Urogenital dysfunction in patients after miniinvasive restorative low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision.

Introduction: Over the last decades outcomes for rectal cancer surgery have improved, with increasing survival rates. Nevertheless, functional disorders are still frequent. Aim: To evaluate sexual and urinary outcomes of miniinvasive total mesorectal excision (TME). Material and methods: Between March 2016 and June 2018 patients with rectal cancer who underwent miniinvasive TME with a sphincter-saving procedure were enrolled. The questionnaires were completed before therapy, and 6, 12, and 24 months after stoma closure. We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF). Results: Ninety-eight patients completed the questionnaires. Only patients who underwent laparoscopic (39) or robotic TME (27) were enrolled. The characteristics and surgical outcomes did not differ significantly between these groups. The IPSS between the groups was comparable before and after the operation with no significant difference, increased at 6 months and then decreased consecutively. In comparison with baseline, IPSS was significantly lower in the laparoscopic and robotic groups at 6 months and was comparable to baseline at 24 months in both groups. Oppositely, the IIEF was significantly lower at 6 months after ileostomy closure in the robotic group (p < 0.05), but not in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.59) and both returned to baseline at 24 months. FSFI was significantly lower in the laparoscopic group (p = 0.017) 6 months after surgery and returned to baseline at 24 months in both groups. Conclusions: Laparoscopic and robotic TME showed similar functional results 2 years after stoma resection.

Colorectal anastomosis dehiscence: a call for more detailed morphological classification.

INTRODUCTION: A proactive approach is recommended in colorectal anastomosis leak treatment, and early diagnosis is very important. Early postoperative endoscopy would allow rapid diagnosis of anastomotic pathologies and consequent prompt intervention according to anastomotic disruption morphology. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of close endoscopic follow-up of all patients (including asymptomatic ones) in improving diagnosis of acute leak (AL) and reducing its complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 124 patients who had undergone rectum resection for rectal cancer with stapled anastomosis. Endoscopy was performed between the 7th and 10th postoperative day and 1 month postoperatively. For defect morphology assessment, a classification system was created based on four levels of severity. Photographic findings were evaluated by an independent, experienced gastroenterologist. RESULTS: Postoperative endoscopy revealed 28 (22.6%) patients with acute leakage. Initial endoscopy confirmed AL in 18 patients. Six (31.6%) patients were asymptomatic and 13 (68.4%) were symptomatic. The second endoscopy revealed another 9 (32.1%) leaks (4 (44.5%) asymptomatic and 5 (55.5%) symptomatic). Sixteen (57.1%) patients had grade A leakages, 7 (25.0%) had grade B leakages, and 5 (17.9%) had grade C leakages. Furthermore, 22 of 27 (81%) defects were located posterior and posterior-laterally. Fifteen (55.5%) defects were smaller than 1/3 the circumference, 7 (25.9%) affected 1/3-1/2 of the circumference, and 5 (18.5%) affected more than 1/2 of the circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporation of early endoscopy in postoperative management allows rapid diagnosis of AL and allows faster intervention, even in leaks that are clinically silent.

Intraoperative fluorescence angiography and risk factors of anastomotic leakage in mini-invasive low rectal resections.

BACKGROUND: One of the prerequisites for proper healing of the anastomosis after a colorectal resection is adequate blood supply to the connected intestinal segments. It has been proposed that adequate visualization of the blood flow using indocyanine green (ICG) could lead to the reduction in the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of intraoperative fluorescence angiography (FA) in decreasing the incidence of AL after minimally invasive low anterior resection (LAR) with total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer patients and to determine predictors of anastomotic leak. METHODS: From August 2015 to January 2019, data from 100 patients who underwent mini-invasive TME for rectal cancer using FA with indocyanine green (ICG) were prospectively collected and analyzed. They were compared with retrospectively analyzed data from a historical control group operated by one team of surgeons before the introduction of FA from November 2012 to August 2015 (100 patients). All patients from both groups were operated sequentially in one oncological center in Nový Jicín. RESULTS: The incidence of AL was significantly lower in the ICG group (19% vs. 9%, p = 0.042, χ2 test). In fifteen patients in the ICG group (15%), the resection line was moved due to insufficient perfusion. Using Pearson's χ2 test, diabetes (p = 0.036) and application of a transanal drain (NoCoil) (p = 0.032) were identified as other risk factors (RFs) for AL. CONCLUSION: The use of ICG to visualize tissue perfusion in low rectal resections for cancer can lead to a reduction of AL.

