Surgical Outcomes in Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer Versus Standard Long-course Chemoradiation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis seeks to evaluate the impact of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) for rectal cancers on surgical complications and surgical pathology when compared with standard long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT). BACKGROUND: The oncological benefits of TNT are well published in previous meta-analyses, but there is little synthesized information on how it affects surgical outcomes. A recent study has suggested an increase in local recurrence and higher rates of breached total mesorectal excision (TME) plane in TNT patients. METHODS: This study conformed to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A search was performed in Medline (via PubMed), Cochrane databases, EMBASE and CINAHL to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing outcomes between TNT and LCRT. Meta-analyses of pooled proportions between TNT and LCRT were performed, comparing primary outcomes of surgical mortality, morbidity and all reported complications; surgical-pathology differences, namely mesorectal quality, R0 resection rates, circumferential resection margin positive rates, and sphincter preservation rates. Death and progression of disease during neoadjuvant treatment period was also compared. Risk of bias of RCTs was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 3185 patients with rectal cancer from 11 RCTs were included in the analysis: 1607 received TNT and 1578 received LCRT, of which 1422 (TNT arm) and 1391 (LCRT arm) underwent surgical resection with curative intent. There was no significant difference in mortality [risk ratio (RR)=0.86, 95% CI: 0.13-5.52, P =0.88, I2 =52%] or major complications (RR=1.04, 95% CI: 0.86-1.26, P =0.70, I2 =0%) between TNT and LCRT. There was a significantly higher risk of breached TME in TNT group on pooled analysis (RR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.03-12.16, P =0.03, I2 =0%), and on subgroup analysis there is higher risk of breached TME in those receiving extended duration of neoadjuvant treatment (>17 weeks from start of treatment to surgery) when compared with LCRT (RR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.06-2.44, P =0.03). No difference in R0 resection rates (RR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.66-1.10, P =0.21, I2 =15%), circumferential resection margin positive rates (RR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.65-1.16, P =0.35, I2 =10%) or sphincter preservation rates (RR=1.02, 95% CI: 0.83-1.25, P =0.88, I2 =57%) were observed. There was a significantly lower risk of progression of disease to an unresectable stage during the neoadjuvant treatment period in TNT patients (RR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.39-0.92, P =0.03, I2 =18%). On subgroup analysis, it appears to favor those receiving extended duration of neoadjuvant treatment (RR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.26-0.80, P =0.002), and those receiving induction-type chemotherapy in TNT (RR=0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.88, P =0.03). CONCLUSIONS: TNT increases rates of breached TME which can contribute to higher local recurrence rates. TNT, however, improves systemic control by reducing early progression of disease during neoadjuvant treatment period. Further research is warranted to identify patients that will benefit from this strategy.

Local Recurrence-Free Survival After TaTME: A Canadian Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Transanal total mesorectal excision is a novel surgical treatment for mid to low rectal cancers. Norwegian population data have raised concerns about local recurrence in patients treated with transanal total mesorectal excision. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze local recurrence and disease-free survival in patients treated by transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer at a high-volume tertiary center. DESIGN: This retrospective study used a prospectively maintained institutional transanal total mesorectal excision database. Patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes data were analyzed. Local recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single academic institution in Vancouver, Canada. PATIENTS: All patients treated by transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma between 2014 and 2022 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was local recurrence-free survival. RESULTS: Between 2014 and 2022, 306 patients were treated by transanal total mesorectal excision at St. Paul's Hospital. Of these, 279 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 62 years (SD ± 12.3), and 66.7% of patients were men. Restorative resection was achieved in 97.5% of patients, with a conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery of 6.8%. The composite optimal pathological outcome was 93.9%. The median follow-up was 26 months (interquartile range, 12-47), and 82.8% of patients achieved reestablishment of GI continuity to date. The overall local recurrence rate was 4.7% (n = 13). The estimated 2-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 95.0% (95% CI, 92-98) and the estimated 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 94.5% (95% CI, 91-98). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the retrospective nature of the study and the generalizability of a Canadian population. CONCLUSIONS: Recent European data have challenged the presumed oncologic safety of transanal total mesorectal excision. Although the learning curve for this procedure is challenging and poor outcomes are associated with low volume, this high-volume single-center study confirms acceptable oncologic outcomes consistent with the current standard. See Video Abstract . SOBREVIDA SIN RECIDIVA DESPUS DE TATME EXPERIENCIA INSTITUCIONAL CANADIENSE: ANTECEDENTES:La excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal es un tratamiento quirúrgico novedoso para los cánceres de recto medio a bajo. Estudios sobre la población noruega han generado preocupación debido a la recidiva local en pacientes tratados con excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal.OBJETIVO:Nuestra finalidad fué de analizar la recidiva local y la sobrevida libre de enfermedad en pacientes tratados mediante la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal, debido a un cáncer de recto en un centro terciario de alto volúmen.DISEÑO:El presente estudio retrospectivo, utiliza una base de datos institucional sobre la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal mantenida prospectivamente. Se analizaron los datos demográficos, de tratamiento y los resultados de los pacientes sometidos a la técnica mencionada. La recidiva local, la sobrevida libre de enfermedad y la sobrevida global se analizaron mediante el modelo de Kaplan-Meier.AJUSTES:El estudio se llevó a cabo en una sola institución académica en Vancouver, Canadá.PARTICIPANTES:Se incluyeron todos los pacientes tratados mediante excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal causado por adenocarcinomas de recto entre 2014 y 2022.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue la sobrevida libre de recidiva local.RESULTADOS:Entre 2014 y 2022, 306 pacientes fueron tratados mediante la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal en el Hospital St. Paul. De estos, 279 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La edad media fue de 62 años (DE ± 12,3) y el 66,7% de los pacientes eran varones. La resección restauradora se logró en el 97,5% de los pacientes con una tasa de conversión de cirugía laparoscópica en laparotomía del 6,8%. El resultado patológico óptimo combinado fué del 93,9%. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 26 meses (rango intercuartil 12-47) y el 82,8% logró el restablecimiento de la continuidad gastrointestinal hasta la fecha. La tasa global de recidiva local fué del 4,7% (n = 13). La sobrevida libre de recidiva local estimada a los 2 años fué del 95,0% (IC del 95%: 92-98) y del 94,5% a los 5 años (IC del 95%: 91-98).LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen la naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio y la generalización de una población canadiense.CONCLUSIONES:Datos europeos recientes han cuestionado la supuesta seguridad oncológica de la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal. Si bien la curva de aprendizaje de este procedimiento es muy desafiante y los malos resultados se asocian con un volumen bajo, el presente estudio, unicéntrico de gran volumen confirma los resultados oncológicos aceptables consistentes con el estándar actual. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

