Anterior Resection Research Articles

Segmental Bowel Resection for Rectal Endometriosis Using the da Vinci SP

ObjectiveThe da Vinci SP Surgical System (SP) received regulatory approval for use in gynecological surgeries in Japan in 2023. Given the advantages of the precision of a robot, less pain, and the cosmesis of single-port surgery, the da Vinci SP is expected to be further used for minimally invasive surgeries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of SP for the treatment of rectal endometriosis with segmental bowel resection. SettingAn urban general hospital. Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. ParticipantsThe patient was a 46-year-old woman presented with chronic pelvic pain, pain on defecation, and constipation. Magnetic resonance imaging showed uterine large fibroid, left ovarian endometrioma, and 38 mm of rectal endometriosis, with complete cul-de-sac obliteration. InterventionsWe made a 30-mm vertical incision at the umbilicus, then placed the access port, and inserted three articulating instruments and a camera. An assistant port was placed in the right lower quadrant for using the linear stapler. The surgical steps were completely identical to conventional multiport laparoscopic robotic surgery. This suggests that conventional laparoscopic or robotic skills are highly transferrable to SP. SP offer several advantages, including high-resolution three-dimensional visualization, articulating instruments, and improved dexterity and range of motion. In addition, the umbilical access port was particularly useful for proximal bowel resection, specimen retrieval, and anvil positioning during bowel resection. The total operative time was 216 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 100 ml without any complications. The uterine weight was 800 g. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no perioperative complications, including no postoperative bladder dysfunction or low anterior resection syndrome [1,2]. ConclusionThe use of SP with the access port for segmental bowel resection for rectal endometriosis is technically safe and feasible, with good cosmesis and less pain.

Outcomes of medial to lateral vs. lateral to medial approaches in laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections.

Bowel cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide. Laparoscopic resections have become a standard treatment modality for resectable colorectal cancer. This study aimed to compare the clinical and oncological outcomes of medial to lateral (ML) vs lateral to medial (LM) approaches in laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections. A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a UK district general hospital from 2015 to 2019, including 402 patients meeting specific criteria. Demographic, clinical, operative, postoperative, and oncological data were collected. Participants were categorised into LM and ML groups. The primary outcome was 30-day complications, and secondary outcomes included operative duration, length of stay, lymph node harvest, and 3-year survival. A total of 402 patients (55.7% males) were included: 102 (51.6% females) in the lateral mobilisation (LM) group and 280 (58.9% males) in the medial mobilisation (ML) group. Right hemicolectomy (n=157, 39.1%) and anterior resection (n=150, 37.3%) were the most performed procedures. The LM group had a shorter operative time for right hemicolectomy (median 165 vs. 225min, P<0.001) and anterior resection (median 230 vs. 300min, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of wound infection (P=0.443), anastomotic leak (P=0.981), postoperative ileus (P=0.596), length of stay (P=0.446), lymph node yield (P=0.848) or 3-year overall survival rate (Log-rank 0.759). The study contributes to the limited evidence on ML vs LM approaches. A shorter operative time in the LM group was noted in this study, contrary to some literature. Postoperative outcomes were comparable, with a non-significant increase in postoperative ileus in the LM group. The study emphasises the safety and feasibility of both approaches.

An extraperitoneal single-port robotic approach to low anterior resection-Cadaveric experience.

A minimally invasive surgery (MIS) extraperitoneal (XP) approach to left-sided colorectal resection utilizing the laparoscopic approach has recently been shown to be safe and feasible and to have potential advantages over the transperitoneal approach, especially in high-risk surgical patients. The aim of this article is to provide a first cadaveric demonstration of the use of a single-port robotic platform in performing XP low anterior resection by MIS. A single-port robotic platform (DaVinci®SP™) was used to perform XP single-port low anterior resection in two cadavers with body mass indexes (BMIs) of 19 and 40 kg/m2. The single-port robotic platform with versatile arms was successfully used to perform a complete low anterior resection with splenic flexure mobilization and total mesorectal excision through a single port. A single-port robotic platform enhances complete XP dissection in the supine patient in extreme BMI ranges. Clinical studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Comparison of Anorectal Function and Quality of Life Measures in Patients Following Intersphincteric Resection and Lower Anterior Resection.

