Does neoadjuvant FOLFOX chemotherapy improve the prognosis of high-risk Stage II and III colon cancers? Three years' follow-up results of the PRODIGE 22 phase II randomized multicentre trial.

AIM: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has proven valuable in locally advanced resectable colon cancer (CC) but its effect on oncological outcomes is uncertain. The aim of the present paper was to report 3-year oncological outcomes, representing the secondary endpoints of the PRODIGE 22 trial. METHOD: PRODIGE 22 was a randomized multicentre phase II trial in high-risk T3, T4 and/or N2 CC patients on CT scan. Patients were randomized between 6 months of adjuvant FOLFOX (upfront surgery) or perioperative FOLFOX (four cycles before surgery and eight cycles after; FOLFOX perioperative). In wild-type RAS patients, a third arm testing perioperative FOLFOX-cetuximab was added. The primary endpoint was the tumour regression grade. Secondary endpoints were 3-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) and time to recurrence (TTR). RESULTS: Overall, 120 patients were enrolled. At interim analysis, the FOLFOX-cetuximab arm was stopped for futility. The remaining 104 patients represented our intention-to-treat population. In the perioperative group, 96% received the scheduled four neoadjuvant cycles and all but one had adjuvant FOLFOX for eight cycles. In the control arm, 38 (73%) patients received adjuvant FOLFOX. The median follow-up was 54.3 months. Three-year OS was 90.4% in both arms [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.85], 3-year DFS, RFS and TTR were, respectively, 76.8% and 69.2% (HR=0.94), 73% and 69.2% (HR = 0.86) and 82% and 72% (HR = 0.67) in the perioperative and control arms, respectively. Forest plots did not show any subgroup with significant difference for survival outcomes. No benefit from adding cetuximab was observed. CONCLUSION: Perioperative FOLFOX has no detrimental effect on long-term oncological outcomes and may be an option for some patients with locally advanced CC.

Extended right colectomy, left colectomy, or segmental left colectomy for splenic flexure carcinomas: a European multicenter propensity score matching analysis.

BACKGROUND: The surgical resection of the splenic flexure carcinoma (SFC) is challenging and the optimal surgical procedure for SFCs remains a matter of debate. The present study aimed to compare in a multicenter European sample of patients the short- and long-term outcomes of extended right (ERC) vs. left (LC) vs. segmental left colectomy (SLC) for SFCs. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study analyzed the surgical and oncological outcomes of SFC patients undergoing elective curative intent surgery between 2000 and 2018. Descriptive and exploratory analyses were first conducted on the whole sample. Outcomes of the different procedures (ERC vs. LC vs. SLC) were then compared using propensity score matching for multilevel treatment. Overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: From a total of 399 SFC patients, 143 (35.8%) underwent ERC, 131 (32.8%) underwent LC, and 125 (31.4%) underwent SLC. Overall, 297 (74.4%) were laparoscopic procedures. An increase in operative time, time to flatus, time to regular diet, and hospital stay was observed with the progressive extension of SFC resection. ERC was associated with significantly increased risk of postoperative ileus compared to both LC and SLC. A significantly greater number of lymph nodes were retrieved by ERC, but the objective of at least 12 retrieved lymph nodes was achieved in 85% of patients, without procedure-related differences. No differences were observed in OS or DFS between ERC, LC, and SLC. CONCLUSION: The present study supports the resection of SFCs by colon-sparing surgical techniques, such as SLC.

Laparoscopic versus robotic right colectomy with extra-corporeal or intra-corporeal anastomosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) versus robotic right colectomy (RRC) using homogeneous subgroup analyses for extra-corporeal anastomosis (EA) and intra-corporeal anastomosis (IA). METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to April 2020 for prospective or retrospective studies comparing LRC versus RRC on at least one short- or long-term outcome. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay (LOS). The secondary outcomes included operative and pathological results, survival, and total costs. LRC and RRC were compared using three homogeneous subgroups: without distinction by the type of anastomosis, EA only, and IA only. Pooled data analyses were performed using mean difference (MD) and random effects model. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of 448 studies were selected. The included patients were 21,397 for the LRC group and 2796 for the RRC group. Regardless for the type of anastomosis, RRC showed shorter LOS, lower blood loss, lower conversion rate, shorter time to flatus, and lower overall complication rate compared with LRC, but longer operative time and higher total costs. In the EA subgroup, RRC showed similar LOS, longer operative time, and higher costs compared with LRC, the other outcomes being similar. In the IA subgroup, RRC showed shorter LOS and longer operative time compared with LRC, with no difference for the remaining outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most included articles are retrospective, providing low-quality evidence and limiting conclusions. The more frequent use of the IA seems to explain the advantages of RRC over LRC.

