Unexpected variation in outcomes following total (procto)colectomies for ulcerative colitis in New South Wales, Australia: a population-based 19-year linked-data study.

AIM: Total (procto)colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with significant morbidity, which is increased in the emergency setting. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following total (procto)colectomies at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and identify case mix and hospital factors associated with these outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective data linkage study of patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy for UC in NSW over a 19-year period (2001-2020) was performed. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on outcomes was assessed using logistic regression. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralization were assessed. RESULTS: In all, 1418 patients (mean 47.0 years [SD 18.7], 58.7% male) underwent total (procto)colectomy during the study period. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 3.2% (emergency 8.6% and elective 0.8%). After adjusting for confounding, increasing age at total (procto)colectomy, higher comorbidity burden, public health insurance (Medicare) status, emergency operation and living outside a major city were significantly associated with increased mortality. Hospital volume was significantly associated with mortality at a univariate level, but this did not persist on multivariate modelling. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of UC patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy in NSW Australia are comparable to international experience. Whilst higher mortality rates are observed in low volume and public hospitals, this appears attributable to case mix and acuity rather than surgical volume alone. However, as inflammatory bowel disease surgery is not centralized in Australia, only one NSW hospital performed >10 UC total (procto)colectomies annually. Variation in mortality according to insurance status and across regional/remote areas may indicate inequality in the availability of specialist inflammatory bowel disease treatment, which warrants further research.

A review of patient recruitment in randomised controlled trials of preoperative exercise.

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard design to determine the effectiveness of an intervention, as the only method of decreasing section bias and minimising random error. However, participant recruitment to randomised controlled trials is a major challenge, with many trials failing to recruit the targeted sample size accordingly to the planned protocol. Thus, the aim of this review is to detail the recruitment challenges of preoperative exercise clinical trials. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, AMED and PsycINFO from inception to July 2021. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of preoperative exercise on postoperative complication and/or length of hospital stay in adult cancer patients were included. Main outcomes included recruitment rate, retention rate, number of days needed to screen and recruit one patient and trial recruitment duration. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise outcomes of interest. RESULTS: A total of 27 trials were identified, including 3656 patients screened (N = 21) and 1414 randomised (median recruitment rate (interquartile range) = 53.6% (25.2%-67.6%), N = 21). The sample size of the included trials ranged from 19 to 270 (median = 48.0; interquartile range = 40.0-85.0) and the duration of trial recruitment ranged from 3 to 50 months (median = 19.0 months; interquartile range = 10.5-34.0). Overall, a median of 3.6 days was needed to screen one patient, whereas 13.7 days were needed to randomise one participant. Over the trials duration, the median dropout rate was 7.9%. Variations in recruitment outcomes were observed across trials of different cancer types but were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The recruitment of participants to preoperative exercise randomised controlled trials is challenging, but patient retention appears to be less of a problem. Future trials investigating the effectiveness of a preoperative exercise programme following cancer surgery should consider the time taken to recruit patients. Strategies associated with improved recruitment should be investigated in future studies.

Inpatient Hepatitis C Treatment Coordination and Initiation for Patients Who Inject Drugs.

BACKGROUND: With hepatitis C (HCV) incidence rising due to injection drug use, people who inject drugs (PWID) are a priority population for direct-acting antivirals (DAA). However, significant barriers exist. At our institution, hospitalized PWID were screened for HCV but not effectively linked to care. AIM: To improve retention in HCV care among hospitalized PWID. SETTING: Quaternary academic center in the Southeast US from August 2021 through August 2022. PARTICIPANTS: Hospitalized PWID with HCV. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: E-consultation-prompted care coordination and HCV treatment with outpatient telehealth. PROGRAM EVALUATION: Care cascades were constructed to assess retention and HCV treatment, with the primary outcome defined as DAA completion or sustained virologic response after week 4. Of 28 patients, 11 started DAAs inpatient, 8 initiated outpatient, and 9 were lost to follow-up or transferred care. Overall, 82% were linked to care and 52% completed treatment. For inpatient initiators, 73% achieved the outcome. Of non-inpatient initiators, 71% were linked to care, 53% started treatment, and 36% achieved the outcome. DISCUSSION: Inpatient HCV treatment coordination, including DAA initiation, and telehealth follow-up, was feasible and highly effective for hospitalized PWID. Future steps should address barriers to inpatient DAA treatment and expand this model to other similar patient populations.

