Annals of Coloproctology

Volume 39(6); December 2023

Editorial

Less is more: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in transfusion strategies after colorectal surgery: Eun Jung Park; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):445-446. Published online December 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00878.0125

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Reviews

Colorectal cancer

Survival outcomes of salvage surgery in the watch-and-wait approach for rectal cancer with clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Wenjie Lin, Ian Jun Yan Wee, Isaac Seow-En, Aik Yong Chok, Emile Kwong-Wei Tan; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):447-456. Published online December 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.01221.0174

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the outcomes of the watch-and-wait (WW) approach versus radical surgery (RS) in rectal cancers with clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Methods
This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. Major databases were searched to identify relevant articles. WW and RS were compared through meta-analyses of pooled proportions. Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence, and distant metastasis rates. Pooled salvage surgery rates and outcomes were also collected. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed to assess the risk of bias.
Results
Eleven studies including 1,112 rectal cancer patients showing cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation were included. Of these patients, 378 were treated nonoperatively with WW, 663 underwent RS, and 71 underwent local excision. The 2-year OS (risk ratio [RR], 0.95; P = 0.94), 5-year OS (RR, 2.59; P = 0.25), and distant metastasis rates (RR, 1.05; P = 0.80) showed no significant differences between WW and RS. Local recurrence was more frequent in the WW group (RR, 6.93; P < 0.001), and 78.4% of patients later underwent salvage surgery (R0 resection rate, 97.5%). The 2-year DFS (RR, 1.58; P = 0.05) and 5-year DFS (RR, 2.07; P = 0.02) were higher among RS cases. However, after adjustment for R0 salvage surgery, DFS showed no significant between-group difference (RR, 0.82; P = 0.41).
Conclusion
Local recurrence rates are higher for WW than RS, but complete salvage surgery is often possible with similar long-term outcomes. WW is a viable strategy for rectal cancer with cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, but further research is required to improve patient selection.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Advancing Personalized Medicine in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Francesco Giulio Sullo, Alessandro Passardi, Chiara Gallio, Chiara Molinari, Giorgia Marisi, Eleonora Pozzi, Leonardo Solaini, Alessandro Bittoni
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(9): 2562. CrossRef
Tailoring rectal cancer surgery: Surgical approaches and anatomical insights during deep pelvic dissection for optimal outcomes in low‐lying rectal cancer
Youn Young Park, Nam Kyu Kim
Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery.2024; 8(5): 761. CrossRef
Combined Transanal and Laparoscopic Approach for Full-Thickness Local Excision of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Following Near-Complete Response after Chemotherapy
Joshua S. H. Lim, Si-Lin Koo, Iain Beehuat Tan, Isaac Seow-En
World Journal of Colorectal Surgery.2024; 13(3): 95. CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Essential anatomy for lateral lymph node dissection: Yuichiro Yokoyama, Hiroaki Nozawa, Kazuhito Sasaki, Koji Murono, Shigenobu Emoto, Hiroyuki Matsuzaki, Shinya Abe, Yuzo Nagai, Yuichiro Yoshioka, Takahide Shinagawa, Hirofumi Sonoda, Daisuke Hojo, Soichiro Ishihara; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):457-466. Published online December 8, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00164.0023

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In Western countries, the gold-standard therapeutic strategy for rectal cancer is preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) following total mesorectal excision (TME), without lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). However, preoperative CRT has recently been reported to be insufficient to control lateral lymph node recurrence in cases of enlarged lateral lymph nodes before CRT, and LLND is considered necessary in such cases. We performed a literature review on aspects of pelvic anatomy associated with rectal surgery and LLND, and then combined this information with our experience and knowledge of pelvic anatomy. In this review, drawing upon research using a 3-dimensional anatomical model and actual operative views, we aimed to clarify the essential anatomy for LLND. The LLND procedure was developed in Asian countries and can now be safely performed in terms of functional preservation. Nonetheless, the longer operative time, hemorrhage, and higher complication rates with TME accompanied by LLND than with TME alone indicate that LLND is still a challenging procedure. Laparoscopic or robotic LLND has been shown to be useful and is widely performed; however, without a sufficient understanding of anatomical landmarks, misrecognition of vessels and nerves often occurs. To perform safe and accurate LLND, understanding the landmarks of LLND is essential.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The role of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in advanced rectal cancer: a review of current evidence and outcomes
Gyu-Seog Choi, Hye Jin Kim
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(4): 363. CrossRef
Dissection layer selection based on an understanding of pelvic fascial anatomy in transanal total mesorectal excision
Daichi Kitaguchi, Masaaki Ito
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(4): 375. CrossRef