Extracellular Matrix in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease: Architecture, Dynamic and Perspectives.

Calcific Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD) is the most common valvular heart disease in developed countries and in the ageing population. It is strongly correlated to median age, affecting up to 13% of the population over the age of 65. Pathophysiological analysis indicates CAVD as a result of an active and degenerative disease, starting with sclerosis and chronic inflammation and then leaflet calcification, which ultimately can account for aortic stenosis. Although CAVD has been firstly recognized as a passive event mostly resulting from a degenerative aging process, much evidences suggests that calcification arises from different active processes, involving both aortic valve-resident cells (valve endothelial cells, valve interstitial cells, mesenchymal stem cells, innate immunity cells) and circulating cells (circulating mesenchymal cells, immunity cells). Moreover, a role for the cell-derived "matrix vesicles" and extracellular matrix (ECM) components has also been recognized. The aim of this work is to review the cellular and molecular alterations occurring in aortic valve during CAVD pathogenesis, focusing on the role of ECM in the natural course of the disease.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Partial Mesorectal Excision for Cancer of the High Rectum: A Single-Center Study with Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of robotic surgery for partial mesorectal excision (PME) in patients with high rectal cancer (RC) remains unexplored. This study aimed to compare the operative and postoperative outcomes of robotic (R-PME) versus laparoscopic (L-PME) PME for high RC. METHODS: This was a single-center propensity score cohort study of consecutive patients diagnosed with RC in the high rectum (>10 to 15 cm from the anal verge) who underwent surgery between September 2012 and May 2019. RESULTS: Of 131 selected patients (50 R-PME and 81 L-PME), 88 were matched using propensity score (44 per group). Operative and postoperative variables were similar between R-PME and L-PME patients, except for operative time (220 min and 190 min, respectively; p < 0.0001). No conversion was needed. Overall morbidity was 15.9%; 4 patients (4.5%) developed anastomotic leakage. The mean hospital stay was 7.25 days for R-PME vs. 7.64 days for L-PME (p = 0.597). R0 resection was achieved in 100% of R-PME and 90.9% of L-PME (p = 0.116). Only 3 patients (1 R-PME, 2 L-PME) received a permanent stoma (p = 1). No group differences were observed for overall or disease-free survival rates at 5 years. The costs of R-PME were significantly higher than those of L-PME. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive surgery can be performed safely for PME in high RC. No difference can be detected between R-PME and L-PME for both short- and long-term outcomes, leaving the choice of the surgical approach to the surgeon's experience. Specific health economic studies are needed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery for RC.

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with pneumonia at disease onset in patients admitted for COVID-19 to the Emergency Department of a large Hospital in Piedmont (North-Western Italy).

