Metachronous peritoneal metastases in patients with pT4b colon cancer: An international multicenter analysis of intraperitoneal versus retroperitoneal tumor invasion.

BACKGROUND: It was hypothesized that colon cancer with only retroperitoneal invasion is associated with a low risk of peritoneal dissemination. This study aimed to compare the risk of metachronous peritoneal metastases (mPM) between intraperitoneal and retroperitoneal invasion. METHODS: In this international, multicenter cohort study, patients with pT4bN0-2M0 colon cancer who underwent curative surgery were categorized as having intraperitoneal invasion (e.g. bladder, small bowel, stomach, omentum, liver, abdominal wall) or retroperitoneal invasion only (e.g. ureter, pancreas, psoas muscle, Gerota's fascia). Primary outcome was 5-year mPM cumulative rate, assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Out of 907 patients with pT4N0-2M0 colon cancer, 198 had a documented pT4b category, comprising 170 patients with intraperitoneal invasion only, 12 with combined intra- and retroperitoneal invasion, and 16 patients with retroperitoneal invasion only. At baseline, only R1 resection rate significantly differed: 4/16 for retroperitoneal invasion only versus 8/172 for intra- +/- retroperitoneal invasion (p = 0.010). Overall, 22 patients developed mPM during a median follow-up of 45 months. Two patients with only retroperitoneal invasion developed mPM, both following R1 resection. The overall 5-year mPM cumulative rate was 13% for any intraperitoneal invasion and 14% for retroperitoneal invasion only (Log Rank, p = 0.878), which was 13% and 0%, respectively, in patients who had an R0 resection (Log Rank, p = 0.235). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that pT4b colon cancer patients with only retroperitoneal invasion who undergo an R0 resection have a negligible risk of mPM, but this is difficult to prove because of its rarity. This observation might have implications regarding individualized follow-up.

A multicentre cohort study of serum and peritoneal biomarkers to predict anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection.

AIM: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most feared complications after rectal resection. This study aimed to assess a combination of biomarkers for early detection of AL after rectal cancer resection. METHOD: This study was an international multicentre prospective cohort study. All patients received a pelvic drain after rectal cancer resection. On the first three postoperative days drain fluid was collected daily and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, glucose, lactate, interleukin 1-beta (IL1ß), IL6, IL10, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and amylase were measured in the drain fluid. Prediction models for AL were built for each postoperative day using multivariate penalized logistic regression. Model performance was estimated by the c-index for discrimination. The model with the best performance was visualized with a nomogram and calibration was plotted. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients were analysed; 38 (13.0%) patients suffered from AL, with a median interval to diagnosis of 6.0 (interquartile ratio 4.0-14.8) days. AL occurred less often after partial than after total mesorectal excision (4.9% vs 15.2%, P = 0.035). Of all patients with AL, 26 (68.4%) required reoperation. AL was more often treated by reoperation in patients without a diverting ileostomy (18/20 vs 8/18, P = 0.03). The prediction model for postoperative day 1 included MMP9, TNFα, diverting ileostomy and surgical technique (c-index = 0.71). The prediction model for postoperative day 2 only included CRP (c-index = 0.69). The prediction model for postoperative day 3 included CRP and MMP9 and obtained the best model performance (c-index = 0.78). CONCLUSION: The combination of serum CRP and peritoneal MMP9 may be useful for earlier prediction of AL after rectal cancer resection. In clinical practice, this combination of biomarkers should be interpreted in the clinical context as with any other diagnostic tool.

Establishing core outcome sets for gastrointestinal recovery in studies of postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction: protocol for a nested methodological study.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal recovery describes the restoration of normal bowel function in patients with bowel disease. This may be prolonged in two common clinical settings: postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction. Improving gastrointestinal recovery is a research priority but researchers are limited by variation in outcome reporting across clinical studies. This protocol describes the development of core outcome sets for gastrointestinal recovery in the contexts of postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction. METHOD: An international Steering Group consisting of patient and clinician representatives has been established. As overlap between clinical contexts is anticipated, both outcome sets will be co-developed and may be combined to form a common output with disease-specific domains. The development process will comprise three phases, including definition of outcomes relevant to postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction from systematic literature reviews and nominal-group stakeholder discussions; online-facilitated Delphi surveys via international networks; and a consensus meeting to ratify the final output. A nested study will explore if the development of overlapping outcome sets can be rationalized. DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION: The final output will be registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative. A multi-faceted, quality improvement campaign for the reporting of gastrointestinal recovery in clinical studies will be launched, targeting international professional and patient groups, charitable organizations and editorial committees. Success will be explored via an updated systematic review of outcomes 5 years after registration of the core outcome set.

