Hospital Volume for Rectal Cancer Resection Plays a Pivotal Role in Improving Outcomes: A Population-based Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Assessing the association between hospital surgical volume (SV) and outcomes after rectal cancer surgery (RCS), using national population-based data. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: For RCS, the association of higher SV with improved short- and/or long-term outcomes remains controversial. METHODS: National cancer registry data and administrative data were used to select patients diagnosed with stage I-III rectal cancer in 2009-2018 and who underwent RCS. The average annual SV of RCS was categorised as low (<15; LV), medium (15-29; MV) or high (≥30; HV). The association between SV and 90-day and 1-year excess postoperative mortality (90DPM and 1YEPM) and 5-year observed survival (5YOS) was evaluated. RESULTS: From the 11,519 patients , RCS was performed in LV (4,088; 36%), MV (2,795; 24%) or HV (4,636; 40%) hospitals. Observed 90DPM was significantly better in HV (2.3% 95%CI[1.9,2.8]) than in LV (3.7% 95%CI[3.2,4.4]) and MV (3.5% 95%CI[2.9,4.3]) with adjusted OR 1.4, P<0.0001. Continuous regression analysis showed significantly higher 90DPM in annual SV <35 compared to ≥35 (OR 1.6 95%CI[1.21,2.11]; P=0.0009). Observed 1YEPM was significantly better in HV (2.9% 95%CI[2.2,3.6]) compared to LV (4.7% 95%CI [3.9,5.6]) with adjusted excess HR 1.31 95%CI[1.00,1.73] and P=0.05, and to MV (5.0% 95%CI[4.0,6.1]) with adjusted excess HR 1.45 95%CI[1.09,1.94] and P=0.01. The 5YOS was significantly better in HV (75.9% 95%CI[74.6,77.2]) than in LV (70.3% 95%CI[68.8,71.8]) and MV (71.5% 95%CI[69.7,73.2]) with adjusted HR 1.4 in both LV and MV versus HV, P≤0.003. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study identified robustly superior outcomes at 90-days, 1-year and 5-years after RCS in hospitals with higher volumes.

Should we depend on reference intervals from manufacturer package inserts? Comparing TSH and FT4 reference intervals from four manufacturers with results from modern indirect methods and the direct method.

OBJECTIVES: Correct interpretation of thyroid function tests relies on correct reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4). ISO15189 mandates periodic verification of RIs, but laboratories struggle with cost-effective approaches. We investigated whether indirect methods (utilizing historical laboratory data) could replace the direct approach (utilizing healthy reference individuals) and compared results with manufacturer-provided RIs for TSH and FT4. METHODS: We collected historical data (2008-2022) from 13 Dutch laboratories to re-establish RIs by employing indirect methods, TMC (for TSH) and refineR (for FT4). Laboratories used common automated platforms (Roche, Abbott, Beckman or Siemens). Indirect RIs (IRIs) were determined per laboratory per year and clustered per manufacturer (>1.000.000 data points per manufacturer). Direct RIs (DRIs) were established in 125 healthy individuals per platform. RESULTS: TSH IRIs remained robust over the years for all manufacturers. FT4 IRIs proved robust for three manufacturers (Roche, Beckman and Siemens), but the IRI upper reference limit (URL) of Abbott showed a decrease of 2 pmol/L from 2015. Comparison of the IRIs and DRIs for TSH and FT4 showed close agreement using adequate age-stratification. Manufacturer-provided RIs, notably Abbott, Roche and Beckman exhibited inappropriate URLs (overall difference of 0.5-1.0 µIU/mL) for TSH. For FT4, the URLs provided by Roche, Abbott and Siemens were overestimated by 1.5-3.5 pmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: These results underscore the importance of RI verification as manufacturer-provided RIs are often incorrect and RIs may not be robust. Indirect methods offer cost-effective alternatives for laboratory-specific or platform-specific verification of RIs.

Short-term outcomes of surgical treatment for primary ileocaecal Crohn's disease: Results of the Crohn's(urg) study, a multicentre, retrospective, comparative analysis between inflammatory and complicated phenotypes.