This study explored postoperative outcomes for patients with lower rectal cancer who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) or intersphincteric resection (ISR). A total of 49 patients (33 LAR, 16 ISR) were followed using anorectal manometry and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires over a year, pre- and post surgery. The primary aim of this study is to clarify differences in anal manometry, sphincter function, fecal incontinence, and QOL between the two surgical arms. The secondary aim was to identify indicators suitable for assessing relationships between anorectal manometry measurements, fecal incontinence, and QOL. Anorectal manometry elements (AMEs), such as atmospheric maximum mean squeeze pressure (aMSP), maximum tolerable volume (MTV), and incremental maximum mean squeeze pressure (iMSP), showed no significant differences during the observation period. However, maximum resting pressure (MRP), high-pressure zone length (HPZ), and threshold volume (TV) were significantly worse in the ISR group. Fecal incontinence, measured by Wexner and Kirwan scores, was significantly better in the LAR group. We observed no differences in SF36 between the two groups. Multi-correlation analysis revealed positive and negative correlations among these factors, with inverse correlations between anorectal manometry measurements and incontinence assessments decreasing post-surgery. We found no correlation between SF36 and anorectal manometry at any time. The findings indicate that surgical technique affects postoperative anal function, fecal incontinence, and SF36. However, combined assessment methods should be used with caution when deriving relationships between anal function and SF36.

Analyzing quality of life after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Rectal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide that imposes high costs on patients and the healthcare system while also having a significant impact on the patient's quality of life (QoL). We aimed to assess the QoL of rectal cancer patients undergoing lower anterior resection (LAR) and evaluate potential confounding factors. In this cross-sectional study, we included patients undergoing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by LAR, diverting ileostomy, and adjuvant chemotherapy. Six months after stoma reversal, QoL was assessed using a cancer-specific core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30 and also a colorectal cancer module EORTC QLQ-CR29. Linear and quantile regression models were used to examine associations of QoL and patients' demographical and clinical features. The study population comprised 210 patients with an average age of 61.9 ± 11.0 (range: 37-85) and 112 (53.3%) male patients. The higher tumor stage increases the QoL of patients by reducing diarrhea, loss of appetite, defecation problems, and stool frequency. Based on the linear regression analysis, a farther distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge (AV) was correlated with lower symptom scores and higher QoL. Also, at the 75th percentile cut-off of the QLQ-CR29 scores, a higher N stage of the tumor was correlated with higher QoL based on functional subscale (coefficient = 3.032, P = 0.016). QoL of patients after LAR for rectal cancer is significantly associated with the distance of the anastomosis site from the AV.

Textbook anastomotic success in patients with low rectal cancer treated by intersphincteric resection: reappraising surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes.

Previous studies on successful anastomosis after intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancer (LRC) primarily focused on anastomotic complications rather than functional outcomes. Here, we improved the anastomotic success criteria by considering surgical, oncological, and functional outcomes and proposed a new composite outcome, "textbook anastomotic success" (TASS). This retrospective single-center study included patients with LRC treated with ISR from January 2014 to April 2020. TASS was defined as (1) no anastomotic complications occurring after ISR; (2) ileostomy was closed and there was no severe intestinal dysfunction 2years after ISR; and (3) no local recurrence within 2years of surgery. TASS was achieved upon meeting all indicators. We analyzed 259 patients with LRC, with 125 (48.3%) achieving TASS. Multivariate analysis showed that male sex (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.27-0.81; p = 0.007), hypertension (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24-0.97; p = 0.041), ASA score ≥ 3 (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.10-0.81; p = 0.018), pre-treatment major low anterior resection syndrome (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15-0.94; p = 0.037), and preoperative neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.22-0.77; p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for not achieving TASS. Conversely, transverse coloplasty pouch (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.07-4.25; p = 0.032) and higher anastomosis level (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.05-2.30; p = 0.026) were independent protective factors for achieving TASS. The nomogram constructed to evaluate the probability of achieving TASS demonstrated good accuracy in the dataset (area under curve, 0.737). TASS provides a comprehensive quality assessment for ISR in patients with LRC. The nomogram predicting TASS may assist surgeons in decision-making for managing LRC.

