Medium-term surgical outcomes and health-related quality of life after laparoscopic vs open colorectal cancer resection: SF-36 health survey questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies that compared the postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes after receiving laparoscopic resection (LR) or open resection (OR) in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) have different conclusions. AIM: To explore the medium-term effect of postoperative HRQoL in such patients. METHODS: This study randomized 567 patients undergoing non-metastatic CRC surgery managed by one surgeon to the LR or OR groups. HRQoL was assessed during the preoperative period and 3, 6, and 12 mo postoperative using a modified version of the 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) Health Survey questionnaire, emphasizing eight specific items. RESULTS: This cohort randomly assigned 541 patients to receive LR (n = 296) or OR (n = 245) surgical procedures. More episodes of postoperative urinary tract infection (P < 0.001), wound infection (P < 0.001), and pneumonia (P = 0.048) were encountered in the OR group. The results demonstrated that the LR group subjectively gained mildly better general health (P = 0.045), moderately better physical activity (P = 0.006), and significantly better social function recovery (P = 0.0001) 3 mo postoperatively. Only the aspect of social function recovery was claimed at 6 mo, with a significant advantage in the LR group (P = 0.001). No clinical difference was found in HRQoL during the 12 mo. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that LR resulted in better outcomes, including intra-operative blood loss, surgery-related complications, course of recovery, and especially some health domains of HRQoL at least within 6 mo postoperatively. Patients should undergo LR if there is no contraindication.

An Observational Study of Trifluridine/Tipiracil-Containing Regimen Versus Regorafenib-Containing Regimen in Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Background: There are no randomized control trials comparing the efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil and regorafenib in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Herein, we conducted an observational study to compare the oncologic outcomes of trifluridine/tipiracil-containing regimen (TAS-102) and regorafenib-containing regimen (REG) in patients with mCRC. Material and method: Patients who were diagnosed to have mCRC in 2015 to 2021 and treated with TAS-102-containing regimen or REG-containing regimen were recruited. Monotherapy or combination therapy were all allowed in this study. Oncologic outcomes were presented with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR). Results: A total of 125 patients were enrolled into our study, accounting for 50 patients with TAS-102 and 75 patients with REG. Of these patients, 64% were treated with TAS-102 or REG monotherapy, while the remaining were treated with TAS-102 combination or REG combination. In general, the median PFS and OS were 3.7 versus 2.0 months (P = 0.006) and 9.2 versus 6.8 months (P = 0.048) in TAS-102 and REG, respectively. The ORR and DCR were 44% versus 20% (P < 0.001) and 72% versus 43% (P < 0.001) in TAS-102 and REG, respectively. As for treatment strategies, the survival were significantly longer in combination than in monotherapy, no matter in TAS-102 or REG group. Multivariate analysis showed TAS-102 and combination therapy were independent predictor associated with better survival. Conclusions: Our results suggested that TAS-102 had better oncologic outcomes than REG in patients with mCRC, especially in combination. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm our results.

Risk of delayed bleeding after hemorrhoidectomy.

PURPOSE: Delayed post-hemorrhoidectomy bleeding (DPHB) is a rare but serious complication. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of DPHB in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy using the LigaSure device or the Ferguson procedure. METHODS: This retrospective study included 382 consecutive patients with symptomatic grades II to IV hemorrhoids who received either LigaSure (184 patients) or Ferguson (198 patients) hemorrhoidectomy procedures. Thirty-two patients who experienced DPHB after discharge were followed up. RESULTS: Significantly fewer Ferguson group patients had DPHB compared to the LigaSure group (5.1% vs. 11.9%; P = 0.015). In the overall population, the risk of DPHB was higher in (1) males compared to that of females (OR = 3.39; 95% CI 1.50-7.69, P = 0.003); (2) in the LigaSure group compared to the Ferguson group (OR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.23-6.24, P = 0.01); and (3) in patients with constipation (OR = 6.59; 95% CI 2.73-15.89, P < 0.0001). Males in the LigaSure group had a significantly higher rate of delayed bleeding than those in the Ferguson group (20% vs. 5.8%, P = 0.004); no significant differences were found in females (4.9% vs. 4.5%, P = 0.878). Subgroup analysis showed that in males, risk of DPHB increased significantly with postoperative constipation (OR = 4.73, 95% CI 1.45-15.43, P = 0.010) and the LigaSure procedure (OR = 3.99, 95% CI 1.37-11.62, P = 0.011). In females, the risk of DPHB was significantly associated with postoperative constipation (OR = 8.80, 95% CI 2.24-34.54, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The LigaSure procedure and constipation are independent risk factors for DPHB in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy and can be used as predictors of outcome.

