Annals of Coloproctology

Volume 40(6); December 2024

Editorial

Optimizing postoperative pain management in minimally invasive colorectal surgery: Soo Young Lee; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):525-526. Published online December 3, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00815.0116

396 View
32 Download

PDF

Reviews

Colorectal cancer

Beyond survival: a comprehensive review of quality of life in rectal cancer patients: Won Beom Jung; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):527-537. Published online December 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00745.0106

409 View
27 Download

Abstract PDF: Rectal cancer is one of the most common carcinomas and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Although significant advancements have been made in the treatment of rectal cancer, the deterioration of quality of life (QoL) remains a challenging issue. Various tools have been developed to assess QoL, including the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Colorectal (FACT-C) scale, the QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Factors such as the lower location of the tumor, radiation therapy, chemoradiotherapy, and chemotherapy are associated with a decline in QoL. Furthermore, anastomotic leakage following rectal cancer resection is an important risk factor affecting QoL. With the development of novel treatment approaches, including neoadjuvant therapies such as chemoradiotherapy and total neoadjuvant therapy, the rate of clinical complete remission has increased, leading to the emergence of organ-preserving strategies. Both local excision and the “watch-and-wait” approach following neoadjuvant therapy improved functional outcomes and QoL. Efforts to improve QoL after rectal cancer surgery are ongoing in surgical techniques for rectal cancer. Since QoL is determined by a complex interplay of factors, including the patient's physical condition, surgical techniques, and psychological and social elements, a comprehensive approach is necessary to understand and enhance it. This review aims to describe the methods for measuring QoL in rectal cancer patients after surgery, the key risk factors involved, and various strategies and efforts to improve QoL outcomes.

ERAS

Tolerance to and postoperative outcomes with early oral feeding following elective bowel surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis: Lord Mvoula, Evelyn Irizarry; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):538-547. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00472.0067

853 View
29 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Advancements in gastrointestinal surgery have directed attention toward optimizing recovery, including through the use of feeding methods that reduce prolonged postoperative hospital stays, complications, and mortality, among other undesirable outcomes. This study’s primary goals were to identify current peer-reviewed literature reporting the postoperative outcomes of elective bowel surgery and to evaluate the clinical evidence of patients’ tolerance to oral feeding following elective bowel surgery.
Methods
An exhaustive literature search was conducted via PubMed and Scopus. The search results were screened for potential articles, and articles were assessed for eligibility based on prespecified eligibility criteria. The data were synthesized, and the results were reported and discussed thematically.
Results
The database search yielded 1,667 articles, from which 18 randomized controlled trials were chosen for inclusion in this study. This study included 874 early oral feeding (EOF) patients, 865 traditional oral feeding patients, and 91 patients whose postoperative care was unspecified. Data synthesis was done, and meta-analyses were conducted. The results showed that EOF patients required a significantly shorter time to tolerate a solid diet and had shorter hospital stays. In addition, bowel function was restored earlier in EOF groups.
Conclusion
The results show good tolerance to EOF, shorter hospitalizations, and faster restoration of bowel function, suggesting that EOF after elective bowel surgery is relatively safe. However, further studies with similar baseline conditions should be conducted to verify these results.

Original Articles

Colonoscopy

Analysis of adenoma detection rate of colonoscopy among trainees: Young Min Song, Kyung Su Han, Byung Chang Kim, Chang Won Hong, Bun Kim, Min Chul Kim, Myeong Jae Jin, Dae Kyung Sohn; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):548-554. Published online August 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00199.0028

