Is survival after transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) worse than that after traditional total mesorectal excision? A retrospective propensity score-adjusted cohort study.

PURPOSE: Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) was developed to provide better vision during resection of the mesorectum. Conflicting results have shown an increase in local recurrence and shorter survival after taTME. This study compared the outcomes of taTME and abdominal (open, laparoscopic, robotic) total mesorectal excision (abTME). METHODS: Patients who underwent taTME or abTME for stages I-III rectal cancer and who received an anastomosis were included. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively conducted database was performed. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Risk factors were adjusted by propensity score matching (PSM). The secondary endpoints were local recurrence rates and combined poor pathological outcomes. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2020, a total of 189 patients underwent taTME, and 119 underwent abTME; patients were followed up for a mean of 54.7 (SD 24.2) and 78.4 (SD 34.8) months, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-year survival rates after taTME and abTME were not significantly different after PSM: OS: 78.2% vs. 88.6% (p = 0.073), CSS: 87.4% vs. 92.1% (p = 0.359), and DFS: 69.3% vs. 80.9% (p = 0.104), respectively. No difference in the local recurrence rate was observed (taTME, n = 10 (5.3%); abTME, n = 10 (8.4%); p = 0.280). Combined poor pathological outcomes were more frequent after abTME (n = 36, 34.3%) than after taTME (n = 35, 19.6%) (p = 0.006); this difference was nonsignificant according to multivariate analysis (p = 0.404). CONCLUSION: taTME seems to be a good treatment option for patients with rectal cancer and is unlikely to significantly affect local recurrence or survival. However, further investigations concerning the latter are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT0496910).

Tumour, narrow pelvis and surgery specific factors for total mesorectal excision quality and morbidity following rectal cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic anatomy is critical in challenging rectal resections. This study investigated how pelvic anatomy relates to total mesorectal excision (TME) quality, anastomotic leakage rate, and long-term oncological outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective rectal cancer resection from 2008 to 2017 in an Austrian institution were retrospectively reviewed regardless of the surgical approach. CT scans were analysed for pelvic measurements and volumes. The primary outcomes of interest were the correlation between pelvic dimensions and the TME quality and anastomotic leakage. Subanalysis was done by surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, transanal TME). Secondary outcomes were overall and disease-free survivals. RESULTS: Among 154 eligible patients, 112 were included. The angle between pubic symphysis and promontory significantly correlated with worse TME grades (TME grade 1: mean(s.d.) 102.7(5.7)°; TME grade 2: 92.0(4.4)°; TME grade 3: 91.4(3.6)°; P < 0.001). A significantly lower distance between tumour and circumferential resection margin (CRM) was observed in grade 3 resections, whereas no difference appeared in grade 1 and grade 2 resection (TME grade 1: mean(s.d.) 11.92(9.4) mm; TME grade 2: 10.8(8.1) mm; TME grade 3: 3.1(4.1) mm; P = 0.003). The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly higher in case of a lower CRM (patients with anastomotic leakage: mean(s.d.) 6.8(5.8) mm versus others: 12.6(9.8) mm, P = 0.027), but not associated with pelvimetry measurements. The transanal TME (TaTME) subgroup displayed a wider angle between the pubic symphysis and promontory, younger age and improved TME quality compared to others (respectively, mean TME grades in TaTME versus open versus laparoscopic: 1.0 ± 0.0, 1.5 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.5, P = 0.013). Finally, oncological survival was not impacted by pelvic measurements or worse TME quality. CONCLUSION: The angle between the pubic symphysis and promontory and the distance between tumour and CRM were associated with worse TME grades. The anastomotic leakage was associated with a lower CRM but not with pelvimetric measures.

Assessing the environmental impact of an anastomotic leak care pathway.