Grading Complications in Pelvic Exenteration: Limitations of Current Classification Systems.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively report complications associated with pelvic exenteration and to determine the strength of associations between 3 different grading methodologies and length of stay, quality of life, and physical outcomes. BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that pelvic exenteration is associated with high rates of surgical morbidity. However, methods of reporting in the literature are inconsistent, making it difficult to compare surgical outcomes across studies to determine the impact of surgery on patients. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. PATIENTS: It included patients who underwent pelvic exenteration between December 2016 and August 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, Comprehensive Complication Index, and number of postoperative complications. Correlations between length of stay, physical component score, 6-minute walk test, and sit-to-stand test, and complications as graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification, Comprehensive Complication Index, and the number of complications were explored using Pearson's or point biserial correlation tests. RESULTS: In this study, 198 patients were included. The Clavien-Dindo classification was moderately positively correlated with length of stay ( r = 0.519; p < 0.0001), whereas Comprehensive Complication Index ( r = 0.744; p < 0.0001) and the number of complications ( r = 0.751; p < 0.0001) showed a strong correlation with length of stay. All these methodologies were moderately inversely correlated with a predischarge 6-minute walk test (Clavien-Dindo classification: r = -0.359, p = 0.008; Comprehensive Complication Index: r = -0.388, p = 0.007; number of complications: r = -0.467, p < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS: This single-center retrospective study involves a small sample size. Classification of grade I and II complications in this cohort of patients who tend to have complex postoperative recovery was challenging and therefore incomplete. The incomplete data may have affected the correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive Complication Index and the number of postoperative complications were more strongly correlated with length of stay than the Clavien-Dindo classification in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration. Comprehensive Complication Index may be a better grading system to classify postoperative complications following pelvic exenteration. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B906 . CLASIFICACIN DE LAS COMPLICACIONES EN LA EXENTERACIN PLVICA LIMITACIONES DE LOS SISTEMAS DE CLASIFICACIN ACTUALES: OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo informar de manera integral las complicaciones asociadas con la exanteración pélvica y determinar la rlacion de las asociaciones entre tres metodologías de clasificación diferentes y la duración de la estadía, la calidad de vida y los resultados físicos.ANTECEDENTES:En general, se acepta que la exanteración pélvica se asocia con altas tasas de morbilidad quirúrgica. Sin embargo, los métodos de notificación en la literatura son inconsistentes, lo que dificulta la comparación de los resultados quirúrgicos entre estudios para determinar el impacto de la cirugía en los pacientes.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Este estudio se realizó en el Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney. Australia.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes a las que se les realizó exenteración pélvica entre diciembre de 2016 y agosto de 2019.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las complicaciones se clasificaron de acuerdo con la Clasificación de Clavien-Dindo, el Índice Integral de Complicaciones y el número de complicaciones posoperatorias. Correlaciones entre la duración de la estadía, la puntuación del componente físico, la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos y la prueba de sentarse y levantarse; y las complicaciones según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo, el CCI y el número de complicaciones se exploraron mediante las pruebas de correlación biserial de Pearson o Point.RESULTADOS:Un total de 198 pacientes fueron incluidos en este estudio. La clasificación de Clavien-Dindo se correlacionó moderadamente positivamente con la duración de la estancia ( r = 0,519, p < 0,0001), mientras que el índice de complicaciones integrales ( r = 0,744, p < 0,0001) y el número de complicaciones ( r = 0,751, p < 0,0001) mostraron una fuerte correlación con la duración de la estancia. Todas estas metodologías se correlacionaron moderadamente inversamente con la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos antes del alta (Clasificación de Clavien-Dindo: r = -0,359, p = 0,008; Índice de Complicaciones Integrales: r = -0,388, p = 0,007; número de complicaciones: r = -0,467, p < 0,0001).LIMITACIONES:Un estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro incluye un tamaño de muestra pequeño. La clasificación de las complicaciones de grado I y II en esta cohorte de pacientes que tienden a tener una recuperación postoperatoria compleja fue un desafío y, por lo tanto, incompleta. Los datos incompletos pueden haber afectado las correlaciones.CONCLUSIONES:El Índice Integral de Complicaciones y el número de complicaciones postoperatorias se correlacionaron más con la duración de la estancia que la Clasificación de Clavien-Dindo en pacientes con exenteración pélvica. El Índice Integral de Complicaciones puede ser un mejor sistema de clasificación para clasificar las complicaciones posoperatorias después de la exenteración pélvica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B906 . (Traducción-Dr. Yolanda Colorado ).

