Single stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis. Lesson learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Choledocholithiasis, a common complication of gallstone disease, poses significant risks including cholangitis and pancreatitis. Various treatment approaches exist, including single-stage and two-stage techniques, with recent literature suggesting advantages of the single-stage approach in terms of outcomes and cost-effectiveness. This study evaluates the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of single-stage laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LC + iERCP) compared to the previously adopted two-stage approach. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing single-stage LC + iERCP for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). Data on demographics, preoperative assessments, intraoperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were collected and compared with an historical control group undergoing the two-stage approach (LC + preopERCP). Hospitalization costs were also compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 190 patients were included, with 105 undergoing single-stage LC + iERCP. The single-stage approach demonstrated successful completion without cystic duct cannulation, with no conversions to open surgery. Operative time was comparable to the two-stage approach, while hospital stay, and costs were significantly lower in the single-stage group. Complication rates were similar between the groups. Conclusions: Single-stage LC + iERCP appears to be a feasible, effective, and safe approach for treating cholecysto-choledocholithiasis, offering potential benefits in terms of reduced hospital stay, OR occupation time, and costs compared to the two-stage approach. Integration of this approach into clinical practice warrants consideration, unless there are logistical challenges that cannot be overcome or lack of endoscopic expertise also for treating challenging urgent cases.

Charting connections: A systematic review of colorectal surgery research networks.

Research in surgery faces intrinsic difficulties such as the lack of reproducibility of surgical operations, self-referring surgeons, decentralized data. Establishing a community of qualified researchers across surgeons is crucial. Clinical networks have been proposed as solutions to many challenges in surgical research, yet their implementation remains uncommon, especially for surgical trialists. The extent of literature produced by networks remains unclear, but fostering such collaborations could enhance the overall quality of surgical research. We conducted review focusing on research networks in colorectal surgery to assess their workload and impact in the literature and identify factors contributing to their durability. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for articles published through research networks. Networks were categorized by subspecialty, and specific items were retrieved for further classification. A survey was administered to twenty experts in colorectal surgery or research networking. A total of 2490 manuscripts were screened, and 397 networks identified. Of these, 96 were colorectal networks contributing to 492 publications, with 28 networks having five or more publications. Seventeen networks were affiliated with International or National societies, and only 5 conducted both prospective trials and RCTs. Twenty networks reported national or population-based data, and 26 networks lasted for more than 5 years. Sixteen experts participated in the survey, with an 80 % compliance rate, and 12 of them have been involved in creating a surgical network. The large majority of experts advocate the establishment of guidelines for networks creation in the surgical community.

Transperitoneal laparoscopic retrievement of a migrated prosthetic head after total hip arthroplasty: a case report.

The migration of a prosthetic head during total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a rare complication. Few cases are described in the literature, offering different solutions and surgical approaches for prosthetic head retrievement. Here, we present a case of successful laparoscopic transperitoneal retrieval of a prosthetic head migrated above the right iliac vein after THA with a posterolateral approach.

Inferior mesenteric artery ligation level in rectal cancer surgery: still no answer-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the current scientific evidence regarding the impact of the level of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation on post-operative and oncological outcomes in rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature up to 06 September 2022. Included were RCTs that compared patients who underwent high (HL) vs. anterior (LL) IMA ligation for resection of rectal cancer. The literature search was performed on Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science without any language restrictions. The primary endpoint was overall anastomotic leakage (AL). Secondary endpoints were oncological outcomes, intraoperative complications, urogenital functional outcomes, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs (1331 patients) were included. The overall rate of AL was lower in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.96). The overall number of harvested lymph nodes was higher in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (MD 0.93, 95% CI - 2.21 to 0.34). The number of lymph nodes harvested was assessed in 256 patients, and all had a laparoscopic procedure. The number of lymph nodes was higher when LL was associated with lymphadenectomy of the vascular root than when IMA was ligated at its origin, but there the difference was not statistically significant (MD - 0.37, 95% CI - 1.00 to 0.26). Overall survival at 5 years was slightly better in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.05). Disease-free survival at 5 years was higher in the LL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence to support HL or LL according to results in terms of AL or oncologic outcome. Moreover, there is not enough evidence to determine the impact of the level of IMA ligation on functional outcomes. The level of IMA ligation should be chosen case by case based on expected functional and oncological outcomes.

