Short-Course Radiotherapy Followed by Consolidation Chemotherapy Is Safe and Effective in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Comparative Short-term Results of Multicenter Propensity Score Case-Matched Study.

BACKGROUND: Consolidation chemotherapy strategies have demonstrated improved pathological complete response and tumor downstaging rates for patients diagnosed with rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and pathological complete response rates among different neoadjuvant treatment strategies in patients undergoing total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer. DESIGN: Propensity score case-matched study. SETTING: High-volume tertiary care centers. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing curative total mesorectal excision between January 2014 and June 2021 were queried. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were divided into 3 groups: long-course chemoradiation therapy with (N = 128) or without (N = 164) consolidation chemotherapy or short-course radiotherapy (N = 53) followed by consolidation chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics, histopathologic outcomes, and postoperative complication rates were reviewed and compared. Propensity score match analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 345 patients (mean age: 58 ± 12 years; female: 36%) met the study inclusion criteria. Time interval from neoadjuvant treatment until surgery was longer for patients receiving consolidation chemotherapy ( p < 0.001). Pathological complete response rates were comparable among patients receiving long-course chemoradiation therapy (20.3%) and short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy (20.8%) compared to long-course chemoradiation therapy alone (14.6%) ( p = 0.36). After the propensity score case-matched analysis, 48 patients in the long-course chemoradiation therapy with consolidation chemotherapy group were matched to 48 patients in the short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy group. Groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, clinical stage, tumor location, type of surgical approach, and technique. Pathological complete response rate was comparable between the groups (20.8% and 18.8%, p = 0.99). LIMITATIONS: Study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Among recent neoadjuvant treatment modalities, pathological complete response rates, and short-term clinical outcomes were comparable. Short-course radiotherapy with consolidation chemotherapy is safe and effective as long-course chemoradiation therapy as in a short-term period. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C174 . LA RADIOTERAPIA DE CORTA DURACIN SEGUIDA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA DE CONSOLIDACIN ES SEGURA Y EFICAZ EN EL CNCER DE RECTO LOCALMENTE AVANZADO RESULTADOS COMPARATIVOS A CORTO PLAZO DEL ESTUDIO MULTICNTRICO DE CASOS EMPAREJADOS POR PUNTAJE DE PROPENSION: ANTECEDENTES: Las estrategias de quimioterapia de consolidación han demostrado una mejor respuesta patológica completa y tasas de reducción del estadio del tumor para pacientes diagnosticados con cáncer de recto.OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados perioperatorios y las tasas de respuesta patológica completa entre diferentes estrategias de tratamiento neoadyuvante en pacientes sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total por cáncer de recto localmente avanzado.DISEÑO: Estudio de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión.ENTORNO CLINICO: Centros de atención terciaria de alto volumen.PACIENTES: Pacientes consecutivos sometidos a escisión mesorrectal total curativa por cáncer de recto localmente avanzado entre enero de 2014 y junio de 2021.INTERVENCIONES: Los pacientes se dividieron en tres grupos según la modalidad de tratamiento neoadyuvante: quimiorradioterapia de ciclo largo con (N = 128) o sin (N = 164) quimioterapia de consolidación o radioterapia de ciclo corto (N = 53) seguida de quimioterapia de consolidación.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: El punto final primario fue la respuesta patológica completa. Se revisaron y compararon los datos demográficos, las características preoperatorias del tumor, los resultados histopatológicos y las tasas de complicaciones posoperatorias entre los grupos de estudio. Se realizó un análisis de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión.RESULTADOS: Un total de 345 pacientes (edad media de 58 ± 12 años y mujeres: 36%) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio. El intervalo de tiempo desde el tratamiento neoadyuvante hasta la cirugía fue mayor para los pacientes que recibieron quimioterapia de consolidación ( p < 0,001). Las tasas de respuesta patológica completa fueron comparables entre los pacientes que recibieron quimiorradioterapia de larga duración con quimioterapia de consolidación (20,3 %) y radioterapia de corta duración con quimioterapia de consolidación (20,8%) en comparación con la quimiorradiación de larga duración sola (14,6%) ( p = 0,36). Después del análisis de casos emparejados por puntaje de propensión, 48 pacientes en el grupo de quimiorradioterapia de ciclo largo con quimioterapia de consolidación se emparejaron con 48 pacientes en el grupo de radioterapia de ciclo corto con quimioterapia de consolidación. Los grupos fueron comparables con respecto a la edad, sexo, estadio clínico, ubicación del tumor, tipo de abordaje quirúrgico y la técnica. La tasa de respuesta patológica completa fue comparable entre los grupos (20,8% y 18,8%, p = 0,99). La morbilidad postoperatoria a los 30 días y las tasas de fuga anastomótica fueron similares.LIMITACIONES: El estudio estuvo limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.CONCLUSIONES: Entre las modalidades de tratamiento neoadyuvante recientes, las tasas de respuesta patológica completa y los resultados clínicos a corto plazo fueron comparables. La radioterapia de corta duración con quimioterapia de consolidación es segura y eficaz como terapia de quimiorradioterapia de larga duración en un período corto. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C174 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy ).