Long-Term Consequences of Nonclosure of Mesenteric Defects after Traditional Right Colectomy.

BACKGROUND: There are still discrepancies among general/colorectal surgeons regarding closure of mesenteric defect in scientific literature. This study aimed to assess the long-term consequences of nonclosure of the mesenteric defect after open right colectomy. METHODS: A 7-year retrospectively collected and continuous database revealed 212 consecutive patients who had undergone traditional right colectomy without closing the mesenteric defects at Kaohsiung Chung-Gung Memorial Hospital; all patients were operated by a single surgeon. Among these patients, 17 were excluded (those who died within 30 days after surgery or those who received an end ileostomy). The mean age of the 195 patients (58% men and 42% women) was 61.6 ± 12.6 years, and the follow-up period was 4.1 ± 2.8 years (interquartile range 0.09 ~ 10.4). RESULTS: Forty-four patients (22.5%) encountered intestinal obstruction. Nine (20.4%) required surgical intervention. The cause of intestinal obstruction was adhesion (n=1), ventral hernia (n=1), and cancer recurrence (n=7). Conservative treatment was successful in 35 patients. The intestinal obstruction group (n = 44) were similar to the no-intestinal obstruction group (n = 151) in terms of the following parameters: age, sex, previous abdominal surgery, indication for colectomy, and procedure related complications. Carcinomatosis was found to increase the incidence of intestinal obstruction. No patient developed intestinal obstruction because of the nonclosure of mesenteric defects after right colectomy. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that routine procedure of closing the mesenteric defect after open right colectomy might not be beneficial. Additional studies with extended long-term follow-up periods are needed to confirm the benefits of the nonclosure.

Infiltration of Local Anesthesia at Wound Site after Single-Incision Laparoscopic Colectomy Reduces Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Usage.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Minimally invasive laparoscopy provides faster recovery, less pain, fewer complications, and better cosmesis than laparotomy. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of postoperative local anesthesia infiltration at the single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) wound. METHODOLOGY: This prospective, non-randomized controlled study evaluated outcomes of 58 colorectal cancer cases receiving SILS from May 2010 to December 2010. Twenty-nine patients received postoperative infiltration of local anesthesia at the wound site; another 29 patients did not. Demographic, intra- and postoperative data were compared. Postoperative pain was assessed by visual analogue scale and analgesic usage. RESULTS: Local anesthesia group included 16 males, 13 females (mean age, 62.0 ± 15.1 years); no local anesthesia group included 14 males, 15 females (mean age, 58.1 ± 12.7 years). There were no significant differences between groups at baseline (i.e., age, gender, disease stage, tumor location or size) except BMI (25.2 ± 2.8 vs. 23.5 ± 3.4, p = 0.041) was significantly higher. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in local anesthesia group than in no local anesthesia group (median VAS score 2.0, IQR 2.0-3.0 vs. VAS score 3.0, IQR 3.0-4.0, respectively, P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide further evidence of SILS safety. Local anesthesia infiltration at SILS wounds decreases postoperative wound pain and analgesic usage.

Colonoscopic diagnosis of amebiasis: a case series and systematic review.

