Clinical Practice Guidelines For The Management Of Colorectal Cancer, A Consensus Statement By The Society Of Surgeons® And Surgical Oncology Society Of Pakistan®.

A joint effort by the Society of Surgeons Pakistan and Society of Surgical Oncology Pakistan, these guidelines provide a framework for the practicing surgeons involved in care and management of patients with colorectal cancer. The guidelines take into account the issues related to our local circumstances and provide a minimum standard of care that must be given to these patients. The Guideline Committee had members from all disciplines, including surgery, surgical oncology, medical oncology and radiation oncology. The guidelines have attempted to simplify things to understand and follow for the practicing surgeons. With these guidelines we wish to eliminate disparities in treatment among institutions and prevent any under treatment of patients.

Magnetic resonance imaging for clinical management of rectal cancer: Updated recommendations from the 2016 European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) consensus meeting.

OBJECTIVES: To update the 2012 ESGAR consensus guidelines on the acquisition, interpretation and reporting of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for clinical staging and restaging of rectal cancer. METHODS: Fourteen abdominal imaging experts from the European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (ESGAR) participated in a consensus meeting, organised according to an adaptation of the RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Method. Two independent (non-voting) Chairs facilitated the meeting. 246 items were scored (comprising 229 items from the previous 2012 consensus and 17 additional items) and classified as 'appropriate' or 'inappropriate' (defined by ≥ 80 % consensus) or uncertain (defined by < 80 % consensus). RESULTS: Consensus was reached for 226 (92 %) of items. From these recommendations regarding hardware, patient preparation, imaging sequences and acquisition, criteria for MR imaging evaluation and reporting structure were constructed. The main additions to the 2012 consensus include recommendations regarding use of diffusion-weighted imaging, criteria for nodal staging and a recommended structured report template. CONCLUSIONS: These updated expert consensus recommendations should be used as clinical guidelines for primary staging and restaging of rectal cancer using MRI. KEY POINTS: • These guidelines present recommendations for staging and reporting of rectal cancer. • The guidelines were constructed through consensus amongst 14 pelvic imaging experts. • Consensus was reached by the experts for 92 % of the 246 items discussed. • Practical guidelines for nodal staging are proposed. • A structured reporting template is presented.

[Urinary complications of pelvic exenterations for rectal cancer with urinary invasion]. / Complications urinaires des exentérations pelviennes pour cancer du rectum avec envahissement urinaire.

OBJECTIVE: Pelvic exenteration for rectal cancer is indicated in locally advanced rectal tumors or pelvic recurrence invading adjacent organs. The oncologic goal being a complete R0 resection. Our aim was to study the urinary complications resulting from pelvic exenterations with urinary reconstruction in order to obtain a complete local control of the disease. METHODS: Between April 2004 and June 2013, 42 patients who underwent pelvic exenteration for primary or recurrent rectal adenocarcinoma with urinary tract reconstruction were included. The urinary reconstruction was performed based on preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings. We studied early (within 30 postoperative days) and late urinary morbidity, as well as postoperative carcinologic control. RESULTS: Forty-two exenterations were performed for primary rectal cancer (n=15) or pelvic recurrence (n=27). R0 complete resection was achieved in 64% of patients. The resection was incomplete (R1) on the urinary tract in 9.5% of patients. The urinary reconstruction methods used were: 31 transileal ureterostomies after total exenteration (bricker procedure), 6 ureteral reimplantations on psoic bladder, 2 ureteroileoplasties, 2 partial cystectomies and one ureteral resection with simple ligation. The median follow-up was 20 months. The perioperative mortality was 2.3% (n=1) and postoperative overall morbidity was 64%. Early and late urinary morbidity was 23.8% and 21.4% respectively. Six patients developed major urinary complications (≥ Clavien IIIb). CONCLUSION: Pelvic exenteration with urinary resection resulted in our experience, in a local disease control of 64% (including a 90.5% for the urinary tract) at the price of an acceptable early specific morbidity and a low mortality that seems to justify an aggressive surgical approach.

Morbidity and mortality of temporary diverting ileostomies in rectal cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION: A temporary diverting ileostomy is frequently used to reduce the consequences of a distal anastomotic leakage after total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer surgery. This surgical technique is associated with high morbidity and a not negligible mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the morbidity and mortality rate associated with an ileostomy and its posterior closure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2001 and 2012, 96 patients with temporary diverting ileostomy were retrospectively analyzed. Morbidity and mortality were analyzed before and after the stoma closure. The studied variables included age, sex, comorbidities, time to bowel continuity restoration and adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: In 5 patients the stoma was permanent and another 5 died. The morbidity and mortality rates associated with the stoma while it was present were 21 and 1% respectively. We performed a stoma closure in 86 patients, 57% of whom had previously received adjuvant therapy. There was no postoperative mortality after closure and the morbidity rate was 24%. The average time between initial surgery and restoration of intestinal continuity was 152.2 days. This interval was significantly higher in patients who had received adjuvant therapy. No statistically significant difference was found between the variables analyzed and complications. CONCLUSIONS: Diverting ileostomy is associated with low mortality and high morbidity rates before and after closure. Adjuvant chemotherapy significantly delays bowel continuity restoration, although in this study did not influence in the rate of complications.