Patient perspective on adapting to bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery.

Bowel dysfunction continues to be a clinically significant consequence of rectal cancer surgery, affecting quality of life. Rectal cancer patients value self-empowerment and adaptation to change to improve their quality of life in the context of bowel dysfunction. There are limited qualitative data addressing patients' perspectives on adapting to bowel dysfunction. The aim of this study is to evaluate patients' perspectives on adapting to bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. Adult patients who underwent rectal cancer surgery with sphincter preservation at a single colorectal referral centre from July 2017 to July 2020 were included. Patients were excluded if they had surgery <1 year since recruitment, received a permanent stoma or developed recurrence or metastasis. Semistructured interviews were held by phone and transcribed verbatim. Bowel dysfunction was assessed via the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score. Thematic analysis was used to identify adaptations which patients found helpful for improving bowel dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery. A total of 54 patient interviews were included. The distribution of patients with no, minor and major LARS was 39%, 22% and 39%, respectively. Four main themes were conceived from the analysis: implementing lifestyle changes, fostering supportive relationships and self-compassion, communication and access to resources, and adapting to social and cultural challenges. Associated subthemes were identified, namely forward planning, self-compassion and addressing social stigma. Patients' valuable perspective on adapting to bowel dysfunction involve subtle themes which expand the existing literature. These themes inform a patient-centred approach, which may improve outcomes and quality of care for rectal cancer patients.

Intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring based on bioimpedance signals: a new method analyzed on 30 patients

PurposeIncreasing importance has been attributed in recent years to the preservation of the pelvic autonomic nerves during rectal resection to achieve better functional results. In addition to improved surgical techniques, intraoperative neuromonitoring may be useful.MethodsThis single-arm prospective study included 30 patients who underwent rectal resection performed with intraoperative neuromonitoring by recording the change in the tissue impedance of the urinary bladder and rectum after stimulation of the pelvic autonomic nerves. The International Prostate Symptom Score, the post-void residual urine volume and the Low Anterior Resection Syndrome Score (LARS score) were assessed during the 12-month follow-up period.ResultsA stimulation-induced change in tissue impedance was observed in 28/30 patients (93.3%). In the presence of risk factors such as low anastomosis, neoadjuvant radiotherapy and a deviation stoma, an average increase of the LARS score by 9 points was observed 12 months after surgery (p = 0,04). The function of the urinary bladder remained unaffected in the first week (p = 0,7) as well as 12 months after the procedure (p = 0,93).ConclusionThe clinical feasibility of the new method for pelvic intraoperative neuromonitoring could be verified. The benefits of intraoperative pelvic neuromonitoring were particularly evident in difficult intraoperative situations with challenging visualization of the pelvic nerves.

Does one-stitch method of temporary ileostomy affect the stoma-related complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection in rectal cancer patients?

PurposeThis current study attempted to investigate whether one-stitch method (OM) of temporary ileostomy influenced the stoma-related complications after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LLAR).MethodsWe searched for eligible studies in four databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI from inception to July 20, 2023. Both surgical outcomes and stoma-related complications were compared between the OM group and the traditional method (TM) group. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was adopted for quality assessment. RevMan 5.4 was conducted for data analyzing.ResultsTotally 590 patients from six studies were enrolled in this study (272 patients in the OM group and 318 patients in the TM group). No significant difference was found in baseline information (P > 0.05). Patients in the OM group had shorter operative time in both the primary LLAR surgery (MD = − 17.73, 95%CI = − 25.65 to − 9.80, P < 0.01) and the stoma reversal surgery (MD = − 18.70, 95%CI = − 22.48 to −14.92, P < 0.01) than patients in the TM group. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss of the primary LLAR surgery (MD = − 2.92, 95%CI = − 7.15 to 1.32, P = 0.18). Moreover, patients in the OM group had fewer stoma-related complications than patients in the TM group (OR = 0.55, 95%CI = 0.38 to 0.79, P < 0.01).ConclusionThe OM group had shorter operation time in both the primary LLAR surgery and the stoma reversal surgery than the TM group. Moreover, the OM group had less stoma-related complications.