OBJECTIVES: to explore clinical and epidemiological characteristics associated with an imaging feature of COVID-19 pneumonia at disease onset, in order to identify factors that may be evaluable by general practitioners at patient's home, and which may lead to identify a more severe disease, needing hospitalization. DESIGN: this is a retrospective/prospective observational hospital cohort. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: the study population includes all patients consecutively admitted to the emergency department of Città della salute e della scienza University Hospital from 01.03 to 31.05.2020 with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: patients were classified in two groups according to the findings of X-ray imaging, lung ultrasound and chest computer tomography, as pneumonia or not pneumonia patients. RESULTS: in multivariable analysis, factors most strongly associated with emergency department admission with pneumonia were age, oxygen saturation <90% (adj OR 4.16 ;95%CI 1.44-12.07), respiratory rate >24 breaths/min (adj OR 6.50; 95%CI 2.36-17.87), fever ≥38° (adj OR 3.05; 95%CI 1.53-6.08) and the presence of gastroenteric symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea). A delay (> 7 days) between the appearance of the initial lung symptoms (cough and dyspnea) and the admission to the emergency department was also related to a higher probability of receiving a positive imaging report (OR 4.99; 95%CI 2,02-12,34). CONCLUSIONS: in order to reorganize the management of COVID-19 patients in Italy, in view of the risk of a second wave of epidemic or of local outbreaks, it would be desirable to relocate the triage, and possibly the patient's care, from hospital to home. In this scenario it is important to identify all symptoms and signs associated with COVID-19 pneumonia that would facilitate the decision-making process of GPs leading to patients hospitalization.

Inclusion of Older Patients with Cancer in Clinical Trials: The SAGE Prospective Multicenter Cohort Survey.

BACKGROUND: The primary objective was to evaluate the rates of older patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who were eligible for a clinical trial, invited to participate, and, ultimately, included. The secondary objective was to assess the reasons for ineligibility, noninvitation, and noninclusion and factors associated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Sujets AGés dans les Essais Cliniques (SAGE; Older Subjects in Clinical Trials) multicenter prospective cohort was established in seven centers (10 departments of medical oncology, digestive oncology, and digestive surgery) between 2012 and 2016. All patients with CRC aged 65 or older were studied. The endpoints were clinical trial availability, patient's eligibility, invitation, and enrollment in a trial. RESULTS: We included 577 older patients (mean age ± SD: 75.6 ± 7 years; males: 56%; metastasis: 41%). Thirty-seven trials were ongoing (one trial for older patients). Of the 474 patients with at least one available trial for their cancer stage and site, 127 (27%) were eligible; 84 of these 127 (66%) were invited to participate, and 70 of these 84 (83%) were included. In a multivariate analysis, noninvitation was found to be associated with older age (p = .016): adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval), 0.14 (0.02-0.60) for ≥80 vs. 65-69; 0.54 (0.18-1.04) for 75-79 vs. 65-69; 0.47 (0.17-0.93) for 70-74 vs. 65-69. CONCLUSION: Three-quarters of older patients with CRC were ineligible for a clinical trial. One-third of the eligible patients were not invited to participate in a trial, and 17% of invited patients were not included. Few trials are reserved for older patients. Patients aged 80 or older were significantly less likely to be eligible for a trial and invited to participate. Clinical trial identification number: NCT01754636. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of this study suggest that barriers to participation of older patients in clinical trials are particularly marked at age 80 years or older. Secondly, the results emphasize the need for trials for older patients. Thirdly, there is also a need for more pragmatic "real-world" trials, rather than solely randomized trials performed in idealized settings with strictly selected patients. Large prospective observational cohorts with a precise follow-up of toxicity, functional decline, and quality of life may constitute one way of generating more data on the risk-benefit ratio for cancer treatments in older patients.

Role of the intestinal microbiome in colorectal cancer surgery outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Growing evidence supports the role of the intestinal microbiome in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancers, but its impact on colorectal cancer surgery outcomes is not clearly defined. This systematic review aimed to analyze the association between intestinal microbiome composition and postoperative complication and survival following colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the 2009 PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched the literature in a systematic manner through online databases, including Medline, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Register, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, and Google Scholar. Human studies investigating the association between the intestinal microbiome and the short-term (anastomotic leakage, surgical site infection, postoperative ileus) and long-term outcomes (cancer-specific mortality, overall and disease-free survival) of colorectal cancer surgery were selected. Patients with any stage of colorectal cancer were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for case-control and cohort studies was used for the quality assessment of the selected articles. RESULTS: Overall, 8 studies (7 cohort studies and 1 case-control) published between 2014 and 2018 were included. Only one study focused on short-term surgical outcomes, showing that anastomotic leakage is associated with low microbial diversity and abundance of Lachnospiraceae and Bacteroidaceae families in the non-cancerous resection lines of the stapled anastomoses of colorectal cancer patients. The other 7 studies focused on long-term oncological outcomes, including survival and cancer recurrence. The majority of the studies (5/8) found that a higher level of Fusobacterium nucleatum adherent to the tumor tissue is associated with worse oncological outcomes, in particular, increased cancer-specific mortality, decreased median and overall survival, disease-free and cancer-specific survival rates. Also a high abundance of Bacteroides fragilis was found to be linked to worse outcomes, whereas the relative abundance of the Prevotella-co-abundance group (CAG), the Bacteroides CAG, and the pathogen CAG as well as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii appeared to be associated with better survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the limited available evidence, microbiome composition may be associated with colorectal cancer surgery outcomes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of the intestinal microbiome as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer surgery and its possible clinical implications.