Original Articles

Colorectal cancer

Stratification of rate of lymph node metastasis according to risk factors and oncologic outcomes in patients who underwent radical resection for rectal neuroendocrine tumors: Myung Jae Jin, Sung Sil Park, Dong-Eun Lee, Sung Chan Park, Dong Woon Lee, Kiho You, Hee Jin Chang, Chang Won Hong, Dae Kyung Sohn, Kyung Su Han, Bun Kim, Byung Chang Kim, Jae Hwan Oh; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):467-473. Published online April 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00913.0130

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
Most predictive factors for lymph node metastasis in rectal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have been based on local and endoscopic resection. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis in patients who underwent radical resection for rectal NETs and stratify the risk of lymph node metastasis.
Methods
Sixty-four patients who underwent radical resection for rectal NETs between January 2001 and January 2018 were included. We investigated the risk factors of lymph node metastasis using clinicopathologic data. We also performed a risk stratification for lymph node metastases using the number of previously known risk factors. For oncologic outcomes, the 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival were evaluated in both groups.
Results
Among the patients who underwent radical surgery, 32 (50.0%) had lymph node metastasis and 32 (50.0%) had non–lymph node metastasis. In the multivariable analysis, only the male sex was identified as a risk factor for lymph node metastasis (odds ratio, 3.695; 95% confidence interval, 1.128–12.105; P=0.031). When there were 2 or more known risk factors, the lymph node metastasis rate was significantly higher than when there were one or no risk factors (odds ratio, 3.667; 95% confidence interval, 1.023–13.143; P=0.046). There was also no statistical difference between the 2 groups in 5-year overall survival (P=0.431) and 5-year recurrence-free survival (P=0.144).
Conclusion
We found that the rate of lymph node metastasis increased significantly when the number of known risk factors is 2 or more.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Lateral pelvic lymph nodes dissection of rectal neuroendocrine neoplasms: A prospective case-series and literature review
Yueyang Zhang, Yi Yang, Changyuan Gao, Hong Zhao, Haitao Zhou
Surgery.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Impact of consolidation chemotherapy in poor responders to neoadjuvant radiation therapy: magnetic resonance imaging–based clinical-radiological correlation in high-risk rectal cancers: Swapnil Patel, Suman Ankathi, Purvi Haria, Mufaddal Kazi, Ashwin L. Desouza, Avanish Saklani; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):474-483. Published online December 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00080.0011

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
The current study was conducted to examine the role of consolidation chemotherapy after neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NART) in decreasing the involvement of the mesorectal fascia (MRF) in high-risk locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs).
Methods
In total, 46 patients who received consolidation chemotherapy after NART due to persistent MRF involvement were identified from a database. A team of 2 radiologists, blinded to the clinical data, studied sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the tumor response and then predict a surgical plan. This prediction was then correlated with the actual procedure conducted as well as histopathological details to assess the impact of consolidation chemotherapy.
Results
The comparison of MRI-based parameters of sequential images showed significant downstaging of T2 signal intensity, tumor height, MRF involvement, diffusion restriction, and N category between sequential MRIs (P < 0.05). However, clinically relevant downstaging (standardized mean difference, > 0.3) was observed for only T2 signal intensity and diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging. No clinically relevant changes occurred in the remaining parameters; thus, no change was noted in the extent of surgery predicted by MRI. Weak agreement (Cohen κ coefficient, 0.375) and correlation (Spearman rank coefficient, 0.231) were found between MRI-predicted surgery and the actual procedure performed. The comparison of MRI-based and pathological tumor response grading also showed a poor correlation.
Conclusion
Evidence is lacking regarding the use of consolidation chemotherapy in reducing MRF involvement in LARCs. The benefit of additional chemotherapy after NART in decreasing the extent of planned surgery by reducing margin involvement requires prospective research.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The conundrum of total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer
Devesh S. Ballal, Tejas P. Vispute, Avanish P. Saklani
Colorectal Disease.2024; 26(5): 1068. CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Are the width, length, depth, and area of submucosal invasion predictive of lymph node metastasis in pT1 colorectal cancer?: Olga Maynovskaia, Evgeny Rybakov, Stanislav Chernyshov, Evgeniy Khomyakov, Sergey Achkasov; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):484-492. Published online December 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00087.0012