Background: The healthcare sector faces increasing pressure to improve environmental sustainability whilst continuing to meet the needs of patients. One strategy is to lower the avoidable demand on healthcare services, by reducing the number of surgical complications, such as anastomotic leak (AL). The aim of this study was to assess the environmental impact associated with the care pathway of AL. Methods: An environmental impact assessment was performed according to the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition (SHC) guidelines. A care pathway, describing the typical steps involved in the diagnosis and treatment of AL was developed. Activity and emission data for each stage of the care pathway were used to calculate the climate, water and waste impact of the treatment of AL patients. Results: The environmental impact assessment shows that AL is associated with an average climate, water and waste impact per patient of 1303 kg CO2-eq, 1803 m3 of water and 123 kg waste, respectively. Grade C leaks are associated with the greatest environmental impact, contributing to 89.3 %, 79.4 % and 97.9 % of each impact, respectively. A breakdown of the environmental impact of each activity shows that stoma home management is the largest contributor to the total climate (46.6 %) and waste (47.3 %) impact of AL patients, whilst in-patient hospital stay contributes greatest to the total water impact (46.7 %). Conclusions: The treatment of AL is associated with a substantial environmental impact. This study is, to our knowledge, the first to assess the environmental impact associated with the treatment of AL.

Incarerated femoral hernia in women - A critical view on approach options.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: In the literature there is few information on femoral hernias while best surgical approach to groin hernia in women is in recent discussion ([1], [2]). Focused on femoral hernia our purpose is to present a possible pathway for incarcerated female hernia approach demonstrated on four cases. CASE PRESENTATION: Four female patients (77-90 y) with suspected incarcerated inguinal unilateral hernia undergoing repair at our department between December 2017 and December 2018 are presented. In three patients emergency laparoscopy by single port approach confirmed incarceration. Bowel was reduced and femoral hernia diagnosed. A TAPP repair was performed. The fourth patient had multiple previous abdominal operations due to anal carcinoma, so laparoscopic approach was not recommended. A transinguinal open approach also showed an incarcerated femoral hernia. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In case of suspected incarcerated inguinal hernia accurate identification of a femoral hernia is necessary especially in female elderly patients. If possible endoscopic approach is preferred and offers exploration of both sides, checking bowel for vitality and fixing the hernia. If bilateral hernia is present, both sides should be addressed. Surgeons not used to TAPP should perform diagnostic laparoscopy with reduction of hernia sac and check of content and switch to TEP if experienced or open procedure. If open approach is necessary checking for femoral hernia is also mandatory and preperitoneal mesh placement is recommended with or without ligation of inferior epigastric vessels. CONCLUSION: Femoral hernias in women are not rare and in open repair techniques easily overseen. The endoscopic approach is preferred. With open approach the exploration via transversalis fascia is mandatory.

Identification of Risk Factors for Sexual Dysfunction after Multimodal Therapy of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and Their Impact on Quality of Life: A Single-Center Trial.

PURPOSE: Sexual function is crucial for the quality of life and can be highly affected by preoperative therapy and surgery. The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for poor sexual function and quality of life. METHODS: Female patients were asked to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI-6). Male patients were demanded to answer the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). RESULTS: In total, 79 patients filled in the questionary, yielding a response rate of 41.57%. The proportion of women was represented by 32.91%, and the median age was 76.0 years (66.0-81.0). Sexual dysfunction appeared in 88.46% of female patients. Severe erectile dysfunction occurred in 52.83% of male patients. Univariate analysis showed female patients (OR: 0.17, 95%CI: 0.05-0.64, p = 0.01), older age (OR: 0.34, 95%CI 0.11-1.01, p = 0.05), tumor localization under 6cm from the anal verge (OR: 4.43, 95%CI: 1.44-13.67, p = 0.01) and extension of operation (APR and ISR) (OR: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.03-0.59, p = 0.01) as significant risk factors for poor outcome. Female patients (OR: 0.12, 95%CI: 0.03-0.62, p = 0.01) and tumors below 6 cm from the anal verge (OR: 4.64, 95%CI: 1.18-18.29, p = 0.03) were shown to be independent risk factors for sexual dysfunction after multimodal therapy in the multivariate analysis. Quality of life was only affected in the case of extensive surgery (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Higher Age, female sex, distal tumors and extensive surgery (APR, ISR) are revealed risk factors for SD in this study. Quality of life was only affected in the case of APR or ISR.

