New treatment strategies for non-metastatic rectal cancer.

The most widely practiced (standard) treatment of non-metastatic rectal cancer is based on proctectomy with mesorectal excision (partial or total according to the location of the tumor and commonly called TME). Surgery is preceded by CAP50-type chemoradiotherapy (capecitabineand 50 Grays radiation) and performed 6-8 weeks after the end of chemoradiotherapy. The development of new endoscopic, surgical, radiation-based and chemotherapeutic modalities leads surgeons to envisage customized treatment to find the best compromise between functional and oncologic results according to the locoregional extension of the tumor. Superficial lesions are amenable to transanal excision. T2-3 tumors<4cm are amenable to rectal preservation when neoadjuvant treatment obtains a complete response, allowing local excision or close surveillance. Intensification endocavitary radiotherapy and induction and consolidation chemotherapy regimens to avoid recourse to salvage abdomino-perineal resection (APR) are under investigation. For locally advanced rectal cancers (T3-4 and all N+ irrespective of T), the following scenarios can be envisaged: for initially resectable tumors (T3N0, T1-T3N+, circumferential resection margin>2mm), neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone aims to minimize the risk of local recurrence while avoiding the sequelae of radiotherapy. In case of initially non-resectable tumors (T4, circumferential resection margin<1mm), induction chemotherapy before chemoradiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy after short course radiotherapy provide better results than standard treatment in terms of complete response and recurrence-free survival, and should be routinely proposed in this indication.

A Reappraisal of Outcome of Elective Surgery After Successful Non-Operative Management of an Intra-Abdominal Abscess Complicating Ileocolonic Crohn's Disease: A Subgroup Analysis of a Nationwide Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few prospective data exist on outcomes of surgery in Crohn's disease [CD] complicated by an intra-abdominal abscess after resolution of this abscess by antibiotics optionally combined with drainage. METHODS: From 2013 to 2015, all patients undergoing elective surgery for CD after successful non-operative management of an intra-abdominal abscess [Abscess-CD group] were selected from a nationwide multicentre prospective cohort. Resolution of the abscess had to be computed tomography/magnetic resonance-proven prior to surgery. Abscess-CD group patients were 1:1 matched to uncomplicated CD [Non-Penetrating-CD group] using a propensity score. Postoperative results and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among 592 patients included in the registry, 63 [11%] fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The abscess measured 37 ±â€…20 mm and was primarily managed with antibiotics combined with drainage in 14 patients and nutritional support in 45 patients. At surgery, a residual fluid collection was found in 16 patients [25%]. Systemic steroids within 3 months before surgery [p = 0.013] and the absence of preoperative enteral support [p = 0.001] were identified as the two significant risk factors for the persistence of a fluid collection. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference between the Abscess-CD and Non-Penetrating-CD groups in the rates of primary anastomosis [84% vs 90% respectively, p = 0.283], overall [28% vs 15% respectively, p = 0.077] and severe postoperative morbidity [7% vs 7% respectively, p = 1.000]. One-year recurrence rates for endoscopic recurrence were 41% in the Abscess-CD and 51% in the Non-Penetrating-CD group [p = 0.159]. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery after successful non-operative management of intra-abdominal abscess complicating CD provides good early and long-term outcomes.

Nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2 within Departments of Digestive Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a drastic reduction in surgical activity in order to respond to the influx of hospital patients and to protect uninfected patients by avoiding hospitalization. However, little is known about the risk of infection during hospitalization or its consequences. The aim of this work was to report a series of patients hospitalized on digestive surgery services who developed a nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2 virus. METHODS: This is a non-interventional retrospective study carried out within three departments of digestive surgery. The clinical, biological and radiological data of the patients who developed a nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2 were collected from the computerized medical record. RESULTS: From March 1, 2020 to April 5, 2020, among 305 patients admitted to digestive surgery departments, 15 (4.9%) developed evident nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2. There were nine men and six women, with a median age of 62 years (35-68 years). All patients had co-morbidities. The reasons for hospitalization were: surgical treatment of cancer (n=5), complex emergencies (n=5), treatment of complications linked to cancer or its treatment (n=3), gastroplasty (n=1), and stoma closure (n=1). The median time from admission to diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 infection was 34 days (5-61 days). In 12 patients (80%), the diagnosis was made after a hospital stay of more than 14 days (15-63 days). At the end of the follow-up, two patients had died, seven were still hospitalized with two of them on respiratory assistance, and six patients were discharged post-hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection during hospitalization or following digestive surgery is a real and potentially serious risk. Measures are necessary to minimize this risk in order to return to safe surgical activity.

