Complication Of Rectal Cancer Surgery Research Articles

Urinary dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery: Results from a randomized trial comparing mesorectal excision with and without lateral lymph node dissection for clinical stage II or III lower rectal cancer (Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study, JCOG0212)

BackgroundPostoperative urinary dysfunction is a major complication of rectal cancer surgery. A randomized controlled trial (JCOG0212) concluded that the noninferiority of mesorectal excision alone to mesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection was not confirmed in terms of relapse-free survival. MethodsEligibility criteria included histologically proven clinical stage II/III rectal cancer, a main lesion located in the rectum with the lower margin below the peritoneal reflection, and the absence of lateral lymph node enlargement. After confirming R0 resection by mesorectal excision, patients were randomized intraoperatively. The residual urine volume was measured three times. Urinary dysfunction was defined as ≥50 mL residual urine occurring at least once or no measurement of residual urinary volume. This trial was registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, number C000000034. ResultsIn the mesorectal excision alone and the mesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection groups, the incidence of early urinary dysfunction were 58% and 59%, respectively. A tumor location in the lower rectum (vs. upper rectum) and a blood loss of ≥500 mL (vs. <500 mL) were associated with an increased risk of early urinary dysfunction. However, only blood loss was independently predictive of early urinary dysfunction (relative risk, 1.25 [95% CI: 1.10–1.55], p = .04). ConclusionsMesorectal excision with lateral lymph node dissection is not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of urinary dysfunction. Urinary dysfunction is associated with tumor location and blood loss.

Survey on consenting practice and discussion of post-operative erectile dysfunction following rectal cancer surgery

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction is a recognized complication of rectal cancer surgery, due to the close proximity of the pelvic autonomic nerves to the normal plane of dissection. The consenting process should therefore always include the risk of sexual and urinary dysfunction arising after such surgery. This survey was undertaken to assess the consenting practice, and to evaluate the frequency of use of phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) following rectal cancer surgery. Methods: All listed Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) members were invited to participate in the electronic survey, which comprised six questions. By 8 weeks, 119 responses had been received. Results: There were 112 respondents (94.1%) who routinely discussed the risk of ED during the process of gaining consent for rectal cancer surgery. There were 104 respondents (87.3%) who documented ED on their consent form. There were 24 respondents (20.2%) who indicated that there was no stated percentage risk for ED; and there were 69 (58.0%) and 26 (21.9%) respondents who quoted there was a 0–25% and 26–50% risk of ED during the consent process, respectively. None were quoting &gt; 50% risk of ED. There were 68 respondents (57.1%) who routinely enquired about ED during follow-up. There were 30 respondents (25.2%) who stated that they had experience in prescribing PDE5 inhibitors for their patients who suffer from ED: We had 25 of them who felt that patients benefited from using PDE5 inhibitors. Conclusions: The majority of colorectal surgeons routinely discuss and document the risk of ED when consenting for rectal surgery; however, most surgeons have no experience in prescribing PDE5 inhibitors. This is an area that requires further study and education.

Male urinary and sexual function after robotic pelvic autonomic nerve-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.

Urinary and sexual dysfunction is the potential complication of rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the urinary and sexual function in male patients with robotic surgery for rectal cancer. This prospective study included 137 of the 336 male patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer. Urinary and male sexual function was studied by means of a questionnaire based on the International Prostatic Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function. All data were collected before surgery and 12 months after surgery. Patients who underwent robotic surgery had significantly decreased incidence of partial or complete erectile dysfunction and sexual dysfunction than patients with laparoscopic surgery. The pre- and post-operative total IPSS scores in patients with robotic surgery were significantly less than that with laparoscopic surgeries. Robotic surgery shows distinct advantages in protecting the pelvic autonomic nerves and relieving post-operative sexual dysfunction.

Reoperative surgery for the failed low pelvic anastomosis

The most serious complication of rectal cancer surgery is an anastomotic catastrophe that can lead to worse oncologic outcomes, decreased ability to maintain the anastomosis, and retain good functional outcome. Redo surgery for failed colorectal and coloanal anastomoses is a surgical challenge, with technical difficulties and high morbidity, but may be the only option to improve a patient׳s quality of life. The aim of this article is to summarize the approaches to salvage the anastomosis that is beset by late complications including leakage, stenosis, sinus tract, chronic presacral chronic sepsis, fistula, or disunion.