Advanced Lymph Node Staging With Ex Vivo Intra-arterial Indigo Carmine Injection After Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Exact lymph node staging is essential in rectal cancer therapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of intra-arterial indigo carmine injection after transanal total mesorectal excision on the number of retrieved lymph nodes. DESIGN: This was a retrospective, nonrandomized study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital by a multidisciplinary team. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent transanal total mesorectal excision for suspected rectal cancer between 2013 and 2019 were included. INTERVENTIONS: Rectal cancer specimens received ex vivo intra-arterial indigo carmine injection to stain lymph nodes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included the number of retrieved lymph nodes with or without staining. RESULTS: Specimens of 189 patients were analyzed, of which 108 (57.1%) were stained with indigo carmine. A mean of 19.8 ± 6.1 lymph nodes was identified in stained samples compared to 16.0 ± 4.9 without staining ( p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that 3.2 additional lymph nodes were found in stained specimens (95% CI: 1.0 to 5.3; p = 0.02). In stained specimens the adequate lymph node count (≥12) was increased in univariable (odds ratio: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.13 to 10.65; p = 0.03) but not in multivariable analysis. Indigo carmine injection had no effect on the number of positive lymph nodes or the nodal stage. Chemoradiotherapy reduced the lymph node count by 2.5 ( p = 0.008). After staining, 95.0% of patients with chemoradiotherapy had ≥12 lymph nodes retrieved. The median follow-up of patients was 24.2 months with a local recurrence rate of 3.3%. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited by its retrospective design and the nonrandomized allocation. CONCLUSIONS: Ex vivo intra-arterial indigo carmine injection increases the number of isolated lymph nodes after transanal total mesorectal excision regardless of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Indigo carmine injection is not associated with nodal upstaging or an increased number of tumor-positive lymph nodes. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B839 . ESTADIFICACIN AVANZADA DE LOS GANGLIOS LINFTICOS CON INYECCIN INTRAARTERIAL EX VIVO,DE NDIGO CARMN,DESPUS DE LA ESCISIN TOTAL DEL MESORRECTO POR VA TRANSANAL PARA CNCER DE RECTO UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE RETROSPECTIVO: ANTECEDENTES:La estadificación exacta de los ganglios linfáticos es esencial en la tratamiento del cáncer de recto.OBJETIVO:El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la inyección intraarterial de índigo carmín después de la escisión total del mesorrecto por vía transanal con relación al número de ganglios linfáticos recuperados en el espécimen quirúrgico..DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo no aleatorizado.AJUSTE:El estudio se llevó a cabo en un hospital de tercer nivel por un equipo multidisciplinario.PACIENTES:Pacientes a quienes se les practicó escisión total del mesorrecto por vía transanal por sospecha de cáncer de recto entre 2013 y 2019.INTERVENCIONES:Al espécimen quirúrgico que se obtuvo, se le practicó inyección intraarterial ex vivo, de índigo carmín para teñir los ganglios linfáticos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El número de ganglios linfáticos recuperados con o sin tinción.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron muestras de 189 pacientes, de los cuales 108 (57,1%) fueron teñidos con índigo carmín. Se identificó una media de 19,8 ± 6,1 ganglios linfáticos en las muestras teñidas en comparación con 16,0 ± 4,9 sin tinción ( p < 0,001). El análisis multivariado mostró que se encontraron 3.2 ganglios linfáticos adicionales en las muestras teñidas (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,0 a 5,3; p = 0,02). En las muestras teñidas, el recuento adecuado de ganglios linfáticos (≥12) aumentó en el análisis univariado (razón de posibilidades: 3,24, intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,13 a 10,65; p = 0,03) pero no en el multivariado. La inyección de índigo carmín no tuvo ningún efecto sobre el número de ganglios linfáticos positivos o el estadio ganglionar. La quimiorradioterapia redujo el recuento de ganglios linfáticos en 2,5 ( p = 0,008). Después de la tinción, en el 95,0% de los pacientes con quimiorradioterapia se recuperaron ≥12 ganglios linfáticos. La mediana de seguimiento de los pacientes fue de 24,2 meses con una tasa de recurrencia local del 3,3%.LIMITACIONES:El estudio está limitado por su diseño retrospectivo y la asignación no aleatoria.CONCLUSIONES:La inyección ex vivo de índigo carmín intraarterial aumenta el número de ganglios linfáticos aislados después de la escisión total del mesorrectal por vía transanal a pesar de la quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante. La inyección de índigo carmín no se asocia con un aumento del estadio de los ganglios ni con un mayor número de ganglios linfáticos positivos para tumor. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B839 . (Traducción-Eduardo Londoño-Schimmer ).