Solid Fuel, Secondhand Smoke, and Lung Cancer Mortality: A Prospective Cohort of 323,794 Chinese Never-Smokers.

Rationale: Household air pollution and secondhand tobacco smoke are known carcinogens for lung cancer, but large-scale estimates of the relationship with lung cancer mortality are lacking. Objectives: Using the large-scale cohort China Kadoorie Biobank, we prospectively investigated associations between these two risk factors and lung cancer death among never-smokers. Methods: The Biobank recruited 512,715 adults aged 30-79 years from 10 regions in China during 2004-2008. Self-reported never-smoking participants were followed up to December 31, 2016, with linkage to mortality data. Total duration of exposure to household air pollution was calculated from self-reported domestic solid fuel use. Exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke was ascertained using exposure at home and/or other places. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between these two exposures and lung cancer death were estimated using Cox regression, adjusting for key confounders. Measurements and Main Results: There were 979 lung cancer deaths among 323,794 never-smoking participants without a previous cancer diagnosis during 10.2 years of follow-up. There was a log-linear positive association between exposure to household air pollution and lung cancer death, with a 4% increased risk per 5-year increment of exposure (hazard ratio = 1.04; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.06; P trend = 0.0034), and participants with 40.1-50.0 years of exposure had the highest risk compared with the never-exposed (hazard ratio = 1.53; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-2.07). The association was largely consistent across various subgroups. No significant association was found between secondhand smoke and lung cancer death. Conclusions: This cohort study provides new prospective evidence suggesting that domestic solid fuel use is associated with lung cancer death among never-smokers.

What Constitutes a Clear Margin in Patients With Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer Undergoing Pelvic Exenteration?

OBJECTIVES: To determine what constitutes a clear resection margin (R0) in patients with LRRC. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: R0 is the most important predictor of survival in patients with LRRC. However, it is not clear what constitutes an R0. A 1-2 mm margin is often used to define R0 but this is based on primary rectal cancer studies. The same definition of R0 is likely inappropriate considering the anatomy and etiology of local recurrences. METHODS: A prospective maintained database was reviewed. A R2 margin was defined as macroscopic residual disease. R1 was defined as a microscopically involved margin (0 mm margin) and R0 as at least a 0.1 mm margin. Associations between R status and local recurrence was explored using X2 test. Associations between margins and overall survival and local recurrence free survival were explored using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: There were 210 patients eligible for inclusion for analysis. Of these, 165 (78.6%), 35 (16.7%), and 10 (4.8%) patients had R0, R1, and R2 margins, respectively. Overall survival was significantly different between patients with R0 versus R1 margins but wider resection margins do not confer a survival benefit [57 months (95% confidence interval 38.5-75.5) vs 33 months (95% confidence interval 20.3-45.7), P = 0.03]. Local recurrence free survival was significantly different between patients with R0 versus R1 margins (2- and 5-year local recurrence free survivals of 53.5% and 20.4% vs 25.9% and 14.8%, respectively, P = 0.001 for both). Margins >0.5 mm were not predictive of local recurrence free survival. CONCLUSIONS: A microscopically clear resection margin is most important in predicting overall survival. Margins up to 0.5 mm offers a local recurrence benefit but does not confer survival benefit.

PRehabIlitatiOn with pReoperatIve exercise and educaTion for patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgerY: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled TRIAL (PRIORITY TRIAL).

