Is proctoscopy sufficient for the evaluation of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal? A nationwide retrospective analysis of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology Colorectal Cancer Network Collaborative group (SICO-CCN).

AIM: Several methods for assessing anastomotic integrity have been proposed, but the best is yet to be defined. The aim of this study was to compare the different methods to assess the integrity of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. METHOD: A retrospective cohort analysis on patients between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2020 with a defunctioning stoma for middle and low rectal anterior resection was performed. A propensity score matching comparison between patients who underwent proctoscopy alone and patients who underwent proctoscopy plus any other preoperative method to assess the integrity of colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal (transanal water-soluble contrast enema via conventional radiology, transanal water-soluble contrast enema via CT, and magnetic resonance) was performed. RESULTS: The analysis involved 1045 patients from 26 Italian referral colorectal centres. The comparison between proctoscopy alone versus proctoscopy plus any other preoperative tool showed no significant differences in terms of stenoses (p = 0.217) or leakages (p = 0.103) prior to ileostomy reversal, as well as no differences in terms of misdiagnosed stenoses (p = 0.302) or leakages (p = 0.509). Interestingly, in the group that underwent proctoscopy and transanal water-soluble contrast enema the comparison between the two procedures demonstrated no significant differences in detecting stenoses (2 vs. 0, p = 0.98), while there was a significant difference in detecting leakages in favour of transanal water-soluble contrast enema via CT (3 vs. 12, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We can confirm that proctoscopy alone should be considered sufficient prior to ileostomy reversal. However, in cases in which the results of proctoscopy are not completely clear or the surgeon remains suspicious of an anastomotic leakage, transanal water-soluble contrast enema via CT could guarantee its detection.

The Therapeutic Effect of Laparoscopic Combined with Plasma Electric Cutting Knife on Patients with Rectal Cancer and its Impact on Serum Inflammatory Factors: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic surgery combined with the plasma electric cutting knife on patients diagnosed with rectal cancer and its impact on serum inflammatory factors in the bloodstream. Methods: The researchers examined the clinical data of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer in our hospital from April 2020 to December 2021. The patients comprised two groups: an observation group of 40 cases and a control group of 45 cases. The CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in both groups were detected using flow cytometry. The levels of relevant inflammatory factors in serum were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The researchers then compared the perioperative outcomes between the two groups. Results: The observation group demonstrated significantly shorter duration for the first time passing gas after surgery (P = .029) and hospital stays (P = .002) than the control group. Both groups experienced decreased levels of CD8+ cells following treatment, with the observation group exhibiting lower levels than the control group (P < .05). After three months of treatment, both groups showed reduced levels of relevant serum inflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8; however, the observation group was significantly lower than the control group with statistical significance (P < .05). Similarly, after three months of treatment, both groups exhibited lower levels of relevant serum electrolytes K+, Na+, and Cl-, with the observation group having lower levels than the control group (P < .05). Throughout the 12-month follow-up period, the two groups had no significant differences (P > .05) in complications such as urinary tract infection, anastomotic leakage, or anastomotic bleeding. Conclusion: Using a combination of laparoscopic techniques and a plasma electric cutting knife proved a highly effective surgical approach in treating rectal cancer. The method has numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety and few complications. When considering perioperative complications, it was evident that laparoscopic combined with the plasma electric cutting knife surpassed other surgical methods in treating rectal cancer.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal perforation and anastomotic leak in patients submitted to cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal leak is one of the most feared complications after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) and harbors significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. We aim to identify risk-factors for anastomotic leak (AL) and gastrointestinal perforation (GP) to optimize postoperative outcomes of this population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1043 consecutive patients submitted to CRS in a single institution. Potential risk factors for AL and GP, both related to patient overall condition, disease status and surgical technique were reviewed. RESULTS: Anastomotic leaks were identified in 5.2% of patients, and GPs in 7.0%. The independent risk-factors for AL were age at surgery (OR1.40; CI95% 1.10-1.79); peritoneal cancer index (PCI) (OR1.04, CI95% 1.01-1.07); Cisplatin dose >240 mg during HIPEC (OR3.53; CI95% 1.47-8.56) and the presence of colorectal (CR) or colo-colic (CC) anastomosis (OR5.09; CI95% 2.71-9.53, and 4.58; CI95% 1.22-17.24 respectively). Male gender and intraoperative red blood cell transfusions were the only independent risk factors for GP identified (OR1.70; CI95% 1.04-2.78 and 1.06; CI95% 1.01-1.12, respectively). Regarding 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality, independent risk-factors were mainly related to patient's overall condition. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal leaks are a frequent source of postoperative morbidity, mainly at the expense of GP. A careful and systematic intraoperative revision of all potential gastrointestinal injuries is equally critical to perfecting anastomotic fashioning techniques to decrease gastrointestinal complication rates. We identified multiple risk-factors for AL and GP related to disease status and patient condition. Our study suggests that patient-related conditions are of paramount relevance, highlighting the importance of patient selection and preoperative patient optimization.