Prophylactic funnel mesh to prevent parastomal hernia in permanent end colostomy: A retrospective cohort study.

AIM: This study assessed the impact of a prophylactic, 3D funnel-shaped intraperitoneal mesh on the rate of parastomal hernia after abdominoperineal rectum resection with permanent end colostomy. METHODS: Data from 76 patients receiving permanent end colostomy after abdominoperineal rectum resection between 2013 and 2018 were collected retrospectively. Occurrences of parastomal hernia and reoperation rate due to parastomal hernia in patients with and without a prophylactic mesh were compared by univariate, multivariate, and propensity score-adjusted analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-two (28.9%) of the 76 included patients received a prophylactic mesh. The mean follow-up was 39.3 ± 23.8 months. Mesh implantation reduced the incidence of parastomal hernia to 9.1% (n = 2) compared to 42.6% (n = 23) in patients without a prophylactic mesh. The propensity score-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 0.14 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04-0.48, p = 0.001). No reoperations due to parastomal hernia were needed in patients who received a prophylactic mesh, while nine patients without mesh (16.7%) required parastomal hernia repair (HR = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.00-1.76, p = 0.015). Mesh implantation was not associated with increased short-term morbidity (Clavien-Dindo grade > 2, 31.8% vs. 40.7%, p = 0.468) or 30-day mortality (4.5% vs. 3.8%, p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic implantation of a 3D funnel-shaped intraperitoneal mesh is a safe and effective method to prevent parastomal hernia in patients requiring permanent end colostomy. Mesh placement significantly reduces reoperations due to parastomal hernia.

Duodenal localization is a negative predictor of survival after small bowel adenocarcinoma resection: A population-based, propensity score-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the influence of tumor localization of small bowel adenocarcinoma on survival after surgical resection. METHODS: Patients with resected small bowel adenocarcinoma, ACJJ stage I-III, were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2013. The impact of tumor localization on overall and cancer-specific survival was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models with and without risk-adjustment and propensity score methods. RESULTS: Adenocarcinoma was localized to the duodenum in 549 of 1025 patients (53.6%). There was no time trend for duodenal localization (P = 0.514). The 5-year cancer-specific survival rate was 48.2% (95%CI: 43.3-53.7%) for patients with duodenal carcinoma and 66.6% (95%CI: 61.6-72.1%) for patients with cancer located in the jejunum or ileum. Duodenal localization was associated with worse overall and cancer-specific survival in univariable (HR = 1.73; HR = 1.81, respectively; both P < 0.001), multivariable (HR = 1.52; HR = 1.65; both P < 0.001), and propensity score-adjusted analyses (HR = 1.33, P = 0.012; HR = 1.50, P = 0.002). Furthermore, young age, retrieval of more than 12 regional lymph nodes, less advanced stage, and married matrimonial status were positive, independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Duodenal localization is an independent risk factor for poor survival after resection of adenocarcinoma.