AIM: Recent evidence challenges the current standard of offering surgery to patients with ileocaecal Crohn's disease (CD) only when they present complications of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare short-term results of patients who underwent primary ileocaecal resection for either inflammatory (luminal disease, earlier in the disease course) or complicated phenotypes, hypothesizing that the latter would be associated with worse postoperative outcomes. METHOD: A retrospective, multicentre comparative analysis was performed including patients operated on for primary ileocaecal CD at 12 referral centres. Patients were divided into two groups according to indication of surgery for inflammatory (ICD) or complicated (CCD) phenotype. Short-term results were compared. RESULTS: A total of 2013 patients were included, with 291 (14.5%) in the ICD group. No differences were found between the groups in time from diagnosis to surgery. CCD patients had higher rates of low body mass index, anaemia (40.9% vs. 27%, p < 0.001) and low albumin (11.3% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). CCD patients had longer operations, lower rates of laparoscopic approach (84.3% vs. 93.1%, p = 0.001) and higher conversion rates (9.3% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). CCD patients had a longer hospital stay and higher postoperative complication rates (26.1% vs. 21.3%, p = 0.083). Anastomotic leakage and reoperations were also more frequent in this group. More patients in the CCD group required an extended bowel resection (14.1% vs. 8.3%, p: 0.017). In multivariate analysis, CCD was associated with prolonged surgery (OR 3.44, p = 0.001) and the requirement for multiple intraoperative procedures (OR 8.39, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Indication for surgery in patients who present with an inflammatory phenotype of CD was associated with better outcomes compared with patients operated on for complications of the disease. There was no difference between groups in time from diagnosis to surgery.

Quality indicators for ambulatory colectomy: literature search and expert consensus.

BACKGROUND: Care for patients undergoing elective colectomy has become increasingly standardized using Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERP). ERP, encorporating minimally invasive surgery (MIS), decreased postoperative morbidity and length of stay (LOS). However, disruptive changes are needed to safely introduce colectomy in an ambulatory or same-day discharge (SDD) setting. Few research groups showed the feasibility of ambulatory colectomy. So far, no minimum standards for the quality of care of this procedure have been defined. This study aims to identify quality indicators (QIs) that assess the quality of care for ambulatory colectomy. METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify recommendations for ambulatory colectomy. Based on that search, a set of QIs was identified and categorized into seven domains: preparation of the patient (pre-admission), anesthesia, surgery, in-hospital monitoring, home monitoring, feasibility, and clinical outcomes. This list was presented to a panel of international experts (surgeons and anesthesiologists) in a 1 round Delphi to assess the relevance of the proposed indicators. RESULTS: Based on the literature search (2010-2021), 3841 results were screened on title and abstract for relevant information. Nine papers were withheld to identify the first set of QIs (n = 155). After excluding duplicates and outdated QIs, this longlist was narrowed down to 88 indicators. Afterward, consensus was reached in a 1 round Delphi on a final list of 32 QIs, aiming to be a comprehensive set to evaluate the quality of ambulatory colectomy care. CONCLUSION: We propose a list of 32 QI to guide and evaluate the implementation of ambulatory colectomy.

Stoma-free Survival After Rectal Cancer Resection With Anastomotic Leakage: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model in a Large International Cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a prediction model (STOMA score) for 1-year stoma-free survival in patients with rectal cancer (RC) with anastomotic leakage (AL). BACKGROUND: AL after RC resection often results in a permanent stoma. METHODS: This international retrospective cohort study (TENTACLE-Rectum) encompassed 216 participating centres and included patients who developed AL after RC surgery between 2014 and 2018. Clinically relevant predictors for 1-year stoma-free survival were included in uni and multivariable logistic regression models. The STOMA score was developed and internally validated in a cohort of patients operated between 2014 and 2017, with subsequent temporal validation in a 2018 cohort. The discriminative power and calibration of the models' performance were evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 2499 patients with AL, 1954 in the development cohort and 545 in the validation cohort. Baseline characteristics were comparable. One-year stoma-free survival was 45.0% in the development cohort and 43.7% in the validation cohort. The following predictors were included in the STOMA score: sex, age, American Society of Anestesiologist classification, body mass index, clinical M-disease, neoadjuvant therapy, abdominal and transanal approach, primary defunctioning stoma, multivisceral resection, clinical setting in which AL was diagnosed, postoperative day of AL diagnosis, abdominal contamination, anastomotic defect circumference, bowel wall ischemia, anastomotic fistula, retraction, and reactivation leakage. The STOMA score showed good discrimination and calibration (c-index: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: The STOMA score consists of 18 clinically relevant factors and estimates the individual risk for 1-year stoma-free survival in patients with AL after RC surgery, which may improve patient counseling and give guidance when analyzing the efficacy of different treatment strategies in future studies.

