Functional outcome after low anterior resection for rectal cancer using the colonic J-pouch

The functional outcome after low anterior resection (LAR) using the colonic J-pouch was compared with that after LAR using straight anastomosis. Colonic J-pouch construction was performed in 58 patients who underwent resection of tumors located 5–10 cm from the anal verge (J-pouch group). Functional assessment was performed 1 year postoperatively. Clinical function was evaluated using a scoring system, while physiologic sphincter and reservoir function were evaluated by anorectal manometry. The historical control group consisted of 20 patients who underwent LAR with straight anastomoses (straight group). The functional score of the J-pouch group was significantly better than that of the straight group. Although sphincter function was similar in the two groups, reservoir function was significantly better in the J-pouch group than in the straight group. These results demonstrated that the functional outcome following LAR for rectal cancer is improved by the colonic J-pouch construction.     

Functional results of colonic J-pouch anastomosis for rectal cancer

n = 15) and S-LAR (n = 30). The clinical functions were assessed by an incontinence scoring system. The physiologic function was assessed by anorectal manometry and the balloon expulsion test. No patients demonstrated a diverting stoma. The bowel frequency (range) 1 year after operation was 4.8 (3–6) in the S-LAR group and significantly decreased to 1.8 (1–3) in the J-LAR group (P < 0.05). Complete evacuation was 50.2% (40%–60%) in the S-LAR group and significantly increased to 80.6% (60%–90%) in the J-LAR group (P < 0.05). Neorectal compliance was 2.2 (1.4–2.9) ml/mmHg in the S-LAR group and significantly increased to 3.1 (1.3–3.5) ml/mmHg in the J-LAR group (P < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the maximum resting or maximum voluntary squeezing pressure. In conclusion, our findings suggested colonic pouch anastomosis performed after a low anterior resection to support the compliance of the (neo)rectum to be an important factor for retaining a satisfactory bowel frequency. (Received for publication on May 21, 1998; accepted on Nov. 6, 1998)     

Transanal Inside-Out Rectal Resection for Ultra-Low Rectal Cancer

ABSTRACT

Two major issues encountered in the surgical resection of low rectal cancers (tumor located <6 cm from anal verge) are tumor-free surgical resection margin and adequate fields of colo-anal pull-through anastomosis. The clinical consequences of ensuring gross tumor-free surgical resection margin by transanal inside-out rectal resection technique were assessed for ultra-low rectal cancer patients. From February 2009 to September 2011, ultra-low anterior resection with a new method of eversion of the rectum through the anal canal after resecting the distal rectum and colo-anal anastomosis extracorporally performed in 30 patients (age range, 41–80 years) was reviewed. All patients received preoperative neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) before the surgical resection. The median operating time was 265 min (range, 220–400 min), and the median intraoperative blood loss was 325 ml (range, 80–855 ml). No in-hospital mortality was noted among these patients. R0 resection (tumor-free margin range, 0.9–2.5 cm) was confirmed in all patients by pathologic reports, except one patient with 0.5 cm tumor-free margin. The new surgical technique of transanal inside-out rectal resection and colo-anal pull-through anastomosis for selected patients with ultra-low rectal cancers seems to be a safe and alternative procedure.     

The colonic J-pouch in colo-anal anastomosis

Anastomosis of the colon to the anal canal is now an accepted technique in the surgical management of low and mid rectal cancers. Although significant postoperative bowel disturbance is often seen with straight colo‐anal anastomosis, controversy exists over the benefit of adding a colonic pouch for low anastomoses. Several short and long‐term studies have demonstrated the early functional superiority of pouch‐anal over straight anastomosis. Pouch construction does not compromise anal physiological parameters. It is recommended the pouch be constructed from a length of descending colon and be small (5 cm) in size to adequately act as a neo‐rectum; long‐term evacuatory difficulties are encountered with the construction of large pouches (10 cm). Anastomotic complications appear to be less frequent with pouch surgery; construction of a pouch does not significantly add to operative time, patient morbidity and mortality. At present there is no compromise to long‐term oncological survival. The data supporting these statements is weak and based largely upon retrospective studies. Furthermore the impact of improved function with pouch‐anal anastomosis on overall quality of life has been poorly investigated. Further prospective randomized studies are required to ascertain whether the potential benefits of a colonic pouch are realized in the randomized setting.     