Learning non-technical skills in surgery.

Skills other than technical or clinical competences are also recognized as essential in surgery. Most serious adverse events in health care are related to non-technical skill (NTS) failures. This has fostered interest in teaching surgeons about NTS. Reproducible evaluation scales, inspired by management strategies in the air transportation industry have been created in health care and some have been fashioned and validated specifically for surgeons. The list of NTS varies according to authors but one usually finds the same division into two main categories: social skills (communication, teamwork, leadership) and cognitive competences (situational awareness, decision-making). Stress and fatigue affect the implementation of these skills. Simulation is an efficient manner to teach NTS. The goals and exact modalities of how to teach NTS remains to be defined.

[Nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2 within departments of digestive surgery]. / Infection nosocomiale à SARS-Cov-2 dans les services de chirurgie digestive.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed a drastic reduction in surgical activity in order to respond to the influx of hospital patients and to protect uninfected patients by avoiding hospitalization. However, little is known about the risk of infection during hospitalization or its consequences. The aim of this work was to report a series of patients hospitalized on digestive surgery services who developed a nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2 virus. METHODS: This is a non-interventional retrospective study carried out within three departments of digestive surgery. The clinical, biological and radiological data of the patients who developed a nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2 were collected from the computerized medical record. RESULTS: From March 1, 2020 to April 5, 2020, among 305 patients admitted to digestive surgery departments, 15 (4.9 %) developed evident nosocomial infection with SARS-Cov-2. There were nine men and six women, with a median age of 62 years (35-68 years). All patients had co-morbidities. The reasons for hospitalization were: surgical treatment of cancer (n = 5), complex emergencies (n = 5), treatment of complications linked to cancer or its treatment (n = 3), gastroplasty (n = 1), and stoma closure (n = 1). The median time from admission to diagnosis of SARS-Cov-2 infection was 34 days (5-61 days). In 12 patients (80%), the diagnosis was made after a hospital stay of more than 14 days (15-63 days). At the end of the follow-up, two patients had died, seven were still hospitalized with two of them on respiratory assistance, and six patients were discharged post-hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of SARS-Cov-2 infection during hospitalization or following digestive surgery is a real and potentially serious risk. Measures are necessary to minimize this risk in order to return to safe surgical activity.

BRAF mutation is not associated with an increased risk of recurrence in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: BRAF mutation is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. For patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs), the prognostic impact of BRAF mutation is unknown and the benefit of surgery debated. This nationwide intergroup (ACHBT, FRENCH, AGEO) study aimed to evaluate the oncological outcome of patients undergoing liver resection for BRAF-mutated CRLMs. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent resection for BRAF-mutated CRLMs in 24 centres between 2012 and 2016. A case-matched comparison was made with 183 patients who underwent resection of CRLMs with wild-type BRAF during the same interval. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients who underwent resection for BRAF-mutated CRLMs in 24 centres were compared with 183 patients with wild-type BRAF. The 1- and 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) rates were 46 and 19 per cent for the BRAF-mutated group, and 55·4 and 27·8 per cent for the group with wild-type BRAF (P = 0·430). In multivariable analysis, BRAF mutation was not associated with worse DFS (hazard ratio 1·16, 95 per cent c.i. 0·72 to 1·85; P = 0·547). The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates after surgery were 94 and 54 per cent respectively among patients with BRAF mutation, and 95·8 and 82·9 per cent in those with wild-type BRAF (P = 0·004). Median survival after disease progression was 23·0 (95 per cent c.i. 11·0 to 35·0) months among patients with mutated BRAF and 44·3 (35·9 to 52·6) months in those with wild-type BRAF (P = 0·050). Multisite disease progression was more common in the BRAF-mutated group (48 versus 29·8 per cent; P = 0·034). CONCLUSION: These results support surgical treatment for resectable BRAF-mutated CRLM, as BRAF mutation by itself does not increase the risk of relapse after resection. BRAF mutation is associated with worse survival in patients whose disease relapses after resection of CRLM, as for non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