BACKGROUND: Radical surgery is the mainstream treatment for patients presenting with advanced primary or recurrent gastrointestinal cancers; however, the rate of postoperative complications is exceptionally high. The current evidence suggests that improving patients' fitness during the preoperative period may enhance postoperative recovery. Thus, the primary aim of this study is to establish the effectiveness of prehabilitation with a progressive, individualised, preoperative exercise and education program compared to usual care alone in reducing the proportion of patients with postoperative in-hospital complications. The secondary aims are to investigate the effectiveness of the preoperative intervention on reducing the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, improving quality of life and morbidity, and reducing costs. METHODS: This is a multi-centre, assessor-blinded, pragmatic, comparative, randomised controlled trial. A total of 172 patients undergoing pelvic exenteration, cytoreductive surgery, oesophagectomy, hepatectomy, gastrectomy or pancreatectomy will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to prehabilitation with a preoperative exercise and education program (intervention group), delivered over 4 to 8 weeks before surgery by community physiotherapists/exercise physiologists, or usual care alone (control group). The intervention will comprise 12 to 24 individualised, progressive exercise sessions (including aerobic/anaerobic, resistance, and respiratory exercises), recommendations of home exercises (16 to 32 sessions), and daily incidental physical activity advice. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, the week prior to surgery, during the hospital stay, and on the day of discharge from hospital, and 1 month and 1 months postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the development of in-hospital complications. Secondary outcomes include the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, quality of life, postoperative morbidity and costs. DISCUSSION: The successful completion of this trial will provide robust and high-quality evidence on the efficacy of a preoperative community- and home-based exercise and education intervention on important postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing major gastrointestinal cancer surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered prospectively with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12621000617864 ) on 24th May 2021.

Differences in Surgical Outcomes and Quality-of-Life Outcomes in Pelvic Exenteration Between Locally Advanced Versus Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancers.

BACKGROUND: Although pelvic exenteration remains the only curative option for locally advanced rectal cancer and locally recurrent rectal cancer, only limited evidence is available on the differences in surgical and quality-of-life outcomes between the two. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes and identify any differences or predictors of quality of life of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and locally recurrent rectal cancer undergoing pelvic exenteration. DESIGN: This was a cohort study. SETTING: This study was conducted at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia. PATIENTS: This study included patients with locally advanced rectal cancer and locally recurrent rectal cancer who underwent pelvic exenteration between July 2008 and March 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures included Short Form 36 version 2 and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal score. RESULTS: A total of 271 patients were included in this study. Locally advanced rectal cancer patients had higher rates of R0 resection ( p = 0.003), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy ( p < 0.001), and had greater median overall survival (75.1 vs. 45.8 months), although the latter was clinically but not statistically significant. There was a higher blood loss ( p < 0.001), longer length of stay ( p = 0.039), and longer operative time ( p = 0.002) in the locally recurrent rectal cancer group. This group also had a higher mean baseline physical component summary score and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal score; however, there were no significant differences in complications or quality-of-life outcomes between with the two groups at any time points postoperatively up to 12 months. LIMITATION: The study was from a specialized experienced center, which could limit its generalizability. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer tend to require a more extensive surgery with a longer operative time and more blood loss and longer recovery from surgery, but despite this, their quality of life is comparable to those with locally advanced rectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B1000 . DIFERENCIAS EN LOS RESULTADOS QUIRRGICOS Y LOS RESULTADOS DE LA CALIDAD DE VIDA EN LA EXENTERACIN PLVICA ENTRE EL CNCER DE RECTO LOCALMENTE AVANZADO Y EL CNCER DE RECTO LOCALMENTE RECIDIVANTE: ANTECEDENTES:Aunque la exenteración pélvica sigue siendo la única opción curativa para el cáncer de recto localmente avanzado y el cáncer de recto localmente recurrente, solo hay evidencia limitada disponible sobre las diferencias en los resultados quirúrgicos y de calidad de vida entre los dos.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar los resultados quirúrgicos e identificar cualquier diferencia o predictor de la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado y cáncer de recto localmente recurrente sometidos a exenteración pélvica.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de cohorte.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.PACIENTES:Este estudio incluyó pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado y cáncer de recto localmente recurrente que se sometieron a exenteración pélvica entre julio de 2008 y marzo de 2019.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las principales medidas de resultado incluyeron el formulario corto 36 versión 2 y la puntuación de la evaluación funcional de la terapia del cáncer colorrectal.RESULTADOS:Un total de 271 pacientes fueron incluidos en este estudio. Los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado tuvieron tasas más altas de resección R0 ( p = 0,003), quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante ( p < 0,001) y una mediana de supervivencia general más alta (75,1 frente a 45,8 meses),a pesar de que esta última fue clínica pero no estadísticamente significativa. Hubo una mayor pérdida de sangre ( p < 0,001), una estancia más prolongada ( p = 0,039) y un tiempo operatorio más prolongado ( p = 0,002) en el grupo de cáncer de recto localmente recurrente. También tenían una puntuación de componente físico inicial media más alta y una puntuación de Evaluación funcional de la terapia del cáncer colorrectal; sin embargo, no hubo diferencias significativas en las complicaciones o los resultados de la calidad de vida entre los dos grupos en ningún momento después de la operación hasta los 12 meses.LIMITACIÓN:El estudio fue de un centro especializado con experiencia, lo que podría limitar su generalización.CONCLUSIONES:Los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente recurrente tienden a requerir una cirugía más extensa con un tiempo operatorio más largo y más pérdida de sangre y una recuperación más prolongada de la cirugía, pero a pesar de esto, su calidad de vida es comparable a aquellos con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B1000 . (Traducción-Dr. Yolanda Colorado ).