Predicting the response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer using nomograms based on MRI tumour regression grade.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop nomograms that combine clinical factors and MRI tumour regression grade to predict the pathological response of mid-low locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: The retrospective study included 204 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and surgery between January 2013 and December 2021. Based on pathological tumour regression grade, patients were categorized into four groups: complete pathological response (pCR, n=45), non-complete pathological response (non-pCR; n=159), good pathological response (pGR, n=119), and non-good pathological response (non-pGR, n=85). The patients were divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7:3 ratio. Based on the results of univariate and multivariate analyses in the training set, two nomograms were respectively constructed to predict complete and good pathological responses. Subsequently, these predictive models underwent validation in the independent validation set. The prognostic performances of the models were evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The nomogram predicting complete pathological response incorporates tumour length, post-treatment mesorectal fascia involvement, white blood cell count, and MRI tumour regression grade. It yielded an AUC of 0.787 in the training set and 0.716 in the validation set, surpassing the performance of the model relying solely on MRI tumour regression grade (AUCs of 0.649 and 0.530, respectively). Similarly, the nomogram predicting good pathological response includes the distance of the tumour's lower border from the anal verge, post-treatment mesorectal fascia involvement, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and MRI tumour regression grade. It achieved an AUC of 0.754 in the training set and 0.719 in the validation set, outperforming the model using MRI tumour regression grade alone (AUCs of 0.629 and 0.638, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Nomograms combining MRI tumour regression grade with clinical factors may be useful for predicting pathological response of mid-low locally advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. The proposed models could be applied in clinical practice after validation in large samples.

Comparison of early and late removal of the urinary catheter after rectal cancer surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study is aiming to compare the results of early and late removal of urinary catheters after rectal cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who undergone rectal cancer surgery in a single center were included in this prospective randomized study. The timing of the urinary catheter removal was randomized by a computer-assisted program and divided into 2 groups, which are early (first 48 h) and late (after 48 h). The primary outcome of this study was to compare the urinary retention and re-catheterization rates between patients with early and those with late catheter removal. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in this study. The median age was 60 (31-88 years), and the patient group was predominantly male (n: 40, 60.9%). Urinary retention after catheter removal developed in 8 (12%) of 66 patients. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the need for re-catheterization (14% vs. 10%, p: 0.63). All the patients who required re-catheterization (n: 8) and were discharged with a urinary catheter (n: 4) were male. When the male and female patients were evaluated separately, there was no difference in urinary retention in the early or late groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early or late removal of the catheter does not play a role in the development of urinary retention in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.

OBJETIVO: Comparar los resultados de la retirada precoz y tardía de la sonda urinaria tras la cirugía de cáncer rectal. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado que incluyó pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer rectal en un único centro. El momento de la retirada de la sonda urinaria se aleatorizó y se dividió en dos grupos: primeras 48 horas y después de 48 horas. Se compararon las tasas de retención urinaria y de nueva cateterización entre los pacientes con retirada precoz y tardía de la sonda. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 66 pacientes, con una mediana de edad de 60 años (31-88 años) y predominio del sexo masculino (n = 40, 60.9%). Se produjo retención urinaria tras la retirada de la sonda en 8 (12%). No hubo diferencias entre los dos grupos en cuanto a necesidad de nueva cateterización (14% frente a 10%, p = 0.63). Todos los pacientes que precisaron un nuevo cateterismo (n = 8) y fueron dados de alta con una sonda urinaria (n = 4) eran varones. CONCLUSIONES: La retirada precoz o tardía de la sonda no influye en la aparición de retención urinaria en pacientes intervenidos de cáncer de recto.

Multivisceral resection of advanced colon and rectal cancer: a prospective multicenter observational study with propensity score analysis of the morbidity, mortality, and survival.

