Anastomotic recurrence after sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer

A retrospective study of anastomotic recurrence after sphincter-saving resection for rectal cancer is presented. During the 21 years from 1962 to 1982, 273 patients with rectal cancer underwent sphincter-saving resection and 30 (11 percent) of them had anastomotic recurrences. Computer analysis of 69 variables was undertaken to identify factors contributing to the anastomotic recurrence, with special reference to the length of distal clearance of the bowel. There was no significant correlation between the incidence of recurrence and the length of distal clearance of the bowel, if the latter was over 2 cm. There appears to be justification for carrying out a curative sphincter-saving operation for cases in which more than a 2-cm distal margin can be afforded. However, for cancers of the infiltrating type, annular growths, invasion to adjacent organs or mucinous features, a more extensive distal clearance of the bowel is necessary, and the Miles operation should be performed.     

Preoperative irradiation affects functional results after surgery for rectal cancer

PURPOSE: The Swedish Rectal Cancer Trial has unequivocally demonstrated that preoperative high-dose (5 × 5 Gy) radiotherapy reduces local failure rates and improves overall survival. This will have an impact on the primary treatment of rectal cancer. This study investigates the effect of preoperative high-dose radiotherapy on long-term bowel function in patients treated with anterior resection. METHODS: A questionnaire was answered by 92 percent (203/220) of patients who were included in the Swedish Rectal Cancer Trial and who were alive after a minimum of five years. Thirty-two patients were excluded, mainly because of postoperative stomas and dementia, which left 171 for analysis. RESULTS: Median bowel frequency per week was 20 in the irradiated group (n=84) and 10 in the surgery-alone group (n=87;P<0.001). Incontinence for loose stools (P<0.001), urgency (P<0.001), and emptying difficulties (P<0.05) were all more common after irradiation. Sensory functions such as discrimination between gas and stool and ability to safely release flatus did not, however, differ between groups. Thirty percent of the irradiated group stated that they had an impaired social life because of bowel dysfunction, compared with 10 percent of the surgery-alone group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that high-dose radiotherapy influences long-term bowel function, thus emphasizing the need for finding predictive factors for local recurrence to exclude patients with a very high probability for cure with surgery alone and to use optimized radiation techniques.Supported by the Swedish Cancer Society (Grant 1921-B97-15XCC).Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 22 to 26, 1997.     

套袖式吻合技术在腹腔镜超低位直肠癌保肛手术中的应用

目的探讨套袖式吻合技术在腹腔镜超低位直肠癌保肛手术的安全性、有效性及近期疗效。 方法回顾性分析中国医学科学院北京协和医学院肿瘤医院2018年4月至2019年2月采用套袖式吻合技术完成的腹腔镜超低位直肠癌保肛手术患者的临床资料,统计并分析患者的临床特征、病理特征、手术和术后恢复情况、围手术期并发症及术后肛门功能等资料。 结果共有40例患者成功完成应用套袖式吻合技术的腹腔镜超低位直肠癌保肛手术,2例患者术中因结肠残端血供较差行预防性回肠造口,其中21例（52.5%）患者术前行新辅助治疗,肿瘤距肛缘中位距离为4 cm,中位手术时间为166.5 min,中位术中出血量为20.0 mL。肿瘤中位长径为2.5 cm,中位近端切缘长度为10.3 cm,中位远端切缘长度为1.0 cm,中位淋巴结检出数目为13.10枚。患者术后中位下地时间、进食时间、排气时间和住院时间分别为19.0 h、12.5 h、20.5 h和6.0 d,中位住院费用为47 646.0元。随访过程中,结肠残端回缩入盆腔的中位时间为12.0 d,其中4例（10%）患者术后出现吻合口漏,行临时性肠造口手术后逐渐好转,1例（2.5%）患者术后出现结肠残端出血,4例（10%）患者术后出现肛周粪水性皮炎,2例（5%）患者术后出现肛周疼痛,均予对症止处理后好转。术后3个月采用低前切除综合征（LARS）评分量表评估肛门功能,其中,8例（20%）无LARS,23例（57.5%）轻度LARS,9例（22.5%）重度LARS。随访期间无患者肿瘤复发或者转移。 结论应用套袖式吻合技术的腹腔镜超低位直肠癌保肛手术安全可行,避免了常规预防性造口,近期疗效较为满意,其远期疗效待进一步随访观察。     

Indications for colonic J-pouch reconstruction after anterior resection for rectal cancer

