Oncological outcomes of local excision versus radical surgery for early rectal cancer in the context of staging and surveillance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Local resection (LR) methods for rectal cancer are generally considered in the palliative setting or for patients deemed a high anaesthetic risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare oncological outcomes of LR and radical resection (RR) for early rectal cancer in the context of staging and surveillance assessment. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, Embase and Emcare databases was performed for studies that reported data on clinical outcomes for both LR and RR for early rectal cancer from January 1995 to April 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models and between-study heterogeneity was assessed. The quality of assessment was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool for randomised controlled trials. RESULTS: Twenty studies with 12,022 patients were included: 6,476 patients had LR and 5,546 patients underwent RR. RR led to an improvement in 5-year overall survival (OR 1.84; 95 % CI 1.54-2.20; p < 0.0001; I2 20 %) and local recurrence (OR 3.06; 95 % CI 2.02-4.64; p < 0.0001; I2 39 %) when compared to LR. However, when staging and surveillance methods were clearly adopted in LR cases, there was an improvement in R0 rates (96.7 % vs 85.6 %), 5-year disease-free survival (93.0 % vs 77.9 %) and overall survival (81.6 % vs 79.0 %) compared to when staging and surveillance was not reported/performed. CONCLUSIONS: LR may be appropriate for selected patients without poor prognostic factors in early rectal cancer. This study also highlights that there is currently no single standardised staging or surveillance approach being adopted in the management of early rectal cancer. A more specified and standardised preoperative staging for patient selection as well as clinical and image-based surveillance protocols is needed.

Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal hernia repair in patients with a history of previous abdominopelvic surgery.

A retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair compared short- and long-term outcomes between individuals with or without history of previous abdominopelvic surgery, aiming to determine the feasibility of totally extraperitoneal (TEP) repair within this population. All patients who underwent elective TEP inguinal hernia repair by one consultant surgeon across three London hospitals from January 2017 to May 2023 were retrospectively analysed to assess perioperative outcomes. Two hundred sixty-two patients were identified, of whom two hundred forty-three (93%) underwent laparoscopic TEP repair. The most frequent complications were haematoma (6.2%) and seroma (4.1%). Recurrence occurred in four cases (1.6% of operations, 1.1% of hernias). One hundred eighty-four patients (76%) underwent day-case surgery. There were no mesh infections or explanations, vascular or visceral injuries, port-site hernias, damage to testicle, or persisting numbness. There were no requirements for blood transfusion, returns to theatre, or readmissions within 30 days. There was one conversion to open and one death within 60 days of surgery. Eighty-three (34%) had a history of previous AP surgery. There was no significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the AP and non-AP arms. This finding carried true for subgroup analysis of 44 patients whose AP surgical history did not include previous inguinal hernia repair and for those undergoing repair of recurrent hernia. In expert hands, laparoscopic TEP repair is associated with excellent outcomes and low rates of long-term complications, and thus should be considered as standard for patients regardless of a history of AP surgery.

Re-Do Plastic Reconstruction for Locally Advanced and Recurrent Colorectal Cancer Following a beyond Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) Operation-Key Considerations.

Innovation in surgery and pelvic oncology have redefined the boundaries of pelvic exenteration for CRC. However, surgical approaches and outcomes following repeat exenteration and reconstruction are not well described. The resulting defect from a second beyond Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) presents a challenge to the reconstructive surgeon. The aim of this study was to explore reconstructive options for patients undergoing repeat beyond TME for recurrent CRC following previous beyond TME and regional reconstruction. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for relevant articles, yielding 2353 studies. However, following full text review and the application of the inclusion criteria, all the studies were excluded. This study demonstrated the lack of reporting on re-do reconstruction techniques following repeat exenteration for recurrent CRC. Based on this finding, we conducted a point-by-point discussion of certain key aspects that should be taken into consideration when approaching this patient cohort.

Validation of a Tool-Based Visual Anorectal Examination Advanced Simulator for the Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer.