Objectives: In the surgical treatment of colorectal carcinoma (CRC), 1 in 10 patients has a peritumorous adhesion or tumor infiltration in the adjacent tissue or organs. Accordingly, multivisceral resection (MVR) must be performed in these patients. This prospective multicenter observational study aimed to analyze the possible differences between non-multivisceral resection (nMVR) and MVR in terms of early postoperative and long-term oncological treatment outcomes. We also aimed to determine the factors influencing overall survival. Methods: The data of 25,321 patients from 364 hospitals who had undergone surgery for CRC (the Union for International Cancer Control stages I-III) during a defined period were evaluated. MVR was defined as (partial) resection of the tumor-bearing organ along with resection of the adherent and adjacent organs or tissues. In addition to the patients' personal, diagnosis (tumor findings), and therapy data, demographic data were also recorded and the early postoperative outcome was determined. Furthermore, the long-term survival of each patient was investigated, and a "matched-pair" analysis was performed. Results: From 2008 to 2015, the MVR rates were 9.9 % (n=1,551) for colon cancer (colon CA) and 10.6 % (n=1,027) for rectal cancer (rectal CA). CRC was more common in men (colon CA: 53.4 %; rectal CA: 62.0 %) than in women; all MVR groups had high proportions of women (53.6 % vs. 55.2 %; pairs of values in previously mentioned order). Resection of another organ frequently occurred (75.6 % vs. 63.7 %). The MVR group had a high prevalence of intraoperative (5.8 %; 12.1 %) and postoperative surgical complications (30.8 % vs. 36.4 %; each p<0.001). Wound infections (colon CA: 7.1 %) and anastomotic insufficiencies (rectal CA: 8.3 %) frequently occurred after MVR. The morbidity rates of the MVR groups were also determined (43.7 % vs. 47.2 %). The hospital mortality rates were 4.9 % in the colon CA-related MVR group and 3.8 % in the rectal CA-related MVR group and were significantly increased compared with those of the nMVR group (both p<0.001). Results of the matched-pair analysis showed that the morbidity rates in both MVR groups (colon CA: 42.9 % vs. 34.3 %; rectal CA: 46.3 % vs. 37.2 %; each p<0.001) were significantly increased. The hospital lethality rate tended to increase in the colon CA-related MVR group (4.8 % vs. 3.7 %; p=0.084), while it significantly increased in the rectal CA-related MVR group (3.4 % vs. 3.0 %; p=0.005). Moreover, the 5-year (yr) overall survival rates were 53.9 % (nMVR: 69.5 %; p<0.001) in the colon CA group and 56.8 % (nMVR: 69.4 %; p<0.001) in the rectal CA group. Comparison of individual T stages (MVR vs. nMVR) showed no significant differences in the survival outcomes (p<0.05); however, according to the matched-pair analysis, a significant difference was observed in the survival outcomes of those with pT4 colon CA (40.6 % vs. 50.2 %; p=0.017). By contrast, the local recurrence rates after MVR were not significantly different (7.0 % vs. 5.8 %; both p>0.05). The risk factors common to both tumor types were advanced age (>79 yr), pT stage, sex, and morbidity (each hazard ratio: >1; p<0.05). Conclusions: MVR allows curation by R0 resection with adequate long-term survival. For colon or rectal CA, MVR tended to be associated with reduced 5-year overall survival rates (significant only for pT4 colon CA based on the MPA results), as well as, with a significant increase in morbidity rates in both tumor entities. In the overall data, MVR was associated with significant increases in hospital lethality rates, as indicated by the matched-pair analysis (significant only for rectal CA).

Multicenter clinical trial for the resection of rectal polyps using a new laparoendoscopic hybrid transanal access device.

INTRODUCTION: Complex polyps require the use of advanced endoscopic techniques or minimally invasive surgery for their approach. In rectal polyps it is of special relevance to reach a consensus on the best approach to avoid under- or overtreatment that increases unnecessary morbidity and mortality. METHODS: We describe a prospective, multicenter, pilot clinical trial with a first-in-human medical device. It is hypothesized that UNI-VEC® facilitates transanal laparoendoscopic surgery for the removal of early rectal tumors. The primary objective is to evaluate that it is safe and meets the established functional requirements. Secondary objectives are to evaluate results, complications and level of satisfaction. RESULTS: 16 patients were recruited in 12 months with a minimum follow-up of 2 months. The mean size was 3.4 cm with the largest polyp being 6 cm. Regarding location, the mean was 6.6 cm from the anal margin. Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) (6.3%), Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection ESD (43.8%), REC (6.3%) and TAMIS (43.8%) were performed. The mean time was 73.25 min. The 56.3% used a 30° camera and 43.8% used the flexible endoscope as a viewing instrument. The 56.3% were benign lesions and 43.8% malignant. Complete resection is achieved in 87.5%. Regarding complications, mild bleeding (Clavien I) occurred in 25%, 6.3% and 21.4% at 24 h, 48 h and 7 days respectively. Continence was assessed according to the Wexner scale. At 7 days, 60% showed perfect continence, 26.7% mild FI and 13.3% moderate FI. At 30 days, 66.7% had perfect continence, 20% mild FI and 13.3% moderate FI. At 2 months, 4 patients were reviewed who at 30 days had a Wexner's degree higher than preoperative and perfect continence was demonstrated in 25% of the patients, 50% mild and 25% moderate. In no case did rectal perforation or major complications requiring urgent reintervention occur. As for the level of reproducibility, safety, level of satisfaction with the device and evaluation of the blister, the evaluation on a scale of 0-10 (9.43, 9.71, 9.29 and 9.50 respectively). All the investigators have previous experience with transanal devices. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of UNI-VEC® for the treatment of rectal lesions. It will facilitate the implementation of hybrid procedures that seek to solve the limitations of pure endoscopic techniques by allowing the concomitant use of conventional laparoscopic and robotic instrumentation with the flexible endoscope.

Unrecognized digestive toxicities of radiation therapy.