Watch and wait after neoadjuvant treatment in rectal cancer: comparison of outcomes in patients with and without a complete response at first reassessment in the International Watch & Wait Database (IWWD).

BACKGROUND: In rectal cancer, watch and wait for patients with a cCR after neoadjuvant treatment has an established evidence base. However, there is a lack of consensus on the definition and management of a near-cCR. This study aimed to compare outcomes in patients who achieved a cCR at first reassessment versus later reassessment. METHODS: This registry study included patients from the International Watch & Wait Database. Patients were categorized as having a cCR at first reassessment or at later reassessment (that is near-cCR at first reassessment) based on MRI and endoscopy. Organ preservation, distant metastasis-free survival, and overall survival rates were calculated. Subgroup analyses were done for near-cCR groups based on the response evaluation according to modality. RESULTS: A total of 1010 patients were identified. At first reassessment, 608 patients had a cCR; 402 had a cCR at later reassessment. Median follow-up was 2.6 years for patients with a cCR at first reassessment and 2.9 years for those with a cCR at later reassessment. The 2-year organ preservation rate was 77.8 (95 per cent c.i. 74.2 to 81.5) and 79.3 (75.1 to 83.7) per cent respectively (P = 0.499). Similarly, no differences were found between groups in distant metastasis-free survival or overall survival rate. Subgroup analyses showed a higher organ preservation rate in the group with a near-cCR categorized exclusively by MRI. CONCLUSION: Oncological outcomes for patients with a cCR at later reassessment are no worse than those of patients with a cCR at first reassessment.

Stoma-free survival after anastomotic leak following rectal cancer resection: worldwide cohort of 2470 patients.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection is unclear. This worldwide cohort study aimed to provide an overview of four treatment strategies applied. METHODS: Patients from 216 centres and 45 countries with anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection between 2014 and 2018 were included. Treatment was categorized as salvage surgery, faecal diversion with passive or active (vacuum) drainage, and no primary/secondary faecal diversion. The primary outcome was 1-year stoma-free survival. In addition, passive and active drainage were compared using propensity score matching (2 : 1). RESULTS: Of 2470 evaluable patients, 388 (16.0 per cent) underwent salvage surgery, 1524 (62.0 per cent) passive drainage, 278 (11.0 per cent) active drainage, and 280 (11.0 per cent) had no faecal diversion. One-year stoma-free survival rates were 13.7, 48.3, 48.2, and 65.4 per cent respectively. Propensity score matching resulted in 556 patients with passive and 278 with active drainage. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in 1-year stoma-free survival (OR 0.95, 95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 1.33), with a risk difference of -1.1 (95 per cent c.i. -9.0 to 7.0) per cent. After active drainage, more patients required secondary salvage surgery (OR 2.32, 1.49 to 3.59), prolonged hospital admission (an additional 6 (95 per cent c.i. 2 to 10) days), and ICU admission (OR 1.41, 1.02 to 1.94). Mean duration of leak healing did not differ significantly (an additional 12 (-28 to 52) days). CONCLUSION: Primary salvage surgery or omission of faecal diversion likely correspond to the most severe and least severe leaks respectively. In patients with diverted leaks, stoma-free survival did not differ statistically between passive and active drainage, although the increased risk of secondary salvage surgery and ICU admission suggests residual confounding.