Impact of single-incision laparoscopic surgery on postoperative analgesia requirements after total colectomy for ulcerative colitis: a propensity-matched comparison with multiport laparoscopy.

AIM: To compare the requirements for postoperative analgesia in patients with ulcerative colitis after single-incision versus multiport laparoscopic total colectomy. METHOD: All patients undergoing single-incision or multiport laparoscopic total colectomy as a first stage in the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis between 2010 and 2016 at the University Hospital of Leuven were included. The cumulative dose of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia was used as the primary end-point. A Z-transformation was performed combining values for patient-controlled epidural analgesia and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia, resulting in one hybrid outcome variable. The two groups were matched using propensity scores. Subgroup analysis was performed to analyse the impact of extraction site on postoperative pain. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients underwent total colectomy for ulcerative colitis (median age 35 years). Thirty patients underwent single-incision laparoscopy, while 51 patients had a multiport approach. The mean normalized patient-controlled analgesia dose was significantly lower in patients undergoing single-incision laparoscopy (-0.33 vs 0.46, P < 0.001). This difference was no longer significant in subgroup analysis for patients with stoma site specimen extraction (P = 0.131). The odds of receiving tramadol postoperatively was 3.66 times lower after single-incision laparoscopy (P = 0.008). The overall morbidity rate was 32.1% (26/81). The mean Comprehensive Complication Index in single-incision and multiport laparoscopy group was 18.33 and 21.39, respectively (P = 0.506). Hospital stay was significantly shorter after single-incision laparoscopic surgery (6.3 days vs 7.6 days, P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Single-incision total colectomy was associated with lower postoperative analgesia requirements and shorter hospital stay, with comparable morbidity. However, the specimen extraction site played a significant role in postoperative pain control.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: how are we doing so far?

AIM: This subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study aims to compare postoperative morbidity between transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LaTME). METHOD: The study was designed as a subgroup analysis of a prospective multicentre cohort study. Patients undergoing TaTME or LaTME for rectal cancer were selected. All patients were followed up until the first visit to the outpatient clinic after hospital discharge. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Propensity score matching was performed. RESULTS: In total, 220 patients were selected from the overall prospective multicentre cohort study. After propensity score matching, 48 patients from each group were compared. The median tumour height for TaTME was 10.0 cm (6.0-10.8) and for LaTME was 9.5 cm (7.0-12.0) (P = 0.459). The duration of surgery and anaesthesia were both significantly longer for TaTME (221 vs 180 min, P < 0.001, and 264 vs 217 min, P < 0.001). TaTME was not converted to laparotomy whilst surgery in five patients undergoing LaTME was converted to laparotomy (0.0% vs 10.4%, P = 0.056). No statistically significant differences were observed for Clavien-Dindo classification, CCI, readmissions, reoperations and mortality. CONCLUSION: The study showed that TaTME is a safe and feasible approach for rectal cancer resection. This new technique obtained similar postoperative morbidity to LaTME.

TAMIS is a valuable alternative to TEM for resection of intraluminal rectal tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcome after Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) and Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) for intraluminal rectal lesions. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all TEM and TAMIS procedures performed at a single institution by one surgeon between March 2009 and September 2017 was conducted. Primary outcome was operating time. Secondary outcomes were blood loss, pathological outcome, length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission and mortality. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients underwent TEM procedure and 68 patients underwent TAMIS. Operating time was significantly shorter for TAMIS compared with TEM (median 45 vs 65 min, p < 0.0001). Blood loss was negligible for both TEM and TAMIS. Resection margins, lesion grade and invasion depth were comparable for both approaches. A significantly higher postoperative readmission rate was observed in the TEM group (17% vs 4.4%, p = 0.031). Mortality was zero in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: TAMIS is a valuable alternative to TEM, leading to decreased operating times, because all resections can be done in lithotomy position.

Single port laparoscopic ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease: a multicentre comparison with multi-port laparoscopy.

