Predicting conversion to open surgery in laparoscopic colorectal resections

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to develop a simple model for clinical use in predicting the individual risk of conversion to open surgery in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections. METHODS: A multiple logistic regression analysis of 367 laparoscopic colorectal resections completed between 1991 and 1998 was performed. The following 13 factors were considered: patient-specific factors (age, gender, weight levels less than 60 kg 60-90 kg, 90 kg or more), disease-specific factors (Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, malignancy, fistula), and procedure-specific factors (resection of the hepatic flexure, splenic flexure, sigmoid, rectum, perineum, experience with less than 50 cases). A scoring system was developed on the basis of the three factors found to be predictive of the risk for conversion to open surgery: diagnosis of malignancy (odds ratio 3.23; p = 0.0037; one point), surgeon experience with 50 cases or less (odds ratio 2.26; p = 0.0363; one point), and weight level (odds ratio 3.42; p = 0.005; 60 to 90 kg, one point, 90 kg or more, two points). RESULTS: The predicted conversion rates for the cumulative scores of 0 to 4 points were 1.1%, 3.3%, 9.8%, 25.4%, and 49.7%, respectively. No significant difference was found between predicted and actual conversion rates, indicating a good fit of the model (chi square = 1.774; p > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: This novel scoring system is simple, accurate, and readily applicable in an office setting. It represents the large experience of one surgical group and remains to be validated by other centers.     

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs hasten recovery after colorectal resections

Colorectal resection was traditionally associated with significant morbidity and prolonged stay in hospital.Laparoscopic colorectal resection was first described in 1991 as a minimally invasive form of colorectal surgery.It was later on assessed by multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis and was found to be associated with a faster recovery,lower complication rates and a shorter stay in hospital compared with open resection.To assess the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program on postoperative length of stay after elective colorectal resections,a literature review was conducted,supplemented by the results of 111 ERAS colorectal resections at regional NWS Hospital using a protocol based on the Fast Track approach described by Kehlet in 1999.ERAS has been shown to improve postoperative recovery,reduce length of stay and enhance early return to normal function when compared with traditional colorectal surgical protocols.The role of laparoscopic surgery in colorectal resections within a fast-track (ERAS) program is controversial.The current evidence suggests that within such a program,there is no difference between laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery in terms of postoperative recovery rates or length of hospital stay.     

Postoperative pain and fatigue after laparoscopic or conventional colorectal resections

Background: Conventional colorectal resections are associated with severe postoperative pain and prolonged fatigue. The laparoscopic approach to colorectal tumors may result in less pain as well as less fatigue, and may improve postoperative recovery after colorectal resections. Methods: Sixty patients were included into a prospective randomized trial to determine the influence of laparoscopic (n= 30) or conventional (n= 30) resection of colorectal tumors on postoperative pain and fatigue. Major endpoints of the study were dose of morphine sulfate during patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), visual analog scale for pain while coughing (VASC), and visual analogue scale for fatigue (VASF). Efficacy of pain medication was assessed by visual analogue score at rest (VASR). Results: Preoperative age, sex, stage, and localization of tumors were comparable in both groups. The PCA dose of morphine given immediately after surgery until postoperative day 4 was higher in the conventional group (median, 1.37 mg/kg; 5–95 percentile 0.71–2.46 mg/kg) than the laparoscopic group (0.78 mg/kg; 0.24–2.38 mg/kg, p < 0.01). Postoperative VASR was comparable between both groups, but VASC was higher from the first to the seventh postoperative day (p < 0.01). Postoperative fatigue was higher after conventional than after laparoscopic surgery from the second to the seventh day (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms that analgetic requirements are lower and pain is less intense after laparoscopic than after conventional colorectal resection. Patients also experience less fatigue after minimal invasive surgery. Because of these differences, the duration of recovery is shortened, and the postoperative quality of life is improved after laparoscopic colorectal resections. Received: 4 July 1997/Accepted: 16 November 1997     

