: The cumulative pass rate was 75% (12/16), and 87% (12/14) of the trainees eventually passed, while the general pass rate was approximately 30%. On average, those who passed in their second or third year had experienced 94 procedures as the surgeon, 177 as the first assistant, and 199 as the scopist. The number of laparoscopic procedures and the learning curves did not differ between successful and failed applicants. CONCLUSIONS: Through our educational system, residents successfully acquired laparoscopic skills with a much higher pass rate in the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System examination than the general standard. Laparoscopic practice under supervision by experienced surgeons with standardized procedures and accurate understanding of the relevant anatomy is very helpful to achieving appropriate laparoscopic technique.

Long-term outcomes of needlescopic surgery in patients with colon cancer: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive and frequently performed surgical procedure that has become the standard surgery for colorectal cancer. Needlescopic surgery (NS) for colon cancer has also been performed and reported as a less invasive technique. In this study, we investigated the long-term outcomes of NS in comparison with those of conventional surgery (CS). METHODS: The data of 1122 patients without distant metastasis who underwent laparoscopic surgery between 2011 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. In this study, NS was defined as a laparoscopic procedure performed with the use of 3-mm ports and forceps with one 5-mm port for an energy device, as well as with clips. One 12-mm port was placed in the umbilicus for specimen extraction from the abdominal cavity. RESULTS: A total of 241 patients underwent NS. There was no significant difference between the 5-year recurrence rate and the 5-year total mortality rate (NS: 10.0% and 5.4% vs. CS: 10.3% and 3.5%, p = 0.86/0.23). In the multivariate analysis, NS was not found to be an independent prognostic factor. In terms of the distribution of recurrence sites, there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: NS for colon cancer was not inferior to CS in terms of short-term and long-term outcomes.

Predisposing factors and clinical impact of high-output syndrome after sphincter-preserving surgery with covering ileostomy for rectal cancer: a retrospective single-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Ileostomy-related high-output syndrome has become a major cause of postoperative morbidity after rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to clarify the predisposing factors and clinical impact of high-output syndrome. METHODS: Clinical parameters that were associated with high-output syndrome and clinical impact of high-output syndrome on nutritional status, electrolyte abnormality and renal dysfunction were retrospectively investigated in consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection with covering ileostomy during 2016-2017. RESULTS: High-output syndrome developed in 44/195 eligible patients (22.6%). Multivariable analysis revealed that neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy [odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-5.2; P = 0.02], postoperative complications (OR: 2.2; 95% CI 1.0-4.6; P = 0.049), postoperative maximal white blood cell ≥ 10,000 cells/µl (OR: 4.0; 95% CI 1.9-8.8; P = 0.0004), and postoperative maximal C-reactive protein ≥ 10 mg/dl (OR: 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-5.2; P = 0.02) were independently associated with high-output syndrome. High-output syndrome was associated with increased renal dysfunction at the time of ostomy closure (29.6% versus 11.9%, patients with high-output syndrome vs. without high-output syndrome, P = 0.008), but not with nutritional imbalance or electrolyte abnormalities. High-output syndrome (OR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.1-5.9; P = 0.03) and postoperative maximal C-reactive protein ≥ 10 mg/dl (OR: 2.4; 95% CI 1.0-5.6; P = 0.04) were independently associated with renal dysfunction at ostomy closure. CONCLUSION: Preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy, postoperative inflammatory response, and postoperative complications predisposed to high-output syndrome, and it significantly impacted postoperative renal dysfunction. Active monitoring and early intervention are warranted to prevent renal dysfunction in patients with these factors.