1,096 View
29 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
To analyze adenoma detection rate (ADR) and related quality indicators of colonoscopy among trainees and make recommendations for appropriate colonoscopy training.
Methods
ADR and related indicators of colonoscopies performed by 3 trainees and 5 colonoscopy experts between March and November 2022 were analyzed. These indicators were analyzed in both the entire patients and the screening/surveillance group. In addition, the training period of the 3 trainees was divided into 3 sections, and the changes in these indicators were examined.
Results
The mean ADR of the 3 trainees was 50.6%. In the screening/surveillance group, the mean ADR of the 3 trainees was 51.8%, showing no significant difference from the experts' ADR (53.4%). When the training period was divided into 3 sections and analyzed in the screening/surveillance group, the mean ADR of the trainees gradually increased to 49.4%, 52.6%, and 53.6%, respectively; however, the difference was insignificant. Analyzing each trainee’s ADR, there was a significant difference among the 3 trainees (58.5% vs. 44.7% vs. 50.2%, P=0.008). However, in the third section of the training period, the 3 trainees’ ADRs were 53.0%, 49.2%, and 57.3%, respectively, showing no significant difference (P=0.606).
Conclusion
In the early stages of training, the ADR was higher than recommended; however, there were variances in ADR between individuals. As the training period passed, the ADR became similar at the expert level, whereas the difference in ADR between trainees decreased. Therefore, efforts to increase ADR should be made actively from the beginning of training and continued during the training period.

Colorectal cancer

Colonic stenting: is the bridge to surgery worth its cost? A cost-effectiveness analysis at a single Asian institution: Michelle Shi Qing Khoo, Frederick H. Koh, Sharmini Su Sivarajah, Leonard Ming-Li Ho, Darius Kang-Lie Aw, Cheryl Xi-Zi Chong, Fung Joon Foo, Winson Jianhong Tan; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):555-563. Published online August 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00738.0105

1,173 View
62 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
In patients with acute left-sided colonic obstruction, stenting can convert an emergency operation into a semi-elective procedure. However, its use continues to be debated. We performed a cost-effective analysis using our institution’s experiences.
Methods
Endoscopic, surgical, and financial details were prospectively collected for patients who presented with acute colonic obstruction and underwent stenting between 2019 and 2022. Outcomes were defined as technical/clinical success and successful surgical resection. The financial cost of stenting was compared with the expected cost without stenting.
Results
Forty patients were included, with 29 undergoing definitive resection. The most common pathology was primary colon cancer (27 patients, 93%). Endoscopic stenting had high technical (90%) and clinical (83%) success rates, with low rates of complications such as perforation (2 patients, 7%) and migration (0 patients, 0%). As a bridge to surgery, the median procedure time was 226 minutes and the surgical outcomes also showed a low rate of complications (3 patients, 11%), such as anastomotic leakage (0 patients, 0%), intraabdominal abscesses (2 patients, 7%), and 30-day postoperative mortality (0 patients, 0%). The cumulative costs with colonic stenting were $32,900, while the expected costs with emergency surgery, including stoma reversal, were $40,700 (healthcare cost-savings of $7,800 per person). The difference was mainly due to the avoidance of upfront emergency surgery. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 0.81, favoring colonic stenting over upfront emergency surgery.
Conclusion
Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery is safe and cost-effective for treating left-sided colonic obstruction with high success rates and low complication rates.

ERAS

Effect of continuous wound infiltration on patients using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for pain management after reduced-port laparoscopic colorectal surgery: Hyeon Deok Choi, Sung Uk Bae; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):564-572. Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00143.0020

475 View
30 Download
1 Citations

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

Purpose
Continuous wound infiltration (CWI) has been introduced as a component of multimodal analgesia to counteract the adverse effects of the most frequently used opioids. Advantages of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS) include cosmetic benefits and decreased postoperative pain. We aimed to investigate the effect of CWI in patients using intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after RPLS for colorectal cancer.
Methods
This retrospective study included 25 patients who received both CWI (0.5% ropivacaine infused over 72 hours) and IV PCA (fentanyl citrate) and 52 patients who received IV PCA alone. The primary endpoint was pain scores on postoperative days (PODs) 0, 1, and 2. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors affecting the pain score on POD 0.
Results
On POD 0, the mean numeric rating scale score was significantly lower in the CWI group than in the control group (3.2±0.8 vs. 3.7±0.9, P=0.042). However, the scores were comparable between the groups during the rest of the period. Within 24 hours of surgery, the CWI group consumed fewer opioids (0.7±0.9 vs. 1.3±1.1, P=0.018) and more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (2.0±1.4 vs. 1.3±1.4, P=0.046) than the control group. Time to removal of IV PCA was significantly longer in the CWI group than in the control group (4.4±1.6 days vs. 3.4±1.0 days, P=0.016).
Conclusion
CWI with ropivacaine and IV PCA was more effective than IV PCA alone in controlling postoperative pain within 24 hours of surgery, and opioid use could be reduced further.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Optimizing postoperative pain management in minimally invasive colorectal surgery
Soo Young Lee
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(6): 525. CrossRef