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Submucosa-limited (pathological T1, pT1) colorectal cancers (CRCs) pose a continuing challenge in the choice of treatment options, which range from local excision to radical surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and morphologic risk factors associated with regional lymph node metastasis (LNM) in pT1 CRC.
Methods
We performed a histological review of patients who underwent oncological resection between 2016 and 2022. Tumor grade, budding, poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs), cancer gland rupture, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and presence of deep submucosal invasion (DSI), as well as width, length, total area, and area of DSI, were evaluated as potential risk factors for LNM.
Results
A total of 264 cases of colon and rectal carcinomas with invasion into the submucosal layer (pT1) were identified. LNM was found in 46 of the 264 cases (17.4%). All morphometric parameters, as well as DSI (P=0.330), showed no significant association with LNM. High grade adenocarcinoma (P=0.050), budding (P=0.056), and PDCs (P<0.001) were associated with LNM. In the multivariate analysis, LVI presence remained the only significant independent risk factor (odds ratio, 15.7; 95% confidence interval, 8.5–94.9; P<0.001).
Conclusion
The DSI of T1 CRC, as well as other morphometric parameters of submucosal tumor spread, held no predictive value in terms of LNM. LVI was the only independent risk factor of LNM.

Colorectal cancer

Is restrictive transfusion sufficient in colorectal cancer surgery? A retrospective study before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea: Hyeon Kyeong Kim, Ho Seung Kim, Gyoung Tae Noh, Jin Hoon Nam, Soon Sup Chung, Kwang Ho Kim, Ryung-Ah Lee; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):493-501. Published online December 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00437.0062

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
Blood transfusion is one of the most common procedures used to treat anemia in colorectal surgery. Despite controversy regarding the adverse effects of blood products, surgeons have maintained standards for administering blood transfusions. However, this trend was restrictive during the COVID-19 pandemic because of a shortage of blood products. In this study, we conducted an analysis to investigate whether the restriction of blood transfusions affected postoperative surgical outcomes.
Methods
Medical records of 318 patients who underwent surgery for colon and rectal cancer at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between June 2018 and March 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. The surgical outcomes between the liberal and restrictive transfusion strategies in pre– and post–COVID-19 groups were analyzed.
Results
In univariate analysis, postoperative transfusion was associated with infectious complications (odds ratio [OR], 1.705; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.015–2.865; P=0.044). However, postoperative transfusion was not an independent risk factor for the development of infectious complications in multivariate analysis (OR, 1.305; 95% CI, 0.749–2.274; P=0.348). In subgroup analysis, there was no significant association between infectious complications and the hemoglobin threshold level for the administration of a transfusion (OR, 1.249; 95% CI, 0.928–1.682; P=0.142).
Conclusion
During colorectal surgery, the decision to perform a blood transfusion is an important step in ensuring favorable surgical outcomes. According to the results of this study, restrictive transfusion is sufficient for favorable surgical outcomes compared with liberal transfusion. Therefore, modification of guidelines is suggested to minimize unnecessary transfusion-related side effects and prevent the overuse of blood products.

Translational/basic research

Exfoliate cancer cell analysis in rectal cancer surgery: comparison of laparoscopic and transanal total mesorectal excision, a pilot study: Kiho You, Jung-Ah Hwang, Dae Kyung Sohn, Dong Woon Lee, Sung Sil Park, Kyung Su Han, Chang Won Hong, Bun Kim, Byung Chang Kim, Sung Chan Park, Jae Hwan Oh; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):502-512. Published online December 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00479.0068

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is currently the standard treatment for rectal cancer. However, its limitations include complications and incomplete total mesorectal resection (TME) due to anatomical features and technical difficulties. Transanal TME (TaTME) has been practiced since 2010 to improve this, but there is a risk of local recurrence and intra-abdominal contamination. We aimed to analyze samples obtained through lavage to compare laparoscopic TME (LapTME) and TaTME.
Methods
From June 2020 to January 2021, 20 patients with rectal cancer undergoing MIS were consecutively and prospectively recruited. Samples were collected at the start of surgery, immediately after TME, and after irrigation. The samples were analyzed for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cytokeratin 20 (CK20) through a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The primary outcome was to compare the detected amounts of CEA and CK20 immediately after TME between the surgical methods.
Results
Among the 20 patients, 13 underwent LapTME and 7 underwent TaTME. Tumor location was lower in TaTME (7.3 cm vs. 4.6 cm, P=0.012), and negative mesorectal fascia (MRF) was more in LapTME (76.9% vs. 28.6%, P=0.044). CEA and CK20 levels were high in 3 patients (42.9%) only in TaTME. There was 1 case of T4 with incomplete purse-string suture and 1 case of positive MRF with dissection failure. All patients were followed up for an average of 32.5 months without local recurrence.
Conclusion
CEA and CK20 levels were high only in TaTME and were related to tumor factors or intraoperative events. However, whether the detection amount is clinically related to local recurrence remains unclear.