ERAS Protocol Applied to Oncological Colorectal Mini-invasive Surgery Reduces the Surgical Stress Response and Improves Long-term Cancer-specific Survival.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are known to reduce postoperative complications and improve short-term outcomes by minimizing the surgical stress response (SSR). Retrospective reviews of large cohorts suggest that they may also have an impact on long-term oncological outcomes. In 2016, Mari et al published a randomized trial on ERAS protocol and the impact on the SSR; they found that IL-6 was less expressed in patients who undergo laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an ERAS protocol compared with controls. The aim of the present study is to report the long-term oncological outcomes of patients enrolled 5 years after the conclusion of the study. METHODS: Patients enrolled had received the indication for major colorectal surgery, aged between 18 and 80 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades I to III, autonomous for mobilization and walking, eligible for laparoscopic technique. In total, 140 patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups of 70 patients each. Among these patients, 52 in the ERAS group (EG) and 53 in the Standard group (SG) had colorectal cancer. For them, a 5-year oncological follow-up according to the NCCN 16 guidelines was planned. IL-6, C-reactive protein, prolactine, white blood cell count, albumin, and prealbumin were compared between oncological patients in the EG and in the SG. RESULTS: EG showed lower IL-6 on postoperative day 1 (21.2±9.1 vs. 40.3 ±11.3; P <0.05) and on day 5 (14.9±6.2 vs. 38.7±8.9; P <0.05), lower C-reactive protein on day 1 (48.3±15.7 vs. 89.4±20.3; P <0.05) and on day 5 (38.3±11.4 vs. 74.3±19.7; P <0.05), and lower pre-albumine on day 5 (18.9±7.2 vs. 12.3±6.9; P <0.05) compared with SG. Median oncological follow-up was 57 months [46.5 to 60]. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival (log rank=0.195) and disease-free survival (Log rank=0.089) between groups. Cancer-specific survival was significantly better (log rank=0.038) in the EG compared with patients in the SG. CONCLUSIONS: ERAS protocol applied to colorectal laparoscopic surgery for cancer is able to minimize the SSR. As a possible result, cancer-specific survival seems to be improved in patients within enhanced protocols. However, even though there may be an association between an excess of SSR and worse oncological outcomes, the favorable effect of ERAS protocols toward better overall and disease-free survival is yet to be demonstrated.

Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD): Practical Guidance and Challenges for Clinical Management.

Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease (SUDD) is a syndrome within the diverticular disease spectrum, characterized by local abdominal pain with bowel movement changes but without systemic inflammation. This narrative review reports current knowledge, delivers practical guidance, and reveals challenges for the clinical management of SUDD. A broad and common consensus on the definition of SUDD is still needed. However, it is mainly considered a chronic condition that impairs quality of life (QoL) and is characterized by persistent left lower quadrant abdominal pain with bowel movement changes (eg, diarrhea) and low-grade inflammation (eg, elevated calprotectin) but without systemic inflammation. Age, genetic predisposition, obesity, physical inactivity, low-fiber diet, and smoking are considered risk factors. The pathogenesis of SUDD is not entirely clarified. It seems to result from an interaction between fecal microbiota alterations, neuro-immune enteric interactions, and muscular system dysfunction associated with a low-grade and local inflammatory state. At diagnosis, it is essential to assess baseline clinical and Quality of Life (QoL) scores to evaluate treatment efficacy and, ideally, to enroll patients in cohort studies, clinical trials, or registries. SUDD treatments aim to improve symptoms and QoL, prevent recurrence, and avoid disease progression and complications. An overall healthy lifestyle - physical activity and a high-fiber diet, with a focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables - is encouraged. Probiotics could effectively reduce symptoms in patients with SUDD, but their utility is missing adequate evidence. Using Rifaximin plus fiber and Mesalazine offers potential in controlling symptoms in patients with SUDD and might prevent acute diverticulitis. Surgery could be considered in patients with medical treatment failure and persistently impaired QoL. Still, studies with well-defined diagnostic criteria for SUDD that evaluate the safety, QoL, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions using standard scores and comparable outcomes are needed.

Right Hemicolectomy with Complete Mesocolic Excision Using the Versius Surgical System: A Step-by-Step Guide.