Indigenous technique to develop sponge for endo vaccum therapy in post-operative anastomotic leak: A case report.

Oesophageal anastomotic leaks are serious complications with high mortality (20-50%)1 especially in the post-operative setting of malignant disease. They occur in 5-30% of cases,1 usually presenting with severe mediastinal sepsis. Revision surgery has been replaced by the use of endoscopic stents, clips, glue and vacuum therapy. The latter is the simplest and least liable to further complication. As an endo sponge was not commercially available, we introduced a self-made bed-side endo sponge, with evident success.

Diagnostic accuracy of water-soluble contrast enema, contrast-enema computed tomography and endoscopy in detecting anastomotic leakage after (Colo) proctectomy: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) as a result of creation of a colorectal/anal anastomosis still represents a frequent complication of colorectal surgery, with short- and long-term consequences on postoperative morbidity, quality of life and oncological outcomes. However, early diagnosis of AL may result in improved outcomes. The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE), contrast enema computed tomography (CECT) and endoscopy in identifying AL and to identify the diagnostic procedure that is most accurate. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 studies accounting for a total of 25 tests reporting diagnostic accuracy estimates was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies (PRISMA-DTA) guidelines up to June 2021. For the diagnostic tests we evaluated the pooled estimates and conducted pairwise comparisons. RESULTS: For WSCE, the pooled sensitivity was 0.50, the pooled specificity was 0.99 and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.91. For endoscopy, the pooled sensitivity was 0.69, specificity was 1.00 and AUC was 0.99. The pooled sensitivity and specificity for CECT were 0.89 and 1.00, respectively; the AUC was 0.99. The comparison between CECT and WSCE highlighted a significantly greater sensitivity (p = 0.04) for CECT, whereas no difference was found for specificity. Compared with CECT, endoscopy was not significantly more accurate in terms of either sensitivity or specificity. Endoscopy was found to be significantly more specific than WSCE (p = 0.031) but no difference was found for sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Water-soluble contrast enema, endoscopy and CECT have an elevated diagnostic accuracy. However, WSCE is less accurate than either endoscopy or CECT. Although greater sensitivity was demonstrated for CECT compared with endoscopy, this was not significant.

A phase III randomized trial evaluating the quality of life impact of a tailored versus systematic use of defunctioning ileostomy following total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer-GRECCAR 17 trial protocol.

AIM: The systematic use of a defunctioning ileostomy for 2-3 months postoperatively to protect low colorectal anastomosis (<7 cm from the anal verge) has been the standard practice after total mesorectal excision (TME). However, stoma-related complications can occur in 20%-60% of cases, which may lead to prolonged inpatient care, urgent reoperation and long-term definitive stoma. A negative impact on quality of life (QoL) and increased healthcare expenses are also observed. Conversely, it has been reported that patients without a defunctioning stoma or following early stoma closure (days 8-12 after TME) have a better functional outcome than patients with systematic defunctioning stoma in situ for 2-3 months. METHOD: The main objective of this trial is to compare the QoL impact of a tailored versus systematic use of a defunctioning stoma after TME for rectal cancer. The primary outcome is QoL at 12 months postoperatively using the European Organization for. Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire QLQ-C30. Among 29 centres of the French GRECCAR network, 200 patients will be recruited over 18 months, with follow-up at 1, 4, 8 and 12 months postoperatively, in an open-label, randomized, two-parallel arm, phase III superiority clinical trial. The experimental arm (arm A) will undergo a tailored use of defunctioning stoma after TME based on a two-step process: (i) to perform or not a defunctioning stoma according to the personalized risk of anastomotic leak (defunctioning stoma only if modified anastomotic failure observed risk score ≥2) and (ii) if a stoma is fashioned, whether to perform an early stoma closure at days 8-12, according to clinical (fever), biochemical (C-reactive protein level on days 2 and 4 postoperatively) and radiological postoperative assessment (CT scan with retrograde contrast enema at days 7-8 postoperatively). The control arm (arm B) will undergo systematic use of a defunctioning stoma for 2-3 months after TME for all patients, in keeping with French national and international guidelines. Secondary outcomes will include comprehensive analysis of functional outcomes (including bowel, urinary and sexual function) again up to 12 months postoperatively and a cost analysis. Regular assessments of anastomotic leak rates in both arms (every 50 randomized patients) will be performed and an independent data monitoring committee will recommend trial cessation if this rate is excessive in arm A compared to arm B. CONCLUSION: The GRECCAR 17 trial is the first randomized trial to assess a tailored, patient-specific approach to decisions regarding defunctioning stoma use and closure after TME according to personalized risk of anastomotic leak. The results of this trial will describe, for the first time, the QoL and morbidity impact of selective use of a defunctioning ileostomy and the potential health economic effect of such an approach.

