Comparative outcome between chemoradiotherapy and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection following total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate comparative outcome between adjuvant postoperative chemoradiotherapy (postoperative CRT) and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLD) following total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Although TME results in lower rate of locoregional recurrence compared with conventional surgery, these 2 treatment modalities following TME have not adequately been appraised until the present trend of preoperative chemoradiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 2000, patients with stage II and III rectal cancer underwent TME plus postoperative CRT (n = 309) or LPLD (n = 176). Patients in the postoperative CRT group received 8 cycles of 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin and 45 Gy pelvic radiotherapy. Patients in the LPLD group underwent lateral lymph node dissection outside the pelvic plexus. RESULTS: The 5-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 78.3% and 67.3% in the postoperative CRT group, respectively, and 73.9% and 68.6% in the LPLD group, respectively, without significant differences between these groups. Patients in the LPLD group with stage III lower rectal cancer had a locoregional recurrence rate 2.2-fold greater than those in the postoperative CRT group (16.7% vs. 7.5%, P = 0.044). Multivariate analysis showed that APR and advanced T-category (T4) were significantly associated with locoregional recurrence, whereas lymph node metastases, high preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen, and APR were significantly associated with shortening of disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative-CRT and LPLD following TME resulted in comparable survival rates, but the locoregional recurrence rate was higher in the LPLD group. These findings suggest that initial surgery is appropriate for rectal cancer patients who are candidates for low anterior resection without extensive local disease (T1-T3), regardless of lymph node status.     

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision following long course chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer

Purpose  

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) of locally advanced rectal cancer after long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) is surgically and oncologically challenging. We have assessed the feasibility, timing, and short-term oncological outcome of laparoscopic TME after LCRT.     

腹腔镜直肠全系膜切除术

目的探讨腹腔镜外科技术在直肠全系膜切除术(TME)的应用。方法对39例腹腔镜直肠全系膜切除术患者进行随访和回顾性分析。结果腹腔镜直肠前切除术30例,中转手术1例;腹腔镜辅助Miles手术9例。无手术死亡,术中盆底静脉丛破裂出血1例(发生率2.6%)。平均手术时间185min,平均出血量85ml,平均术后住院日为8.5d。术后发生吻合口瘘1例,尿潴留1例。39例患者术后随访1～28个月,仅1例DukesC1期的低分化腺癌患者,术后12个月盆腔局部肿瘤复发。全组患者的trocar穿刺孔及腹壁切口无肿瘤种植。结论腹腔镜直肠全系膜切除术创伤小、疼痛轻、恢复快。只要严格掌握手术适应证,正确应用腹腔镜技术就能完成此类手术。     

Distal dissection in total mesorectal excision,and preoperative chemoradiotherapy and lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer

The local recurrence rate after total mesorectal excision (TME) appears to be markedly lower than that after conventional operations. We reviewed all relevant articles identified from the MEDLINE databases and clarified the rationale for TME. It is clear that distal intramural spread is rare. Even when present, such spread is not likely to extend beyond 2 cm. Data with attention to mesorectal cancer deposits suggest that mesorectal clearance of at least 4–5 cm distal to the tumor should be sufficient. TME should be performed for most tumors of the mid- and lower rectum. This does not mean that the gut tube needs to be divided at the same level in every case. Dissection of the distal mesorectum off the gut tube can be performed, so the distal line of division of the bowel wall can be made at a minimum of 2 cm below the tumor if such a maneuver would ensure that the sphincters are preserved. In cases with cancer in the upper third of the rectum, the mesorectum and gut tube can safely be divided 5 cm below the tumor without jeopardizing the recurrence rates. Our findings indicate that TME is an essential treatment approach for rectal cancer, and lateral lymph node dissection and preoperative chemoradiotherapy are additional therapies that should be considered for advanced rectal cancer.     

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer

Background

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is coming out of age with recent publications highlighting its safety, feasibility, sound oncological outcomes, and improved quality of life. Nevertheless, laparoscopic proctectomy remains a challenging procedure. An embedded didactic video demonstrates a step-by-step laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with coloanal anastomosis for a low rectal cancer.

Methods

A five-trocar technique is shown. The key steps demonstrated are: high division of the inferior mesenteric artery, medial-to-lateral mobilization of the descending colon, high division of the inferior mesenteric vein, take-down of the splenic flexure, total mesorectal excision with division of the rectum at the pelvic floor, and side-to-end coloanal anastomosis. Principles of a good anastomosis and potential pitfalls are described, including protection of the ureter and pelvic autonomic nerves.

Results

A series of ten consecutive patients operated for low rectal cancer with total mesorectal excision is reported. Median (range) operative time and estimated blood loss were 274 (135?C360) minutes and 25 (10?C50)?ml. Median tumor height from the anal verge was 7 (4?C10)?cm. Reconstruction included three coloanal J-pouch and seven side-to-end anastomosis. Nine anastomoses were performed by using a double-stapled technique. One patient with an intersphincteric dissection required a handsewn anastomosis. A diverting ileostomy protected all coloanal anastomosis. Median length of stay was 3 (range, 2?C7) days. One of ten patients was readmitted for a small bowel obstruction. The embedded video demonstrates a total mesorectal excision down to the pelvic floor in a patient who had a T2 cancer 6?cm from the anal verge with prior open cholecystectomy and hysterectomy.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision is a safe and effective procedure. Patient selection and advanced laparoscopic skills are paramount. It is hoped that this didactic video will contribute to a wider and safer practice of laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for low rectal cancer.     

