Is survival after transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) worse than that after traditional total mesorectal excision? A retrospective propensity score-adjusted cohort study.

PURPOSE: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was developed to provide better vision during resection of the mesorectum. Conflicting results have shown an increase in local recurrence and shorter survival after taTME. This study compared the outcomes of taTME and abdominal (open, laparoscopic, robotic) total mesorectal excision (abTME). METHODS: Patients who underwent taTME or abTME for stages I-III rectal cancer and who received an anastomosis were included. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively conducted database was performed. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Risk factors were adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM). The secondary endpoints were local recurrence rates and combined poor pathological outcomes. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2020, a total of 189 patients underwent taTME, and 119 underwent abTME; patients were followed up for a mean of 54.7 (SD 24.2) and 78.4 (SD 34.8) months, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-year survival rates after taTME and abTME were not significantly different after PSM: OS: 78.2% vs. 88.6% (p = 0.073), CSS: 87.4% vs. 92.1% (p = 0.359), and DFS: 69.3% vs. 80.9% (p = 0.104), respectively. No difference in the local recurrence rate was observed (taTME, n = 10 (5.3%); abTME, n = 10 (8.4%); p = 0.280). Combined poor pathological outcomes were more frequent after abTME (n = 36, 34.3%) than after taTME (n = 35, 19.6%) (p = 0.006); this difference was nonsignificant according to multivariate analysis (p = 0.404). CONCLUSION: taTME seems to be a good treatment option for patients with rectal cancer and is unlikely to significantly affect local recurrence or survival. However, further investigations concerning the latter are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT0496910).

Duodenal localization is a negative predictor of survival after small bowel adenocarcinoma resection: A population-based, propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the influence of tumor localization of small bowel adenocarcinoma on survival after surgical resection. METHODS: Patients with resected small bowel adenocarcinoma, ACJJ stage I-III, were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2013. The impact of tumor localization on overall and cancer-specific survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models with and without risk-adjustment and propensity score methods. RESULTS: Adenocarcinoma was localized to the duodenum in 549 of 1025 patients (53.6%). There was no time trend for duodenal localization (P = 0.514). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 48.2% (95%CI: 43.3-53.7%) for patients with duodenal carcinoma and 66.6% (95%CI: 61.6-72.1%) for patients with cancer located in the jejunum or ileum. Duodenal localization was associated with worse overall and cancer-specific survival in univariable (HR = 1.73; HR = 1.81, respectively; both P < 0.001), multivariable (HR = 1.52; HR = 1.65; both P < 0.001), and propensity score-adjusted analyses (HR = 1.33, P = 0.012; HR = 1.50, P = 0.002). Furthermore, young age, retrieval of more than 12 regional lymph nodes, less advanced stage, and married matrimonial status were positive, independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenal localization is an independent risk factor for poor survival after resection of adenocarcinoma.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (pTNS): success rate and the role of rectal capacity.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (pTNS) was originally developed to treat urinary incontinence. Recently, some case series have also documented its success in the treatment of fecal incontinence. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unknown but may be related to changes in rectal capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the success of pTNS for the treatment of fecal urge incontinence and assess the influence of rectal capacity on treatment efficacy. METHODS: All patients undergoing pTNS for fecal incontinence between July 2009 and March 2014 were enrolled in a prospective, observational study consisting of a therapeutic regimen that lasted 9 months. Therapy success was defined as a reduction in the CCI (Cleveland Clinic incontinence) score of ≥50% and patient-reported success. Furthermore, quality of life (Rockwood's scale) and changes in anorectal physiology were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with fecal urge incontinence were eligible, nine of whom were excluded. The success rate was 72.5%. Incontinence events and urge symptoms were significantly reduced after 3 months and at the end of therapy. The median CCI score decreased from 12 to 4 (P < 0.0001), and the quality of life was significantly improved. However, rectal capacity was not significantly related to treatment success before or after therapy. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that pTNS can improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients with fecal urge incontinence. However, the study fails to demonstrate a correlation between treatment success and changes in rectal capacity.

