Anterior Resection Of Rectum Research Articles

Risk of Outlet Obstruction Associated With Defunctioning Loop Ileostomy in Rectal Cancer Surgery.

The outlet obstruction (OO) rate is 5.4-18.4% after defunctioning ileostomy (DI) following rectal cancer resection to reduce the incidence and severity of anastomotic leakage; OO affects a patient's quality of life and prolongs hospitalization. A retrospective analysis was performed of patients who underwent anterior rectal resection and DI for rectal cancer. Among 100 patients undergoing anterior rectal resection with DI for rectal cancer, 28 (28%) developed OO. Anastomotic leakage and a rectus abdominis muscle thickness ≥10 mm on preoperative computed tomography were significantly associated with the risk of OO in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis also demonstrated that anastomotic leakage (odds ratio=4.320, 95% confidence interval=1.280-14.60, p=0.019) and rectus abdominis muscle thickness ≥10 mm (odds ratio=3.710, 95% confidence intervaI=1.280-10.70, p=0.016) were significantly risk factors for OO. When OO is observed, an anastomotic leakage should be suspected, especially if there is a high rectus abdominis muscle thickness.

Randomized experimental study of two novel techniques for transanal repair of dehiscent low rectal anastomosis.

Anastomotic leak after low anterior rectal resection is a dreadful complication. Early diagnosis, prompt management of sepsis followed by closure of anastomotic defect may increase chances of anastomotic salvage. In this randomized experimental study, we evaluated two different methods of trans-anal anastomotic repair. A model of anastomotic leak was created in 42 male pigs. Laparoscopic low anterior resection was performed with anastomosis created using a circular stapler with half of the staples removed. Two days later, animals were randomized into a TAMIS (trans-anal minimally invasive surgery) repair, endoscopic suture (ENDO) or control group with no treatment (CONTROL). Signs of intraabdominal infection (IAI), macroscopic anastomotic healing and burst tests were evaluated to assess closure quality after animals were sacrificed on the ninth postoperative day. Closure was technically feasible in all 28 animals. Two animals had to be euthanized due to progressive sepsis at four and five days after endoscopic closure. Healed anastomosis with no visible defect was observed in 10/14 and 11/14 animals in TAMIS and ENDO groups, respectively, versus 2/14 in CONTROL (p < 0.05). Overall IAI rate was significantly lower in TAMIS (4/14; p = 0.006) and ENDO (5/14; p = 0.018) compared to CONTROL (12/14). Burst tests confirmed sealed closure in healed anastomosis with a median failure pressure of 190 (110-300) mmHg in TAMIS and 200 (100-300) mmHg in ENDO group (p = 0.644). In this randomized experimental study, we found that both evaluated techniques are effective in early repair of dehiscent colorectal anastomosis with a high healing rate.

Management of postoperative complications during laparoscopic anterior rectal resection.

Laparoscopic anterior resection (LAR) is currently a routine practice in specialized high-volume centers, with equivalent oncological outcomes in historical, open surgery. Appropriate pelvic dissection can be measured by the adequacy of circumferential margin (CRM) and distal margin, both are risk factors of local recurrence. Among the various operative procedures for colorectal cancer, low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer is one of the most demanding procedures because it requires resection of cancer with surrounding mesorectal tissue and reconstruction with anastomosis in the narrow pelvis while preserving the autonomic nerves of the urogenital organs particularly in the male pelvis. Low anterior resection is associated with a relatively high incidence of postoperative morbidities, including anastomotic leakage and other operative site infections, and asymptomatic patients infected with COVID-19 submitted to elective could be at higher risk which sometimes result in postoperative mortality. Therefore, recognition of the incidence and risk factors of postoperative complications following low anterior resection is essential to prevent it. The importance of some risk factors such as age, nutrition status of the patient, experience of the surgeon and many other factors that influence outcome of colorectal surgery which could be modified preoperatively to prevent postoperative complications. In the other hand long term postoperative complications may promote tumor recurrence and decrease survival. The aims of this review are to provide an overview of the current literature on postoperative complications of rectal surgery and to describe risk factors and strategies to prevent, treat or reduce complications.