CT scan for early diagnosis of anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery: is rectal contrast useful?

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) scan with rectal contrast enema (RCE-CT) could increase the detection rate of anastomotic leaks (AL) in the early postoperative period following colorectal surgery, compared to CT scan without RCE. The aim of this study was to assess the benefit of RCE-CT for the early diagnosis of AL following colorectal surgery. METHODS: Patients who had a RCE-CT for suspected AL in the early postoperative period following colorectal surgery with anastomosis between January 2012 and July 2019 at the Dijon University Hospital were retrospectively included. All images were reviewed by two independent observers who were blinded to the original report. The reviewers reported for each patient whether an AL was present or not in each imaging modality (CT scan, then RCE-CT). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were then calculated to determine the diagnostic performance of each modality. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-nine patients were included. RCE-CT had an increased NPV compared to CT scan (82% vs 77% (p = 0.02) and 84% vs 68% (p < 0.0001) for observers 1 and 2, respectively). RCE-CT had an increased sensitivity compared to CT scan (79% vs 48% (p < 0.0001) for observer 2). RCE-CT had a significant lower false-negative rate for both observers: 18% vs 23% (p = 0.02) and 16% vs 32% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: RCE-CT improved the detection rates of AL in the early period following colorectal surgery. RCE-CT should be recommended when a CT scan is negative and AL is still suspected.

[Risk factor and early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery].

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications after sphincter- preserving surgery for rectal cancer, which can significantly prolong the length of stay of patients, increase perioperative mortality, cause dysfunction, shorten overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients. In order to reduce the serious consequences caused by AL, prediction of AL through preoperative and intraoperative risk factors are of great importance. However, the influences of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, protective stoma, laparoscopic surgery and some intraoperative manipulations on AL are still controversial. Through the auxiliary judgment of anastomotic blood supply during operation, such as indocyanine green imaging, hemodynamic ultrasound, etc., it is expected to achieve the source control of AL. Early diagnosis of AL can be achieved by attention to clinical manifestations and drainage, examination of peripheral blood, drainage and intestinal flora, identification of high risk factors such as fever, diarrhea and increased infectious indicators, and timely administration of CT with contrast enema.

Anastomotic leakage after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery is well-researched, yet the effect of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) after Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) is unclear. Assessment of risk factors in these patients may assist surgeons during perioperative decision making. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective study of patients who underwent CRS-HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal metastases. Main outcome measures were anastomotic leakage and associated morbidity. RESULTS: AL was observed in 17 of the 234 (7.3%) anastomoses in 17 of the total of 165 (10.3%) of patients. No association was observed between the number and location of anastomoses and AL, although only one in 87 small bowel anastomoses showed leakage. The only factor associated with AL was administration of bevacizumab within 60 days prior to surgery with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.13 (1.32-28.39), P = 0.03. Deviating stomata were not statistically protective of increased morbidity, although more AL occurred in the patients with colocolic and colorectal anastomoses when no concomitant deviating stoma was created. Deviation stomata were reversed in 52.6%, and no AL was observed after stoma reversal. CONCLUSION: The overall AL rate of CRS-HIPEC is comparable to colorectal surgery, and there is no cumulative risk of multiple anastomoses - especially in the case of small bowel anastomoses. Deviating stomata should be considered in patients with colocolic or colorectal anastomosis, although there is a significant chance that the stoma will not be reversed in these patients. Due to increased AL-risk surgeons should be aware of previous bevacizumab treatment, and plan the CRS-HIPEC at least 60 days after the treatment-day.