Better survival in right-sided versus left-sided stage I - III colon cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: The distinction between right-sided and left-sided colon cancer has recently received considerable attention due to differences regarding underlying genetic mutations. There is an ongoing debate if right- versus left-sided tumor location itself represents an independent prognostic factor. We aimed to investigate this question by using propensity score matching. METHODS: Patients with resected, stage I - III colon cancer were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004-2012). Both univariable and multivariable Cox regression as well as propensity score matching were used. RESULTS: Overall, 91,416 patients (51,937 [56.8 %] with right-sided, 39,479 [43.2 %] with left-sided colon cancer; median follow-up 38 months) were eligible. In univariable analysis, patients with right-sided cancer had worse overall (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.32, 95 % CI:1.29-1.36, P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR = 1.26, 95 % CI:1.21-1.30, P < 0.001) compared to patients with left-sided cancer. After propensity score matching, the prognosis of right-sided carcinomas was better regarding overall (HR = 0.92, 95 % CI: 0.89 - 0.94, P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR = 0.90, 95 % CI:0.87 - 0.93, P < 0.001). In stage I and II, the prognosis of right-sided cancer was better for overall (HR = 0.89, 95 % CI:0.84-0.94 and HR = 0.85, 95 % CI:0.81-0.89) and cancer-specific survival (HR = 0.71, 95 % CI:0.64 - 0.79 and HR = 0.75, 95 % CI:0.70-0.80). Right- and left-sided colon cancer had a similar prognosis for stage III (overall: HR = 0.99, 95 % CI:0.95-1.03 and cancer-specific: HR = 1.04, 95 % CI:0.99-1.09). CONCLUSIONS: This population-based analysis on stage I - III colon cancer provides evidence that the prognosis of localized right-sided colon cancer is better compared to left-sided colon cancer. This questions the paradigm from previous research claiming a worse survival in right-sided colon cancer patients.

Predictors for regional lymph node metastasis in T1 rectal cancer: a population-based SEER analysis.

BACKGROUND: Local resection of early-stage rectal cancer significantly reduces perioperative morbidity compared with radical resection. Identifying patients at risk of regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for long-term survival after local resection. METHODS: Patients after oncological resection of T1 rectal cancer were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results register 2004-2012. Potential predictors of LNM and its impact on cancer-specific survival were assessed in logistic and Cox regression with and without multivariable adjustment. RESULTS: In total, 1593 patients with radical resection of T1 rectal cancer and a minimum of 12 retrieved regional lymph nodes were identified. The overall LNM rate was 16.3 % (N = 260). A low risk of LNM was observed for small tumor size (P = 0.002), low tumor grade (P = 0.002) and higher age (P = 0.012) in multivariable analysis. The odds ratio for a tumor size exceeding 1.5 cm was 1.49 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.06-2.13], for G2 and G3/G4 carcinomas 1.69 (95 % CI 1.07-2.82) and 2.72 (95 % CI 1.50-5.03), and for 65- to 79-year-old and over 80-year-old patients 0.65 (95 % CI 0.43-0.96) and 0.39 (95 % CI 0.18-0.77), respectively. Five-year cancer-specific survival for patients with LNM was 90.0 % (95 % CI 85.3-95.0 %) and for patients without LNM 97.1 % (95 % CI 95.9-98.2 %, hazard ratio = 3.21, 95 % CI 1.82-5.69, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based analysis, favorable cancer-specific survival rates were observed in nodal-negative and nodal-positive T1 rectal cancer patients after primary radical resection. The predictive value of tumor size, grading and age for LNM should be considered in medical decision making about local resection.

Baseline mortality-adjusted survival in colon cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: This investigation assessed the baseline mortality-adjusted survival after colon cancer resection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 523 patients with adenocarcinoma of the colon who underwent primary colon resection at Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland, between 1996 and 2008 were included. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 25 months for all patients and 39 months for those who survived until the end of the follow-up. The 5-year relative survival rate was 63.2 % (95 % CI 57.3-69.6 %), and the overall survival rate was 52 % (95 % CI 47.6-57.7 %). After curative resection of stage I-III colon cancer, 40 % of the observed deaths were cancer-related and 60 % reflected the baseline mortality. In stage I, the 5-year relative survival was 103.2 % (95 % CI 91.4-116.5 %) and was not different from a matched population (p = 0.820). In multivariate analysis, good general health and less advanced cancer stages were associated with better relative and overall survival rates. A more advanced age was associated with better relative survival, but worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of relative survival of patients exclusively with colon cancer revealed that prognosis of patients suffering from stage I colon cancer does not differ significantly from that of the general population. In more advanced stages, a relevant fraction of deaths is not cancer-related. As the stage determines a patient's survival, early diagnosis is crucial for prognosis.