Cellular and humoral inflammatory response after laparoscopic and conventional colorectal resections

Background: Surgical trauma and anesthesia are known to cause transient postoperative suppression of the immune system. In randomized controlled trials, it has been shown that laparoscopic colorectal resections have short-term benefits not observed with conventional colorectal resections. We hypothesized that these benefits were due to the reduction in surgical trauma, leading to a diminished cytokine response and less depression of cell-mediated immunity after laparoscopy. Methods: In a prospective randomized trial, colorectal cancer patients without evidence of metastatic disease underwent either laparoscopic (n = 20) or conventional (n = 20) tumor resection. Postoperative immune function was assessed by measuring the white blood cell (WBC) count, the CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, the CD4+/CD8+/ratio, and the HLA-DR expression of CD14+ monocytes. In addition, the production of interleukin-6 (IL = 6) and TNF-a were measured after ex vivo stimulation of mononuclear blood cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and compared to the plasma levels of these cytokines. Postoperative mean levels of the immunologic parameters for the two groups were calculated and compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Preoperatively, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of patient characteristics or immunologic parameters. Although the postoperative peak concentrations of white blood cells were significant lower in the laparoscopic group than the conventional group (p < 0.05), there were no differences between the two groups in the subpopulation of lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+). HLA-DR expression of CD14+ monocytes was lower in the conventional group on the 4th postoperative day (p < 0.05). The laparoscopic group showed higher values in cytokine production of mononuclear blood cells after LPS stimulation. Postoperative plasma peak concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-a were lower after laparoscopic resection. Conclusion: Postoperative cell-mediated immunity was better preserved after laparoscopic than after conventional colorectal resection. Cellular cytokine production was preserved only in the laparoscopic group, while cytokine plasma levels were significantly higher in the conventional group. These findings may have important implications for the use of laparoscopic colorectal resection, especially in patients with malignant disease. apd: 3 April 2001     

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.     

Hyaluronan levels during laparoscopic versus open colonic resections

Background Plasma hyaluronan binds to fibrinogen, affecting intravascular fibrin polymerization and fibrin clot formation. It has been hypothesized that alterations in fibrin clot formation influence the risk of thromboembolism in those undergoing surgery. The aim of this study is to quantify the intravascular components, especially plasma hyaluronan levels, in laparoscopic and conventional colorectal resections that contribute to thromboembolism formation. Methods Prospective cohort analysis of consecutive patients which were participating in the prospective randomized multi-center trial Lapkon II comparing the long-term effects of laparoscopic and conventional resection for colon cancer. Plasma samples were obtained from 15 patients at the beginning and the end of laparoscopic or conventional colorectal resections. Concentrations and activities of tissue plasminogen activator(t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1(PAI-1), t-PA/PAI complex, fibrinogen, d-dimers and hyaluronan were determined by using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results No differences in age, sex and type of resection between the laparoscopic and conventional-surgery groups were observed. Laparoscopic procedures lasted longer (p < 0.05). Concentration and activities of t-PA, PAI-1, t-PA/PAI complex, fibrinogen and d-dimers did not vary between the two groups. Plasma hyaluronan decreased from 28.6 to 17.9 IU/ml (p < 0.05) during laparoscopic compared to conventional procedures. Plasma hyaluronan levels were significantly different at the end of operation between the two groups (p < 0.05) . Conclusions Plasma hyaluronan levels were decreased in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections, compared to those undergoing conventional procedures. Therefore, interactions between plasma hyaluronan and fibrinogen may be lower, with a sequential decrease in fibrin polymerization, and a possibly reduced risk of deep venous thrombosis.     

Comparison of laparoscopic and open colorectal resections for patients undergoing simultaneous R0 resection for liver metastases

Background  

The role of laparoscopic colorectal resection for patients undergoing a simultaneous operation for liver metastases had not been established. This study compared the outcomes between laparoscopic and open colorectal resections for patients undergoing simultaneous surgery for liver metastases.     

