Time Interval Between the End of Neoadjuvant Therapy and Elective Resection of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in the CRONOS Study.

Importance: The treatment for extraperitoneal locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME). Robust evidence on the optimal time interval between NAT completion and surgery is lacking. Objective: To assess the association of time interval between NAT completion and TME with short- and long-term outcomes. It was hypothesized that longer intervals increase the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate without increasing perioperative morbidity. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included patients with LARC from 6 referral centers who completed NAT and underwent TME between January 2005 and December 2020. The cohort was divided into 3 groups depending on the time interval between NAT completion and surgery: short (≤8 weeks), intermediate (>8 and ≤12 weeks), and long (>12 weeks). The median follow-up duration was 33 months. Data analyses were conducted from May 1, 2021, to May 31, 2022. The inverse probability of treatment weighting method was used to homogenize the analysis groups. Exposure: Long-course chemoradiotherapy or short-course radiotherapy with delayed surgery. Main outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was pCR. Other histopathologic results, perioperative events, and survival outcomes constituted the secondary outcomes. Results: Among the 1506 patients, 908 were male (60.3%), and the median (IQR) age was 68.8 (59.4-76.5) years. The short-, intermediate-, and long-interval groups included 511 patients (33.9%), 797 patients (52.9%), and 198 patients (13.1%), respectively. The overall pCR was 17.2% (259 of 1506 patients; 95% CI, 15.4%-19.2%). When compared with the intermediate-interval group, no association was observed between time intervals and pCR in short-interval (odds ratio [OR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.55-1.01) and long-interval (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.73-1.61) groups. The long-interval group was significantly associated with lower risk of bad response (tumor regression grade [TRG] 2-3; OR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.91), systemic recurrence (hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.96), higher conversion risk (OR, 3.14; 95% CI, 1.62-6.07), minor postoperative complications (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.04-1.97), and incomplete mesorectum (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.02-3.50) when compared with the intermediate-interval group. Conclusions and Relevance: Time intervals longer than 12 weeks were associated with improved TRG and systemic recurrence but may increase surgical complexity and minor morbidity.

Aplicación de reconstrucción 3D e inteligencia artificial a la escisión completa de mesocolon y linfadenectomía D3 en el cáncer de colon / Application of 3D-reconstruction and artificial intelligence for complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy in colon cancer

Las técnicas de reconstrucción 3D basadas en algoritmos matemáticos y la inteligencia artificial son una línea de innovación actual en cirugía oncológica colorrectal. El objetivo de este estudio es mostrar la experiencia inicial de un sistema de procesamiento de imagen y reconstrucción 3D en la planificación de escisión completa de mesocolon y linfadenectomía D3 en cáncer de colon. Se aplica en un caso de neoplasia de ángulo esplénico, así como en neoplasia de colon derecho con sospecha de infiltración retroperitoneal. Se empleó el procesamiento de imagen y reconstrucción 3D para delimitar un margen intestinal de 10cm proximal y distal al tumor y delimitar la vascularización correspondiente a la tumoración. En el cáncer de colon derecho se mostró la posición y dimensiones exactas del área de linfadenectomía D3 y posible infiltración de la fascia retroperitoneal. El procesamiento de imagen y reconstrucción 3D permite obtener información valiosa a partir de la tomografía computarizada. Esta podría emplearse en la estrategia quirúrgica y así mejorar los resultados oncológicos y disminuir las complicaciones intraoperatorias. (AU)

Mathematical algorithms 3D-reconstruction techniques and artificial intelligence are a current line of innovation in colorectal surgical oncology. The objective of this study is to show the initial experience of a 3D image processing and reconstruction system to perform complete mesocolic excision and D3-lymphadenectomy in colon cancer. It is applied to a splenic flexure neoplasm and in a right colon cancer with suspected retroperitoneal infiltration. 3D image processing and reconstruction was employed to delimit 10cm proximal and distal intestinal margins to the tumor and define its corresponding vascularization. In right colon cancer it showed position and exact dimensions of D3-lymphadenectomy area and possible retroperitoneal fascia infiltration. 3D image processing and reconstruction allows to obtain valuable information from computerized tomography scan. It could be employed during surgical strategy planification to improve oncological results and reduce intraoperative complications. (AU)

WITHDRAWN: Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron necrotizing fasciitis as presentation of colorectal cancer, with subsequent cutaneous exteriorization.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher. An 80-year-old woman presented necrotizing fasciitis on the right flank, requiring debridement. Tomography reported ascending colon neoplasm fistulized to the skin. Colonoscopy confirms adenocarcinoma. Intervention postponed due to rejection of surgery during the pandemic and SARS-COV-2 infection, producing progression with exteriorization of the neoplasm. A bloc laparotomic right hemicolectomy was performed (pT4bN0).