Surgical Techniques and Outcomes of Colorectal Anastomosis after Left Hemicolectomy with Low Anterior Rectal Resection for Advanced Ovarian Cancer.

Simple SummaryWe tried to minimize the number anastomoses, restore intestinal continuity, and avoid stoma creation for 295 patients with stage III/IV ovarian cancer who underwent low anterior rectal resection (LAR) with or without colon resection during cytoreductive surgery. When remaining colon cannot reach the rectal stump after left hemicolectomy with LAR, we used the following three techniques for tension-free anastomosis: right colonic transposition, retro-ileal anastomosis through an ileal mesenteric defect, or additional colic artery division. The rate of stoma creation and rectal anastomotic was 3% (9/295) and 6.6% (19/286), respectively. Among 21 patients in whom the remaining colon did not reach the rectal stump after left hemicolectomy with LAR, 20 underwent tension-free anastomosis, including eight, six, and six patients undergoing right colonic transposition, retro-ileal anastomosis through an ileal mesenteric defect, and an additional colic artery division, respectively. Colorectal anastomosis is feasible in patients with extended colonic resection.Extended colon resection is often performed in advanced ovarian cancer. Restoring intestinal continuity and avoiding stoma creation improve patients’ quality of life postoperatively. We tried to minimize the number of anastomoses, restore intestinal continuity, and avoid stoma creation for 295 patients with stage III/IV ovarian cancer who underwent low anterior rectal resection (LAR) with or without colon resection during cytoreductive surgery. When the remaining colon could not reach the rectal stump after left hemicolectomy with LAR, we used the following techniques for tension-free anastomosis: right colonic transposition, retro-ileal anastomosis through an ileal mesenteric defect, or an additional colic artery division. Rates of stoma creation and rectal anastomotic were 3% (9/295) and 6.6% (19/286), respectively. Among 21 patients in whom the remaining colon did not reach the rectal stump after left hemicolectomy with LAR, 20 underwent tension-free anastomosis, including eight, six, and six patients undergoing right colonic transposition, retro-ileal anastomosis through an ileal mesenteric defect, and an additional colic artery division, respectively. Colorectal anastomosis is feasible for patients with extended colonic resection. Low anastomotic leakage and stoma rates can be achieved with careful attention to colonic mobilization and tension-free anastomosis.

The Role of Heart Rate, Body Temperature, and Respiratory Rate in Predicting Anastomotic Leakage following Surgery for Rectal Cancer.

Objective To explore the value of the heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate in the early prediction of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Methods Clinical data from patients with rectal cancer who underwent anterior rectal resection in the Department of Gastroenterology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, from January 2017 to December 2019 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Based on the occurrence of anastomotic leakage after surgery, the patients were divided into two groups: those with and without anastomotic leakage. The quantitative values of the heart rate, body temperature, and respiration rate at day 7 postsurgery were compared between the two groups. The ROC curve was used to analyze their role in the early prediction of anastomotic leakage. Results Among 441 patients with rectal cancer, 30 (6.81%) had clinical anastomotic leakage and were diagnosed at 7 ± 3 days postsurgery. Within 7 days postsurgery, the heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate in the anastomotic leakage group were higher than those in the nonanastomotic leakage group. The differences in heart rate (1-5 d), body temperature (2-7 d), and respiratory rate (1-7 d) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The three ROC curves were drawn, respectively. The predictive value of the heart rate is greatest at days 2-3 postsurgery. The predictive value of the body temperature is greatest at days 4-6 postsurgery. The predictive value of the respiratory rate is best at days 1-4 postsurgery. Conclusion The changes of vital signs (heart rate, body temperature, and respiratory rate) have a certain value in the early prediction of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Observation of postoperative vital signs at 7 days postsurgery is helpful for the early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage.

Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer wherein the inferior mesenteric artery arose from the superior mesenteric artery: a case report

BackgroundFew cases have been reported of colorectal cancer with inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) branching abnormalities; therefore, the lymphatic flow in such cases remains unknown. We report the first case of locally advanced rectal cancer in which the IMA arose from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in which we achieved to visualize the lymphatic flow.Case presentationA 65-year-old woman complaining of bloody stools was investigated in our hospital and suspected with rectal cancer. Colonoscopy and abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a circumscribed, localized ulcerative tumor in the rectum. 3-Dimensional contrast-enhanced computed tomography (3D-CT) showed that the IMA arose from the SMA. The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer (cT3N0M0, cStage IIa) and laparoscopic low anterior resection was performed. The sigmoid colon was resected using the medial approach. Only the plexus of the colic branch of the lumbar splanchnic nerve was observed at the site where the root of the IMA usually exists and showed interruption of the indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-illuminated lymphatics. The root of the IMA was ligated, and Japanese D3 lymphadenectomy was performed, preserving the accessory middle colic artery. All fluorescent lymph nodes were resected. The pathological diagnosis was pT4aN1aM0 stage IIIb. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, and the patient was recurrence-free at 1.5 years after surgery.ConclusionsWe were able to perform safe and appropriate surgery oncologically, despite abnormal vascular anatomy, due to preoperative identification using 3D-CT and intraoperative navigation using ICG administration.

Effect of local ozone treatment on rats with anterior rectal resection and the possible mechanisms

BackgroundAnterior resection syndrome (ARS) is characterized by the diverse and interchangeable evacuatory symptoms that may occur following distal colorectal resection. We aimed to investigate the effect and potential mechanisms of ozone perfusion on rats with anterior rectal resection (ARR).Material and methodsAfter establishment of rat ARR model, 20, 40 and 80 ug/ml ozone was used to treat rats by enema administration. The pathological examination of intestinal tissue was detected using hematoxylin–eosin staining. The rate of loose stools, minimum threshold volume of abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) and Bristol grade were used to evaluate the degree of abnormal defecation function. Subsequently, the levels of oxidative stress- and inflammation-related markers, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) in the serum and intestinal tissue were determined with the corresponding kits. Meanwhile, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)1, TRPV4, iNOS and 5-HT receptor 3A (5-HTR3A) was determined with RT-qPCR and western blotting.ResultsOzone administration (20 and 40 ug/ml) significantly alleviated the pathological changes of intestinal tissue-induced by ARR, accompanied by the decreased loose stools rate, Bristol score and increased abdominal withdraw reflex. However, 80 ug/ml of ozone intervention played opposite roles in the aforementioned changes with 20 and 40 ug/ml of ozone. Additionally, remarkably elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), 5-HT, iNOS and NO levels were observed in the ozone-treated groups (20 and 40 ug/ml), while high dose of ozone drastically improved ROS, MDA, 5-HT, iNOS and NO levels but reduced the activity of SOD. Consistently, the contents of inflammatory factors were decreased after low and middle doses of ozone administration. However, high dose of ozone aggravated the inflammatory injury. Moreover, 20 and 40 ug/ml ozone upregulated TRPV1 and TRPV4 expression but downregulated 5-HTR3A expression, which was restored after 80 ug/ml of ozone intervention. Remarkably, the levels of NF-κB p65 and iNOS were dose-dependently enhanced following ozone treatment.ConclusionsTaken together, low concentration of ozone attenuated intestinal injury induced by ARR via balancing oxidative stress and inflammation, but high concentration of ozone exacerbated the intestinal injury, which might be related to the 5-HT and TRPV signaling.