The aim of this article is to review unrecognized toxicities resulting from radiation therapy of digestive neoplasms. Due to their precocious occurrence, acute toxicities are well-known by radiation oncologist, and their treatment well-established. Thus, acute toxicities will not be described in this review. We will focus on incidence, diagnosis, and management of late and uncommon toxicities occurring in the digestive tract and digestive organs. Prevention, by respecting healthy tissues constraints, is the main tool to reduce incidence of those rare complications. Nonetheless, once installed, late toxicities remain a major burden in terms of quality of life and can even be life threatening. Hence, information and education about their diagnosis and management is important.

Total neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer.

While outcomes for patients with locally advanced disease have improved considerably with combined modality therapy, there is now an emphasis on developing risk-adapted treatment strategies. Moreover, the primary cause of death from locally advanced rectal cancer is related to distant progression, which now exceeds the rate of local failure. Thus, the necessity to optimally address micrometastatic disease has led to increasing interest in delivering chemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting rather than in the postoperative setting. This review critically appraises the emerging literature on the options for sequencing of therapy, focusing on the total neoadjuvant therapy paradigm as well as emerging options for omitting components of multimodality therapy.

[Functional impairment and quality of life after rectal cancer surgery]. / Afectación funcional y calidad de vida tras cirugía de cáncer rectal.

OBJECTIVE: This study determines the quality of life and the anorectal function of these patients. METHOD: Observational study of two cohorts comparing patients undergoing rectal tumor surgery using TaETM or conventional ETM after a minimum of six months of intestinal transit reconstruction. EORTC-30, EORTC-29 quality of life questionnaires and the anorectal function assessment questionnaire (LARS score) are applied. General variables are also collected. RESULTS: 31 patients between 2011 and 2014: 15 ETM group and 16 TaETM. We do not find statistically significant differences in quality of life questionnaires or in anorectal function. Statistically significant general variables: longer surgical time in the TaETM group. Nosocomial infection and minor suture failure in the TaETM group. CONCLUSION: The performance of TaETM achieves the same results in terms of quality of life and anorectal function as conventional ETM.

ANTECEDENTES: La técnica de referencia de la cirugía rectal sigue siendo la escisión total del mesorrecto (ETM), en la que se aplica la laparoscopia por sus ventajas. El intento de evitar el 17% de reconversión hace que se apliquen técnicas transanales. La ETM transanal (TaETM) se lleva a cabo por grupos experimentales con buenos resultados oncológicos y de morbimortalidad. OBJETIVO: Este estudio determina la calidad de vida y la función anorrectal de estos pacientes. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional de dos cohortes que compara pacientes intervenidos por tumor rectal mediante TaETM o ETM convencional después de 6 meses mínimo de la reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal. Se aplican los cuestionarios de calidad de vida EORTC-30 y EORTC-29, y el cuestionario de valoración de función anorrectal (LARS score). También se recogen variables generales. RESULTADOS: Entre 2011 y 2014 fueron intervenidos 31 pacientes: 15 en el grupo de ETM y 16 en el de TaETM. No se encuentran diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a cuestionarios de calidad de vida ni respecto a la función anorrectal. Variables generales estadísticamente significativas: tiempo quirúrgico mayor en el grupo TaETM, e infección nosocomial y fallo de sutura menores en el grupo TaETM. CONCLUSIÓN: La realización de TaETM obtiene los mismos resultados en cuanto a calidad de vida y función anorrectal que la ETM convencional. BACKGROUND: The gold standard of rectal surgery remains total mesorrectal excision (ETM) in which laparoscopy is applied for its advantages. The attempt to avoid 17% conversion rate implies that transanal techniques are applied. Transanal ETM (TaETM) is performed by experimental groups with good oncological and morbimortality results.

Tumor Budding en cáncer rectal. Relación entre la densidad de los brotes tumorales y otros factores pronósticos / Budding tumor in rectal cancer. Relationship between tumor outbreak density and other prognostic factors

Introducción: El budding tumor (BT) es la presencia de células tumorales aisladas o en pequeños grupos situadas en el frente de invasión del tumor. Su hallazgo en alto grado es un factor de mal pronóstico independiente del cáncer colorrectal. El objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si el grado de BT está asociado con otros factores pronósticos del cáncer rectal. Material y métodos: Se incluyen las resecciones oncológicas de recto en el período 2013-2017. Los casos se agruparon según la densidad en la formación de los BT en 3 grupos, los de grado bajo, intermedio y alto. Se utilizó como valor estadístico el cálculo del odds ratio (OR). Resultados: Se analizaron las piezas de resección de 27 pacientes (15 mujeres y 12 hombres) con una media de edad de 68,4 años (40-86). Se calculó el OR para invasión ganglionar, vascular y recidiva en función del grado de budding tumoral. Discusión: Se observó una tendencia a la presencia de factores histológicos de mal pronóstico en relación al budding de alto grado, si bien el bajo número de casos no permitió demostrarlo en este estudio. Conclusiones: El análisis del grado de tumor budding es reproducible y podría ayudar a identificar pacientes con cáncer rectal de peor pronóstico. (AU)