Outcome of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection with total mesorectal excision in treatment of rectal cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTotal mesorectal excision is the gold standard treatment of mid- and low-lying rectal cancer. Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection has been suggested as an approach to decrease recurrence and improve survival. Our meta-analysis presented here aimed to review the current outcomes of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection and total mesorectal excision in comparison with total mesorectal excision alone.MethodsA systematic literature search querying electronic databases was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We reviewed articles that reported the outcomes of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection combined with total mesorectal excision in comparison with total mesorectal excision alone. The main outcome measures were local recurrence, distant metastasis, overall and disease free-survival, and complications.ResultsThis systematic review included 29 studies of 10,646 patients. Of those patients, 39.4% underwent total mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection. The median operation time for the lateral pelvic lymph node dissection + total mesorectal excision was significantly longer than total mesorectal excision alone (360 minutes versus 294.7 minutes, P = .02). Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection + total mesorectal excision was associated with higher odds of overall complications (odds ratio = 1.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–1.87, P < .001) and urinary dysfunction (odds ratio = 2.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.21–3.67, P = .008) than total mesorectal excision alone. Both groups had similar rates of male sexual dysfunction (odds ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval: 0.94–2.79, P = .08), anastomotic leakage (odds ratio = 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.69–1.93, P = .59), local recurrence (hazard ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval: 0.75–1.25, P = .79), distant metastasis (hazard ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval: 0.76–1.2, P = .72), overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.056, 95% confidence interval: 0.98–1.13, P = .13), and disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.97–1.07, P = .37).ConclusionLateral pelvic lymph node dissection was not associated with a significant reduction of recurrence rates or improvement in survival as compared with total mesorectal excision alone; however, LPLND was associated with longer operation time and increased complication rate.     

腹腔镜直肠癌根治术侧方淋巴结清扫术

对腹膜反折以下cT3或N＋的直肠癌行侧方淋巴结清扫术可减少局部复发率及提高生存率。该术式采用五孔法完成,按日本学组提出的三间隙原则进行清扫：①分离保护输尿管及下腹神经,清扫下腹神经丛及下腹神经与髂总动脉、髂内动脉之间的第二间隙淋巴结;②清扫髂内外动脉间及闭孔内的第三间隙淋巴脂肪组织;③切除髂内血管及盆丛神经。应视肿瘤部位、浸润深度以及侧方淋巴结肿大情况,选择性行单或双侧清扫。腹腔镜下完成侧方淋巴结清扫具有视野好、狭小间隙操作方便、出血少等优势,是一种安全可行的手术方式。     

腹腔镜辅助经肛全直肠系膜切除手术

男性,50岁,体重质量指数(BMI)26.7 kg/m~2,初始诊断为低位直肠癌,肿瘤分期为cT_3CN_1M_0;经过术前新辅助放疗后的肿瘤分期为ycT_2N_0M_0,肿瘤下缘距离肛缘的距离为4.5 cm。患者在放疗后6周接受了腹腔镜辅助经肛全直肠系膜切除术,我们采用经腹和经肛两组手术医生团队同时实施手术,经下腹部小切口取出全直肠系膜切除的标本,在腹腔镜辅助下完成消化道重建,并采用荧光腹腔镜吲哚菁绿显像的方法检测吻合口血运。     

腹腔镜全直肠系膜切除治疗低位直肠癌(附198例临床资料报告)

目的探讨腹腔镜全直肠系膜切除治疗低位直肠癌的可行性和安全性。方法回顾分析198例腹腔镜全直肠系膜切除治疗低位直肠癌病例资料。结果全组无手术死亡,无中转开腹。平均手术时间（211.5&#177;69.2）min,中位出血量80（50～200）mL,平均切除淋巴结数为（11.5&#177;6.4）枚,平均肛门排气时间（2.8&#177;1.4）d,平均可下地行走时间（1.6&#177;0.9）d,平均术后住院时间（11.8&#177;6.4）d。术后并发症发生率为20.71%,最常见为肠梗阻（占并发症的24.4%）。中位随访时间为26.1（13.6～45.2）个月,随访率86.9%。33例出现术后复发转移,其中吻合口复发2例,盆腔局部复发3例,腹腔广泛转移4例,远处转移24例。死亡共37例,其中死于肿瘤相关因素28例,死于非肿瘤相关因素9例。5例带瘤生存。结论腹腔镜全直肠系膜切除治疗低位直肠癌不仅具有疼痛轻、恢复快等优点,在技术上也是安全可行的,而最终的结果仍有待于大量的、长期的前瞻性随机对照研究。     

直肠癌侧方淋巴结清扫的个性化治疗策略

随着全直肠系膜切除术和新辅助放化疗的广泛应用,中低位直肠癌患者的预后明显改善。近年来随着腹腔镜和机器人手术系统等微创技术应用于直肠癌根治性手术,以及肿瘤分子标志物和基因测序技术的发展,直肠癌治疗已进入个体化精准医疗时代。在这样的时代背景下,关于中低位直肠癌侧方淋巴结清扫必要性的争议愈发引人注目,其包括与新辅助治疗的关系,侧方淋巴结清扫的手术指征、范围及神经保护等多个方面。作为进展期中低位直肠癌重要治疗手段,直面争议,增加侧方淋巴结清扫相关循证医学证据是当务之急。     

Laparoscopic and robotic lateral lymph node dissection for rectal cancer

Surgery Today - In the era of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy/radiotherapy and total mesorectal excision, overall oncological outcomes after curative resection of rectal cancer are excellent, with...