Synchronous sigmoid-cecal volvulus: a rare case of large-bowel obstruction-a case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Large bowel obstruction caused by volvulus poses a life-threatening risk without immediate intervention. Sigmoid colon volvulus is predominant (43-75%), followed by cecal volvulus 10-52%). Synchronous double colonic volvulus is extremely rare, with limited documented cases in academic literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of synchronous volvulus involving the sigmoid colon and cecum in a 45-year-old male of the Toro tribe from Fort Portal city in western Uganda who presented with acute abdominal pain, distension, and complete constipation for 2 days, accompanied by five episodes of non-bloody feculent vomiting and anorexia. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Upon admission, the patient presented with stable vital signs and a mildly tender, tympanic, distended abdomen with absent bowel sounds. Plain radiographs revealed the characteristic "coffee bean" sign, indicative of sigmoid volvulus. Following optimization, laparotomy confirmed synchronous volvulus involving both the sigmoid and cecum. Subsequently, a total colectomy with end ileostomy was performed, after which the patient experienced an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Synchronous double colonic volvulus, a rare condition, is frequently overlooked clinically. Timely recognition and intervention are crucial to address diagnostic challenges and prevent potentially fatal outcomes.

Laparoscopic colectomy for patients with poor American Society of Anesthesiology classifications.

INTRODUCTION: The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification is used to assess the fitness of a patient for surgery. Whether laparoscopic surgery is appropriate for colorectal cancer patients with poor ASA performance status (PS) remains unclear. METHODS: Among 4585 patients who underwent colorectal surgery between 2016 and 2023, this study retrospectively reviewed all 458 patients with ASA-PS ≥3. Patients were divided into two groups: patients treated by open surgery (O group, n = 80); and patients treated by laparoscopic surgery (L group, n = 378). We investigated the impact of surgical approach on postoperative complications in patients with colorectal cancer and ASA-PS ≥3. RESULTS: Operation time was longer (170 min vs. 233 min, p < .001), blood loss was less (156 mL vs. 23 mL, p < .001), postoperative complications were less frequent (40.0% vs. 25.1%, p = .008), and hospital stay was shorter (23 days vs. 14 days, p < .001) in L group. Univariate analysis revealed rectal cancer, open surgery, longer operation time, and blood loss as factors significantly associated with postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis revealed open surgery (odds ratio [OR] 2.100, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.164-3.788; p = .013) and longer operation time (OR 1.747, 95% CI 1.098-2.778; p = .018) as independent predictors of postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery provides favorable outcomes for colorectal cancer patients with poor ASA-PS.

Prospective observational non-randomized trial protocol for surgical planner 3D image processing & reconstruction for locally advanced colon cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Colon cancer presents significant surgical challenges that necessitate the development of precise strategies. Standardization with complete mesocolic excision (CME) is common, but some cases require extended resections. This study investigates the use of 3D Image Processing and Reconstruction (3D-IPR) to improve diagnostic accuracy in locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) with suspected infiltration and achieve R0 surgery. METHODS: Single-center, prospective, observational, comparative, non-randomized study. •Participants: Patients aged > 18 years undergoing LACC surgery, as indicated by CT scans, confirmed via colonoscopy. Exclusion criteria include neoadjuvant therapy, suspected carcinomatosis on CT, and unresectable tumors. •Interventions: 3D-IPR models are used for surgical planning, providing detailed tumor and surrounding structure metrics. Surgical procedures are guided by CT scans and intraoperative findings, categorized by surgical margins as R0, R1, or R2. •Objective: The primary goal is to evaluate 3D-IPR's utility in achieving R0 resection in LACC with suspected infiltration. Secondary objectives include assessing preoperative surgical strategy, comparing CT reports, detecting adenopathy, and identifying vascularization and anatomical variants. • Outcome: The main outcome is the diagnostic accuracy of 3D-IPR in determining tumor infiltration of neighboring structures compared to conventional CT scans, using definitive pathological reports as the gold standard. RESULTS: •Recruitment and Number Analyzed: The study aims to recruit about 20 patients annually over two years, focusing on preoperative 3D-IPR analysis and subsequent surgical procedures. •Outcome Parameters: These include loco-regional and distant recurrence rates, peritoneal carcinomatosis, disease-free and overall survival, and mortality due to oncologic progression. •Harms: No additional risks from CT scans, as they are mandatory for staging colon tumors. 3D-IPR is derived from these CT scans. DISCUSSION: If successful, this study could provide an objective tool for precise tumor extension delimitation, aiding decision-making for radiologists, surgeons, and multidisciplinary teams. Enhanced staging through 3D-IPR may influence therapeutic strategies, reduce postsurgical complications, and improve the quality of life of patients with LACC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial is registered at ISRCTN registry as ISRCTN81005215. Protocol version I (Date 29/06/2023).

Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection for right transverse colon cancer.

OBJECTIVE: We herein propose a novel approach, laparoscopic segmental colectomy with extensive D3 lymph node dissection (ED3LND), for right-sided transverse colon cancer (TCC). METHODS: Forty-two patients with right-sided TCC were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 (segmental colectomy with D3LND) and Group 2 (segmental colectomy with ED3LND). Clinical characteristics, surgical and pathological outcomes, and oncological outcomes were retrospectively compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The number of lymph nodes retrieved, apical lymph nodes retrieved, and apical lymph node metastases were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. No significant differences were observed in the operation time, length of hospital stay, estimated blood loss, lymph node metastases, postoperative lymphoceles, or other Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III postoperative complications between the two groups. The 3-year disease-free survival rate was 82.6% in Group 1 and 84.2% in Group 2, with no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic segmental colectomy with ED3LND for right-sided TCC may offer better oncological outcomes than D3LND. A large-scale prospective randomized controlled study is needed to further validate the oncological benefits of this novel procedure.

Machine learning model predicting factors for incisional infection following right hemicolectomy for colon cancer.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide, and right hemicolectomy is a common surgical procedure for its treatment. However, postoperative incisional infections remain a significant complication, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and patient discomfort. Therefore, this study aims to utilize machine learning models, including random forest, support vector machine, deep learning models, and traditional logistic regression, to predict factors associated with incisional infection following right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 322 patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for colon cancer, including demographic information, preoperative chemotherapy status, body mass index (BMI), operative time, and other relevant variables. These data are divided into training and testing sets in a ratio of 7:3. Machine learning models, including random forest, support vector machine, and deep learning, were trained using the training set and evaluated using the testing set. RESULTS: The deep learning model exhibited the highest performance in predicting incisional infection, followed by random forest and logistic regression models. Specifically, the deep learning model demonstrated higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) and F1 score compared to other models. These findings suggest the efficacy of machine learning models in predicting risk factors for incisional infection following right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning models, particularly deep learning models, offer a promising approach for predicting the risk of incisional infection following right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. These models can provide valuable decision support for clinicians, facilitating personalized treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes.

Crohn's Disease Previously Mistreated as Intestinal Tuberculosis Complicated with Ileocecal Lump: A Case Report.

In Southeast Asia, the higher prevalence of Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) challenges the diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) due to their overlapping symptoms. This case involves a 25-year-old male misdiagnosed with Intestinal tuberculosis presenting with abdominal pain, weight loss, and bowel ulceration. Recurrence after anti-tubercular therapy led to further investigation paving to right hemicolectomy and histopathological analysis confirming Crohn's disease. This case highlights the complexity of the diagnosis of Crohn's disease in tuberculosis-prevalent areas, stressing the clinical importance, advanced diagnostics tools, and multidisciplinary approach for effective intervention.

