Comparing neoadjuvant therapy followed by local excision to total mesorectal excision in the treatment of early stage rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

INTRODUCTION: Total mesorectal excision (TME) is the standard-of-care in early, clinical stage (cT2-3 N0 M0) rectal cancer. Local excision (LE) may be an alternative after adequate response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT), with either long-course chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT), as a means of preserving the rectum and potentially obviating the morbidity of TME. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines for studies that randomly assigned patients with cT2-3 N0 M0 rectal cancer to either NAT + LE or TME that reported radiologic, oncologic, surgical, and morbidity outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 4 RCTs comprise 462 patients (232 patients receiving NAT + LE; nCRT n = 205; SCRT n = 27) and 230 undergoing TME, respectively. NAT compliance was 98.86%. The rate of early completion TME in the NAT + LE group was 22.3%, while the proportion of patients achieving durable organ preservation was 75.4% at mean follow-up of 5.6 years. There was no difference in disease-free survival (DFS) (HR [hazard ratio] 1.19; 95% CI 0.95, 1.49; p = 0.13) or overall survival (OS) (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.72, 1.23; p = 0.63]) according to the assigned treatment arm. The local recurrence rate (LRR) (HR 1.22; 95% CI 0.5-3.02; p = 0.66) and distant metastases (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.45, 1.90; p = 0.82) were also comparable between the groups. There was a significant reduction in major (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.21, 0.95; p = 0.04) and minor morbidity (OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.24, 0.85; p = 0.01) for patients undergoing NAT + LE. Overall stoma formation was decreased in the NAT + LE group (OR 0.03; 95% CI 0.0, 0.23; p ≤ 0.00001). CONCLUSION: NAT + LE reduces adverse effects of TME, without any compromise in oncological outcomes, and the potential for an organ preserving strategy should be discussed with patients with T2-3N0 rectal cancers prior to treatment.

Surgical management strategies for colorectal malignancies of the splenic flexure - A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Extended right hemicolectomy (ERHC) or left hemicolectomy (LHC) are accepted as the standard-of-care for colonic tumours of the splenic flexure. Lymphatic drainage at this site is poorly defined and subject to significant heterogeneity. Nevertheless, emerging evidence demonstrates the potential oncological safety of segmental splenic flexure colectomy (SFC). AIM: To perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare outcomes following ERHC, LHC and SFC for splenic flexure tumours (SFTs). METHODS: A systematic review was performed as per PRISMA guidelines. NMA was performed using R Shiny and Netmeta packages. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies, involving 6176 patients (ERHC n = 785; LHC n = 1527; SFC n = 3864) were included in the NMA. There was no difference in overall survival (OS) (SFC vs LHC Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.0, 95% Credible Interval [CrI] 0.76,1.34; SFC vs ERHC HR 1.18, 95% CrI 0.85,1.58) between the groups. SFC had a shorter operation time (Mean 176.37 min; Mean Difference [MD] SFC vs LHC 20.34 min 95% CrI 10.9, 29.97; SFC vs ERHC MD 22.19 95% CrI 11.09, 33.29) but also had a lower average lymph node yield (LNY) compared with ERHC (MD 7.15, 95% CrI 5.71, 8.60). ERHC had a significantly higher incidence of post-operative ileus (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.47, 95% CrI 1.11, 10.84). There was also no difference observed for minimally invasive approaches, anastomotic leak rate, perioperative mortality, reoperation rates or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: While SFC may allow for reduced operative duration and improved bowel function postoperatively. SFC, LHC, ERHC are all acceptable approaches for curative resection of cancers of the splenic flexure, with no difference in OS observed. Thus, surgeon preference and candidate-specific factors will likely determine the management of SFTs.

Thinking outside the pelvis: benign peritoneal multicystic mesothelioma of the ascending colon.

Benign peritoneal multicystic mesothelioma is a rare tumor of the visceral peritoneum. The authors present an atypical case of a 74-year-old man who presented with a multicystic mesothelioma of the ascending colon.

Global Incidence and Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Elective Inguinal Hernia Repair: The Retention of Urine After Inguinal Hernia Elective Repair (RETAINER I) Study.