Risk factors for postoperative ileus following elective laparoscopic right colectomy: a retrospective multicentric study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative ileus (POI) is associated with an elevated risk of other complications and increases the economic impact on healthcare services. The aim of this study was to identify pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors associated with the development of POI following elective laparoscopic right colectomy. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2016, 637 laparoscopic right colectomies were performed. Data were analysed retrospectively thanks to the CLIHMET database. Potential contributing factors were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with POI (n = 113, 17.7%) were compared to those without postoperative ileus (WPOI) (n = 524, 82.3%). In the POI group, there were more men (62 vs 49%; p = 0.012), more use of epidural anaesthesia (19 vs 9%; p = 0.004), more intraoperative blood transfusion requirements (7 vs 3%; p = 0.018) and greater perioperative intravenous fluid administration (2000 vs 1750 mL; p < 0.001). POIs were more frequent when extracorporeal vascular section (20 vs 12%; p = 0.049) and transversal incision for extraction site (34 vs 23%; p = 0.044) were performed. Overall surgical complications in the POI group were significantly greater than in the control group WPOI (31.9 vs 12.0%; p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis found the following independent POI risk factors: male gender (HR = 2.316, 1.102-4.866), epidural anaesthesia (HR = 2.958, 1.250-6.988) and postoperative blood transfusion requirement (HR = 6.994, 1.550-31.560). CONCLUSIONS: This study is one of the first to explore the CLIHMET database and the first to use it for investigating risk factors for POI development. Modifiable risk factors such as epidural anaesthesia and intraoperative blood transfusion should be used with caution in order to decrease POI rates.

Low-impact laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with decreased postoperative morbidity in patients with sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most frequent surgeries performed in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). LC in SCD patients is associated with a particularly high postoperative morbidity. The aim of the present study is to assess the safety and feasibility of cholecystectomy performed by mini-laparoscopy with low- and stable-pressure pneumoperitoneum (MLC + LSPP) and to compare the rate of postoperative SCD-related morbidity with standard LC. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive SCD patients admitted between November 2015 and March 2017 for cholelithiasis requiring surgery were compared with an historical cohort of 126 SCD patients who underwent LC for the same indication. Operative variables, postoperative outcomes, patient and surgeon satisfaction, and costs were evaluated. RESULTS: MLC + LSPP exhibited a mean operative time comparable to LC (p = 0.169). Operative blood loss was significantly reduced in the MLC + LSPP group, and the suction device was rarely used (p = 0.036). SCD-related morbidity (including acute chest syndrome) was significantly higher in the LC group compared with the MLC + LSPP group (18.3 vs. 2.9%; p = 0.029). The mean times to resume ambulation (p = 0.018) and regular diet (p = 0.045) were significantly reduced in the MLC + LSPP group. The mean incision length (all trocars combined) was 28.22 mm for MLC + LSPP and 49.64 mm for LC patients (p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that the only significant predictor of postoperative SCD-related morbidity was the surgical approach (odds ratio: 9.24). Patient and surgeon satisfaction were very high for MLC + LSPP. The mean total cost per patient (surgery and hospitalization) was not different between groups (p = 0.084). CONCLUSION: MLC + LSPP in SCD patients appears to be safe and feasible. Compared with LC, MLC + LSPP in SCD patients is associated with a significantly reduced incidence of postoperative SCD-related morbidity and more rapid ambulation and return to regular diet without increasing the total costs per patient.