腹腔镜结直肠癌手术中转开腹列线图预测模型的构建

目的分析腹腔镜结直肠癌手术发生中转开腹的危险因素,建立列线图预测模型指导临床决策,并分析其短期预后影响。方法收集2017年5月至2020年5月西安交通大学第一附属医院行腹腔镜手术的764例结直肠癌患者的病例资料,分为中转开腹组(60例)及腹腔镜组(704例)。采用Logistic回归分析中转开腹的独立危险因素,并用R语言构建中转开腹列线图预测模型。通过受试者工作特征曲线(ROC)下面积评估列线图预测模型效能。通过绘制校准图进行一致性检验。并比较两组患者术中及术后恢复情况。结果本研究共纳入患者764例,其中60例发生中转开腹,中转开腹率为7.9%(60/764)。肿瘤位置位于直肠[比值比(OR)=1.846,P<0.05)]、美国麻醉医生协会(ASA)评分Ⅲ、Ⅳ级(OR=2.381,P<0.05)、腹部手术史(OR=3.652,P<0.01)、肿瘤长径≥5 cm(OR=2.704,P<0.05)和体重指数(OR=1.109,P<0.05)是发生中转开腹的独立危险因素,上述数据差异均有统计学意义。成功构建列线图预测模型,模型ROC曲线下面积为0.794。校正曲线显示预测结果与实际结果有较好的重合度。中转开腹组手术时间高于腹腔镜组(210 min比190 min,Z=-2.670,P<0.05);中转开腹组出血量高于腹腔镜组(170 ml比120 ml,Z=-6.018,P<0.01);中转开腹组术后住院天数高于腹腔镜组(10 d比9 d,Z=-2.134,P<0.05)。中转开腹组肠梗阻发生率高于腹腔镜组[10.0%(6/60)比4.3%(15/704),χ²=4.055,P<0.05];伤口感染率高于腹腔镜组[15.0%(9/60)比4.7%(33/704),χ²=11.318,P<0.05],上述数据差异均有统计学意义。结论肿瘤位置位于直肠、ASA评分Ⅲ、Ⅳ级、腹部手术史、肿瘤长径≥5 cm和体重指数是腹腔镜结直肠癌手术发生中转开腹的独立危险因素,据此建立的预测模型具有可靠的预测能力。     

Comparison of surgical stress between laparoscopic and open colonic resections

BACKGROUND: The magnitude of surgical trauma after laparoscopic and open colonic resection was evaluated by examining postoperative serum values of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, C-reactive protein (CRP), and granulocyte elastase (GE) for further evidence of the benefit realized with minimally invasive approaches in colonic surgery. METHODS: Altogether, 42 patients with Crohn's disease (n = 20) or colon carcinomas/adenomas (n = 22) were matched by age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and Crohn's Disease Activity Index for either a laparoscopic (n = 21) or an open colonic resection (n = 21). In both groups the postoperative serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, C-RP, and granulocyte elastase were determined, as indicators of surgical stress. RESULTS: Laparoscopic and open colonic resection caused a significant increase in serum IL-6, IL-10, CRP, and granulocyte elastase levels. The comparison between laparoscopic and open colonic resections, however, showed significantly lower serum IL-6, IL-10, CRP, and granulocyte elastase levels after laparoscopic colonic resection, which was most evident for IL-6 and granulocyte elastase. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that IL-6 and granulocyte elastase may be appropriated particularly to monitor surgical stress. By using these parameters, we found a significant reduction in surgical trauma after laparoscopic surgery, was compared with the open procedure. This supports the clinical findings of a clear benefit for patients undergoing laparoscopic colonic surgery.     