The application of new robotic platforms in colorectal surgery has increased greatly in the last 10 years. New systems have been released and entered the surgical panorama, broadening the technological offer. Robotic surgery applied to colorectal oncological surgery has been widely described. Hybrid robotic surgery in right sided colonic cancer has been previously reported. According to the site and local extension of a right-sided colon cancer, a different lymphadenectomy could be required. For more distant and locally advanced tumors a complete mesocolic excision (CME) is indicated. CME for right colon cancer is a complex operation compared to standard right hemicolectomy. Therefore a hybrid robotic system may be effectively applied to CME during a minimally-invasive right hemicolectomy to improve the dissection accuracy. Here we report a step-by-step hybrid laparoscopic/robotic right hemicolectomy with CME performed with the Versius Surgical System, a tele-operated surgical robotic system intended for the use of robotic assisted surgery.

5 year oncological outcomes of the HIGHLOW randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The oncological outcomes of low ligation (LL) compared to high ligation (HL) of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) during low-anterior rectal resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision are still debated. The aim of this study is to report the 5 year oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic LAR with either HL vs. LL of the IMA MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2014 and December 2016, patients who underwent elective laparoscopic LAR + TME in 6 Italian non-academic hospitals were randomized to HL or LL of IMA after meeting the inclusion criteria (HighLow trial; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02153801). We analyzed the rate of local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall survival, disease-specific survival, and disease-free survival at 5 years of patients previously enrolled. RESULTS: Five-year follow up data were available for 196 patients. Recurrence happened in 42 (21.4%) of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the distant recurrence rate (15.8% HL vs. 18.9% LL; P = 0.970) and pelvic recurrence rate (4,9% HL vs 3,2% LL; P = 0.843). No statistically significant difference was found in 5-year OS (p = 0.545), DSS (p = 0.732) or DFS (p = 0.985) between HL and LL. Low vs medium and upper rectum site of tumor, conversion rate, Clavien-Dindo post-operative grade ≥3 complications and tumor stage were found statistically significantly associated to poor oncological outcomes in univariate analysis; in multivariate analysis, however, only conversion rate and stage 3 cancer were found to be independent risk factors for poor DFS at 5 years. CONCLUSION: We confirmed the results found in the previous 3-year survival analysis, the level of inferior mesenteric artery ligation does not affect OS, DSS and DFS at 5-year follow-up.

Distant free air is not a contraindication for definitive laparoscopic treatment of acute perforated diverticulitis: a multi-center experience.

The paradigm of emergency laparotomy with sigmoid resection and protective stoma has been challenged for perforated diverticular disease (PDD) with free extraluminal air. Early clinical stabilization could lead to interval laparoscopic resection without stoma within 2 weeks from perforation. Patients admitted for acute diverticulitis underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. When free air was seen, endoluminal enema was administred. All patients underwent assessement of clinical stability. In unstable patients, upfront emergency surgery was performed. Stable patients underwent a conservative management consisting in fasting, central line intravenous fluids, antibiotic therapy, pain management, O2 therapy and percutaneous radiological drainage when indicated. In successful conservative management early interval surgery was planned within 15 days. Early delayed definitive laparoscopic treatment (EDDLT) was defined as laparoscopic resection of the affected colon without ostomy. A total of 235 patients were admitted to the emergency department for PDD. Among these, 142 had pericolic free air and were excluded from the study. Ninety-three had distant free air. Thirty-seven were hemodynamically unstable and underwent upfront surgery. Fifty-six patients showed a clinical stability and started on EDDLT. EDDLT was successfully performed in 36 patients (64.3%). In 20 patients (35.7%) EDDLT was unsuccessful. At multivariate analysis, distant CT extravasation of endoluminal contrast was independently associated with unsuccessful EDDLT (OR 2.1, CI 0.94-5.32). Patients with distant extraluminal free air after PDD may be treated with early delayed surgery after intensive medical therapy. Distant spread of endoluminal contrast at CT was a risk factor for unsuccessful EDDLT often indicating fecal peritonitis.