Population-level utilisation of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for the treatment of rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: International clinical guidelines recommend long- or short-course neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. This study aims to examine variation in the use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer and identify patient and hospital factors that underpin this variation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a retrospective, consecutive cohort study using statewide hospitalisation and radiotherapy data from New South Wales, Australia, 2013-2018. Included participants had a primary rectal adenocarcinoma and underwent surgical resection. Factors associated with the use or not of any neoadjuvant radiotherapy, and short versus long-course were explored using multilevel logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of the 2912 people included in the study, 43% received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. There was significant variation in the use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy depending on geographic location. Abdominoperineal excision (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.53-2.28) and having surgery in a public hospital (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.92-2.87) were both predictors of use. Among those receiving neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 17% received short-course therapy, with short-course declining over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer is highly variable, with differences only partially explained by assessable patient-or hospital-level factors. Understanding neoadjuvant radiotherapy utilisation patterns may assist in identifying barriers and opportunities to improve adherence to clinical guidelines.

Work: saviour or struggle? A qualitative study examining employment and finances in colorectal cancer survivors living with advanced cancer.

PURPOSE: Continuing employment or returning to work (RTW) as a cancer survivor can be meaningful and financially necessary, yet challenging. However, there is a lack of qualitative research on RTW experiences and financial wellbeing of people with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A). This study aimed to fill this gap. METHODS: Adults treated for CRC-A were recruited 0.5-2 years post-surgery (or post-diagnosis of CRC-A for palliative chemotherapy participants). Semi-structured telephone interviews, exploring RTW and finances, were subjected to framework analysis. Demographic, clinical, and quality of life data (FACT-C, Distress Thermometer, COST measure) were collected to characterise the sample and inform the framework analysis. RESULTS: Analysis of 38 interviews revealed five overarching themes: work as a struggle, work as my identity, work as my saviour, work as a financial necessity, and employer and colleague response. Many survivors with CRC-A desired to, and had the capacity to, continue work or RTW, yet faced unique challenges from compounded stigma of both cancer and toileting issues. Inability to RTW negatively impacted financial and psychosocial wellbeing. Workplace support was an important facilitator of RTW. CONCLUSION: For survivors with CRC-A, continuing or RTW is fraught with challenges, including physical functioning challenges, financial anxiety, and unsupportive workplace environments. Survivors require psychosocial, financial, and employer support to manage these difficulties. This paper recommends a multiprong approach, including education programmes (facilitated through workers' union groups, human resource institutions, and/or large consumer CRC groups) and policies, to support workers and for employers to understand the unique challenges of employees with CRC-A.

A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer: Perceptions of patients and carers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study to explore experiences of patients and carers of the pathway to diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), focusing on differences based on remoteness of residence. METHODS: Patients ≥6 months post-treatment completion, and their carers, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the Model of Pathways to Treatment as the theoretical framework, were conducted to examine pathways to treatment of HNC and facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment. Thematic analysis with an iterative and data-driven approach was used to identify themes. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients and 17 carers participated in the interviews. Facilitators of timely diagnosis and treatment included a sense of urgency from health care professionals (HCPs), advocacy by the HCP or carers, and leveraging social capital. Distance to services, financial costs, and a perceived lack of emotional investment by HCPs arose as barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment. Participants were often able to rationalise that not all delays were negative, depending causes and expected impact on cancer management. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the complex nature of factors facilitating and impeding early HNC diagnosis and treatment that may be targeted in interventions to support patients and meet important benchmarks for high-quality cancer care.

Geographic variation in referral practices for patients with suspected head and neck cancer: A survey of general practitioners using a clinical vignette.