Tumor microRNAs Identified by Small RNA Sequencing as Potential Response Predictors in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Patients Treated With Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Rectal cancer accounts for approximately one-third of all colorectal cancers. Currently, the standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with capecitabine or 5-fluorouracil followed by curative surgery. Unfortunately, only 20% of patients with LARC present complete pathological response after CRT, whereas in 20-40% cases the response is poor or absent. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether microRNAs (miRNAs) in tumor biopsy specimen have the potential to predict therapeutic response in LARC patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total 87 LARC patients treated by CRT were enrolled in our prospective study. To identify predictive miRNAs, we used small RNA sequencing in 40 tumor biopsy samples of LARC patients (20 responders, 20 non-responders) and qPCR validation of selected miRNA candidates. RESULTS: In the discovery phase of the study, we identified 69 miRNAs to have significantly different expression between the group of responders (TRG 1,2) and a group of non-responders (TRG 4,5) to neoadjuvant CRT. Among these miRNAs, 48 showed a lower expression and 21 showed higher expression in tumor tissues from poorly responding LARC patients. Five miRNAs were selected for validation, but only miR-487a-3p was confirmed to have a significantly higher expression in the tumor biopsy specimens of non-responders to neoadjuvant CRT (p<0.0006, AUC=0.766). Gene Ontology (GO) clustering and pathway enrichment analysis of the miR-487a-3p mRNA targets, revealed potential mechanisms behind miR-487a-3p roles in chemoradioresistance (e.g. TGF-beta signaling pathway, protein kinase activity, double-stranded DNA binding, or microRNAs in cancer). CONCLUSION: By combination of miRNA expression profiling and integrative computational biology we identified miR-487a-3p as a potential predictive biomarker of CRT response in LARC patients.

The significance of intraoperative fluorescence angiography in miniinvasive low rectal resections.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic leak is a very serious complication in colorectal surgery. Tissue perfusion of the anastomosis plays an integral role in its multifactorial etiology. Fluorescence angiography using indocyanine green allows visualization of perfusion in real time. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative fluorescence angiography as a tool to decrease the incidence of anastomotic leak after laparoscopic or robotic low resection of the rectum for cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intraoperative fluorescence angiography was performed sequentially in 50 patients during low rectal resection for cancer with total mesorectal excision, primary anastomosis and protective ileostomy using laparoscopic or robotic technique. The results were compared to a historical control group of 50 patients with the same procedure without the use of fluorescence angiography. RESULTS: The patient sets were comparable in basic demographic and clinical parameters. Intraoperative visualization of perfusion by fluorescence angiography was achieved in all patients without unwanted side-effects. In 6 (12%) patients, the resection line was adjusted based on the fluorescence angiography. The incidence of anastomotic leak was insignificantly lower in the group with fluorescence angiography (18% vs. 10%), which led to significantly shorter hospital stay. Other postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence angiography using indocyanine green is a safe and effective method with the potential of reducing anastomotic leak during minimally invasive low resection of the rectum for cancer.

A proposal for a CT driven classification of left colon acute diverticulitis.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging is the most appropriate diagnostic tool to confirm suspected left colonic diverticulitis. However, the utility of CT imaging goes beyond accurate diagnosis of diverticulitis; the grade of severity on CT imaging may drive treatment planning of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis. The appropriate management of left colon acute diverticulitis remains still debated because of the vast spectrum of clinical presentations and different approaches to treatment proposed. The authors present a new simple classification system based on both CT scan results driving decisions making management of acute diverticulitis that may be universally accepted for day to day practice.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections worldwide: the definitive data of the CIAOW Study.

The CIAOW study (Complicated intra-abdominal infections worldwide observational study) is a multicenter observational study underwent in 68 medical institutions worldwide during a six-month study period (October 2012-March 2013). The study included patients older than 18 years undergoing surgery or interventional drainage to address complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). 1898 patients with a mean age of 51.6 years (range 18-99) were enrolled in the study. 777 patients (41%) were women and 1,121 (59%) were men. Among these patients, 1,645 (86.7%) were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 253 (13.3%) suffered from healthcare-associated infections. Intraperitoneal specimens were collected from 1,190 (62.7%) of the enrolled patients. 827 patients (43.6%) were affected by generalized peritonitis while 1071 (56.4%) suffered from localized peritonitis or abscesses. The overall mortality rate was 10.5% (199/1898). According to stepwise multivariate analysis (PR = 0.005 and PE = 0.001), several criteria were found to be independent variables predictive of mortality, including patient age (OR = 1.1; 95%CI = 1.0-1.1; p < 0.0001), the presence of small bowel perforation (OR = 2.8; 95%CI = 1.5-5.3; p < 0.0001), a delayed initial intervention (a delay exceeding 24 hours) (OR = 1.8; 95%CI = 1.5-3.7; p < 0.0001), ICU admission (OR = 5.9; 95%CI = 3.6-9.5; p < 0.0001) and patient immunosuppression (OR = 3.8; 95%CI = 2.1-6.7; p < 0.0001).