New kid on the block: perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSP) is it worthwhile in the long-term?

PURPOSE: Perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSP) has been described as a new surgical treatment for external rectal prolapse in 2008. Short-term and midterm results acknowledged PSP as a safe, fast and simple procedure for high-risk patients. This study aims to assess long-term results after PSP. METHODS: All patients who underwent PSP from 2007 to 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Data was gathered from medical records and operative reports and by interviews with the general practitioner or the patient. RESULTS: Indication for PSP was provided in 64 cases. One procedure had to be changed to an Altemeier's and another to a laparoscopic rectopexy. The median age was 79.9 years (range 25.9-97.5). Spinal anaesthesia was used in 19 patients. The median operation time was 32.5 min (range 25-51.2). There was no mortality. One patient had to be reoperated. All other complications were minor. The median hospital stay was 6.0 days (range 2-23). Median follow-up of patients alive was 6.0 years (range 0.2-8.4). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate for primary prolapse was 70.1 % compared to 34.3 % for recurrent prolapses (p = 0.048). Further positive prognostic factors were specimen length over 8 cm and lack of preoperative obstructed defecation syndrome. Faecal incontinence was remedied in 18, and new onset was recorded in 6 patients (significant incontinence rate reduction (p = 0.025)). CONCLUSION: Due to low morbidity and the possibility of spinal anaesthesia, PSP is suitable for frail patients. The recurrence rate for primary prolapse is similar to alternative perineal procedures like Delorme's and Altemeier's, but inferior to the laparoscopic techniques.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy with gemcitabine/cisplatin and surgery versus immediate surgery in resectable pancreatic cancer: results of the first prospective randomized phase II trial.

BACKGROUND: In nonrandomized trials, neoadjuvant treatment was reported to prolong survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. As neoadjuvant chemoradiation is established for the treatment of rectal cancer we examined the value of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in pancreatic cancer in a randomized phase II trial. Radiological staging defining resectability was basic information prior to randomization in contrast to adjuvant therapy trials resting on pathological staging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with resectable adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head were randomized to primary surgery (Arm A) or neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (Arm B), which was followed by adjuvant chemotherapy in both arms. A total of 254 patients were required to detect a 4.33-month improvement in median overall survival (mOS). RESULTS: The trial was stopped after 73 patients; 66 patients were eligible for analysis. Twenty nine of 33 allocated patients received chemoradiotherapy. Radiotherapy was completed in all patients. Chemotherapy was changed in 3 patients due to toxicity. Tumor resection was performed in 23 vs. 19 patients (A vs. B). The R0 resection rate was 48% (A) and 52% (B, P = 0.81) and (y)pN0 was 30% (A) vs. 39% (B, P = 0.44), respectively. Postoperative complications were comparable in both groups. mOS was 14.4 vs. 17.4 months (A vs. B; intention-to-treat analysis; P = 0.96). After tumor resection, mOS was 18.9 vs. 25.0 months (A vs. B; P = 0.79). CONCLUSION: This worldwide first randomized trial for neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in pancreatic cancer showed that neoadjuvant chemoradiation is safe with respect to toxicity, perioperative morbidity, and mortality. Nevertheless, the trial was terminated early due to slow recruiting and the results were not significant. ISRCTN78805636; NCT00335543.

Anastomotic leakage after curative rectal cancer resection has no impact on long-term survival: a propensity score analysis.

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe and frequent complication of rectal cancer resection, with an incidence rate of approximately 9 %. Although the impact of AL on morbidity and short-term mortality has been established, the literature is contradictory regarding its influence on long-term, cancer-specific survival. The present investigation assessed the long-term survival of 584 patients with stage I-III rectal cancer. METHODS: The 10-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival were analyzed in 584 patients from a single tertiary center. All patients had undergone curative rectal cancer resection between 1991 and 2010. Patients with and without AL were compared using both a multivariate Cox hazards model and propensity score analysis. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients developed AL (11.0 %, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 8.7 to 13.8 %). The median follow-up was 5.2 years for all patients; and 7.4 years for patients still alive at the end of the investigated period. AL did persistently not impair cancer-specific survival based on unadjusted Cox regression (hazard ratio of death (HR) = 1.27, 95 % CI = 0.65 to 2.48, P = 0.489); risk-adjusted Cox regression (HR = 1.10, 95 % CI = 0.54 to 2.20, P = 0.799); and propensity score matching (HR = 1.18, 95 % CI = 0.57 to 2.43, P = 0.660). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present propensity score analysis, the oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing curative rectal cancer resections were not impaired by the development of anastomotic leakage.