Introduction: Tumor budding (BT) is defined as isolated or small groups of neoplastic cells located at the invasive front of the tumor. High-grade BT is a poor prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. Objective: To determine if the degree of BT is associated with other prognostic factors in rectal cancer. Materials and methods: Rectal oncological resections during the 2013-2017 period were included. Cases were stratified according to the density in the formation of BT in 3 groups: low, intermediate and high. The calculation of the odds ratio (OR) was used as a statistical value. Results: The resection specimens of 27 patients (15 women and 12 men) with a mean age of 68.4 years (40-86) were analyzed. OR for node metastases, vascular invasion and relapse was calculated according to tumor budding grade. Discussion: High-grade tumor budding seems to associate with the presence of poor prognostic factors. However, it was not possible to demonstrate it because of the small sample size. Conclusions: Tumor budding is a reproducible marker and could help to identify rectal cancer patients with a worse prognosis. (AU)

Tecnología y globalización en el pronóstico de pacientes con cáncer rectal / Technology and globalization on the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer

Desde el siglo XX hasta la fecha, el proceso de globalización ha caracterizado el desarrollo de la economía mundial. En este contexto los países desarrollados son los que tienen directamente el manejo y dominio tecnológico, mientras que los subdesarrollados han sido afectados con la introducción acelerada de las nuevas tecnologías y su alto costo. El desarrollo tecnológico en la sociedad actual es un factor importante en el manejo de enfermedades como el cáncer. El tumor de localización rectal constituye el tercer tipo de cáncer más comúnmente diagnosticado y la tercera causa de muerte por cáncer para ambos sexos. Para su estadificación se han desarrollado varios medios diagnósticos, dentro de estos, la elastografía por ultrasonido endoscópico es una técnica de elevado impacto. En Cuba se cuenta con esta tecnología de avanzada, a disposición de todos los pacientes, lo cual demuestra que es posible enfrentar los desafíos que la globalización impone al desarrollo tecnológico. En este trabajo se exponen las opiniones de los autores, relacionadas con la influencia que tiene la política de globalización en el desarrollo tecnológico y su repercusión en el pronóstico de los pacientes con cáncer de recto(AU)

From the 20th century to the present, the process of globalization has characterized the development of the world economy. In this context, the developed countries are those that have direct management and technological control, while the underdeveloped countries have been affected by the accelerated introduction of new technologies and their high cost. The technological development in today's society is an important factor in the management of diseases such as cancer. The rectal tumor is the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer and the third cause of cancer death for both sexes. For its staging, several diagnostic means have been developed, within these, endoscopic ultrasound elastography is a high impact technique. In Cuba, this advanced technology is available to all patients, which shows that it is possible to face the challenges that globalization imposes on technological development. This paper presents the opinions of the authors, related to the influence of the globalization policy on technological development and its impact on the prognosis of patients with rectal cancer(AU)

[Sexual functions after treatment for rectal cancer: impact of doses in autonomic pelvic nerves]. / Fonctions sexuelles après traitement du cancer rectal : impact des doses aux plexus pelviens autonomes.

PURPOSE: Prospective evaluation of sexual function after treatment of rectal cancer and identification of predictive factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients were treated with curative intent by chemoradiation and surgery for localized rectal adenocarcinoma. Sexual toxicity was assessed four times (before treatment and at 2, 6 and 12 months) using validated questionnaires: QLQ C30 and EORTC CR38 for all, simplified IIEF for men and FSFI for women. A correlation was sought between the toxicity and clinical and dosimetric parameters by Fisher and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: In men, erections and sexual satisfaction decreased significantly from the acute phase and then stabilized (respective scores of 84.5 and 86/100 in the initial phase, 66 and 70.4 at the end of radiotherapy, 70 and 70 at 6 months and 68.5 and 70 at 12 months). For women, the changes were not significant. This study confirms some risk factors for sexual toxicity already mentioned (original function, age, tumor volume) and highlights new (dose to the seminal vesicles and above all, doses to pelvic autonomic plexus). CONCLUSION: Sexual effects of combined treatment of rectal cancer have only recently been described but remain undervalued and poorly understood. The impact of the autonomic pelvic plexus doses is a completely new data that could be extended in the development of intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Cirugía mínimamente invasiva transanal (TAMIS): técnica y resultados de la experiencia inicial / Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS): technique and results of initial experience