Preparing for colorectal surgery: a feasibility study of a novel web-based multimodal prehabilitation programme in Western Canada.

AIM: Prehabilitation for colorectal cancer has focused on exercise-based interventions that are typically designed by clinicians; however, no research has yet been patient-oriented. The aim of this feasibility study was to test a web-based multimodal prehabilitation intervention (known as PREP prehab) consisting of four components (physical activity, diet, smoking cessation, psychological support) co-designed with five patient partners. METHOD: A longitudinal, two-armed (website without or with coaching support) feasibility study of 33 patients scheduled for colorectal surgery 2 weeks or more from consent (January-September 2021) in the province of British Columbia, Canada. Descriptive statistics analysed a health-related quality of life questionnaire (EQ5D-5L) at baseline (n = 25) and 3 months postsurgery (n = 21), and a follow-up patient satisfaction survey to determine the acceptability, practicality, demand for and potential efficacy in improving overall health. RESULTS: Patients had a mean age of 52 years (SD 14 years), 52% were female and they had a mean body mass index of 25 kg m-2 (SD 3.8 kg m-2). Only six patients received a Subjective Global Assessment for being at risk for malnutrition, with three classified as 'severely/moderately' malnourished. The majority (86%) of patients intended to use the prehabilitation website, and nearly three-quarters (71%) visited the website while waiting for surgery. The majority (76%) reported that information, tools and resources provided appropriate support, and 76% indicated they would recommend the PREP prehab programme. About three-quarters (76%) reported setting goals for lifestyle modification: 86% set healthy eating goals, 81% aimed to stay active and 57% sought to reduce stress once a week or more. No patients contacted the team to obtain health coaching, despite broad interest (71%) in receiving active support and 14% reporting they received 'active support'. CONCLUSION: This web-based multimodal prehabilitation programme was acceptable, practical and well-received by all colorectal surgery patients who viewed the patient-oriented multimodal website. The feasibility of providing active health coaching support requires further investigation.

Comparing resident operative volumes for routine general surgery cases at academic, urban community, and rural training sites.

BACKGROUND: Surgical training traditionally took place at academic centres, but changed to incorporate community and rural hospitals. As little data exist comparing resident case volumes between these locations, the objective of this study was to determine variations in these volumes for routine general surgery procedures. METHODS: We analyzed senior resident case logs from 2009 to 2019 from a general surgery residency program. We classified training centres as academic, community, and rural. Cases included appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair, bowel resection, adhesiolysis, and stoma formation or reversal. We matched procedures to blocks based on date of case and compared groups using a Poisson mixed-methods model and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 85 residents and 28 532 cases. Postgraduate year (PGY) 3 residents at academic sites performed 10.9 (95% CI 10.1-11.6) cases per block, which was fewer than 14.7 (95% CI 13.6-15.9) at community and 15.3 (95% CI 14.2-16.5) at rural sites. Fourth-year residents (PGY4) showed a greater difference, with academic residents performing 8.7 (95% CI 8.0-9.3) cases per block compared with 23.7 (95% CI 22.1-25.4) in the community and 25.6 (95% CI 23.6-27.9) at rural sites. This difference continued in PGY5, with academic residents performing 8.3 (95% CI 7.3-9.3) cases per block, compared with 18.9 (95% CI 16.8-21.0) in the community and 14.5 (95% CI 7.0-21.9) at rural sites. CONCLUSION: Senior residents performed fewer routine cases at academic sites than in community and rural centres. Programs can use these data to optimize scheduling for struggling residents who require exposure to routine cases, and help residents complete the requirements of a Competence by Design curriculum.