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (pTNS): success rate and the role of rectal capacity.

PURPOSE: Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (pTNS) was originally developed to treat urinary incontinence. Recently, some case series have also documented its success in the treatment of fecal incontinence. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying this effect remains unknown but may be related to changes in rectal capacity. The aim of this study was to investigate the success of pTNS for the treatment of fecal urge incontinence and assess the influence of rectal capacity on treatment efficacy. METHODS: All patients undergoing pTNS for fecal incontinence between July 2009 and March 2014 were enrolled in a prospective, observational study consisting of a therapeutic regimen that lasted 9 months. Therapy success was defined as a reduction in the CCI (Cleveland Clinic incontinence) score of ≥50% and patient-reported success. Furthermore, quality of life (Rockwood's scale) and changes in anorectal physiology were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients with fecal urge incontinence were eligible, nine of whom were excluded. The success rate was 72.5%. Incontinence events and urge symptoms were significantly reduced after 3 months and at the end of therapy. The median CCI score decreased from 12 to 4 (P < 0.0001), and the quality of life was significantly improved. However, rectal capacity was not significantly related to treatment success before or after therapy. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that pTNS can improve the symptoms and quality of life of patients with fecal urge incontinence. However, the study fails to demonstrate a correlation between treatment success and changes in rectal capacity.

Survival after Abdominoperineal and Sphincter-Preserving Resection in Nonmetastatic Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Time-Trend and Propensity Score-Matched SEER Analysis.

Background. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) has been associated with impaired survival in nonmetastatic rectal cancer patients. It is unclear whether this adverse outcome is due to the surgical procedure itself or is a consequence of tumor-related characteristics. Study Design. Patients were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The impact of APR compared to coloanal anastomosis (CAA) on survival was assessed by Cox regression and propensity-score matching. Results. In 36,488 patients with rectal cancer resection, the APR rate declined from 31.8% in 1998 to 19.2% in 2011, with a significant trend change in 2004 at 21.6% (P < 0.001). To minimize a potential time-trend bias, survival analysis was limited to patients diagnosed after 2004. APR was associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality after unadjusted analysis (HR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.28-2.03, P < 0.01) and multivariable adjustment (HR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.10-1.76, P < 0.01). After optimal adjustment of highly biased patient characteristics by propensity-score matching, APR was not identified as a risk factor for cancer-specific mortality (HR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56-1.29, P = 0.456). Conclusions. The current propensity score-adjusted analysis provides evidence that worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing APR compared to CAA are caused by different patient characteristics and not by the surgical procedure itself.

Single-Incision and Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) and natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) aim at reducing surgical access trauma. To monitor the introduction of emerging technologies, the Swiss Association for Laparo- and Thoracoscopic Surgeons launched a database in 2010. The current status of SIL and NOTES in Switzerland is reported, and the techniques are compared. METHODS: The number and type of procedures, surgeon experience, their impressions of performance, conversion, and complications between 2010 and 2015 are described. A survey was used to acquire additional data not included in the registry. RESULTS: Nine centers included 650 procedures. Cholecystectomy (55 %) and sigmoidectomy (26 %) were most prevalent in both techniques. The number of active centers declined from 9 to 2 during the study period. The frequencies of taught procedures were 4 and 43 % for SIL and NOTES (p < 0.001), and surgeon self-estimated impression of performance was perfect in 50 and 89 %, respectively (p < 0.0001). Conversions in total were 3.6 and 5.7 %, respectively, and 1.1 % to open for both techniques. Morbidity was 5 % in SIL and 2.7 % in NOTES, with 0.8 % access-related complications in NOTES and none in SIL (p = 0.29). Of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, sigmoidectomy, and right hemicolectomy, 11.4 and 15.6 % of cases were operated using SIL or NOTES, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although in selected specialized centers, a considerable proportion of patients were treated using novel techniques, a fading interest of the surgical community in SIL and NOTES was observed. The proportion of SIL and NOTES procedures taught is insufficient and calls for improvement.