INTRODUCTION: General practitioners (GPs) play a crucial role in cancer care and GPs are often the first doctor that patients with symptoms suggestive of cancer will encounter. Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a relatively uncommon presentation in primary care, and evidence suggests that times to diagnosis and treatment of HNC vary based on geographical location of patients. This may be due to barriers to referral faced by regional or rural GPs as compared to those in metropolitan cities in Australia. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of geographical location of GPs on management of patients with symptoms suggestive of HNC. DESIGN: This was a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey. Surveys were sent to GPs at practices in two primary health care networks in New South Wales, Australia (Mid North Coast Primary Healthcare Network and the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Healthcare Network) between February and May 2020. Main outcome measures were perceived time from referral to specialist appointment, factors affecting timeliness of patient help-seeking, and awareness and use of clinical guidelines. FINDINGS: A total of 1803 GPs were sampled, of which 196 responded (45 regional GPs and 151 metropolitan GPs). Less than half (48%) of regional GPs reported patients could expect to be seen by a specialist within 2 weeks of referral, compared to 70% of metropolitan GPs (p = 0.001). Most metropolitan GPs stated they would refer a patient with suspected HNC to a surgeon subspecialising in HNC. Regional GPs were split between ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and general surgeons. Availability of services was the most common factor influencing referral practices for regional GPs, whereas for metropolitan GPs, this was the patient's symptoms. Awareness of government resources for cancer referrals was generally low. DISCUSSION: Regional GPs report patients with HNC are less likely to be seen by a specialist within optimal time frames compared to metropolitan GPs. Respondents reported different barriers to early referral of patients with suspected HNC, with regional GPs more often citing system-level factors while metropolitan GPs more often cited patient-level factors. CONCLUSION: Evaluating service provision and uptake with respect to community need, and addressing of barriers to implementation, may minimise unwarranted clinical variation.

The neurogenic bladder: developing a consensus bladder and bowel management pathway for people with MS.

This article outlines how the bladder can be affected in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and the impact this has on patient quality of life and NHS resources. A group of MS and bladder and bowel nurse specialists has developed consensus bladder pathways in the hope that all nurses in contact with patients who are likely to have neurogenic bladder symptoms become 'bladder aware'.

Fear of Cancer Progression and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Coping Strategies and Quality of Life.

This study aimed to examine coping strategies used by advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A) survivors to manage death anxiety and fear of cancer progression, and links between these strategies and quality of life (QoL), distress, and death acceptance. Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 38 CRC-A survivors (22 female) were analysed via framework analysis. QoL and distress were assessed through the FACT-C and Distress Thermometer. Eleven themes were identified and mapped to active avoidance (keeping busy and distracted), passive avoidance (hoping for a cure), active confrontation (managing negative emotions; reaching out to others; focusing on the present; staying resilient), meaning-making (redefining one's identity; contributing to society; gaining perspective; remaining spiritual), and acceptance (accepting one's situation). Active confrontation (specifically utilising informal support networks) and meaning-making appeared beneficial coping strategies; more research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions which increase CRC-A survivors' use of these strategies to manage and cope with their death anxiety.

Are Surgeons Working Smarter or Harder? A Systematic Review Comparing the Physical and Mental Demands of Robotic and Laparoscopic or Open Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical techniques such as robotic surgical platforms have provided favourable outcomes for patients, but the impact on surgeons is not well described. This systematic review aims to synthesize and evaluate the physical and mental impact of robotic surgery on surgeons compared to standard laparoscopic or open surgery. METHODS: A search strategy was developed to identify peer-reviewed English articles published from inception to end of December 2019 on the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO and Embase. The articles were assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa tool. RESULTS: Of the 6563 papers identified, 30 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis of this review. Most of the included studies presented a high risk of bias. A total of 13 and 21 different physical and mental tools, respectively, were used to examine the impact on surgeons. The most common tool used to measure physical and mental demand were surface electromyography (N = 9) and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX; N = 8), respectively. Majority of studies showed mixed results for physical (N = 10) and mental impact (N = 7). This was followed by eight and six studies favouring RS over other surgical modalities for physical and mental impact, respectively. CONCLUSION: Most studies showed mixed physical and mental outcomes between the three surgical modalities. There was a high risk of bias and methodological heterogeneity. Future studies need to correlate mental and physical stress with long-term impact on the surgeons.

Colorectal cancer survivorship: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative research.