Evaluating the scope of rural general surgery in British Columbia.

BACKGROUND: Rural general surgeons perform many procedures outside the conventional scope of the specialty. Unique to British Columbia, the Rural Practice Subsidiary Agreement (RSA) formally defines rurality in the province. Our goal is to understand the scope of practice for BC's rural general surgeons and whether it has been affected over time by changing privileging guidelines. METHODS: Medical Services Plan (MSP) data were collected from 2011 to 2021 for procedures billed by general surgeons in communities defined by the RSA as rural. We categorized codes from the MSP based on surgical specialty. For each community, we calculated the totals for these categories considering what other surgical specialties were present as well as changes over time. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2021, 222 905 procedures were performed in 23 rural communities in BC. Colonoscopies were the most frequently performed procedure (n = 80 114, 35.9%), followed by colorectal (n = 23 891, 10.7%) and hernia procedures (n = 20 911, 9.4%). The most common unconventional procedures were plastic surgeries (n = 8077, 3.6%). Classification within the RSA did not significantly influence the percentage of unconventional general surgery procedures performed (p = 0.4). When another surgical specialty was present, there was often a decrease in the number of that specialty's procedures performed by general surgeons. Over the past decade, rural general surgeons performed fewer unconventional general surgery procedures (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: General surgeons working in rural communities perform a variety of procedures based on resources, community need, and access to other specialists. Over the last decade, this appears to have been influenced by new privileging guidelines. Understanding the scope of rural general surgery can inform training opportunities and, as there is a migration away from rural surgeons performing as many unconventional procedures, can elucidate the implications on patients and communities.