The short- and long-term survival of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the advanced gastric cancer with/without peritoneal carcinomatosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To evaluate the short- and long-term survival of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in the patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) through randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We analyzed the endpoints of AGC patients including 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival (OS), intestinal anastomotic leakage, myelosuppression, nausea and vomiting from included studies. And we retrieved RCTs from medical literature databases. Risk ratios (RR) was used to calculated the endpoints. Totally, we retrieved 13 articles (14 trial comparisons) which contained 1091 patients. They were randomized to HIPEC group and control group. The results showed that there was no significant differences in survival rates between HIPEC group and control group at 1-, 2- and 3-year follow-up, while a statistical significant overall survival effect was found at the 5-year follow-up [RR: 1.20, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.43, I2 = 0.0%]. And there is no significant difference in the risk of intestinal anastomotic leakage, myelosuppression and nausea and vomiting. Compared with the control group, HIPEC could improve the long-term OS without increasing the risk of adverse effect in AGC patients with/without peritoneal carcinomatosis, but there was no benefit at short-term OS.

Urgent re-laparotomies in cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the morbidity-mortality results in terms of immunscore factors and to predict the outcomes of urgent re-laparotomized patients treated with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS: Prospectively maintained database of 661 patients treated with potentially curative intent of CRS and HIPEC through the years of 2007 and 2020 was evaluated. URL was done for 28 (4.2%) patients as unplanned re-explorative surgery; 22 (78.6%) of them was female. The median age was 57 year (ranging, 24-76 years). There were 22 (78.6%) elderly patients over 65 years old. All standard clini-co-pathological characteristics, re-operative findings, and the morbidity-mortality results were analyzed. The well-known immunoscores such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil-thrombocyte ratio (NTR), and CRP-albumin ratio (CAR) were determined. RESULTS: The main indication for URL was small bowel anastomotic leak (n=13, 46.4%). The abdominal wall disruption (n=5, 17.9%) was the second indication. The frequent localization of injured organ was again small bowel. The 28.6% of patients (n=8) were re-op-erated in early postoperative period (in 7 days), while as the rest of them (n=20, 71.4%) in 90 days. There was only one repeat-URL patient in this series. Many of the URL patients (n=16, 57.1%) had more than one co-morbidities. Delving into the overall group, there were Clavien-Dindo (C-D) Grade I-II complications in 104 (16.4%) patients and C-D Grade III-IV in 88 (13.9%) patients, whereas in URL patient group, C-D Grade III-IV complications were seen in 22 (78.6%). In this prospective cohort, the overall mortality rate was 3.2% (n=20) in patients who were not re-explored. Six (21.4%) patients were lost in URL patients, which the main reason for fail-ure-to-rescue was sepsis due to entero-enteral anastomotic leak. In four of them, multiple co-morbidities were affected the post-URL period of complex cancer care. Pre-URL median NLR, NTR, and CAR values were 9.12 (ranging, 1.72-37.5), 0.03 (ranging, 0.01-0.12), and 41.4 (ranging, 4.2-181.3), respectively. NLR and CAR values (4.71 and 28.8) estimated before pre-CRS were also significantly high (p=0.01 and p<0.01) in patients who were going to be operated for URL. These immunoscores values did not show any association in between pre-CRS and pre-URL mortal patients. CONCLUSION: The crucial decision-making factors at work were complex and complicated in 'unplanned' URL. The overall mor-bidity-mortality results seemingly depends on the severity and extent of peritoneal metastatic disease. Medically-unfit URL patients with high-risk factors should be selected to a vigilant monitoring and clinical care. Timely surgical intervention and intense management strategy are utmost important issues to lower morbi-mortality results in patients treated with URL.

Postoperative colon perforation due to the tip of the transanal decompression tube after laparoscopic low anterior resection: A case report.

A 66-year-old man underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. A transanal decompression tube (24Fr Nelaton catheter) was placed laparoscopically during the surgery. Contrast enema on postoperative day 5 showed perforation of the sigmoid colon around the tip of the tube, and emergency laparotomy was performed. Perforation of the posterior sigmoid colon located on the proximal side of the colorectal anastomosis at the level of the promontorium was identified. Closure of the perforation site, lavage drainage, and a diverting loop ileostomy were performed. Although a transanal decompression tube is useful in preventing anastomotic leakage, tube-related colon perforation should be noted, and controversies about the safety of laparoscopically transanal decompression tube placement should be resolved. Adequate management for tube placement should be discussed.