Importance: Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is a well-recognized complication of inguinal hernia repair (IHR). A variable incidence of POUR has previously been reported in this context, and contradictory evidence surrounds potential risk factors. Objective: To ascertain the incidence of, explore risk factors for, and determine the health service outcomes of POUR following elective IHR. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Retention of Urine After Inguinal Hernia Elective Repair (RETAINER I) study, an international, prospective cohort study, recruited participants between March 1 and October 31, 2021. This study was conducted across 209 centers in 32 countries in a consecutive sample of adult patients undergoing elective IHR. Exposure: Open or minimally invasive IHR by any surgical technique, under local, neuraxial regional, or general anesthesia. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the incidence of POUR following elective IHR. Secondary outcomes were perioperative risk factors, management, clinical consequences, and health service outcomes of POUR. A preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score was measured in male patients. Results: In total, 4151 patients (3882 male and 269 female; median [IQR] age, 56 [43-68] years) were studied. Inguinal hernia repair was commenced via an open surgical approach in 82.2% of patients (n = 3414) and minimally invasive surgery in 17.8% (n = 737). The primary form of anesthesia was general in 40.9% of patients (n = 1696), neuraxial regional in 45.8% (n = 1902), and local in 10.7% (n = 446). Postoperative urinary retention occurred in 5.8% of male patients (n = 224), 2.97% of female patients (n = 8), and 9.5% (119 of 1252) of male patients aged 65 years or older. Risk factors for POUR after adjusted analyses included increasing age, anticholinergic medication, history of urinary retention, constipation, out-of-hours surgery, involvement of urinary bladder within the hernia, temporary intraoperative urethral catheterization, and increasing operative duration. Postoperative urinary retention was the primary reason for 27.8% of unplanned day-case surgery admissions (n = 74) and 51.8% of 30-day readmissions (n = 72). Conclusions: The findings of this cohort study suggest that 1 in 17 male patients, 1 in 11 male patients aged 65 years or older, and 1 in 34 female patients may develop POUR following IHR. These findings could inform preoperative patient counseling. In addition, awareness of modifiable risk factors may help to identify patients at increased risk of POUR who may benefit from perioperative risk mitigation strategies.

Human Granzyme K Is a Feature of Innate T Cells in Blood, Tissues, and Tumors, Responding to Cytokines Rather than TCR Stimulation.

NK cells and CD8 T cells use cytotoxic molecules to kill virally infected and tumor cell targets. While perforin and granzyme B (GzmB) are the most commonly studied lytic molecules, less is known about granzyme K (GzmK). However, this granzyme has been recently associated with improved prognosis in solid tumors. In this study, we show that, in humans, GzmK is predominantly expressed by innate-like lymphocytes, as well as a newly identified population of GzmK+CD8+ non- mucosal-associated invariant T cells with innate-like characteristics. We found that GzmK+ T cells are KLRG1+EOMES+IL-7R+CD62L-Tcf7int, suggesting that they are central memory T and effector memory T cells. Furthermore, GzmK+ cells are absent/low in cord blood, suggesting that GzmK is upregulated with immune experience. Surprisingly, GzmK+ cells respond to cytokine stimuli alone, whereas TCR stimulation downregulates GzmK expression, coinciding with GzmB upregulation. GzmK+ cells have reduced IFN-γ production compared with GzmB+ cells in each T cell lineage. Collectively, this suggests that GzmK+ cells are not naive, and they may be an intermediate memory-like or preterminally differentiated population. GzmK+ cells are enriched in nonlymphoid tissues such as the liver and adipose. In colorectal cancer, GzmK+ cells are enriched in the tumor and can produce IFN-γ, but GzmK+ expression is mutually exclusive with IL-17a production. Thus, in humans, GzmK+ cells are innate memory-like cells that respond to cytokine stimulation alone and may be important effector cells in the tumor.

γδ T cell dichotomy with opposing cytotoxic and wound healing functions in human solid tumors.

γδ T cells are important tissue-resident, innate T cells that are critical for tissue homeostasis. γδ cells are associated with positive prognosis in most tumors; however, little is known about their heterogeneity in human cancers. Here, we phenotyped innate and adaptive cells in human colorectal (CRC) and endometrial cancer. We found striking differences in γδ subsets and function in tumors compared to normal tissue, and in the γδ subsets present in tumor types. In CRC, an amphiregulin (AREG)-producing subset emerges, while endometrial cancer is infiltrated by cytotoxic cells. In humanized CRC models, tumors induced this AREG phenotype in Vδ1 cells after adoptive transfer. To exploit the beneficial roles of γδ cells for cell therapy, we developed an expansion method that enhanced cytotoxic function and boosted metabolic flexibility, while eliminating AREG production, achieving greater tumor infiltration and tumor clearance. This method has broad applications in cellular therapy as an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option.

