Minimization of Wound With the Assistance of a Needle Grasper in Single-Incision Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Background. Technical difficulties and pain from large wounds have prevented the widespread use of single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of our newly developed needle grasper (Endo Relief)-assisted SILA (NASILA). Methods. For NASILA, about a 12-mm umbilical incision was made, and a glove port was introduced. A needle grasper was then introduced through a 2.5-mm wound on the suprapubic area. For SILA, a 2.5-cm transumbilical wound was made. The medical records of patients who underwent SILA or NASILA from June 2017 to September 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Operative and short-term postoperative outcomes and results of telephone interviews for scars were compared. Results. A total of 49 patients in the SILA group (male: 40.8%) and 12 in the NASILA group (male: 50.0%) were included. Appendicitis status (not perforated:perforated without abscess:perforated with abscess) was significantly different between the 2 groups (SILA vs NASILA, 30:18:1 vs 4:6:2, P = .027). Additional trocars were inserted in 9 patients (18.4%) of the SILA group. The operative time was significantly shorter (43.3 ± 33.6 vs 54.1 ± 15.6 minutes, P = .012), and the highest numerical pain intensity score during the first 24 hours after surgery was significantly lower (2.4 ± 0.7 vs 3.0 ± 0.9, P = .038) in the NASILA group than in the SILA group. Hospital stay, postoperative complications, and complaint of scar were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Conclusions. NASILA was not inferior to SILA regarding cosmetic results. Operative convenience is higher in NASILA than in SILA, and the smaller surgical wound in NASILA minimizes postoperative pain.

Bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility in patients with acute appendicitis.

PURPOSE: Essential treatment of acute appendicitis is surgical resection with the use of appropriate antibiotics. In order to effectively treat acute appendicitis, it is important to identify the microorganism of acute appendicitis and evaluate the effective antibiotics. METHODS: A total of 694 patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis and had positive microbial result between 2006 and 2015 were recruited. For microbial assessment, luminal contents of the appendix were swabbed after appendectomy. In patients with periappendiceal abscess, the specimens were obtained from abscess fluid. The patient characteristics, operative data, use of antibiotics, the results of microbiology, and postoperative morbidities including surgical site infection (SSI) were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age was 38.2 (± 19.8) years, and 422 patients (60.8%) were male. Most of the operations were performed by conventional laparoscopy (83.1%), followed by single-port laparoscopy (11.8%). The most common microorganism was Escherichia coli (64.6%), which was susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanate, ciprofloxacin, most cephalosporins, piperacillin/tazobactam, and imipenem. The second most common microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.4%), which was resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate and cefotaxime. The rate of postoperative morbidity was 8.6%, and the most common type was superficial SSI (6.2%), followed by ileus (1.2%), gastroenteritis (0.7%), and organ/space SSI (0.3%). P. aeruginosa (odds ratio = 2.128, 95% confidence interval 1.077-4.206, P = 0.030) was the only significant microorganism associated with SSI according to multivariate analysis adjusting for other clinical factors. CONCLUSIONS: In perforated appendicitis, the use of empirical antibiotics seems to be safe. In some cases of Pseudomonas infection, adequate antibiotics should be considered.

Pain after single-incision versus conventional laparoscopic appendectomy: a propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative pain outcomes between single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) using a propensity score matching analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients who underwent SILA or CLA for acute appendicitis between January 2010 and December 2015 at a single center were identified retrospectively from a prospectively collected database. All patients had used an intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) device for postoperative pain control. As potential confounding variables, patient characteristics and surgery-related, anesthesia-related, and PCA-related factors were collected from the database. The primary outcome was the postoperative pain score, and secondary outcomes were nausea, vomiting, rescue analgesic use, rescue antiemetic use, and PCA-related complications. These outcomes were compared between the SILA and CLA groups before and after 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS: From a total of 915 patients, 753 were selected: 116 in the SILA group and 637 in the CLA group. After propensity score matching, two comparable groups with 111 patients each were obtained. Pain score (P = 0.007) and rescue analgesic use (P = 0.043) on the day of surgery were significantly lower in the SILA group than in the CLA group. The other outcomes were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: SILA is a beneficial surgical procedure for postoperative pain management.