Nursing Recommendations for Symptom-Specific Self-care of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome: A Systematic, Scoping Review of the Literature.

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a result of removing part or most of the rectum as a treatment for rectal cancer that negatively impacts quality of life. There is a lack of standardized nursing symptom-specific self-care recommendations for patients suffering from LARS. The aim of this study was to map the existing research regarding nursing guidelines and symptom-specific recommendations for LARS self-care. A systematic scoping review using 4 comprehensive databases (ProQuest, EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science) was completed using the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Applying specified search terms, relevant articles were extracted using criteria and entered into an Excel database. Three publications met the study inclusion criteria: 1 randomized controlled pilot study; 1 nonrandomized, retrospective pilot study; and 1 retrospective, comparative, cross-sectional study. No professional nursing guidelines were found, but 3 nurse-led management programs were reviewed. Publications provided self-care nursing recommendations for all LARS symptoms except for repeated painful stools/tenesmus, soiling, or discrimination disorders/flatulence. Combination of nursing self-care recommendations included dietary/lifestyle modifications, fiber supplements/bulking agents, antidiarrheal and laxative over-the-counter medications, and pelvic floor muscle exercises. When mapping the literature, there appears to be nurse-led management programs and recommendations for self-care for patients with LARS for almost all symptoms. Yet, there are no standardized recommendations. Professional nursing practice guidelines for all symptoms are lacking. Nursing recommendations for self-care of LARS exist and need to be expanded and standardized to include all symptoms. Further research regarding comprehensive nursing self-care recommendations and management is warranted.

Comparison of robotic and laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid colon and rectal cancer: a single-center retrospective study on surgical outcomes and long-term survival.

Although the safety and short-term outcomes of robotic surgery for sigmoid colon and rectal cancer patients are well-documented, there is limited research on the long-term survival outcomes of robotic colorectal surgery. This is a retrospective study that includes 502 patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection for rectal or sigmoid colon cancer between August 2016 and September 2021. All patients were diagnosed with rectal or sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma. Propensity score matching (PSM) was implemented to minimize selection bias. Perioperative outcomes, complication rates, and pathological data were evaluated and compared. The 5-year overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were calculated and compared. Before matching, patients in the robotic group had earlier pathological T and N stages and were more likely to have received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy compared to the laparoscopic group. After matching, most clinicopathological outcomes were similar between the two groups, but the robotic group had longer operative times and a lower conversion rate to open surgery compared with laparoscopic group. After matching for clinical factors, the 5-year DFS rates were 88.19% for the robotic group and 82.46% for the laparoscopic group (P = 0.122), and the OS rates were 90.5% and 79.5% (P = 0.342), showing no significant differences. In the stratified analysis, patients in the robotic surgery group had significantly higher 5-year DFS rates in the following subgroups: age < 65years, TNM stage I-II, received neoadjuvant therapy, and primary tumor located in the rectum. The safety and efficacy of robotic surgery for sigmoid colon and rectal cancer were validated compared to laparoscopic surgery, with both groups of patients exhibiting comparable long-term prognoses.

Surgical outcomes in ileal Crohn's disease complicated by ileosigmoid fistula.