Relationship between of short-course preoperative radiotherapy and serum albumin level and postoperative complications in rectal cancer surgery.

The identification of risk factors could play a role in improving early postoperative outcome for rectal cancer surgery patients. The air of this s5udy was to determine the relationship between short-course preoperative radiotherapy (RT), serum albumin level and the development of postoperative complications in patients after anterior rectal resection due to rectal cancer without creation of diverting stoma. This retrospective study included patients with histopathologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the rectum with the clinical stage of T2-T4 operated on between 2007 and 2012. All the patients underwent open anterior rectal resection without diverting stoma creation. Preoperative serum albumin was measured in each patient. Tumor location was noted intraoperatively as the distance between the inferior tumor margin and anal verge. Tumor size was measured and noted by the pathologist who assessed specimens. Some of the patients received short-course preoperative RT, and some did not. The patients were divided into two groups (group 1 with short-course preoperative RT, group 2 without short-course preoperative RT). Postoperative complications included clinically apparent anastomotic leakage, wound infection, diffuse peritonitis and pneumonia. They were compared between the groups, in relation to preoperative serum albumin level, patient age, tumor size and location. The study included 107 patients (51 in the group 1 and 56 in the group 2). There were no significant difference in age (p = 0.95), gender (p = 0.12) and tumor distance from anal verge (p = 0.53). The size of rectal carcinoma was significantly higher in the group 1 than in the group 2 (51.37 +/- 12.04 mm vs. 45.57 +/- 9.81 mm, respectively; p = 0.007). The preoperative serum albumin level was significantly lower in the group 1 than in the group 2 (34.80 +/- 2.85 g/L vs. 37.55 +/- 2.74 g/L, respectively; p < 0.001). A significant correlation between the tumor size and the serum albumin level was found (p = 0.042). Overall, postoperative complications were observed in 13 (25.5%) patients in the group 1 and in 10 (17.8%) patients in the group 2 without significant difference between the groups (p = 0.18). A significantly lower level of serum albumin was found in patients with postoperative complications and in those who died. A significant difference in anastomotic leakage occurrence between groups was found (p = 0.039). Male gender and the lower level of serum albumin were significant predictors for anastomotic leakage occurrence (p = 0.05 and p = 0.002, respectively), but preoperative RT had no significant impact on it. A lower serum albumin level, but not short-course of preoperative RT, was significantly associated with postoperative complications development after rectal resection with' out diverting stoma.

Efficacy and safety of udenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction after total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Nerve-preserving surgery has been provided for patients with rectal cancer; however, sexual dysfunction remains a common complication of rectal cancer surgery. This study explored the efficacy of udenafil to treat erectile dysfunction in male patients who underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 80 male patients who had decreased International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores after TME for rectal cancer. Patients received placebo (50 mg) or udenafil (50 mg) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome variable was the change in IIEF-5 scores. The secondary outcome variables were Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions 2 (Q2) and 3 (Q3), and the Global Assessment Question (GAQ). Baseline IIEF-5 scores, SEP Q2 and Q3 responses, and spontaneous erection rates were consistent in both groups. At the end of treatment, the change in IIEF-5 scores from the baseline was significantly higher in the udenafil group than it was in the placebo group (mean IIEF-5 score, 4.8 ± 4.0 vs 2.0 ± 1.7; P < .05). Responses to SEP Q2, SEP Q3, and GAQ were significantly higher in the udenafil group than they were in the placebo group (SEP Q2, P = .025; SEP Q3, P = .044; GAQ, P < .001). Treatment-related adverse events (n = 4) were all mild in severity. Oral udenafil was deemed safe and effective for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients who underwent TME for rectal cancer.