Does caffeine reduce postoperative bowel paralysis after elective laparoscopic colectomy? (CaCo trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative bowel paralysis is common after abdominal operations, including colectomy. As a result, hospitalization may be prolonged, thereby leading to increased cost. A recent randomized controlled trial showed that the consumption of regular black coffee after colectomy is associated with a significantly faster resumption of intestinal motility. The mechanism by which coffee stimulates intestinal motility is unknown, but caffeine seems to be the most likely stimulating agent. Thus, the effect of caffeine on postoperative bowel activity after colon surgery will be analyzed in this trial, herein referred to as CaCo. METHODS/DESIGN: Patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic colectomy or upper rectum resection are eligible to participate in this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients fulfilling all inclusion criteria will be allocated after the surgical procedure to one of three treatment arms: 100 mg caffeine, 200 mg caffeine, or placebo (corn starch). Patients will take the capsules containing the study medication three times daily with a meal. The primary endpoint of the study is the time to a solid bowel movement. The study treatment will be stopped after the patient produces a solid bowel movement or has taken ten capsules, whichever occurs first. To determine the colonic passage time, patients will take a capsule with radiopaque markers at breakfast for the first 3 days after surgery. On the fourth day, the location of the markers will be determined with an abdominal X-ray scan. Further secondary objectives are the postoperative morbidity and mortality, well-being, sleeping behavior, and length of hospital stay. The study size was calculated to be 180 patients with an interim analysis occurring after 60 patients. DISCUSSION: From a previous study investigating coffee, evidence exists that caffeine might have a positive influence on the postoperative bowel activity. This double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized trial tries to show that caffeine will shorten the postoperative bowel paralysis and, thus, will improve recovery and shorten the hospital stay after colon surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02510911 Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal SNCTP000001131.

New kid on the block: perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSP) is it worthwhile in the long-term?

PURPOSE: Perineal stapled prolapse resection (PSP) has been described as a new surgical treatment for external rectal prolapse in 2008. Short-term and midterm results acknowledged PSP as a safe, fast and simple procedure for high-risk patients. This study aims to assess long-term results after PSP. METHODS: All patients who underwent PSP from 2007 to 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Data was gathered from medical records and operative reports and by interviews with the general practitioner or the patient. RESULTS: Indication for PSP was provided in 64 cases. One procedure had to be changed to an Altemeier's and another to a laparoscopic rectopexy. The median age was 79.9 years (range 25.9-97.5). Spinal anaesthesia was used in 19 patients. The median operation time was 32.5 min (range 25-51.2). There was no mortality. One patient had to be reoperated. All other complications were minor. The median hospital stay was 6.0 days (range 2-23). Median follow-up of patients alive was 6.0 years (range 0.2-8.4). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate for primary prolapse was 70.1 % compared to 34.3 % for recurrent prolapses (p = 0.048). Further positive prognostic factors were specimen length over 8 cm and lack of preoperative obstructed defecation syndrome. Faecal incontinence was remedied in 18, and new onset was recorded in 6 patients (significant incontinence rate reduction (p = 0.025)). CONCLUSION: Due to low morbidity and the possibility of spinal anaesthesia, PSP is suitable for frail patients. The recurrence rate for primary prolapse is similar to alternative perineal procedures like Delorme's and Altemeier's, but inferior to the laparoscopic techniques.

Predictors for regional lymph node metastasis in T1 rectal cancer: a population-based SEER analysis.

