Sugarbaker Versus Keyhole Repair for Parastomal Hernia: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Parastomal hernia is a debilitating complication of stoma creation. Parastomal hernia repair with mesh reduces recurrence rates in open and laparoscopic settings. Recent comparative studies conflict with previously pooled data on optimal mesh repair technique. The objective of this study is to examine parastomal hernia recurrence rates after Sugarbaker and keyhole repairs by performing an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane database, SCOPUS, and the PROSPERO registry was performed according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021290483). Studies comparing parastomal hernia recurrences after Sugarbaker and keyhole repairs were included. Studies with overlapping patient cohorts (duplicate data), non-comparative studies, studies that did not report the primary outcome of interest, and studies not in the English language were excluded. Study bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled mean differences (MD), odds ratios (OR), and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic. Forest plots and funnel plots were generated. Study quality was analyzed using MINORS. Additional subgroup analysis of modern studies was performed. RESULTS: Ten comparative studies published between 2005 and 2021 from 5 countries were included for analysis comprising 347 Sugarbaker repairs and 246 keyhole repairs. There were no differences in patient age, sex, or BMI between the groups. There was no difference between the groups regarding surgical site infection (OR 0.78; CI 0.31-1.98; P = 0.61) or post-operative bowel obstruction (OR 0.76; CI 0.23-2.56; P = 0.66). Sugarbaker repairs were significantly less often associated with parastomal hernia recurrence when compared to keyhole repairs (OR 0.38; CI 0.18-0.78; P = 0.008). There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies comparing parastomal hernia recurrence (I2 = 32%; P = 0.15). Quality analysis revealed a median MINORS score of 11 (range 6-16). Subgroup analysis of studies performed after the previously published pooled analysis (2015-2021) revealed no significant difference in parastomal hernia recurrence between the two groups (OR 0.58; CI 0.24-1.38; P = 0.22) with a significant subgroup effect (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Though there were lower rates of parastomal hernia recurrence with Sugarbaker repairs on overall analysis, this phenomenon disappeared on subgroup analysis of modern studies. Randomized controlled trials with contemporary cohorts would help further evaluate these repairs and minimize potential bias.

The Impact of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol in a High-Risk Population Undergoing Colon Cancer Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Enhanced Recovery ERP protocols (ERP) have improved surgical outcomes in patients undergoing elective colon cancer (CC) surgery; however, efficacy in different populations may vary. We examined the impact of an ERP in a population with high rates of obesity and multiple comorbidities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of factors associated with postoperative complications (PoC) and length of stay (LOS) following CC surgery from 2011 to 2019 in a 5-hospital healthcare system which serves a population with higher rates of obesity (body mass index ≥30kg/m2) and multi-comorbidities, as compared to published studies. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 408 elective CC surgery patients with complete oncologic surgical data were identified. Of these, 191 (46.81%) were under ERP. Factors independently associated with PoC included obesity (OR=1.66, P=.029), laparoscopic (OR=.52, P=.020), and hybrid (OR=.38, P=.012) versus open surgery and ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class ≥3 (OR=1.98, P=.006). ERP did not impact PoC but was associated with a reduction in LOS (ß=-1.02 days, 95%CI: -1.75 - -.30, P=.006). ERP had an impact on LOS in both the non-obese and obese groups (P<.001 and P=.034, respectively). PoC significantly increased LOS (ß=6.67 days, 95%CI: 5.41-7.03, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Following elective CC surgery, obesity and medical comorbidities were associated with increased PoC and in turn, as expected, increased LOS. ERP was associated with a reduction in LOS in both obese and non-obese patients. In high-risk populations, application of ERP may be particularly important to optimize surgical outcomes following CC surgery.

What Is the Utility of Restaging Imaging for Patients With Clinical Stage II/III Rectal Cancer After Completion of Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Prior to Proctectomy?