The management of Crohn's disease (CD) complicated by ileosigmoid fistula (ISF) remains a challenge, and Australian outcomes have not previously been reported. A retrospective review of a tertiary colorectal inflammatory bowel disease unit, across public and private sites, from 2005 to 2023 to identify adult patients having undergone operative management of ISF. Twenty-nine patients underwent surgery for ISF in the study period. Seventeen were male and the median age was 40 years. The pre-operative diagnosis of ISF was made in 76%, and patients were more likely to undergo resectional surgery if the pre-operative diagnosis was made endoscopically. Sixty-nine percent of cases were performed electively, with 76% completed laparoscopically with an 18.5% conversion rate to an open approach. The ISF was oversewn in three patients, repaired primarily in 14 patients, managed with segmental wedge resection in eight patients and resected via an anterior resection in four patients. The rate of stoma formation at the index procedure was 20.7% overall and 22% in patients being acutely managed with steroids. Emergent cases were more likely to be defunctioned with a stoma. Morbidity was 17.2% with a single anastomotic leak. ISF in CD remains difficult to diagnose pre-operatively, but can be safely managed laparoscopically without formal resection, and with limited use of diverting stoma formation. The specific surgical approach to the sigmoid in ISF is difficult to pre-determine and often requires decisions to be made intra-operatively.

Minimally invasive left colectomy with total intracorporeal anastomosis versus extracorporeal anastomosis. A single center cohort study. Stage 2b IDEAL framework for evaluating surgical innovation

PurposePerforming intracorporeal anastomoses in minimally invasive colon surgery appears to provide better short-term outcomes for patients with colon cancer. The aim of the study is to compare surgical aspects and short-term outcomes between intracorporeal and extracorporeal techniques in left colectomies with both laparoscopic and robotic approaches and evaluate advantages and disadvantages of intracorporeal anastomosis according to IDEAL framework (Exploration, stage 2b).MethodsThis is a single center, ambispective cohort study comparing total intracorporeal anastomosis (TIA) and standard surgery with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). Patients with colon cancer treated by left colectomy, sigmoidectomy and high anterior resection by total intracorporeal anastomosis between May 2020 and January 2023 without exclusion criteria were prospectively included in a standardized database. Short-term outcomes in the group undergoing TIA were compared with a historical EA cohort. The main assessment outcomes were intraoperative complications, postoperative morbidity according to the Clavien-Dindo scale and the comparison of pathological. We conducted a preliminary comparative study within the TIA group between approaches, a primary analysis between the two anastomotic techniques, and a propensity score matched analysis including only the laparoscopic approach, between both anastomotic techniques.ResultsTwo hundred and forty-six patients were included: 103 who underwent TIA, 35 of them with laparoscopic approach and 68 with robotic approach, and a comparison group comprising another 103 eligible consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic EA. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic variables. No statistically significant differences were observed in anastomotic dehiscence. Intraoperative complications are fewer in the TIA group, with a higher C-Reactive Protein levels. Relevant anastomotic bleeding and the number of retrieved lymph nodes were higher in EA group. Nevertheless, no differences were observed in terms of overall morbidity.ConclusionMinimally invasive left colectomy with intracorporeal resection and anastomosis is technically feasible and safe suing either a laparoscopic or a robotic approach. Clinical data from this cohort demonstrate outcomes comparable to those achieved through the conventional EA procedure in relation to postoperative morbidity and oncological efficacy, with indications suggesting that the utilization of robotic-assisted techniques may play a contributing role in enhancing overall treatment outcomes.

Implementing a no-drain policy for extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis in a real-life setting: analysis of outcomes and surgeons’ adherence

AimRecent evidence has questioned the usefulness of anastomotic drain (AD) after low anterior resection (LAR). However, the implementation and adoption of a no-drain policy are still poor. This study aims to assess the clinical outcomes of the implementation of a no-drain policy for rectal cancer surgery into a real-life setting and the adherence of the surgeons to such policy.MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent elective minimally invasive LAR between January 2015 and December 2019 at two tertiary referral centers. In 2017, both centers implemented a policy aimed at reducing the use of AD. Patients were retrospectively categorized into two groups: the drain policy (DP) group, comprising patients treated before 2017, and the no-drain policy (NDP) group, consisting of patients treated from 2017 onwards. The endpoints were the rate of anastomotic leak (AL) and of related interventions.ResultsAmong the 272 patients included, 188 (69.1%) were in the NDP group, and 84 (30.9%) were in the DP group. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. AL rate was 11.2% in the NDP group compared to 10.7% in the DP group (p = 1.000), and the AL grade distribution (grade A, 19.1% (4/21) vs 28.6% (2/9); grade B, 28.6% (6/21) vs 11.1% (1/9); grade C, 52.4% (11/21) vs 66.7% (6/9), p = 0.759) did not significantly differ between the groups. All patients with symptomatic AL and AD underwent surgical treatment for the leak, while those with symptomatic AL in the NPD group were managed with surgery (66.7%), endoscopic (19.0%), or percutaneous (14.3%) interventions. Postoperative outcomes were similar between the groups. Three years after implementing the no-drain policy, AD was utilized in only 16.5% of cases, compared to 76.2% at the study’s outset.ConclusionThe introduction of a no-drain policy received a good adoption rate and did not affect negatively the surgical outcomes.