Application of 3D-reconstruction and artificial intelligence for complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy in colon cancer.

Mathematical algorithms 3D-reconstruction techniques and artificial intelligence are a current line of innovation in colorectal surgical oncology. The objective of this study is to show the initial experience of a 3D image processing and reconstruction system to perform complete mesocolic excision and D3-lymphadenectomy in colon cancer. It is applied to a splenic flexure neoplasm and in a right colon cancer with suspected retroperitoneal infiltration. 3D image processing and reconstruction was employed to delimit 10 cm proximal and distal intestinal margins to the tumor and define its corresponding vascularization. In right colon cancer it showed position and exact dimensions of D3-lymphadenectomy area and possible retroperitoneal fascia infiltration. 3D image processing and reconstruction allows to obtain valuable information from computerized tomography scan. It could be employed during surgical strategy planification to improve oncological results and reduce intraoperative complications.

Analysis of potential risk factors in the survival of patients with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma / Análisis de los potenciales factores de riesgo en la supervivencia de pacientes con liposarcoma retroperitoneal primario

Introduction: The present work is an observational study of a series of variables regarding overall survival and disease-free survival in patients diagnosed with primary liposarcoma.Methods: The study is prospective with retrolective data collection that includes all patients with primary liposarcoma referred to Hospital Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain from January 1990 to December 2019.Results: The study includes 50 patients and the compartment surgery was performed in 18 patients (36%) of cases. The mean overall survival of the sample was 15.57 years (95% CI: 12.02–19.12) and the mean disease-free survival was 6.70 years (95% CI: 4.50–8.86). Conclusion: Compartment surgery has not shown benefits in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival. The ASA classification (≥3) predicts a poor prognosis in both overall survival and disease-free survival. Resection with free margins, described on the pathological results and defined in this work as R0, show better disease-free survival. (AU)

Introducción: El presente trabajo es un estudio observacional de una serie de variables relacionadas con la supervivencia global y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad en pacientes diagnosticados de liposarcoma primario. Métodos: Este es un estudio prospectivo con recolección de datos retrolectiva que incluye a todos los pacientes con liposarcoma primario remitidos al Hospital Son Espases en Palma de Mallorca, desde enero de 1990 hasta diciembre de 2019. Resultados: El estudio incluye 50 pacientes y la cirugía compartimental se realizó en 18 (36%) de ellos. La supervivencia global media de la muestra fue de 15,57 años (IC 95% 12,02-19,12) y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad media fue de 6,70 años (IC 95% 4,50-8,86). Conclusiones: La cirugía compartimental no ha mostrado beneficios en términos de supervivencia general y supervivencia libre de enfermedad. La clasificación ASA (≥3) predice un mal pronóstico tanto en la supervivencia global como en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad. La resección con márgenes libres, descrita en los resultados patológicos y definida en este trabajo como R0, muestra una mejor supervivencia libre de enfermedad. (AU)

Analysis of potential risk factors in the survival of patients with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

INTRODUCTION: The present work is an observational study of a series of variables regarding overall survival and disease-free survival in patients diagnosed with primary liposarcoma. METHODS: The study is prospective with retrolective data collection that includes all patients with primary liposarcoma referred to Hospital Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain from January 1990 to December 2019. RESULTS: The study includes 50 patients and the compartment surgery was performed in 18 patients (36%) of cases. The mean overall survival of the sample was 15.57 years (95% CI: 12.02-19.12) and the mean disease-free survival was 6.70 years (95% CI: 4.50-8.86). CONCLUSION: Compartment surgery has not shown benefits in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival. The ASA classification (≥3) predicts a poor prognosis in both overall survival and disease-free survival. Resection with free margins, described on the pathological results and defined in this work as R0, show better disease-free survival.

