Eon Bin Kim, In Ja Park, Hwa Jung Kim, Jong Keon Jang, Seong Ho Park, Young Il Kim, Min Hyun Kim, Jong Lyul Lee, Chan Wook Kim, Yong Sik Yoon, Seok-Byung Lim, Chang Sik Yu
Received May 1, 2024 Accepted June 16, 2024 Published online July 10, 2025
Purpose The decision for treatment after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in rectal cancer is intricately linked to tumor response and clinical parameters. This study was designed to elucidate determinants influencing treatment decisions for good responders to nCRT, while concurrently evaluating the ramifications of modifications in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tumor response evaluation protocols.
Methods A survey was constructed with 5 cases of good responder after nCRT based on the magnetic resonance–based tumor regression grade (mrTRG) criteria. A total of 35 colorectal surgeons in Korea participated in the survey via email, and they were introduced to 2 discrete MRI-based tumor response evaluation methodologies: the conventional mrTRG and an emergent complete response (CR)/non-CR classification system. Surgeons were directed to select between total mesorectal excision, local excision, or a watch and wait strategy.
Results Treatment decisions varied significantly (P<0.01), as gradually more clinical information was provided with mrTRG. The paradigm shift from mrTRG to CR/non-CR evaluation criterion instigated the highest alteration in decision (P<0.01). Even comparing with other sets of information, decision change with different tumor response assessment (i.e., mrTRG vs. CR/non-CR) was statistically significant (P<0.01). Three particular cases consistently displayed a declining predilection for total mesorectal excision, favoring a more pronounced inclination towards watch and wait strategy or local excision. Nonetheless, the magnitude of these decisional shifts oscillated depending on the specific endoscopic imagery present.
Conclusion Our current findings underscore the significant role of tumor response assessment methods in shaping treatment decisions for rectal cancer patients who respond well to nCRT. This highlights the need for clear and accurate tools to interpret MRI results.
Francesco Saverio Lucido, Giusiana Nesta, Luigi Brusciano, Claudio Gambardella, Francesco Pizza, Giuseppe Scognamiglio, Gianmattia del Genio, Salvatore Tolone, Federico Maria Mongardini, Massimo Mongardini, Ludovico Docimo, Simona Parisi
Received September 29, 2024 Accepted January 20, 2025 Published online June 18, 2025
Purpose Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy can be performed via intracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis (ICA) or extracorporeal ileocolic anastomosis (ECA). Prior studies have emphasized ICA’s advantages in hospital stay and postoperative pain. This multicenter study aimed to compare the 2-year incidence of incisional hernia between ICA (using a suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision) and ECA (using a pararectal incision) and assess perioperative outcomes.
Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy between 2019 and 2020, divided into 2 groups: ICA with a Pfannenstiel incision and ECA with a pararectal incision.
Results The mean operative time was longer in the ICA group (190 minutes vs. 170 minutes, P=0.004). Despite requiring advanced surgical skills and prolonged operative time, ICA was associated with superior short-term outcomes and a significantly lower incisional hernia rate compared to ECA (1.2% vs. 14.7%, P=0.044) at 24-month follow-up.
Conclusion ICA is linked to longer operative times, but shorter hospital stays, fewer wound complications, and reduced incisional hernia rates compared to ECA.
Daniela Rega, Ernesto De Giulio, Raffaele De Luca, Andrea Muratore, Marco Milone, Giuseppe Sica, Paolo Millo, Carmela Cervone, Nicola Cillara, Patrizia Marsanic, Brunella Maria Pirozzi, Valeria Grazia Malagnino, Pietro Anoldo, Marcello Calabrò, Giovanni De Palma, Michele Simone, Paolo Delrio
Received December 3, 2024 Accepted February 9, 2025 Published online June 4, 2025
Purpose Anastomotic leaks (AL) remain a major complication following right colectomy for colon cancer. This multicenter, prospective, observational study evaluated the efficacy of Glubran 2, a cyanoacrylate-based sealant, in reducing the incidence of AL by reinforcing ileocolic anastomoses.
Methods The study enrolled 380 patients undergoing right colectomy for colon cancer across 7 Italian hospitals. Glubran 2 was applied to reinforce ileocolic anastomoses. The primary endpoint was a 50% reduction in AL incidence from a baseline of 6.18% within 10 days after surgery. Secondary endpoints included examining the correlation between AL and preexisting risk factors and determining the rate of anastomotic bleeding. Statistical analyses employed binomial tests and logistic regression.
Results The AL rate was reduced to 1.85% compared to the reference rate of 6.18% (P<0.01). Glubran 2 exhibited a protective effect even in patients with preexisting risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or prior surgeries; none of these factors was significantly associated with AL (P>0.05). Surgical technique (P=0.687), anastomosis technique (P=0.998), and anastomosis type (P=0.998) did not influence AL rates. Operation time was similar across groups (P=0.613), and anastomotic bleeding occurred in 1.3% of cases, with no association with AL (P=0.989).
Conclusion Glubran 2 was safely applied to ileocolic anastomoses, significantly reducing AL rates and potentially providing a protective effect even in patients with known risk factors. Its hemostatic and bacteriostatic properties support improved postoperative outcomes, highlighting its potential as an effective adjunct in colorectal surgery. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and explore broader applications.
Purpose This study was performed to assess the long-term annual functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) after transanal rectocele repair.