‘Folfirinox’ chemotherapy combined with contact x-ray brachytherapy 50 kVp and ‘CAP50’ chemoradiotherapy aiming at organ preservation for selected intermediate distal-middle cT2-T3 rectal cancers: A feasibility study

PurposeThe standard treatment of T2–T3 rectal adenocarcinoma is radical proctectomy by total mesorectal excision often combined with some neoadjuvant treatment. To reduce morbidity of this surgery, organ preservation strategy using various combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and local excision is gaining interest. Some randomized trials have proven the feasibility of such approaches. The OPERA trial demonstrated, for T2 T3<5cm diameter low-middle rectum, that a contact X-ray brachytherapy boost of 90Gy in three fractions over 4 weeks was able to achieve a planned organ preservation in 81% of patients at 3years with 97% success for tumour smaller than 3cm treated with contact X-ray brachytherapy boost first. To try to expand organ preservation to larger tumours we set up a feasibility trial in T2–T3 tumours using total neoadjuvant treatment and a contact X-ray brachytherapy boost. Material and methodThe trial was approved by the institutional review board of Nice. Inclusion criteria were operable patients, 75years or less, adenocarcinoma of the low-middle rectum staged T2c-T3N0 larger than 3.5cm and less than 6cm in diameter or T2-T3N1 less than 6cm in diameter. Treatment started in all cases with neoadjuvant chemotherapy associating 5-fluoro-uracile, irinotecan and oxaliplatin (‘folfirinox’ regimen, four to six cycles). In case of good tumour response after four cycles, a contact X-ray brachytherapy boost (delivering 90Gy in three fractions) was given followed by chemoradiotherapy (external beam radiotherapy delivering 50Gy, with concurrent capecitabine). After six cycles if only a partial response (tumour still larger than 3cm) was seen, chemoradiotherapy was given and contact X-ray brachytherapy boost was delivered after that. At the end of this total neoadjuvant treatment a watch and wait strategy was decided in case of clinical complete response or radical proctectomy by total mesorectal excision for partial response. ResultsBetween July 2019 and October 2022, 14 patients were included; median age was 66years (range: 51–77years), there were nine male and five female, two T2 N1 tumours, seven T3N0, and five T3N1, all were M0. Median tumour diameter was 40mm (range: 11–50mm); three tumours had a circumferential extension greater than 50%. Seven patients received four folfirinox cycles and seven had six cycles. Contact X-ray brachytherapy boost was given during folfirinox chemotherapy before chemoradiotherapy in 11 patients (and after in three). The tolerance was good, with no grade 4–5 toxicity. The main grade 3 early toxicity was in relation with the folfirinox regimen. A clinical complete response was seen in 12 patients at the end of the total neoadjuvant treatment (85%). All these patients are alive and have preserved their rectum with a mean follow-up time of 17.8months (range: 6–48months) and a good bowel function (low anterior rectal resection syndrome score below 30). The main contact X-ray brachytherapy boost toxicity was radiation ulceration in three patients that usually healed within 6 months, sometimes necessitating hyperbaric oxygen. ConclusionThe preliminary results of this feasibility study show that early tolerance of these intensive total neoadjuvant treatment is compatible with an acceptable toxicity. The high rate of organ preservation in this intermediate group of T2–T3 tumours is encouraging and is a good argument to start the next randomized TRESOR trial that will aim at achieving a 65% of 3-year survival with organ preservation in this intermediate tumour group.