Initial Experience With Single-Port Robotic Right Colectomies: Results of an Investigator-Initiated Investigational Device Exemption Study Using a Novel Single-Port Robotic Platform.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been widely adopted in colorectal surgery. New technological breakthroughs have led to even less invasive alternatives like single-port surgery, but this has been hindered by technical challenges such as the collision of robotic arms within a limited space. The Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port robotic platform is a novel system that overcomes some of these challenges. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of the Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port robotic platform in right segmental colectomies among adult patients. These findings may set the stage for more widespread use of single-port robotic surgery. TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: The Intuitive da Vinci Single-Port robot is a system designed specifically for single-port robotic surgery. This platform enables flexible port location and efficient internal and external range of motion using a single C-shaped arm. In the present study, right colectomies were performed in adult patients using this platform between May 2022 and November 2022, and they were compared to right colectomies in adult patients performed using the standard multiport platform between January 2019 and December 2022. The main outcome measure was safety and quality event rates. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Of 30 patients, 16.7% of patients (n = 5) underwent single-port robotic right colectomy and 83.3% (n = 25) underwent multiport right colectomy. In the single-port group, 40% of patients (n = 2) developed a safety/quality event (postoperative portal vein thrombosis and excessive postoperative pain). In the multiport group, 32% of patients (n = 8) developed 1 safety/quality event and 8% (n = 2) had more than 1 event. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This preliminary study, one of the first Food and Drug Administration-approved, investigator-initiated uses of this platform in colorectal surgeries, shows that this platform is a safe and feasible option for right colectomies. On preliminary evaluation, it appears comparable in terms of relevant safety/quality events to the multiport platform. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05321134.

Vascular-oriented D3 lymph node dissection with left colic artery preservation for distal sigmoid colon cancer: a variety of techniques.

BACKGROUND: One of the approaches to distal sigmoid colon cancer surgical treatment is segmental colonic resection with vascular preservation of left colic artery (LCA). D3 lymph node dissection may technically vary according to different vascular anatomy. This study aims to show the approaches to D3 lymph node dissection with LCA preservation for distal sigmoid colon cancer according to different patterns of inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) branching. METHODS: CT angiography with 3D reconstruction was routinely performed to identify the IMA branching pattern. Laparoscopic distal sigmoid colon resection with D3 lymph node dissection and left colic artery preservation in standardized fashion was performed in all cases. Data, including clinical, intraoperative, and short-term surgical outcomes, is presented as median numbers (Me) and interquartile range (IQR). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with distal sigmoid colon cancer were treated with laparoscopic distal sigmoid colon resection. The approach to D3 lymph node dissection varied according to different anatomical variations. There was one conversion (3.8%) and one anastomotic leakage (3.8%) in patients with high BMI. At the same time, there was a high apical lymph node count (Me 3 (IQR 2-5), min-max 0-10) due to the skeletonization of the IMA. CONCLUSIONS: The technical aspects of D3 lymph node dissection with left colic artery preservation may vary in different types of LCA and sigmoid artery branching patterns regardless of the standardized anatomical landmarks. The anatomical features should be considered when performing vascular-sparing lymph node dissection.

Prognostic analysis of appendectomy versus right hemicolectomy for T1 appendiceal adenocarcinoma: a multicenter retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Appendiceal adenocarcinoma, an exceedingly rare malignancy, sparks debate on the optimal surgical approach-appendectomy or right hemicolectomy-for early-stage cases. This study aims to investigate the impact of these two surgical methods on the survival prognosis of patients with early appendiceal adenocarcinoma. METHOD: Utilizing a multicenter medical database, we gathered data from 168 patients diagnosed with T1 stage appendiceal adenocarcinoma admitted between January 2008 and January 2015. This study aims to compare the impact of different treatment modalities on the prognosis of appendiceal adenocarcinoma in these two groups. RESULT: In patients diagnosed with T1 appendiceal adenocarcinoma, the survival prognosis was not significantly improved with right hemicolectomy compared to appendectomy. Out of one hundred twenty-seven patients undergoing right colon resection, only three exhibited lymphatic metastasis, resulting in a rate of 2.3%. CONCLUSION: Simple appendectomy can fulfill the objective of achieving radical tumor resection, rendering right hemicolectomy unnecessary.