Possibilities of the indocyanine green dye application for evaluation of peculiarities of lymph outflow and metastasizing of colorectal cancer

Objective. Studying of velocity of prevalence of luminescent dye indocyanine green along lymphatic vessels in the large bowel surgery.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Estimation of procedure for coloring of tumoral substrate and lymphatic vessels while performance of oncological operations was conducted. We performed laparoscopic resection of sigmoid colon in 7 patients, suffering tumors, and anterior rectal resection in 5 patients, having tumors of upper ampullary part of rectum, using indocyanine green dye.&#x0D; Results. In Group I, consisting of 7 patients, surgical technique of no touch manipulations on the tumor before transection of feeding vessels (NTIT–operations) was applied, and in Group II, consisting of 5 patients, the tumor mobilization was done primarily. Application of indocyanine green dye helped a lot to establish localization and prevalence of the process in rectum.&#x0D; Conclusion. Application of fluorescent dye indocyanine green on tumoral substrate before doing ligation of feeding vessels raises possibility of the complication occurrence, consisting of the cancer cells dissemination in abdominal cavity. While performing laparoscopic procedures in resection of the large bowel tumors it is expedient to ligate the feeding vessels primarily, with secondary manipulation– to dissect and mobilize the tumoral substrate.

Is routine splenic flexure mobilization always necessary in laparotomic or laparoscopic anterior rectal resection? A systematic review and comprehensive meta-analysis.

Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is one of the most difficult steps in laparoscopic colorectal surgery and its role is harshly debated. Some surgeons considered it routinely necessary to obtain a safe anastomosis and to respect oncologic criteria; for others SFM is frequently unnecessary, not ensuring the aspects mentioned above and increasing the risk of morbidity (splenic, bowel and vessels injury, lengthened procedure). We performed a systematic review and a comprehensive meta-analysis, without any language restriction, about the peri-operative and post-operative outcomes (anastomotic leakage, intra-operative complication, conversion rate, operative time, post-operative bleeding, intra-abdominal collection, prolonged ileus, wound infection, anastomotic stricture, overall complications, hospital stay, re-operation, post-operative mortality, R0 margin resection, local recurrence) in patients undergoing elective anterior rectal resection (ARR) with or without SFM, both in laparotomic (LT) and laparoscopic (LS) approach. Fourteen studies were meta-analyzed with a total amount of 42,221 patients. The comprehensive meta-analysis shows that the mobilization or the preservation (SFP) of the splenic flexure does not statistically influence the incidence of colorectal anastomotic leakage, conversion rate, post-operative bleeding, intra-abdominal collection, prolonged ileus, wound infection, anastomotic stricture, overall complications, hospital stay, re-operation, R0 margin resection, and local recurrence results. The operative time is significantly longer in every group of patients undergoing SFM. The incidence of intra-operative complication is statistically increased in overall patients and also in the LS subgroup of patients undergoing SFM, in which also higher incidence of wound infection and re-operation is shown. The meta-analysis shows that SFM may be considered not necessary to ensure better peri-operative and post-operative outcomes in both LT and LS ARR.

Defining benchmarks for robotic-assisted low anterior rectum resection in low-morbid patients: a multicenter analysis

PurposeTo define the best possible outcomes for robotic-assisted low anterior rectum resection (RLAR) using total mesorectal excision (TME) in low-morbid patients, performed by expert robotic surgeons in German robotic centers. The benchmark values were derived from these results.MethodsThe data was retrospectively collected from five German expert centers. After patient exclusion (prior surgery, extended surgery, no prior anastomosis, hand-sewn anastomosis), the benchmark cohort was defined (n = 226). The median with interquartile range was first calculated for the individual centers. The 75th percentile of the median results was defined as the benchmark cutoff and represents the “perfect” achievable outcome. This applied to all benchmark values apart from lymph node yield, where the cutoff was defined as the 25th percentile (more lymph nodes are better).ResultsThe benchmark values for conversion and intraoperative complication rates were ≤ 4.0% and ≤ 1.4%, respectively. For postoperative complications, the benchmark was ≤ 28% for “any” and ≤ 18.0% for major complications. The R0 and complete TME rate benchmarks were both 100%, with a lymph node yield of > 18. The benchmark for rate of anastomotic insufficiency was < 12.5% and 90-day mortality was 0%. Readmission rates should not exceed 4%.ConclusionThis outcome analysis of patients with low comorbidity undergoing RLAR may serve as a reference to evaluate surgical performance in robotic rectum resection.