Oncological Outcomes of Transanal Endoscopic Surgery for the Surgical Management of T2 and T3 Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Transanal endoscopic surgery is an organ-sparing treatment for early rectal cancer. Patients with advanced lesions are recommended for total mesorectal excision. However, some patients have prohibitive comorbidities or refuse major surgery. OBJECTIVE: To assess the cancer outcomes of patients with T2 or T3 rectal cancers who received transanal endoscopic surgery as their sole surgical treatment. DESIGN: This study used a prospectively maintained database. SETTING: A tertiary hospital in Canada. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent transanal endoscopic surgery for pathology-confirmed T2 or T3 rectal adenocarcinomas from 2007-2020 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Disease-free survival and overall survival, stratified by tumor stage and reason for transanal endoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Among the included 132 patients (T2, n = 96; T3, n = 36), average follow-up was 22 months. Twenty-eight decline oncologic resection, whereas 104 had preclusive comorbidities. Fifteen patients (11.4%) had disease recurrence (4 local, 11 metastatic). Three-year disease-free survival was 86.5% (95% CI, 77.1-95.9) for T2 and 67.9% (95% CI, 46.3-89.5) for T3 tumors. Mean disease-free survival was longer for T2 (75.0 mo; 95% CI, 67.8-82.1) compared to T3 cancers (50 mo; 95% CI, 37.7-62.3; p = 0.037). Three-year disease-free survival for patients who declined radical excision was 84.0% (95% CI, 67.1-100) versus 80.7% (95% CI, 69.7-91.7) in patients too comorbid for surgery. Three-year overall survival rate was 84.9% (95% CI, 73.9-95.9) for T2 and 49.0% (95% CI, 26.7-71.3) for T3 tumors. Patients who declined radical resection had similar 3-year overall survival (89.7%; 95% CI, 76.2-100) compared to patients who were unable to undergo excision because of medical comorbidities (98.1%; 95% CI, 95.6-100). LIMITATIONS: Small sample, single institution, and surgeon experience. CONCLUSIONS: Oncologic outcomes are compromised in patients treated by transanal endoscopic surgery for T2 and T3 rectal cancer. Transanal endoscopic surgery remains an option for informed patients who prefer to avoid radical resection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C200 . RESULTADOS ONCOLGICOS DE LA CIRUGA ENDOSCPICA TRANSANAL PARA EL MANEJO QUIRRGICO DEL CNCER DE RECTO T Y T: ANTECEDENTES:La cirugía endoscópica transanal es un tratamiento de conservación de órganos para el cáncer de recto en estadio temprano. A los pacisentes con lesiones avanzadas se les recomienda la escisión total del mesorrecto. Sin embargo, algunos pacientes tienen comorbilidades prohibitivas o rechazan una cirugía mayor.OBJETIVO:Evaluar los resultados del cáncer de pacientes con cáncer de recto T2 o T3 que recibieron cirugía endoscópica transanal como único tratamiento quirúrgico.DISEÑO:Este estudio utilizó una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.ENTORNO CLINICO:Un hospital terciario en CanadáPACIENTES:Aquellos que se sometieron a cirugía endoscópica transanal por adenocarcinomas rectales T2 o T3 confirmados por patología de 2007-2020. Se excluyeron los pacientes cuya cirugía se realizó por recurrencia del cáncer o posteriormente fueron sometidos a resección radical.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Supervivencia libre de enfermedad y supervivencia global, estratificada por estadio del tumor y motivo de la cirugía endoscópica transanal.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 132 pacientes (T2, n = 96; T3, n = 36). El seguimiento medio fue de 22 meses (DE ± 23,4). 104 pacientes tenían comorbilidades significativas, mientras que 28 rechazaron la resección oncológica. Quince pacientes (11,4%) tuvieron recurrencia de la enfermedad (4 locales, 11 metastásicos). La supervivencia libre de enfermedad a los tres años para los tumores T2 fue del 86,5 % (IC del 95%: 77,1-95,9) y del 67,9% (IC del 95%: 46,3-89,5) para los tumores T3. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad media fue más prolongada para los cánceres T2 (75,0 meses, IC del 95%: 67,8 a 82,1) en comparación con los cánceres T3 (50 meses, IC del 95%: 37,7 a 62,3, p = 0,037). La supervivencia sin enfermedad a los tres años para los pacientes que rechazaron la escisión mesorrectal total fue del 84,0% (IC del 95%: 67,1-100), mientras que los pacientes con demasiada comorbilidad médica para la cirugía tuvieron una supervivencia sin enfermedad a los tres años del 80,7% (IC del 95%: 69.7-91.7). La supervivencia general a los tres años fue del 84,9% (IC del 95%: 73,9 a 95,9) para los tumores T2 y del 49,0% (IC del 95%: 26,7 a 71,3) para los tumores T3. Los pacientes que rechazaron la resección radical tuvieron una supervivencia general similar a los tres años (89,7%, IC del 95%: 76,2-100), en comparación con los pacientes que no pudieron someterse a una escisión mesorrectal total debido a comorbilidades médicas (98,1%, IC del 95%: 95,6-100).LIMITACIONES:Muestra pequeña, institución única, experiencia del cirujano.CONCLUSIONES:Los resultados oncológicos están comprometidos en pacientes tratados con cirugía endoscópica transanal por cáncer de recto T2 y T3. Sin embargo, la cirugía endoscópica transanal sigue siendo una opción para pacientes informados que prefieren evitar la resección radical. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C200 . (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Management of rectal neuroendocrine tumours by transanal endoscopic microsurgery.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal neuroendocrine tumours. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study of all pathology-confirmed rectal neuroendocrine tumours treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery from April 2007 to December 2020 at a tertiary care centre was performed. Demographic, clinical, radiographic and pathological data were collected. Characteristics of patients with recurrence were examined. Descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: There were 58 patients treated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery excision. Referrals were for primary excision (15, 25.9%), completion re-excision after incomplete endoscopic removal (38, 65.5%) or locally recurrent rectal neuroendocrine tumours (5, 8.6%). The mean age of patients was 56.4 ± 11.9 years and 26 patients were women (44.8%). Mean tumour size was 7.4 ± 3.8 mm (range 1.0-15.0 mm). Most (86.4%) were Grade 1 tumours. Mean operative time was 37.2 ± 17.2 min and 56 patients (96.6%) were discharged on the same day. All patients had negative margins on final pathology. Of the 38 patients who were referred for completion re-excision after incomplete endoscopic removal, eight (21.1%) had residual tumour on final pathology. Three recurrences were diagnosed at 2.1, 4.5 and 12.5 years after excision. All recurrences were from Grade 1 or 2 primary tumours, less than 2 cm, and diagnosed radiographically. CONCLUSION: To date, this is the largest North American study looking at transanal endoscopic microsurgery for rectal neuroendocrine tumours. This technique is effective in managing primary, incompletely excised and recurrent tumours with good clinical and oncological outcomes.

The Virtual Face of Colon and Rectal Surgery Training in the USA: An In-Depth Evaluation and Analysis of Fellowship Programs Website Content.

BACKGROUND: With an ever-evolving digital and virtual world hastened by the COVID-19 pandemic, prospective colon and rectal surgery fellowship applicants must rely on online sources of information, such as websites, rather than in-person visits to fellowship programs. This study analyzes and evaluates the content and accuracy of colon and rectal surgery fellowship program websites. METHODS: The Fellowship and Residency Electronic and Interactive Database website provides a complete collection of colon and rectal surgery fellowship websites based in the USA. The accessibility of the websites was verified via Google search, and relevant content for the applicants was evaluated based on 50-point criteria. RESULTS: Analysis of 60 fellowship program websites was conducted, out of which only a fifth (20%) were kept up to date. Twenty-seven (45%) websites fulfilled 50% of the 50-point criteria. The most and least included data points were program overview (69%) and residential/housing information (24%). Most websites contained basic information relevant to international applicants but lacked crucial information such as visa sponsorship (12%) and city information (23%). CONCLUSION: An informative and easily accessible website is essential for prospective applicants to choose the best program for their career goals and academic needs. This study highlighted multiple areas for potential improvement in the colon and rectal surgery program websites. Individual colon and rectal surgery programs may benefit and attract more candidates to their programs through a fully optimized website design and content.