Rectal examination through proctoscopy or rigid sigmoidoscopy is a common investigation in clinical practice. It is an important diagnostic tool for the workup and management of anorectal pathologies. Performing the examination can be daunting not only for patients but also for junior doctors. There are associated risks with the procedure, such as pain, diagnostic failure, and perforation of the bowel. Simulation-based training is recognised as an important adjunct in clinical education. It allows students and doctors to practice skills and techniques at their own pace in a risk-free environment. These skills can then be transferred to and developed further in clinical practice. There is extensive research published regarding the role of simulation-based training in endoscopy, however, we identified no published study regarding simulation-based training in rigid sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy. This study aims to establish the initial face, content, and construct validity of a tool-based visual anorectal examination advanced simulator model for proctoscopy and rigid sigmoidoscopy. This innovative, highly realistic simulated environment aims to enhance the training of healthcare professionals and improve the efficiency of detecting and diagnosing distal colorectal disease.

Multimodality Imaging to Direct Management of Primary and Recurrent Rectal Adenocarcinoma Beyond the Total Mesorectal Excision Plane.

Rectal tumors extending beyond the total mesorectal excision (TME) plane (beyond-TME) require particular multidisciplinary expertise and oncologic considerations when planning treatment. Imaging is used at all stages of the pathway, such as local tumor staging/restaging, creating an imaging-based "roadmap" to plan surgery for optimal tumor clearance, identifying treatment-related complications, which may be suitable for radiology-guided intervention, and to detect recurrent or metastatic disease, which may be suitable for radiology-guided ablative therapies. Beyond-TME and exenterative surgery have gained acceptance as potentially curative procedures for advanced tumors. Understanding the role, techniques, and pitfalls of current imaging techniques is important for both radiologists involved in the treatment of these patients and general radiologists who may encounter patients undergoing surveillance or patients presenting with surgical complications or intercurrent abdominal pathology. This review aims to outline the current and emerging roles of imaging in patients with beyond-TME and recurrent rectal malignancy, focusing on practical tips for image interpretation and surgical planning in the beyond-TME setting. Keywords: Abdomen/GI, Rectum, Oncology © RSNA, 2024.

Patient-reported Outcome Measures in Ileoanal Pouch Surgery: a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarise frequency, type, and heterogeneity of patient-reported outcomes measures [PROMs] in papers reporting on outcomes after ileal pouch anal anastomosis [IPAA]. BACKGROUND: Prevalence of ulcerative colitis [UC] has risen in Western countries, and one in three patients requires surgery. IPAA is a frequently performed procedure for UC, and a lack of standardisation is manifest in reporting outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] despite the clear need for inclusion of PROMs as primary outcomes in IBD trials. METHODS: Scopus, Pubmed, and Web of Science databases were searched from January 2010 to January 2023 for studies investigating outcomes in IPAA surgery. The primary outcome was the proportion of studies reporting outcomes for IPAA surgery for UC, which included PROMs. RESULTS: The search identified a total of 8028 studies which, after de-duplication and exclusion, were reduced to 79 articles assessing outcomes after IPAA surgery. In all 44 [55.7%] reported PROMs, with 23 including validated questionnaires and 21 papers using authors' questions, 22 different PROMs were identified, with bowel function as the most investigated item. The majority of studies [67/79, 85%] were retrospective, only 14/79 [18%] were prospective papers and only two were [2.5%] randomised, controlled trials. CONCLUSIONS: Only half of the papers reviewed used PROMs. The main reported item is bowel function and urogenital, social, and psychological functions are the most neglected. There is lack of standardisation for use of PROMs in IPAA. Complexity of UC and of outcomes after IPAA demands a change in clinical practice and follow-up, given how crucial PROMs are, compared with their non-routine use.

The Antineoplastic Effect of Heparin on Colorectal Cancer: A Review of the Literature.

Heparin and derivatives are commonly used for thrombophylaxis in surgical colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Recent studies have suggested that, besides its protective effect on the incidence of venous thromboembolism, heparin has an anti-cancer effect. The aim of this review was to explore the literature and report the antineoplastic effect of heparin and derivatives on CRC. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Nineteen studies were included (n = 19). Fifteen were lab studies conducted in vivo or in vitro on CRC cell lines and/or mice (n = 15). Four were in vivo clinical studies (n = 4). CRC tumor growth was reduced by 78% in one study, (p < 0.01), while tumorigenesis was suppressed in heparin-treated mice in seven studies. A high dose of low molecular weight heparin for extended duration significantly reduced post-operative VEGF, suggesting that such a regime may inhibit tumor angiogenesis and distant metastasis. A randomized trial demonstrated the antineoplastic effect of nadroparin as the 6 month survival in palliative patients increased. Another study has reported that disease-free survival of CRC patients was not affected by a similar tinzaparin regime. The anti-cancer properties of heparin and derivatives are promising, especially in lab studies. Further clinical trials are needed to investigate the anti-cancer benefit of heparin on CRC.

