[Robotic Colorectal Surgery: Analysis of the First Three Years of Activity in a Hospital of the Portuguese National Health Service]. / Cirurgia Robótica em Patologia Colorretal: Análise dos Primeiros Três Anos de Atividade num Hospital do Serviço Nacional de Saúde em Portugal.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive surgery has been increasingly accepted and used in colorectal surgery. Several studies report that robotic surgery may provide advantages over 'conventional' laparoscopy, namely in rectal surgery. This paper provides an account of the first three years of experience with robotic surgery in the Unidade de Patologia Colorretal of the Unidade Local de Saúde S. José. METHODS: Variables were defined to develop a prospective database containing the data of consecutive patients operated by three internationally certified colorectal surgeons using the Da Vinci Xi® system between November 2019 and October 2022. The database was converted into an anonymized version that was used for this study. The analysis was performed on the data of all the patients operated during this period. RESULTS: Eighty patients were included, 47 male, median age 70 years, and median BMI 26 kg/m2 . ASA score was II in 53.7% and III in 41.3% of pa- tients. Of the total, 97.6% had malignant or potentially malignant disease. Operative procedures consisted of 34 colectomies proximal to the splenic flexure, 20 distal colectomies and 26 anterior resections. There were two synchronous resections of liver metastases. Early perioperative outcomes and histopathological results were analyzed: median operative time: 300 minutes; median estimated blood loss: 50 mL; conversion rate: 2.5%; median days until first bowel movement: three days; median length of hospital stay: six days; complication rate: 20%, of which 5% were Clavien III and 0% Clavien IV/V; anastomotic leak rate: 2.5%; 30-day readmission rate: 1.3%; median lymph nodes resected: 20; R0 resection rate: 100%; mesorectal integrity rate: 95,8% complete/near complete. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the adoption of robotic colorectal surgery in our center was safe and resulted in similar or improved short-term clinical outcomes and histopathological results when compared to those described in the literature.

Introdução: A utilização da cirurgia minimamente invasiva no tratamento da patologia colorretal é hoje cientificamente aceite e o seu uso na prática clí- nica diária tem vindo a aumentar de forma sustentada. Diversos estudos indicam que a abordagem robótica pode trazer vantagens sobre a laparoscopia 'convencional', especialmente na cirurgia do reto. Este trabalho descreve e analisa os resultados dos primeiros três anos de cirurgia robótica na Unidade de Patologia Colorretal da Unidade Local de Saúde S. José. Métodos: Foram definidas as variáveis a analisar e construída uma base de dados prospetiva com os dados referentes aos doentes operados conse- cutivamente por três cirurgiões colorretais, acreditados internacionalmente na utilização do sistema Da Vinci Xi®, entre novembro de 2019 e outubro de 2022. A base de dados foi convertida numa versão anonimizada e foi sobre essa mesma que se procedeu à análise de dados. Foram analisados os dados de todos doentes operados nesse período. Resultados: Foram incluídos 80 doentes, 47 homens, mediana de idade de 70 anos e de IMC de 26 kg/m2 . O score ASA era II em 53,7% e III em 41,3% dos doentes. Do total, 97,6% apresentavam doença maligna ou potencialmente maligna. Realizaram-se 34 colectomias proximais ao ângulo esplénico, 20 distais e 26 ressecções anteriores do reto. Houve ressecção síncrona de metástases hepáticas em dois casos. Foram analisados os resultados peri-operatórios a curto prazo e histopatológicos: duração (mediana): 300 minutos; perda hemática estimada (mediana): 50 mL; taxa de conversão: 2,5%; dias até retomar trânsito intestinal (mediana): três dias; dias de internamento (mediana): seis dias; taxa de complicações pós-operatórias: 20%, das quais 5% Clavien III e 0% Clavien IV/V; taxa de deiscência anastomótica: 2,5%; taxa de reintervenção: 2,5%; taxa de readmissão pós-alta: 1,3%; gânglios linfáticos ressecados (mediana): 20; taxa de ressecção R0: 100%; taxa de integridade mesorretal: 95,8% completo/quase completo. Conclusão: Os nossos resultados mostram que a introdução da cirurgia colorretal robótica no nosso centro foi segura e garantiu resultados clínicos a curto prazo e histopatológicos semelhantes ou favoráveis face aos descritos na literatura.