The Dilemma of the Level of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery Ligation in the Treatment of Diverticular Disease: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although sigmoidectomy is a well-standardized procedure for diverticular disease, there are still unclear areas related to the varying morphology and vascular supply of the sigmoid colon. The level of vascular ligation could affect the functional outcomes of patients operated on for diverticular disease. The aim of this review is to primarily evaluate sexual, urinary and defecatory function outcomes, as well as postoperative results, in patients who underwent surgery for diverticular disease, with or without inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MEDLINE/PubMed, WOS and Scopus databases were interrogated. Comparative studies including patients who underwent sigmoidectomy for diverticular diseases were considered. Bowel function, genitourinary function, anastomotic leak, operation time, conversion to open surgery, anastomotic bleeding, bowel obstruction were the main items of interest. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the review, three randomized and nine comparative studies. Bowel and genitourinary function are not differently affected by the level of vascular ligation. The site of ligation of IMA did not influence the rate of functional complications, anastomotic leak and bleeding. Of note, the preservation of IMA is associated with a higher conversion rate and longer operative time. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity of patient groups, and although the findings should be interpreted with caution, functional and clinical outcomes after sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease do not seem to be affected by the level of vascular ligation as long as the IMA is ligated far from its origin.

Modest agreement between magnetic resonance and pathological tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer in the real world.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used for preoperative tumor staging and to assess response to therapy in rectal cancer patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of MRI based restaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in predicting pathologic response. This multicenter cohort study included adult patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by curative intent elective surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 at four academic high-volume institutions. Magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) and pathologic tumor regression grade (pTRG) were reviewed and compared for all the patients. The agreement between radiologist and pathologist was assessed with the weighted k test. Risk factors for poor agreement were investigated using logistic regression. A total of 309 patients were included. Modest agreement was found between mrTRG and pTRG when regression was classified according to standard five-tier systems (k = 0.386). When only two categories were considered for each regression system, (pTRG 0-3 vs pTRG 4; mrTRG 2-5 vs mrTRG 1) an accuracy of 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.83) was found between radiologic and pathologic assessment with a k value of 0.185. The logistic regression model revealed that "T3 greater than 5 mm extent" was the only variable significantly impacting on disagreement (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.68, P = .0034). Modest agreement exists between mrTRG and pTRG. The chances of appropriate assessment of the regression grade after neoadjuvant CRT appear to be higher in case of a T3 tumor with at least 5 mm extension in the mesorectal fat at the pretreatment MRI.

MRI-Pathology Agreement in Rectal Cancer: Real-World Data from a Prospective Rectal Cancer Registry.

Introduction: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is routinely used in preoperative rectal cancer staging. The concordance of MRI staging with final pathologic exam, albeit improved, has not yet reached perfection. The aim of this study is to analyze the agreement between MRI and pathologic exam in patients operated on for mid-low rectal cancer. Material and Method: Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) or upfront surgery were analyzed. Between January 2019 to December 2019, 140 patients enrolled in the AIMS Academy rectal cancer registry were analyzed. Sixty-two patients received nCRT and 78 underwent upfront surgery. Results: Overall, the agreement between MRI and pathologic exam on T stage and N stage were 64.7% and 69.2%, respectively. The agreement between MRI and pathologic exam on T stage was 62.7% for patients who did not receive nCRT and 67.4% for patients who received nCRT (p = 0.62). The agreement on N stage was 76.3% for patients who did not receive nCRT and 60.0% for patients who received nCRT (p = 0.075). Conclusions: Real-world data shows MRI is still far from being able to correlate with the pathology findings which raises questions about the accuracy of the real-life decision-making process during cancer boards.

The Diverticular Disease Registry (DDR Trial) by the Advanced International Mini-Invasive Surgery Academy Clinical Research Network: Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective Observational Study.

Diverticular disease is an increasingly common issue, with a variety of clinical presentations and treatment options. However, very few prospective cohort studies explore outcomes between the different presentations and treatments. The Diverticular Disease Registry (DDR Trial) is a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study on behalf of the Advanced International Mini-Invasive Surgery (AIMS) academy clinical research network. The DDR Trial aims to investigate the short-term postoperative and long-term quality of life outcomes in patients undergoing surgery or medical treatments for diverticular disease. DDR Trial is open to participation by all tertiary-care hospitals. DDR Trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04907383). Data collection will be recorded on Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) starting on June 1st, 2021 and will end after 5 years of recruitment. All adult patients with imaging-proven colonic diverticular disease (i.e., symptomatic colonic diverticulosis including diverticular bleeding, diverticulitis, and Symptomatic Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease) will be included. The primary outcome of DDR Trial is quality of life assessment at 12-month according to the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). The secondary outcome is 30-day postoperative outcomes according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. DDR Trial will significantly advance in identifying the optimal care for patients with diverticular disease by exploring outcomes of different presentations and treatments. HIGHLIGHTS: Diverticular disease (i.e., diverticulitis, bleeding) has different treatments.This is a clinical protocol for the Diverticular Disease Registry (DDR Trial).DDR Trial is a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study open to participation.DDR Trial will study short-term postoperative and long-term quality of life outcomes.Medical treatments, interventional radiology and surgery will be explored.