INTRODUCTION: With rapid changes in treatments for colorectal cancer (CRC), qualitative research into CRC survivorship requires greater synthesis. This paper aims to fill this gap through a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42019131576) and thematic synthesis of the qualitative literature on survivorship experiences across early-stage and advanced CRC survivors. METHODS: CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched for qualitative CRC survivorship papers. Titles, abstracts and full texts were screened. Included articles (n = 81) underwent data extraction, CASP qualitative bias ratings and thematic synthesis. RESULTS: Bowel dysfunction caused functional limitations and negative quality of life (QoL), while stomas posed threats to body image and confidence. Physical symptoms hindered return to work, increasing financial burdens. Survivors' unmet needs included information regarding symptom expectations and management, and ongoing support throughout recovery. Advanced and early-stage survivors shared similar experiences. Advanced survivors struggled with fear of cancer recurrence/progression and feelings of powerlessness. Functional limitations, financial impacts and sexuality in advanced survivors were underexplored areas. CONCLUSION: CRC and its treatments impact survivors' QoL in all areas. A coordinated supportive care response is required to address survivors' unmet needs. Future qualitative studies should explore advanced CRC subpopulations, treatment-specific impacts on QoL and long-term (>5 years) impacts on CRC survivors.

Do ethnic patients report longer lung cancer intervals than Anglo-Australian patients?: Findings from a prospective, observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Lung cancer patients from ethnic minorities have poorer outcomes than their Caucasian counterparts. We compared lung cancer intervals between culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Anglo-Australian patients to identify ethnic disparities. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational cohort study comprising a patient survey and reviews of patients' hospital and general practice records. Across three states, 577 (407 Anglo-Australian and 170 CALD) patients were recruited and their hospital records reviewed. The survey was returned by 189 (135 Anglo-Australian and 54 CALD) patients, and a review was completed by general practitioners (GPs) of 99 (76 Anglo-Australian and 23 CALD) patients. Survival and Cox regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: CALD patients had longer hospital diagnostic interval [median 30 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) 26-34] than Anglo-Australian patients (median 17, 95% CI 14-20), p = 0.005, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.32 (95% CI 1.09-1.60). This difference persisted after relevant factors were taken into consideration, adjusted HR = 1.26 (95% CI 1.03-1.54, p = 0.022). CALD patients also reported longer prehospital intervals; however, these differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Target interventions need to be developed to address ethnic disparity in hospital diagnostic interval.

Risk factors and risk prediction models for colorectal cancer metastasis and recurrence: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: There is a clear need for systematic appraisal of models/factors predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) metastasis and recurrence because clinical decisions about adjuvant treatment are taken on the basis of such variables. METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review of all systematic reviews of observational studies (with/without meta-analysis) that evaluated risk factors of CRC metastasis and recurrence. We also generated an updated synthesis of risk prediction models for CRC metastasis and recurrence. We cross-assessed individual risk factors and risk prediction models. RESULTS: Thirty-four risk factors for CRC metastasis and 17 for recurrence were investigated. Twelve of 34 and 4/17 risk factors with p < 0.05 were estimated to change the odds of the outcome at least 3-fold. Only one risk factor (vascular invasion for lymph node metastasis [LNM] in pT1 CRC) presented convincing evidence. We identified 24 CRC risk prediction models. Across 12 metastasis models, six out of 27 unique predictors were assessed in the umbrella review and four of them changed the odds of the outcome at least 3-fold. Across 12 recurrence models, five out of 25 unique predictors were assessed in the umbrella review and only one changed the odds of the outcome at least 3-fold. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides an in-depth evaluation and cross-assessment of 51 risk factors and 24 prediction models. Our findings suggest that a minority of influential risk factors are employed in prediction models, which indicates the need for a more rigorous and systematic model construction process following evidence-based methods.

