Venous thromboembolism among Asian populations with localized colorectal cancer undergoing curative resection: is pharmacological thromboprophylaxis required? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: We compared the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among Asian populations with localized colorectal cancer undergoing curative resection with and without the use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (PTP). METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to identify relevant studies published from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2022. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent primary tumor resection for localized nonmetastatic colorectal cancer; an Asian population or studies conducted in an Asian country; randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, or cohort studies; and the incidence of symptomatic VTE, deep vein thrombosis, and/or pulmonary embolism as the primary study outcomes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. This study was registered in PROSPERO on October 11, 2020 (No. CRD42020206793). RESULTS: Seven studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 5 observational cohort studies) were included, encompassing 5,302 patients. The overall incidence of VTE was 1.4%. The use of PTP did not significantly reduce overall VTE incidence: 1.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0%-3.1%) versus 1.9% (95% CI, 0.3%-4.4%; P = 0.55). Similarly, PTP was not associated with significantly lower rates of symptomatic VTE, proximal deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The benefit of PTP in reducing VTE incidence among Asian patients undergoing curative resection for localized colorectal cancer has not been clearly established. The decision to administer PTP should be evaluated on a case-bycase basis and with consideration of associated bleeding risks.

Stenting as a bridge to surgery in obstructing colon cancer: Long-term recurrence pattern and competing risk of mortality.

BACKGROUND: Stenting as a bridge to curative surgery (SBTS) for obstructing colon cancer (OCC) has been associated with possibly worse oncological outcomes. AIM: To evaluate the recurrence patterns, survival outcomes, and colorectal cancer (CRC)-specific death in patients undergoing SBTS for OCC. METHODS: Data from 62 patients undergoing SBTS at a single tertiary centre over ten years between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively examined. Primary outcomes were recurrence patterns, overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and CRC-specific death. OS and CSS were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier curves. Competing risk analysis with cumulative incidence function (CIF) was used to estimate CRC-specific mortality with other cause-specific death as a competing event. Fine-Gray regressions were performed to determine prognostic factors of CRC-specific death. Univariate and multivariate subdistribution hazard ratios and their corresponding Wald test P values were calculated. RESULTS: 28 patients (45.2%) developed metastases after a median period of 16 mo. Among the 18 patients with single-site metastases: Four had lung-only metastases (14.3%), four had liver-only metastases (14.3%), and 10 had peritoneum-only metastases (35.7%), while 10 patients had two or more sites of metastatic disease (35.7%). The peritoneum was the most prevalent (60.7%) site of metastatic involvement (17/28). The median follow-up duration was 46 mo. 26 (41.9%) of the 62 patients died, of which 16 (61.5%) were CRC-specific deaths and 10 (38.5%) were deaths owing to other causes. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS probabilities were 88%, 74%, and 59%; 1-, 3-, and 5-year CSS probabilities were 97%, 83%, and 67%. The highest CIF for CRC-specific death at 60 mo was liver-only recurrence (0.69). Liver-only recurrence, peritoneum-only recurrence, and two or more recurrence sites were predictive of CRC-specific death. CONCLUSION: The peritoneum was the most common metastatic site among patients undergoing SBTS. Liver-only recurrence, peritoneum-only recurrence, and two or more recurrence sites were predictors of CRC-specific death.

Laser hemorrhoidoplasty versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy for grade II/III hemorrhoids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study compared the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LH) vs. conventional hemorrhoidectomy (CH) in patients with grade II/III hemorrhoids. METHODS: PubMed/Medline and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized and nonrandomized studies comparing LH against CH in grade II/III hemorrhoids. The primary outcomes included postoperative use of analgesia, postoperative morbidity (bleeding, urinary retention, pain, thrombosis), and time of return to work/daily activities. RESULTS: Nine studies totaling 661 patients (LH, 336 and CH, 325) were included. The LH group had shorter operative time (P<0.001) and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.001). Postoperative pain was lower in the LH group, with lower postoperative day 1 (mean difference [MD], -2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], -3.44 to -0.75; P=0.002) and postoperative day 7 (MD, -3.94; 95% CI, -6.36 to -1.52; P=0.001) visual analogue scores and use of analgesia (risk ratio [RR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42-0.81; P=0.001). The risk of postoperative bleeding was also lower in the LH group (RR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.12- 0.28; P<0.001), with a quicker return to work or daily activities (P=0.002). The 12-month risks of bleeding (P>0.999) and prolapse (P=0.240), and the likelihood of complete resolution at 12 months, were similar (P=0.240). CONCLUSION: LH offers more favorable short-term clinical outcomes than CH, with reduced morbidity and pain and earlier return to work or daily activities. Medium-term symptom recurrence at 12 months was similar. Our results should be verified in future well-designed trials with larger samples.