Methods We evaluated retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent transanal repair for symptomatic rectocele between February 2012 and December 2018. The Constipation Scoring System (CSS), the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI), and several QOL questionnaires (e.g., the Patient Assessment of Constipation-QOL [PAC-QOL], Fecal Incontinence QOL, and the 36-Item Short Form Survey [SF-36]) were administered before surgery and annually after surgery. Additionally, physiological assessments and defecography were performed before and after surgery. Substantial symptom improvement, indicated by at least a 50% reduction in the CSS or FISI score, was evaluated postoperatively. All postoperative follow-up results were compared with the preoperative data.
Results Thirty-two patients were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 5 years (range, 0.5−7 years). Postoperative defecography showed that the rectocele size significantly decreased (P<0.0001). However, the physiological assessment did not reveal postoperative changes. The CSS score 1 year after surgery was significantly lower than the preoperative score (P<0.0001) and remained significantly low until the long-term follow-up. Constipation improved by more than 80% 2 to 5 years postoperatively, and fecal incontinence improved in 2/3 of the patients after 5 years. The PAC-QOL scores significantly improved (all P<0.05) over time until the 3-year and long-term follow-ups, and 6 of the 8 SF-36 scores significantly improved at specific points postoperatively.
Conclusion Transanal rectocele repair provides long-term improvement for constipation and constipation-specific QOL.
Citations
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Transvaginal repair of rectocele for obstructed defecation syndrome: a case report Liman Zhang, Jie Yang, Qiang Wang, Lili Wang, Shuzhen Su, Lifang Wang, Shiyuan Li Journal of Surgical Case Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Laparoscopic or transanal repair of rectocele? Comparison of a reduction in rectocele size Akira Tsunoda, Tomoko Takahashi, Satoshi Matsuda, Hiroshi Kusanagi International Journal of Colorectal Disease.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Purpose Bacteriological sample in the presence of intra-abdominal free fluid is necessary to adapt the antibiotherapy and to prevent the development of resistance. The aim was to evaluate the differences between uncomplicated acute appendicitis (UAA) and complicated acute appendicitis (CAA) in terms of bacterial culture results and antibiotic resistance, and to evaluate the factors linked with CAA.
Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective observational study of all consecutive patients who presented with appendicular peritonitis and underwent emergent surgery in a tertiary referral hospital in Brussels, Belgium, between January 2013 and December 2020. The medical history, parameters at admission, bacterial culture, antibiotic resistance, and postoperative outcomes of 268 patients were analyzed. UAA was considered catarrhal or phlegmonous inflammation of the appendix. CAA was considered gangrenous or perforated appendicitis.
Results Positive microbiological cultures were significantly higher in the CAA group (68.2% vs. 53.4%). The most frequently isolated bacteria in UAA and CAA cultures were Escherichia coli (37.9% and 48.6%, respectively). Most observed resistances were against ampicillin (28.9% and 21.7%) and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (16.4% and 10.5%) in UAA and CAA, respectively. A higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, an elevated white blood cell count, an open procedure, and the need for drainage were linked to CAA. Culture results, group of bacterial isolation, and most common isolated bacteria were not related to CAA.
Conclusion CAA presented a higher rate of positive cultures with increased identification of gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial culture from the peritoneal liquid does not reveal relevant differences in terms of antibiotic resistance.
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Purpose Retrorectal tumors (RTs) are rare tumors that arise in the space between the mesorectum and the pelvic wall and often originate in embryonic tissues. The primary treatment for these tumors is complete excision surgery, and choosing the best surgical approach is very important.
Methods In this study, we retrospectively collected the data of 15 patients with RTs who underwent surgery in Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran, Iran) for 12 years to share our experiences of patients’ treatment and compare different surgical approaches.
Results A total of 5 tumors were malignant, 10 were benign, and most of the tumors were congenital. Malignant tumors were seen in older patients. Three surgical procedures were performed on patients. Three patients underwent abdominal approach surgery, and 8 patients underwent posterior surgery. A combined surgical approach was performed on 4 patients. Two patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. The abdominal approach had the least long-term complication, and the combined approach had the most complications; laparoscopic surgery reduced the length of hospital stay and complications after surgery.
Conclusion A multidisciplinary team collaboration using magnetic resonance imaging details is necessary to determine a surgical treatment approach. It could reduce the need for a preoperative biopsy. However, every approach has its advantages and disadvantages, and individualized treatment is the key.
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Purpose Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of combining fissurectomy with botulinum toxin A injection in treating chronic anal fissures.
Methods A single surgeon in Saudi Arabia conducted a nonrandomized prospective cohort study between October 2015 and July 2020. The cohort included 116 female patients with chronic anal fissures, with a mean age of 36.57±11.52 years, who presented to the surgical outpatient clinic and received a botulinum toxin injection combined with fissurectomy. They were followed up with at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks to evaluate the effects of the treatment, then again at 1 year. The primary outcome measures were symptomatic relief, complications, recurrence, and the need for further surgical intervention.
Results Treatment with botulinum toxin A combined with fissurectomy was effective in 99.1% of patients with chronic anal fissures at 1 year. Five patients experienced recurrence at 8 weeks, which resolved completely with a pharmacological sphincterotomy. Twelve patients experienced minor incontinence, which later disappeared. Pain completely disappeared in more than half of the patients (55.2%) within 7 to 14 days. Pain started to improve in less than 8 days among patients treated with a dose of 50±10 IU (P=0.002).
Conclusion Seventy units of botulinum toxin A injection combined with a fissurectomy is a suitable second-line treatment of choice for chronic anal fissures, with a high degree of success and low rate of major morbidity.
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