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

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

Complications and Impact on Quality of Life of Vertical Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flaps for Reconstruction in Pelvic Exenteration Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic exenteration for malignancy sometimes necessitates flap reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to investigate flap-related morbidity. DESIGN: A prospective database was reviewed from 2003 to 2016. All medical charts, correspondence, and outpatient follow-up records up to May 2017 were reviewed. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a tertiary referral unit. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent pelvic exenteration surgery were selected. INTERVENTIONS: Reconstruction was performed with a vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was flap-related complications (short or long term >3 months). Secondary outcomes were hospital stay, readmission, mortality, and quality of life (Short Form-36, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for patients with colorectal cancer). RESULTS: Of 519 patients undergoing pelvic exenteration surgery, 87 (17%) underwent flap reconstruction. Median follow-up was 20 months (interquartile range, 8-39 months). Median age was 60 years (interquartile range, 51-66). Flap-related complications were found in 59 patients (68%), with minor recipient-site complications diagnosed in 33 patients (38%). In the short term, 15 patients experienced major recipient-site complications (17%), including flap separation (n = 7) and partial (n = 3) or complete necrosis (n = 4). Flap removal was required in 1 patient. Obesity was the single independent risk factor for short-term flap-related complications (p = 0.02). Hospital admission was significantly longer in patients with short-term major flap complications (median 65 days, p < 0.001) compared with patients without or with minor complications. There was no 90-day mortality. Patients who required flap reconstruction reported lower baseline quality-of-life scores than patients without flap reconstruction, but both recovered over time. In the long term, minor flap-related complications occurred in 12 patients, and 11 patients had major donor-site complications. Fourteen patients developed major recipient-site complications (16%), including sacral collections, enterocutaneous fistulas, perineal ulcer, or hernia. LIMITATIONS: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. CONCLUSIONS: Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps in pelvic exenteration surgery have a high incidence of morbidity that has significant impact on hospital stay and a temporary impact on quality of life. Flap reconstruction should be used selectively in pelvic exenteration surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B274. COMPLICACIONES E IMPACTO EN LA CALIDAD DE VIDA DE LOS COLGAJOS MIOCUTÁNEOS DE MUSCULO RECTO DEL ABDOMEN EN CASOS DE RECONSTRUCCIÓN DE EXENTERACIÓN PÉLVICA: La exenteración pélvica (EP) para malignidad a veces requiere reconstrucción con colgajos musculares.El propósito del presente estudio fue investigar la morbilidad relacionada con los colagajos musculares.Revisión de una base de datos prospectiva de 2003-2016. Se evaluaron todas las historias clínicas, la correspondencia y los registros de seguimiento de pacientes ambulatorios hasta mayo de 2017.Unidad de referencia terciaria.Todos aquellas personas con cirugía de exenteración pélvica.Reconstrucción con colgajo miocutáneo de musculo recto vertical del abdomen.El resultado primario fueron las complicaciones relacionadas con el colgajo (a corto o largo plazo >3 meses). Los resultados secundarios fueron la estadía hospitalaria, la readmisión, la mortalidad y la calidad de vida (QOL; SF-36, FACT-C).De 519 pacientes sometidos a EP, 87 (17%) se sometieron a reconstrucción con colgajos miocutáneos. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 20 meses (RIC 8-39 meses). La mediana de edad fue de 60 años (IQR 51-66). Se encontraron complicaciones relacionadas con el colgajo en 59 pacientes (68%), con complicaciones menores en el sitio del receptor diagnosticadas en 33 pacientes (38%). A corto plazo, quince pacientes sufrieron complicaciones mayores en el sitio del receptor (17%), incluida la separación del colgajo (n = 7), necrosis parcial (n = 3) o necrosis completa (n = 4). Se requirió la extracción del colgajo en un paciente. La obesidad fue el único factor de riesgo independiente para complicaciones relacionadas con el colgajo a corto plazo (p = 0.02). El ingreso hospitalario fue significativamente mayor en pacientes con complicaciones de colgajos mayores a corto plazo (mediana 65 días p <0.001) en comparación con pacientes sin complicaciones menores o con complicaciones menores. No hubo mortalidad a los 90 días. Los pacientes que requirieron reconstrucción con colgajo informaron puntajes de calidad de vida basales más bajos que los pacientes sin reconstrucción con colgajo, pero ambos se recuperaron con el tiempo. A largo plazo, ocurrieron complicaciones menores relacionadas con el colgajo en 12 pacientes y 11 pacientes tuvieron complicaciones mayores en el sitio donante. Catorce pacientes desarrollaron complicaciones mayores en el sitio del receptor (16%), incluidas colecciones sacras, fístulas enterocutáneas, úlceras perineales o herniación.Análisis retrospectivo de datos recolectados prospectivamente.Los colgajos miocutáneos del musculo recto vertical del abdomen en casos de cirugía de exenteración pélvica tienen una alta incidencia de morbilidad conllevando a un impacto significativo en la estadía hospitalaria y un impacto temporal en la calidad de vida. Las reconstrucciones con colgajos deben aplicarse muy selectivamente en la cirugía de exenteración pélvica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B274.