Local versus radical surgery for early rectal cancer with or without neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy.

BACKGROUND: Total mesorectal excision is the standard of care for stage I rectal cancer. Despite major advances and increasing enthusiasm for modern endoscopic local excision (LE), uncertainty remains regarding its oncologic equivalence and safety relative to radical resection (RR). OBJECTIVES: To assess the oncologic, operative, and functional outcomes of modern endoscopic LE compared to RR surgery in adults with stage I rectal cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Web of Science - Science Citation Index Expanded (1900 to present), four trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov, ISRCTN registry, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and the National Cancer Institute Clinical Trials database), two thesis and proceedings databases, and relevant scientific societies' publications in February 2022. We performed handsearching and reference checking and contacted study authors of ongoing trials to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in people with stage I rectal cancer comparing any modern LE techniques to any RR techniques with or without the use of neo/adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We calculated hazard ratios (HR) and standard errors for time-to-event data and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes, using generic inverse variance and random-effects methods. We regrouped surgical complications from the included studies into major and minor according to the standard Clavien-Dindo classification. We assessed the certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework. MAIN RESULTS: Four RCTs were included in data synthesis with a combined total of 266 participants with stage I rectal cancer (T1-2N0M0), if not stated otherwise. Surgery was performed in university hospital settings. The mean age of participants was above 60, and median follow-up ranged from 17.5 months to 9.6 years. Regarding the use of co-interventions, one study used neoadjuvant CRT in all participants (T2 cancers); one study used short-course radiotherapy in the LE group (T1-T2 cancers); one study used adjuvant CRT selectively in high-risk patients undergoing RR (T1-T2 cancers); and the fourth study did not use any CRT (T1 cancers). We assessed the overall risk of bias as high for oncologic and morbidity outcomes across studies. All studies had at least one key domain with a high risk of bias. None of the studies reported separate outcomes for T1 versus T2 or for high-risk features. Low-certainty evidence suggests that RR may result in an improvement in disease-free survival compared to LE (3 trials, 212 participants; HR 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91 to 4.24). This would translate into a three-year disease-recurrence risk of 27% (95% CI 14 to 50%) versus 15% after LE and RR, respectively. Regarding sphincter function, only one study provided objective results and reported short-term deterioration in stool frequency, flatulence, incontinence, abdominal pain, and embarrassment about bowel function in the RR group. At three years, the LE group had superiority in overall stool frequency, embarrassment about bowel function, and diarrhea. Local excision may have little to no effect on cancer-related survival compared to RR (3 trials, 207 participants; HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.60 to 3.33; very low-certainty evidence). We did not pool studies for local recurrence, but the included studies individually reported comparable local recurrence rates for LE and RR (low-certainty evidence). It is unclear if the risk of major postoperative complications may be lower with LE compared with RR (risk ratio 0.53, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.28; low-certainty evidence; corresponding to 5.8% (95% CI 2.4% to 14.1%) risk for LE versus 11% for RR). Moderate-certainty evidence shows that the risk of minor postoperative complications is probably lower after LE (risk ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.85); corresponding to an absolute risk of 14% (95% CI 8% to 26%) for LE compared to 30.1% for RR. One study reported an 11% rate of temporary stoma after LE versus 82% in the RR group. Another study reported a 46% rate of temporary or permanent stomas after RR and none after LE. The evidence is uncertain about the effect of LE compared with RR on quality of life. Only one study reported standard quality of life function, in favor of LE, with a 90% or greater probability of superiority in overall quality of life, role, social, and emotional functions, body image, and health anxiety. Other studies reported a significantly shorter postoperative period to oral intake, bowel movement, and off-bed activities in the LE group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on low-certainty evidence, LE may decrease disease-free survival in early rectal cancer. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that LE may have little to no effect on cancer-related survival compared to RR for the treatment of stage I rectal cancer. Based on low-certainty evidence, it is unclear if LE may have a lower major complication rate, but probably causes a large reduction in minor complication rate. Limited data based on one study suggest better sphincter function, quality of life, or genitourinary function after LE. Limitations exist with respect to the applicability of these findings. We identified only four eligible studies with a low number of total participants, subjecting the results to imprecision. Risk of bias had a serious impact on the quality of evidence. More RCTs are needed to answer our review question with greater certainty and to compare local and distant metastasis rates. Data on important patient outcomes such as sphincter function and quality of life are very limited. Results of currently ongoing trials will likely impact the results of this review. Future trials should accurately report and compare outcomes according to the stage and high-risk features of rectal tumors, and evaluate quality of life, sphincter, and genitourinary outcomes. The role of neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy as an emerging co-intervention for improving oncologic outcomes after LE needs to be further defined.