PURPOSE: Nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms make diagnosis of amebiasis difficult. Certain colonoscopic findings predict amebic colitis while others suggest different diagnoses. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic capability of colonic evaluation of amebiasis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of all amebiasis cases admitted to our institution between 2003 and 2012. Cases were diagnosed by clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and colonoscopy with biopsy and microscopic examination. Patients were stratified as right-sided colitis and proctosigmoiditis. A systematic review was conducted by searching Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using key words amebiasis, amebic colitis, amebic proctosigmoiditis, colonoscopy, and Entamoeba histolytica. Data were extracted from articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Colonoscopic findings were described and studies were assessed for quality. RESULTS: The current series included 20 patients (5 male, 15 female, median age 51), 7 with amebic liver abscess and 13 with amebic colitis. Colonoscopic findings of right-sided colitis included aphthae or erosions, ulcers, exudates, or edematous swollen mucosa in cecum, and findings for proctosigmoiditis were edematous swollen mucosa with bloody exudate. In 25 studies, colonoscopic findings of 41 patients (36 male, 5 female, median age 43.39 years) included mainly ulcers in the cecum and rectum, ulcerated mass, and edematous mucosa; and in fewer patients, submucosal invasion suggestive of colon cancer, bleeding ulcers, proctitis, and ulcers with aphthae in rectum. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic evaluation of suspected amebiasis is of diagnostic value when accompanied by biopsy and microscopic identification of Entamoeba species. Colonoscopic manifestations vary between right-sided colitis and proctosigmoiditis.

Double-barreled colon conduit and colostomy for simultaneous urinary and fecal diversions: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Best strategies for simultaneous urinary and stool diversion remain indeterminate. Here we present what is to our knowledge the longest outcome data on double-barreled colon conduit and colostomy (DBCCC) in a cohort of patients needing simultaneous urinary and fecal diversion. METHODS: We identified 9 patients who underwent DBCCC between March 2002 and March 2013. Nine patients who underwent separate urinary and fecal diversion (colostomy plus percutaneous nephrostomy or ureterocutaneostomy) served as the control group. We compared demographics, comorbidities, follow-up morbidities, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30-item questionnaire in the two groups. RESULTS: The preservation of renal function was better in the DBCCC group. There were significant improvements in global state of health, fatigue, insomnia, appetite, bowel habit, and social function in the DBCCC group. In comparison with the separate urinary and fecal diversion group, the patients in the DBCCC group had statically significant improvement in global health status, functional scales, and symptom scales. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the separate urinary and fecal diversion technique, DBCCC provides preservation of renal function, easy stoma bag care, better quality of life, and improved body image for patients who need simultaneous urinary and fecal diversion.

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing outcomes for stapled hemorrhoidopexy versus LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy for symptomatic hemorrhoids in adults.

This purpose of the meta-analysis was to compare treatment outcomes for adult patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids treated by stapled hemorrhoidopexy or LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy. A search of public medical databases was made to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) with LigaSure hemorrhoidectomy (LH) for the treatment of adult patients with symptomatic grade 3 and grade 4 hemorrhoids. Postoperative pain as measured using a visual analog scale was the primary outcome, and rate of recurrent prolapse and postoperative bleeding were secondary outcome measures. Four RCTs were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Data for the pooled outcomes were analyzed using odds ratio (OR) analysis. None of the studies in the analysis indicated a significant difference between SH and LH for the outcomes VAS pain score, recurrence rate, or postoperative bleeding. Pooled analysis revealed a significant OR in favor of the SH method for recurrent prolapse (OR = 5.529, P = 0.016) for up to 2 years after surgery. No significant differences between the two methods were identified for VAS pain scores (OR = -1.060, P = 0.149) or postoperative bleeding OR = 1.188, P = 0.871). Pooled analysis of RCT results comparing SH to LH for symptomatic hemorrhoids revealed a significantly greater incidence of recurrent prolapse for SH. The two techniques were associated with similar levels of postoperative pain and postoperative bleeding.

Outcome of urinary bladder recurrence after partial cystectomy for en bloc urinary bladder adherent colorectal cancer resection.