Colorectal cancer

Computed tomography–assessed presarcopenia and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer: Ji Hyeong Song, Rak Kyun Oh, Jeong Eun Lee, Kyung Ha Lee, Ji Yeon Kim, Jin Soo Kim; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):513-520. Published online December 12, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00031.0004

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
Previous studies have reported that presarcopenia negatively affects rectal cancer treatment. However, most studies have analyzed patients including majority of open surgery, and the association between presarcopenia and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of presarcopenia on the clinical and oncological outcomes after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.
Methods
Three hundred and one patients undergoing laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery between December 2009 and May 2016 were enrolled. Body composition was assessed using computed tomography by measuring the muscle and fat areas at the third lumbar (L3) vertebra. The L3 skeletal muscle area was used to calculate the skeletal muscle index and evaluate presarcopenia.
Results
Presarcopenia was more common in older ( ≥ 70 years, P = 0.008) or female patients (P = 0.045). Patients with presarcopenia had decreased skeletal muscle area (P < 0.001), lower hemoglobin level (P = 0.034), longer time to first flatus (P < 0.001), and more frequent surgical site infection (P = 0.001). However, survival rates were not significantly different between those with and without presarcopenia.
Conclusion
Computed tomography-assessed presarcopenia was associated with delayed functional recovery and increased surgical site infection, although it was not revealed as a prognostic factor for oncological outcomes.

Case Report

Benign bowel disease

Perioperative considerations for acute appendicitis in patients with COVID-19 infection: two case reports: In-Kyeong Kim, Seung-jin Kwag, Han-Gil Kim, Young-Tae Ju, Seung-Jun Lee, Tae-Jin Park, Sang-Ho Jeong, Eun-Jung Jung, Jin-Kwon Lee; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):521-525. Published online December 7, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2021.00647.0092

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Abstract PDF: We report considerations related with surgery through 2 cases of acute apendicitis with COVID-19 infection. In November and December 2020, two patients infected with COVID-19 developed acute apendicitis and underwent emergency surgery. In case 1, an 84-year-old woman was asymptomatic and diagnosed with acute apendicitis on the 20th day of infection. She was discharged after surgery without complication. In contrast, case 2 was a 69-year-old male patient with pneumonia treated with antibiotics, steroids and remdesivir. After surgery, he was hospitalized for a long duration due to persistent pneumonia and wound complications. We should perform appendectomy in well-established negative pressure operating rooms, personal protective equipment, and protocols. Since the physical examination and blood tests were limited, image examination like computed tomography scan should be considered if acute apendicitis is suspected. If the patient has pneumonia before surgery, it can get worse after surgery, and complications such as wound infections can occur.

Technical Note

Minimally invasive surgery

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) for anterior resection: Toan Duc Pham, Tomas Larach, Bushra Othman, Amrish Rajkomar, Alexander G. Heriot, Satish K. Warrier, Philip Smart; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):526-530. Published online December 19, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00458.0065

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery is currently well-accepted, with open techniques being reserved for very difficult cases. Laparoscopic colectomy has been proven to have lower mortality, complication, and ostomy rates; a shorter median length of stay; and lower overall costs when compared to its open counterpart. This trend is seen in both benign and malignant indications. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in colorectal surgery was first described in the early 1990s. Three recent meta-analyses comparing transabdominal extraction against NOSES concluded that NOSES was superior in terms of overall postoperative complications, recovery of gastrointestinal function, postoperative pain, aesthetics, and hospital stay. However, NOSES was associated with a longer operative time. Herein, we present our technique of robotic NOSES anterior resection using the da Vinci Xi platform in diverticular disease and sigmoid colon cancers.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Precision and Power: A Comprehensive Review of Exploring the Role of Laser Treatment in Hemorrhoidal Management
Dheeraj Surya, Pankaj Gharde
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Video

Tips and tricks for robotic lateral pelvic node dissection: James Chi-Yong Ngu, Nan-Zun Teo; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):531-531. Published online December 26, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00766.0109

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Lateral pelvic node dissection can be challenging. In addition to detailed anatomical knowledge of the pelvic side wall, surgeons also need to be proficient in performing fine dissection within the confines of this limited operative field. While the incorporation of robotics can facilitate the safe completion of this technically demanding procedure, this is nonetheless dependent on the way the robotic system is used. This video aims to demonstrate several tips and tricks for performing robotic lateral pelvic node dissection.

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