Minimally invasive surgery

New double-stapling technique without staple-crossing line in laparoscopic low anterior resection: effort to reduce anastomotic leakage: Nam Seok Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Yoon Suk Lee, In Kyu Lee, Won Kyung Kang; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):573-579. Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00409.0058

502 View
43 Download

Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to demonstrate the safety of new double-stapling technique (nDST), without a crossing line and dog ears, by comparing with conventional DST (cDST) in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 98 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer from January 2018 to December 2020. The inclusion criterion was an anastomosis level below the peritoneal reflection and 4 cm above the anal verge. In the nDST group, the staple line of the linear cutter was sutured using barbed sutures to shorten the staple line before firing the circular stapler. Therefore, there were no crossing lines after firing the circular stapler. A 2:1 propensity score matching was performed between the cDST and nDST groups.
Results
After propensity score matching, 39 patients were in the cDST group and 20 were in the nDST group. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the total operation time between the cDST and nDST groups (124.0±26.2 minutes vs. 125.2±20.3 minutes, P=0.853). Morbidity rates were similar between the 2 groups (9 cases [23.1%] vs. 5 cases [25.0%], P=0.855). There was no significant difference in leakage rate (4 cases [10.3%] vs. 1 case [5.0%], P=0.847) and anastomotic bleeding rate (1 case [2.6%] vs. 3 cases [15.0%], P=0.211).
Conclusion
The nDST to eliminate the crossing line and dog ears in laparoscopic LAR is technically feasible and safe. However, more attention should be paid to anastomotic bleeding in such cases.

Stoma

Protective loop ileostomy or colostomy? A risk evaluation of all common complications: Yi-Wen Yang, Sheng-Chieh Huang, Hou-Hsuan Cheng, Shih-Ching Chang, Jeng-Kai Jiang, Huann-Sheng Wang, Chun-Chi Lin, Hung-Hsin Lin, Yuan-Tzu Lan; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):580-587. Published online January 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00710.0101