PURPOSE: Around 10 % of colorectal cancers are locally advanced at diagnosis. There are higher incidences for sigmoid and rectal cancer adhered to urinary bladder (UB) rather than other segments of colon cancer. Surgeons often performed partial cystectomy as possible for preservation of patient's life quality. This study investigates prognostic factors in patients who underwent bladder preservation en bloc resection for UB adherent colorectal cancer. METHODS: From 2000 to 2011, 123 patients with clinically UB involvement colorectal cancer underwent primary colorectal cancer with urinary bladder resection. Seventeen patients were excluded because of the concurrent distant metastasis at diagnosis and another 22 patients were excluded because of total cystectomy with uretero-ileal urinary diversion. Finally, 84 patients with clinical stage IIIC (T4bN0M0, according to AJCC 7th edition) that underwent en bloc colorectal cancer resection with partial cystectomy were enrolled into this study for further analysis. RESULTS: Preoperative colovesical fistula and positive CT result were significantly more in the urinary bladder invasion group (p = 0.043 and 0.010, respectively). Pathological UB invasion is an independent predictor of intravesical recurrence (p = 0.04; HR, 10.71; 95 % CI = 1.12∼102.94) and distant metastasis (p = 0.016; HR, 4.85; 95 % CI = 1.34 ∼ 17.53) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: For bladder preservation en bloc resection of urinary bladder adherent colorectal cancer, the pathological urinary bladder invasion is significantly associated with more urinary bladder recurrence and distant metastasis. This result helps surgeons make decisions at surgical planning and establish follow-up protocol.

Outcome of GreenLight HPS laser therapy in surgically high-risk patients.

The aims of this study are to present our experience with GreenLight HPS laser in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and evaluate the outcomes of laser therapy in surgically high-risk patients. This study included a total of 132 patients who were treated for BPH by using GreenLight HPS laser between August 2008 and December 2010 by the same operator. These patients were further divided into five subgroups: group A (age ≧ 80 years), group B (prostate volume ≧ 80 ml), group C (American Society of Anesthesiologists score = 3), group D (anticoagulant use), and group E (non-A, non-B, non-C, and non-D patients). Data on International Prostate Symptom Score, maximum flow rate (Q max), post-void residual urine, and quality-of-life score were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 12, and 24 months after surgery. The result showed that group B patients required a longer lasing time during surgery. In addition, longer post-operative catheterization time and hospital stay were noted in groups B, C, and D patients. Statistically significant improvements were noted post-operatively for all functional parameters in all groups. The proportion of secondary surgery was significantly higher in group B patients. No major complication was observed in all groups. This suggested that GreenLight HPS laser is safe and effective in the treatment of surgically high-risk patients.

Ischemic versus non-ischemic obstructive ileocolitis secondary to colorectal cancer: a review of 393 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive ileocolitis, a complication of colorectal cancer, may be secondary to ischemia. We present a retrospective analysis of the long-term clinical characteristics of patients with obstructive ileocolitis caused by colorectal cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of 363 cases of patients with obstructive ileocolitis caused by colorectal cancer. RESULTS: Of 363 patients with obstruction, 56 patients had ischemic ileocolitis. There was a higher percentage of patients who presented with obstructive colitis with left-sided cancers (P = 0.0389). The majority of patients with colorectal cancer and obstructive ileocolitis had a tumor size <6 cm (P = 0.0524). Four patients had a perforation in the ischemic group as compared with only two patients in the non-ischemic group with a perforation (P = 0.0061). In the ischemic group, there were 50 patients (50/56; 89.3%) who underwent anastomosis without leakage. There were 13 patients with only segmental ischemia for which an anterior resection with anastomosis was performed. There was no statistical difference between the two groups with regards to overall morbidity or survival (P = 0.7915). However, there was a survival difference based on tumor morphology in the ischemic group with ulcerative and polypoid cancer 4.43 times more hazardous compared with annular cancer (95% CI: 1.16-12.15; P = 0.0038). CONCLUSIONS: Obstructive ileocolitis occurs mostly in left-sided obstruction and there are no survival differences between the groups with and without ischemia. In addition, patients who present with colorectal cancer-induced obstructive ileocolitis may be safely treated with satisfactory outcomes.

Abdominal carcinomatosis attributed to metastatic breast carcinoma.

A 41-year-old female suffered from epigastralgia and intermittent constipation for 10 months, and abdominal fullness and intermittent pain for 6 months, before seeking help. Double contrast barium study of the colon showed multiple indentations on the sigmoid, ascending, and proximal transverse portions with tethered adjacent mucosal outline as well as the presence of ascites compatible with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Mediolateral oblique mammogram showed a speculated mass with some intratumoral microcalcifications in the upper retroareolar portion of the right breast. Due to the persistent abdominal complaints, laparotomy was done. Breast lump biopsy was done simultaneously. On opening abdominal cavity, massive yellowish ascites was noted. Diffuse small nodules over omentum and mesentery retraction were found. Bilateral ovarian masses were also noted. Right oophorectomy and omentectomy were performed. Histologic findings and results of immunohistochemical stains were consistent with diagnosis of primary breast cancer with metastasis to ovary and omentum.