Standardization of the Definition and Surgical Management of Splenic Flexure Carcinoma by an International Expert Consensus Using the Delphi Technique: Room for Improvement?

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of splenic flexure carcinoma remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish an expert international consensus on splenic flexure carcinoma management. DESIGN: A 3-round online-based Delphi study was conducted between September 2020 and April 2021. SETTING: The first round included 18 experts from 12 different countries. For the second and third rounds, each expert in the first round was asked to invite 2 more colorectal surgeons (n = 47). Out of 47 invited experts, 89% (n = 42) participated in the second and third rounds of the consensus. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 35 questions were created and sent via the online questionnaire tool. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Levels of recommendation based on voting concordance were graded as follows: more than 75% agreement was defined as strong, between 50% and 75% as moderate, and below 50% as weak. RESULTS: There was moderate consensus on the definition of splenic flexure (55%) as 10 cm from either side where the distal transverse colon turns into the proximal descending colon. Also, experts recommended an abdominopelvic CT scan plus intraoperative exploration (moderate consensus, 72%) for tumor localization and cancer registry. Segmental colectomy was the preferred technique for the management of splenic flexure carcinoma in the elective setting (72%). Moderate consensus was achieved on the technique of complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation principles for splenic flexure carcinoma (74%). Only strong consensus was achieved on the surgical approach for minimally invasive surgery (88%). LIMITATIONS: Subjective decisions are based on individual expert clinical experience and not evidence based. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first internationally conducted Delphi consensus study regarding splenic flexure carcinoma. The definition of splenic flexure remains ambiguous. To more effectively compare oncologic outcomes among different cancer registries, guidelines need to be developed to standardize each domain and avoid arbitrary definitions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C143 . ESTANDARIZACIN DE LA DEFINICIN Y MANEJO QUIRRGICO DEL CARCINOMA DE NGULO ESPLNICO ESTABLECIDO POR UN CONSENSO INTERNACIONAL DE EXPERTOS UTILIZANDO LA TCNICA DELPHI ESPACIO PARA MEJORAR: ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de ángulo esplénico sigue siendo controvertido.OBJETIVO:Establecer un consenso internacional de expertos sobre el manejo del cáncer del ángulo esplénico.DISEÑO:Se condujo un estudio Delphi en línea de 3 rondas entre septiembre de 2020 y febrero de 2021.ESCENARIO:La primera ronda incluyó a 18 expertos de 12 países distintos. Para la segunda y tercera rondas, a cada experto de la primera ronda se le pidió que invitara a 2 cirujanos colorrectales más de su región (n = 47). De los 47 expertos invitados, el 89% (n = 42) participó en la segunda y tercera ronda del consenso.INTERVENCIONES:Se crearon y enviaron un total de 35 preguntas a través de la herramienta de cuestionario en línea.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los niveles de recomendación basados en la concordancia de votos fueron jerarquizados de la siguiente manera: más del 75% de acuerdo se definió como fuerte, entre 50 y 75% como moderado y por debajo del 50% como débil.RESULTADOS:Hubo un consenso moderado sobre la definición de ángulo esplénico (55%) como 10 cm desde cualquier lado donde el colon transverso distal se convierte en el colon descendente proximal. Así también, los expertos recomendaron la tomografía computarizada abdominopélvica más la exploración intraoperatoria (consenso moderado, 72%) para la localización del tumor y el registro del ángulo esplénico. La colectomía segmentaria fue la técnica preferida para el tratamiento del cáncer de ángulo esplénico en el caso de ser electivo (72%). Se logró un consenso moderado sobre la técnica de escisión completa del mesocolon y los principios de ligadura vascular a nivel central para el cáncer de ángulo esplénico (74%). Solo se logró un fuerte consenso sobre el abordaje quirúrgico para la cirugía mínimamente invasiva (88%).LIMITACIONES:Decisiones subjetivas basadas en la experiencia clínica de expertos individuales y no basadas en evidencia.CONCLUSIONES:Este es el primer estudio internacional de consenso Delphi realizado sobre el cáncer de ángulo esplénico. Si bien encontramos un consenso moderado sobre las modalidades de diagnóstico preoperatorio y el manejo quirúrgico, la definición de ángulo esplénico sigue siendo ambigua. Para comparar de manera más efectiva los resultados oncológicos entre diferentes registros de cáncer, se deben desarrollar pautas para estandarizar cada dominio y evitar definiciones arbitrarias. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C143 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Comparison of textbook versus three-dimensional animation versus cadaveric training videos in teaching laparoscopic rectal surgery: a prospective randomized trial.