Efficacy of biofeedback therapy for faecal incontinence in an Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Faecal incontinence (FI) is a debilitating condition which reduces quality of life (QOL). Conservative management with education, pelvic floor exercise and pharmacological agents are first-line treatment. Following which, biofeedback therapy (BFT) is recommended. Although well described in the West, existing literature on its efficacy in Asian populations remains sparse. The primary aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of BFT in improvement of symptoms, QOL and overall satisfaction in our Asian population. METHODS: Patients with moderate FI in Singapore General Hospital between 2012 and 2016 were enrolled. Rockwood FI quality of life scale (FIQL) and Wexner scale were used to evaluate QOL across four domains, and symptom severity respectively. They were scored at baseline and again after four sessions of BFT, with an additional overall satisfaction score (OSS). RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were included. Mean age was 62 years and 72.3% were female. Majority demonstrated improvement in Wexner score (68.6%) and FIQL (65%). Sixty-five patients (47.4%) reported improvement in both. Positive correlation was found between Wexner score and OSS (r = 0.206), and Wexner score and FIQL across all four domains. Only one FIQL domain-coping/behaviour, showed statistically significant correlation with OSS (r = 0.263). CONCLUSION: BFT is effective in our Asian population in both symptom reduction and improving QOL. Wexner score demonstrated low correlation with FIQL and OSS-suggesting that FI requires a multi-dimensional approach beyond symptom treatment, of which ability to cope appears crucial. BFT, consistent with the biopsychosocial model, shows benefit in this regard.

Trends in the surgical management of rectal prolapse: An Asian experience.

BACKGROUND: Posterior compartment pelvic floor prolapse (PCPFP) leads to anatomical distortion and functional impairment. Definitive management involves surgery. Ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR) has gained increasing popularity in the West as it emerges as a durable approach. Existing literature and evidence on safety and efficacy of PCPFP surgery in the Asian population remains sparse. Our study aims to review our institution's experience in surgery for PCPFP. METHODS: All cases of PCPFP surgery in Singapore General Hospital between 2014 to 2019 were studied. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients had surgery performed for PCPFP, with the majority (83%) in the last 3 years. Median age was 63 years and 92% were female. Most patients (64%) had obstructive defecation symptoms, while the remaining had fecal incontinence, rectal bleeding, or anal discomfort. Main anatomical indication for surgery was external rectal prolapse (48%). Other indications were rectocele and/or rectal intussusception. The majority (66%) had abdominal rectopexy, while 28 underwent Delorme's procedure. Forty-five of the 50 VMRs were minimally invasive. Patients undergoing rectopexy were observed to be younger. Median length of stay was 3 days. Nine patients had early operative complications of which ileus was most common. Median length of follow-up was 12 months. The majority (93%) had initial symptom satisfaction. Eleven patients had anatomical recurrence with a median length of 9 months to development. There was no significant difference in outcomes between abdominal vs perineal approach, or laparoscopic vs robotic VMR. CONCLUSION: Surgery for PCPFP has gained acceptance in our Asian institution with good symptom improvement, alongside low morbidity and recurrence.

Surgical and oncological safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy in an Asian population.