Giant adrenocortical carcinoma with 27-month disease-free survival by surgical resection alone: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare disease with an estimated incidence of 1-2/million/year. The tumour stage and completeness of surgical resection have the biggest impact on survival. Whereas stage I-II patients survive in 55-64% of cases, only 0-5% of patients with stage IV disease are still alive at 5 years. A median survival of 33 months can be expected after curative surgery. Incomplete surgery leads to a significant drop in survival. METHOD: We present a 40-year-old man who underwent a technically demanding complete surgical excision of a giant (26 cm, 2372 g) ACC and experienced a 27-month disease-free survival without any systemic treatment. Detailed description of the surgical anatomy in relation to tumour size and patient body constitution is provided. The surgical strategy and exposure pitfalls under such extreme circumstances are discussed. CONCLUSION: To achieve R0 resection in locally advanced disease, en bloc resection with neighbouring organs is widely recommended. Giant tumours may however pose a technical challenge due to space constraints.

Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with intraoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced low rectal cancer.

AIMS: Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) for locally advanced rectal cancer as an integral part of multimodal treatment, may lead to reduced local recurrence but it is not routinely used. The aim of this paper is to describe our experience with IORT in the treatment of patients with locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the lower third of the rectum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Laparoscopic abdominoperineal amputation of the rectum with intraoperative radiotherapy was performed on 17 patients, 13 men and 4 women, median age 64 years (49-75 years) between 2010-2011. All patients underwent complete therapy according to the treatment protocol. RESULTS: In one patient, the laparoscopic procedure had to be converted to an open resection. The duration of the surgical procedure with IORT was 185 to 345 min (median 285 min). In 14 cases, the intraoperative dose was 10 Gy and in two patients a dose of 12 Gy was used. There were no severe intraoperative complications. Blood loss ranged from 30 to 500 mL (median 100 mL). There were postoperative complications in 4 patients (23.5%); 2 necessitated surgical reintervention (11.8%). The duration of postoperative hospitalization was 6 to 35 days (median 7 days). In the follow-up of 2 to 16 months (median 12 months), no local recurrence or disease generalization have been found to date. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the technical feasibility of laparoscopically assisted abdominoperineal amputation of the rectum in combination with IORT in the treatment of locally advanced rectal carcinoma with an acceptable risk of postperative complications.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections in a worldwide context: an observational prospective study (CIAOW Study).

Despite advances in diagnosis, surgery, and antimicrobial therapy, mortality rates associated with complicated intra-abdominal infections remain exceedingly high. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) has designed the CIAOW study in order to describe the clinical, microbiological, and management-related profiles of both community- and healthcare-acquired complicated intra-abdominal infections in a worldwide context. The CIAOW study (Complicated Intra-Abdominal infection Observational Worldwide Study) is a multicenter observational study currently underway in 57 medical institutions worldwide. The study includes patients undergoing surgery or interventional drainage to address complicated intra-abdominal infections. This preliminary report includes all data from almost the first two months of the six-month study period. Patients who met inclusion criteria with either community-acquired or healthcare-associated complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) were included in the study. 702 patients with a mean age of 49.2 years (range 18-98) were enrolled in the study. 272 patients (38.7%) were women and 430 (62.3%) were men. Among these patients, 615 (87.6%) were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 87 (12.4%) suffered from healthcare-associated infections. Generalized peritonitis was observed in 304 patients (43.3%), whereas localized peritonitis or abscesses was registered in 398 (57.7%) patients.The overall mortality rate was 10.1% (71/702). The final results of the CIAOW Study will be published following the conclusion of the study period in March 2013.

Evaluation of laparoscopic resection of colorectal carcinoma from the viewpoint of molecular biology.