AIM: Single port (SP) ileocaecal resection (ICR) is an established technique but there are no large studies comparing SP and multi-port (MP) laparoscopic surgery in Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain scores and analgesia requirements after SP and MP laparoscopic ICR for CD. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing SP or MP ICR for CD in three tertiary referral centres from February 1999 to October 2014. Baseline characteristics (age, sex, body mass index and indication for surgery) were compared. Primary end-points were postoperative pain scores, analgesia requirements and short-term postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: SP ICR (n = 101) and MP ICR (n = 156) patients were included in the study. Visual analogue scale scores were significantly lower after SP ICR on postoperative day 1 (P = 0.016) and day 2 (P = 0.04). Analgesia requirements were significantly reduced on postoperative day 2 in the SP group compared with the MP group (P = 0.007). Duration of surgery, conversion to open surgery and stoma rates were comparable between the two groups. Surgery was more complex in terms of additional procedures when MP was adopted (P = 0.001). There were no differences in postoperative complication rates, postoperative food intake, length of stay and readmissions. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that in comparison to standard laparoscopic surgery SP ICR might be less painful and patients might require less opioid analgesia.

Redo coloanal anastomosis for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection for rectal cancer: an analysis of 59 cases.

AIM: The construction of a new coloanal anastomosis (CAA) following anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) is challenging. The available literature on this topic is scarce. The aim of this two-centre study was to determine the clinical success and morbidity after redo CAA. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with anastomotic leakage after LAR for rectal cancer who underwent a redo CAA between 2010 and 2014 in two tertiary referral centres. Short- and long-term morbidity were analysed, including both anastomotic leakage and permanent stoma rates on completion of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 59 patients were included, of whom 45 (76%) were men, with a mean age of 59 years (SD ± 9.4). The median interval between index and redo surgery was 14 months [interquartile range (IQR) 8-27]. The median duration of follow-up was 27 months (IQR 17-36). The most frequent complication was anastomotic leakage of the redo CAA occurring in 24 patients (41%), resulting in a median of three reinterventions (IQR 2-4) per patient. At the end of follow-up, bowel continuity was restored in 39/59 (66%) patients. Fourteen (24%) patients received a definitive colostomy and six (10%) still had a diverting ileostomy. In a multivariable model, leakage of the redo CAA was the only risk factor for permanent stoma (OR 0.022; 95% CI 0.004-0.122). CONCLUSION: Redo CAA is a viable option in selected patients with persisting leakage after LAR for rectal cancer who want their bowel continuity restored. However, patients should be fully informed about the relatively high morbidity and reintervention rates.

Short- and medium-term outcomes following primary ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease in two specialist centres.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in medical therapy, the majority of patients with Crohn's disease still require surgery. The aim of this study was to report safety, and clinical and surgical recurrence rates, including predictors of recurrence, after ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease. METHODS: This was a cohort analysis of consecutive patients undergoing a first ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease between 1998 and 2013 at one of two specialist centres. Anastomotic leak rate and associated risk factors were assessed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to describe long-term clinical and surgical recurrence. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for both endpoints. RESULTS: In total, 538 patients underwent primary ileocaecal resection (40·0 per cent male; median age at surgery 31 (i.q.r. 24-42) years). Median follow-up was 6 (2-9) years. Fifteen of 507 patients (3·0 per cent) developed an anastomotic leak. An ASA fitness grade of III (odds ratio (OR) 4·34, 95 per cent c.i. 1·12 to 16·77; P = 0·033), preoperative antitumour necrosis factor therapy (OR 3·30, 1·09 to 9·99; P = 0·035) and length of resected bowel specimen (OR 1·06, 1·03 to 1·09; P < 0·001) were significant risk factors for anastomotic leak. Rates of clinical recurrence were 17·6, 45·4 and 55·0 per cent after 1, 5 and 10 years respectively. Corresponding rates of requirement for further surgery were 0·6, 6·5 and 19·1 per cent. Smoking (hazard ratio (HR) 1·67, 95 per cent c.i. 1·14 to 2·43; P = 0·008) and a positive microscopic resection margin (HR 2·16, 1·46 to 3·21; P < 0·001) were independent risk factors for clinical recurrence. Microscopic resection margin positivity was also a risk factor for further surgery (HR 2·99, 1·36 to 6·54; P = 0·006). CONCLUSION: Ileocaecal resection achieved durable medium-term remission, but smoking and resection margin positivity were risk factors for recurrence.

Abdominal vagus nerve stimulation as a new therapeutic approach to prevent postoperative ileus.