Pathologic response grade after long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiation does not influence morbidity in locally advanced mid-low rectal cancer resected by laparoscopy.

PURPOSE: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy have lower rates of recurrence compared to those who do not. However, the influences of the pathologic response on surgical complications and survival remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influence of neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer on postoperative morbidity and long-term survival. METHODS: This was a comparative study of consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer in two European tertiary hospitals between 2004 and 2014. Patients with and without pathologic complete responses were compared in terms of postoperative morbidity, mortality, and survival. RESULTS: Fifty patients with complete response (ypT0N0) were compared with 141 patients who exhibited non-complete response. No group differences were observed in the postoperative mortality or morbidity rates. The median follow-up time was 57 months (range 1-121). Over this period, 11 (5.8 %) patients, all of whom were in the non-complete response group, exhibited local recurrence. The 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were significantly better in the complete response group, 92.5 vs. 75.3 % (p = 0.004) and 89 vs. 73.4 % (p = 0.002), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complication rate after laparoscopic total mesorectal excision is not associated with the pathologic response grade to neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy.

Minor laparoscopic liver resection: toward 1-day surgery?

BACKGROUND: Technical advances in laparoscopy and enhanced recovery after surgery programs have progressively decreased the need for hospitalization. The present study aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of an early discharge protocol after minor laparoscopic liver resection (LLR). METHODS: The study sample consisted of patients with both benign and malignant hepatic lesions involving no more than two hepatic segments who underwent minor LLR and were discharged within 24 h. Patients were selected based on their fitness for surgery, proximity to the hospital, and availability of a responsible adult to care for them once discharged. Patients and their accompanying caregiver were instructed about the procedure, its potential complications, and the conditions required for an early discharge. They were also provided with a 24-h dedicated phone number for assistance. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients [mean age 48.9 year (SD 14.75); 12 women] with no more than one comorbidity were included. The majority (87.5%) was classified as ASA I or II. Thirteen patients (46%) were operated on for malignant lesions. The median operative time was 90 min, the median pneumoperitoneum time was 60 min, and the estimated blood loss was 50 mL. Mortality was zero. No transfusion, conversion, or pedicule clamping was necessary. No anesthesia-related complications occurred. All patients were discharged at 24 h. Only one patient (4.2%) was readmitted at postoperative day 3 for intolerable abdominal pain due to a wound abscess that was treated by antibiotics. CONCLUSION: By applying a standardized protocol for admission, preoperative workup, and anesthesia, early discharge after minor LLR can be successfully carried out in highly selected patients with minimal impact on primary healthcare services.

Multicentre propensity score-matched analysis of laparoscopic versus open surgery for T4 rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopy for advanced-stage rectal cancer remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the operative and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic (LAR) versus open anterior rectal resection (OAR) for patients with pT4 rectal cancer. METHODS: This is a multicenter propensity score matching (PSM) study of patients undergoing elective curative-intent LAR or OAR for pT4 rectal cancer (TNM stage II/III/IV) between 2005 and 2015. RESULTS: In total, 137 patients were included in the analysis. After PSM, demographic, clinical and tumor characteristics were similar between the 52 LAR and the 52 OAR patients. Overall, 52 tumors were located in the high rectum, 25 in the mid-rectum and 27 in the low rectum. Multivisceral resection was performed in 26.9% of LAR and 30.8% of OAR patients (p = 0.829). Conversion was required in 11 LAR patients (21.2%). The LAR group showed significantly shorter time to flatus (3.13 vs. 4.97 days, p = 0.001), time to regular diet (3.59 vs. 6.36 days, p < 0.0001) and hospital stay (15.49 vs. 17.96 days, p = 0.002) compared to the OAR group. The 90-day morbidity and mortality were not different between groups. In the majority of patients (85.6%), R0 resection was achieved. A complete mesorectal excision was obtained in 82.7% of LAR and 78.8% of OAR patients (p = 0.855). The 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates were, respectively, 95.6, 73.8 and 66.7% for the LAR group and 86.7, 66.9 and 64.1% for the OAR group (p = 0.219). The presence of synchronous metastases (hazard ratio 2.26), R1 resection (HR 2.71) and lymph node involvement (HR 2.24) were significant predictors of overall survival. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that LAR for pT4 rectal cancer can achieve good pathologic and oncologic outcomes similar to open surgery despite the risk of conversion. Moreover, laparoscopy offers the benefits of a faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