AIM: The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the effectiveness of various educational tools in laparoscopic rectal surgery, including surgical textbooks, animation and cadaveric videos. METHOD: Initially, an electronic assessment test assessing knowledge of laparoscopic rectal surgery was created and validated. The test was sent to graduates completing a general surgery residency programme in Turkey, who were then randomized into four groups based on the type of study material. After a 4 week study period, the volunteers were asked to answer the same electronic assessment test imported into an edited live laparoscopic rectal surgery video. Pre- and posteducation assessment tests among the groups were compared. RESULTS: A total of 168 volunteers completed the pre-education assessment test and were randomized into four groups. Pre-education assessment test scores were similar among the groups (p > 0.05). Of 168 volunteers, 130 (77.3%) completed the posteducation assessment test. Posteducation assessment test scores were significantly higher in the three-dimensional (3D) animation + cadaveric video group (p < 0.01), the 3D animation group (p < 0.01) and the cadaveric group (p < 0.01) compared with the textbook group. Moreover, posteducation assessment test scores were significantly higher in the 3D animation + cadaveric video group than the 3D animation group (p < 0.01). Each group's posteducation assessment test scores were significantly higher than the pre-education assessment test scores, with the exception of the textbook group. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that 3D animation + cadaveric videos, 3D animation alone and cadaveric videos are all superior to a surgical textbook when teaching laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery. Finally, our results show that 3D animation and cadaveric videos are also superior to textbooks in enabling an understanding of rectal surgery.

Platelet-rich plasma treatment improves postoperative recovery in patients with pilonidal sinus disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pilonidal sinus is a common health problem. The current study aimed to compare the impact of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with that of minimally invasive techniques in terms of pain reduction, return to daily activities, quality of life, and duration of wound healing after open excision and secondary closure. METHODS: Patients who were over 18 years old and had chronic PS disease between March 2018 and January 2019 were enrolled and randomly divided into three groups. Open surgery and moist dressings were applied to patients in group A. Open surgery followed by PRP application was performed on patients in group B. Group C underwent curettage of the sinus cavity followed by application of PRP. In this prospective randomized controlled study, patients completed questionnaires (including the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), Short Form-36 (SF-36) and clinical information) before and after surgery. Demographics, preoperative characteristics, healing parameters, and quality-of-life scores were evaluated and calculated before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The cavity volume and wound-healing time were compared among the groups on postoperative days 0, 2, 3, 4, and 21. Each patient was followed up throughout the process of wound healing, and follow-up was continued afterward to monitor the patients for recurrence. Due to the nature of the treatment that group C received, this group achieved shorter healing times and smaller cavity volume than the other groups. In contrast, the recovery time per unit of cavity volume was significantly faster in group B than in the other groups. Overall postoperative pain scores were significantly lower for both PRP groups (open surgery, group B; minimally invasive surgery, group C) than for group A (p < 0.001) and showed different time courses among the groups. In the treatment of PS disease, PRP application improves postoperative recovery in that it speeds patients' return to daily activities, reduces their pain scores and increases their quality of life. Trial registration The current study is registered on the public website ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number: NCT04697082; date: 05/01/2021).