BACKGROUND: In the United States, patients with clinical stage II or III rectal cancer typically receive neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (chemo/XRT) over a 5-6 week period followed by a 6-10 week break prior to proctectomy. In the current study, we evaluate the utilization of restaging studies performed and detection of disease progression during this window. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with clinical stage II/III rectal cancer was performed. Medical records were analyzed to collect clinicopathologic data and the performance and results of preoperative, early postoperative, and first surveillance CT and/or PET/CT in patients completing long course neoadjuvant chemo/XRT and undergoing proctectomy. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2017, 176 patients with clinical stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma completed neoadjuvant chemo/XRT and underwent proctectomy. Preoperative restaging with CT CAP and/or CT/PET was performed in 72 (40.9%) patients with no detection of disease progression. Of the 104 patients without preoperative restaging, 1 had intraoperative detection of liver metastases and 31 had early postoperative reimaging (within 30 days of proctectomy) of which 2 had detection of new pulmonary metastases. Among 72 patients with no preoperative or early postoperative reimaging, first surveillance imaging was available in 47 and detected new metastases in 8 (17%). DISCUSSION: In patients with clinical stage II/III rectal cancer who undergo long course neoadjuvant chemo/XRT, perioperative reimaging with CT CAP and/or PET/CT detects new metastases in a small percentage of patients. A multi-institutional, prospective analysis using standardized staging protocols is warranted to better determine the value of preoperative restaging in these patients.

Adherence to neoadjuvant therapy guidelines for locally advanced rectal cancers in a region with sociodemographic disparities.

BACKGROUND: Practice guidelines recommend neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCR) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). We examined guideline adherence in a healthcare system serving a region with socioeconomic disparities and poor cancer outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of factors associated with guideline adherence. RESULTS: 63.1% of stage II/III LARC patients received NCR. Factors associated with adherence included white race (OR = 2.15, p = 0.024), private insurance (OR = 2.70, p = 0.005), employed status (OR = 2.30, p = 0.031), age at diagnosis (OR = 0.74, p = 0.032), appropriate local staging (OR = 9.17, p < 0.0001), and diagnosis later in the study period (OR per 1 year = 1.20, p = 0.006). By multivariate analysis, private insurance (OR = 2.51, p = 0.023), younger age (OR per 10 years = 0.72, p = 0.048) and appropriate local staging (OR = 6.67, p < 0.0001) were associated with adherence. CONCLUSION: Guideline adherence for LARC in our system is low and is impacted by employment, race and insurance status. Standard of care compliance remains an important target for improvement efforts in this underserved region of the nation's Mid-South.

Restaging Patients with Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In the USA, most patients with clinical stage II/III rectal cancer receive neoadjuvant chemoradiation (chemo/XRT) over 5-6 weeks followed by a 6-10-week break before proctectomy. As chemotherapy is delivered at radio-sensitizing doses, there is essentially a 3-month window during which potential systemic disease is untreated. Evidence regarding the utility of restaging patients prior to proctectomy is limited. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies evaluating the utility of restaging patients with rectal cancer after completion of long-course chemo/XRT, and reporting associated changes in management. Studies that were non-English, included <50 patients, or examining the diagnostic accuracy of imaging modalities were excluded. Study quality was evaluated using the modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Eight studies were identified including a total of 1251 patients restaged between completion of chemo/XRT and proctectomy. All studies were retrospective. Restaging identified new metastatic disease in 72 (6.0%) patients, with 4 studies reporting specific sites: liver (n = 28), lung (n = 8), adrenal (n = 1), bone (n = 1), and multiple sites (n = 7). Overall progression (distant or local) was detected in 88 (7.0%) patients and resulted in a change in management in 77 (87.5%) of these patients. Tumor-related prognostic characteristics were inconsistently reported among studies, precluding meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although restaging between completion of neoadjuvant chemo/XRT and proctectomy detects disease progression in only a small percentage of patients, findings alter the treatment plan in the vast majority of these patients. Multi-institutional collaboration with analysis of well-defined prognostic variables may better identify patients most likely to benefit from restaging.