Sucrosomial® Iron Supplementation during Perioperative Period in General Surgery

Anemia frequently occurs in patients undergoing general surgery and in particular for gastrointestinal surgery [1]. The impact of anemia and iron deficiency on abdominal surgery outcomes is well known [1-3] and new preoperative strategies are nowadays considered to improve patient conditions during the perioperative period. Iron supplementation is often administered intravenously, since conventional oral iron therapies are usually less effective [4]. Since Sucrosomial iron, an innovative oral iron formulation where iron is conveyed into a matrix of phospholipids and sucrester, appears to be effective in improving Hb levels and reducing blood transfusion during the perioperative period (5), we aim to determine whether oral Sucrosomial® Iron supplementation enables better results in terms of recovery, length of hospital stay and need of blood transfusions in anemic patients undergoing major elective gastrointestinal surgery.Data from patients scheduled for major gastrointestinal surgery were prospectively collected between October 2016 and July 2017. Supplementation with oral Sucrosomial Iron (1 capsule/day) for 2 to 3 weeks prior to surgery, was recommended to patients, scheduled for colorectal surgery (right and left hemicolectomy, segmental colonic resection or anterior rectal resection) or gastric surgery (total or subtotal gastrectomy), that showed levels of hemoglobin < 13 g/dL for women and < 14 g/dL for men during preoperative visit. The level of hemoglobin was evaluated one week before surgery, during the preoperative follow up visit, and one day after surgery. Moreover, blood transfusion needs and length of hospital stay were also evaluated. Thirty-five patients have been currently enrolled, however 4 patients were excluded due to intraoperative findings of advanced neoplastic disease and 3 due to post-operative anastomotic bleeding. To date, the post-operative results from 10 patients are available and have been analyzed in terms of hemoglobin values, blood transfusions and hospital stay. These preliminary results were compared to an equivalent historical population of 82 patients extrapolated from a pool of patients, who underwent major elective gastrointestinal surgery in 2015. Thus, patients that received palliative intervention and those with hemorrhagic post-operative complications were excluded. The two populations were not pair-matched. This comparable group of patients from 2015 was chosen in order to evaluate the difference in hemoglobin drop recorded after surgery and evaluate a possible preoperative protocol implementation that includes sucrosomial iron supplementation.Preliminary results from patients supplemented with Sucrosomial® iron showed that average hemoglobin levels one week prior to surgery (preOP) were 11.5 ± 1.72 g/dL, which were maintained after surgery (postOP, 11.3 ± 1.45 g/dL). These results showed a smaller decrease in the expected post-operative hemoglobin drop compared to an equivalent and not supplemented population from 2015 (0.2 g/dL vs 1.9 g/dL). Moreover, average blood transfusions decrease of 2 folds to 0.20 ± 0.03 units/patient in patients supplemented with Sucrosomial iron, compare to 2015 patients (0.41 ± 0.07 units/patient). Finally, mean hospital stay appears to be longer in the Sucrosomial iron group, however this result was biased by 2 patients whose longer hospitalization was not due to anemia.Preliminary results show that supplementation with Sucrosomial® iron allows an improvement in perioperative Hb levels and a decrease in blood transfusion compared to a comparable historical population. Thus these finding appear to confirm previous results on Sucrosomial® iron in patients undergoing elective surgery (5). However, these are preliminary results and data collected from all patients still need to be analyzed. Moreover, confirmation on a larger cohort of patients is need.1. Hallet J, et al. Transfus Med Rev. 2014 Oct;28(4):205-11. Review.2. Hogan M, et al. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2015 Feb;47(2):218-26. Review.3. Yohanathan L, et al. J Gastrointest Surg. 2016 Jun;20(6):1106-22.4. Garrido-Martín et al. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2012 Dec;15(6):1013-85. Scardino M. et al. Expert Review of Hematology. 2016;9:1-42. [Display omitted] DisclosuresPera:Pharmanutra S.p.A.: Employment. Tarantino:Pharmanutra S.p.A.: Employment.