Association Between Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis and Colorectal Cancer - A Case Report.

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a rare glomerular disease characterized by mesangial hypercellularity and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). MPGN can be idiopathic or associated with malignancy, systemic immune complex disorders and chronic infections. It has rarely been associated with solid organ tumors, such as lung, gastric, breast or prostate cancer. We report a patient with MPGN and coexisting colorectal carcinoma. A 48-year-old man presented with anemia, loss of weight, hypertension, and nephrotic syndrome. The renal biopsy findings were compatible with type 1 MPGN. The antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, anti-GBM, serologic markers of hepatitis B and hepatitis C and tumor markers were negative. After ruling out the secondary causes of MPGN, the patient was treated with pulse doses of methylprednisolone and a single dose of cyclophosphamide. However, due to the worsening anemia and rectal bleeding, a colonoscopy was performed, which established a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the descending colon. The patient was treated with left hemicolectomy and oral corticosteroids. Within a year after the cancer treatment, the patient experienced a complete resolution of the proteinuria and improvement of the kidney function. Although rare, MPGN can be associated with hematologic malignancies and solid organ tumors. The most common causes of secondary MPGN should be ruled out before starting specific treatment. In our patient, cancer treatment has led to a subsequent remission of the nephrotic syndrome, which indicated that this association was not coincidental but rather causal. In patients with a tumor and concomitant glomerulopathy which is suspected to be paraneoplastic in etiology, the treatment of the underlying malignancy should be prioritized.

[D2 and D3 lymph node dissection for colon cancer]. / Rezul'taty limfodissektsii d2 i d3 pri rake obodochnoi kishki.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical and oncological results of standard and extended lymph node dissection (D2 and D3) in patients with colon cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed treatment outcomes in 74 patients with colon cancer stage T1-4aN0-2M0 who underwent right- and left-sided hemicolectomy, resection of sigmoid colon with standard and extended lymph node dissection (D2 and D3). RESULTS: Surgical approach and level of D3 lymph node dissection did not increase intra- and postoperative morbidity. Laparoscopic interventions were followed by significantly lower intraoperative blood loss and earlier gas discharge. Metastatic lesion of apical lymph nodes was observed in 5 out of 36 patients who underwent D3 lymph node dissection (13.8%), and metastases in regional lymph nodes rN1-2 were found in all these patients. Overall 5-year survival was 86%. Disease-free and overall 5-year survival were similar after D2 and D3 lymph node dissection. CONCLUSION: D3 lymph node dissection is safe for colon cancer. Metastatic lesions of apical lymph nodes during D3 lymph node dissection were detected only in patients with lesions of regional lymph nodes (rN1-2). Disease-free and overall 5-year survival were similar after D2 and D3 lymph node dissection.

Comparison of outcomes after unplanned conversion for patients undergoing robotic when compared with laparoscopic colectomy.

The robotic approach improves the feasibility of minimally invasive colectomy even where there may be an anatomic challenge with laparoscopy. Whether a failure in completing colectomy with this newer technology is associated with worse consequences needs to be considered when evaluating the relative benefit of robotic colectomy. The aim of this study is to evaluate rates of conversion to open surgery after robotic and laparoscopic colectomy and whether outcomes after conversion vary after the two techniques since this has not been well studied. From the American College of Surgeons (ACS) - National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) (2015-2016), patients who underwent elective minimally invasive colectomy were identified. Converted robotic were compared to laparoscopic procedures for patient demographics, co-morbidities; primary procedure and diagnosis, prolonged operation and postoperative complications. Of 36,046 colectomy procedures, 30,808 (85.5%) were laparoscopic, while 5238 (14.5%) were robotic-assisted. There were 3271 (9.1%) conversions to open surgery (laparoscopic: 2959 [9.6%]; robotic: 312 [6%]). Thirty-day postoperative surgical site infection, anastomotic leak, ileus, sepsis, bleeding requiring transfusion, urinary tract infection, reoperation; pulmonary, renal, cardiac/cerebrovascular complications; readmission, hospital stay, and mortality, were similar between the two groups. However, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism was higher after robotic conversion (4.5% vs. 2.2%, p = 0.01). Conversion was lower after robotic when compared to laparoscopic colectomy. Converted patients had similar outcomes except for vein thromboembolism which was higher after robotic surgery. Robotic technology seems to improve the feasibility of minimally invasive surgery without negatively affecting safety and efficacy even when conversion is required.