Patient-reported outcome measures and surgery for Crohn's disease: systematic review.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with up to 50 per cent of patients requiring surgery within 10 years of diagnosis. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are vital to monitor and assess patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This systematic review aims to evaluate PROMs within studies for perioperative Crohn's disease patients. METHODS: Articles from MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare and CINAHL databases were searched to find studies relating to the assessment of HRQoL in perioperative Crohn's disease patients using PROMs and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) from 1st January 2015 to 22nd October 2023. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool was used for non-randomized interventional studies and the Cochrane RoB2 tool was used for randomized trials. RESULTS: 1714 journal articles were filtered down to eight studies. Six studies focused on ileocaecal resection, one on perianal fistulas and one on the effects of cholecystectomy on patients with Crohn's disease. Within these articles, ten different PROM tools were identified (8 measures of HRQoL and 2 measures of functional outcome). Overall improvements in patient HRQoL pre- to postoperative for ileocaecal Crohn's disease were found in both paediatric and adult patients. Outcomes were comparable in patients in remission, with or without stoma, but were worse in patients with a stoma and active disease. CONCLUSION: There are significant variations in how PROMs are used to evaluate perioperative Crohn's disease outcomes and a need for consensus on how tools are used. Routine assessments using an internationally accepted online platform can be used to monitor patients and support areas of treatment pathways that require further support to ensure high standards of care. They also enable future statistical comparisons in quantitative reviews and meta-analyses.

Risks Factors Associated with the Development of Crohn's Disease After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA] for ulcerative colitis [UC], up to 16% of patients develop Crohn's disease of the pouch [CDP], which is a major cause of pouch failure. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify preoperative characteristics and risk factors for CDP development following IPAA. METHODS: A literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCare and CINAHL databases was performed for studies that reported data on predictive characteristics and outcomes of CDP development in patients who underwent IPAA for UC between January 1990 and August 2022. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models and between-study heterogeneity was assessed. RESULTS: Seven studies with 1274 patients were included: 767 patients with a normal pouch and 507 patients with CDP. Age at UC diagnosis (weighted mean difference [WMD] -2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.39 to -1.31; p = 0.0003; I2 54%) and age at pouch surgery [WMD -3.17; 95% CI -5.27 to -1.07; p = 0.003; I2 20%) were significantly lower in patients who developed CDP compared to a normal pouch. Family history of IBD was significantly associated with CDP (odds ratio [OR] 2.43; 95% CI 1.41-4.19; p = 0.001; I2 31%], along with a history of smoking [OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.35-2.39; p < 0.0001; I2 0%]. Other factors such as sex and primary sclerosing cholangitis were found not to increase the risk of CDP. CONCLUSIONS: Age at UC diagnosis and pouch surgery, family history of IBD and previous smoking have been identified as potential risk factors for CDP post-IPAA. This has important implications towards preoperative counselling, planning surgical management and evaluating prognosis.

Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection in Colorectal Cancer with Lymph Node Metastasis: A Systematic Review.

The benefits and prognosis of RPLND in CRC have not yet been fully established. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcomes for CRC patients with RPLNM undergoing RPLND. A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCare, and CINAHL identified studies from between January 1990 and June 2022 that reported data on clinical outcomes for patients who underwent RPLND for RPLNM in CRC. The following primary outcome measures were derived: postoperative morbidity, disease free-survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and re-recurrence. Nineteen studies with a total of 541 patients were included. Three hundred and sixty-three patients (67.1%) had synchronous RPLNM and 178 patients (32.9%) had metachronous RPLNM. Perioperative chemotherapy was administered in 496 (91.7%) patients. The median DFS was 8.6-38.0 months and 5-year DFS was 24.4% (10.0-60.5%). The median OS was 25.0-83.0 months and 5-year OS was 47.0% (15.0-87.5%). RPLND is a feasible treatment option with limited morbidity and possible oncological benefit for both synchronous and metachronous RPLNM in CRC. Further prospective clinical trials are required to establish a better evidence base for RPLND in the context of RPLNM in CRC and to understand the timing of RPLND in a multimodality pathway in order to optimise treatment outcomes for this group of patients.