Total neoadjuvant therapy versus standard neoadjuvant treatment strategies for the management of locally advanced rectal cancer: network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the advantages and disadvantages of total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) strategies for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, compared with the more traditional multimodal neoadjuvant management strategies of long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) or short-course radiotherapy (SCRT). METHODS: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of exclusively RCTs was undertaken, comparing survival, recurrence, pathological, radiological, and oncological outcomes. The last date of the search was 14 December 2022. RESULTS: In total, 15 RCTs involving 4602 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, conducted between 2004 and 2022, were included. TNT improved overall survival compared with LCRT (HR 0.73, 95 per cent credible interval 0.60 to 0.92) and SCRT (HR 0.67, 0.47 to 0.95). TNT also improved rates of distant metastasis compared with LCRT (HR 0.81, 0.69 to 0.97). Reduced overall recurrence was observed for TNT compared with LCRT (HR 0.87, 0.76 to 0.99). TNT showed an improved pCR compared with both LCRT (risk ratio (RR) 1.60, 1.36 to 1.90) and SCRT (RR 11.32, 5.00 to 30.73). TNT also showed an improvement in cCR compared with LCRT (RR 1.68, 1.08 to 2.64). There was no difference between treatments in disease-free survival, local recurrence, R0 resection, treatment toxicity or treatment compliance. CONCLUSION: This study provides further evidence that TNT has improved survival and recurrence benefits compared with current standards of care, and may increase the number of patients suitable for organ preservation, without negatively influencing treatment toxicity or compliance.

Right Colectomy with Intracorporeal Anastomosis: A European Multicenter Propensity Score Matching Retrospective Study of Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Procedures.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of robotic (RRC-IA) versus laparoscopic (LRC-IA) right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis using a propensity score matching (PSM) analysis based on a large European multicentric cohort of patients with nonmetastatic right colon cancer. METHODS: Elective curative-intent RRC-IA and LRC-IA performed between 2014 and 2020 were selected from the MERCY Study Group database. The two PSM-groups were compared for operative and postoperative outcomes, and survival rates. RESULTS: Initially, 596 patients were selected, including 194 RRC-IA and 402 LRC-IA patients. After PSM, 298 patients (149 per group) were compared. There was no statistically significant difference between RRC-IA and LRC-IA in terms of operative time, intraoperative complication rate, conversion to open surgery, postoperative morbidity (19.5% in RRC-IA vs. 26.8% in LRC-IA; p = 0.17), or 5-yr survival (80.5% for RRC-IA and 74.7% for LRC-IA; p = 0.94). R0 resection was obtained in all patients, and > 12 lymph nodes were harvested in 92.3% of patients, without group-related differences. RRC-IA procedures were associated with a significantly higher use of indocyanine green fluorescence than LRC-IA (36.9% vs. 14.1%; OR: 3.56; 95%CI 2.02-6.29; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of the present analyses, there is no statistically significant difference between RRC-IA and LRC-IA performed for right colon cancer in terms of short- and long-term outcomes.

Bibliometric analysis of academic journal recommendations and requirements for surgical and anesthesiologic adverse events reporting.

BACKGROUND: Standards for reporting surgical adverse events (AEs) vary widely within the scientific literature. Failure to adequately capture AEs hinders efforts to measure the safety of healthcare delivery and improve the quality of care. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence and typology of perioperative AE reporting guidelines among surgery and anesthesiology journals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In November 2021, three independent reviewers queried journal lists from the SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) portal (www.scimagojr.com), a bibliometric indicator database for surgery and anesthesiology academic journals. Journal characteristics were summarized using SCImago, a bibliometric indicator database extracted from Scopus journal data. Quartile 1 (Q1) was considered the top quartile and Q4 bottom quartile based on the journal impact factor. Journal author guidelines were collected to determine whether AE reporting recommendations were included and, if so, the preferred reporting procedures. RESULTS: Of 1409 journals queried, 655 (46.5%) recommended surgical AE reporting. Journals most likely to recommend AE reporting were: by category surgery (59.1%), urology (53.3%), and anesthesia (52.3%); in top SJR quartiles (i.e. more influential); by region, based in Western Europe (49.8%), North America (49.3%), and the Middle East (48.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery and anesthesiology journals do not consistently require or provide recommendations on perioperative AE reporting. Journal guidelines regarding AE reporting should be standardized and are needed to improve the quality of surgical AE reporting with the ultimate goal of improving patient morbidity and mortality.