Research progress on early diagnosis and prevention of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer surgery

Anastomotic leak is a common and serious complication after anterior rectal resection. Despite the continuous advancement of anastomotic instruments and surgical techniques, the incidence of anastomotic leak has not decreased significantly compared with the past. As more studies on the early diagnosis of anastomotic leak are published, postoperative risk factors of anastomotic leak, such as fever, time to first bowel movement, CT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), matrix metalloproteinase-9, and other cytokines and biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α, lactate, pH, urinary neopterin/creatinine ratio), provide a reference for surgeons to assess the risk and increase the possibility of early diagnosis of anastomotic leak. Nevertheless, preventing the occurrence of anastomotic leak is still the ultimate goal. For the prevention of anastomotic leak, intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging technology provides a simple and safe objective method for surgeons to evaluate anastomotic perfusion. The diversion stoma may reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak. More and more evidence shows that drainage through the anal canal can reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer, but whether different types of drainage catheters can clearly reduce the incidence of anastomotic leak still needs more evidence. In addition, there has not yet been a unified opinion on the retention time and location of the drainage catheter. At present, the research of anastomotic leak has not adopted a unified definition and the heterogeneity among related studies is still great. We still look forward to more high-quality multi-center large prospective and randomized controlled studies.

Introduction of a handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after low anterior rectal resection.

PurposeAnastomotic leakage, a known major postoperative complication, potentially leads to readmission, reoperation, and increased mortality rates in patients, such as rectal cancer patients following a low anterior resection (LAR). Currently, vacuum-assisted closure, as featured by B-Braun (B-Braun Medical B.V.), is already being used for the treatment of gastrointestinal leakages and fistulas. The main aim of this study was to introduce a novel method for creating a vacuum-assisted drain for the treatment of anastomotic leakage after LAR.MethodsAll 10 patients, who underwent LAR surgery from 2018 to 2019, were diagnosed with anastomotic leakage and had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery. Therefore, patients were treated with a handmade vacuum-assisted drain and were revisited every 5 to 7 days for further evaluations and drain replacement until leakage resolution. Physical features of cavity, time of diagnose, and duration of treatment were analyzed correspondingly. The handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain was prepared for each patient in each session of follow-up.ResultsEight out of 10 patients experienced complete closure of the defect. The mean delay time from the day of operation to the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage was 61.0±80.4 days while the mean time for leakage closure was 117.6±68.3 days. Eventually, 7 cases underwent ileostomy reversal with no complications during a 3-month follow-up.ConclusionIn this study, we evaluated the healing process of anastomotic leakage after the usage of a handmade vacuum-assisted sponge drain in a case series method. In our trial, we provided an innovative cost-benefit method easily applicable in the operating room.

The role of transanal drainage tube in low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Total mesorectal excision with low anterior resection has significantly improved the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment for rectal cancer, decreasing the local recurrence rate and increasing survival. However, total mesorectal excision is becoming one of the main factors for the development of colorectal anastomosis leakage, the rate of which reaches 20% in these operations. To minimize the complications associated with the inconsistency of the colorectal anastomotic suture, preventive intestinal stoma is formed when performing low anterior resections. That significantly worsen the quality of life of patients, their elimination requires re-hospitalization, and surgical interventions are accompanied by a high incidence of postoperative complications, reaching a rate of 20%, which has a significant impact on the cost of treatment for this category of patients. Transanal drainage is an alternative to the formation of preventive intestinal stoma and is devoid of its shortcomings. This literature review is devoted to an analysis of the effectiveness of transanal drainage in low anterior rectal resection. Until recently, transanal drainage has not yet gained popularity among surgeons due to the lack of evidence of its safety and effectiveness, and many studies are retrospective, including small samples. The review considered single-center, multicenter, randomized trials and a meta-analysis of the use of transanal drainage. Transanal drainage is an effective method for preventing the inconsistency of colorectal anastomotic suture, it is safe, and it surpasses the preventive intestinal stoma in a number of indicators.