The Use of Mechanical Bowel Preparation and Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Call for Change in Practice.

Elective colorectal surgery is associated with one of the highest rates of surgical site infections (SSIs), which result in prolonged length of stay, morbidity, and mortality for these patients and have a significant financial burden to healthcare systems. In an effort to reduce the frequency of SSI rates associated with colorectal surgery, the 2018 World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines recommend the routine use of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) and oral antibiotic prophylaxis (OAP) in adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. However, this recommendation remains a topic of debate internationally. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, last revised in 2019, recommend against the routine use of MBP and do not address the issue of OAP. In this communication, we reviewed the current guidelines and examined the most recent evidence from randomised-control trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses on the effect of MBP and OAP on SSI rates since the 2019 NICE guideline review. This recent evidence clearly demonstrated an SSI-risk-reduction benefit with the additional use of OAP and the combination of MBP and OAP in this group of patients, and we therefore highlight the need for change of the current NICE guidelines.

Colorectal Cancer and the Obese Patient: A Call for Guidelines.

The link between obesity and colorectal cancer has been well established. The worldwide rise in obesity rates in the past 40 years means that we are dealing with increasing numbers of obese patients with colorectal cancer. We aimed to review the existing guidelines and make recommendations specific to this group of patients. Upon comparing the current NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines ®), the guidelines from the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the guidelines of the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), we observed that these did not take into consideration the needs of obese patients. We proceeded to make specific recommendations with regards to the diagnostic work-up, surgical pathways, minimally invasive technique, perioperative treatment, post-operative surveillance, and management of metastatic disease in this group of patients. Our review highlights the need for modification of the existing guidelines to account for the needs of this patient cohort. A multidisciplinary approach, including principles used by bariatric surgeons, should be the way forward to reach consensus in the management of this group of patients.

Anastomotic Leak in Ovarian Cancer Cytoreduction Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Anastomotic leaks (AL) following ovarian cytoreduction surgery could be detrimental, leading to significant delays in commencing adjuvant chemotherapy, prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with anastomotic leaks after ovarian cytoreduction surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Scopus bibliographical databases were searched. Original clinical studies investigating risk factors for AL in ovarian cytoreduction surgery were included. RESULTS: Eighteen studies with non-overlapping populations reporting on patients undergoing cytoreduction surgery for ovarian cancer (n = 4622, including 344 cases complicated by AL) were included in our analysis. Patients undergoing ovarian cytoreduction surgery complicated by AL had a significantly higher rate of 30-day mortality but no difference in 60-day mortality. Multiple bowel resections were associated with an increased risk of postoperative AL, while no association was observed with body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, age, smoking, operative approach (primary versus interval cytoreductive, stapled versus hand-sewn anastomoses and formation of diverting stoma), neoadjuvant chemotherapy and use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). DISCUSSION: Multiple bowel resections were the only clinical risk factor associated with increased risk for AL after bowel surgery in the ovarian cancer population. The increased 30-day mortality rate in patients undergoing ovarian cytoreduction complicated by AL highlights the need to minimize the number of bowel resections in this population. Further studies are required to clarify any association between neoadjuvant chemotherapy and decreased AL rates.

Laparoscopic Management of Acute Small Bowel Obstruction in Non-Selected Patients: A 10-Year Experience.

The laparoscopic approach to the management of small bowel obstruction (SBO) has been associated with reduced length of hospital stay, complications, and mortality. The laparoscopy-first approach has been limited to highly selective cases to date. In this retrospective observational study, we report our 10-year experience and outcomes within a dedicated Emergency Surgery unit that adopted a non-selective approach in the laparoscopic management of SBO. The surgical approach to all patients that underwent surgery for SBO by an experienced Emergency Surgeon, over a period of 10 years, was divided into two groups of open surgery (OS) or laparoscopy-first (LF). Outcomes included length of stay, complications, mortality, readmission rates and reasons for conversion. Data were reviewed to identify patterns of learning. A total of 189 patients were included in the study. A total of 81.5% were managed with an LF approach. Of these, 25.3% required conversion. LF patients had a similar length of stay, lower 30-day readmission rates and wound complications. Reasons for conversion included need for bowel resection, perforation, and malignancy. Our study had a high intention-to-treat LF population and identified major indications for conversion. As our laparoscopic experience increased, conversion rates substantially reduced. We propose that a LF approach is feasible and can benefit from training within dedicated Emergency Surgery teams.