Cost-conscious robotic restorative proctectomy has similar economic and oncologic outcomes to open restorative proctectomy: Results of a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we hypothesised that the direct hospital costs of robotic restorative proctectomy (RP) would be similar to those of open RP when a cost-conscious approach was employed in rectal cancer patients. METHODS: We included consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent RP between 12/2011 and 10/2014. A cost-conscious approach was employed in robotic surgery. We compared demographics, long-term oncologic outcomes, and direct hospital costs between the open and robotic groups. RESULTS: There were 32 robotic and 68 open RP procedures performed. Compared to open RP, the robotic RP group had a longer operative time but less estimated blood loss, intraoperative transfusions, overall short-term morbidity, decreased length of stay. After the initial five robotic cases, overall hospital costs were comparable between the groups (1 ± 0.5 vs. 1 ± 0.4, open and robotic RP, respectively, p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: Increasing surgeon experience and a cost-conscious approach may improve the value of care of robotic RP in patients with rectal cancer.

Computer-based multimodal training module facilitates standardization of complete mesocolic excision technique for right-sided colon cancer: Long-term oncological outcomes.

AIM: The aim of this study is to demonstrate our video training tool developed to teach and standardize complete mesocolic excision (CME) for right-sided colon cancer and also to present our long-term oncological outcomes. METHOD: Educational narrative videos were produced to demonstrate the technical steps of CME. First, a three-dimensional animation video was prepared. Then cadaveric dissections were recorded in a step-by-step fashion, following the sequences of open and minimally invasive surgery. These were followed by videos of real-life demonstrations of surgical procedures, enhanced by superimposed animations of key anatomical structures. In order to demonstrate the impact of this training module on outcomes of patients undergoing CME, we retrospectively queried data from before (2005-2010) and after (2011-2019) implementation of standardized CME in our practice. RESULTS: A total of 180 consecutive patients underwent right hemicolectomy between 2005 and 2019. Fifty-four patients underwent surgery before and 126 patients after CME principles were elaborated and standardized. Of those patients who had surgery after the training module, 58 (46%) underwent open surgery and 68 (54%) underwent laparoscopic colectomy. Demographics, perioperative parameters and morbidity were comparable between the groups. The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were significantly improved after implementation of CME training (p = 0.059 and p = 0.041, respectively). Also, 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates for all patients were considerably better than our reported national outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our comprehensive step-by-step training video module for the CME technique demonstrates surgical anatomical planes and important vascular structures and variations. The video also helps standardization of the CME technique and should contribute to improved histopathological and oncological outcomes.

Development and Implementation of a Novel Computer-Based Training Module for the Standardization of Splenic Flexure Mobilization.

BACKGROUND: Computer-based training modules use various multimedia components such as text, graphics, animation, and videos that can theoretically facilitate the learning process. Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is a crucial step for tension-free colorectal/anal anastomosis that can be a technically demanding step. This study is designed to demonstrate our novel training module for SFM with high-vessel ligation during surgery and present the anatomical landmarks and embryological plans for SFM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A step-by-step educational video was prepared to standardize and teach the technical steps of the SFM. 3D animation was prepared and cadaveric dissection was performed in a step-by-step manner similar to minimally invasive surgery. This is followed by the laparoscopic technique. Since we have started this modular training program in our department, a consecutive of 100 patients underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection and coloanal anastomosis with covering stoma. Demographics, characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Surgical anatomical planes and important vascular structures/variations are both shown by 3D animation, cadaveric dissection, and laparoscopic surgery. Out of 100 consecutive cases, there were no mortality, 5 anastomotic leakages 1 of which necessitates reoperation, and 2 splenic injuries which were managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: This unique educational video module for SFM demonstrates surgical anatomical planes and important vascular structures/variations. The employment and implementation of time-independent multimedia components lead to effective training and can theoretically facilitate the learning process.

Intraoperative Colonoscopy During Colorectal Surgery Does Not Increase Postoperative Complications: An Assessment From the ACS-NSQIP Procedure-targeted Cohort.

Intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) is an adjunct in colorectal surgery to detect the location of the lesions and assessing anastomotic integrity. The authors aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility and postoperative morbidity of IOC in left-sided colectomy patients for colorectal cancer. Patients undergoing elective left-sided colectomy without any proximal diversion for colorectal cancer between 2013 and 2016 were reviewed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program procedure-targeted database. Demographics, comorbidities, short-term outcomes, and postoperative morbidity of patients were evaluated. A total of 8811 patients were identified and IOC was performed for 1143 (12.97%) patients. There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the IOC and non-IOC groups. Patients with IOC had shorter total hospital length of stay. The use of IOC does not adversely affect short-term outcomes after colorectal resections. Surgeons may utilize IOC liberally for left-sided colorectal resections.

Minimally invasive versus open surgery for gastric cancer in Turkish population.

Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to compare short-term outcomes of minimally invasive and open surgery for gastric cancer in the Turkish population carrying both European and Asian characteristics. Material and Methods: Short-term (30-day) outcomes of the patients undergoing minimally invasive and open gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenec- tomy for gastric adenocarcinoma between January 2013 and December 2017 were compared. Patient demographics, history of previous abdominal surgery, comorbidities, short-term perioperative outcomes and histopathological results were evaluated between the study groups. Results: There were a total of 179 patients. Fifty (28%) patients underwent minimally invasive [laparoscopic (n= 19) and robotic (n= 31)] and 129 (72%) patients underwent open surgery. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, body mass index and ASA scores. While operative time was significantly longer in the minimally invasive surgery group (p <0.0001), length of hospital stay and operative morbidity were com- parable between the groups. Conclusion: While both laparoscopic and robotic surgery is safe and feasible in terms of short-term outcomes in selected patients, long operating time and increased cost are the major drawbacks of the robotic technique preventing its widespread use.

Outcomes after Early versus Delayed Urinary Bladder Catheter Removal after Proctectomy for Benign and Malignant Disease in 2,429 Patients: An Observational Cohort Study.

Background: There currently is no standard practice for optimal urinary catheter removal after rectal resection (proctectomy). Delayed removal may increase urinary tract infection risk, an important hospital quality metric. This study aimed to assess the effect of catheter duration on urinary tract infection rate. We hypothesized that early removal would be associated with fewer infections. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent proctectomy from January 2007 to December 2017 with urinary catheter placement in our colorectal surgery department. The main outcome measures were urinary tract infection, post-operative urinary retention, and length of stay. Patients were divided into early (post-operative day one or two) and late (day three or later) removal groups. Results: A series of 2,429 patients were included; 1,176 in the early and 1,253 in the late group. The early group had a shorter median length of stay (5.26 versus 7 days). The urinary tract infection (n = 77) multivariable logistic regression model showed no association between timing of removal and infection; however, females had more infections (odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65-4.41). The post-operative urinary retention model (n = 280) showed no association between the timing of removal and retention; however, patients who underwent pre-operative radiation (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.15-2.09) or total proctocolectomy (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.21-2.49) or were male (OR 1.35; 95% CI 1.02-1.78) were more likely to have retention. When analyzed by specific removal day, each one-day delay in removal increased the odds of infection by 21% (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.09-1.35] and decreased the odds of retention by 12% (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.80-0.97] with a cross-over at 9 days. Patients who experienced retention were not more likely to have infection. Conclusion: Early urinary catheter removal after proctectomy was associated with a lower urinary tract infection rate and a shorter hospital stay.

Operative and long-term oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes after robotic versus laparoscopic approach in patients undergoing curative surgery for rectal cancer. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective robotic and laparoscopic resection for rectal cancer were included. Perioperative clinical characteristics, postoperative short- and long-term outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were 72 and 44 patients in robotic (RG) and laparoscopic (LG) groups respectively. No differences were detected regarding patients' demographics, histopathologic outcomes, conversion rates and 30-day overall postoperative complication rates. Operative time was longer in the RG (341 ± 111.7 vs. 263 ± 97.5 min, p = 0.001) and length of stay was longer in the LG (4.4 ± 1.9 vs. 6.4 ± 2.9 days, p = 0.001). The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were similar (97.1% and 94.9%, p = 0.78; 86.2% and 82.7%, p = 0.72) between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study showed both short and long-term outcomes of a limited number of included patients between the robotic and laparoscopic surgery were similar. However, future studies and randomized trials are necessary to establish these findings.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal vs robotic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: Assessment of short- and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to compare short- and long-term outcomes between laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (L-TEP) and robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (R-TAPP) inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Patients were classified into two groups: L-TEP and R-TAPP. The groups were case-matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Out of 86 patients, 43 patients were matched in each group based on the study criteria. Demographics were comparable between the groups. Operative time was significantly longer for the R-TAPP compared to L-TEP (129.1 ± 47.2 min vs 92.5 ± 28.3 min; P < .001). VAS scores at 24 hours after surgery were significantly higher in the L-TEP compared to R-TAPP (36.8 ± 20.1 vs 20.3 ± 18.7; P < .001). Total hospital costs were 4778$ for R-TAPP and 3852$ for L-TEP. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates similar long-term postoperative outcomes and recurrence rates between robotic and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in a case-matched fashion.