Epiploic steal: is this concept the key to reducing colorectal anastomotic leak rates?

PURPOSE: Ensuring optimal colonic perfusion is a critical step in every colorectal anastomosis. The aim of this study is to describe the concept of epiploic steal. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify studies evaluating anastomotic blood supply. The fundamental principle of epiploic steal is outlined. RESULTS: Epiploic steal has not been previously evaluated in the literature, and likely has a negative effect on colonic blood supply. Resection of colonic epiploicae may improve perfusion at the distal most lengths of a mobilised colonic conduit where the anastomosis requires it. CONCLUSION: This novel concept has the potential to change practice and reduce colorectal anastomotic leak rates. Further clinical studies are required.

Evaluation of the short-term complications of intracorporeal anastomosis in right-sided colectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The benefits of intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the short-term postoperative outcomes of intracorporeal anastomosis. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 87 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for right-sided colon tumors using a colon database. RESULTS: Of the 87 patients, 23 underwent intracorporeal anastomosis and 64 underwent extracorporeal anastomosis. Intraoperative bleeding, wound length, exhaust gas, preoperative white blood cell count, and C-reactive protein (postoperative day 1) were higher in the extracorporeal anastomosis group than in the intracorporeal anastomosis group. The incidence of wound infection was higher in the intracorporeal anastomosis group than in the extracorporeal anastomosis group. In the irrigation water bacterial culture collected after anastomosis, the positive group had a higher white blood cell count on postoperative day 1 and higher C-reactive protein levels on postoperative day 3 than did the negative group. Patients who underwent chemical preparation had lower C-reactive protein levels on postoperative day 1 than did the group who did not undergo chemical preparation. CONCLUSION: Despite the advantages of intracorporeal anastomosis in terms of wound length and intraoperative bleeding, the risk of infection may increase during the introduction phase. Fever and inflammatory responses are significantly elevated in culture-positive cases.

[A case of giardiasis diagnosed from a high output stoma after surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer].

This report describes a case of giardiasis detected through stool smear analysis of postoperative stool fluid collected from a high output stoma for obstructive colorectal cancer. The patient, a 67-year-old male, underwent right hemicolectomy with ileostomy for obstructive colorectal cancer. The persistent excessive excretion of postoperative stool fluid from the stoma prompted a stool smear test. The findings revealed the presence of Giardia intestinalis. Fecal output decreased when metronidazole was administered orally. The study strongly recommends that patients with prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms need to undergo stool smear tests.

Usefulness of the one-step technique in functional end-to-end anastomosis for colonic surgery: results of a prospective multicentre cohort study from the Japanese KYCC group.

BACKGROUND: Although functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) using a stapler in the colorectal field has been recognised worldwide, the technique varies by surgeon, and the safety of anastomosis using different techniques is unknown. METHODS: This multicentre prospective observational cohort study was conducted by the KYCC Study Group in Yokohama, Japan, and included patients who underwent colonic resection at seven centres between April 2020 and March 2022. This study compared the incidence of surgery-related abdominal complications (SAC: anastomotic leakage [AL], anastomotic bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, enteritis, ileus, surgical site infection, and other abdominal complications) between two different methods of FEEA (one-step [OS] method: simultaneous anastomosis and bowel resection; two-step [TS] method: anastomosis after bowel resection). Complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade 2 or higher were assessed. RESULTS: Among 293 eligible cases, the OS and TS methods were used in 194 (66.2%) and 99 (33.8%) patients, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The OS method used fewer staplers (three vs. four staplers, p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in SAC rate between the OS (19.1%) and the TS (16.2%) groups (p = 0.44). The OS group had four cases (2.1%) of AL (two patients; grade 3, two patients; grade 2) while the TS group had one case (1.0%) of grade 2 AL (p = 0.67). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.95; p < 0.00001), an open surgical approach (OR 2.36; p = 0.03), and longer operative duration (OR,2.79; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of complications, whereas the OS method was not an independent predictor (OR 1.17; p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The OS and the TS technique for stapled colonic anastomosis in a FEEA had a similar postoperative complication rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000039902 (registration date 23 March 2020).