Management and Outcomes in Anal Canal Adenocarcinomas-A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Anal canal adenocarcinomas constitute 1% of all gastrointestinal tract cancers. There is a current lack of consensus and NICE guidelines in the United Kingdom regarding the management of this disease. The overall objective was to perform a systematic review on the multitude of practice and subsequent outcomes in this group. (2) Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE and CINAHL databases were interrogated between 2011 to 2021. PRISMA guidelines were used to select relevant studies. The primary outcome measure was 5-year overall survival (OS). Secondary outcome measures included both local recurrences (LR) and distant metastases (DM). The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of studies retrieved. The study was registered on PROSPERO (338286). (3) Results: Fifteen studies were included. Overall, there were 11,967 participants who were demographically matched. There were 2090 subjects in the largest study and five subjects in the smallest study. Treatment modalities varied from neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), CRT and surgery (CRT + S), surgery then CRT (S + CRT) and surgery only (S). Five-year OS ranged from 30.2% to 91% across the literature. LR rates ranged from 22% to 29%; DM ranged from 6% to 60%. Study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. (4) Conclusions: Trimodality treatment with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by radical surgery of abdominoperineal excision of rectum (APER) appeared to be the most effective approach, giving the best survival outcomes according to the current data.

The INTESTINE study: INtended TEmporary STomas In crohN's diseasE. Protocol for an international multicentre study.

Surgery for ileocolonic Crohn's disease can result in temporary or permanent stoma formation which can be associated with morbidity as parastomal and incisional hernias, readmissions due to obstruction or high stoma output, and have a negative impact on quality of life. We propose an international retrospective trainee-led study of the outcomes of temporary stomas in patients with Crohn's disease. We aim to evaluate both the short-term (6 month) and mid-term (18 month) outcomes of temporary stomas in patients with Crohn's Disease. Retrospective, multicentre, observational study including all patients who underwent elective or emergency surgery for ileal, colonic and ileocolonic Crohn's disease during a 4-year study period. Primary outcome is the proportion of patients who still have an ileostomy or colostomy 18 months after the initial surgery. Secondary outcomes: complications related to stoma formation and stoma reversal surgery; time interval between stoma formation and stoma reversal; risk factors for stoma formation and non-reversal of the stoma. We present the study protocol for a trainee-led, multicentre, observational study. Previous research has demonstrated significant heterogeneity surrounding the formation and the timing of reversal surgery in patients having a temporary ileostomy following colorectal cancer surgery, highlighting the need to address these same questions in Crohn's disease, which is the aim of our research.

Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer According to a Standardized MRI Classification System: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

(1) Background: The classification of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) is not currently standardized. The aim of this review was to evaluate pelvic LRRC according to the Beyond TME (BTME) classification system and to consider commonly associated primary tumour characteristics. (2) Methods: A systematic review of the literature prior to April 2020 was performed through electronic searches of the Science Citation Index Expanded, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL databases. The primary outcome was to assess the location and frequency of previously classified pelvic LRRC and translate this information into the BTME system. Secondary outcomes were assessing primary tumour characteristics. (3) Results: A total of 58 eligible studies classified 4558 sites of LRRC, most commonly found in the central compartment (18%), following anterior resection (44%), in patients with an 'advanced' primary tumour (63%) and following neoadjuvant radiotherapy (29%). Most patients also classified had a low rectal primary tumour. The lymph node status of the primary tumour leading to LRRC was comparable, with 52% node positive versus 48% node negative tumours. (4) Conclusions: This review evaluates the largest number of LRRCs to date using a single classification system. It has also highlighted the need for standardized reporting in order to optimise perioperative treatment planning.