BACKGROUND: Electrical stimulation of the cervical vagus nerve (VNS) prevents postoperative ileus (POI) in mice. As this approach requires an additional cervical procedure, we explored the possibility of peroperative abdominal VNS in mice and human. METHODS: The effect of cervical and abdominal VNS was studied in a murine model of POI and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis. Postoperative ileus was quantified by assessment of intestinal transit of fluorescent dextran expressed as geometric center (GC). Next, the effect of cervical and abdominal VNS on heart rate was determined in eight Landrace pigs to select the optimal electrode for VNS in human. Finally, the effect of sham or abdominal VNS on LPS-induced cytokine production of whole blood was studied in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. KEY RESULTS: Similar to cervical VNS, abdominal VNS significantly decreased LPS-induced serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels (abdominal VNS: 366±33 pg/mL vs sham: 822±105 pg/mL; P<.01). In line, in a murine model of POI, abdominal VNS significantly improved intestinal transit (GC: sham 5.1±0.2 vs abdominal VNS: 7.8±0.6; P<.01) and reduced intestinal inflammation (abdominal VNS: 35±7 vs sham: 80±8 myeloperoxidase positive cells/field; P<.05). In pigs, heart rate was reduced by cervical VNS but not by abdominal VNS. In humans, abdominal VNS significantly reduced LPS-induced IL8 and IL6 production by whole blood. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Abdominal VNS is feasible and safe in humans and has anti-inflammatory properties. As abdominal VNS improves POI similar to cervical VNS in mice, our data indicate that peroperative abdominal VNS may represent a novel approach to shorten POI in man.

External validation of a prognostic model of preoperative risk factors for failure of restorative proctocolectomy.

AIM: The Cleveland Clinic has proposed a prognostic model of preoperative risk factors for failure of restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. The model incorporates four predictive variables: completion proctectomy, handsewn anastomosis, diabetes mellitus and Crohn's disease. The aim of the present study was to perform an external validation of this model in a new cohort of patients who had RPC. METHOD: Validation was performed in a multicentre cohort of 747 consecutive patients who had an RPC between 1990 and 2015 in three tertiary-care facilities, using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. The performance of the model was expressed using the Harrell concordance error rate. The primary outcome measure was pouch survival with maintenance of anal function. RESULTS: During the study period, 45 (6.0%) patients experienced failure at a median interval of 31 months (interquartile range 9-82 months) from the original RPC. Multivariable analysis showed handsewn anastomosis to be the only significant independent predictor. The Harrell concordance error rate was 0.42, indicating poor performance. Anastomotic leakage and Crohn's disease of the pouch were strong postoperative predictors for pouch failure and showed a significant difference in pouch survival after 10 years (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The poor performance of the Cleveland Clinic prognostic model makes it unsuitable for daily clinical practice. Handsewn anastomosis was associated with pouch failure in our cohort with relatively few events. A prediction model for anastomotic leakage or Crohn's disease of the pouch may be a better solution since these variables are strongly associated with pouch failure.

Is colorectal surgery beyond the age of 80 still feasible with acceptable mortality? An analysis of the predictive value of CR-POSSUM and life expectancy after hospital discharge.

AIM: Increased morbidity and mortality could mitigate the positive effect of surgery in elderly patients undergoing colorectal resections. This retrospective study aims to describe early morbidity and mortality together with long-term survival in octogenarians and nonagenarians undergoing colorectal surgery. Predictors for in-hospital mortality are identified. The predictive value of CR-POSSUM is assessed. METHOD: Data on consecutive patients 80 years old or more undergoing a colorectal resection in our centre from 2004 until 2010 were analysed. RESULTS: Some 286 patients [median age 84 years; interquartile range (IQR) 81.6-86.1; 133 men, 47%] underwent a colorectal resection. Median follow-up was 32 months (IQR 14.5-51.2). Two hundred and fifty-eight patients (90%) were operated on for malignancy. Only 64 patients (22.4%) underwent a laparoscopic procedure. Overall median hospital stay was 12 days (IQR 9.0-20.0) and in-hospital mortality was 9.4%. Seventy-six per cent (n = 170) of patients could return home after discharge. The 1-year survival rate was 78.6% (95% CI 73.8-82.7). Median CR-POSSUM for in-hospital mortality was 12.6% (IQR 11.9-21.0). The concordance probability estimate was 0.668 (95% CI 0.609-0.728), reflecting a moderate predictive capacity of CR-POSSUM. Once patients had been discharged from hospital, life expectancy was similar to that of the Belgian general population. CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgery in octogenarians and nonagenarians resulted in a considerable in-hospital mortality of about 9%. One-year mortality added an additional 12%, which is in concordance with the overall life expectancy at that age.

Modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty over the ileocaecal valve for the surgical treatment of terminal ileal Crohn's disease: the ultimate bowel sparing technique?