Precision Surgery In Rectal Resection With Hyperspectral And Fluorescence Imaging And Pelvic Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (With Video)

Oncologic visceral surgery has recently been revolutionized by robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), sparing of functionally important structures and innovative intraoperative imaging tools. These techniques enable new dimensions of precision surgery and oncology. Currently, data-driven, cognitive operating rooms are standing at the forefront of the latest technical and didactic developments in abdominal surgery. Rectal low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision (TME) for lower- and middle-third rectal cancer is a challenging operation due to the narrow pelvis and the tender guiding structures. Thus, new approaches have been needed to simplify the procedure and to upgrade the results. The combination of robotics with pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring (pIONM) and new possibilities of visualization, such as multi- and hyperspectral imaging (MSI / HSI) or fluorescence imaging (FI) with indocyanine green (ICG) is a forward-looking modality to enhance surgical precision and reduce postoperative complications while improving oncologic and functional outcomes with a better quality of life. The aim of our video-paper is to show how to achieve maximum precision by combining robotic surgery with pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring and new imaging devices for rectal cancer.

Chronic anastomotic leak after low rectal resection-an unsolved problem?

There is no generally accepted definition of achronic anastomotic leak, which often presents as achronic sinus. The corresponding time interval required from primary anastomotic construction ranges from 2 months to 12months. Between 2% and 16% of all patients develop this complication after low anterior rectal resection. Due to the heterogeneous presentation and configuration of chronic leaks there are no valid comparable data on how to manage this problem. Avariety of therapeutic options are used, sometimes combined or additively. The choice of therapeutic option depends very much on the individual case. The following options are used: debridement of the persisting cavity/fistula system, wide deroofing of the cavity into the lumen, endosponge with vacuum, stent implantation, advancement flap with simultaneous drainage of the cavity, fibrin glue instillation and as a last resort aredo low anastomosis. The healing rate in the available literature is generally over 70%. In selected cases a stoma reversal can be done for persisting cavities (wide entry of the cavity into the neorectum, no relevant distal stenosis). Overall, the available poor to moderate evidence suggests that 70-85% of patients with a chronic anastomotic leak, defined as stoma reversal, are treated successfully; however, there is some concern of arelevant publication bias of the published data so that the results may be less impressive in the clinical reality.

Volume-outcome relationship in rectal cancer surgery

IntroductionHospital centralization effect is reported to lower complications and mortality for high risk and complex surgery operations, including colorectal surgery. However, no linear relation between volume and outcome has been demonstrated. Aim of the study was to evaluate the increased surgical volume effect on early outcomes of patient undergoing laparoscopic restorative anterior rectal resection (ARR).MethodsA retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing ARR with primary anastomosis between November 2016 and December 2020 after centralization of rectal cancer cases in an academic Centre. Short-term outcomes are compared to those of patients operated in the same unit during the previous 10 years before service centralization. The primary outcome was estimated anastomotic leak rate. Mean operative time, need of conversion, postoperative use of blood transfusion, radicality, in-hospital stay, number and type of complications, readmission and reoperation rate, mortality and 1-year and stoma persistence rates were evaluated as secondary outcomes.Results86 patients were operated in the study period and outcomes compared to those of 101 patients operated during the previous ten years. Difference in volume of surgery was significant between the two periods (p 0.019) and the estimated leak rate was significantly lower in the higher volume unit (p 0.047). Mean operative time, need of conversion, postoperative use of blood transfusion and in-hospital stay (p < 0.05) were also significantly reduced in Group A.ConclusionThis study suggests that the shift toward higher volume in rectal cancer surgery is associated to decreased anastomotic leak rate. Potentiation of lower volume surgical units may yield optimal perioperative outcomes.