BACKGROUND: Local resection of early-stage rectal cancer significantly reduces perioperative morbidity compared with radical resection. Identifying patients at risk of regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) is crucial for long-term survival after local resection. METHODS: Patients after oncological resection of T1 rectal cancer were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results register 2004-2012. Potential predictors of LNM and its impact on cancer-specific survival were assessed in logistic and Cox regression with and without multivariable adjustment. RESULTS: In total, 1593 patients with radical resection of T1 rectal cancer and a minimum of 12 retrieved regional lymph nodes were identified. The overall LNM rate was 16.3 % (N = 260). A low risk of LNM was observed for small tumor size (P = 0.002), low tumor grade (P = 0.002) and higher age (P = 0.012) in multivariable analysis. The odds ratio for a tumor size exceeding 1.5 cm was 1.49 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.06-2.13], for G2 and G3/G4 carcinomas 1.69 (95 % CI 1.07-2.82) and 2.72 (95 % CI 1.50-5.03), and for 65- to 79-year-old and over 80-year-old patients 0.65 (95 % CI 0.43-0.96) and 0.39 (95 % CI 0.18-0.77), respectively. Five-year cancer-specific survival for patients with LNM was 90.0 % (95 % CI 85.3-95.0 %) and for patients without LNM 97.1 % (95 % CI 95.9-98.2 %, hazard ratio = 3.21, 95 % CI 1.82-5.69, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based analysis, favorable cancer-specific survival rates were observed in nodal-negative and nodal-positive T1 rectal cancer patients after primary radical resection. The predictive value of tumor size, grading and age for LNM should be considered in medical decision making about local resection.

Anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic single-port sigmoid resection: combined transanal and transabdominal minimal invasive management.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has become the gold standard in the therapy of benignant and malignant colorectal pathologies. Anastomotic leakage is still a reason for laparotomy; applying a diverting stoma or performing a Hartman's procedure is common [1, 2]. Laparoscopic treatment of an early-detected anastomotic leakage is suggested from other authors [3, 4]. In our video we demonstrate a combined minimal invasive transabdominal and transanal treatment concept in patients with early-detected anastomotic leakage. METHODS: Two consecutive patients developing an anastomotic leakage after single-port laparoscopic sigmoid resection for stage II/III diverticulitis (Hanson & Stock) were treated with a combined minimal invasive approach. Anastomotic leakage was diagnosed by triple contrast computed tomography on postoperative day 4 in patient one and on postoperative day 7 in patient two. Operative treatment was performed immediately on the same day without delay. RESULTS: In both patients a combined transanal and transabdominal approach was performed. First step was a diagnostic laparoscopy in order to exclude fecal peritonitis. Using a single-port device (SILS Port Covidien), transanal inspection of the anastomosis was also performed: In both patients anastomotic tissue margins were vital, and the leakage affected only a quarter of the anastomotic circumference. Transanal stitches were placed to close the anastomotic leakage. Laparoscopic transabdominal irrigation was performed, and two suction drainages were placed in the pelvis. Postoperative antibiotic treatment and a gradual return to slid food were carried out. Functional result at follow-up of 102 and 112 days (with rectoscopy) showed no residual leak and no stricture of the anastomosis, and both of patients had a normal rectal function.

Wound complications in 1145 consecutive transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the wound complication rate in patients undergoing transumbilical single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) surgery. BACKGROUND: SIL surgery claims to be less invasive than conventional laparoscopy. Small SIL series have raised concerns toward a higher wound complication rate related to the transumbilical incision. METHODS: In a 44-month period, 1145 consecutive SIL procedures were included. The outcomes were assessed according to the intention-to-treat analysis principle. All procedures were followed for a minimum of 6 months postoperatively, and wound complications were recorded as bleeding, infection (superficial/deep), or hernia. Patients were classified as having a wound complication or not. For all comparisons, significance level was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Pure transumbilical SIL surgery was completed in 92.84%, and additional trocars were used in 7.16%. After a median follow-up of 22.1 (range, 7.67-41.11) months, 29 wound complications (2.53%) had occurred [bleeding 0%/infection 1.05% (superficial 0.9%/deep 0.17%)/early-onset hernia 0.09%/late-onset hernia 1.40%, respectively]. Factors associated with complications were higher patient body mass index (28.16±4.73 vs 26.40±4.68 kg/m; P=0.029), longer skin incisions (3.77±1.62 vs 2.96±1.06 cm; P=0.012), and multiport SIL versus single-port SIL (8.47% vs 2.38%; P=0.019) in complicated versus uncomplicated procedures. Furthermore, a learning curve effect was noted after 500 procedures (P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: With transumbilical SIL surgery, the incidence of wound complications is acceptable low and is further reduced once the learning curve has been passed.