Prophylactic para-aortic lymph node dissection in Colo-rectal cancer; pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer worldwide, representing 10% of all cancer types, and is considered the 2nd leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It usually metastasizes to the liver or lung. Para-aortic lymph node metastasis is considered a metastatic disease (stage 4) according to the AJCC and is considered a regional disease (stage 3) according to the JSCCR. Para-aortic lymph node metastases occur in about 1% of cases. Neoadjuvant CTH, followed by PALN, is the best option for metastatic para-aortic LNs in colorectal cancer patients. This study addresses the value of prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection among colon-rectal cancer patients (overtreatment protocol). METHODOLOGY: This is a prospective study that included patients attending NCI, Cairo University, from December 2020 to December 2023 who were complaining of left colonic cancer or recto-sigmoid cancer and underwent left hemicolectomy, sigmoid colectomy, or LAR. All patients underwent formal mesenteric LN dissection and prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection. RESULTS: Among 60 patients who underwent colorectal surgery with prophylactic para-aortic LN dissection, 21 cases (35%) were in the descending colon, 22 cases (36.7%) were in the sigmoid colon, 11 cases (18.3%) were in the recto-sigmoid, and 6 cases (10%) were in the upper rectum. 55 cases (91.7%) were in grade 2, and 5 cases (8.3%) were in grade 3. Neoadjuvant CTH was given in 3 cases (5%) while neoadjuvant RTH was given in 6 cases (10%). Regarding reported postoperative complications, lymphorrhea was reported in 2 patients (3.3%) and wound infection occurred in 6 patients (10%). A recurrence was reported among 8 cases (13.4%). CONCLUSIONS: We aimed in this study to highlight the value of prophylactic para-aortic lymph node dissection among colorectal cancer patients (over-treatment protocol) and report its reflection on predicting the behavior of the disease and subsequently selecting the patients who will be suitable to do this procedure.

Decision Aid for Colectomy in Recurrent Diverticulitis: Development and Usability Study.

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is a common gastrointestinal diagnosis with over 2.7 million clinic visits yearly. National guidelines from the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons state that "the decision to recommend elective sigmoid colectomy after recovery from uncomplicated acute diverticulitis should be individualized." However, tools to individualize this decision are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop an online educational decision aid (DA) to facilitate effective surgeon and patient communication about treatment options for recurrent left-sided diverticulitis. METHODS: We used a modified design sprint methodology to create a prototype DA. We engaged a multidisciplinary team and adapted elements from the Ottawa Personal Decision Guide. We then iteratively refined the prototype by conducting a mixed methods assessment of content and usability testing, involving cognitive interviews with patients and surgeons. The findings informed the refinement of the DA. Further testing included an in-clinic feasibility review. RESULTS: Over a 4-day in-person rapid design sprint, including patients, surgeons, and health communication experts, we developed a prototype of a diverticulitis DA, comprising an interactive website and handout with 3 discrete sections. The first section contains education about diverticulitis and treatment options. The second section clarifies the potential risks and benefits of both clinical treatment options (medical management vs colectomy). The third section invites patients to participate in a value clarification exercise. After navigating the DA, the patient prints a synopsis that they bring to their clinic appointment, which serves as a guide for shared decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Design sprint methodology, emphasizing stakeholder co-design and complemented by extensive user testing, is an effective and efficient strategy to create a DA for patients living with recurrent diverticulitis facing critical treatment decisions.

Cost-benefit analysis and short-term outcomes after implementing an ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has become increasingly popular in the post-operative management of abdominal surgery. Published data suggest that patients on ERAS protocols have fewer minor and major complications, and highlight a reduction in medical morbidity (such as urinary and respiratory infections). Limited data is available on surgical complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the ERAS protocol on post-operative complications and length of hospital stay. Furthermore, we aimed to determine the impact of this protocol on cost-effectiveness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2022, 532 colectomies for colorectal cancer (CRC) were performed. A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary hospital on the cohort of patients, aged 18 years and older, operated on for non-urgent colorectal cancer. The impact on post-operative complications, hospital stay and economic impact was analysed in two groups: patients managed under ERAS and non-ERAS protocol. A propensity score-matching analysis was performed between the two groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching 1:1, each cohort included 71 patients, and clinicopathological characteristics were well balanced in terms of tumour type, surgical technique and surgical approach. ERAS patients experienced fewer infectious complications and a shorter postoperative stay (p < 0.001). In particular, they had an 8.5% reduction in anastomotic dehiscence (p = 0.012) and surgical wound infections (p = 0.029). After analysis of medical complications, no statistically significant differences were identified in urinary tract infections, pneumonia, gastrointestinal bleeding or sepsis. ERAS protocol was more efficient and cost-effective than the control group, with an overall savings of 37,673.44€. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an enhanced recovery protocol for elective colorectal surgery in a tertiary hospital was cost-effective and associated with a reduction in post-operative complications, especially infectious complications.