BACKGROUND: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) allows for excellent postmastectomy reconstruction aesthetics and is used for both therapeutic and risk-reducing purposes. Reservations regarding the potential for locoregional recurrence and concerns about nipple-areolar complex (NAC) necrosis remain amongst many surgeons. We review the surgical and oncological outcomes after NSM in our institution. METHODS: All NSM cases at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed. Tumour characteristics, reconstruction methods, surgical and oncological outcomes are described. RESULTS: A total of 139 NSMs were performed for 130 patients. The median age was 46 years (range 21-66). The use of NSM increased from 2% of all breast reconstructions in 2005 to 37% in 2015. The majority (n = 119; 86%) were for cancer treatment and 20 (14%) for risk-reducing purposes. Among those performed for cancer, patients mainly had early stage breast cancer (n = 106, 89%). Autologous reconstruction (n = 111, 80%) was most common. Early complications requiring surgical intervention occurred in 24 (17%) NSMs, including 9 partial/complete flap loss and 2 complete NAC loss. Smoking, previous breast radiation and periareolar incision were all not associated with a higher re-intervention rate (p = 0.93, 0.41 and 0.91, respectively). Median follow-up was 43 months (range 5-145). Five patients (4%) developed local recurrence, including 2 NAC recurrences. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rate is 97 and 90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: NSM is an oncologically safe procedure in selected patients with acceptable low complication rates.

Robotics confers an advantage in right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis when matched against conventional laparoscopy.

Comparisons between robotic and laparoscopic right hemicolectomy have been confounded by variations in operative technique. This study evaluates the two procedures after standardizing the intraoperative steps and perioperative management. Patients who underwent robotic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal bowel anastomosis between July 2015 and June 2017 were matched with a laparoscopic group. Perioperative management was in accordance to an enhanced recovery protocol. Outcomes and histopathological data were compared. Thirty-two patients were included. Amongst the patients who did not undergo complete mesocolic excision, the median operative time did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.413). The robotic group recorded a statistically shorter time for intracorporeal anastomosis (13 vs 19 min, p = 0.024). Postoperative recovery and complication rates were similar, except for a greater lymph node harvest in the robotic group (41 vs 31, p = 0.038). Robotic surgery achieves short-term results comparable to existing conventional laparoscopy, notwithstanding the advantages of enhanced ergonomics.

Small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen: time to challenge surgical dogma with evidence.

BACKGROUND: Although adhesions account for more than 70% of small bowel obstruction (SBO), they are thought to be less likely aetiologies in patients without previous abdominal surgery. Expedient surgery has historically been advocated as prudent management in these patients. Emerging evidence appears to challenge such a dogmatic approach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in all SBO patients with a virgin abdomen admitted between January 2012 and August 2014. Patients with obstruction secondary to abdominal wall hernias were excluded. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, management strategy and pathology involved were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients were included in the study. The majority of patients were males (66.7%), with a median age of 58 years (range: 23-101). Abdominal pain (97%) and vomiting (86%) were the most common presentations while abdominal distention (60%) and constipation (25%) were reported less frequently. Adhesions accounted for the underlying cause in 44 (62%) patients. Other aetiologies included gallstone ileus (n = 5), phytobezoar (n = 5), intussusception (n = 4), internal herniation (n = 4), newly diagnosed small bowel tumour (n = 3), mesenteric volvulus (n = 3), stricture (n = 3) and Meckel's diverticulum (n = 1). Twenty-nine (40%) patients were successfully managed conservatively while the remaining 43 (60%) underwent surgery. The intraoperative findings were in concordance with the preoperative computed tomography scan in 76% of cases. CONCLUSION: Adhesions remain prevalent despite the absence of previous abdominal surgery. Non-operative management is feasible for SBO in a virgin abdomen. Computed tomography scan can be a useful adjunct in discerning patients who may be treated non-operatively by elucidating the underlying cause of obstruction.

Trends in Post-Mastectomy Reconstruction in an Asian Population: A 12-Year Institutional Review.