Mortality by age, gene and gender in carriers of pathogenic mismatch repair gene variants receiving surveillance for early cancer diagnosis and treatment: a report from the prospective Lynch syndrome database.

Background: The Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD) collates information on carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic MMR variants (path_MMR) who are receiving medical follow-up, including colonoscopy surveillance, which aims to the achieve early diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Here we use the most recent PLSD cohort that is larger and has wider geographical representation than previous versions, allowing us to present mortality as an outcome, and median ages at cancer diagnoses for the first time. Methods: The PLSD is a prospective observational study without a control group that was designed in 2012 and updated up to October 2022. Data for 8500 carriers of path_MMR variants from 25 countries were included, providing 71,713 years of follow up. Cumulative cancer incidences at 65 years of age were combined with 10-year crude survival following cancer, to derive estimates of mortality up to 75 years of age by organ, gene, and gender. Findings: Gynaecological cancers were more frequent than colorectal cancers in path_MSH2, path_MSH6 and path_PMS2 carriers [cumulative incidence: 53.3%, 49.6% and 23.3% at 75 years, respectively]. Endometrial, colon and ovarian cancer had low mortality [8%, 13% and 15%, respectively] and prostate cancers were frequent in male path_MSH2 carriers [cumulative incidence: 39.7% at 75 years]. Pancreatic, brain, biliary tract and ureter and kidney and urinary bladder cancers were associated with high mortality [83%, 66%, 58%, 27%, and 29%, respectively]. Among path_MMR carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance, particularly path_MSH2 carriers, more deaths followed non-colorectal Lynch syndrome cancers than colorectal cancers. Interpretation: In path_MMR carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance, non-colorectal Lynch syndrome cancers were associated with more deaths than were colorectal cancers. Reducing deaths from non-colorectal cancers presents a key challenge in contemporary medical care in Lynch syndrome. Funding: We acknowledge funding from the Norwegian Cancer Society, contract 194751-2017.

Comparing minimally invasive surgical and open approaches to pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies - Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic exenteration (PE) is a complex multivisceral surgical procedure indicated for locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies. It poses significant technical challenges which account for the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure. Developments in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches and enhanced peri-operative care have facilitated improved long term outcomes. However, the optimum approach to PE remains controversial. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to identify studies comparing MIS (robotic or laparoscopic) approaches for PE versus the open approach for patients with locally advanced or recurrent pelvic malignancies. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed systematically and a meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: 11 studies were identified, including 2009 patients, of whom 264 (13.1%) underwent MIS PE approaches. The MIS group displayed comparable R0 resections (Risk Ratio [RR] 1.02, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 0.98, 1.07, p = 0.35)) and Lymph node yield (Weighted Mean Difference [WMD] 1.42, 95% CI -0.58, 3.43, p = 0.16), and although MIS had a trend towards improved towards improved survival and recurrence outcomes, this did not reach statistical significance. MIS was associated with prolonged operating times (WMD 67.93, 95% CI 4.43, 131.42, p < 0.00001) however, this correlated with less intra-operative blood loss, and a shorter length of post-operative stay (WMD -3.89, 955 CI -6.53, -1.25, p < 0.00001). Readmission rates were higher with MIS (RR 2.11, 95% CI 1.11, 4.02, p = 0.02), however, rates of pelvic abscess/sepsis were decreased (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.21, 0.95, p = 0.04), and there was no difference in overall, major, or specific morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: MIS approaches are a safe and feasible option for PE, with no differences in survival or recurrence outcomes compared to the open approach. MIS also reduced the length of post-operative stay and decreased blood loss, offset by increased operating time.

Prophylactic onlay mesh placement techniques for optimal abdominal wall closure: randomized controlled trial in an ex vivo biomechanical model.