Midterm results after perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse improves continence and has short operation times and low complication rates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the midterm recurrence rates, functional results, and patient satisfaction after perineal stapled prolapse resection. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SETTINGS: : The study was performed at a tertiary hospital in Switzerland. PATIENTS: From November 2007 to October 2011, a total of 56 consecutive patients were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Recurrence rates, functional results according to the Wexner incontinence scale, and patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale were determined. RESULTS: The median age was 78.5 years (range, 24-94 years), and 2 patients were men. Midterm results were available for 46 (82%) of 56 patients after a median follow-up of 25.5 months (range, 2-47 months). In 10 cases (18%) data collection was not possible. The recurrence rate at 3 years was 19.7% (95% CI 4.2%-32.7%). The Wexner incontinence score improved from a median of 14.5 presurgery to 4.0 points (p < 0.0001) after surgery. Twenty-five patients (54%) stated that their bowel movements were regular postoperatively. On a visual analog scale that measured satisfaction, the median patient score was 9 (range, 0-10), indicating high patient satisfaction. LIMITATIONS: Limitations included the retrospective study design and the lack of clinical examinations to determine recurrence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal stapled prolapse resection is an alternative technique for treating rectal prolapse with a recurrence rate similar to the Altemeier-Mikulicz or Delorme procedures. This technique is a quick and reliable procedure for use in patients with advanced age.

Long-term outcome after transanal rectal resection in patients with obstructed defecation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Stapled transanal rectal resection with a new, curved, multifire stapler (Transtar procedure) has shown promising short- and midterm results for treating obstructed defecation syndrome. However, few results have been published on long-term outcome. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate long-term functional results and quality of life after the Transtar procedure. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Switzerland. PATIENTS: Seventy consecutive patients (68 female) with obstructed defecation syndrome had a median age of 65 years (range, 20-90). INTERVENTION: The Transtar procedure was performed between January 2007 and March 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative functional results were evaluated with the Symptom Severity Score, Obstructed Defecation Score, and Cleveland Incontinence Score. Quality of life was evaluated with the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Score and the SF-36 Health Survey. Data were divided into 4 groups of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year follow-ups. RESULTS: The functional scores showed significant postoperative improvement throughout the studied period (p = 0.01). The quality-of-life scores showed a tendency for improvement only in the mental components on the SF-36 Health Survey (p = 0.01). Sixteen patients reported postoperative fecal urgency, but this subsided within a few months. Nine patients reported new postoperative episodes of incontinence and required further treatment. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature, the selection bias, and a bias by the small number of questionnaires available for some scores. CONCLUSION: The Transtar procedure was successful for long-term treatment of obstructed defecation syndrome. Fecal urgency and incontinence were observed, but typically resolved within months. Therefore, the Transtar procedure appears to be a reasonable approach to treating obstructed defecation syndrome in the long term.

[Surgical treatment of fistula-in-ano--a journey between Skylla and Charybdis]. / Die Therapie der Analfistel - Wahl zwischen Skylla und Charybdis.

This review discusses the pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnostic work-up, and treatment options for fistula-in-ano, which is a common condition that affects ~ 20 in 100,000 per year with a predominance for young males. Fistula-in-ano normally presents as an acute anorectal abscess that subsequently becomes established as a chronic discharging fistula. The illness is characterized by chronic perianal discharge and intermittent pain. The aim of surgical treatment is permanent cure of the fistula whilst maintaining patient continence. This principle forms the basis of surgical decision-making and means that treatment options often have to be individualized for each patient. Low, simple fistulae may be treated by fistulotomy because of the low risk of incontinence. In contrast, high fistulae that contain a greater proportion of sphincter muscle demand more complex operations. Traditional reconstructive techniques (transanal advancement flap, primary sphincter reconstruction) aim to eradicate the fistula whilst leaving the sphincter muscle intact or readapted, whilst newer techniques (biosynthetic plugs) provide a scaffold to encourage normal tissue ingrowth with fistula occlusion. The newer procedures preserve the sphincter ideally. On the other hand success rates of these techniques are somewhat disappointing.