Prognostic analysis of rectal stromal tumors by reference of National Institutes of Health risk categories and immunohistochemical studies.

PURPOSE: Prognostic analysis of stromal tumors focusing on the rectal area is rarely performed. This study elucidated prognostic factors by referencing biomarkers of Ki67 and p53. METHODS: Forty-nine surgically resected rectal stromal tumors were collected from 1986 to 2006. Immunohistochemical studies were performed with antibodies of CD117, CD34, smooth muscle actin, desmin, S100, Ki67, and p53. RESULTS: The immunoreactivities were: CD34, 83.6 percent; smooth muscle actin, 28.5 percent; S100, 4.1 percent; desmin,16.3 percent;, Ki67, 30.6 percent;, and p53 34.7 percent. Both p53+ and Ki67+ tumors were associated with increased tumor mitosis, increased tumor size, nonspindle cell type, and increased cell pleomorphism (P < 0.05). Increased National Institutes of Health risk was associated with old age, nonspindle cell types, and severe nuclear pleomorphism (P < 0.05). Survival analysis demonstrated that older patients (P = 0.0039), large tumor size (P = 0.003), high mitotic count (P < 0.001), increased risk categories (P < 0.001), high cell pleomorphism (P = 0.003), p53+ (P = 0.007), and Ki67 + (P = 0.002) were prognostic factors for poor disease-free survival. An independent prognostic factor was tumor mitotic count. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the prognostic role of Ki67 and p53 in rectal stromal tumors. Notably, tumor mitosis was superior for prognostic prediction compared to National Institutes of Health risk categories.

Use of a topical anesthetic cream (EMLA) to reduce pain after hemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hemorrhoidectomy usually leads to severe postoperative pain that often causes urinary retention. Topical EMLA cream (lidocaine 2.5% and prilocaine 2.5%) has been used extensively in the clinical setting. This prospective study tested the effectiveness of EMLA cream for postoperative pain control after hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: Thirty patients admitted for hemorrhoidectomy were enrolled and randomly assigned into either a control group (n = 15) or EMLA group (n = 15). Postoperatively, the control group received approximately 5 g of neomycin ointment, and the EMLA group received approximately 5 g of EMLA. A visual analog scale (VAS) score was recorded on arrival in the postanesthesia recovery unit (PAR), after 2 hours in the PAR, on the first postoperative evening, and on the first postoperative morning. The requested frequency and dosage of meperidine, the first spontaneous voiding time, the frequency of single urinary catheterization, and a patient satisfaction score were also obtained. RESULTS: The VAS score and frequency and dosage of meperidine injections were significantly lower in the EMLA group than in the control group (P < .01). The voiding time was significantly later in the control group (P = .04). The frequency of single catheterization was significantly lower in the EMLA group than in the control group (P = .03). Patient satisfaction with postoperative pain control was significantly higher in the EMLA group than in the control group (P < .01). No systemic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Topical EMLA cream decreased pain intensity and meperidine requests, reduced the frequency of single catheterizations, and improved patient satisfaction with postoperative pain management after hemorrhoidectomy in adults.

Catheter fracture and cardiac migration--an unusual fracture site of totally implantable venous devices: report of two cases.

Totally implantable venous devices (TIVDs) are used increasingly in patients with cancers and other debilitating diseases requiring long-term chemotherapy, total parental nutrition, and fluid replacement. The TIVDs are surgically inserted and fixed in the soft tissues of the chest wall to prevent infection and accidental dislodgment. Acute and chronic complications associated with these catheters include infection, thrombosis, venous perforation, catheter leakage, dislodgment and fall out, subintimal entrapment, and tip migration to neighboring veins after satisfactory initial placement. Catheter fracture and cardiac migration is a rare complication and most reported cases have developed between the clavicle and the first rib as a consequence of a pinch-off sign. We present two patients with metastatic colon cancers with unusual catheter fracture site and migration and discuss the clinical implications.