Hypophosphatemia Is Associated With Postoperative Morbidity After Cytoreductive Surgery and Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Hypophosphatemia following surgery is associated with a higher rate of postoperative complications; however, the significance of postoperative hypophosphatemia after cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is unknown. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried for all patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC for any histology at the Mount Sinai Health System. The perioperative serum phosphate levels, postoperative complications, and comorbidities were compared between patients with or without major complications. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2018, 327 patients underwent CRS/HIPEC. Most of the patients had low phosphate levels on postoperative day (POD) 2, reaching a median nadir of 2.3 mg/dL on POD 3. Patients with major complications had significantly lower levels of serum phosphate on POD 5-7 compared with patients without complications, with median serum phosphate 2.2 mg/dL (IQR 1.9-2.4) versus 2.7 mg/dL, (IQR 2.3-3), P < 0.01. Hypophosphatemia on POD 5-7 was also more frequent in patients who developed an anastomotic leak, with median serum phosphate 2.2 mg/dL (IQR 1.9-2.6) versus 2.8 mg/dL (IQR 2.2-3.2), P = 0.001. On multivariate analysis, the number of organs resected at surgery, diaphragm resection, postoperative intensive care unit stay, and serum phosphate level <2.4 mg/dL on POD 5-7 were independently associated with a major complication after CRS/HIPEC. CONCLUSIONS: Following CRS/HIPEC, POD 5-7 hypophosphatemia is associated with severe postoperative complications and anastomotic leak.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Anastomotic Stenosis After Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic stenosis is a common complication of colorectal cancer surgery with anastomosis. Transanal minimally invasive surgery is a novel approach to the treatment of anastomotic stenosis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transanal minimally invasive surgery for anastomotic stenosis treatment. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS: This study included patients with rectal anastomotic stenosis who after undergoing colorectal surgery were admitted to the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital between September 2017 and June 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the operative success rate. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative variables, postoperative complications, stoma closure conditions, and stenosis recurrence risks. RESULTS: Nine patients, aged 52 to 80 years, with a history of colorectal cancer with end-to-end anastomosis underwent transanal minimally invasive surgery for anastomotic stenosis. The distance between the stenosis and the anal verge ranged from 5 to 12 cm. The mean stenosis diameter was 0.3 cm. Four patients had completely obstructed rectal lumens. Eight of 9 patients successfully underwent transanal minimally invasive surgery radial incision and cutting. The average operation time was 50 minutes. After the procedure, 1 patient had symptomatic procedure-associated perforations but recovered with conservative treatment. No perioperative mortality occurred. One patient underwent transverse colostomy 1 month after transanal minimally invasive surgery because of proximal colon ischemia induced by primary rectal surgery. Eight patients underwent protective loop ileostomy. After transanal minimally invasive surgery, stoma closure was performed in 88% of patients with no stenosis recurrence or obstruction at follow-up (21-42 mo). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small sample size and single-center design. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal minimally invasive surgery provides an excellent operative field, good maneuverability, and versatile instrumentation and is a safe and effective treatment for rectal anastomotic stenosis, especially for severe fibrotic stenosis or complete obstruction. See Dynamic Article Video at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B965 .

The impact of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks on survival of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) leaks after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is a known life-threatening complication that may alter patients' outcomes. Our aim is to investigate risk factors associated with GI leaks and evaluate the impact of GI leaks on patient's oncological outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of perioperative and oncological outcomes of patients with and without GI leaks after CRS/HIPEC. RESULTS: Out of 191 patients included in this study, GI leaks were identified in 17.8% (34/191) of patients. Small bowel anastomoses were the most common site (44%). Most of the GI leaks were managed conservatively and re-operation was needed in 44.1% of cases. Univariate analysis identified higher PCI (p = 0.03), higher number of packed cells transfused (p = 0.036), pelvic peritonectomy (p = 0.013), high number of anastomoses (p = 0.003) and colonic resection (p = 0.042) as factors associated with GI leaks. Multivariate analysis identified stapled anastomoses (OR 2.59, p = 0.001) and pelvic peritonectomy (OR 2.33, p = 0.044) as independent factors associated with GI leaks. Disease-free survival tended to be worse in the leak group but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.235). The 3- and 5-year OS was 73.2% and 52.9% in the leak group compared to 75.8% and 73.2% in the non-leak group (p = 0.236). CONCLUSIONS: GI leak showed no impact on overall and disease free survival after CRS/HIPEC.Avoidance of stapled reconstruction in high risk patients with high tumor burden and large number of anastomoses may yield improved outcomes.