Prospective analysis of cosmesis, morbidity, and patient satisfaction following Limberg flap for the treatment of sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have reported excellent healing and low recurrence rates for rhomboid flaps for pilonidal sinus disease. The cosmetic outcome has been less investigated and is the focus of this study following Limberg flap reconstruction of recurrent and complex pilonidal disease. METHODS: From August 2006 to December 2007 patients with a recurrent or complex pilonidal sinus were enrolled consecutively. All underwent excision and closure with a Limberg flap. At 3 weeks, morbidity was assessed in the outpatient clinic. Recurrence rate, self-esteem, cosmetic outcome, body image, and patient satisfaction were analyzed prospectively at 1 year. RESULTS: Seventy patients (57 males) with a median age of 24.8 years (range, 14.7-46.5) were operated on. Median follow-up was 1.4 years (range, 1.0-2.8). The mean cosmetic score was reduced to 16.4 (± 4.3) of 24, the mean body image score was good with 17.9 (± 2.6) of 20, and the mean overall satisfaction was high at 7.6 (± 2.3) of 10. Self-esteem remained unchanged after surgery; it was 7.8 (± 2.3) preoperatively and 7.8 (± 2.1) postoperatively (P = .818). After 3 weeks 84.3% of the wounds were completely healed. Complications occurred in 18 patients (25.7%), including superficial infection and partial suture dehiscence. Six (8.6%) needed reoperation, and all belonged to the group with acute infection before flap closure (P < .001). There was no incidence of flap necrosis. The recurrence rate was 1.6% at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Initial wound closure and low recurrence rates after treatment with Limberg flap in pilonidal sinus disease lead to high patient satisfaction. The cosmetic outcome is acceptable, but an issue for some patients. These results support the use of the Limberg flap in complex pilonidal sinus disease after carefully informing patients about the cosmetic consequences.

Functional outcome and quality of life after stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome.

PURPOSE: Clinical studies have demonstrated that stapled transanal rectal resection with Contour Transtar (Transtar procedure) is a safe and effective treatment for patients with obstructive defecation syndrome. The aim of this study was to determine functional outcome and quality of life after the procedure. METHODS: Female patients with obstructive defecation syndrome were enrolled prospectively for the Transtar procedure. Intussusception and anterior rectocele were confirmed by clinical investigation and by magnetic resonance defecography. Functional outcome was measured by obstructed defecation syndrome score, severity of symptoms score, and Wexner score preoperatively and postoperatively. Quality of life was assessed by the Cleveland Clinic constipation score, the fecal incontinence quality of life scale, and the SF-36v2 health survey. RESULTS: Between January 2007 and November 2008, 52 consecutive patients (median age: 64 years) were included in the study. Before the surgery, 12 patients experienced fecal incontinence. Functional scores improved significantly: 6 weeks after surgery, the obstructed defecation syndrome score decreased from a median of 16 (range, 9-22) to 5 (range, 2-10) and the severity of symptoms score, from 16 (range, 9-21) to 4 (range, 0-9) (each P < .0001). After 6 weeks, 10 patients had fecal incontinence and 12 patients experienced fecal urgency. At 3 months, 6 patients were still incontinent, 3 of whom were treated successfully with sacral neuromodulation. Fecal urgency resolved in all cases after 6 months. Quality of life improved, particularly in the mental components. CONCLUSION: Despite the described postoperative symptoms, most of which can be treated conservatively, the Transtar procedure is an effective treatment for patients with obstructive defecation syndrome and improves quality of life significantly.

Functional outcome after perineal stapled prolapse resection for external rectal prolapse.

BACKGROUND: A new surgical technique, the Perineal Stapled Prolapse resection (PSP) for external rectal prolapse was introduced in a feasibility study in 2008. This study now presents the first results of a larger patient group with functional outcome in a mid-term follow-up. METHODS: From December 2007 to April 2009 PSP was performed by the same surgeon team on patients with external rectal prolapse. The prolapse was completely pulled out and then axially cut open with a linear stapler at three and nine o'clock in lithotomy position. Finally, the prolapse was resected stepwise with the curved Contour Transtar stapler at the prolapse's uptake. Perioperative morbidity and functional outcome were prospectively measured by appropriate scores. RESULTS: 32 patients participated in the study; median age was 80 years (range 26-93). No intraoperative complications and 6.3% minor postoperative complications occurred. Median operation time was 30 minutes (15-65), hospital stay 5 days (2-19). Functional outcome data were available in 31 of the patients after a median follow-up of 6 months (4-22). Preoperative severe faecal incontinence disappeared postoperatively in 90% of patients with a reduction of the median Wexner score from 16 (4-20) to 1 (0-14) (P < 0.0001). No new incidence of constipation was reported. CONCLUSIONS: The PSP is an elegant, fast and safe procedure, with good functional results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN68491191.