Resumen Antecedentes: la cirugía transanal endoscópica es un abordaje mínimamente invasivo recientemente descrito, que provee una exposición superior y permite el acceso a las lesiones del recto en toda su extensión. Además, provee un riesgo menor de compromiso de los márgenes de resección, menores tasas de recurrencia y una menor morbimortalidad en comparación con la escisión transanal convencional o las remociones endoscópicas. Objetivos: se pretende describir la experiencia inicial y los resultados con la cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva (transanal minimally invasive surgery, TAMIS) en términos de resecciones completas y posibles complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento. Materiales y métodos: esta una serie de casos con un seguimiento prospectivo de los pacientes con TAMIS. Se analizaron los resultados de 27 pacientes intervenidos en varios centros de Medellín, Colombia, entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2016, realizados con cirugía laparoscópica monopuerto (single-port laparoscopic surgery, SILS) (21 casos) o el GelPOINT® Path (6 casos), junto con el apoyo de la óptica del laparoscopio (16 pacientes) y del endoscopio flexible (11 pacientes). Resultados: se realizaron 27 TAMIS en el mismo número de pacientes, 10 mujeres (37 %) y 17 hombres fueron evaluados. Se realizó un seguimiento a los pacientes durante aproximadamente 12 meses, en promedio 32 meses. La edad promedio fue de 68 años (52-83 años). El tamaño promedio del tumor fue de 5,3 cm (2-9 cm) y la distancia promedio desde el margen anal fue de 7 cm (5-9 cm) Las complicaciones posoperatorias se dieron en 6 casos (22 %) Una perforación rectal se corrigió por vía laparoscópica en el mismo acto quirúrgico y otra por la misma vía transanal. Una estenosis rectal se manejó con dilatación digital, y hubo un caso de sangrado rectal menor, uno de retención urinaria y un paciente presentó un cáncer rectal avanzado a los tres meses de la resección con margen microscópico positivo (4 %). No hubo reingresos. La mortalidad por la intervención fue nula. La patología operatoria reportó la presencia de adenoma de bajo grado en 3 casos (11 %), de alto grado en 11 (41 %), adenocarcinoma in situ en 6 (22 %), tumor neuroendocrino en 5 pacientes (18 %), 1 caso de fibrosis cicatricial (4 %) y 1 de leiomioma (4 %). Limitaciones: los resultados no son extrapolables a la población general debido al poco número de intervenciones y la ejecución limitada a solo dos autores. Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia inicial, TAMIS es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo con una baja morbilidad posoperatoria, es curativa para lesiones benignas y para pacientes seleccionados con cáncer temprano.

Abstract Background: Transanal endoscopic surgery, a recently described minimally invasive approach, provides superior exposure and access to the entirety of rectal lesions and has lower risks of compromising resection margins, lower recurrence rates and lower morbidity and mortality than do conventional transanal excision and endoscopic removals. Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe our initial experience and with minimally invasive transanal surgery (TAMIS) and its results in terms of complete resections and complications possibly related to the procedure. Materials and methods: This is a series of TAMIS cases with prospective follow-ups. We analyzed the results of 27 patients who underwent the procedure at several centers in Medellín, Colombia, between January 2012 and December 2016. Twenty patients had Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery while the GelPOINT path transanal access platform was used for the other six patients. Laparoscope optics provide support for 16 procedures while the more recently introduced flexible endoscope supported eleven procedures. Results: Twenty-seven TAMIS procedures were performed and evaluated. Ten patients were women (37%), and 17 were men. On average, patients were followed up for 32 months, but none less than 12 months. Average patient age was 68 years (52 to 83 years). The average tumor size was 5.3 cm (2 to 9 cm) and the average distance from the anal margin was 7 cm (5 to 9 cm). Postoperative complications occurred in six cases (22%). In one case, a rectal perforation was corrected laparoscopically during the procedure. Another perforation was corrected by the same transanal route. A rectal stenosis was managed with digital dilatation, there was one case of minor rectal bleeding, one case of urinary retention and one patient developed advanced rectal cancer with a positive microscopic margin (4%) three months after resection. There were no readmissions. There were no deaths due to the intervention. Pathology reported low grade adenomas in three cases (11%), high grade adenomas in 11 cases (41%), in-situ adenocarcinoma in six cases (22%), neuroendocrine tumors in five cases (19%), and one case each of cicatricial fibrosis (4%) and leiomyoma (4%). Limitations: The results cannot be extrapolated to the general population because of the limited number of interventions and performance of procedures by only two authors. Conclusions: Our initial experience shows TAMIS to be a minimally invasive procedure with low postoperative morbidity which is curative for benign lesions and for selected patients with early cancer.

[Preoperative radiotherapy for rectal cancer: target volumes]. / Radiothérapie préopératoire des cancers du rectum : volumes cibles.

Preoperative radiochemotherapy followed by total mesorectal excision is the standard of care for T3-T4-N0 or TxN1 rectal cancer. Defining target volumes relies on the patterns of nodal and locoregional failures. The lower limit of the clinical target volume depends also on the type of surgery. Conformational radiotherapy with or without intensity-modulated radiotherapy implies an accurate definition of volumes and inherent margins in the context of mobile organs such as the upper rectum. Tumoral staging recently improved with newer imaging techniques such as MRI with or without USPIO and FDG-PET-CT. The role of PET-CT remains unclear despite encouraging results and MRI is a helpful tool for a reliable delineation of the gross tumour volume. Co-registration of such modalities with the planning CT may particularly guide radiation oncologists through the gross tumour volume delineation. Acute digestive toxicity can be reduced with intensity modulation radiation therapy. Different guidelines and CT-based atlas regarding the target volumes in rectal cancer give the radiation oncologist a lot of ground for reproducible contours.