结肠癌根治术后再发癌的外科治疗措施

1980～1995年收治结肠癌根治术后再发癌患者19例，手术探查11例，其中手术再切除6例，术后均辅以化疗疗，另外8例单纯化疗。结果表明再次手术切除加化疗病例组的生存率明显高于单纯化疗组(P<0．01)和手术探查加化疗组(P<0．01)，差异非常显著。手术探查加化疗组的生存率略高于单纯化疗组，但无显著差异(P>0.05)。因而，对于结肠癌根治术后再发癌的治疗应以积极争取再手术切除为主要手段，术后辅以化疗。     

Functional results after “high” coloanal anastomosis and “low” coloanal anastomosis with a colonic J-pouch for rectal carcinoma

The aim of this study was to determine the postoperative function of neorectoanal components using two different types of very low coloanal reconstruction. The two groups of patients assessed were 22 who underwent abdominal rectal resection and stapled “high” coloanal anastomosis without a pouch, being the HCAA-P group; and 34 who underwent anoabdominal rectal resection and “low” coloanal anastomosis with a colonic J-pouch, being the LCAA+P group. Manometric metric examination was performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and the patients were also assessed by a questionnaire. The LCAA+P group had remarkably less daily stool frequency and urgency, but there were no significant differences in the other functional parameters. Maximum resting pressure (MRP) was significantly less, while threshold volume (TV) and maximum tolerable volume (MTV) were greater in the LCAA+P group than in the HCAA-P group. The colonic J-pouch compensated for decreased MRP. Thus, when HCAA-P is performed, 3.0 cm of residual rectum with internal anal sphincter may be required, and construction of the pelvic pouch is desirable in low coloanal anastomosis.     

Quality of life after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND: After total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer, many surgeons try to avoid an abdominoperineal resection (APR) by performing a transanally double stapled low colo-rectal anastomosis (LRA), frequently without a pouch. This policy is mainly based on the assumption that the quality of life after such LRA is higher than after APR. It has been suggested that a better functional outcome and therefore a higher quality of life might be achieved by a colo-anal J-pouch anastomosis (CPA). The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among disease-free survivors after APR, LRA and CPA. METHODS: The charts of 301 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for cancer in the middle or lower third of the rectum were analysed. Two hundred four patients were eligible for inclusion. The quality of life among these patients was assessed using one generic (EQ-5D) and two disease-specific questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-CR38). RESULTS: The response rate was 82%. The median follow-up was 31 months. Overall, quality of life was good but CPA patients had better quality of life scores than APR and LRA patients. This difference was not only due to the better functional outcome but also to the lower incidence of disturbed micturition and sexual problems in the CPA group. CONCLUSION: The quality of life after colo-anal J-pouch anastomosis is better than after abdominoperineal resection (APR) and low colo-rectal anastomosis (LRA). The quality of life after APR is similar to that after LRA.     

左侧结肠憩室炎诊断与治疗体会（附29例报告）

本文介绍我院４６年来收治的２９例左侧结肠憩室炎病人的诊治情况。２９例全部作了手术，其中急诊手术２２例，择期手术７例。诊断主要依靠病史、体征、泛影葡胺灌肠和ＣＴ检查。提出急诊手术与择期手术的手术指征，手术方式的选择方法。对各种手术方式的利弊作了比较。因结肠憩室炎易复发，复发周期在３～４个月．因此择期手术强调在第一次复发后３个月作手术。又因年轻病人予后常较严重，强调第一次发作后３～４周积极行手术治疗。     

Large contractions in the colonic J-pouch as a possible cause of incomplete evacuation

Background and aim Restoration of neo-rectal capacity is of importance in obtaining better bowel function after low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma. However, evacuatory disorders, such as incomplete evacuation, have been reported in some patients undergoing colonic J-pouch reconstruction. Therefore, we conducted this study to explore the possible factor affecting incomplete evacuation following low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma.Patients/methods The subjects were 37 consecutive patients who had undergone low anterior resection for rectal tumor (colonic J-pouch in 13 patients, straight anastomosis in 24). Clinical and physiological outcomes were determined at a mean follow-up time of 12 months after the operation, and the parameters were compared between patients with and without postoperative incomplete evacuation.Results Although anastomosis level from the anal verge was lower in the J-pouch group (6.5 cm vs 3.9 cm, P<0.05), there was no significant difference between J-pouch and straight reconstruction regarding clinical and physiological outcomes. Postoperative incomplete evacuation was significantly more frequent in the J-pouch group than in the straight group (46% vs 25%, P<0.05). Postoperative large contractions on ano-rectal manometry were also significantly more apparent in the J-pouch group than in the straight group (31% vs 4%, P<0.05). Presence of postoperative large contractions (P=0.004), anastomotic stricture (P=0.019) and smaller postoperative maximum tolerable volume (P=0.009) were significantly and independently associated with incomplete evacuation by multivariate analysis.Conclusion Colonic J-pouch reconstruction following ultra-low anterior resection was comparable with higher level straight anastomosis from the clinical and physiological point of view. The presence of large contractions might be an important indicator of incomplete evacuation in patients who are undergoing rectal resection.     

RESECTION AND ANASTOMOSIS OF OBSTRUCTED LEFT COLONIC CANCER: PRIMARY OR STAGED?