Laparoscopic Oblique Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Harvest for Perineal Reconstruction After Abdominoperineal Resection.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of perineal defects after abdominoperineal resection or salvage surgery for either locally advanced rectal cancer or anal carcinoma can be challenging. Myocutaneous flap reconstruction has proven to reduce perineal morbidity and abscess formation in the pelvis; however, it is associated with significant donor-site morbidity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a laparoscopic oblique rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap harvesting for perineal reconstruction. This technical note aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: Introduction of a laparoscopic technique in harvesting of this flap can potentially further reduce morbidity associated with this flap creation by minimizing abdominal wall trauma and obviating the need for laparotomy for tunneling of the flap intra-abdominally. TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: This report describes a technique using a 6-port laparoscopy, in which the harvesting of the myocutaneous flap was performed after a standardized abdominoperineal resection. The flap itself is passed through the rectus sheath toward the pelvis with the help of a retractor. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Two patients successfully underwent a laparoscopic oblique rectus abdominis flap reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This report describes our initial experience with laparoscopic harvesting of an oblique rectus abdominis flap for perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection. We believe the technique is easy and reproducible for laparoscopic surgeons and can reduce donor-site morbidity. However, further studies will be needed to confirm this observation.

Acute abdomen: a rare presentation of group a streptococcal infection.

In this case report we describe a 38-year old female patient admitted to the emergency department with acute abdomen and sepsis. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were started. Abdominal imaging was inconclusive, exploratory laparoscopy showed four-quadrant peritonitis. No provoking factor could be withheld. Due to clinical deterioration the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit. Blood cultures showed the presence of group A streptococcus, and clindamycin was associated. She recovered, and could be discharged after several days. Peritonitis caused by group A Streptococcus pyogenes is rare in healthy individuals, and occurs mostly in middle-aged women. There is no consensus regarding surgical treatment but surgical exploration is often necessary to exclude secondary peritonitis. Treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive measurements remain the cornerstone in patient management. Association of clindamycin has been shown to reduce mortality. There is inconclusive evidence to support Intravenous polyspecific immunoglobulin G (IVIG) therapy in streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.

A Breakthrough Improvement Collaborative Significantly Reduces Hospital Stay After Elective Colectomy for Cancer Across a Healthcare System.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study aimed to assess (1) the effect of an improvement collaborative on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol adherence after elective colectomy and (2) the association between adherence and patient outcomes. BACKGROUND: ERAS pathways provide a framework to standardize care processes and improve postoperative outcomes in patients after colon surgery. Despite growing evidence of its effectiveness, adherence to these guidelines remains a challenge. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter collaborative was initiated throughout 11 hospitals in Flanders, Belgium. A structured audit tool was used to study patient outcomes and adherence to 12 ERAS components, defined by the collaborative. Three retrospective audits (based on patient record analysis) were conducted in 2017, 2019, and 2021, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 740 patients were included (45.4% female; mean±SD age, 71±12 years). The overall adherence increased from 42.8% in 2017 to 58.4% in 2019 and 69.2% in 2021. Compared with low adherence, length of stay was increasingly reduced by 1.3 days for medium [95% confidence interval (95% CI): -2.5; 0.0], 3.6 days for high (95% CI: -4.9; -2.2), and up to 4.4 days for very high adherence (95% CI: -6.1; -2.7). Corresponding odds ratios for postoperative complications were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.33; 1.17), 0.19 (95% CI: 0.09; 0.43), and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.05; 0.39), respectively. No increase in 30-day readmissions was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A peer-constructed improvement collaborative effectively increases adherence to an ERAS protocol in individual hospitals. Across time, length of stay and postoperative complications decreased significantly, and a dose-response relationship was observed.

The Role of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training on Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer (RC) often results in significant bowel symptoms, commonly known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is recommended in noncancer populations for treating bowel symptoms, this has been scarcely investigated in RC patients. The objective was to investigate PFMT effectiveness on LARS in patients after TME for RC. METHODS: A multicenter, single-blind prospective randomized controlled trial comparing PFMT (intervention; n=50) versus no PFMT (control; n=54) 1 month following TME/stoma closure was performed. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with an improvement in the LARS category at 4 months. Secondary outcomes were: continuous LARS scores, ColoRectal Functioning Outcome scores, Numeric Rating Scale scores, stool diary items, and Short Form 12 scores; all assessed at 1, 4, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The proportion of participants with an improvement in LARS category was statistically higher after PFMT compared with controls at 4 months (38.3% vs 19.6%; P =0.0415) and 6 months (47.8% vs 21.3%; P =0.0091), but no longer at 12 months (40.0% vs 34.9%; P =0.3897). Following secondary outcomes were significantly lower at 4 months: LARS scores (continuous, P =0.0496), ColoRectal Functioning Outcome scores ( P =0.0369) and frequency of bowel movements ( P =0.0277), solid stool leakage (day, P =0.0241; night, P =0.0496) and the number of clusters ( P =0.0369), derived from the stool diary. No significant differences were found for the Numeric Rating Scale/quality of life scores. CONCLUSIONS: PFMT for bowel symptoms after TME resulted in lower proportions and faster recovery of bowel symptoms up to 6 months after surgery/stoma closure, justifying PFMT as an early, first-line treatment option for bowel symptoms after RC.