Near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography at a very low dose of indocyanine green: quantification of fluorescence intensity using a colour analysis software based on the RGB color model.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) near-infrared fluorescence cholangiography (NIRF-C) is widely used to visualize the biliary tract during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). However, the ICG dose and its dosing time vary in the literature so there is not a standard ICG protocol. The objectives of this descriptive prospective study were to demonstrate that NIRF-C at a very low dose of ICG provides good visualization of the extrahepatic biliary tree while avoiding hepatic hyperluminescence and to assess the surgeon-perceived benefit. Furthermore, another additional aim was quantifying the amount of ICG dye in the liver tissue and biliary tract through a green colour intensity (GCI) analysis according to red green blue (RGB) color model and correlating it to surgeon-perceived benefit. METHOD: Forty-four patients were scheduled for LC. We recorded demographics, surgical indication, intraoperative details, adverse reactions to ICG, hepatic hyperluminescence, visualization of the cystic duct (CD), the common bile duct (CBD) and the cystic duct-bile duct junction (CDBDJ) before and after dissection of Calot's triangle, operation time, surgical complications and subjective surgeon data. For all procedures, a unique dose of 0.25 mg of ICG was administered intravenously during the anaesthetic induction. ICG NIRF-C was performed using the overlay mode of the VISERA ELITE II Surgical Endoscope in all surgeries. Video recordings of all 44 LC were reviewed. Using a color analysis software, the GCI of CBD versus adjacent liver tissue was calculated using RGB color model. RESULTS: ICG NIRF-C was performed in all 44 cases. The mean operation time was 45 ± 15 min. There were no bile duct injuries (BDIs) or allergic reactions to ICG. The postoperative course was uneventful in all of cases. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 28 ± 4 h. ICG NIRF-C identified the CBD in 100% of the patients, the CD in 71% and the CDBDJ in 84%, with a surgeon satisfaction of 4/5 or 5/5 in almost 90% of surgeries based on a visual analogue scale (VAS). No statistically significant differences were found in the visualization of the biliary structures after the dissection of Calot's triangle in obese patients or with gallbladder inflammation. Furthermore, 25% of patients with a BMI ≥ 30, 27% of patients with a Nassar grade ≥ 3 and 21% of patients with gallbladder inflammation had a VAS score 5/5 compared to 6% of patients with a BMI < 30 (p = 0.215), 6% of patients with a Nassar grade < 3 (p = 0.083) and none of the patients without gallbladder inflammation (p = 0.037). Measured pixel GCI of CBD was higher than adjacent hepatic tissue for all cases regardless of the degree of gallbladder inflammation, the Nassar scale grades or the patient's BMI (p < 0.0001). In addition, a significant correlation was observed between surgeon-perceived benefit and the amount of ICG dye into the CBD according the RGB color model (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: ICG NIRF-C at a very low dose of ICG (0.25 mg of ICG 20 min before surgery) enables the real-time identification of biliary ducts, thereby avoiding the hepatic hyperluminescence even in cases of obese patients or those with gallbladder inflammation.

Anal intraepithelial neoplasia screening in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

INTRODUCTION: the incidence of anal cancer has increased in recent years, making screening and early detection of anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) a necessity in patients at risk. METHODS: a descriptive observational study of homosexual patients (MSM) or women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III, with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, included in an AIN detection screening program was carried out between March 2016 and September 2019. RESULTS: we have performed 695 anal smears, 156 with results of LSIL (low-grade lesion) or HSIL (high-grade lesion) (22.4 %), and 116 high resolution anoscopy (HRA), 75.3 % of patients with altered cytology. We have 403 biopsies, being 84 % pathological, 197 biopsies of AIN I (49 %), 96 of AIN II and III (24 %), 44 condylomas (11 %) and the rest (16 %), normal mucosa. CONCLUSION: the high prevalence of premalignant lesions and the improvement in the staging of lesions after treatment recommend this protocol.

Duodenopancreatectomía por adenocarcinoma ductal de páncreas en ancianos. ¿Podemos asumirla con seguridad? / Cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma in the elderly. Can we do it safely?