A comparison of perineal stapled prolapse resection and the Altemeier procedure at 2 Canadian academic hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The preferred perineal repair method for full-thickness rectal prolapse is the Altemeier procedure, a perineal proctosigmoidectomy with handsewn anastomosis. A recently described variant of this procedure combines the resection and anastomosis into 1 step by means of linear and transverse stapling. There are few published data comparing the characteristics and outcomes of these 2 approaches. METHODS: This retrospective review, performed at 2 Canadian academic hospitals, compares surgical and cost outcomes between the perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSPR) and the Altemeier procedure. All patients who underwent these procedures between 2015 and 2019 were included. RESULTS: There were 25 patients in the PSPR group and 19 in the Altemeier group. Patients in the PSPR group were significantly older than those in the Altemeier group (81 [95% confidence interval (CI) 70-92] yr v. 74 [95% CI 63-85] yr; p = 0.047), had a lower body mass index (21.4 [95% CI 17.7-25.1] v. 24.4 [95% CI 18.5-30.3]; p = 0.042) and had equivalent American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (2.84 [95% CI 2.09-3.59] v. 2.68 [95% CI 1.93-3.43]; p = 0.49). The operative time for PSPR was significantly less (30.3 [95% CI 16.3-44.3] min v. 67 [95% CI 43-91] min; p < 0.001), as were the operative costs. Recurrence (28.0% v. 36.8%; p = 0.53) and complication rates were equivalent. CONCLUSION: PSPR is a safe, efficient and effective approach to perineal proctosigmoidectomy. It is associated with surgical outcomes comparable to those of the Altemeier procedure, but with a significant reduction in operative time and cost.

Oncologic Outcomes Associated With MRI-detected Extramural Venous Invasion (mrEMVI) in Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of MRI-detected EMVI (mrEMVI) as a reliable prognostic factor in rectal cancer has been emphasized in recent years but this finding remains underreported by many institutions. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to demonstrate the importance of pre- and post-treatment MRI-detected EMVI as independent prognostic factors of adverse oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy followed by total mesorectal excision. METHODS: This review was designed using the PRISMA guidelines. The following electronic databases were searched from January 2002 to January 2020: CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Ovid Embase. Main outcomes included DFS and overall survival (OS). Other outcomes of interest comprised positive resection margin and synchronous metastases. RESULTS: Seventeen studies involving a total of 3821 patients were included for data synthesis. For preneoadjuvant treatment mrEMVI, pooled hazard ratio (HR) estimate for DFS was 2.30 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.54-3.44) for higher recurrence in mrEMVI-positive patients. mrEMVI-positive patients were found to have a lower OS with a pooled HR of 1.68 (95%CI 1.27-2.22). Pooled risk ratio for synchronous metastasis was 4.11 (95%CI 2.80-6.02) for mrEMVI-positivity. For postneoadjuvant treatment EMVI (ymrEMVI), positive status showed a lower DFS with a pooled HR of 2.04 (95%CI 1.55-2.69). Risk ratio of having a positive resection margin status was 2.95 (95%CI 1.75-4.98) for ymrEMVI-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: This review showed that oncologic outcomes are significantly worse for both pre- and post-neoadjuvant treatment mrEMVI-positive patients. MRI-detected EMVI should be consistently reported in rectal cancer staging and may provide guidance for the targeted use of additional systemic therapy.

Prophylactic tamsulosin and urinary retention rates following elective colorectal surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a known morbidity after colorectal surgery. This study investigated the effect of prophylactic tamsulosin on urinary retention rates after colorectal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of male patients 50 years or older undergoing elective colonic and rectal resections from May 2014 to November 2019 was performed. The intervention assessed was prophylactic tamsulosin use. POUR, defined by requiring intermittent or reinsertion of urinary catheter, was compared using chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: A total of 332 patients were included, 131 received no tamsulosin, and 201 received prophylactic tamsulosin. Overall POUR was significantly reduced (16.8% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.047). Subgroup analysis for age 50-59 revealed no difference (9.1% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.96), but POUR risk was significantly lower in age 60 and older (20.7% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.02). No significant difference was found in rectal resections alone (18.2% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.34). CONCLUSION: Prophylactic tamsulosin reduced POUR after colorectal surgery with the greatest effect in men 60 years or older and colonic resections.

The relationship between perceptions of shared decision-making and patient-reported outcomes in a cross-sectional cohort of haemorrhoidectomy patients.

AIM: Shared decision-making between patients and clinicians is important to surgical practice and patients' perceptions of their healthcare experience. This study aims to measure associations between patients' perceptions of their shared decision-making (SDM) process and health-related quality of life among a cohort of patients choosing surgical management of an elective surgical procedure, haemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: This study is a single-site study based in Vancouver, Canada. Consecutive patients of five colorectal surgeons registered for elective haemorrhoidectomy between September 2016 and June 2020 were eligible to participate. Participants completed the CollaboRATE instrument which measures patients' perceptions of their SDM after the surgical consultation, along with a number of other patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: The participation rate was 45.3%, with 157 patients scheduled for haemorrhoidectomy providing complete information. Unadjusted results found that participants having the most comorbidities reported better communication with their surgeon. The adjusted results show that socioeconomic status and depression were associated with lower CollaboRATE scores. There was no effect of sex, pain interference, anxiety or perceived health status on participants' CollaboRATE scores. CONCLUSION: This study found evidence that participants with lower economic status or those reporting depressive symptoms had worse perceptions of their SDM process with their surgeon. These findings suggest that special attention should be paid to the surgical decision-making process for these patient populations.