Post-mastectomy breast reconstruction is an integral component of breast cancer treatment. It is often perceived that women in Asian countries have a lower rate of post-mastectomy reconstruction than Western populations. This study describes trends in timing and types of breast reconstruction performed in the largest healthcare provider in Singapore, over a period of 12 years. It also reports on the oncological outcomes and surgical safety. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent post-mastectomy reconstruction from January 2001 to December 2012 at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital was performed. Six hundred and twenty post-mastectomy reconstructions were performed in 579 patients. The proportion of reconstructions increased from 4% in 2001 to 18% in 2012. Younger patients (<50 years old) and those with early stage cancer were more likely to undergo reconstruction. Immediate breast reconstruction was favored by more than 90% of patients. Postoperatively, 9% developed acute surgical complications that were treated surgically; 6% had additional surgery for late complications. Only 4% had delay of adjuvant chemotherapy. At median follow-up of 63 months (range 3-166), loco-regional recurrence was 4%, and distant metastases 8%. Post-mastectomy reconstruction for breast cancer is increasingly performed in our institution. Both younger age and lower stage disease were associated with choice for reconstruction in our study. Low rates of delay to adjuvant therapy were noted, and it may safely be offered to suitable women undergoing mastectomy.

Adopting ambulatory breast cancer surgery as the standard of care in an asian population.

Introduction. Ambulatory surgery is not commonly practiced in Asia. A 23-hour ambulatory (AS23) service was implemented at our institute in March 2004 to allow more surgeries to be performed as ambulatory procedures. In this study, we reviewed the impact of the AS23 service on breast cancer surgeries and reviewed surgical outcomes, including postoperative complications, length of stay, and 30-day readmission. Methods. Retrospective review was performed of 1742 patients who underwent definitive breast cancer surgery from 1 March 2004 to 31 December 2010. Results. By 2010, more than 70% of surgeries were being performed as ambulatory procedures. Younger women (P < 0.01), those undergoing wide local excision (P < 0.01) and those with ductal carcinoma-in situ or early stage breast cancer (P < 0.01), were more likely to undergo ambulatory surgery. Six percent of patients initially scheduled for ambulatory surgery were eventually managed as inpatients; a third of these were because of perioperative complications. Wound complications, 30-day readmission and reoperation rates were not more frequent with ambulatory surgery. Conclusion. Ambulatory breast cancer surgery is now the standard of care at our institute. An integrated workflow facilitating proper patient selection and structured postoperativee outpatient care have ensured minimal complications and high patient acceptance.

Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy in an Asian population: a single institution review.

BACKGROUND: Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) removes the non-diseased breast in women who have unilateral breast cancer. This reduces the incidence of contralateral breast cancer, and potentially improves survival in high risk patients. Such surgical risk-reduction strategy is increasingly being adopted in the United States, despite a decreasing incidence of contralateral breast cancer. The use of CPM in an Asian population is yet unknown. We present the first Asian report on CPM rates and trends in Singapore, the country with the highest incidence of breast cancer in Asia. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients who had breast cancer surgery from 2001 to 2010 at the largest healthcare system in Singapore was performed. Patient demographics and tumour characteristics were analysed with regards to type of surgery performed. Factors associated with CPM were identified. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2010, a total of 5130 patients underwent oncological breast surgery. A decreasing trend of mastectomies (82.7%-70.8%), an upward trend of breast conserving surgery (BCS) (17.3%-29.2%) and an increasing trend in CPM (0.46%-1.25%) is observed. Patients who opted for CPM are likely to be younger (48.4 ± 9.4 years), married (60%), parous (56.7%), with no family history of breast/ovarian cancer (66.7%), and diagnosed at an earlier stage. The rate of synchronous occult breast malignancy was found to be 10% (n = 30), and these were in patients who were of a low cancer-risk profile. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study reflects an increasing incidence of breast cancer in Singapore, with a decrease in mastectomies, and an increase in BCS and CPM rates, similar to Western data. Similar to Western populations, the Asian woman who opts for CPM is likely to be young and have an earlier stage of breast cancer. In contrast, the Asian woman is likely to have no family history of breast or ovarian cancers. Commonly cited reasons for increased CPM rates such as the increased availability of genetic counselling and pre-operative MRI evaluation, along with wide use of reconstruction, do not feature as dominant factors in our population, suggesting that the Asian patients may have different considerations when electing for CPM.