Current controversies in TNM for the radiological staging of rectal cancer and how to deal with them: results of a global online survey and multidisciplinary expert consensus.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the main problem areas in the applicability of the current TNM staging system (8th ed.) for the radiological staging and reporting of rectal cancer and provide practice recommendations on how to handle them. METHODS: A global case-based online survey was conducted including 41 image-based rectal cancer cases focusing on various items included in the TNM system. Cases reaching < 80% agreement among survey respondents were identified as problem areas and discussed among an international expert panel, including 5 radiologists, 6 colorectal surgeons, 4 radiation oncologists, and 3 pathologists. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-one respondents (from 32 countries) completed the survey. Sixteen problem areas were identified, related to cT staging in low-rectal cancers, definitions for cT4b and cM1a disease, definitions for mesorectal fascia (MRF) involvement, evaluation of lymph nodes versus tumor deposits, and staging of lateral lymph nodes. The expert panel recommended strategies on how to handle these, including advice on cT-stage categorization in case of involvement of different layers of the anal canal, specifications on which structures to include in the definition of cT4b disease, how to define MRF involvement by the primary tumor and other tumor-bearing structures, how to differentiate and report lymph nodes and tumor deposits on MRI, and how to anatomically localize and stage lateral lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations derived from this global survey and expert panel discussion may serve as a practice guide and support tool for radiologists (and other clinicians) involved in the staging of rectal cancer and may contribute to improved consistency in radiological staging and reporting. KEY POINTS: • Via a case-based online survey (incl. 321 respondents from 32 countries), we identified 16 problem areas related to the applicability of the TNM staging system for the radiological staging and reporting of rectal cancer. • A multidisciplinary panel of experts recommended strategies on how to handle these problem areas, including advice on cT-stage categorization in case of involvement of different layers of the anal canal, specifications on which structures to include in the definition of cT4b disease, how to define mesorectal fascia involvement by the primary tumor and other tumor-bearing structures, how to differentiate and report lymph nodes and tumor deposits on MRI, and how to anatomically localize and stage lateral lymph nodes. • These recommendations may serve as a practice guide and support tool for radiologists (and other clinicians) involved in the staging of rectal cancer and may contribute to improved consistency in radiological staging and reporting.

Lack of analytical interference of dydrogesterone in progesterone immunoassays.

OBJECTIVES: Progesterone, a sex steroid, is measured in serum by immunoassay in a variety of clinical contexts. One potential limitation of steroid hormone immunoassays is interference caused by compounds with structural similarity to the target steroid of the assay. Dydrogesterone (DYD), an orally active stereoisomer of progesterone, is used for various indications in women's health. Herein, we report a systematic in vitro investigation of potential interference of DYD and its active metabolite 20α-dihydrodydrogesterone (DHD) in seven widely used, commercially available progesterone assays. METHODS: Routine human plasma samples were anonymized and pooled to create three graded concentration levels of progesterone (P4 high, P4 medium, P4 low). Each pooled P4 plasma sample (6-7 mL) was spiked at high, medium, and "none" concentration with DYD/DHD and was divided into 0.5 mL aliquots. The blinded aliquots were analyzed by seven different laboratories with their routine progesterone assay (six different immunoassays and one liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay, respectively) within the Dutch working group on endocrine laboratory diagnostics of the Dutch Foundation for Quality Assessments in Medical Laboratories. RESULTS: The sample recovery rate (P4 result obtained for sample spiked with DYD/DHD, divided by the result obtained for the corresponding sample with no DYD/DHD × 100) was within a ±10% window for the medium and high P4 concentrations, but more variable for the low P4 samples. The latter is, however, attributable to high inter- and intra-method variability at low P4 concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: This study does not indicate any relevant interference of DYD/DHD within routinely used progesterone assays.