The Impact of Ostomy Creation after Cytoreduction and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in a Newly Established Peritoneal Malignancy Program.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) has improved outcomes for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis and often requires ostomy creation. We examined the impact of ostomy creation in a newly established peritoneal malignancy program. A retrospective review was performed of CRS-HIPEC procedures from 2011 to 2016. Those who did and did not receive an ostomy were compared. Fifty-eight patients underwent CRS-HIPEC and an ostomy was created in 25.9 per cent. Median peritoneal cancer index (14 vs 16, P = 0.63) and multivisceral resection rates (87.9 vs 100.0%, P = 0.17) were similar between groups. Multivariable analysis revealed that bowel resection (OR 210.65, P = 0.02) was significantly associated with ostomy creation. Advanced age was noted to be inversely associated with stoma formation (OR 0.04, P = 0.04). Progression-free survival was significantly lower in the ostomy group (18 vs 23 months, P = 0.03). Those with an ostomy experienced prolonged length of stay (13.3 ± 7.4 vs 9.5 ± 3.7, P = 0.01). At follow-up, 6/10 temporary ostomies had undergone reversal and three patients experienced morbidity after reversal. Ostomy creation may occur during CRS-HIPEC and carries potential for morbidity. Ostomy creation may contribute to postoperative length of stay. Patients should be counseled preoperatively on the potential impact of ostomy placement during CRS-HIPEC.

The Impact of Early Recurrence on Quality of Life after Cytoreduction with HIPEC.

Improved oncological outcomes after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in highly selected patients have been well documented. The extensive nature of the procedure adversely affects quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study is to longitudinally evaluate QoL following CRS/HIPEC. This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with peritoneal malignancies undergoing CRS/HIPEC. Clinicopathological data, oncologic outcomes, and QoL were analyzed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 weeks, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal instrument was used to determine changes in QoL after CRS/HIPEC and the impact of early recurrence (<12 months) on QoL. Thirty-six patients underwent CRS/HIPEC over 36 months. The median peritoneal cancer index score was 18 and the completeness of cytoreduction-0/1 rate was 97.2 per cent. Postoperative major morbidity was 16.7 per cent with one perioperative death. Disease-free survival was 12.6 months in patients with high-grade tumors versus 31.0 months in those with low-grade tumors (P = 0.03). QoL decreased postoperatively and improved to baseline in six months. Patients with early recurrence had a decrease in global QoL compared with preoperative QoL at 6 (P < 0.03) and 12 months (P < 0.05). This correlation was not found in patients who had not recurred. Patients who undergo CRS/HIPEC have a decrease in QoL that plateaus in 3 to 6 months. Early recurrence adversely impacts QoL at 6 and 12 months. This study emphasizes the importance of patient selection for CRS/HIPEC. The expected QoL trajectory in patients at risk for early recurrence must be carefully weighed against the potential oncological benefit of CRS/HIPEC.

Cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: an appraisal of outcomes and cost at a newly established peritoneal malignancy program.

BACKGROUND: Outcome measures after cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis in established centers are well defined. However, results from newly emerging US centers have not been reported. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with peritoneal malignancies undergoing CRS/HIPEC. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients underwent exploratory laparotomy with 36 receiving CRS/HIPEC over 36 months. The median peritoneal cancer index score was 18, and the cytoreduction 0/1 rate was 92%. Postoperative major morbidity was 16.7% with one perioperative death. The median length of hospital stay and intensive care unit days were 9 and 3 days, respectively. Disease-free survival in high-grade vs low-grade tumors was 12.6 and 31.0 months (P, .03), respectively. Average direct cost for patients undergoing CRS/HIPEC was $25,917. CONCLUSIONS: Our emerging center's short-term results are comparable with established programs with a trend toward more selective intraoperative judgment on who undergoes CRS/HIPEC.