Técnicas quirúrgicas para la preservación de esfínter en cáncer de recto bajo: revisión histórica y estado actual / Surgical techiniques for sphincter preservation y low rectal cancer: historical review and current status

Resumen Tras múltiples intentos para lograr resultados apropiados en una resección quirúrgica por cáncer de recto, Sir William Ernest Miles desarrolla la técnica que posteriormente llevará su nombre, y que se conoce actualmente, sin muchas modificaciones, como resección abdominoperineal. Esta técnica, considerada el gold standard para tumores de recto por muchos años, fue progresivamente reemplazada por las técnicas de preservación de esfínter. La resección anterior baja permitió preservar el esfínter a paciente con tumores de recto a más de 5 cm del margen anal. El desarrollo técnico (suturas grapadas), mejor entendimiento de principios oncológicos (resección total del mesorrecto) y la introducción de la neoadyuvancia con quimioradioterapia, permitió bajar el margen de sección distal considerado adecuado y realizar anastomosis colorrectales ultrabajas y coloanales. La resección ultrabaja interesfintérica reseca el esfínter anal interno (en forma total, subtotal o parcial) logrando evitar la colostomía permanente en un grupo de pacientes. Esta técnica, ha sido ampliamente estudiada con resultados oncológicos publicados que resultan mejores o similares que los de la resección abdominoperineal. Actualmente la evaluación de respuesta a neoadyuvancia, ha llevado a algunos grupos de trabajo a plantear la preservación del órgano; ya sea mediante el seguimiento estricto tras respuesta clínica completa, como técnicas de resección local en respuesta incompleta.

After multiple attempts to achieve appropriate results in the surgical resection for rectal cancer, Sir William Ernest Miles develops the technique that would carry his name, and is, without modifications, currently referred as abdominoperineal resection. This technique, considered gold standard for rectal tumors for many years, has been gradually replaced by sphincter preserving surgery. Low anterior resection allowed sphincter-preservation in patients with low rectal tumors within 5 cm from the anal verge. Technical developments (double stapling technique), better understanding of oncological principles (total mesorectal excision) and the introduction of neoadyuvant treatment with chemoradiotherapy, allowed further lowering of the adequate distal resection margin and to carry out ultralow colorectal and coloanal anastomoses. Ultralow intersphincteric resection removes the internal anal sphincter (partial, subtotal or total resection) avoiding permanent colostomy in a subset of patients. This technique has been broadly studied with published oncological outcomes that are better or similar to those of abdominoperineal resection. Currently, evaluation of response after neoadyuvant therapy has led some working groups to propose organ preservation; either by strict follow up for complete clinical response, or by local excision techniques for incomplete clinical response.

Tratamiento laparoscópico del cáncer de recto: resultados oncológicos a largo plazo / Laparoscopic treatment of rectal cancer: long-term results

Antecedentes: Si bien la factibilidad del tratamiento laparoscópico del cáncer de recto ha sido previamente descripta, su aplicación masiva continúa siendo controversial y los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo son aun limitados.Objetivo: Analizar los resultados peri operatorios, la tasa de recurrencia local y la sobrevida alejada a cinco años en pacientes con cáncer de recto operados por vía laparoscópica, y comparar la sobrevida de los pacientes operados por vía laparoscópica con la de aquellos que debieron ser convertidos.Diseño: Observacional retrospectivoLugar de aplicación: Hospital Privado UniversitarioMétodo: Se analizaron 164 pacientes portadores de cáncer de recto operados por vía laparoscópica pura entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2011. Los datos clínicos, anatomopatológicos y oncológicos, fueron ingresados prospectivamente en una base de datos. La supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad a 5 años fue calculada según el método actuarial de Kaplan-Meier.Resultados: El 66% de la población presentó tumores de recto medio (n=76) e inferior (n=32), y el 26% (n= 43) recibió tratamiento neoadyuvante. La tasa de preservación esfinteriana fue del 95%. La mediana de la altura de la anastomosis fue de 5 cm (rango: 2 a 12), empleando un reservorio colónico en "J" en el 8,5%. El índice de conversión global fue del 14,6%. La morbilidad y mortalidad global fue 19,5% y 0% respectivamente. La mediana de estadía hospitalaria fue 3 días (r: 2-28). No se registró compromiso de los márgenes quirúrgicos. La media de ganglios linfáticos analizados fue de 15 (rango: 0 - 56). La distribución por estadíos de acuerdo al TNM fue del 3,8% para el estadío 0, 37,8% para el estadío I, 22,5% para el estadío II, 29,2% para el estadío III y 6,7% para el estadío IV. El seguimiento promedio fue de 25 meses (rango: 3 a 81). La tasa de recurrencia local de la serie fue del 1,2% (dos pacientes)...