Evolution of Surgical Management of Complicated Left Colon Cancer.

Complicated colon cancer accounts for up to 40% of colon cancer patients. While the management of complicated right colon cancer has some standard recommendations, for complicated left colon cancer single stage or two-stage procedures are subject to controversies. AIM: To study the types of procedures and postoperative morbidity and mortality for complicated left colon cancer patients admitted to the 1st Surgical Clinic of the County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Craiova during the past 23 years. We aimed to present the evolution of the surgical management in the emergency procedures for complicated left colon. MATERIAL AND METHOD: retrospective study of patients with complicated left colon cancer admitted to our clinic between 2001 and 2023. We analyzed the postoperative morbidity and mortality of each type of emergency procedure (single stage or two-stage) and compared them throughout three periods of time. Results: Three groups observed: G1 â?" 2001-2010, (96 patients); G2 â?" 2011-2016, (65 patients); G3 â?" 2017-2023, (77 patients). We registered significant increase in single stage procedures from G1 to G2 (11.2% vs. 33.8%). In G3, single stage procedure rate decreased significantly (20.8% vs. 33.8%). Postoperative morbidity and mortality was significantly lower in G2 compared to G1 in both single stage and two-stage procedures. G3 compared to G2 registered significant decrease for single stage procedures but similar for two-stage procedures. CONCLUSION: For left colon emergencies, two-stage procedures seem safer, as resections with primary anastomosis, even with selected cases and experienced surgeons, still associate higher postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Comparing cranial-caudal-medial and medial-lateral approaches for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The cranial-caudal-medial approach (CCMA) has been proposed for laparoscopic right hemicolectomy nowadays. This study aimed to investigate the safety and oncological efficacy of CCMA in the treatment of right-sided colon cancer compared to the medial-lateral approach (MLA). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer were included from February 2015 to June 2018, retrospectively, dividing into the CCMA group and the MLA group. We compared the basic characteristics and the short-term and long-term outcomes in two groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-six patients were included in this study. The baseline characteristics were similar in two groups. Compared with MLA group, CCMA group exhibited shorter operation time (136.3 ± 25.3 min vs. 151.6 ± 21.5 min, P < 0.001), lower estimated blood loss (44.1 ± 15.2 ml vs. 51.4 ± 26.9 min, P = 0.010), and more harvested lymph nodes (18.5 ± 7.1 vs. 16.5 ± 5.7, P = 0.021). The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate for the CCMA group was 76.5%, and the 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 72.3%, both of which were not inferior to the MLA group. No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of other clinical parameters. CONCLUSION: The CCMA in laparoscopic right hemicolectomy is safe and feasible, making the anatomical plane clearer. This approach can shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss, harvest more lymph nodes, and yield satisfactory oncological outcomes.

INTESTINAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: OUTCOMES FROM A MULTIDISCIPLINARY SPECIALIZED REFERRAL CENTER.