Predictors of long-term memory and network connectivity 10 years after anterior temporal lobe resection.

Anterior temporal lobe resection (ATLR) effectively controls seizures in medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy but risks significant episodic memory decline. Beyond 1 year postoperatively, the influence of preoperative clinical factors on episodic memory and long-term network plasticity remain underexplored. Ten years post-ATLR, we aimed to determine biomarkers of successful memory network reorganization and establish presurgical features' lasting impact on memory function. Twenty-five ATLR patients (12 left-sided) and 10 healthy controls underwent a memory-encoding functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm alongside neuropsychometry 10 years postsurgery. Generalized psychophysiological interaction analyses modeled network functional connectivity of words/faces remembered, seeding from the medial temporal lobes (MTLs). Differences in successful memory connectivity were assessed between controls and left/right ATLR. Multivariate regressions and mixed-effect models probed preoperative phenotypes' effects on long-term memory outcomes. Ten years post-ATLR, lower baseline functioning (verbal and performance intelligence quotient) and a focal memory impairment preoperatively predicted worse long-term memory outcomes. Poorer verbal memory was significantly associated with longer epilepsy duration and earlier onset age. Relative to controls, successful word and face encoding involved increased functional connectivity from both or remnant MTL seeds and contralesional parahippocampus/hippocampus after left/right ATLR. Irrespective of surgical laterality, successful memory encoding correlated with increased MTL-seeded connectivity to frontal (bilateral insula, right anterior cingulate), right parahippocampal, and bilateral fusiform gyri. Ten years postsurgery, better memory performance was correlated with contralateral frontal plasticity, which was disrupted with longer epilepsy duration. Our findings underscore the enduring nature of functional network reorganizations to provide long-term cognitive support. Ten years post-ATLR, successful memory formation featured stronger connections near resected areas and contralateral regions. Preoperative network disruption possibly influenced effectiveness of postoperative plasticity. These findings are crucial for enhancing long-term memory prediction and strategies for lasting memory rehabilitation.

Decision-making preferences and regret in rectal cancer patients undergoing restorative proctectomy: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundHow patients make treatment choices in rectal cancer is poorly understood and may affect long-term regret and satisfaction. The objective of this study is to characterize decision-making preferences and their effect on decisional regret in patients undergoing restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted in a single academic specialist rectal cancer center from October 2018 to June 2022. Adult patients who underwent restorative proctectomy at least one year prior were recruited. Health literacy was assessed using the BRIEF instrument. Decision-making preferences regarding cancer treatment were assessed using the Control Preferences Scale. Decisional regret regarding their choice of restorative proctectomy was assessed using the Decision Regret Score. Bowel dysfunction was measured using the low anterior resection syndrome score. ResultsOverall, 123 patients were included. Health literacy was categorized as adequate in 63%, marginal in 25%, and limited in 12%. Patients with adequate health literacy were more likely to prefer a collaborative decision-making role compared with those with low health literacy (86% vs 65%, P = .016). Patients with incongruence between preferred and actual decision-making roles were more likely to report high regret (56% vs 25%, P = .003). Patients with major low anterior resection syndrome were also more likely to experience high regret compared with patients with no/minor low anterior resection syndrome (44% vs 25%, P = .036). ConclusionA significant proportion of patients with rectal cancer undergoing restorative proctectomy do not have a decision-making role that is congruent with their preferences, and these patients experience a high degree of regret.

Long-Term Results of 2-Stage Turnbull-Cutait Pull-Through Coloanal Anastomosis for Low Rectal Cancer