3,287 View
171 Download
3 Citations

Abstract PDF

Purpose
Protective ileostomy and colostomy are performed in patients undergoing low anterior resection with a high leakage risk. We aimed to compare surgical, medical, and daily care complications between these 2 ostomies in order to make individual choice.
Methods
Patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal tumors with protective stomas between January 2011 and September 2018 were enrolled. Stoma-related complications were prospectively recorded by wound, ostomy, and continence nurses. The cancer stage and treatment data were obtained from the Taiwan Cancer Database of our Big Data Center. Other demographic data were collected retrospectively from medical notes. The complications after stoma creation and after the stoma reversal were compared.
Results
There were 176 patients with protective colostomy and 234 with protective ileostomy. Protective ileostomy had higher proportions of high output from the stoma for 2 consecutive days than protective colostomy (11.1% vs. 0%, P<0.001). Protective colostomy resulted in more stoma retraction than protective ileostomy (21.6% vs. 9.4%, P=0.001). Female, open operation, ileostomy, and carrying stoma more than 4 months were also significantly associated with a higher risk of stoma-related complications during diversion. For stoma retraction, the multivariate analysis revealed that female (odds ratio [OR], 4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.13–7.69; P<0.001) and long diversion duration (≥4 months; OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.22–4.43; P=0.010) were independent risk factors, but ileostomy was an independent favorable factor (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.22–0.72; P=0.003). The incidence of complication after stoma reversal did not differ between colostomy group and ileostomy group (24.3% vs. 20.9%, P=0.542).
Conclusion
We suggest avoiding colostomy in patients who are female and potential prolonged diversion when stoma retraction is a concern. Otherwise, ileostomy should be avoided for patients with impaired renal function. Wise selection and flexibility are more important than using one type of stoma routinely.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Uso de ileostomía derivativa en cáncer de ovario. Revisión de la literatura
Franco Rafael Ruiz-Echeverría, Pedro Hernando Calderón-Quiroz, Juliana Rendón-Hernández
Revista Colombiana de Cirugía.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Meta-analysis: loop ileostomy versus colostomy to prevent complications of anterior resection for rectal cancer
Shilai Yang, Gang Tang, Yudi Zhang, Zhengqiang Wei, Donglin Du
International Journal of Colorectal Disease.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
The Role of Colon in Isolated Intestinal Transplantation: Description of 4 Cases
Pierpaolo Di Cocco, Giulia Bencini, Alessandro Martinino, Egor Petrochenkov, Stepan Akshelyan, Kentaro Yoshikawa, Mario Spaggiari, Jorge Almario-Alvarez, Ivo Tzvetanov, Enrico Benedetti, Gaetano Gallo
International Journal of Surgical Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Validation of the Vietnamese version of the low anterior resection syndrome score questionnaire: Tuong-Anh Mai-Phan, Vu Quang Pham; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):588-593. Published online November 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00514.0073

2,695 View
46 Download
1 Citations

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
The aim of this study was to validate the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score questionnaire in the Vietnamese language among Vietnamese patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.
Methods
The LARS score questionnaire was translated from English into Vietnamese and then back-translated as recommended internationally. From January 2018 to December 2020, 93 patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery completed the Vietnamese version of the LARS score questionnaire together with an anchored question assessing the influence of bowel function on quality of life. To validate test-retest reliability, patients were requested to answer the LARS score questionnaire twice.
Results
Ninety-three patients completed the LARS score questionnaire, of whom 89 responded twice. The patients who responded twice were included in the analysis of test-retest reliability. Fifty-eight patients had a “major” LARS score. The LARS score was able to discriminate between patients who were obese and those who were not (P<0.001) and between the LAR and AR procedures (P<0.001). Age and sex were not associated with higher LARS scores (P=0.975). There was a perfect fit between the quality of life category question and the LARS score in 56.2% of cases, and a moderate fit was found in 42.7% of cases, showing reasonable convergent validity. The test-retest reliability of 89 patients showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese version of the LARS score questionnaire is a valid tool for measuring LARS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Major Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) and Quality of Life in Patients With Low Rectal Cancer: A Preoperative Survey Using LARS Score and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer’s 30-Item Core Quality of Life Questionnaire
Ly Huu Phu, Ho Tat Bang, Nguyen Viet Binh, Hoang Danh Tan, Ung Van Viet, Nguyen Trung Tin
Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Minimally invasive surgery

Robotic surgery may lead to reduced postoperative inflammatory stress in colon cancer: a propensity score–matched analysis: Eun Ji Park, Gyong Tae Noh, Yong Joon Lee, Min Young Park, Seung Yoon Yang, Yoon Dae Han, Min Soo Cho, Hyuk Hur, Kang Young Lee, Byung Soh Min; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):594-601. Published online December 6, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00171.0024