Short-term outcomes of delta-shaped anastomosis versus functional end-to-end anastomosis using linear staplers for colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several methods are used for reconstruction in colon cancer surgery, including hand-sewn or stapled anastomosis. However, few reports have compared short-term outcomes among reconstruction methods. This study compared short-term outcomes between delta-shaped anastomosis (Delta) and functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1314 consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery with FEEA or Delta reconstruction between January 2016 and December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups according to reconstruction by FEEA (F group; n = 1242) or Delta (D group; n = 72). Propensity score matching was applied to minimize the possibility of selection bias and to balance covariates that could affect postoperative complications. Short-term outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occurred in 215 patients (17.3%) in F group and 8 patients (11.1%) in D group. Before matching, transverse colon cancer was more frequent (p = 0.002), clinical N-positive status was less frequent (44.1% versus 16.7%, p < 0.001), distant metastasis was less frequent (11.7% versus 1.4%, p = 0.003), and laparoscopic approach was more frequent (87.8% versus 100%, p < 0.001) in D group. After matching, no differences in any clinical factor were evident between groups. Blood loss was significantly lower (28 mL versus 10 mL, p = 0.002) in D group, but operation time and postoperative complication rates were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Delta and FEEA were both considered safe as reconstruction methods. Further studies are needed to clarify appropriate case selection for Delta and FEEA.

Total abdominal colectomy versus diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage for fulminant clostridium difficile colitis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes.

PURPOSE: Diverting Loop Ileostomy (DLI) with intraoperative colonic lavage has emerged as a potential alternative to Total Abdominal Colectomy (TAC) for treating Fulminant Clostridium Difficile Colitis (FCDC). This study aims to provide an updated review comparing DLI with TAC in managing FCDC. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to identify retrospective and prospective studies comparing DLI with TAC for fulminant CDC treatment. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate postoperative mortality rates and complications using R Studio version 4.4.1, calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals via the Mantel-Haenszel method. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics. RESULTS: Our search yielded 228 relevant citations, of which 7 studies with a total of 7,048 patients were included. Of these, 1,728 underwent DLI. The mean age was 63.33 years in the DLI group and 65.74 years in the TAC group. Compared to TAC, DLI had significantly lower postoperative mortality (OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.90; P = 0.002; I2 = 34%). Trial sequential analysis for postoperative mortality rates showed the benefit of DLI with a sufficiently powered sample. The DLI group also had a significantly higher rate of ostomy reversal (OR 5.68; 95% CI 2.35-13.72; P < 0.001; I2 = 36%). Postoperative complications, such as thromboembolic events, surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, renal failure, and pneumonia, were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: DLI shows a lower postoperative mortality rate and higher ostomy reversal rate than TAC, suggesting it as a potential organ-preserving, minimally invasive alternative. Further high-quality studies and trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Robot-assisted vs. laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in octogenarians and nonagenarians: an analysis of the US nationwide inpatient sample 2005-2018.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health concern, particularly among older adults. Outcomes between laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgeries for right-sided colon cancers in the oldest old population have yet to be evaluated despite increased use of these surgeries. AIM: This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes after robot-assisted right hemicolectomy (RARH) versus laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH) in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients. METHODS: This population-based, retrospective and observational study analyzed the data of adults ≥ 80 years old diagnosed with right-side colon cancer who received RARH or LRH. All data were extracted from the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database 2005-2018. Associations between type of surgery and in-hospital outcomes were determined using univariate and multivariable logistic regression and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Data of 7,550 patients (representing 37,126 hospitalized patients in the U.S.) were analyzed. Mean age of the study population was 84.8 years, 61.4% were females, and 79.1% were non-smokers. After adjusting for relevant confounders, regression analysis showed that patients undergoing RARH had a significantly shorter LOS (adjusted Beta (aBeta), -0.24, 95% CI: -0.32, -0.15) but greater total hospital costs (aBeta, 26.54, 95% CI: 24.64, 28.44) than patients undergoing LRH. No significant differences in mortality, perioperative complications, and risk of unfavorable discharge were observed between the two procedures (p > 0.05). Stratified analyses by frailty status revealed consistent results. CONCLUSIONS: RARH is associated with a significantly shorter LOS but higher total hospital costs than LRH among octogenarians and nonagenarians. Other short-term outcomes for this population are similar between the two procedures, including in-hospital mortality, perioperative complications, and unfavorable discharge. These findings also apply to frail patients.