BACKGROUND: Deep penetrating endometriosis (DE) can affect abdominal and pelvic organs like the bowel and bladder, requiring treatment to alleviate symptoms. AIMS: To study and investigate clinical and surgical outcomes in patients diagnosed with DE involving the intestines, aiming to analyze the effectiveness of surgical treatments. METHODS: All cases treated from January 2021 to July 2023 were included, focusing on patients aged 18 years or older with the disease affecting the intestines. Patients without intestinal involvement and those with less than six months of post-surgery follow-up were excluded. Intestinal involvement was defined as direct invasion of the intestinal wall or requiring adhesion lysis for complete resection. Primary outcomes were adhesion lysis, rectal shaving, disc excision (no-colectomy group), and segmental resection (colectomy group) along with surgical complications like anastomotic leak and fistulas, monitored for up to 30 days. RESULTS: Out of 169 patients with DE surgically treated, 76 met the inclusion criteria. No colectomy treatment was selected for 50 (65.7%) patients, while 26 (34.2%) underwent rectosigmoidectomy (RTS). Diarrhea during menstruation was the most prevalent symptom in the RTS group (19.2 vs. 6%, p<0.001). Surgical outcomes indicated longer operative times and hospital stays for the segmental resection group, respectively 186.5 vs. 104 min (p<0.001) and 4 vs. 2 days, (p<0.001). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) had an overall prevalence of 6 (7.9%) cases, without any difference between the groups. There was no mortality reported. Larger lesions and specific symptoms like dyschezia and rectal bleeding were associated with a higher likelihood of RTS. Bayesian regression highlighted diarrhea close to menstruation as a strong predictor of segmental resection. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with DE involving the intestines, symptoms such as dyschezia, rectal bleeding, and menstrual period-related diarrhea predict RTS. However, severe complication rates did not differ significantly between the segmental resection group and no-colectomy group.

Retrospective study on the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for complicated fistulizing diverticular disease in a high-volume colorectal center.

BACKGROUND: We assessed feasibility and safety of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for complicated fistulizing diverticular disease in a tertiary care colorectal center. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing sigmoidectomy for fistulizing diverticular disease between 2011 and 2021 was realized. Primary outcomes were rates of conversion to open surgery and severe postoperative morbidity at 30 days. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative bladder leaks on cystogram. RESULTS: Among the 104 patients, 32.7% had previous laparotomy. Laparoscopy was the initial approach in 103 (99.0%), with 6 (5.8%) conversions to laparotomy. Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III complication rate at 30 days was 10.6%, including two (1.9%) anastomotic leaks. The median postoperative length of stay was 4.0 days. Seven (6.7%) patients underwent reoperation, six (5.8%) were readmitted, and one (0.9%) died within 30 days. Twelve (11.5%) ileostomies were created initially, and two (1.9%) were created following anastomotic leaks. At last follow-up, 101 (97.1%) patients were stoma-free. Urgent surgeries had a higher rate of severe postoperative complications. Among colovesical fistula patients (n = 73), postoperative cystograms were performed in 56.2%, identifying two out of the three bladder leaks detected on closed suction drains. No differences in postoperative outcomes occurred between groups with and without postoperative cystograms, including Foley catheter removal within seven days (73.2% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery for complicated fistulizing diverticulitis showed low rates of severe complications, conversions to open surgery and permanent stomas in high-volume colorectal center.

The effect of ileal resection length on postoperative complications and prognosis in right colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of literature on the length of the terminal ileum to be resected in right hemicolectomy for colon cancer. Therefore, we aimed to determine the mean ileal loop length and the effect of this variation on postoperative complications and long-term oncological outcomes in patients who underwent right hemicolectomy. METHODS: Right hemicolectomy surgeries performed for colon cancer in a tertiary care hospital between January 2011 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database. Two patient groups were established based on the mean length of the resected ileum above and below 7 cm. The two groups were compared for clinicopathological data, postoperative complications, mortality, long-term overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The factors contributing to OS and DFS were analyzed. RESULTS: The study included 217 patients. Body mass index (BMI) values were significantly higher in the ileum resection length > 7 cm group (p = 0.009). Pathological N stage, tumor diameter, and number of metastatic lymph nodes were significantly higher in the ileum resection length > 7 cm group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.026, respectively). There was no significant difference for postoperative complication and mortality rates between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 61.2 months (2-120) in all patients. The total number of deaths was 29 (11.7%) while the 60-month OS was 83.5% and 50-month DFS was 81.8%. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of OS and DFS rates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Excessive resection of the distal ileum in right hemicolectomy does not provide any benefit in terms of prognosis and complications.The ileum resection length and values close to it in our study appear to be sufficient.

Modified Rosi-Cahill technique after left extended colectomy for splenic flexure advanced tumors.