Rubus occidentalis analgesic effect in a rat model of incisional pain.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of Rubus occidentalis extract (ROE) in a rat model of incisional pain. The involved mechanisms and proinflammatory cytokine response were also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the analgesic effect, rats were intraperitoneally administered with normal saline or various doses of ROE before or after a plantar incision. To evaluate the involved mechanism, rats were intraperitoneally administered yohimbine, dexmedetomidine, prazosin, naloxone, atropine, or mecamylamine after a plantar incision; ROE was then administered intraperitoneally. The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) was tested with von Frey filaments at various time points. To determine the inflammatory response, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß or IL-6 were measured. RESULTS: The MWTs significantly increased at 15 min after postincisional administration of 300 mg/kg ROE when compared with those in the control group. This elevation was observed for up to 45 min. Overall, MWTs increased in proportion to ROE dosage; however, ROEs administered before the incision produced no significant change in the MWT. The analgesic effect of ROE was significantly antagonized by mecamylamine, naloxone, and yohimbine, and agonized by dexmedetomidine. Administration of ROE inhibited the postincisional increase in serum IL-1ß and IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal administration of ROE after surgery induces antinociceptive effects in a rat model of postoperative pain, and its effects on mechanical hyperalgesia may be associated with α2-adrenergic, nicotinic cholinergic, and opioid receptors.

Peritrocal and intraperitoneal ropivacaine for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of peritrocal, intraperitoneal, or combined peritrocal-intraperitoneal ropivacaine on the parietal, visceral, and shoulder tip pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Eighty patients were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A received peritrocal and intraperitoneal saline. Group B received peritrocal saline and intraperitoneal ropivacaine. Group C received peritrocal ropivacaine and intraperitoneal saline. Group D received peritrocal and intraperitoneal ropivacaine. The parietal, visceral, and shoulder tip pain were assessed at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively using a visual analog scale (VAS). The frequency of the patient pushing the button of the PCA and fentanyl use were also recorded. RESULTS: In visceral pain, significantly lower VAS scores were observed in Group B from 2 to 4 h and in Group D from 2 to 8 h. In parietal pain, significantly lower VAS scores were observed in Group C from 4 to 24 h and in Group D from 2 to 12 h. In shoulder tip pain, significantly lower VAS scores were observed in Group B from 4 to 48 h and in Group D from 2 to 12 h. The fentanyl use and the frequency to push the button of the PCA were the highest in Group A and the lowest in Group D at every time point. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that peritrocal infiltration of ropivacaine significantly decreases parietal pain and intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine significantly decreases the visceral and shoulder tip pain. Their effects are additive with respect to the total pain.

Analysis of psychological distress after management of dizziness in old patients: multicenter study.

Dizziness is a common problem in older people, with a reported prevalence of 13-38%. A large percentage of patients with dizziness develop secondary psychiatric disorders over the course of their disease. In particular, clinical depression and anxiety are significant health problems for older adults. We investigated the relationship between dizziness and psychological distress (depression and anxiety) in elderly patients with dizziness, and the relationship with psychological symptoms after managing the dizziness. This study enrolled 126 patients with dizziness, who were 65 years or older. Dizziness and the psychological symptoms of all patients were measured using the Korean Version of the Vestibular Disorders Activities of Daily Living Scale (K-VADL), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after management. We found a significant decrease in the BDI and STAI state scores after treatment with a reduction in the K-VADL score. For the STAI, the decrease in the score was relatively small after management. Nevertheless, there were significant correlations between the K-VADL score and both the BDI and STAI scores before and after management. Therefore, in the management of elderly patients with dizziness, a psychiatric approach should be considered and psychological support may be needed after managing the dizziness.