To drain or not to drain extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis? A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Anastomotic leakage is the one of the most serious complications in rectal cancer surgery and is associated with high mortality, morbidity and an increased incidence of local recurrence. Although many studies have compared drained and undrained colorectal anastomoses, to date the role of pelvic drainage in extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis remains undefined. We carried out a systematic review of the literature, performing an unrestricted search in MEDLINE and Embase up to 30 October 2012. Reference lists of retrieved articles and review articles were manually searched for other relevant studies. We performed a meta-analysis of the data currently available on the incidence of extraperitoneal anastomotic leakage, according to the presence or absence of pelvic drainage. Overall, eight studies - three randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and five non-RCTs, comprising a total of 2277 patients - were included in the meta-analysis. Pelvic drainage was demonstrated to reduce both the leak rate and the rate of reintervention in patients who underwent anterior rectal resection with extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis (OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.36-0.73; and OR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.18-0.46, respectively) compared with patients without drainage. Overall mortality and infection rates were also evaluated, but a nonsignificant correlation was found with the presence of drainage. The meta-analysis shows that the presence of a pelvic drain reduces the incidence of extraperitoneal colorectal anastomotic leakage and the rate of reintervention after anterior rectal resection.

Urinary and Erectile Function in Men After Total Mesorectal Excision by Laparoscopic or Robot‐Assisted Methods for the Treatment of Rectal Cancer: A Case‐Matched Comparison

Urinary and sexual dysfunction are recognized complications of rectal cancer surgery in men. This study compared robot-assisted total mesorectal excision (RTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LTME) with regard to these functional outcomes. A series of 32 men who underwent RTME between February 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 were matched 1:1 with patients who underwent LTME. The matching criteria were age, body mass index, tumor distance from the anal verge, neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy, and tumor stage. Urinary and erectile function were evaluated using the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) scale. Data were collected from the two groups at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery and compared. The mean IPSS score did not differ between the two groups at baseline at any point of measurement. The mean baseline IIEF-5 score was similar between the two groups and was decreased at 3 months. The mean IIEF-5 score was significantly higher in the RTME group at 6 months than in the LTME group (14.1 ± 6.1 vs. 9.4 ± 6.6; p = 0.024). The interval decrease in IIEF-5 scores was significantly higher in the LTME group than in the RTME group at 6 months (4.9 ± 4.5 vs. 9.2 ± 4.7; p = 0.030). The men in the RTME group experienced earlier restoration of erectile function than did those in the LTME group. Bladder function was similar during the 12 months after RTME or LTME.

Impact of Robotic Surgery on Sexual and Urinary Functions After Fully Robotic Nerve-Sparing Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer

Urinary and sexual dysfunctions are recognized complications of rectal cancer surgery. Their incidence after robotic surgery is as yet unknown. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the impact of robotic surgery for rectal cancer on sexual and urinary functions in male and female patients. From April 2008 to December 2010, 74 patients undergoing fully robotic resection for rectal cancer were prospectively included in the study. Urinary and sexual dysfunctions affecting quality of life were assessed with specific self-administered questionnaires in all patients undergoing robotic total mesorectal excision (RTME). Results were calculated with validated scoring systems and statistically analyzed. The analyses of the questionnaires completed by the 74 patients who underwent RTME showed that sexual function and general sexual satisfaction decreased significantly 1 month after intervention: 19.1 ± 8.7 versus 11.9 ± 10.2 (P < 0.05) for erectile function and 6.9 ± 2.4 versus 5.3 ± 2.5 (P < 0.05) for general satisfaction in men; 2.6 ± 3.3 versus 0.8 ± 1.4 (P < 0.05) and 2.4 ± 2.5 versus 0.7 ± 1.6 (P < 0.05) for arousal and general satisfaction, respectively, in women. Subsequently, both parameters increased progressively, and 1 year after surgery, the values were comparable to those measured before surgery. Concerning urinary function, the grade of incontinence measured 1 year after the intervention was unchanged for both sexes. RTME allows for preservation of urinary and sexual functions. This is probably due to the superior movements of the wristed instruments that facilitate fine dissection, coupled with a stable and magnified view that helps in recognizing the inferior hypogastric plexus.