BACKGROUND: Incisional hernias occur after up to 40 per cent of laparotomies. Recent RCTs have demonstrated the role of prophylactic mesh placement in reducing the risk of developing an incisional hernia. An onlay approach is relatively straightforward; however, a variety of techniques have been described for mesh fixation. The biomechanical properties have not been interrogated extensively to date. METHODS: This ex vivo randomized controlled trial using porcine abdominal wall investigated the biomechanical properties of three techniques for prophylactic onlay mesh placement at laparotomy closure. A classical onlay, anchoring onlay, and novel bifid onlay approach were compared with small-bite primary closure. A biomechanical abdominal wall model and ball burst test were used to assess transverse stretch, bursting force, and loading characteristics. RESULTS: Mesh placement took an additional 7-15 min compared with standard primary closure. All techniques performed similarly, with no clearly superior approach. The minimum burst force was 493 N, and the maximum 1053 N. The classical approach had the highest mean burst force (mean(s.d.) 853(152) N). Failure patterns fell into either suture-line or tissue failures. Classical and anchoring techniques provided a second line of defence in the event of primary suture failure, whereas the bifid method demonstrated a more compliant loading curve. All mesh approaches held up at extreme quasistatic loads. CONCLUSION: Subtle differences in biomechanical properties highlight the strengths of each closure type and suggest possible uses. The failure mechanisms seen here support the known hypotheses for early fascial dehiscence. The influence of dynamic loading needs to be investigated further in future studies.

Oncotherapeutic Strategies in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer.

Early onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), defined as colorectal cancers in patients aged less than 50 years, is becoming an increasingly common issue, globally. Since 1994, the incidence of this condition has been rising by 2% annually. Approximately one in five patients under 50 years of age diagnosed with colorectal cancer have an underlying genetic predisposition syndrome. The detection of cancer among the other 80% of patients poses a considerable task, as there is no family history to advocate for commencing early screening in this group. Patients with EOCRC have distinct social, spiritual, fertility, and financial needs from their older counterparts that need to be addressed. This review discusses the risk factors associated with the development of EOCRC and current best practice for the management of this disease.

Conversion to Open Surgery During Minimally Invasive Right Colectomy for Cancer: Results from a Large Multinational European Study.

Background: The risk of conversion to open surgery is inevitably present during any minimally invasive colorectal surgical procedure. Conversions have been associated with adverse postoperative and oncologic outcomes. No previous study has evaluated the specific causes and consequences of conversion during a minimally invasive right colectomy (MIS-RC). Materials and Methods: We analyzed the Minimally invasivE surgery for oncologic Right ColectomY (MERCY) study database including patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic RC because of colon cancer between 2014 and 2020. Descriptive analyses were performed to determine the different reasons for conversion. Uni- and multivariate logistic regressions were run to identify potential variables associated with this outcome. Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the impact of conversion on tumor recurrence. Results: Over a total of 1574 MIS-RC, 120 (7.6%) were converted to open surgery. The main reasons for conversion were procedural difficulties related to adherences from previous abdominal surgical procedures (39.2%), or owing to large tumor size or infiltration of adjacent structures (26.7%). Only 16.7% of the conversions were caused by intraoperative medical or surgical complications. Converted patients required longer operative times and developed more postoperative complications, both overall (39.2% versus 27.5%; P = .006) and severe ones (13.3% versus 8.3%; P = .061). Male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89 [95% confidence interval: 1.31-2.71]), obesity (OR = 1.99 [1.4-2.83]), prior abdominal surgery (OR = 1.68 [1.19-2.37]), and pT4 cancers (OR = 4.04 [2.86-5.69]) were independently associated with conversion. Conversion to open surgery was not significantly associated with tumor recurrence (hazard ratios = 1.395 [0.724-2.687]). Conclusions: Although conversion to open surgery during MIS-RC for cancer is associated with worsened postoperative outcomes, it seems not to impact on the oncologic prognosis.

Practical Guide to Clinical Trial Publication.

This Guide to Statistics and Methods describes the process for publishing about a clinical trial by planning its clinical relevance, knowing the audience, and following reporting guidelines.

Colorectal cancer incidences in Lynch syndrome: a comparison of results from the prospective lynch syndrome database and the international mismatch repair consortium.