Fully robotic total gastrectomy with D2 lymphadenectomy for gastric cancer.

PURPOSE: Robotic surgery with technical advantages was shown to make complex maneuvers easier and more precise for gastric surgery [1]. This video demonstrates our technique on robotic total gastrectomy with the da Vinci Xi platform for gastric cancer. METHODS: 68-year-old female was presented with persistent epigastric abdominal pain and underwent upper endoscopy showed ulcerated mass extended from the cardia to the lesser curvature. Histopathology showed gastric adenocarcinoma. After patient received neoadjuvant chemotherapy, decision was made to proceed with surgery. RESULTS: Initially, greater curvature dissection was started by division of the gastrocolic ligament with entering the lesser sac with monopolar scissors and bipolar forceps. The right gastroomental vessels were identified and divided at their root along with lymph nodes. After ligation of the right gastric vessels, dissection was extended to retrieve lymph nodes around the left gastric vessels. Duodenum was circumferentially dissected and transected 2 cm distal to the pylorus. Subsequently, extended lymphadenectomy was started with suprapancreatic lymph node dissection to retrieve lymph nodes around the common hepatic artery and celiac axis. Spleen-preserving dissection of the lymphatic tissue of the distal splenic artery and the splenic hilum was performed. The distal esophagus was divided with robotic stapler. Fully robotic end-to-side esophagojejunal anastomosis was constructed. For the reconstruction of gastrointestinal continuity after total gastrectomy, side-to-side jejuno-jejunal anastomosis was performed. Total operative time was 5 hours and estimated blood loss was 20 cc. DISCUSSION: Totally robotic gastrectomy with D2-lymphadenectomy is a safe technique for gastric cancer and provides intracorporeal suturing in reconstructing the anatomy.

Modified frailty index predicts high-risk patients for readmission after colorectal surgery for cancer.

BACKGROUND: Modified frailty index (mFI) has been proposed as a reliable tool in predicting postoperative outcomes after surgery. This study aims to evaluate whether mFI could be utilized to predict readmissions after colorectal resection for patients with cancer by using nationwide cohort. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective abdominal colorectal resection for colorectal cancer were reviewed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) procedure-targeted database (2010-2012). A previously described mFI was calculated. Demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications were compared between patients who were readmitted or not after colorectal surgery. RESULTS: A total of 7337 patients were identified with a mean age of 65.8(±13.6) years. Eight hundred seventy-one (11.8%) patients were readmitted at least once within 30 days. Age, gender, BMI, and other comorbidities were comparable between the groups. O approach, current smoking, mFI(>3/11), disseminating cancer, bleeding disorder and longer operative time were found to independently associated with readmission. CONCLUSIONS: An 11-point modified frailty index as measured in NSQIP correlates with readmissions after colorectal resection in patients with colon and rectal cancer.

Totally laparoscopic and totally robotic surgery in patients with left-sided colonic diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Introduction of the da Vinci Xi system has facilitated the use of robotics in colorectal surgery. Nevertheless, data on the outcomes of robotic surgery for the treatment of colonic diverticulitis have remained scarce. METHODS: Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and perioperative outcomes of the patients undergoing totally robotic with the da Vinci Xi system or laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colonic diverticulitis (LCD) were compared. RESULTS: Laparoscopic and robotic groups included 22 and 20 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient demographics, clinical characteristics, operative time, and postoperative complications. There were three conversions in the laparoscopy group and no conversion in the robotic group (P = 0.23). Conversion to open surgery was associated with postoperative morbidity (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Robotic surgery is an applicable alternative for the treatment of LCD. Robotic approach may potentially lower the risk of operative morbidity by reducing the requirement of conversion.