Morbidity and oncological outcomes of rectal cancer impaired by previous prostate malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Specific surgical and oncological outcomes in patients with rectal cancer surgery after a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer have not been well described. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcomes in patients with rectal cancer with or without a history of prostate cancer. METHODS: Patients who had surgery for rectal cancer with (PC group) or without (no-PC group) previous curative treatment for prostate cancer were enrolled between January 2001 and December 2015. Comparisons between the two groups were performed by multivariable Cox analysis, and after propensity score matching in a 3 : 1 ratio for demographic and tumour characteristics, and surgical and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 944 patients with rectal cancer were enrolled, of whom 10·8 per cent had a history of prostate cancer. After matching, 83 patients who had received treatment for prostate cancer were compared with 249 who had not. The PC and no-PC groups were similar regarding patient characteristics. Extended total mesorectal excision, conversion to open surgery, transfusion and tumour perforation were more frequent in the PC group than in the no-PC group. Major surgical morbidity (28 versus 17·2 per cent; P = 0·036), anastomotic leakage (25 versus 13·7 per cent; P = 0·019) and permanent stoma (41 versus 12·4 per cent; P < 0·001) occurred more frequently in the PC group. Local recurrence was increased significantly in the PC group (17 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·019), and resulted in a significant decrease in disease-free and overall survival. CONCLUSION: Prostate cancer treatment increases short- and long-term surgical morbidity in patients with rectal cancer, and impairs oncological outcomes.

[Rectal cancer radiotherapy: Therapeutical strategy and perspective]. / La radiothérapie des cancers du rectum : stratégie thérapeutique et perspective.

Standard treatment consisting of chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery with total mesorectal excision, resulting in good oncologic local control but high morbidity and poor functional results. The same treatment applied to all patients presenting with low or mid T3-4 rectal tumors could result in overtreatment of small tumors. However, it remains insufficient (or unsatisfactory?) for locally advanced tumors regarding metastatic recurrence rate. Treatment is decided by a multidisciplinary board on the basis of initial staging, including MRI which allows for resection margin prediction and post-treatment response evaluation. The therapeutic strategy is changing towards upfront chemotherapy and therapeutic desescalation omitting radiotherapy or surgery in a rectal preservation strategy. Moreover, tumor response leads to new multidisciplinary board discussion and treatment adaptation.

What is the impact of neoadjuvant chemoradiation on outcomes in gastro-intestinal cancer?

Multimodal therapeutic strategies combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery have been shown to be feasible and to have a positive impact on outcomes by decreasing the risk of locoregional recurrence and often by increasing overall survival. The advantages of neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy include optimal tumor control combined with better tolerance and compliance to treatment while also increasing the number of candidates for surgery. Whereas indications for neoadjuvant therapy are increasing, its impact on surgical treatment and postoperative outcomes are not well-known. Surgeons frequently believe that chemo(radio)therapy may amplify intraoperative difficulties, thereby increasing postoperative morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review was to report the state of the art regarding: (i) the role of chemo(radio)therapy; (ii) its impact on surgical indications and modalities; and (iii) its impact on postoperative outcomes for the most frequently encountered gastro-intestinal cancers, i.e. esophageal, rectal, pancreatic, and anal canal cancer.

Management of rectal cancer: the 2016 French guidelines.

AIM: Rectal cancer is a malignant disease requiring multidisciplinary management. In view of the increasing number of studies published over the past decade, a comprehensive update is required to draw recommendations for clinical practice mandated by the French Research Group of Rectal Cancer Surgery and the French National Coloproctology Society. METHOD: Seven questions summarizing the treatment of rectal cancer were selected. A search for evidence in the literature from January 2004 to December 2015 was performed. A drafting committee and a large group of expert reviewers contributed to validate the statements. RESULTS: Recommendations include the indications for neoadjuvant therapy, the quality criteria for surgical resection, the management of postoperative disordered function, the role of local excision in early rectal cancer, the place of conservative strategies after neoadjuvant treatment, the management of synchronous liver metastases and the indications for adjuvant therapy. A level of evidence was assigned to each statement. CONCLUSION: The current clinical practice guidelines are useful for the treatment of rectal cancer. Some statements require a higher level of evidence due to a lack of studies.

The accuracy of preoperative imaging in measuring the length of the ileocolic segment affected by Crohn's disease: a prospective cohort study.

AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of imaging for measurement of the length of the ileocolic segment affected by Crohn's disease. METHOD: Fifty-four consecutive patients who underwent resection between 2011 and 2014 for ileocolic Crohn's disease were prospectively studied. All had preoperative MR or CT enterography. Two independent radiologists measured the length of the diseased intestinal segment. The measurements were compared with the length of disease assessed on pathology of the non-fixed surgical specimen. RESULTS: The median preoperative length of the Crohn's disease segment on imaging was 20.5 (2-73) cm and 20 (3-90) cm, as measured by the two radiologists. Interobserver agreement was substantial (κ = 0.69) with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.82 (P < 0.001). The median length of the Crohn's disease segment on pathological examination was 16.5 (2-75) cm and was closely correlated with the radiological measurement (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). The length of the Crohn's disease segment on imaging was correct to within 5 cm of the value on pathology. It was correct in 30 (55%) patients and was underestimated and overestimated in 6 (11.1%) and 18 (33.3%). A length of disease of less than 20 cm found on imaging in 26 patients was confirmed in 25 (96%) on pathology, whereas a length of more than 20 cm found on imaging in 28 patients was confirmed in 18 (64%) on pathology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and overall accuracy of imaging for predicting a length of less than 20 cm were 71%, 95%, 96%, 64% and 79%. CONCLUSION: Imaging accurately identifies the length of the ileocolic segment of Crohn's disease when it is 20 cm or less on pathological examination. In patients with more extensive disease, imaging tends to overestimate the length and should be interpreted with caution.

Postoperative cerebral dysfunction in the elderly: Diagnosis and prophylaxis.

Post-operative cerebral dysfunction includes delirium, usually occurring early and reversible, and post-operative cognitive disorders, usually occurring later and prolonged. This is a frequent complication in patients older than 75 years old. The two neurological pictures are often inter-related. The pathophysiology of both entities is similar and related to post-operative neuro-inflammation; therefore onset may occur independently of any surgical complication. Post-operative cerebral dysfunction is a serious organic complication. Reduction of inflammation represents the most logical preventive measure but currently there are no studies that show this to be effective. Prevention therefore means combining several minor measures, elements that fit well into programs of enhanced post-operative recovery after surgery. Diminished pre-operative cognitive status being a major risk factor, pre-operative rehabilitation combining nutritional, physical and cognitive support can be helpful.

Outcome of emergency surgery for severe neuroleptic-induced colitis: results of a prospective cohort.

AIM: The study evaluated the outcome of severe acute antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drug related colitis requiring emergency surgery. METHOD: From 2009 to 2014, 20 patients underwent emergency surgery for acute and severe neuroleptic-related ischaemic colitis. Neuroleptic-induced colitis was defined as another cause besides inflammatory, infectious or ischaemic colitis with a relationship to treatment by antipsychotic drugs. RESULTS: The main drugs involved were cyamemazine (n = 9, 45%), loxapine (n = 5, 25%), haloperidol (n = 4, 20%) and alimemazine (n = 4, 20%). Most (n = 14, 70%) patients presented with haemodynamic instability requiring massive resuscitation and vasopressive drugs. CT signs of digestive impairment were found in 13 (65%) patients having emergency surgery. The lesions were pancolonic in 40%; transparietal necrosis was found in 45% and 15% had colonic perforation. Twelve (60%) patients had total or subtotal colectomy and eight (40%) a segmental colectomy with colostomy or ileostomy in all cases. The postoperative mortality was 15% and morbidity was 70%, necessitating surgical reintervention in two (10%) patients. Of the 17 surviving patients, 11 (64.7%) had restoration of intestinal continuity after a median delay of 103 days, with a postoperative morbidity rate of 36.3%. In the intent-to-treat population, the permanent stoma rate was 30%. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality of surgery for neuroleptic-drug-induced colitis is higher than for colitis due to other causes. A better knowledge of this condition should lead to early diagnosis.

Cardiophrenic angle lymph node is an indicator of metastatic spread but not specifically peritoneal carcinomatosis in colorectal cancer patients: Results of a prospective validation study in 91 patients.

BACKGROUND: The presence of cardiophrenic angle lymph node (CPALN) has been associated with the risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in high risk colon cancer patients. Its accuracy to predict PC and its prognostic value in non-selected CRC patients has not been validated prospectively. METHODS: From 2011 to 2013, all patients undergoing colectomy for colon cancer were included prospectively. Presence of CPALN was assessed on preoperative computed tomography scan by two radiologists. Surgical exploration was used as reference for the diagnosis of PC. Factors associated with presence of CPALN and progression-free survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Ninety one patients fulfilled inclusion criteria. CPALN was detected in 36 patients (39.5%) on CT scan. At surgical exploration, PC was found in 6 patients (6.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and overall accuracy of CPALN on CT scan for predicting PC were 67%, 62%, 96%, 11% and 63% respectively. In multivariate analysis, the presence of distant metastases whatever the site was associated with the presence of CPALN (p = 0.03; hazard ratio HR = 3.8; confidence interval CI 95% = 1.1-13.3). In the multivariate analysis, only vascular involvement (p = 0.034, HR = 3.574, CI 95% = 1.10-11.60) was associated with progression-free survival whereas CPALN was not found to predict outcome (p = 0.893). CONCLUSION: CPALN is a common finding in non-selected colon cancer patients. Although in the absence of CPALN, PC can almost be excluded, its value for the diagnosis of PC is limited. Our findings support that CPALN is mainly an indicator of metastatic spread of the tumor.

