Outcomes following open versus laparoscopic multi-visceral resection for locally advanced colorectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This meta-analysis aims to compare morbidity, mortality, oncological safety, and survival outcomes after laparoscopic multi-visceral resection (MVR) of the locally advanced primary colorectal cancer (CRC) compared with open surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of multiple electronic data sources was conducted, and all studies comparing laparoscopic and open surgery in patients with locally advanced CRC undergoing MVR were selected. The primary endpoints were peri-operative morbidity and mortality. Secondary endpoints were R0 and R1 resection, local and distant disease recurrence, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) rates. RevMan 5.3 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Ten comparative observational studies reporting a total of 936 patients undergoing laparoscopic MVR (n = 452) and open surgery (n = 484) were identified. Primary outcome analysis demonstrated a significantly longer operative time in laparoscopic surgery compared with open operations (P = 0.008). However, intra-operative blood loss (P<0.00001) and wound infection (P = 0.05) favoured laparoscopy. Anastomotic leak rate (P = 0.91), intra-abdominal abscess formation (P = 0.40), and mortality rates (P = 0.87) were comparable between the two groups. Moreover the total number of harvested lymph nodes, R0/R1 resections, local/distant disease recurrence, DFS, and OS rates were also comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Although inherent limitations exist with observational studies, the available evidence demonstrates that laparoscopic MVR in locally advanced CRC seems to be a feasible and oncologically safe surgical option in carefully selected cohorts.

Embolisation of iatrogenic lumbar artery bleed causing psoas haematoma following elective lumbar puncture.

The case of a female patient in her 50s presenting as a surgical emergency with abdominal pain and a positive Obraztsova's sign. Seven days prior to the presentation, a lumbar puncture (LP) had been performed to investigate severe headaches and exclude a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The patient was subsequently found to have an acute lumbar arterial bleed causing haemodynamic instability and a psoas haematoma. An emergency lumbar artery embolisation procedure was performed by the interventional radiology department in order to stabilise the bleed. The patient made a full recovery prior to discharge.