AIM: The study describes the technique of a modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty over the ileocaecal valve. METHOD: The technical details of a modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty of the terminal ileum for stricturing Crohn's disease is described including Figs. 1 and 2 and a video illustration (Video S1). RESULTS: Between November 2010 and December 2015, 36 patients underwent a side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty of the (neo-)terminal ileum (men 14/36; median age 35 years [interquartile range (IQR) 26-51 years]). Thirty were operated by either multiport or single port laparoscopy. The median length of hospital stay was 9 (IQR 8-11) days. Anastomotic leakage occurred in two patients both in the first five cases. In both the anastomosis could be rescued by additional suturing. After a median follow-up of 18.9 (IQR 7.0-36.0) months, 14 patients had developed clinical recurrence and one had a surgical recurrence at 63 months. CONCLUSION: A modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty is a feasible and safe technique, rendering maximal bowel sparing surgery possible.

Transanal completion proctectomy after total colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis: a modified single stapled technique.

AIM: Minimally invasive surgery has proved its efficacy for the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). The recent evolution in single port (SP) surgery together with transanal rectal surgery could further facilitate minimally invasive surgery in UC patients. This technical note describes a technical modification for single stapled anastomoses in patients undergoing transanal completion proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (ta-IPAA) for UC. METHODS: A step-by-step approach of the ta-IPAA in UC is described, including pictures and a video illustration. RESULTS: We describe a ta-IPAA with SP laparoscopy at the ileostomy site. All patients underwent a total colectomy with end-ileostomy for therapy refractory UC in a first step. Colectomy was done by multiport laparoscopy in six patients, while the ileostomy site was used as single port access in five patients. In all 11 patients the stoma site was used for SP mobilization of the mesenteric root and fashioning of the J-pouch. Completion proctectomy was done using a transanal approach. A single stapled anastomosis was performed in all patients. An 18 French catheter was used to approximate the pouch to the rectal cuff. CONCLUSION: A technical modification of the single stapled anastomosis facilitates the formation of the ta-IPAA, further reducing invasiveness in UC patients.

The pig as preclinical model for laparoscopic vagus nerve stimulation.

PURPOSE: Cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) prevents manipulation-induced intestinal inflammation and improves intestinal transit in a mouse model of postoperative ileus (POI). Cervical VNS, however, is accompanied by cardiovascular and respiratory side effects. In view of potential clinical application, we therefore evaluated the safety and feasibility of abdominal VNS via laparoscopic approach in a porcine model. METHODS: Six pigs were used in a non-survival study for both cervical and abdominal VNS. Two cardiac pacing electrodes were positioned around the right cervical and posterior abdominal vagus nerve and connected to an external stimulator. VNS was performed using four different settings (5 and 20 Hz, 0.5 and 1 ms pulse width) during 2 min with ECG recording. Laparoscopic VNS was timed and videotaped, and technical difficulties were noted. A validated National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire was used to evaluate the task and workload. RESULTS: The procedure was completed in all pigs with 4-port laparoscopic technique. Cervical and abdominal VNS were performed after correct identification and isolation of the nerve, and positioning of the electrodes around the nerve. Median laparoscopic operating time was 16 min (range 8-33 min), and median NASA-TLX was 31 (range 11-74). No major complications were encountered. Reduction of heart rate was between 5.5 and 14% for cervical VNS and undetectable for abdominal VNS. CONCLUSION: In a porcine model, laparoscopic VNS is feasible and safe with cardiac pacing electrodes and may lead to a similar novel approach in humans in the near future.

Incidence of prolonged postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) after colorectal surgery remains a leading cause of delayed postoperative recovery and prolonged hospital stay. Its exact incidence is unknown. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the definitions and incidence of PPOI previously described. METHOD: MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (up to July 2014) were searched. Two authors independently reviewed citations using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 3233 citations; 54 were eligible, comprising 18 983 patients. Twenty-six studies were prospective [17 of these being randomized controlled trials (RCTs)] and 28 were retrospective. Meta-analysis revealed an incidence of PPOI of 10.3% (95% CI 8.4-12.5) and 10.2% (95% CI 5.6-17.8) for non-RCTs and RCTs, respectively. Significant heterogeneity was observed for both non-RCTs and for RCTs. The used definition of PPOI, the type of surgery and access (laparoscopic, open) and the duration of surgery lead to significant variability of reported PPOI incidence between studies. The incidence of PPOI is lower after laparoscopic colonic resection. CONCLUSION: There is a large variation in the reported incidence of PPOI. A uniform definition of PPOI is needed to allow meaningful inter-study comparisons and to evaluate strategies to prevent PPOI.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic colectomy with or without natural-orifice specimen extraction.