Nutritional assessment and screening for malnutrition.

Malnutrition can be detected in up to 50% of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Although malnutrition reflects the severity of cancer, it is important to underline that anticancer treatments including surgery likely increase the severity of malnutrition. Additionally, malnutrition is associated with an increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Nutritional assessment should be a part of pre-treatment work up of gastrointestinal cancer patients because nutritional support has been shown to limit the negative impact of malnutrition on perioperative outcome. The objective of these practice guidelines is to address the following questions regarding nutritional screening in gastrointestinal cancer patients: who should benefit from nutritional assessment, when nutritional assessment should be proposed, how nutritional assessment should be carried out and why nutritional assessment is indicated.

Pathological response of locally advanced rectal cancer to preoperative chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation.

AIM: Pathological response to chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation is not well defined in rectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the objective pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation in middle or low locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). METHODS: Between 2008 and 2013, 22 patients with middle or low LARC (T3/4 and/or N+ and circumferential resection margin < 2 mm) and synchronous metastatic disease or a contraindication to pelvic irradiation underwent rectal resection after preoperative chemotherapy. The pathological response of rectal tumour was analysed according to the Rödel tumour regression grading (TRG) system. Predictive factors of objective pathological response (TRG 2-4) were analysed. RESULTS: All patients underwent rectal surgery after a median of six cycles of preoperative chemotherapy. Of these, 20 (91%) had sphincter saving surgery and an R0 resection. Twelve (55%) patients had an objective pathological response (TRG 2-4), including one complete response. Poor response (TRG 0-1) to chemotherapy was noted in 10 (45%) patients. In univariate analyses, none of the factors examined was found to be predictive of an objective pathological response to chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 37.2 months, none of the 22 patients experienced local recurrence. Of the 19 patients with Stage IV rectal cancer, 15 (79%) had liver surgery with curative intent. CONCLUSION: Preoperative chemotherapy without pelvic irradiation is associated with objective pathological response and adequate local control in selected patients with LARC. Further prospective controlled studies will address the question of whether it can be used as a valuable alternative to radiochemotherapy in LARC.

Hepatectomy for recurrent colorectal liver metastases after radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND: The results of surgery for recurrent colorectal liver metastases (CLM) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have not been evaluated. METHODS: From 1993 to 2009, data on patients who underwent resection or RFA for recurrent CLM were collected prospectively. Inclusion criteria for this study were RFA as initial treatment for CLM and resection of recurrent CLM after RFA. Postoperative results and oncological outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (median number of tumours 1 (1-3), median size 2·8 (2·0-4·0) cm) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 22 had recurrence at the site of RFA only, two developed new lesions, whereas four had both recurrent and de novo metastases. At the time of resection, patients had a median of 1 (1-13) CLM with a median maximum tumour diameter of 5·0 (1·8-11·0) cm, significantly larger than at the time of RFA (P = 0·021). Ninety-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 46 per cent (13 of 28) and 7 per cent (2 of 28) respectively. After a median follow-up of 35 (0-70) months, 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis were 60 and 29 per cent respectively. Plasma carcinoembryonic antigen level over 5 ng/ml at the time of resection and a rectal primary tumour were associated with worse survival (P = 0·041 and P = 0·021 respectively). CONCLUSION: Resection for recurrence after RFA is associated with significant morbidity and modest long-term benefit.

[The role of perioperative chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases]. / Intérêt de la chimiothérapie péri-opératoire dans la prise en charge des métastases hépatiques résécables d'origine colorectale.

Surgical resection remains the only treatment of colorectal liver metastases that can ensure long-term survival and cure in some patients, but only a minority of patients with liver metastases is directly amenable to surgery. Cancer relapse is observed in the majority of patients after resection of liver metastases despite progress in surgical technique and improved surgical skills. In order to decrease the risk of cancer relapse, it has been proposed to combine surgery and chemotherapy, which could be administered before, after or before and after surgery. It has been demonstrated that perioperative chemotherapy can reduce the risk of cancer relapse and should be considered as the standard of care for most patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases. However perioperative chemotherapy has also potential disadvantages. This review will summarize the current data on the rationale, benefits and potential disadvantages of perioperative chemotherapy in patients with resectable colorectal liver metastases.