Less is more-the best test for anastomotic leaks in rectal cancer patients prior to ileostomy reversal.

PURPOSE: No clear consensus exists on how to routinely assess the integrity of the colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of contrast enema, endoscopic procedures, and digital rectal examination in rectal cancer patients in this setting. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed. Studies assessing at least one index test for which a 2 × 2 table was calculable were included. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated and used for test comparison. Paired data were used where parameters could not be calculated. Methodological quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS: Two prospective and 11 retrospective studies comprising 1903 patients were eligible for inclusion. Paired data analysis showed equal or better results for sensitivity and specificity of both endoscopic procedures and digital rectal examination compared to contrast enema. Subgroup analysis of contrast enema according to methodological quality revealed that studies with higher methodological quality reported poorer sensitivity for equal specificity and vice versa. No case was described where a contrast enema revealed an anastomotic leak that was overseen in digital rectal examination or endoscopic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopy and digital rectal examination appear to be the best diagnostic tests to assess the integrity of the colorectal anastomosis prior to ileostomy reversal. Accuracy measures of contrast enema are overestimated by studies with lower methodological quality. Synopsis of existing evidence and risk-benefit considerations justifies omission of contrast enema in favor of endoscopic and clinical assessment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019107771.

Safety of Small Circular Staplers in Double Stapling Technique Anastomosis for Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although smaller circular staplers are easier to insert and less likely to involve the vagina and levator ani muscles when performing double stapling technique anastomosis, surgeons often consider that larger circular staplers would be safer in reducing the risk of postoperative anastomotic strictures. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the safety of using 25-mm circular staplers compared with 28/29-mm staplers in the double stapling technique anastomosis regarding the development of anastomotic strictures and other complications. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a single comprehensive cancer center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing curative colorectal resection with double stapling technique anastomosis for stage I to III sigmoid colon and rectal cancer between 2013 and 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The incidence of anastomotic complications (strictures, leakage, and bleeding) was compared between the 25- and 28/29-mm circular staplers. Predictors for anastomotic strictures were investigated with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Small (25-mm) staplers were used in 186 (22.8%) of 815 eligible patients. The 25-mm staplers were associated with use in female patients, splenic flexure take down, high tie of the inferior mesenteric artery, and low anastomosis. Overall anastomotic complications (11.8% vs 13.7%, p = 0.51), strictures (5.9% vs 3.3%, p = 0.11), leakage (2.7% vs 3.8%, p = 0.47), and bleeding (4.8% vs 7.6%, p = 0.19) were not different between the 25- and 28/29-mm staplers. From multivariable logistic regression, independent predictors of anastomotic strictures included diverting ostomy and anastomotic leakage, but not small circular stapler use. Most of the 32 anastomotic strictures were successfully treated without surgical intervention (finger dilation, n = 25; endoscopic intervention, n = 5). LIMITATIONS: This was a single-center retrospective study. CONCLUSIONS: Use of 25-mm circular staplers for double stapling technique anastomosis is safe and does not increase the risk of anastomotic strictures and other anastomotic complications in comparison with larger staplers. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B576. SEGURIDAD DE ENGRAPADORAS CIRCULARES PEQUEAS EN ANASTOMOSIS, CON TCNICA DE DOBLE ENGRAPADO PARA CNCER DE RECTO Y COLON SIGMOIDE: ANTECEDENTES:Aunque las engrapadoras circulares más pequeñas son más fáciles de insertar y menos probable que involucren a la vagina y los músculos elevadores del ano, cuando se realiza una anastomosis con técnica de doble engrapado, frecuentemente los cirujanos consideran que las engrapadoras circulares más grandes, serían más seguras para disminuir los riesgos de estenosis anastomóticas postoperatorias.OBJETIVO:El estudio se dirigió para investigar la seguridad en el uso de engrapadoras circulares de 25 mm, en comparación con engrapadoras de 28/29 mm, en anastomosis con técnica de doble engrapado, en relación al desarrollo de estenosis anastomóticas y otras complicaciones.DISEÑO:Estudio observacional retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Centro oncológico integral único.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos sometidos a resección colorrectal curativa, con anastomosis y técnica de doble engrapado, para cáncer de recto y colon sigmoide en estadios I-III entre 2013 y 2016.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se compararon las incidencias de complicaciones anastomóticas (estenosis, fugas y sangrados) entre las engrapadoras circulares de 25 y 28/29 mm. Los predictores para estenosis anastomóticas se investigaron con regresión logística multivariable.RESULTADOS:Entre un total de 815 pacientes elegibles, se utilizaron engrapadoras de 25 mm en 186 (22,8%). Las engrapadoras de 25 mm se asociaron con el uso en pacientes femeninas, descenso del ángulo esplénico, ligadura alta de arteria mesentérica inferior y anastomosis baja. Complicaciones anastomóticas generales (11,8% vs. 13,7%, p = 0,51), estenosis (5,9% vs. 3,3%, p = 0,11), fugas (2,7% vs. 3,8%, p = 0,47) y sangrado (4,8% vs. 7,6%, p = 0,19). No hubo diferencia entre las engrapadoras de 25 y 28/29 mm. En la regresión logística multivariable, predictores independientes de estenosis anastomóticas incluyeron ostomía derivativa y fuga anastomótica, pero no incluyeron el uso de engrapadoras circulares pequeñas. La mayoría de las 32 estenosis anastomóticas se trataron con éxito sin intervención quirúrgica (dilatación del dedo, n = 25; intervención endoscópica, n = 5).LIMITACIONES:Fue un estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro.CONCLUSIONES:El uso de engrapadoras circulares de 25 mm para la anastomosis con técnica de doble engrapado, es seguro y no aumenta el riesgo de estenosis anastomóticas y de otras complicaciones anastomóticas, cuando son comparadas con engrapadoras más grandes. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B576. (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz-Healy).