A retrospective analysis of the treatment of 70 patients with obstructed left colonic cancer was undertaken in order to assess whether staged or primary resection was more appropriate. Thirty-four patients had initial colostomy and staged resection (group 1) while 36 patients were treated by primary resection and immediate anastomosis following intra-operative bowel washout (group 2). There were seven deaths (10%), five in group 1 and two in group 2. The wound infection rate and average hospital stay were 44% and 36 days in group l and 19.4% and 16.5 days in group 2, respectively. Twenty per cent of patients in group 1 did not complete their staged procedures and had to live with their colostomies. The smoother postoperative recovery and shorter hospital stay was particularly significant in group 2 patients. As primary resection and anastomosis can now be performed with relative safety and reduced morbidity, we conclude that staged procedures can no longer be accepted as standard treatment for left colonic obstruction.     

ACUTE COLONIC PSEUDO-OBSTRUCTION

Background : Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is an acute non-mechanical colonic obstruction. Twenty patients with this condition presenting between 1988 and 1996 were retrospectively reviewed to identify the incidence and potential aetiologic factors, and to establish a uniform therapeutic approach. Methods : Patients who fulfilled the criteria of acute pseudo-obstruction of the colon were reviewed retrospectively from a computerized database, and from a study of the hospital notes. Results : There were 12 men and eight women with a median age of 71 years. Seventeen patients (85%) had various coexisting medical conditions, and none of the cases had a recent surgical operation or trauma. Four patients had previous similar attacks. Patients had a median duration of symptoms and a hospital stay of 3 and 7 days, respectively. Diagnosis was based on the clinical features coupled with the findings on plain abdominal X-rays and contrast enema. Sixteen patients were successfully treated conservatively over a median time of 5 days. Three patients had a laparotomy: two patients had tube caecostomy (followed by complications), and one patient had no further treatment. One patient had colonoscopy with an unsatisfactory result. Two patients (10%) died and three (15%) developed complications. Conclusions : Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction is an uncommon but serious condition. The majority of our patients (17/20) had associated significant medical problems. Most of the patients were successfully managed conservatively. This was the preferred initial line of treatment in this department during the study period.     

Hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis for distal rectal cancer: Long-term clinical outcomes

As the oncologic safety of coloanal anastomosis (CAA) has been proved by many other authors, the incidence of CAA following ultralow anterior resection has increased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome and complications of patients who underwent ultralow anterior resection and CAA for distal rectal cancer. Fifty-seven patients underwent CAA following ultralow anterior resection between July 1997 and November 2003. Forty-four patients, who were followed up more than 6 months after diverting ileostomy closure, were evaluated for recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes. The mean follow-up period was 36.3 +/- 22.8 months (range, 8-83 months). The complications were multiple fistula (n = 3), fistula with anal stenosis (n=1), local recurrence with anal stenosis (n = 1), and anal stenosis (n = 7). Anal incontinence (Kirwan grade III) was noted in 14 patients, and bowel movements were observed more than six times per day in 16 patients. Overall recurrence occurred in six patients (13.6%). The 5-year survival rate was 85.3%, and the disease-free 5-year survival rate was 73.3%. Although CAA in patients with rectal cancer provides excellent long-term survival, a low risk of recurrence, and tolerable function, complications and poor functional outcomes of CAA do occur. Therefore, the choice of this method should be considered carefully.     

TRENDS IN SURVIVAL FROM COLONIC CANCER: THE IMPACT OF SUBSPECIALIZATION

Background: Data from population-based registries have demonstrated a recent increase in case survival for colonic cancer which has been attributed to earlier diagnosis. The present study was performed to identify time trends in case survival for patients with colonic cancer in a single institution, and to identify factors associated with any such improvement. Methods: Data regarding 1264 patients with colonic cancer who were diagnosed between January 1981 and December 1995 were obtained from the Royal Adelaide Hospital Cancer Registry. Prognostic factors examined were age, sex, Australian clinicopathologic stage (ACPS), differentiation and year of diagnosis. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between patient subgroups were tested using univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. Patterns of adjuvant therapy were stable throughout the study period. Results: The study group comprised 1264 patients. Key independent predictors of case survival after controlling for covariables were found to be earlier-stage disease (P < 0.001), moderately or well differentiated tumours (P < 0.001), and more recently diagnosed tumours (P= 0.011). Specifically, the 5-year survival rates (± SE) increased from 40.3% (± 3.2) for 1981–83 to 48.3% (± 3.3) for 1984–86 and 51.6% (± 2.1) for 1987–95. This increase in case survival was temporally associated with the establishment of a specialty colorectal surgical unit within the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Conclusions: This study of patients with colonic cancer from a single institution confirms previously observed, population registry-based, increases in case survival over recent years. Such improvement was independent of trends in tumour stage and differentiation and the use of adjuvant therapies. This provides evidence that survival outcomes for colonic cancer are influenced by surgical expertise.     