Primary Tumor Versus Liver-First Strategy in Patients with Stage IVA Colorectal Cancer: A Propensity Score Analysis of Long-term Outcomes and Recurrence Pattern.

BACKGROUND: The optimal strategy in patients with stage IVA colorectal cancer remains debated. This study was designed to compare the long-term outcomes and the pattern of recurrence following classical (CS) versus reverse (RS) strategy. METHODS: Data from all consecutive patients, who have completed the CS and RS, were retrospectively reviewed. A propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on 1:2 (RS:CS) ratio to obtain two groups matched for tumor characteristics. Survival and recurrence pattern were investigated before and after matching. RESULTS: The study population included 161 patients: 145 treated with CS versus 16 with RS. Five-year overall survival (OS, 51.5 vs. 42.7 %, p = 0.91) and recurrence-free survival (RFS, 20.5 vs. 20.6 %, p = 0.15) were not different between the two strategies. The median time to recurrence (TTR) whatever the site was significantly shorter in the RS group than in the CS group (3.5 vs. 13 months, p = 0.02). Extrahepatic recurrence was significantly more frequent (37.5 vs. 16.6 %; p = 0.04) and occurred earlier after treatment completion in the RS group than in the CS group (3.4 vs. 16.4 months, p = 0.009). Similar findings in terms of OS, RFS, median TTR whatever the site and proportion of extrahepatic recurrence were observed after PSM. CONCLUSIONS: Stage IVA colorectal cancer patients who have completed the CS or RS had similar OS. Extrahepatic recurrence is more frequent and occurs earlier after RS. Postoperative locoregional therapy and active follow-up strategies should be considered in RS patients.

Laparoscopic extended right colectomy versus laparoscopic left colectomy for carcinoma of the splenic flexure: a matched case-control study.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic extended right colectomy (ER) versus laparoscopic left colectomy (LC) for splenic flexure carcinomas. METHODS: Patients with stage 0-III adenocarcinoma of the splenic flexure who underwent laparoscopy between 2000 and 2013 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Twenty-seven patients who underwent ER were matched by age, gender, BMI, ASA score, and tumor stage with 27 patients who underwent LC. RESULTS: The ER procedures were significantly longer than LC (235 ± 49.2 min vs. 192 ± 43.4 min, p = 0.001, respectively). Post-operatively, time to flatus and return to regular diet were observed to average 2.4 ± 0.8 days (1-4 days) and 4.6 ± 1.05 days (3-8 days), respectively, without differences between the groups. Overall, 14 complications were observed in 12 patients and 90-day mortality was nil. The length of hospitality stay was not different between ER and LC, with an overall mean of 8.3 ± 2.7 days. All procedures were classified as R0 resections, but ER was associated with a higher number of lymph nodes retrieved (21.4 ± 4.9) compared with LC (16.6 ± 5.5, p = 0.001). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were 92.6, 85.8, and 72.8% for the ER group and 96.3, 91.9, and 75.1% for the LC group (p = 0.851). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 85.2, 76.7, and 67.1% for the ER group and 96.2, 75.5, and 66.7% for the LC group (p = 0.636). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic ER and LC procedures performed for splenic flexure carcinomas appear to have similar short- and long-term oncologic outcomes.