Success and Complication Rates After Sacral Neuromodulation for Fecal Incontinence and Constipation: A Single-center Follow-up Study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sustainability of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) success in patients with fecal incontinence (FI) and/or constipation. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients who received SNM therapy for FI and/or constipation between 2006 and 2015. Success rates, complications and reintervention rates were assessed after up to 10 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Electrodes for test stimulation were implanted in 101 patients, of whom 79 (78.2%) received permanent stimulation. The mean follow-up was 4.4 ± 3.0 years. At the end of follow-up, 57 patients (72.2%) were still receiving SNM. The 5-year success rate for FI and isolated constipation was 88.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.1-97.0%) and 31.2% (95% CI, 10.2-95.5%), respectively (P ＜ 0.001). In patients with FI, involuntary evacuations per week decreased ＞ 50% in 76.1% of patients (95% CI, 67.6-86.2%) after 5 years. A lead position at S3 was associated with an improved outcome (P = 0.04). Battery exchange was necessary in 23 patients (29.1%), with a median battery life of 6.2 years. Reinterventions due to complications were necessary in 24 patients (30.4%). For these patients, the 5-year success rate was 89.0% (95% CI, 75.3-100.0%) compared to 78.4% (95% CI, 67.2-91.4%) for patients without reintervention. CONCLUSIONS: SNM offers an effective sustainable treatment for FI. For constipation, lasting success of SNM is limited and is thus not recommended. Reinterventions are necessary but do not impede treatment success.

Perineal stapled prolapse resection: a new procedure for external rectal prolapse.

PURPOSE: A perineal approach to treating rectal prolapse is ideal for frail patients. Recently, internal rectal redundancy has been successfully treated with transanal resection using the Contour Transtar stapler. This technique has been modified to the perineal stapled prolapse resection. The surgical technique and the preliminary results of the new procedure for external rectal prolapse are presented. METHODS: Patients not suited for transabdominal treatment were included prospectively for perineal stapled prolapse resection in two colorectal centers. Feasibility, complications, and reinterventions were assessed. RESULTS: In 14 of 15 patients, perineal stapled prolapse resection was performed without complications in a median operating time of 33 (range, 22-52) minutes. One procedure was changed to an Altemeier because of a staple line disruption. Two patients required reintervention as a result of postoperative hemorrhage. No other severe complications occurred. At follow-up, all patients were well and showed no early recurrence of prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Perineal stapled prolapse resection is a new surgical procedure for external rectal prolapse, which is easy and quick to perform. Functional results and long-term recurrence rate must be investigated further.

Survival after Abdominoperineal and Sphincter-Preserving Resection in Nonmetastatic Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Time-Trend and Propensity Score-Matched SEER Analysis.

Background. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been associated with impaired survival in nonmetastatic rectal cancer patients. It is unclear whether this adverse outcome is due to the surgical procedure itself or is a consequence of tumor-related characteristics. Study Design. Patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The impact of APR compared to coloanal anastomosis (CAA) on survival was assessed by Cox regression and propensity-score matching. Results. In 36,488 patients with rectal cancer resection, the APR rate declined from 31.8% in 1998 to 19.2% in 2011, with a significant trend change in 2004 at 21.6% (P < 0.001). To minimize a potential time-trend bias, survival analysis was limited to patients diagnosed after 2004. APR was associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality after unadjusted analysis (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.28-2.03, P < 0.01) and multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10-1.76, P < 0.01). After optimal adjustment of highly biased patient characteristics by propensity-score matching, APR was not identified as a risk factor for cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56-1.29, P = 0.456). Conclusions. The current propensity score-adjusted analysis provides evidence that worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing APR compared to CAA are caused by different patient characteristics and not by the surgical procedure itself.