Gum chewing enhances early recovery from postoperative ileus after laparoscopic colectomy

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus limits early hospital discharge for patients who have undergone laparoscopic procedures. Sham feeding has been reported to enhance bowel motility. Here, the effect of gum chewing is evaluated as a convenient method to enhance postoperative recovery from ileus after laparoscopic colectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 19 patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer participated in the study. Each patient was randomly assigned to one of two groups: a gum-chewing group (n = 10, mean age 58.6 years, range 50 to 71 years) or a control group (n = 9, mean age 60.6 years, range 45 to 80 years). The patients in the gum-chewing group chewed gum three times a day from the first postoperative AM until oral intake. The times of the first passage of flatus and defecation were recorded precisely. RESULTS: The first passage of flatus was seen, on average, on postoperative day 2.1 in the gum-chewing group and on day 3.2 in the control group (p < 0.01). The first defecation was 2.7 days sooner in the gum-chewing group (postoperative day 3.1) than in the control group (5.8 days; p< 0.01). All patients tolerated gum chewing on the first operative AM. The postoperative hospital stays for the gum-chewing and control groups were 13.5+/-3.0 days and 14.5+/-6.1 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Gum chewing aids early recovery from postoperative ileus and is an inexpensive and physiologic method for stimulating bowel motility. Gum chewing should be added as an adjunct treatment in postoperative care because it might contribute to shorter hospital stays.     

The majority of colorectal resections require an open approach,even in units with a special interest in laparoscopic surgery

Aim Proponents suggest that laparoscopic colorectal resection might be achievable in up to 90% of cases, while keeping conversion rates below 10%. This unselected prospective case series reports on the proportion of patients having a completed laparoscopic colorectal resection in two units where laparoscopic colorectal practice is well established and readily available. Method All patients undergoing elective and emergency colorectal resection during a 6‐month period were identified. The underlying pathology and the surgical approach (laparoscopic or open) were recorded. The contraindications to laparoscopic resection were also documented. The need and rationale for conversion to an open approach were recorded. Results In total, 205 consecutive patients (160 elective and 45 emergency procedures) underwent colorectal resection for malignancy [117 (57%) patients] and benign pathology [88 (43%) patients]. Laparoscopic resection was attempted in 127/205 (62%) patients and 31/127 (24%) of these were converted to open surgery. The main reasons for not attempting laparoscopic resection were locally advanced disease and emergency surgery. The commonest reasons for conversion were advanced disease and to allow completion of rectal dissection and/or cross‐stapling of the rectum. Conclusion Despite a special interest in laparoscopic colorectal surgery of the two colorectal units who provided the data for this study, fewer than half (96/205; 47%) of the patients in this consecutive unselected series who were undergoing major colorectal resection had the procedure completed laparoscopically.     

Survival following laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery

Background

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is known to provide increased benefits to patients during the postoperative recovery period. Initial scepticism over the oncological adequacy of resection has been dismissed by a number of major randomized trials. Emerging evidence indicates that laparoscopic surgery may provide a potential survival benefit in colorectal cancer.

Methods

Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic or open resection for colorectal cancer between October 2003 and December 2010 were analyzed. Data were collated and a database compiled. Survival analysis was calculated by using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 665 resections were performed with 457 laparoscopically and 208 open. The median length of stay was 4 days following laparoscopic resection and 7 days following open (p < 0.0005). There was no significant difference between the two groups apart from gender (p = 0.03), ASA (p = 0.03), and the number of patients with extranodal metastatic disease (p = 0.01). The 5-year overall survival (OS) in the completed laparoscopic group was 75.8 versus 72.5 % in the open group (p = 0.12). The 5-year OS in patients who were converted was 52 %. The 5-year OS for nonmetastatic disease in the completed laparoscopic group was significantly greater at 79.4 versus 74 % in the open group (p = 0.03). There was no difference between the groups in OS for rectal cancer (p = 0.66), but there was an OS advantage for laparoscopically resected colon cancer (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic resection for nonmetastatic colon cancer may provide an overall survival advantage.