Correlation between recurrence of anorectal condyloma acuminatum and human papilloma virus subtype.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal condyloma is the representative venereal disease caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), which has more 180 subtypes. Although there are various known risk factors for recurrence, few studies have investigated the influence of HPV subtypes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the correlation between the recurrence of anorectal condyloma and HPV subtypes. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical and histopathological information of 143 patients who underwent surgery for anorectal condyloma at the National Medical Center between March 2016 and September 2020. PCR analyses were performed to confirm the HPV subtype in 24 patients. RESULTS: Recurrence was confirmed in 63 patients through outpatient follow-up over a median of 31.7 months (range: 0-56.2) after surgery. Recurrence was significantly associated with anorectal condyloma severity (p < 0.001), but there were no differences between the primary and recurrent groups, CD4-positive cell counts, or human immunodeficiency virus loads. The high-risk HPV subtype was associated with a high recurrence rate. Furthermore, the overall recurrence rate in anorectal condyloma patients was 44.1%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that recurrence of anorectal condyloma has a significant association with high-risk HPV subtypes. Therefore, it is necessary to check for recurrences during follow-up after surgery.

An assessment of the effects of a hyaluronan-based solution on reduction of postsurgical adhesion formation in rats: a comparative study of hyaluronan-based solution and two film barriers.

BACKGROUND: Intra-abdominal application of anti-adhesive barriers may reduce the extent and severity of postoperative adhesions. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of a sprayable liquid barrier (a mixed solution of sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose) with two conventional sheets. METHODS: Eighty male Sprague Dawley rats underwent laparotomy with subsequent multiple intestinal wall abrasions and abdominal wall injury. Afterwards, sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethylcellulose (HA-CMC) solutions were intraperitoneally sprayed or a film barrier of either oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) or polylactic acid (PA) was placed under the incision. At postoperative d 21, the rats underwent relaparotomy and complete adhesiolysis. Three investigators, who were blind to the group assignment, scored the extent of adhesion formation and resected specimens for histologic examination of fibrosis and inflammation. Expression profiles of parameters as mediators (macrophages [CD68]) in cellular inflammation response were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean adhesion scores in rats that received HA-CMC solution (7.6±2.3) and ORC membrane (8.1±2.2) were lower than in rats that received PA film (10.7±2.5) and the control group (11.2±2.6) (P<0.05 for each comparison). In addition, there were significantly fewer adhesions located between large and small intestine in the HA-CMC solution group than in the control and each of the film barrier groups (P<0.05 for each comparison). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that both HA-CMC solution and ORC membrane decrease the overall incidence of postoperative adhesions. However, the mixed solution of HA-CMC appeared to be superior to ORC membrane because this sprayable solution is easy to use and suitable for site-specific adhesion prevention after multifocal bowel trauma.

Safe Completion of Laparoscopic Anterior Resection in a Patient With a Solitary Pelvic Kidney: A Case Report.

Pelvic kidney, an ectopic renal mass caused by developmental failure, is a rare condition. Here, we report a case of laparoscopic anterior resection in a patient with a solitary pelvic kidney. A 76-year-old man was diagnosed as having rectosigmoid colon cancer. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a left ectopic kidney in his pelvis. Computed tomographic angiography and retrograde pyelography were performed preoperatively to identify the renal vessels and the ureter. To keep the surgical plane intact for complete mesocolic excision, a complete laparoscopic anterior resection was safely performed without open conversion, and there was no injury to the pelvic kidney. The patient was discharged on postoperative day eight without any complication. No deterioration of renal function was observed after surgery. This report describes a case of laparoscopic anterior resection that was safely performed without conversion to open surgery in a patient with a pelvic ectopic kidney.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for preventing postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a refractory complication of herpes zoster (HZ). To prevent PHN, various strategies have been aggressively adopted. However, the efficacy of these strategies remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the relative efficacy of various strategies used in clinical practice for preventing PHN using a network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS: We performed a systematic and comprehensive search to identify all randomized controlled trials. The primary outcome was the incidence of PHN at 3 months after acute HZ. We performed both frequentist and Bayesian NMA and used the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) values to rank the interventions evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 39 studies were included in the systematic review and NMA. According to the SUCRA value, the incidence of PHN was lower in the order of continuous epidural block with local anesthetics and steroids (EPI-LSE), antiviral agents with subcutaneous injection of local anesthetics and steroids (AV + sLS), antiviral agents with intracutaenous injection of local anesthetics and steroids (AV + iLS) at 3 months after acute HZ. EPI-LSE, AV + sLS and AV + iLS were also effective in preventing PHN at 1 month after acute HZ. And paravertebral block combined with antiviral and antiepileptic agents was effective in preventing PHN at 1, 3, and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The continuous epidural block with local anesthetics and steroid, antiviral agents with intracutaneous or subcutaneous injection of local anesthetics and a steroid, and paravertebral block combined with antiviral and antiepileptic agents are effective in preventing PHN.