C-reactive protein (CRP) trajectory as a predictor of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection: A multicentre cohort study.

AIM: This study aimed to identify whether CRP-trajectory measurement, including increase in CRP-level of 50 mg/l per day, is an accurate predictor of anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients undergoing resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: A prospective multicentre database was used. CRP was recorded on the first three postoperative days. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyse performances of CRP-trajectory measurements between postoperative day (POD) 1-2, 2-3, 1-3 and between any two days. RESULTS: A total of 271 patients were included in the study. AL was observed in 12.5% (34/271). Increase in CRP-level of 50 mg/l between POD 1-2 had a negative predictive value of 0.92, specificity of 0.71 and sensitivity of 0.57. Changes in CRP-levels between POD 2-3 were associated with a negative predictive value, specificity and sensitivity of 0.89, 0.93 and 0.26, respectively. Changes in CRP-levels between POD 1-3 showed a negative predictive value of 0.94, specificity of 0.76 and sensitivity of 0.65. In addition, 50 mg/l changes between any two days showed a negative predictive value of 0.92, specificity of 0.66 and sensitivity of 0.62. The area under the ROC curve for all CRP-trajectory measurements ranged from 0.593-0.700. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that CRP-trajectory between postoperative days lacks predictive value to singularly rule out AL. Early and safe discharge in patients undergoing rectal surgery for adenocarcinoma cannot be guaranteed based on this parameter. High negative predictive values are mainly caused by the relatively low prevalence of AL.

Is evaluation by questionnaires sufficient to cover all aspects of bowel symptoms in rectal cancer patients after low anterior resection?

AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate whether bowel symptoms related to low anterior resection for rectal cancer can be sufficiently well evaluated by the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) questionnaire score or the ColoRectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire compared with a stool diary. METHOD: All patients underwent low anterior resection for rectal cancer. They were asked to fill out a stool diary, the LARS questionnaire and the COREFO questionnaire, at 1, 4, 6 and 12 months after low anterior resection or stoma closure. The main outcome measure was the amount of association (calculated by means of canonical correlation analysis) between items on anal incontinence for faeces, frequency of bowel movements, clustering of bowel movements, urgency and soiling. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included. Items on anal incontinence for faeces and frequency of bowel movements were significantly correlated between the LARS questionnaire or the COREFO questionnaire, versus the stool diary, respectively. Items on soiling were significantly correlated between the COREFO questionnaire and the stool diary. CONCLUSION: Although the LARS questionnaire and the COREFO questionnaire are reliable and valid for measuring low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer, our results show that there are no strong associations with the stool diary. Therefore, we can conclude that there is additional clinical information to be obtained from the stool diary. In order to evaluate all aspects of low anterior resection syndrome, we suggest the addition of a stool diary or a combination of different measurement methods during patient follow-up.

Pleural decortication and hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for pseudomyxoma.

Aim: Pleural dissemination of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an extremely rare diagnosis, for which no standard therapy is available.Methods: We describe the successful treatment of a 67-year-old male diagnosed with left-sided intrapleural dissemination of PMP (low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasm), 2 years after treatment of abdominal PMP with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of extended pleural decortication (ePD) and oxaliplatin-based hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC). The patient is doing well without complications or signs of recurrence, 26 months after thoracic surgery.Conclusion: ePD in combination with HITHOC is a valuable treatment for thoracic PMP.