A rare challenge in general surgery: double surgical procedure for large and small bowel obstruction in a patient with Gerstmann- Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome.

Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) is a rare, infectious syndrome related to a mutation in the prion protein gene. Described here are the challenges posed by surgery for a patient with GSS. A 61-yr-old woman with GSS was admitted to this department and underwent surgery twice for large and small bowel obstruction. This is the first report of two major surgical procedures in a patient with GSS. Experiences with this case and precautions when using a disposable device during endotracheal intubation and a surgical procedure to manage a patient with GSS are described.

Is BMI a Factor in Compliance to Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer?

Background: Compliance to adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) for patients undergoing rectal surgery ranges from 43% to 73.6%. Reasons reported for not initiating or completing AC include onset of postoperative complications, drug toxicity, disease progression and/or patient preferences. Little is known regarding the impact of obesity on the compliance to AC in this setting. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective study analyzed compliance to AC and treatment-related morbidity in 511 patients having undergone surgery with curative intent for rectal cancer in six Italian colorectal centers between January 2013 and December 2017. Results: 70 patients were obese (BMI 30 kg/m2). The proportion of open procedures (22.9% vs. 13.4%) and conversions (14.3% vs. 4.8%) was greater in obese compared to non-obese patients (p 0.001). Median hospital stay was one day longer for obese patients (9 days vs. 10 days, p=0.038) while there was no statistically significant difference in the complication rate, whether overall (58.6% in obese vs. 52.3% in non-obese) or with a Clavien-Dindo score 3 (17.1% vs 10.9%). AC was offered to 49/70 (70%) patients in the obese group and 306/441 (69.4%) in the non-obese group (p=0.43). There was no statistically significant difference in AC compliance: 18.4% and 22.9% did not start AC, while 36.7% and 34.6%, started AC but did not complete the scheduled treatment (p=0.79) in the obese and non-obese group, respectively. Overall, 55% of patients who started AC successfully completed their adjuvant treatment. Conclusions: Obesity did not impact compliance to AC for locally advanced rectal cancer: compliance was poor in obese and non-obese patients with no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Major complication rate was not statistically significantly affected by increased BMI.

Incarcerated sigmoid large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in an inguinal hernia.

Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) of the colon are extremely rare aggressive tumors. A 79-year-old man presented at our hospital for muco-hematic diarrhea, weight loss and incarcerated hernia in his left groin. Colonoscopy revealed sigmoid stenosis. Computed tomography confirmed an incarcerated hernia containing sigmoid mass and massive abdominal adenopathy. In absence of colonic obstruction, the patient underwent elective palliative sigmoid resection and colostomy by laparoscopic approach, and direct hernia repair through inguinal access. Histopathological examination revealed a large cells sigmoid NEC. We report the first case of large-cell neuroendocrine colon cancer incarcerated in an inguinal hernia. Due to the advanced stage, we have performed a palliative laparoscopic resection in order to reduce surgical trauma, confirm pre-operative results and minimize post-operative complications, and direct hernia repair through inguinal access.