315 View
13 Download

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
Robot-assisted surgery is readily applied to every type of colorectal surgeries. However, studies showing the safety and feasibility of robotic surgery (RS) have dealt with rectal cancer more than colon cancer. This study aimed to investigate how technical advantages of RS can translate into actual clinical outcomes that represent postoperative systemic response.
Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases in a single tertiary medical center in Korea. Patients with primary colon cancer who underwent curative resection between 2006 and 2012 were included. Propensity score matching was done to adjust baseline patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, tumor profile, pathologic stage, operating surgeon, surgery extent) between open surgery (OS), laparoscopic surgery (LS), and RS groups.
Results
After propensity score matching, there were 66 patients in each group for analysis, and there was no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics. Maximal postoperative leukocyte count was lowest in the RS group and highest in the OS group (P=0.021). Similar results were observed for postoperative neutrophil count (P=0.024). Postoperative prognostic nutritional index was highest in the RS group and lowest in the OS group (P<0.001). The time taken to first flatus and soft diet resumption was longest in the OS group and shortest in the RS group (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Among all groups, other short-term postoperative outcomes such as hospital stay and complications did not show significant difference, and oncological survival results were similar.
Conclusion
Better postoperative inflammatory indices in the RS group may correlate with their faster recovery of bowel motility and diet resumption compared to LS and OS groups.

Anorectal benign disease

Lower pain, less itching, and faster healing after ultrasound scalpel-assisted hemorrhoidectomy using an intimate cleaner containing chlorhexidine, acid hyaluronic acid, and natural anti-inflammatories: a multicenter observational case-control study: Antonio Brillantino, Luigi Marano, Maurizio Grillo, Alessio Palumbo, Fabrizio Foroni, Luciano Vicenzo, Alessio Antropoli, Michele Lanza, Maria Laura Sandoval Sotelo, Nicola Sangiuliano, Mauro Maglio, Rosanna Filosa, Lucia Abbatiello, Maria Preziosa Romano, Luana Passariello, Pasquale Talento, Giovanna Ioia, Corrado Rispoli, Mariano Fortunato Armellino, Vincenzo Bottino, Adolfo Renzi, Carlo Bartone, Luigi Monaco, Paolino Mauro, Stefano Picardi, Maria Paola Menna, Elisa Palladino, Mario Massimo Mensorio, Vinicio Mosca, Claudio Gambardella, Luigi Brusciano, Ludovico Docimo; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):602-609. Published online December 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00570.0081

330 View
21 Download

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Postoperative pain is a major concern for patients undergoing ultrasound scalpel-assisted hemorrhoidectomy, potentially exacerbated by delayed wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an intimate cleansing gel containing chlorhexidine, hyaluronic acid, and other anti-inflammatory agents (Antroclean Fisioderm) on postoperative pain, itching, and wound healing in patients who had undergone this procedure.
Methods
This multicenter observational case-control study involved a cohort of consecutive adult patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy using an ultrasound device. The study compared 2 different postoperative wound management strategies over 1 month after surgery: washing with warm water twice per day (control group) versus a 2-minute topical application of intimate cleansing gel (Antroclean Fisioderm) followed by a warm water wash (intervention group).
Results
The median postoperative pain score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at each follow-up point (P<0.01). The percentage of patients reporting anal itching was also significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at each follow-up point (P<0.01). All patients in the intervention group achieved complete wound healing 4 weeks after surgery, compared to 88 (82%) in the control group (P<0.01). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
The topical application of intimate cleansing gel (Antroclean Fisioderm) twice daily for 1 month following ultrasound scalpel-assisted hemorrhoidectomy appears to be associated with faster healing, reduced pain, decreased itching, and improved quality of life, without any adverse effects. Further larger and prospective randomized trials are recommended to confirm these findings.

Technical Note

Anorectal benign disease

Botulinum injection technique to reduce spasms in refractory anal fissures and after anal fistula or hemorrhoid surgery: Pankaj Garg, Vipul D. Yagnik, Kaushik Bhattacharya; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):610-612. Published online December 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00696.0099

453 View
60 Download

PDF Supplementary Material

Video

Minimally invasive surgery

Robotic abdominoperineal resection, bilateral robotic groin node dissection and simultaneous perineal gracilis flap reconstruction for locally advanced node-positive anal squamous cell carcinoma: Mohammed Ali, Melanie Holzgang, Vivekanandan Kumar, Dhalia Masud, Sandeep Kapur, Ahmed El-Hadi, Dolly Dowsett, Irshad Shaikh; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):613-615. Published online December 2, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00801.0114

353 View
7 Download

PDF Supplementary Material

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Current issue