Benefit of immediate beta-blocker therapy on mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the recommendations to initiate ß-blockade to all patients with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, data concerning the timing of the administration of ß-blockers are controversially discussed. In view of these controversies, we analyzed the effect of immediate vs. delayed ß-blockade on all-cause mortality of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the Lower Austrian Myocardial Infarction Network. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Myocardial infarction network including the out-of-hospital emergency services, five primary-care hospitals and a percutaneous coronary intervention-capable hospital in the western part of Lower Austria. PATIENTS: The data of all patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction defined according to the American Heart Association criteria and treated according to the treatment protocol of the network were consecutively collected. For the purpose of survival analyses, the baseline survival time was set to 48 hours after the first electrocardiogram, and in all patients with recurrent MI within the observational period, only the first MI was regarded. INTERVENTIONS: The treatment protocol recommended either the immediate oral administration of 2.5 mg bisoprolol (within 30 min after the first electrocardiogram) or 24 hours after acute myocardial infarction (delayed ß-blockade). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In total, out of the 664 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, 343 (n = 52%) received immediate ß-blockade and 321 (48%) received delayed ß-blockade. The probability of any death (baseline survival time: 48 hours after first electrocardiogram; 640 patients) was 19.2% in the delayed treatment group and 10.7% in the immediate treatment group (p = 0.0022). Also the probability of cardiovascular mortality was significantly lower in the immediate ß-blocker treatment group (immediate treatment group: 9 (5.2%); delayed treatment group: 30 (13.4%); p = 0.0002). Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified immediate ß-blocker therapy to be independently protective against death of any cause (odds ratio: 0.55, p = 0.033). CONCLUSION: Immediate ß-blocker administration in the emergency setting is associated with a reduction of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and seems to be superior to a delayed ß-blockade in our patient cohort.

Prehospital treatment of patients with acute myocardial infarction with bivalirudin.

OBJECTIVES: Patients with acute myocardial infarction are at high risk of dying within the first hours after onset of coronary ischemia. Therefore, pharmacological intervention should be started in the prehospital setting. This study investigates the effect of the prehospital administration of bivalirudin on short-term morbidity and mortality compared to heparin plus abciximab in patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: One hundred ninety-eight patients with STEMI treated with bivalirudin in the prehospital setting were prospectively collected. Coronary angiography was performed to identify the infarct-related artery. In case of a percutaneous coronary intervention, bivalirudin was given according to the guidelines. The historic control group consisted of 171 consecutive patients from the same myocardial infarction network treated with unfractioned heparin and abciximab administration before the admission to the emergency department of the percutaneous coronary intervention center. The primary outcome parameter was the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, death, target vessel revascularization for ischemia) within 30 days after the primary event. RESULTS: The overall rate of major adverse cardiac events was significantly lower in the bivalirudin group compared to the abciximab group (7.6% vs 14.6%; P = .04). The number of major bleedings was significantly higher in the abciximab group compared to the bivalirudin group (11.8% vs 3.8%; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: The use of bivalirudin in the prehospital setting leads to a reduced rate of major cardiovascular events compared to a standard treatment with abciximab plus heparin. Bivalirudin is a reasonable choice of treatment in the prehospital setting for patients with STEMI.