Transanal total mesorectal excision for abdominoperineal resection is associated with poor oncological outcomes in rectal cancer patients: A word of caution from a multicentric Canadian cohort study.

AIM: The main objective of this study was to compare the oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) versus low anterior resection (LAR) through a transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) approach. METHOD: A total of 360 adult patients with a diagnosis of rectal cancer were enrolled at participating centres from the Canadian taTME Expert Collaboration. Forty-three patients received taTME-APR and received 317 taTME-LAR. Demographic, operative, pathological and follow-up data were collected and merged into a single database. Results are presented as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval. All analyses were performed in the R environment (v.3.6). RESULTS: The proportion of patients with a positive circumferential radial margin status was higher in the taTME-APR group than the taTME-LAR group (21% vs. 9%, p = 0.001). Complete TME was achieved in 91% of those undergoing APR compared with 96% of those undergoing LAR (p = 0.25). APR was associated with a greater rate of local recurrence relative to LAR, although it was not significant [crude HR = 3.53 (95% CI 0.92-13.53)]. Circumferential margin positivity was significantly associated with a higher rate of systemic recurrence [crude HR = 3.59 (95% CI 1.38-9.3)]. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate inferior outcomes in those undergoing taTME-APR compared with taTME-LAR. The use of this technique for this particular indication needs to be carefully considered.

Effectiveness of a rectal cancer education video on patient expectations.

AIM: Discrepancy between patient expectations and outcomes can negatively affect patient satisfaction and quality of life. We aimed to assess patient expectations of bowel, urinary, and sexual function after rectal cancer treatments, and whether a preoperative education video changed expectations. METHODS: A total of 45 patients were assessed between January 2018 and January 2021 in a tertiary care hospital in Vancouver, Canada. Patients included were rectal cancer patients who had neoadjuvant chemoradiation and were listed for low anterior resection but had not yet had surgery. Following surgical consultation but before surgery, a questionnaire assessing expectations of lifestyle after treatments was administered. Patients then watched an educational video and repeated the questionnaire to assess for changes in expectations. RESULTS: Patient scores indicated expectation that control of bowel movements, urination, and sexual function would sometimes be problematic, but had a range from occasionally problematic to good function. Significant change after the video was seen in the expectation of needing medications for bowel control, and 44%-69% of individual patient answers changed from prevideo to post-video, depending on the question. The education video was scored as helpful or very helpful by 82% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients have varying expectations of problematic control of bowel, urinary, and sexual function following rectal cancer treatments. A pretreatment education video resulted in a trend toward changed expectations for functional outcomes in most patients. Further educational modalities for patients may provide more uniform expectations of function and increase patient satisfaction after rectal cancer treatments.

Preparing for colorectal surgery: a qualitative study of experiences and preferences of patients in Western Canada.

OBJECTIVES: The burden and costs of abdominal surgery for chronic conditions are on the rise, but could be reduced through self-management support. However, structured support to prepare for colorectal surgery is not routinely offered to patients in Canada. This study aimed to describe experiences and explore preferences for multimodal prehabilitation among colorectal surgery patients. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study using three focus groups (FG) was held with 19 patients who had a surgical date for abdominal surgery (April 2017-April 2018) and lived close (≤ 50 km radius) to a tertiary hospital in Western Canada (including a Surgical Lead for the British Columbia Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Collaborative). FGs were audio-taped and verbatim transcribed with coding and pile-and-sort methods performed by two independent reviewers, confirmed by a third reviewer, in NVivo v9 software; followed by thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: support, informed decision-making, personalization of care, and mental/emotional health, which patients felt was particularly important but rarely addressed. Patient preferences for prehabilitation programming emphasised regular support from a single professional source, simple health messages, convenient access, and flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: There is an unmet need for structured preoperative support to better prepare patients for colorectal surgery. Future multimodal prehabilitation should be flexible and presented with non-medical information so patients can make informed decisions about their preoperative care and surgical outcomes. Healthcare providers have an important role in encouraging healthy lifestyle changes before colorectal surgery, though clearer communication and accurate advice on self-care, particularly mental health, are needed for improving patient outcomes.