MRI-enema for the assessment of pelvic intestinal anastomotic integrity.

AIM: Anastomotic leak causes significant morbidity for patients undergoing pelvic intestinal surgery. Fluoroscopic assessment of anastomotic integrity using water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE) is of questionable benefit over examination alone. We hypothesized that MRI-enema may be more accurate. The aim of this study was to compare MRI-enema with fluoroscopic WSCE. METHOD: Patients referred for WSCE with pelvic intestinal anastomosis and defunctioning ileostomy (including patients with suspected or known leaks) were invited to participate. WSCE and MRI-enema were undertaken within 48 h of each other. MRI sequences were performed before, during and immediately after the introduction of 400 ml of 1% gadolinium contrast solution per anus. MRI examinations were reported to protocol by two blinded gastrointestinal radiologists. A Likert-scale patient questionnaire was administered to compare patient experience. Follow-up was >12 months after ileostomy reversal. Anastomotic leak was determined by unblinded consensus of examination and radiological findings. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were recruited, with a median age of 39 years (range 22-69). Ten were men, 11 had ileoanal pouch formation and five had low anterior resection. Five patients had anastomotic leak identified by MRI and four by WSCE. The radial location of the anastomotic defect was identified in all five patients by MRI versus two on WSCE. MRI revealed additional information including contents of a widened presacral space. Patient experience was equivalent. Eleven patients eventually had ileostomy reversal without complications. CONCLUSION: MRI-enema is a feasible and tolerable alternative to WSCE and offers greater anatomical detail in the context of pelvic intestinal anastomotic leak. Larger prospective studies are required to define its potential role in the UK National Health Service.

A Near-Zero Anastomotic Leak Rate in Cytoreductive Surgery with Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy is Achievable.

Gastrointestinal complications are the main source of severe morbidity after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), mainly in the form of anastomotic leak. Reducing the rate of anastomotic leaks is of paramount importance and should be approached both through risk factor understanding and reduction, as well as optimization of surgical team performance. We performed a study that describes the details of a technical protocol for the creation of anastomoses after colorectal resections in CRS and HIPEC and the anastomotic outcomes associated with its systematic application in a high-volume peritoneal surface malignancy center. An extremely low, near-zero anastomotic leak rate (0.85% in colorectal anastomoses, 1% in ileo-colic anastomoses, and 0% in ileo-rectal anastomoses) was observed among 1172 patients. Extremely low, near-zero rates of anastomotic leak after colorectal resections in CRS and HIPEC could be achievable in high-volume peritoneal malignancy centers. The described techniques could be adopted and validated in other high-volume peritoneal malignancy centers.