Minimally invasive robotic-assisted combined colorectal and liver excision surgery: feasibility, safety and surgical technique in a pilot series.

Different strategies may be adopted in patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (LM). The role of laparoscopy has been investigated to define the benefits of minimally invasive surgery in a single-stage operation. In our study, we report our experience of 28 Minimally Invasive Robotic-Assisted combined Colorectal and Liver Excision Surgery (MIRACLES). From October 2012 to December 2019, 135 Robotic liver resections and 218 Robotic Colorectal resections were performed in our center. Twenty-eight patients underwent MIRACLES resection with 37 nodules removed. Fifty-two lesions in 28 patients were resected in minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery. Eighteen lesions were located in postero-superior liver segments (eight in segment VII, two in segment VIII, eight in segment IVa). Nine right colectomies, seven left colectomies, ten anterior rectal resections, one Hartmann and one MILES procedures were performed. The median surgical time of MIRACLES procedures was 332min. Two conversions to open approach were necessary. Four major complications (> III) were observed. No postoperative mortality was recorded. The median hospital stay was 8days. The median overall survival was 27.5months. The MIRACLES approach is feasible and safe for colorectal resection and hepatic nodules located in all segments, with a low rate of postoperative complications. Surgical technique is demanding and should be reserved, presently, to tertiary centers.

Analysis of Cumulative Fluid Balance Impact on the Stability of Gastrointestinal Tract Anastomosis.

Anastomotic leakage is a serious postoperative complication following a low anterior resection of rectum. Current research in colorectal surgery focuses on searching for techniques which could minimize the risk of leakage. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cumulative fluid balance on microcirculatory changes at the anastomotic site.This experimental study used 15 domestic pigs; all of the animals underwent rectal resection. Then the animals were divided into three groups and received IV crystalloids at various rates, i.e. 5 ml/kg/h; 10 ml/kg/h; and 20 ml/kg/h. Large bowel micro-perfusion was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry during and following the surgical procedure.The experiments were successfully performed in all 15 cases. No animal died during the procedure or during the follow-up. We found no differences in micro-perfusion of the bowel between the experimental groups during the surgical procedure and during the follow-up period after the surgery. A significant decrease in micro-perfusion was observed after the transection of the inferior mesenteric artery in all the groups; again, no differences between the groups were observed.We did not confirm the original hypothesis that excessive load of IV crystalloids during the surgery would have a negative effect on bowel micro-perfusion and thus a negative effect on the healing of the anastomosis. However, laser Doppler flowmetry was found to have high accuracy in measuring tissue microcirculation and has the potential to be used in clinical practice.

Signet ring cell carcinoma of rectum metastasizing to synchronous renal cell carcinoma: a case report

BackgroundRectal signet ring cell carcinoma is a rare type of colorectal adenocarcinoma characterized by an aggressive biological behavior and poor prognosis. The co-occurrence of colorectal carcinoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has found in many hundreds of patients, many of whom also have additional malignancies. Cancer to cancer metastasis is rare and an uncommon phenomenon in malignancy, especially at the time of initial diagnosis, suggesting a genetic susceptibility.Case presentationWe present the case of a 66-year-old Macedonian man with synchronous rectal signet ring cell carcinoma and RCC with tumor to tumor metastasis feature. He underwent a left nephrectomy and anterior rectal resection after complaining of constipation for 3–4 months and the appearance of synchronous tumors on the imaging studies. Morphology and immunohistochemical analysis of specimens from the RCC revealed signet ring cells identical to the rectal signet ring cell carcinoma. The next-generation sequencing study revealed mutations in TP53 and ERBB2, and microsatellite stable signet ring cell carcinoma was determined by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing.ConclusionsCancer to cancer metastasis, although rare, needs to be considered in synchronous tumors. RCC, when diagnosed in multiple synchronous tumors, should be examined carefully. The paucity of reported cases indicates the need for advanced research in imaging methods for metastasis and new therapeutic approaches.