Oncologic outcomes for robotic versus laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer: an ACS-NSQIP analysis.

Robotic colectomy has been associated with comparable or improved short-term morbidity and mortality when compared to laparoscopic colectomy, including shorter length of stay. In this study, we sought to understand oncologic advantages for robotic as compared to laparoscopic colectomy in colon cancer. We analyzed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) participant user files for all elective colon cancer cases from 1/2016 through 12/2021 performed with minimally invasive surgical techniques (robotic and laparoscopic). We calculated relative risks (RR) through Poisson Regression models and treatment effect coefficients by propensity-score match, after adjusting for age, BMI, ASA scores, mechanical and antibiotic bowel preparation, emergency surgery, race, gender, smoking status, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Analyzed outcomes included rate of chemotherapy initiation within 90 days of surgery, number of harvested lymph nodes, any occurrence of intraoperative or postoperative blood transfusion, and the need for ostomy. During the study period, 44,745 patients underwent minimally invasive colectomy for colon cancer; 39,614 in the laparoscopic cohort and 7,831 in the robotic cohort. After adjusting for confounders, robotic colectomy was associated with a significant increase in the likelihood for initating chemotherapy within 90 days (RR 1.98, 95% CI {1.86-2.10}, p < 0.001). The robotic-treated patients had a significantly more lymph nodes harvested, a significant decrease in the need for intraperative or postoperative blood transfusion (RR 0.64, 95% CI {0.57-0.71}, p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the need for ostomy formation (RR 0.26, 95% CI {0.22-0.30}, p < 0.001). As a retrospective and non-randomized study, residual bias and confouding variables are likely to exist. The study is also subject to coding incompleteness and inaccuracies. We also do not have additional context on potential factors that might influence time to chemotherapy. In addition, there is no information on surgeon or hospital volume, which can be associated with outcomes. Robotic colectomy for colon cancer was associated with significant improvement in the rate of chemotherapy initiation within 90 days, a significant reduction in need for blood transfusions, and a lower likelihood of receiving an ostomy when compared to laparoscopic colectomy procedures. The data reveal substantial short-term gains in oncologic outcomes for colon cancer performed with robotic techniques.

[Chinese expert consensus on the surgical treatment of right-sided colon cancer (2024 edition)].

In the past two decades, with the development and application of laparoscopic technique and the promotion of the concept of complete mesocolic excision, significant changes have occurred in the surgical treatment of right-sided colon cancer. The Chinese Society of Colorectal Surgery and Chinese Colorectal Research Consortium (CCRC) Organized national experts in colorectal surgery to form a consensus on 14 key clinical issues related to right hemicolectomy, taking into account the preferences of Chinese doctors and patients as well as the pros and cons of intervention measures, with a view to standardizing the surgical treatment of right colon cancer. The consensus recommendations were focused on three main aspects: (1) surgical anatomy: the key structures and its definitions related to the mesentery and vascular anatomy were clarified. It is recommended that the left side of the superior mesenteric artery be considered the medial boundary for complete mesocolic excision; (2) surgical technique: laparoscopy is recommended as the preferred surgical approach for right-sided colon cancer; (3) surgical principles: D2 lymph node dissection could be considered as the standard of care for right-sided colon cancer. Standard D2 could be considered as routine procedure unless preoperative imaging or intraoperative exploration revealed suspected regional lymph node metastasis. Dissection of infrapyloric lymph node is not recommended unless it is suspected as metastasis. Additionally, consensus recommendations were made regarding the location of vascular ligation, the extent of bowel resection, and anastomosis techniques.