BACKGROUND: Although conventional laparoscopic colectomy is a validated technique, laparoscopic natural-orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) colectomy might improve outcome. This randomized clinical trial compared analgesia requirements, postoperative pain, anorectal function, inflammatory response and cosmesis in laparoscopic NOSE colectomy and conventional laparoscopic colectomy. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopic NOSE colectomy or conventional laparoscopic colectomy for left-sided colonic disease. The primary endpoint was analgesia requirement. Secondary endpoints were operative outcome, inflammatory response, anorectal function and cosmesis. RESULTS: Forty patients were enrolled in the study, 20 in each group (15 with diverticulitis and 5 with colorectal cancer in each group). A significant difference was observed in morphine analogue requirements (1 of 20 patients in the NOSE group versus 10 of 20 in the conventional group; P = 0·003). Patient-controlled epidural analgesia was lower in the NOSE group (mean 116 ml versus 221 ml in the conventional group; P < 0·001), as was paracetamol use (mean 11·0 versus 17·0 g respectively; P < 0·001). Postoperative pain scores were lower in the NOSE group: mean maximum visual analogue score of 3·5 versus 2·1 (P < 0·001). One week after hospital discharge, pain scores remained higher in the conventional group: 15 of 20 patients in the conventional group reported pain, compared with one of 20 in the NOSE group (P < 0·001). Inflammatory responses were greater in patients undergoing NOSE colectomy: higher peak C-reactive protein and interleukin 6 levels were observed on postoperative day 2 (P < 0·001) and day 1 (P = 0·002) respectively. Postoperative anorectal function, complications and hospital stay were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic NOSE colectomy was associated with less pain and lower analgesia requirements than the conventional laparoscopic extraction. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01033838 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Laparoscopic NOSE colectomy with a camera sleeve: a technique in evolution.

AIM: Although natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) reduces abdominal access trauma, specimen retrieval with a bag can be difficult, due to the size of the specimen. This technical note aims to show feasibility of laparoscopic NOSE colectomy with a camera sleeve based on a well-documented video. METHOD: Over a 9-month period all patients who had laparoscopic NOSE colectomy were included in the study. Camera sleeve extraction was compared with specimen retrieval bag extraction. RESULTS: Eight patients (6 females, median age 63 years, median BMI 23 kg/m²) underwent NOSE with a camera sleeve versus nine patients with a specimen retrieval bag. Patient characteristics and operative details were similar in both groups. There were no conversions. Median hospital stay was 4 days in both groups. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic NOSE colectomy with a camera sleeve is feasible, but it remains to be shown that this technical modification will lead to an increase in indications for left-sided colonic resections.

How do patients score cosmesis after laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction colectomy?

AIM: Laparoscopic colorectal resection results in improved cosmetic outcome and better presumed body image. Laparoscopic NOSE colectomy omits an incision for specimen extraction and is supposed to further improve postoperative cosmesis. This study aimed to assess the cosmetic benefit. METHOD: Forty-nine patients who underwent a NOSE colectomy for bowel endometriosis from September 2009 to September 2013 were matched for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade and body mass index (BMI) with patients who underwent a conventional laparoscopic colectomy for the same indication. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of a body scale and a cosmetic scale and the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) including five subscales (appearance, symptoms, scar consciousness, satisfaction with appearance and satisfaction with symptoms). RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar between both groups. Patients were assessed at a median postoperative follow-up of 41 months in the NOSE colectomy group and 35 months in the conventional resection group. The median body image questionnaire score was 15 for NOSE colectomy and 18 for conventional resection (P = 0.027). The respective median PSAQ scores were 56 and 71 (P = 0.002). There was a good relationship between the PSAQ score and the body image questionnaire (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.82). CONCLUSION: Depending on the scoring system used, the cosmetic outcome may be better after NOSE colectomy than conventional laparoscopy in patients having surgery for endometriosis. The comprehensive body image questionnaire, being shorter and easier to use, could be a valid tool for assessing cosmesis after NOSE procedures.

AirSeal system insufflator to maintain a stable pneumorectum during TAMIS.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is typically used for treating intraluminal rectal tumors. Other applications have recently been described. We here present the use of TAMIS as a tool to treat a chronic anastomotic fistula after restorative rectal resection. A new insufflation device expected to solve the problem of maintaining a stable pneumorectum is described.