Refinement of recto-sigmoid colon vaginoplasty using a three-dimensional laparoscopic technique.

ABSTRACT: To investigate the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopic vaginoplasty with a rectosigmoid colon flap for vaginal reconstruction.Following appropriate preoperative patient counseling, 17 consecutive patients underwent vaginoplasty using a 3D laparoscopic system. Perioperative and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.Between September 2016 and February 2020, 17 patients underwent 3D laparoscopic vaginoplasty with a rectosigmoid colon flap. Of them, 15 (88%) were transgender female patients, and 2 (12%) were cisgender female patients with congenital deformities. Among the 15 transgender patients, 12 (80%) underwent de novo surgeries and 3 (20%) underwent re-do surgeries. The mean age at the time of operation was 33.0 years, and the mean total operation time was 529 ±â€Š128 minutes. The initial intraoperative mean vaginal depth was 15.2 ±â€Š1.3 cm, and the 30-day readmission rate was 5.9% (1/17 cases). The mean follow-up duration was 24.8 months.Perioperative and postoperative outcomes suggest that 3D laparoscopic rectosigmoid colon vaginoplasty is a potentially acceptable, effective, and safe method for vaginal reconstruction.

Sentinel lymph node identification with radiopharmaceuticals in patients with breast cancer: a comparison of 99mTc-tin colloid and 99mTc-phytate efficiency.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with lymphoscintigraphy has become the standard method for the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. However, there is no standardized radiopharmaceutical. For the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis by lymphoscintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy in patients with breast cancer, we compared the results between subareolar injection of (99m)Tc-tin colloid and injection of (99m)Tc-phytate. This study included 516 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery between 2001 and 2010. Among the 516 patients, (99m)Tc-tin colloid (37-185 MBq) was administered to 412 patients by subareolar injection, and (99m)Tc-phytate (37-185 MBq) was injected in 104 patients. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed with the patients in the supine position, and sentinel node identification was performed by hand-held gamma probe during surgery. Among 412 patients with (99m)Tc-tin colloid, the sentinel node was identified by lymphoscintigraphy in 364 cases (88.3%) and by a gamma probe in 369 cases (89.6%). Among 104 patients with (99m)Tc-phytate, 101 cases (97.1%) were identified by lymphoscintigraphy and 101 cases (97.1%) were identified by a gamma probe. The identification rates by lymphoscintigraphy and gamma probe were superior with (99m)Tc-phytate, as compared with (99m)Tc-tin colloid, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05 for both methods). (99m)Tc-phytate is a better choice than (99m)Tc-tin colloid for identification of the sentinel node in breast cancer patients.

Author Correction: Comparison of pressure- and volume-controlled ventilation during laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colorectal cancer.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Comparison of pressure- and volume-controlled ventilation during laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colorectal cancer.

This study investigated the differences in airway mechanics and postoperative respiratory complications using two mechanical ventilation modalities and the relationship between biomarkers and postoperative respiratory complications in patients with colorectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic colectomy. Forty-six patients with colorectal cancer scheduled for laparoscopic colectomy were randomly allocated to receive mechanical ventilation using either volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) (n = 23) or pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) (n = 23). Respiratory parameters were measured and plasma sRAGE and S100A12 were collected 20 minutes after the induction of anesthesia in the supine position without pneumoperitoneum (T1), 40 minutes after 30° Trendelenburg position with pneumoperitoneum (T2), at skin closure in the supine position (T3), and 24 hours after the operation (T4). The peak airway pressure (Ppeak) at T2 was lower in the PCV group than in the VCV group. The plateau airway pressures (Pplat) at T2 and T3 were higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group. Plasma levels of sRAGE at T2 and T3 were 1.6- and 1.4-fold higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group, while plasma S100A12 levels were 2.6- and 2.2-fold higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group, respectively. There were significant correlations between Ppeak and sRAGE, and between Ppeak and S100A12. There were also correlations between Pplat and sRAGE, and between Pplat and S100A12. sRAGE and S100A12 levels at T2 and T3 showed high sensitivity and specificity for postoperative respiratory complications. Postoperative respiratory complications were 3-fold higher in the VCV group than in the PCV group. In conclusion, during laparoscopic colectomy in patients with colorectal cancer, the peak airway pressure, the incidence of postoperative respiratory complications, and plasma sRAGE and S100A12 levels were lower in the PCV group than in the VCV group. Intra- and postoperative plasma sRAGE and S100A12 were useful for predicting the development of postoperative respiratory complications.