Advanced splenic flexure tumors are uncommon and have a higher risk of relapse. To ensure that the resection includes the entire area of lymphatic drainage with a complete mesocolic excision (CME), a left extended colectomy is needed. In peritoneal carcinomatosis, there is often extensive involvement of the sigma and splenic flexure of the colon. In many instances, total colectomies are chosen for these patients, even when a significant portion of the colon could be preserved. The potential impact on quality of life after splenic flexure colon resection is discussed, as well as the importance of anatomical knowledge and expertise in performing this type of surgery. Overall, this work presents a modified technique that aims to improve the outcomes and quality of life for patients with splenic flexure colon cancer. Creating a tension-free anastomosis after extended left-sided colorectal resection is challenging. There is a negative impact on quality of life when an ileorectal anastomosis is created. The colorectal anastomosis performed after modified Rosi-Cahill or Deloyers' technique allows reduced small bowel bacterial overgrowth, achieves better water and sodium absorption, and altogether permits improved stool consistency. There are potential advantages of the Rosi-Cahill technique over other popular options such as Deloyers' procedure as there is no torsion of the ileocolic vessels and no mesenteric windows. A video was recorded showing a potential pitfall during Deloyers' technique resulting in the creation of a mesenteric window. The proper rotation of the colon during the modified Rosi-Cahill procedure was also filmed. Overall, this work presents a modified technique for reconstruction after left extended colectomy that aims to improve the outcomes and quality of life for patients with splenic flexure colon cancer.

Comparison of D2 vs D3 lymph node dissection for RIght COloN cancer (RICON): study protocol for an international multicenter open-label randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is a global health concern, ranking fifth in both new diagnoses and deaths among tumors worldwide. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment for localized cases, with a historical evolution marked by a focus on short-term outcomes. While Japan pioneered radical tumor removal with a systematic categorization of lymph nodes (D1, D2, D3), the dissemination of Japanese practices to the West was delayed until 90th of last century. Discrepancies between Japanese D3 dissection and the CME with CVL principle persist, with variations in longitudinal margins and recommended procedures. Non-randomized trials indicate the superiority of D3 over D2, but a consensus is lacking. METHODS: This prospective, international, multicenter, randomized controlled trial employs a two-arm, parallel-group, open-label design to rigorously compare the 5-year overall survival outcomes between D2 and D3 lymph node dissection in stage II-III right colon cancer. Building on prior studies, the trial aims to address existing knowledge gaps and provide a comprehensive evaluation of the outcomes associated with D3 dissection. The study population comprises patients with right colon cancer, ensuring a focused investigation into the specific context of this disease. The trial design emphasizes its global scope and collaboration across multiple centers, enhancing the generalizability of the findings. DISCUSSION: This study's primary objective is to elucidate the potential superiority in 5-year overall survival benefits of D3 lymph node dissection compared to the conventional D2 approach in patients with stage II-III right colon cancer. By examining this specific subset of patients, the research aims to contribute valuable insights into optimizing surgical strategies for improved long-term outcomes. The trial's international and multicenter nature enhances its applicability across diverse populations. The outcomes of this study may inform future guidelines and contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding the standardization of colon cancer surgery, particularly in the context of right colon cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03200834. Registered on June 27, 2017.

Short-term inhalation of xenon during anesthesia for prevention of postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colectomy: study protocol for a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication that is characterized by acute onset of impaired cognitive function and is associated with an increased mortality, a prolonged duration of hospital stay, and additional healthcare expenditures. The incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colectomy ranges from 8 to 54%. Xenon has been shown to provide neuroprotection in various neural injury models, but the clinical researches assessing the preventive effect of xenon inhalation on the occurrence of POD obtained controversial findings. This study aims to investigate the effects of a short xenon inhalation on the occurrence of POD in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colectomy. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled trial and 132 patients aged 65-80 years and scheduled for laparoscopic radical colectomy will be enrolled. The participants will be randomly assigned to either the control group or the xenon group (n = 66 in each group). The primary outcome will be the incidence of POD in the first 5 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes will include the subtype, severity, and duration of POD, postoperative pain score, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PQSI), perioperative non-delirium complications, and economic parameters. Additionally, the study will investigate the activation of microglial cells, expression of inflammatory factors in colon tissues, plasma inflammatory factors, and neurochemical markers. DISCUSSION: Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical colectomy are at a high risk of POD, with delayed postoperative recovery and increased healthcare costs. The primary objective of this study is to determine the preventive effect of a short xenon inhalation on the occurrence of POD in these patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300076666. Registered on October 16, 2023, http://www.chictr.org.cn .