Laparoscopic vs. open surgery for T4 colon cancer: A propensity score analysis.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to compare, using propensity score matching (PSM) analyses, the short- and long-term results of laparoscopic colectomy (LC) versus open colectomy (OC) in a bicentric cohort of patients with T4 colon cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective PSM analysis of consecutive patients undergoing elective LC or OC for pT4 colon cancer (TNM stage II/III) between 2005 and 2014. RESULTS: Overall, 237 patients were selected. After PSM, 106 LC-and 106 OC-matched patients were compared. LC was associated with longer operative time and lower blood loss than OC (220 vs. 190 min, p < 0.0001; 116 vs. 150 mL, p = 0.002, respectively). LC patients showed a faster recovery, which translated into a shorter hospital stay compared to OC (10.5 vs. 15.3 days, p < 0.0001). Conversion was required in 13 (12.2 %) LC patients. No group difference was observed for 30- and 90-day mortality. R0 resection was achieved in the majority of LC and OC patients (93.9 %). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival was 99, 76.8, and 58.6 %, respectively, for the LC group and 98, 70.1, and 59.9 %, respectively, for the OC group (p = 0.864). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year disease-free survival was 86.3, 66, 57.6 %, respectively, for the LC group and 79.1, 55.1, and 50.2 % for the OC group (p = 0.261). CONCLUSION: With an acceptable conversion rate, laparoscopy can achieve complete oncologic resections of T4 colon cancer similar to open surgery and can be considered a safe and feasible alternative approach that confers the advantage of a faster recovery.

Solitary splenic metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a case report and systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Solitary splenic metastases are a rare occurrence, and the nasopharyngeal carcinoma represents one of the most uncommon primary sources. The present study aimed to describe a rare case of a solitary single splenic metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to assess the number of cases of isolated nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastases to the spleen reported in the literature. MAIN BODY: We describe the case of a 56-year-old man with a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and complete remission after chemo-radiotherapy. Three months after complete remission, positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan revealed a hypermetabolic splenic lesion without increased metabolic activity in other areas. After laparoscopic splenectomy, the pathology report confirmed a single splenic metastasis from undifferentiated carcinoma of the nasopharyngeal type. The postoperative period was uneventful. We also performed a systematic review of the literature using MEDLINE and Google Scholar databases. All articles reporting cases of splenic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma, with or without histologic confirmation, were evaluated. The literature search yielded 15 relevant articles, which were very heterogeneous in their aims and methods and described only 25 cases of splenic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. CONCLUSION: The present review shows that solitary splenic metastases from nasopharyngeal carcinoma are a rare event, but it should be considered in patients presenting with splenic lesions at imaging and a history of primary or recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. No evidence supports a negative impact of splenectomy in patients with solitary splenic metastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Detection of Dysplasia or Cancer in 3.5% of Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Colonic Strictures.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colonic strictures complicate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and often lead to surgical resection to prevent dysplasia or cancer. We assessed the frequency of dysplasia and cancer among IBD patients undergoing resection of a colorectal stricture. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Groupe d'études et thérapeutiques des affections inflammatoires du tube digestif study. This was a nationwide retrospective study of 12,013 patients with IBD in France who underwent surgery for strictures at 16 centers from August 1992 through January 2014 (293 patients for a colonic stricture, 248 patients with Crohn's disease, 51% male, median age at stricture diagnosis of 38 years). Participants had no preoperative evidence of dysplasia or cancer. We collected clinical, endoscopic, surgical, and pathology data and information on outcomes. RESULTS: When patients were diagnosed with strictures, they had IBD for a median time of 8 years (3-14). The strictures were a median length of 6 cm (4-10) and caused symptoms in 70% of patients. Of patients with Crohn's disease, 3 (1%) were found to have low-grade dysplasia, 1 (0.4%) was found to have high-grade dysplasia, and 2 (0.8%) were found to have cancer. Of patients with ulcerative colitis, 1 (2%) had low-grade dysplasia, 1 (2%) had high-grade dysplasia, and 2 (5%) had cancer. All patients with dysplasia or cancer received curative surgery, except 1 who died of colorectal cancer during the follow-up period. No active disease at time of surgery was the only factor associated with dysplasia or cancer at the stricture site (odds ratio, 4.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-21.27; P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: In a retrospective study of patients with IBD undergoing surgery for colonic strictures, 3.5% were found to have dysplasia or cancer. These findings can be used to guide management of patients with IBD and colonic strictures.