PURPOSE: Functional outcome after anterior resection for rectal cancer is improved by colonic J-pouch reconstruction compared with straight anastomosis. The indications for colonic J-pouch reconstruction have yet to be determined. Therefore, we attempted to determine the level at which J-pouch reconstruction provides an advantage over straight anastomosis. METHODS: A total of 48 patients who underwent 5-cm colonic J-pouch reconstruction (J-pouch group) and 80 patients who underwent straight anastomosis (straight group) underwent functional assessment one year postoperatively. RESULTS: The functional outcome in the J-pouch group was significantly better than that in the straight group when the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge was less than 8 cm. The difference was particularly obvious when the level of the anastomosis was below 4 cm. However, functional outcome in the straight group when the anastomosis was between 9 and 12 cm from the anal verge was also satisfactory and did not differ from that in the J-pouch group when the anastomosis was between 5 and 8 cm from the anal verge. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic J-pouch reconstruction is indicated when the distance of anastomosis from the anal verge is less than 8 cm, and it is essential when the distance is less than 4 cm.Supported in part by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science and a Grant-in-Aid for Cancer Research from the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare.     

Effect of age factors on health-related quality of life in patients with lower rectal cancer after sphincter-saving surgery: A 1-year longitudinal study

PurposeTo examine age-related factors influencing health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among patients with lower rectal cancer during the 12-month period after sphincter-saving surgery (SSS).Material and methodsIn this 1-year longitudinal study, 137 patients (120 patients completed, and 82 aged ≥60 years) answered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire (EORTC-C30/CR38) assessing their HR-QOL and related factors during the 12 months after SSS.ResultsNo significant differences in HR-QOL were found before surgery. Only among those aged ≥60 years, global health status/QOL and cognitive functioning showed a significant decrease one month after surgery. At one month after SSS, the role functioning of groups <60 years old (which is negatively related to defecation problems, insomnia, and financial difficulties) was lower compared to those aged ≥60 years; and role functioning was significantly related to global health status/QOL. Six months after SSS, the global health status/QOL had recovered. In both groups, global health status/QOL was related to role and social functioning. Among participants aged <60 years, global health status/QOL was significantly related to emotional functioning, which is related to future perspective. Among participants aged ≥60 years only, global health status/QOL was significantly related to cognitive functioning; pain, financial difficulties, and defecation problems negatively influenced HR-QOL. Symptoms specific after SSS: defecation problems (in both group), micturition problems (only ≥60 years), and sexual problems (only<60 years) influenced HR-QOL.ConclusionHealth care providers should assess the influence of age-related factors during the early post-operative period after SSS to improve HR-QOL.     

Dealing with robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer:current status and perspectives

The laparoscopic approach for treatment of rectal cancer has been proven feasible and oncologically safe, and is able to offer better short-term outcomes than traditional open procedures, mainly in terms of reduced length of hospital stay and time to return to working activity. In spite of this, the laparoscopic technique is usually practised only in high-volume experienced centres, mainly because it requires a prolonged and demanding learning curve. It has been estimated that over 50 operations are required for an experienced colorectal surgeon to achieve proficiency with this technique. Robotic surgery enables the surgeon to perform minimally invasive operations with better vision and more intuitive and precise control of the operating instruments, thus promising to overcome some of the technical difficulties associated with standard laparoscopy. It has high-definition threedimensional vision, it translates the surgeon's hand movements into precise movements of the instruments inside the patient, the camera is held and moved by the first surgeon, and a fourth robotic arm is available as a fixed retractor. The aim of this review is to summarise the current data on clinical and oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted surgery in rectal cancer, focusing on short- and long-term results, and providing original data from the authors' centre.     

Abdominoperineal resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer

To evaluate whether surgical resection confers survival advantages in selected patients with resectable locally recurrent rectal cancer, data on 430 patients who underwent R0 resection for primary rectal cancer were prospectively collected over a 14-year period. Resection of recurrent disease was considered R0 when all cancer tissue was resected with microscopically tumor-free surgical margins. Microscopic evidence of disease at resection margins was considered an R1 resection. Recurrent disease was detected in 158 of 430 patients. Local recurrence was found in 91 patients, including (79%) with resection-site relapse only. These patients were considered for surgery unless defined unresectability criteria were met. A total of 35 patients who had abdominoperineal excision following anterior resection were studied retrospectively. Mortality associated with the procedure was 3% and morbidity was 20%. The resection was R0 in 12 patients, while microscopic margins were involved in 23 patients. 10 patients had extended resection of one or several adjacent organs Median operating time and blood loss were 250 min and 500 ml respectively. Median hospital stay was 25 days. 21/23 R1 patients received postoperative radiotherapy. Return to normal activity occurred at 8.2 (SD 4.2) weeks. No patients were lost to follow-up. Overall median survival was 26.4 months; 5-year survival was 25.4%. In spite of several survival predictors at univariate analysis, R0 or R1 resection was the only independent predictor of survival at multivariate analysis (add ratio 112.7, 95% CI 3.6–3500, p=0.007). Median survival rate was not reached at the 146-month follow-up in patients with R0 resection. Median survival rate was 16.6 months in patients with R1 resection. In conclusion, uninvolved microscopic margins produce long-term survivors after surgical resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer. Received: 24 June 2001 / Accepted: 13 July 2001     