OBJECTIVE: To compare colorectal cancer (CRC) incidences in carriers of pathogenic variants of the MMR genes in the PLSD and IMRC cohorts, of which only the former included mandatory colonoscopy surveillance for all participants. METHODS: CRC incidences were calculated in an intervention group comprising a cohort of confirmed carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in mismatch repair genes (path_MMR) followed prospectively by the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD). All had colonoscopy surveillance, with polypectomy when polyps were identified. Comparison was made with a retrospective cohort reported by the International Mismatch Repair Consortium (IMRC). This comprised confirmed and inferred path_MMR carriers who were first- or second-degree relatives of Lynch syndrome probands. RESULTS: In the PLSD, 8,153 subjects had follow-up colonoscopy surveillance for a total of 67,604 years and 578 carriers had CRC diagnosed. Average cumulative incidences of CRC in path_MLH1 carriers at 70 years of age were 52% in males and 41% in females; for path_MSH2 50% and 39%; for path_MSH6 13% and 17% and for path_PMS2 11% and 8%. In contrast, in the IMRC cohort, corresponding cumulative incidences were 40% and 27%; 34% and 23%; 16% and 8% and 7% and 6%. Comparing just the European carriers in the two series gave similar findings. Numbers in the PLSD series did not allow comparisons of carriers from other continents separately. Cumulative incidences at 25 years were < 1% in all retrospective groups. CONCLUSIONS: Prospectively observed CRC incidences (PLSD) in path_MLH1 and path_MSH2 carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance and polypectomy were higher than in the retrospective (IMRC) series, and were not reduced in path_MSH6 carriers. These findings were the opposite to those expected. CRC point incidence before 50 years of age was reduced in path_PMS2 carriers subjected to colonoscopy, but not significantly so.

Benchmarks in colorectal surgery: multinational study to define quality thresholds in high and low anterior resection.

BACKGROUND: Benchmark comparisons in surgery allow identification of gaps in the quality of care provided. The aim of this study was to determine quality thresholds for high (HAR) and low (LAR) anterior resections in colorectal cancer surgery by applying the concept of benchmarking. METHODS: This 5-year multinational retrospective study included patients who underwent anterior resection for cancer in 19 high-volume centres on five continents. Benchmarks were defined for 11 relevant postoperative variables at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months (for LAR). Benchmarks were calculated for two separate cohorts: patients without (ideal) and those with (non-ideal) outcome-relevant co-morbidities. Benchmark cut-offs were defined as the 75th percentile of each centre's median value. RESULTS: A total of 3903 patients who underwent HAR and 3726 who had LAR for cancer were analysed. After 3 months' follow-up, the mortality benchmark in HAR for ideal and non-ideal patients was 0.0 versus 3.0 per cent, and in LAR it was 0.0 versus 2.2 per cent. Benchmark results for anastomotic leakage were 5.0 versus 6.9 per cent for HAR, and 13.6 versus 11.8 per cent for LAR. The overall morbidity benchmark in HAR was a Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI®) score of 8.6 versus 14.7, and that for LAR was CCI® score 11.9 versus 18.3. CONCLUSION: Regular comparison of individual-surgeon or -unit outcome data against benchmark thresholds may identify gaps in care quality that can improve patient outcome.

The first international Delphi consensus statement on Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has almost replaced open surgery in many areas of Gastro-Intestinal (GI) surgery. There is currently no published expert consensus statement on the principles of laparoscopic GI surgery. This may have affected the training of new surgeons. This exercise aimed to achieve an expert consensus on important principles of laparoscopic GI surgery. METHODS: A committee of 38 international experts in laparoscopic GI surgery proposed and voted on 149 statements in two rounds following a strict modified Delphi protocol. RESULTS: A consensus was achieved on 133 statements after two rounds of voting. All experts agreed on tailoring the first port site to the patient, whereas 84.2% advised avoiding the umbilical area for pneumoperitoneum in patients who had a prior midline laparotomy. Moreover, 86.8% agreed on closing all 15 mm ports irrespective of the patient's body mass index. There was a 100% consensus on using cartridges of appropriate height for stapling, checking the doughnuts after using circular staplers, and keeping the vibrating blade of the ultrasonic energy device in view and away from vascular structures. An 84.2% advised avoiding drain insertion through a ≥10 mm port site as it increases the risk of port-site hernia. There was 94.7% consensus on adding laparoscopic retrieval bags to the operating count and ensuring any surgical specimen left inside for later removal is added to the operating count. CONCLUSION: Thirty-eight experts achieved a consensus on 133 statements concerning various aspects of laparoscopic GI Surgery. Increased awareness of these could facilitate training and improve patient outcomes.