Risk factors for additional port insertion in single-port laparoscopic appendectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) was expected to have reduced risk of wound infection, less postoperative pain, and improved patient's satisfaction with better cosmesis compared with conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA). When SPLA is converted to CLA, the additional incision for another port insertion can lead to a decrease in the surgical advantages and clinical benefit. AIM: To evaluate risk factors for conversion to CLA during SPLA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between August 2015 and December 2016, patients who underwent intended SPLA were retrospectively reviewed. Conversion was defined as any insertion of an additional port, and complicated appendicitis was defined as gangrenous or perforated appendicitis, abscess, or peritonitis in preoperative computed tomography. Postoperative complication was defined as any deviation in the routine postoperative course within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Of 409 patients, 65 (15.9%) were treated with additional port insertion. The overall complication rate was 1.5% in each group, of which 1 patient developed superficial SSI and 4 patients developed deep surgical site infections in the SPLA group. After univariable and multivariable analysis, old age, male sex, increased serum C-reactive protein (OR = 2.944; 95% CI: 1.433-6.047; p = 0.003), and complicated appendicitis (OR = 3.330; 95% CI: 1.304-8.503; p = 0.012) were significant risk factors for conversion to CLA. CONCLUSIONS: The conversion rate to CLA was 15.9%. Serum C-reactive protein level and complicated appendicitis were strong predictive factors for conversion from SPLA in acute appendicitis.

Less Pain and Reduced Risk of Early Postoperative Ileus After Clipless Versus Conventional Laparoscopic Appendectomy.

Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is perceived as a procedure requiring a short hospital stay; however, some patients require prolonged hospitalization because of postoperative ileus and pain; therefore, we introduced clipless LA, using only an ultrasonic energy device only for coagulation. A total of 1013 patients (clipless LA; n=290 and conventional LA; n=723) who underwent LA at our hospital between January 2015 and February 2018 were analyzed. The mean operative time was shorter (P<0.001), and postoperative pain score at 24 hours was lower (P<0.001) for clipless than for conventional LA. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications, except with regard to early postoperative ileus (clipless LA; 18.1% vs. conventional LA; 31.6%, P=0.025), and the operative method had significantly influenced early postoperative ileus (relative risk, 0.505; 95% confidence interval, 0.257-0.994; P=0.048). Clipless LA is comparable to conventional LA with regard to operative safety but results in significantly less pain and postoperative ileus.

Intrauterine midgut volvulus without malrotation: diagnosis from the 'coffee bean sign'.

Fetal midgut volvulus is quite rare, and most cases are associated with abnormalities of intestinal rotation or fixation. We report a case of midgut volvulus without malrotation, associated with a meconium pellet, during the gestation period. This 2.79 kg, 33-wk infant was born via a spontaneous vaginal delivery caused by preterm labor. Prenatal ultrasound showed dilated bowel loops with the appearance of a 'coffee bean sign'. This patient had an unusual presentation with a distended abdomen showing skin discoloration. An emergency laparotomy revealed a midgut volvulus and a twisted small bowel, caused by complicated meconium ileus. Such nonspecific prenatal radiological signs and a low index of suspicion of a volvulus during gestation might delay appropriate surgical management and result in ischemic necrosis of the bowel. Preterm labor, specific prenatal sonographic findings (for example, the coffee bean sign) and bluish discoloration of the abdominal wall could suggest intrauterine midgut volvulus requiring prompt surgical intervention.