[Impacts of participation in surgical clinical trial on safety and survival outcomes in patients with right-sided colon cancer].

Objective: To explore the impact on safety and prognosis in patients with right-sided colon cancer participating in surgical clinical research. Methods: This retrospective cohort study utilized data from a randomized controlled trial (RELARC study) conducted by the colorectal surgery group at Peking Union Medical College Hospital in which laparoscopic complete mesocolic excision (CME) was compared with D2 radical resection for the management of right-sided colon cancer. The eligibility criteria were age 18-75 years, biopsy-proven colon adenocarcinoma, tumor located between the cecum and right 1/3 of the transverse colon, enhanced chest, abdomen, and pelvic CT scans suggesting tumor stage T2-T4N0M0 or TanyN+ M0, and having undergone radical surgical treatment from January 2016 to December 2019. Exclusion factors included multiple primary colorectal cancers, preoperative stage T1N0 or enlarged central lymph nodes, tumor involving surrounding organs requiring their resection, definite distant metastasis or otherwise unable to undergo R0 resection, history of any other malignant tumors within previous 5 years, intestinal obstruction, perforation, or gastrointestinal bleeding requiring emergency surgery, and assessed as unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery. Patients who had participated in the RELARC study were included in the RELARC group, whereas those who met the inclusion criteria but refused to participate in the RELAEC study were included in the control group. The main indicators studied were the patient's baseline data, surgery and perioperative conditions, pathological characteristics, adjuvant treatment, and postoperative follow-up (including average frequency of follow-up within the first 3 years) and survival (including 3-year disease-free survival rate (DFS) and 3-year overall survival rate (OS). Differences in these indicators between the RELARC and control groups were compared. Results: The study cohort comprised 290 patients, 173 in the RELARC group (RELARC-CME group, 82; RELARC-D2 group, 91) and 117 in the control group (CME control group, 72; D2 control group, 45). There was a significantly higher proportion of overweight patients (BMI ≥24 kg/m2) in the RELARC-CME than in the CME control group (67.1% [55/82] vs. 33.3% [24/72], χ2=17.469, P<0.001). There were no other statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics (all P>0.05). No significant disparities were found between the CME and D2 groups in terms of operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, rate of conversion to open surgery, combined organ resection, intraoperative blood transfusion, or intraoperative complications (all P>0.05). There was a trend toward Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher postoperative complications in the RELARC-CME group (24.4% [20/82]) than in the CME control group (18.1% [13/72]); however, this difference was not statistically significant (χ2=0.914, P=0.339). Similarly, the difference in this rate did not differ significantly between the RELARC-D2 group (25.3% [23/91]) and D2 control group (24.4% [11/45], χ2=0.011, P=0.916). The median duration of postoperative follow-up was significantly shorter in the RELARC groups than in the corresponding control groups. Specifically, the median duration of follow-up was 4.5 (4.5, 4.5) months in the RELARC-CME and 7.2 (6.0, 9.0) months in the CME control group (Z=-10.608, P<0.001). Similarly, the median duration of follow-up was 4.5 (4.5, 4.5) months in the RELARC-D2 group as opposed to 8.3 (6.6, 9.0) months in the D2 control group (Z=-10.595, P<0.001). The 3-year DFS rate (91.5%) and OS rate (96.3%) tended to be higher in the RELARC-CME group than in the CME control group (84.7% and 90.3%, respectively). The 3-year DFS rate (87.9%) and OS rate (96.7%) tended to be higher in the RELARC-D2 group than in the D2 control group (81.8% and 88.6%, respectively); however, these differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Subgroup analysis according to pathological stage revealed that patients in the RELARC-D2 group with pN0 stage achieved a significantly superior 3-year OS rate than did those in the D2 control group (100% vs. 88.9%, P=0.008). We identified no statistically significant differences in survival rates between the remaining subgroups (all P>0.05). Conclusions: A high-quality surgical clinical trial with close follow-up can achieve perioperative safety and a trend toward improved survival outcomes.