低位直肠癌切除术后影响功能因素分析及对策

直肠癌是常见的消化道恶性肿瘤,在我国多数是位于腹膜返折以下的低位直肠癌。近年来,随着直肠癌理论研究的深入和手术技术的提高,低位直肠癌保肛手术率在逐年上升。目前临床上常用的保肛术式有低位前切除术（LAR）、经括约肌间切除术（ISR）等,但保肛术后出现的各种肛门功能问题一直困扰着患者和医生。笔者通过回顾文献并结合自身经验就低位直肠癌保肛术后影响肛门功能的因素及处理对策进行探讨。     

Pre-operative hypoalbuminemia is a major risk factor for postoperative complications following rectal cancer surgery

AIM： To determine the relationship between preoperative hypoalbuminemia and the development of complications following rectal cancer surgery, as well as postoperative bowel function and hospital stay.
METHODS： The medical records of 244 patients undergoing elective oncological resection for rectal adenocarcinoma at Siriraj Hospital during 2003 and 2006 were reviewed. The patients had pre-operative serum albumin assessment. Albumin less than 35 g/L was recognized as hypoalbuminemia. Postoperative outcomes, including mortality, complications, time to first bowel movement, time to first defecation, time to resumption of normal diet and length of hospital stay, were analyzed.
RESULTS： The patients were 139 males （57%） and 105 females （43%） with mean age of 62 years. Fifty-six patients （23%） had hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemic patients had a significantly larger tumor size and lower body mass index compared with non-hypoalbuminemic patients （5.5 vs 4.3 cm; P 〈 0.001 and 21.9 vs 23.2 kg/m^2; P = 0.02, respectively）. Thirty day postoperative mortality was 1.2%. Overall complication rate was 25%. Hypoalbuminemic patients had a significantly higher rate of postoperative complications （37.5% vs 21.3%; P = 0.014）. In univariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia and ASA status were two risk factors for postoperative complications. In multivariate analysis, hypoalbuminemia was the only significant risk factor （odds ratio 2.22,95% CI 1.17-4.23; P 〈 0.015）. Hospitalization in hypoalbuminemic patients was significantly longer than that in non-hypoalbuminemic patients （13 vs 10 d, P = 0.034）, but the parameters of postoperative bowel function were not significantly different between the two groups.
CONCLUSION： Pre-operative hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications following rectal cancer surgery.     

Role of minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer

Rectal cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.Surgical resection for rectal cancer usually requires a proctectomy with respective lymphadenectomy(total mesorectal excision).This has traditionally been performed transabdominally through an open incision.Over the last thirty years,minimally invasive surgery platforms have rapidly evolved with the goal to accomplish the same quality rectal resection through a less invasive approach.There are currently three resective modalities that complement the traditional open operation:(1) Laparoscopic surgery;(2) Robotic surgery;and(3) Transanal total mesorectal excision.In addition,there are several platforms to carry out transluminal local excisions(without lymphadenectomy).Evidence on the various modalities is of mixed to moderate quality.It is unreasonable to expect a randomized comparison of all options in a single trial.This review aims at reviewing in detail the various techniques in regard to intra-/perioperative benchmarks,recovery and complications,oncological and functional outcomes.     