Introducción: La cirugía y la quimioterapia han aumentado la supervivencia de los pacientes con neoplasias pancreáticas. La disminución de la morbimortalidad postoperatoria y el aumento de la esperanza de vida han ampliado las indicaciones de la duodenopancreatectomía cefálica (DPC), aunque sigue siendo controvertida en la población geriátrica. Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo sobre una base de datos prospectiva, de pacientes con adenocarcinoma ductal de páncreas sometidos a una DPC entre 2007-2018. El objetivo principal fue analizar la morbimortalidad y supervivencia asociada a la DPC en pacientes≥75 años (ancianos). Resultados: Se incluyeron 79 pacientes, 21 de ellos mayores de 75 años (27%); dentro de este grupo el 23,9% tenían más de 80 años. El ASA de ambos grupos fue similar. Los pacientes≥75años requirieron más transfusiones. No se observaron diferencias en el tiempo operatorio, aunque en los ancianos se realizaron más resecciones vasculares (26 vs. 8,7%; p=0,037).La morbilidad fue mayor en los ancianos (61,9 vs. 46,6%), aunque sin diferencias. Los≥75años presentaron más complicaciones no quirúrgicas (33,3%; p=0,050) siendo la neumonía la más frecuente. La mortalidad postoperatoria fue superior en los≥75años (9 vs. 0%; p=0,017), constituyendo la resección venosa un factor de riesgo (p=0,01). La supervivencia global y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad no mostraron diferencias significativas en ambos grupos. Conclusiones: Los pacientes ancianos presentaron una mayor mortalidad postoperatoria y más complicaciones no quirúrgicas. La supervivencia no mostró diferencias, por lo que, con una adecuada selección de pacientes, la edad no debe constituirse por sí misma como una contraindicación para la DPC(AU).

Introduction: Surgery and chemotherapy have increased the survival of pancreatic cancer. The decrease in postoperative morbidity and mortality and increase in life expectancy, has expanded the indications por cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PDC), although it remains controversial in the geriatric population. Methods: Retrospective study on a prospective database of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas who underwent PDC between 2007-2018.The main objective was to analyse the morbidity-mortality and survival associated with PDC in patients≥75 years (elderly). Results: 79 patients were included, 21 of them older than 75 years (27%); within this group, 23.9% were over 80 years old. The ASA of both groups was similar. Patients≥75 years required more transfusions. No differences in operating time were observed, although more vascular resection were performed in the elderly (26 vs. 8.7%; P=.037). Morbidity was higher in the elderly (61.9 vs. 46.6%), although without differences. Patients aged≥75 years had more non-surgical complications (33.3%, P=.050), being pneumonia the most frequent. Postoperative mortality was higher in the≥75 years (9 vs. 0%; P=.017). The overall survival and disease-free survival did not show significant differences in both groups. Conclusions: Elderly patients had higher postoperative mortality and more non-surgical complications. Survival did not show differences, so with an adequate selection of patients, age should not be considered itself as a contraindication for PDC(AU).

Cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma in the elderly. Can we do it safely?

INTRODUCTION: Surgery and chemotherapy have increased the survival of pancreatic cancer. The decrease in postoperative morbidity and mortality and increase in life expectancy, has expanded the indications por cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PDC), although it remains controversial in the geriatric population. METHODS: Retrospective study on a prospective database of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas who underwent PDC between 2007-2018. The main objective was to analyse the morbidity-mortality and survival associated with PDC in patients ≥75 years (elderly). RESULTS: 79 patients were included, 21 of them older than 75 years (27%); within this group, 23'9% were over 80 years old. The ASA of both groups was similar. Patients ≥75 years required more transfusions. No differences in operating time were observed, although more vascular resection were performed in the elderly (26 vs. 8.7%; P = .037). Morbidity was higher in the elderly (61.9% vs. 46.6%), although without differences. Patients aged ≥75 years had more non-surgical complications (33.3%, P = .050), being pneumonia the most frequent. Postoperative mortality was higher in the ≥75 years (9 vs. 0%; P = .017). The overall survival and disease-free survival did not show significant differences in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients had higher postoperative mortality and more non-surgical complications. Survival did not show differences, so with an adequate selection of patients, age should not be considered itself as a contraindication for PDC.