ANTERIOR RESECTION USING THE CIRCULAR STAPLING INSTRUMENT: A SINGAPORE EXPERIENCE*

The circular stapler was used for colorectal anastomosis in 38 patients (rectal carcinoma 37 cases, sigmoid diverticulitis one case). In Singapore Chinese patients, the most commonly used cartridge size was the EEA 28 mm and ILS 29 mm. The incidence of clinical anastomotic leakage in patients with complete resection rings was 10% (three leaks in 32 patients), leakage occurring only amongst the 24 patients who had resection of a tumour 6–9 cm from the anal verge. Significant, though easily dilatable, stenosis occurred in three patients (8%), and was associated with rectal membrane formation in two patients. Local recurrence, occurring in seven patients in a 0.5–3 year follow-up period was associated with Dukes' C disease; two recurrences occurred in four patients in whom the distal bowel clearance was less than 1.5 cm. The circular stapler facilitates sphincter conservation in mid-rectal cancer and its use in low anterior resection is justifiable when performed with a distal bowel clearance of 2 cm and complete excision of pararectal tissue above the pelvic floor muscles.     

Long-Term Functional Outcome of Colonic J-pouch Reconstruction After Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

Purpose To evaluate the long-term functional outcome of colonic J-pouch reconstruction after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer in a prospective study. Methods We compared the functional outcome of 46 patients who underwent J-pouch reconstruction (J-group) and 49 patients who underwent straight anastomosis (S-group) after LAR for rectal cancer. We evaluated clinical function using a 17-item questionnaire about different aspects of bowel function. Physiologic reservoir function was evaluated by manovolumetry. Results Among the patients with an ultralow anastomosis (≤4 cm from the anal verge), those in the J-group had fewer bowel movements during the day and at night, and less urgency, soiling, protective pad use, incontinence, and dissatisfaction with bowel function than those in the S-group. Among the patients with a low anastomosis (5–8 cm from the verge), those in the J-group had fewer bowel movements at night, and less urgency and soiling than those in the S-group. Moreover, reservoir function (reflected by the maximum tolerable volume, threshold volume, and compliance) was better in the J-group than in the S-group in both the ultralow and low anastomosis groups. Conclusion J-pouch reconstruction after low anterior resection creates a better stool reservoir than straight anastomosis, especially when the anastomosis is less than 4 cm from the anal verge, resulting in a better quality of life 3 years after rectal cancer resection.     

J型贮袋直肠吻合术对肛门功能影响的回顾性研究

目的评价低位直肠癌前切除保肛术后J型贮袋对改善排便功能的疗效。方法 60例患者行低位直肠癌前切除术以及结直肠或结肛吻合,其中22例应用J型贮袋（贮袋组）、38例应用结直肠或结肛直接吻合（无袋组）。记录并比较两组患者的术后并发症的发生情况及排便情况,对术后6个月和12个月的排便功能进行评估。结果两组间术后并发症发生率无明显差异。6个月后贮袋组患者在夜间溢便、漏稀便、区别排气排便和集团性排便方面明显优于无袋组。在术后6个月、12个月贮袋组的延缓排便均优于无袋组（P〈0.05）;两组在便不尽、需抗腹泻药和使用缓泻剂方面无显著性差异。结论结肠J型贮袋可改善低位直肠癌前切除患者术后早期的控变能力。     

The selective use of splenic flexure mobilization is safe in both laparoscopic and open anterior resections

Aim Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is standard practice in anterior resections. No previous studies have compared outcomes with and without SFM in laparoscopic and open colorectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to determine whether routine or selective SFM should be advised. Method Data were collected prospectively on all elective anterior resections for cancer in our unit between October 2006 and November 2009. Results Of 263 resections, SFM data were recorded in 216; 138 were laparoscopic (32% with SFM, 3.6% converted) and 78 open (68% with SFM). Eighty‐eight were low anterior resections (LARs) for mid‐low rectal cancers, with 54 laparoscopic (50% with SFM) and 34 open (91% with SFM). Comparing laparoscopic with SFM to without, differences were found in the proportion of LARs (61%vs 29%, P < 0.001), defunctioning ileostomy rates (75%vs 46%, P = 0.001) and operative time (median 255 vs 185 min, P < 0.001), with no differences in age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology score, preoperative treatment, length of stay, lymph node yield, conversion rate, mortality, anastomotic leakage, reoperation, readmission and R0 resection. No differences in outcomes were seen between laparoscopic LARs with and without SFM or between open resections with and without SFM. Conclusion Our results show no disadvantage in short‐term clinical or oncological outcomes when SFM was avoided. Laparoscopic anterior resections with SFM take longer. A selective approach to SFM is safe during anterior resection (open or laparoscopic), including mid‐low rectal cancers.