Background: Even though the laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer has been previously described, its extended application is still controversial and the long-term oncological results are limited.Objective: To analyze the surgical results, local recurrence rate and 5-year survival in patients with rectal cancer operated on by laparoscopy. Secondarily, to compare the survival of patients operated on by laparoscopy with those who required conversion to open surgery.Setting: Private University Hospital Design: Retrospective observational.Material and Methods: One hundred and sixty four consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer were analyzed between January 2005 and December 2011. The clinical, pathological and oncological data were collected into a database. Overall and disease free survival at 5 years was estimated by Kaplan-Meier method.Results: 66% of patients had tumors in middle (n=76) and low (n=32) rectum, and 26% (n=43) received neoadjuvant therapy. The sphincter preservation rate was 95%. The median distance between the anastomosis and the anal verge was 5 cm (range: 2 - 12), and a "j" pouch was performed in 8.5%. The overall conversion rate to open surgery was 14.6%. The morbidity and mortality was 19.5% and 0% respectively. The median hospital stay was 3 days (range: 2-28). Surgical margins were negative. The median of lymph nodes harvested was 15 (range: 0-56). According to TNM staging, there were 3.8% for stage 0, 37.8 for stage I, 22.5% for stage II, 29,2% for stage III and 6.7 for stage IV. The median follow up time was 25 months (range: 3-81). The overall local recurrence rate was 1.2% (two patients)...

Manejo del cáncer de recto durante el embarazo / Treatment of rectal cancer associated with pregnancy

El cáncer de recto tiene baja incidencia en la mujer embarazada, su diagnóstico durante el embarazo suele ser tardío, pues sus síntomas son similares a los propios de la gestación. El diagnóstico tardío le confiere un peor pronóstico, aunque el embarazo en si mismo no afecta la evolución natural de la enfermedad. El pronóstico perinatal no se ve afectado por la neoplasia misma, incluso en casos con metástasis múltiples, sino por el tratamiento indicado. El manejo dependerá fundamentalmente del estadío de la neoplasia y de la edad gestacional. Se revisa la literatura médica acerca del cáncer rectal asociado con el embarazo y se plantea un protocolo de manejo.

Rectal cancer has low incidence in the pregnant women. Its diagnosis during pregnancy is usually delayed, since cancer symptoms are quite similar to normal symptoms of gestation. Delayed diagnosis confers worse prognosis, although pregnancy itself does not affect natural evolution of the disease. The perinatal outcome is not affected by the neoplasia, even in cases with multiple metastases, but may be affected by the treatment. The treatment of rectal cancer will depend of the stage of the neoplasia and gestational age. We review published data regarding rectal cancer associated with pregnancy and propose a management protocol.

Experiencias y perspectivas futuras de la microcirugía transanal endoscópica en Cuba / Cuban experience and the future perspectives of transanal endoscopic microsurgery

INTRODUCCIÓN. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la indicación y los resultados de la microcirugía endoscópica transanal (TEM) para el tratamiento de los tumores benignos y malignos del recto, en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso (La Habana). MÉTODOS. Se realizó una amplia revisión bibliográfica acerca del manejo actual de los tumores benignos y malignos de recto mediante TEM y se evaluaron los resultados de dicha técnica en un período de 4 años en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. RESULTADOS. En el período estudiado se operaron 33 pacientes mediante esta técnica. Las principales indicaciones de la TEM fueron los adenomas (72,8 por ciento). El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue de 189,1 min; se usó transfusión intraoperatoria en 4 pacientes (12,1 por ciento) y la estancia hospitalaria fue de 2,5 días. Las principales complicaciones transoperatorias fueron el sangramiento y la perforación en la cavidad peritoneal. Las complicaciones posoperatorias fueron la fístula rectovaginal, el sangramiento y la dehiscencia. El seguimiento de los pacientes osciló entre 1 y 54 meses (media 28,3), y se encontraron 2 recidivas locales en el grupo de los adenomas. CONCLUSIONES. La TEM es un método seguro y eficaz para el tratamiento de los tumores benignos y malignos del recto (en estadios iniciales). Es la técnica de elección en grandes adenomas rectales y cánceres de recto con estadios pT1 localizados en toda la ampolla rectal. Tiene todas las ventajas de la cirugía de mínimo acceso; los resultados de recidiva son similares a los de la cirugía abdominal y no tiene complicaciones de disfunción urinaria o sexual y las de incontinencia fecal son mínimas(AU)

INTRODUCTION: The aim of present study was to assess the indication and the results of transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for treatment of rectal benign and malign tumors in National Center of Minimal Access Surgery in Havana city. METHODS: A comprehensive review of literature was made on present managing of rectal benign and malign tumors by TEM and results of such technique were assessed during 4 years in National Center of Minimal Access Surgery. RESULTS: During study period 33 patients were operated on by this technique. Main indications of TEM were the presence of adenomas (72,8 percent). Mean surgical time was of 189,1 minutes; in 4 patients ( 12,1 percent) transoperative transfusion was used, and hospital stay was of 2,5 days. Main transoperative complications were the rectovaginal fistula, bleeding and dehiscence. Follow-up of patients fluctuates between 1 and 54 months (mean 28,3) with 4 local relapses in adenoma group. CONCLUSIONS: TEM is a safe and effective method for treatment of rectal benign and malign tumors (in early stages). It is the choice technique for the big rectal adenomas and rectum cancer with pT1 stages located in all the ampulla of rectum. It has all advantages of the minimal access surgery; relapse results are similar to that of abdominal surgery without complications of urinary or sexual dysfunction and that of fecal incontinence are minimal(AU)