Defunctioning stoma in low anterior resection with colonic pouch for rectal cancer: a comparison between two hospitals with a different policy

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcome, after low anterior resection for rectal cancer with colonic J-pouch, at two departments with a different policy regarding the use of a routine diverting stoma. METHODS: A total of 161 consecutive patients with invasive rectal carcinomas operated on between 1990 and 1997 with a total mesorectal excision and a colonic J-pouch were included in the study. Eighty patients were operated on in a surgical unit using routine defunctioning stomas (96 percent), whereas 81 were operated on in a department in which diversion was rarely used (5 percent). Recorded data with respect to surgical outcome were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two centers in postoperative mortality in connection with the primary resection and subsequent stoma reversal (3.7 vs. 3.8 percent). No significant difference could be found in the number of patients with pelvic sepsis (anastomotic leaks; 9 vs.12 percent). Surgical outcome in patients with pelvic sepsis was also similar. The frequency of reoperations associated with the anterior resection and subsequent stoma reversal was identical (14 percent). The total hospital stay (primary operation and stoma reversal) was significantly longer with than without a routine stoma (17 (range, 2–59) vs. 12 (range, 5–55) days, respectively; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the routine use of diversion does not protect the patient from anastomotic complications or pelvic sepsis and its use requires a second admission for closure.     

Meta-analysis of robotic and laparoscopic surgery for treatment of rectal cancer

AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis to determine the relative merits of robotic surgery (RS) and laparoscopic surgery (LS) for rectal cancer. METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify comparative studies reporting perioperative outcomes for RS and LS for rectal cancer. Pooled odds ratios and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using either the fixed effects model or random effects model. RESULTS: Eight studies matched the selection criteria and r...     

Total mesorectal excision for mid and low rectal cancer: laparoscopic vs robotic surgery

AIM: To compare the short- and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic surgery for middle and low rectal cancer.METHODS: This is a retrospective study on a prospectively collected database containing 111 patients who underwent minimally invasive rectal resection with total mesorectal excision(TME) with curative intent between January 2008 and December 2014(robot, n = 53; laparoscopy, n = 58). The patients all had a diagnosis of middle and low rectal adenocarcinoma with stage?Ⅰ-Ⅲ disease. The median follow-up period was 37.4 mo. Perioperative results, morbidity a pathological data were evaluated and compared. The 3-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were calculated and compared.RESULTS: Patients were comparable in terms of preoperative and demographic parameters. The median surgery time was 192 min for laparoscopic TME(L-TME) and 342 min for robotic TME(R-TME)(P 0.001). There were no differences found in the rates of conversion to open surgery and morbidity. Thepatients who underwent laparoscopic surgery stayed in the hospital two days longer than the robotic group patients(8 d for L-TME and 6 d for R-TME, P 0.001). The pathologic evaluation showed a higher number of harvested lymph nodes in the robotic group(18 for R-TME, 11 for L-TME, P 0.001) and a shorter distal resection margin for laparoscopic patients(1.5 cm for L-TME, 2.5 cm for R-TME, P 0.001). The three-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were similar between groups.CONCLUSION: Both L-TME and R-TME achieved acceptable clinical and oncologic outcomes. The robotic technique showed some advantages in rectal surgery that should be validated by further studies.     

使用下腹部陈旧手术切口做直肠癌标本取出和预防性造口的可行性研究

目的探讨使用下腹部陈旧手术切口做直肠癌标本取出和预防性造口的可行性。 方法回顾性分析解放军总医院第七医学中心普通外科2017年1月~2019年6月间收治的中低位直肠癌腹腔镜保肛手术后行末端回肠双腔造口的患者的临床资料,其中22例应用了既往下腹部及盆腔脏器手术切口取出标本和预防性造口（观察组）;选取同期情况相近的经左侧腹直肌切口取标本,经右下腹行预防性造口的直肠癌患者40例作为对照组。比较两组患者的一般资料和造口及造口还纳相关并发症的发生情况,疼痛情况采用视觉模拟评分法（VAS）比较,出院时采用功能状态（Karnofsky）评分评价患者功能状态。 结果两组患者手术时间、术中出血量、术后进食时间、造口袋首次渗漏时间、结直肠吻合口漏发生率相比较差异均无统计学意义（t=2.539、0.879、0.866、0.774,χ²=6.508;P>0.05）。观察组术后各时间点患者疼痛情况评分分值均显著低于对照组（t=5.695,7.614,6.677;P<0.05）,术后使用镇痛药物人次显著下降（χ²=5.213,P<0.05）。两组患者造口相关并发症发生率、造口还纳相关并发症的发生率相比较差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组Karnofsky功能状态评分为（83.7±5.6）分,显著高于对照组（78.4±5.2）分（t=2.906,P<0.05）。 结论对于中低位直肠癌保肛手术后行末端回肠双腔造口的患者,使用下腹部陈旧手术切口做标本取出和预防性造口是安全可行的,患者术后恢复较快,值得临床应用。     

A new ultimate anus-preserving operation for extremely low rectal cancer and for anal canal cancer