Oncological outcomes of multimodality treatment for patients undergoing surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There are several strategies in the management of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) with the optimum treatment yet to be established. This systematic review aims to compare oncological outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for LRRC who underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy (CRT), adjuvant CRT, surgery only or surgery and intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT). METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL was performed for studies that reported data on oncological outcomes for the different treatment modalities in patients with LRRC from January 1990 to January 2022. Weighted means were calculated for the following outcomes: postoperative resection status, local control, and overall survival at 3 and 5 years. RESULTS: Fifteen studies of 974 patients were included and they received the following treatment: 346 neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 279 neoadjuvant CRT, 136 adjuvant CRT, 189 surgery only, and 24 surgery and IORT. The highest proportion of R0 resection was found in the neoadjuvant CRT group followed by neoadjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant CRT groups (64.07% vs 52.46% vs 47.0% respectively). The neoadjuvant CRT group had the highest mean 5-year local control rate (49.50%) followed by neoadjuvant radiotherapy (22.0%). Regarding the 5-year overall survival rate, the neoadjuvant CRT group had the highest mean of 34.92%, followed by surgery only (29.74%), neoadjuvant radiotherapy (28.94%) and adjuvant CRT (20.67%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this systematic review suggest that neoadjuvant CRT followed by surgery can lead to improved resection status, long-term disease control and survival in the management of LRRC. However, treatment strategies in LRRC are complex and further comparisons, particularly taking into account previous treatments for the primary rectal cancer, are required.

Abdominal versus perineal approach for external rectal prolapse: systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: External rectal prolapse (ERP) is a debilitating condition in which surgery plays an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of abdominal approaches (AA) and perineal approaches (PA) to ERP. METHODS: This was a PRISMA-compliant systematic review with meta-analysis. Studies published between 1990 and 2021 were retrieved. The primary endpoint was recurrence at the last available follow-up. Secondary endpoints included factors associated with recurrence and function. All studies were assessed for bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane tool. RESULTS: Fifteen studies involving 1611 patients (AA = 817; PA = 794) treated for ERP were included, three of which were randomized controlled trials (RCTs; 114 patients (AA = 54; PA = 60)). Duration of follow-up ranged from 12 to 82 months. Recurrence in non-randomized studies was 7.7 per cent in AA versus 20.1 per cent in PA (odds ratio (OR) 0.29, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.17 to 0.50; P < 0.001, I2 = 45 per cent). In RCTs, there was no significant difference (9.8 per cent versus 16.3 per cent, AA versus PA (OR 0.82, 95 per cent c.i. 0.29 to 2.37; P = 0.72, I2 = 0.0 per cent)). Age at surgery and duration of follow-up were risk factors for recurrence. Following AA, the recurrence rates were 10.1 per cent and 6.2 per cent in patients aged 65 years and older and less than 65 years of age, respectively (effect size [e.s.] 7.7, 95 per cent c.i. 4.5 to 11.5). Following PA, rates were 27 per cent and 16.3 per cent (e.s. 20.1, 95 per cent c.i. 13 to 28.2). Extending follow-up to at least 40 months increased the likelihood of recurrence. The median duration of hospital stay was 4.9 days after PA versus 7.2 days after AA. Overall, incontinence was less likely after AA (OR 0.32), but constipation occurred more frequently (OR 1.68). Most studies were retrospective, and several outcomes from RCTs were not consistent with those observed in non-RCTs. CONCLUSION: The overall risk of recurrence of ERP appears to be higher with PA versus AA. Incontinence is less frequent after AA but at the cost of increased constipation. Age at surgery and duration of follow-up are associated with increased risk of recurrence, which warrants adequate reporting of future studies on this topic.

Facilitating the Adoption and Evolution of Digital Technologies Through Re-conceptualization.

Background: The NHS has been making steps toward greater efficiency and cutting costs to maintain quality of care despite constraints, but without innovation the NHS will not be able to meet its increasing financial demands. The purpose of this article is to analyse a single potentially transformative technology's path of adoption in the NHS [3D printing (3DP)]. Methods: Analysis of 3DP and its current value propositions. Re-conceptualization of the technology to gain insights into these value propositions and identify the capabilities it may provide. Analysis of previous business models to identify where this value is not fully captured and development of a new business model, followed by exploration of benefits and potential limitations of this new model. Results: 3D printing applications can be broadly categorized into anatomical modeling, implants, and tools. Conceptualizing 3D imaging using the layered architecture model suggests the potential of 3DP to evolve the current imaging and modeling infrastructure of the NHS, and as such should be adopted to facilitate this potential. Conclusion: 3D printing is an innovation with large potential for generativity, and it is important that it is integrated at a level that could both stimulate and communicate its benefits. Re-conceptualization identified a backbone within the NHS that could facilitate it as a point of entry, and the most successful installations have been through this channel. However, progress on the frontier is currently limited by both physical and organizational boundaries, the resolution of which is paramount for the current and future success of this technology.