In patients operated on for low rectal cancer, 2-stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis provides benefits in terms of postoperative morbidity compared with standard hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis associated with diverting ileostomy and further ileostomy reversal. To compare long-term results of these 2 techniques after ultralow rectal resection for rectal cancer. In this randomized multicenter clinical trial, neither patients nor surgeons were blinded for technique. Patients were recruited in 3 centers. Patients undergoing ultralow anterior rectal resection needing hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis were randomly assigned to 2-stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis (n = 46) or standard hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis associated with diverting ileostomy (n = 46). All patients underwent ultralow anterior resection. Patients assigned to the 2-stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through group underwent exteriorization of a segment of left colon through the anal canal. After 6 to 10 days, the exteriorized colon was resected and a delayed hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis performed. For patients assigned to standard coloanal anastomosis, the hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis was performed with diverting ileostomy during the first operation. Ileostomy closure was scheduled after adjuvant treatment was completed in about 6 to 8 months. The study aimed to compare the differences between the 2 groups in terms of long-term surgery-related morbidity, functional, and oncological outcomes at 3 years postoperatively. Data were analyzed from October 1, 2018, through October 31, 2021. The 92 patients randomized in the first study were included for the 3-year follow-up. The overall morbidity rate in the 2 groups showed that 15 patients (16.3%) had complications with a difference of 6.52 (95% CI, -8.93 to 21.79). Nine patients (19.6%) and 6 patients (13.0%) in the 2-stage Turnbull-Cutait pull-through group and hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis group, respectively, had complications without statistically significant differences (P = .57). Oncological results were comparable between the groups. Long-term fecal continence in the CCA and TCA groups, respectively, assessed using the Wexner Incontinence Score was 10.9 (5.50-15.5) vs 13.0 (7.25-16.0; P = .92), Low Anterior Resection Syndrome score was 32.0 (21.0-37.0) vs 34.0 (23.2-38.5; P = .76), and Colorectal Functional Outcome score was 38.5 (23.0-47.1) vs 40.8 (23.3-58.2; P = .30). In this study, after a 3-year follow-up period, 2-stage Turnbull-Cutait anastomosis for ultralow rectal cancer could be considered as a surgical alternative that has the valuable benefit of avoiding a temporary stoma with similar results in terms of morbidity, fecal continence, patient satisfaction, quality of life, and oncological outcomes when compared with hand-sewn coloanal anastomosis with ileostomy. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01766661.

Patients' experiences of living with low anterior resection syndrome three to six months after colorectal cancer surgery: A phenomenological study.

Increased use of sphincter-preserving surgery following colorectal cancer has led to more people living with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), a disordered bowel function that significantly impacts quality of life. Little is known about how patients experience the first months following sphincter-preserving surgery and having LARS. To shed light on what it means to live with LARS in the first three to six months after colorectal cancer sphincter-preserving surgery. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach constitutes the study design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants from September 2022 to January 2023. The transcribed interviews were analysed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. Five themes emerged from the analysis: bowel emptying becomes all-consuming and affects both daily life and working life, you hear what they're saying, but don't understand what it means until your body goes through it, low anterior resection syndrome may impact sexual life, leaving feelings of guilt, it doesn't matter what the circumstances are, but rather how one deals with them, and support and follow-up from healthcare professionals, employers, family and friends are crucial for living a good life with LARS. Participants described struggles living with major LARS in the early period following hospital discharge. However, few months later, they had developed strategies enabling them to control their everyday life. Support and follow-up from healthcare professionals, employers, family, and friends were crucial when learning to live with major LARS. Participants expressed desire for a systematic and proactive follow-up from healthcare professionals and contact with peer-support groups.

Double tracheoesophageal fistula after prolonged intubation during COVID-19: surgical treatment by colonic transposition in the retrosternal space

This is a patient with 2 tracheoesophageal fistulas following prolonged intubation due to COVID-19 with severe evolution and indication for surgical treatment due to failure of endoscopic treatment. Patient in a long hospital stay, unable to eat an oral diet, malnourished, chronic cough, developing persistent pneumonia due to recurrent salivary bronchoaspiration. The case was treated by complex surgical intervention consisting of proximal and distal partial esophagectomy with reconstruction of food transit by colonic bypass in the anterior mediastinum, resection and tracheal reanastomosis. The final result was good, with the patient being discharged from the hospital on a restored oral diet and free spontaneous breathing. The resolution of an extremely serious case through a complex and exceptional surgical approach, which imposed enormous challenges in pre-operative preparation and detailed therapeutic planning, with single-stage surgical action by two surgical teams (Digestive System Surgery and Thoracic Surgery).