Gastrointestinal functions after laparoscopic right colectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis: a pilot randomized clinical trial on effects of abdominal drain, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis, and D3 lymphadenectomy with complete mesocolic excision.

PURPOSE: Routine use of abdominal drain or prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer part of current clinical practice in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, in patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA), it may reduce perioperative abdominal contamination. Furthermore, in cancer patients, prolonged surgery with extensive dissection such as central vascular ligation and complete mesocolon excision with D3 lymphadenectomy (altogether radical right colectomy RRC) is called responsible for affecting postoperative ileus. The aim was to evaluate postoperative resumption of gastrointestinal functions in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for cancer with ICA and standard D2 dissection or RRC, with or without abdominal drain and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: Monocentric factorial parallel arm randomized pilot trial including all consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and ICA for cancer, in 20 months. Patients were randomized on a 1:1:1 ratio to receive abdominal drain, prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis or neither (I level), and 1:1 to receive RRC or D2 colectomy (II level). Patients were not blinded. The primary aim was the resumption of gastrointestinal functions (time to first gas and stool, time to tolerated fluids and food). Secondary aims were length of stay and complications' rate. CLINICALTRIALS: gov no. NCT04977882. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were screened; according to sample size, 36 were randomized, 12 for each arm for postoperative management, and 18 for each arm according to surgical techniques. A difference in time to solid diet favored the group without drain or antibiotic independently from standard or RRC. Furthermore, when patients were divided with respect to surgical technique and into matched cohorts, no differences were seen for primary and secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: Abdominal drainage and prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing right hemicolectomy for cancer with ICA seem to negatively affect the resumption of a solid diet after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with ICA for cancer. RRC does not seem to influence gastrointestinal function recovery.

Minimally invasive left colectomy with total intracorporeal anastomosis versus extracorporeal anastomosis. A single center cohort study. Stage 2b IDEAL framework for evaluating surgical innovation.

PURPOSE: Performing intracorporeal anastomoses in minimally invasive colon surgery appears to provide better short-term outcomes for patients with colon cancer. The aim of the study is to compare surgical aspects and short-term outcomes between intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques in left colectomies with both laparoscopic and robotic approaches and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of intracorporeal anastomosis according to IDEAL framework (Exploration, stage 2b). METHODS: This is a single center, ambispective cohort study comparing total intracorporeal anastomosis (TIA) and standard surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). Patients with colon cancer treated by left colectomy, sigmoidectomy and high anterior resection by total intracorporeal anastomosis between May 2020 and January 2023 without exclusion criteria were prospectively included in a standardized database. Short-term outcomes in the group undergoing TIA were compared with a historical EA cohort. The main assessment outcomes were intraoperative complications, postoperative morbidity according to the Clavien-Dindo scale and the comparison of pathological. We conducted a preliminary comparative study within the TIA group between approaches, a primary analysis between the two anastomotic techniques, and a propensity score matched analysis including only the laparoscopic approach, between both anastomotic techniques. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-six patients were included: 103 who underwent TIA, 35 of them with laparoscopic approach and 68 with robotic approach, and a comparison group comprising another 103 eligible consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic EA. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic variables. No statistically significant differences were observed in anastomotic dehiscence. Intraoperative complications are fewer in the TIA group, with a higher C-Reactive Protein levels. Relevant anastomotic bleeding and the number of retrieved lymph nodes were higher in EA group. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in terms of overall morbidity. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive left colectomy with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis is technically feasible and safe suing either a laparoscopic or a robotic approach. Clinical data from this cohort demonstrate outcomes comparable to those achieved through the conventional EA procedure in relation to postoperative morbidity and oncological efficacy, with indications suggesting that the utilization of robotic-assisted techniques may play a contributing role in enhancing overall treatment outcomes.