Functional outcomes of transanal versus transabdominal restorative proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis-a monocentric retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) ensures satisfactory gastro-intestinal function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). The transanal approach to proctectomy and IPAA (Ta-IPAA) has been developed to address the technical shortfalls of the traditional transabdominal approach (Tabd-IPAA). Ta-IPAA has proven to be safe but there is lack of reported functional outcomes. Aim of this study is to compare functional outcomes and QoL after Ta- or Tabd-IPAA for UC. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of consecutive UC patients who underwent IPAA between 2011 and 2017, operated according to a modified 2- or 3-stage approach. Close rectal dissection was performed in Ta-IPAA as opposed to total mesorectal excision in Tabd-IPAA. A propensity score weighting was performed. Functional outcomes were assessed using the pouch functional score (PFS) and the Öresland score (OS). The global quality of life scale (GQOL) was used for patients' perspective on QoL. Follow-up was scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were included: 38 patients had Ta-IPAA. At 12 months follow-up, mean OS and PFS were 4.6 (CI 3.2-6.0) vs 6.2 (CI 5.0-7.3), p = 0.025 and 6.1 (CI 3.5-8.8) vs 7.4 (CI 5.4-9.5), p = 0.32, for Ta and Tabd-IPAA, respectively. Mean GQOL for Ta-IPAA was 82.5 (CI 74.8-90.1) vs 75.5 (69.4-81.7) for Tabd-IPAA (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: At 12 months postoperatively, pouch function and QoL of Ta-IPAA are probably as good as those of Tabd-IPAA. Limitations include retrospectivity, differences in the surgical technique, and lack of validated scores for QoL.

Endometriotic lung cyst causing catamenial hemoptysis; a case report and review of literature.

We report a rare case of an endometriotic lung cyst in a 47-year woman with recurrent catamenial hemoptysis. Chest computed tomography (CT) obtained outside the menstruation in October 2019 revealed a cystic lesion (2.5 cm) located in the right inferior lobe near the distal esophagus and the inferior pulmonary vein. Compared to CT abdomen in May 2019, this lesion had increased with a larger volume and a thicker wall. An endometrial lung cyst was suspected as episodes of hemoptysis no longer occurred after initiating hormonal treatment with nomegestrol acetate. Exploratory video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with wedge resection of the cyst was performed. Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of an endometriotic cystic lesion. Postoperative course was uneventful with no further symptoms since then.

Limitations and Concerns with Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer.

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) was developed to overcome the technical challenges of a minimally invasive (ultra-) low anterior resection. This new technique has recently come under careful scrutiny as technical pitfalls were reported, in specific relation to the transanal approach. Patients are at risk for urologic lesions. Moreover, carbon dioxide embolism is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication. The benefit of TaTME from an oncological point of view has neither been clarified. Hypothetically, better visualization of the lower rectum could lead to better dissection and total mesorectal excision (TME) specimens, resulting in better oncologic results. Up until now, retrospective multicenter reports seem to show that short-term oncologic results are not inferior after TaTME as compared with after laparoscopic TME. Alarming reports have however been published from Norway suggesting a high incidence and particular multifocal pattern of early local recurrence. In this article, a balanced overview is given of the most important technical pitfalls and oncological concerns arising with this new procedure.

Urethral Injury and Other Urologic Injuries During Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision: An International Collaborative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for urethral and urologic injuries during transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and evaluate outcomes. BACKGROUND: Urethral injury is a rare complication of abdominoperineal resection (APR) that has not been reported during abdominal proctectomy. The Low Rectal Cancer Development Program international taTME registry recently reported a 0.8% incidence, but actual incidence and mechanisms of injury remain largely unknown. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of taTME cases complicated by urologic injury was conducted. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, intraoperative details, and outcomes were analyzed, along with surgeons' experience and training in taTME. Surgeons' opinion of contributing factors and best approaches to avoid injuries were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four urethral, 2 ureteral, and 3 bladder injuries were reported during taTME operations performed over 7 years by 32 surgical teams. Twenty injuries occurred during the teams' first 8 taTME cases ("early experience"), whereas the remainder occurred between the 12th to 101st case. Injuries resulted in a 22% conversion rate and 8% rate of unplanned APR or Hartmann procedure. At median follow-up of 27.6 months (range, 3-85), the urethral repair complication rate was 26% with a 9% rate of failed urethral repair requiring permanent urinary diversion. In patients with successful repair, 18% reported persistent urinary dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Urologic injuries result in substantial morbidity. Our survey indicated that those occurring in surgeons' early experience might best be reduced by implementation of structured taTME training and proctoring, whereas those occurring later relate to case complexity and may be avoided by more stringent case selection.