Abstract. To avoid permanent colostomy, we perform a new ultimate anus preserving operation for extremely low rectal cancer or for anal canal cancer. According to our pathologic study, two different removal methods of anal canal were theoretically considered. One is internal sphincter resection (ISR method), and the other is both deep-superficial external sphincter and internal sphincter resection (ESR method). Six patients received ISR and ten patients ESR. No severe intraoperative complications occurred and the postoperative course was uneventful. All patients receiving ISR had excellent anal function without soiling. Some patients receiving ESR sometimes complained of night soiling but satisfied the anus preservation. The median follow-up was 15 months, (range, 3–28 months). We had recurrences in two female patients receiving ISR. One had para-aortic and lateral lymph node recurrences without anastomotic recurrence. She underwent lateral and para-aortic lymphadenectomy, but died of lung metastasis, regardless of intensive chemotherapy. Another had pelvic recurrence with abdominal dissemination. She underwent abdominoperineal resection and is alive with pelvic re-recurrence. ISR and ESR are excellent procedures for anus preservation, but ISR needs a strict indication.     

A comparison of transanal excision and endoscopic resection for early rectal cancer

AIM: To compare the outcomes of endoscopic resection with transanal excision in patients with early rectal cancer.METHODS: Thirty-two patients with early rectal cancer were treated by transanal excision or endoscopic resection between May 1999 and December 2007. The patients were regularly re-examined by means of colonoscopy and abdominal computed tomography after resection of the early rectal cancer. Complications, length of hospital-stay, disease recurrence and follow up outcomes were assessed.RESULTS: Sixteen patients were treated by endoscopic resection and 16 patients were treated by transanal excision. No significant differences were present in the baseline characteristics. The rate of complete resection in the endoscopic resection group was 93.8%, compared to 87.5% in the transanal excision group (P = 0.544). The mean length of hospital-stay in the endoscopic resection group was 2.7 ± 1.1 d, compared to 8.9 ± 2.7 d in the transanal excision group (P = 0.001). The median follow up was 15.0 mo (range 6-99). During the follow up period, there was no case of recurrent disease in either group.CONCLUSION: Endoscopic resection was a safe and effective method for the treatment of early rectal cancers and its outcomes were comparable to those of transanal excision procedures.     

Techniques for restoring bowel continuity and function after rectal cancer surgery

INTRODUCTION The most important priority in the surgical management of mid and distal rectal cancers is adequate oncologic clearance. It is generally accepted that this is achievable by total mesorectal excision, although in Japan extended pelvic lymphade…     

A comparative clinical study of short-term results of laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer during the learning curve

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the results of laparoscopic surgery for rectal carcinoma (LSRC) during the learning curve throughout the introduction of this technique at our medical center.Materials and methods From January 2003 to April 2004, 40 patients undergoing surgery were assigned to laparoscopic surgery group (LSG) (n=20) or conventional surgery group (CSG) (n=20). Data were prospectively collected to statistically analyze clinical, anatomopathological, and economic variables.Results Groups were comparable in age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, surgical technique performed, tumor size and distance, Dukes’ stage, and proportion of patients with previous abdominal surgery and radiotherapy. There was no difference in operative time. LSG blood loss was lower (p<.0001). LSG peristalsis and oral intake began earlier (p<.0001). LSG hospital stay was shorter (p<.0001). Intraoperative complications (10% LSG vs 15% CSG) and overall morbidity (35% LSG vs 45% CSG) were no different. LSG did not record any anastomotic leakages. Two patients (10%) were converted to open surgery. Regarding oncologic adequacy of resection, specimen length and number of nodes harvested were no different. LSG distal and radial resection margins were greater (p<.0001; p=.03). LSG operative costs were greater (p<.0001). However, CSG hospitalization costs were higher (p<.001). There was no overall difference (p=0.1).Conclusions LSRC has been a reliable and efficient technique during the learning curve at our hospital.     

经会阴平面超低位直肠前切除术治疗低位直肠癌39例

目的:总结经会阴平面超低位直肠前切除术治疗低位直肠癌的手术经验.方法:回顾性分析我院2008-01/2011-10行经会阴平面超低位直肠前切除术的39例患者临床资料.结果:全组无手术死亡病例,吻合口漏2例,吻合口狭窄1例,随访4mo-3年,局部复发2例,术后排便频率2-7次/d,平均为3次/d,远期效果仍在跟踪随访.结论:经会阴平面超低位直肠前切除术是低位直肠癌行保肛手术治疗的一种有效方法.