Surgical Approach to Transverse Colon Cancer: Analysis of Current Practice and Oncological Outcomes Using the National Cancer Database.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for transverse colon cancer involves either extended colectomy or segmental resection, depending on the location of the tumor and surgeon perspective. However, the oncological safety of segmental resection has not yet been established in large cohort studies. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare segmental resection versus extended colectomy for transverse colon cancer in terms of oncological outcomes. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted using a nationwide cohort. PATIENTS: A total of 66,062 patients who underwent colectomy with curative intent for transverse stage I to III adenocarcinoma were identified in the National Cancer Database (2004-2015). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were divided in 2 groups based on the type of surgery received (extended versus segmental resection). The primary outcome was overall survival. Secondary outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality, length of hospital stay, and readmission rate within 30 days of surgical discharge. RESULTS: Extended colectomy was performed in 44,417 (67.2%) patients, whereas 21,645 (32.8%) patients underwent segmental resection. Extended colectomy was associated with lower survival at multivariate analysis (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10; p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis showed that extended resection was independently associated with poorer survival in mid transverse colon cancers (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04-1.12; p < 0.001) and in stage III tumors (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04-1.18; p < 0.001). The number of at least 12 harvested lymph nodes was an independent predictor of improved survival in both overall and subgroup analyses. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective design. CONCLUSION: Extended colectomy was not associated with a survival advantage compared with segmental resection. On the contrary, extended colectomy was associated with slightly poorer survival in mid transverse cancers and locally advanced tumors. Segmental resection was found to be safe when appropriate margins and adequate lymph node harvest were achieved. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B454. ABORDAJE QUIRRGICO DEL CNCER DE COLON TRANSVERSO ANLISIS DE LA PRCTICA ACTUAL Y LOS RESULTADOS ONCOLGICOS UTILIZANDO LA BASE DE DATOS NACIONAL DE CNCER: ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico para el cáncer de colon transverso implica colectomía extendida o resección segmentaria, según la ubicación del tumor y la perspectiva del cirujano. Sin embargo, la seguridad oncológica de la resección segmentaria aún no se ha establecido en estudios de cohortes grandes.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo comparar la resección segmentaria versus la colectomía extendida para el cáncer de colon transverso en términos de resultados oncológicos.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ESCENARIO:Este estudio se realizó utilizando una cohorte a nivel nacional.PACIENTES:Un total de 66,062 pacientes que se sometieron a colectomía con intención curativa por adenocarcinoma de colon transverso en estadio I-III fueron identificados en la Base de Datos Nacional del Cáncer (2004-2015).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los pacientes se dividieron en dos grupos según el tipo de cirugía recibida (resección extendida versus resección segmentaria). El resultado primario fue la supervivencia global. Los resultados secundarios fueron la mortalidad a los 30 y 90 días, la duración de la estancia hospitalaria y la tasa de reingreso dentro de los 30 días posteriores al alta quirúrgica.RESULTADOS:Se realizó colectomía extendida en 44,417 (67.2%) casos, mientras que 21,645 (32.8%) pacientes fueron sometidos a resección segmentaria. La colectomía extendida se asoció con una menor supervivencia en el análisis multivariado (HR 1.07 IC 95% 1.04-1.10; p <0.001). El análisis de subgrupos mostró que la resección extendida se asoció de forma independiente con una menor supervivencia en los cánceres de colon transverso medio (HR 1.08 IC 95% 1.04-1.12; p <0.001) y en tumores en estadio III (HR 1.11 IC 95% 1.04-1.18; p <0.001). Un número de al menos 12 ganglios linfáticos cosechados fue un predictor independiente de una mejor supervivencia en los análisis general y de subgrupos.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por su diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIÓN:La colectomía extendida no se asoció con una ventaja de supervivencia en comparación con la resección segmentaria. Por el contrario, la colectomía extendida se asoció con una supervivencia levemente menor en cánceres de colon transverso medio y tumores localmente avanzados. Se encontró que la resección segmentaria es segura cuando se logran los márgenes apropiados y la cosecha adecuada de ganglios linfáticos. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B454.

Do We Really Know How Much the Covid-19 Pandemic Affected the Surgical Practice in Northern Italy? A Multi-Center Comparative Study and Cost Analysis.

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic in Northern Italy has slowed down the clinical surgical activity. A system of hub and spoke hospitals was set up to take care of oncological patients with the consequent almost complete abolition of the elective surgical activity for non-oncological pathologies. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the surgical volumes of 4 different non academic general hospitals in Lombardy belonging to 4 different provinces. The quarter March April May 2019 was compared with the same period of 2020. All different procedures were listed. The cost analysis was performed using the DRG system. Results: In the four hospitals involved the surgical procedures reduced from 1903 to 350 with a drop of the 81.6%. Procedures for cancer from 403 to 161 with a drop of 60.1%. Procedures for benign disease from 1310 to 118 with a drop of the 91%. Emergencies from 190 to 71 with a drop of the 62.6%. State refund for the procedures performed from 6.708.023 to 1.678.154 with a drop of 75%. Conclusions: Elective surgery was dramatically impaired by the Covid-19 pandemic. Above all procedures for non oncological and non urgent patients were particularly affected. In view of a possible second wave of the pandemic, the surgical planning must select patients not only on onco logical criteria but rather on clinical ones. An ad hoc hub and spoke hospitals pathway has to be implemented for benign surgical diseases by whoever is facing the Covid pandemic at its spike.