Physician Financial Incentives to Reduce Unplanned Hospital Readmissions: an Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In 2012, the Ministry of Health in British Columbia, Canada, introduced a $75 incentive payment that could be claimed by hospital physicians each time they produced a written post-discharge care plan for a complex patient at the time of hospital discharge. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether physician financial payments incentivizing enhanced discharge planning reduce subsequent unplanned hospital readmissions. DESIGN: Interrupted time series analysis of population-based hospitalization data. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals with one or more eligible hospitalizations occurring in British Columbia between 2007 and 2017. MAIN MEASURES: The proportion of index hospital discharges with subsequent unplanned hospital readmission within 30 days, as measured each month of the 11-year study interval. We used interrupted time series analysis to determine if readmission risk changed after introduction of the incentive payment policy. KEY RESULTS: A total of 40,588 unplanned hospital readmissions occurred among 409,289 eligible index hospitalizations (crude 30-day readmission risk, 9.92%). Policy introduction was not associated with a significant step change (0.393%; 95CI, - 0.190 to 0.975%; p = 0.182) or change-in-trend (p = 0.317) in monthly readmission risk. Policy introduction was associated with significantly fewer prescription fills for potentially inappropriate medications among older patients, but no improvement in prescription fills for beta-blockers after cardiovascular hospitalization and no change in 30-day mortality. Incentive payment uptake was incomplete, rising from 6.4 to 23.5% of eligible hospitalizations between the first and last year of the post-policy interval. CONCLUSION: The introduction of a physician incentive payment was not associated with meaningful changes in hospital readmission rate, perhaps in part because of incomplete uptake by physicians. Policymakers should consider these results when designing similar interventions elsewhere. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov ID, NCT03256734.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Academic American Surgery Faculty: An Elusive Dream.

BACKGROUND: In the context of shifting population demographics in the United States, a diverse workforce in health care can lead to improved patient outcomes and enhance access to culturally competent care for minorities. The objective of this study was to analyze and quantify the relationship of gender, race, and academic rank, tenure status, and degree in American academic surgical faculty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 12-y retrospective cross-sectional analysis of the data from the Association of American Medical Colleges was performed. The distribution of race and gender across academic ranks, tenure, and degree types were recorded from 2007-2018. Simple descriptive statistics and chi-square analysis was used to analyze the time trends and association between gender and race across academic rank, tenure status, and degree types. RESULTS: When averaged over the 12 y of this study, there were significantly more whites (69.8%) and males (74.5%) among the academic surgery faculty compared with other races and females, respectively (P value <0.05). Asians and females experienced the greatest increase in proportional representation across all academic ranks with an absolute increase of 7% and 5% in full professor, 5% and 6% in associate professor, and 7% and 3% in chairperson (P value <0.05), respectively. No significant association was observed between gender and race with tenure status or degree type. CONCLUSIONS: Female and Asians are increasing in proportional representation; however, racial and gender disparities remain prevalent at higher academic ranks and positions of leadership, especially among black and Hispanic academic surgeons.

Long-term outcomes after seton placement for perianal fistulas with and without Crohn's disease.

AIM: Perianal sepsis in Crohn's disease (CD) fistulas is managed with antibiotics and surgical drainage; a noncutting seton is used for an identified transsphincteric fistula tract. The optimal management following seton placement for initial control of perianal sepsis remains to be determined. Our main aim was to assess the success rates of curative surgery, seton removal or long-term indwelling seton in patients with and without CD. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with a perianal fistula treated with a noncutting seton between 2010 and 2019, including 83 CD patients and 94 patients without CD. Initial control of symptomatic perianal infection with a seton and subsequent healing and reintervention rates were compared between the three postseton management strategies. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients, 61% male and 83.1% with complex fistulas, were followed for a median of 23 months (interquartile range 11-40 months). Immunomodulatory treatment was used in 90.4% of CD patients after seton placement. Good initial control of perianal infection was achieved with a seton in CD and non-CD patients, at 92.9% and 96.7%, respectively (p = 0.11). Overall fistula healing or control for CD and non-CD patients was, respectively, 64% and 86% (p = 0.1) after curative surgery, 49% and 71% after seton removal (p = 0.21) and 58% and 50% with long-term seton placement (p = 0.72). Overall reintervention for recurrence was 83% in CD versus 53.1% in non-CD patients during the follow-up period (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Definitive surgery was possible in only a minority of CD patients. Long-term seton management was an effective option in patients with CD with acceptable improvement and recurrence rates.

The minimally important difference of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index for symptomatic gallstone surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GQLI) is used to measure domains of health and symptoms among people with gastrointestinal disorders. The objective of this study is to calculate the smallest change in the GQLI that is perceived by patients as meaningful among a sample of English-speaking adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for treatment of symptomatic gallbladder disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is based on retrospective analyses of a sample of participants completing the GQLI and the EQ-5D(3L) preoperatively and six months postoperatively in Vancouver, Canada. Patients are excluded if they are less than 19 years of age, cannot communicate in English, or reside in a long-term care facility. The MID is calculated for the GQLI's domains using distribution and anchor-based methods. RESULTS: Among eligible patients, the participation rate was 51%. The estimated MID for the overall GQLI value ranged between 4.32 and 11.44. There were no statistically significant differences in the GQLI's MID values between sexes or age subgroups. There were statistically significant differences in the GQLI's MID values by baseline health status. DISCUSSION: This study should provide some comfort that the MID values used in discussing change in health and symptoms with elective cholecystectomy patients are robust to sex. Although the sample size may have been inadequate for age-based analyses, the study found large differences in MID values between age subgroups. Statistically significant differences in MID values based on preoperative health supports reporting MID values separately by baseline value. Further research should explore whether age-based differences in MID values exist using larger samples.