AIM: Detection of the possible impact of surgical management on the occurrence of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in bone marrow samples, portal and peripheral blood samples. Comparison of MRD prevalence in patients with laparoscopic resection of CRC and those with open colorectal resection. Assessment of the potential impact of MRD on the relapse of the disease and overall survival of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 124 patients with primary CRC without proven distant metastases indicated for elective laparoscopic resection and operated on between September 21, 2006 and December 31, 2008 at the Department of Surgery, Hospital and J.G. Mendel Oncological Centre Novy Jicin. 6 samples were collected from each patient to determine MRD (system venous blood and bone marrow at the beginning of surgery, venous blood from mesenteric bloodstream, system venous blood after the resection, system venous blood and bone marrow 1 month after the surgery). Detection of MRD on the basis of CEA expression was performed by real-time RT-PCR technique. The results were compared with those obtained within the similar research using the same methodology at the 2(nd) Department of Surgery, University Hospital in Olomouc (the group included 230 patients treated with open resection of CRC). RESULTS: In the group of patients treated with laparoscopic resection, a correlation between positive MRD in the sample of bone marrow collected before the surgery and the stage of the disease was found (p < 0.035). We also recorded the impact of surgical management on MRD occurrence in system venous blood in primary negative patients (p < 0.025). However, in the course of the short period of time we have not found a statistically significant correlation between the finding in patients with stage I-III, and the period prior to the relapse of the disease (p < 0.59). With regard to the results obtained, we can expect a potential direct correlation between a positive MRD finding in system venous blood taken prior to surgery in patients with stage I-III CRC and shorter time of survival (p < 0.075). In the group of patients treated with open resection of CRC, no statistically significant relationship between the stage of the disease and MRD occurrence was found. Incidence of circulating tumour cells (CTC) in the samples of venous blood taken prior to surgery is a prognostically important factor (p < 0.05) from the viewpoint of disease-free survival (DFS). Another prognostically important factor with regard to DFS seems to be the occurrence of disseminated tumour cells (DTC) in the bone marrow taken 1 month after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The data recorded suggest a relationship between MRD finding and the disease prognosis. Collection of samples as well as evaluation of results continue as we strive to include more patients in our study and to obtain more data within 5-10 years of the follow-up. The comparison between the data obtained in the laparoscopic approach and the data obtained in open resection performed from the viewpoint of molecular biology did not show a significant difference in MRD detection in the samples collected after the surgery.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections in Europe: a comprehensive review of the CIAO study.

The CIAO Study ("Complicated Intra-Abdominal infection Observational" Study) is a multicenter investigation performed in 68 medical institutions throughout Europe over the course of a 6-month observational period (January-June 2012).Patients with either community-acquired or healthcare-associated complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) were included in the study.2,152 patients with a mean age of 53.8 years (range: 4-98 years) were enrolled in the study. 46.3% of the patients were women and 53.7% were men. Intraperitoneal specimens were collected from 62.2% of the enrolled patients, and from these samples, a variety of microorganisms were collectively identified.The overall mortality rate was 7.5% (163/2.152).According to multivariate analysis of the compiled data, several criteria were found to be independent variables predictive of patient mortality, including patient age, the presence of an intestinal non-appendicular source of infection (colonic non-diverticular perforation, complicated diverticulitis, small bowel perforation), a delayed initial intervention (a delay exceeding 24 hours), sepsis and septic shock in the immediate post-operative period, and ICU admission.Given the sweeping geographical distribution of the participating medical centers, the CIAO Study gives an accurate description of the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, and treatment profiles of complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) throughout Europe.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections in Europe: preliminary data from the first three months of the CIAO Study.

The CIAO Study is a multicenter observational study currently underway in 66 European medical institutions over the course of a six-month study period (January-June 2012).This preliminary report overviews the findings of the first half of the study, which includes all data from the first three months of the six-month study period.Patients with either community-acquired or healthcare-associated complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) were included in the study.912 patients with a mean age of 54.4 years (range 4-98) were enrolled in the study during the first three-month period. 47.7% of the patients were women and 52.3% were men. Among these patients, 83.3% were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 16.7% presented with healthcare-associated infections. Intraperitoneal specimens were collected from 64.2% of the enrolled patients, and from these samples, 825 microorganisms were collectively identified.The overall mortality rate was 6.4% (58/912). According to univariate statistical analysis of the data, critical clinical condition of the patient upon hospital admission (defined by severe sepsis and septic shock) as well as healthcare-associated infections, non-appendicular origin, generalized peritonitis, and serious comorbidities such as malignancy and severe cardiovascular disease were all significant risk factors for patient mortality.White Blood Cell counts (WBCs) greater than 12,000 or less than 4,000 and core body temperatures exceeding 38°C or less than 36°C by the third post-operative day were statistically significant indicators of patient mortality.