Transanal excision of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma of anal canal: a case report and literature review.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, which is composed of spindle-shaped cells arranged in a pleomorphic and storiform pattern, is rarely found in the colorectum. Although complete surgical excision remains the main stem of therapy, an optimal treatment strategy according to the stage has not been elucidated. We report a case of a 63-year-old woman with an ulcerative lesion in the anorectal junction and a final diagnosis of malignant fibrous histiocytoma. We introduced an access for transanal local excision and adjuvant radiotherapy because the patient refused abdominoperineal resection. No local recurrences or distant metastases were observed 15 mo after the operation. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the English literature of a malignant fibrous histiocytoma treated with the transanal local excision and adjuvant radiotherapy. This report showed that this approach is selectively reserved for early-stage malignant fibrous histiocytoma and for those patients who refuse radical surgery because of the risk in a permanent colostomy.

Sarcopenia is poor prognostic factor in older patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who received preoperative or postoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Sarcopenia is associated with low muscle mass and low physical performance. Here, we performed to evaluate the sarcopenia as prognostic factor and treatment outcomes in older patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) who received preoperative or postoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT).LARC patients aged ≥65 years who received either preoperative or postoperative CRT were analyzed retrospectively. Preoperative or postoperative CRT consisted of 50.4 Gy and fluoropyrimidine. Surgery was performed at 6 weeks after CRT completion. Postoperative CRT was performed at 4 weeks after surgery. One month after surgery or CRT, adjuvant chemotherapy was given. Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS), local recurrence (LR), and prognostic factor were evaluated.Thirty patients received preoperative CRT and 35 patients received postoperative CRT. Five-year OS rate, 5-year DFS rate, or 5-year LR rate was not significantly different between preoperative and postoperative CRT groups (69.0%, 58.5%, and 3.4% vs 73.6%, 67.9%, and 6.9%, P = .56, P = .37, and P = .77, respectively). Age, sex, stage, CEA level, or timing of CRT did not affect OS. However, 5-year OS rate of patients with sarcopenia was significantly lower than those without sarcopenia (38.0% vs 92.5%, P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that sarcopenia was the only independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.08, P = .001).There was no difference in survival between preoperative CRT and postoperative CRT in older patients with LARC. Sarcopenia is a poor prognostic factor in older patients with LARC who received preoperative or postoperative CRT.

A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Consolidation Chemotherapy After Preoperative Chemoradiation Therapy Versus Chemoradiation Therapy Alone for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: KCSG CO 14-03.

PURPOSE: Preoperative chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision (TME) in locally advanced rectal cancer is the standard of care. To date, the role of consolidation chemotherapy after CRT has rarely been addressed through randomized trials. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CRT followed by consolidation chemotherapy compared with CRT alone. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This study enrolled patients with adenocarcinoma of the rectum and cT3 or cT4 disease with any N category and no metastasis. In arm A (control arm), we planned CRT (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) with capecitabine followed by TME. In arm B, 2 cycles of capecitabine and oxaliplatin were administered 1 week after the completion of CRT before TME (capecitabine, 1700 mg/m2 per day from day 1 to 14, and oxaliplatin, 100 mg/m2 on day 1, every 3 weeks). The downstaging rate (the proportion of ypT0 to ypT2 and ypN0M0) was the primary endpoint, which was to be tested with a 1-sided type I error of 15% and with 85% power. RESULTS: From September 2014 to February 2016, 110 patients (56 in arm A and 54 in arm B) were randomized and 108 (55 in arm A and 53 in arm B) started CRT. TME was conducted per protocol in 96 patients (52 in arm A and 44 in arm B). In arms A and B, downstaging was achieved in 21.2% and 36.4% (P = .077), respectively, and the pathologic complete response rate was 5.8% and 13.6% (P = .167), respectively. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 3.6% of patients in arm A and 9.4% of patients in arm B during the preoperative treatment phase and in 1.9% and 9.0%, respectively, during the postoperative recovery phase. CONCLUSIONS: Consolidation chemotherapy with 2 cycles of capecitabine and oxaliplatin demonstrated a marginal improvement in the downstaging rate. However, a phase 3 trial of this strategy is discouraged because of the high dropout rate and safety issues.