Long-term comparative study on open versus laparoscopic biliopancreatic diversion.

BACKGROUND: To date, bariatric surgery has been proposed as the most effective treatment to resolve morbid obesity, a multifactorial chronic disease with an epidemic and increasing tendency. The purpose of this study was to determinate the impact of the laparoscopy on weight loss parameters in morbid obese patients who underwent surgery according to Scopinaro's biliopancreatic diversion (BPD) and evaluate early and late complications related to the open and laparoscopic approach of this technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a longitudinal retrospective study in consecutive patients undergoing BPD due to morbid obesity between 1999 and 2015. From 2006 the laparoscopic technique was introduced in our group for obesity surgery. In both approaches, open and laparoscopic surgery, the procedure performed consists of a proximal gastric section with a long Roux-en-Y reconstruction. The following variables were assessed in the two groups: intervention duration (min), estimated blood loss (mL), conversions to open approach (%), preoperative stay, postoperative and global stay (days). Complications were divided into early and late postoperative complications. The early surgical complications were catalogued according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-seven patients were consecutively enrolled and divided in two groups: open BPD and laparoscopic BPD. There were no significant differences in the comparison of the two groups and the mean age was 43.9 years (19-60) with a mean BMI of 52.5 kg/m2. A statistically significant reduction was observed in favor of the laparoscopic group with respect to the reduction in hospital stay and in the incidence of incisional hernia as a late complication. No statistically significant difference were found with respect to early postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic BPD is a safe technique that allows a shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery and that allows a drastic reduction in the incidence of incisional hernias.

Analysis of potential risk factors in the survival of patients with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

INTRODUCTION: The present work is an observational study of a series of variables regarding overall survival and disease-free survival in patients diagnosed with primary liposarcoma. METHODS: The study is prospective with retrolective data collection that includes all patients with primary liposarcoma referred to Hospital Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain from January 1990 to December 2019. RESULTS: The study includes 50 patients and the compartment surgery was performed in 18 patients (36%) of cases. The mean overall survival of the sample was 15.57 years (95% CI: 12.02-19.12) and the mean disease-free survival was 6.70 years (95% CI: 4.50-8.86). CONCLUSION: Compartment surgery has not shown benefits in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival. The ASA classification (≥3) predicts a poor prognosis in both overall survival and disease-free survival. Resection with free margins, described on the pathological results and defined in this work as R0, show better disease-free survival.

Abdominal metastatic melanoma invading the transverse colon and stomach.

Gastrointestinal melanoma metastases are not uncommon, with the jejunum and ileum being the most common locations (58 %), followed by the stomach (26 %), colon (22 %), duodenum (12 %), and rectum (5 %).

Cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy for ductal adenocarcinoma in the elderly. Can we do it safely? / Duodenopancreatectomía por adenocarcinoma ductal de páncreas en ancianos. ¿Podemos asumirla con seguridad?

INTRODUCTION: Surgery and chemotherapy have increased the survival of pancreatic cancer. The decrease in postoperative morbidity and mortality and increase in life expectancy, has expanded the indications por cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PDC), although it remains controversial in the geriatric population. METHODS: Retrospective study on a prospective database of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of pancreas who underwent PDC between 2007-2018.The main objective was to analyse the morbidity-mortality and survival associated with PDC in patients≥75 years (elderly). RESULTS: 79 patients were included, 21 of them older than 75 years (27%); within this group, 23.9% were over 80 years old. The ASA of both groups was similar. Patients≥75 years required more transfusions. No differences in operating time were observed, although more vascular resection were performed in the elderly (26 vs. 8.7%; P=.037). Morbidity was higher in the elderly (61.9 vs. 46.6%), although without differences. Patients aged≥75 years had more non-surgical complications (33.3%, P=.050), being pneumonia the most frequent. Postoperative mortality was higher in the≥75 years (9 vs. 0%; P=.017). The overall survival and disease-free survival did not show significant differences in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients had higher postoperative mortality and more non-surgical complications. Survival did not show differences, so with an adequate selection of patients, age should not be considered itself as a contraindication for PDC.