Waist Circumference Predicts Increased Complications in Rectal Cancer Surgery

BackgroundThe impact of obesity on development of postoperative complications after gastrointestinal surgery remains controversial. This may be due to the fact that obesity has been calculated by body mass index, a measure that does not account for fat distribution. We hypothesized that waist circumference, a measure of central obesity, would better predict complications after high-risk gastrointestinal procedures. MethodsRetrospective review of an institutional cancer database identified consecutive cases of men undergoing elective rectal resections. Waist circumference was calculated from preoperative imaging. ResultsFrom 2002 to 2009, 152 patients with mean age 65.2±0.75 years and body mass index 28.0±0.43 kg/m2 underwent elective resection of rectal adenoma or carcinoma. Increasing body mass index was not significantly associated with risk of postoperative complications including infection, dehiscence, and reoperation. Greater waist circumference independently predicted increased risk of superficial infections (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.19–3.30, p < 0.008) and a significantly greater risk of having one or more postoperative complications (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.04–2.34, p < 0.034). ConclusionsWaist circumference, a measure of central obesity, is a better predictor of short-term complications than body mass index and can be used to identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive infection control and prevention.

Understanding the Effect of Obesity on Patient Outcomes After Cancer Surgery

Balentine et al. in their article entitled Obesity Increases Wound Complications in Rectal Cancer Surgery describe the association between body mass index (BMI) and wound infection for 156 patients with rectal cancer [1].

431 Waist Circumference Predicts Complications in Rectal Cancer Surgery

BACKGROUND The impact of obesity on development of postoperative complications after gastrointestinal surgery remains controversial. This may be due to the fact that obesity is traditionally calculated by body mass index (BMI), an indirect measure that does not account for fat distribution. We hypothesized that a direct measure of obesity, waist circumference, would better predict complications after high-risk gastrointestinal procedures. METHODS Retrospective review of an institutional cancer database identified consecutive cases of men undergoing elective rectal resections. Waist circumference was calculated from preoperative CT. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate independent predictors of complications. RESULTS From 2002-2009, 152 patients with mean age 65.2±0.75 years and BMI 28.0±0.43kg/m2 underwent elective resection of rectal adenoma or carcinoma. Increasing BMI was not significantly associated with risk of postoperative complications including infection, dehiscence, and reoperation (Table 1). Greater waist circumference independently predicted increased risk of superficial infections (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.19-3.30, p<0.008). Risk of wound disruption, dehiscence and reoperation were increased with expanding waist circumference but the association did not achieve statistical significance. Overall, increased waist circumference predicted a significantly greater risk of having one or more postoperative complication (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.04-2.34, p<0.034). CONCLUSIONS Although BMI is easily calculated, it is an indirect measure of obesity that fails to account for differences in fat quantity and distribution. Waist circumference, a direct measure of central adiposity, is a better predictor of short-term complications and can be used to identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive infection control and prevention.

Obesity Increases Wound Complications in Rectal Cancer Surgery

Obesity increases the risk of wound infections following surgery for colon cancer. Considerably less data is available, however, regarding the impact of obesity on infections and wound complications after resection for rectal cancer. Additionally, the impact of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) on complications in rectal surgery remains unclear. We hypothesized that obesity is associated with prolonged operative time and more infectious complications in obese patients undergoing both MIS and open surgery for rectal cancer. Review of retrospective surgical database. One hundred fifty patients underwent surgery for rectal cancer from 2002 to 2009. Open cases accounted for 72% (n = 108) and MIS for 28% (n = 42) of cases. BMI did not correlate with increased operative time in open rectal surgery, but in MIS patients, operative time increased from a median of 254 min in the lowest quartile of BMI to 333 min in the highest quartile (P < 0.004). Superficial wound infections in open rectal surgery increased from 17% to 52% with increasing BMI (P < 0.005). The increased rate of wound complications persisted in the MIS group. Rate of superficial wound infections and subsequent open packing in the MIS group increased from 0% in the lowest BMI quartile to 33% in the highest quartile (P < 0.029 and P < 0.007, respectively). Elevated BMI is associated with increased wound complications in both minimally invasive and open rectal surgery. This trend may be related to prolonged operative time in obese patients, particularly in MIS. Our observations suggest that more aggressive techniques to prevent infection are warranted in obese patients undergoing rectal surgery.

Impact of laparoscopic surgery on bladder and sexual function after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer

Bladder and sexual dysfunction are well-documented complications of rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to determine whether laparoscopy can improve the outcome of these dysfunctions or not. The study included 63 of the 116 patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer between 2002 and 2006. Bladder and male sexual function were studied by means of a questionnaire on the basis of the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). In addition, bladder function was determined by means of postvoid residual urine measurement and uroflowmetry. Postoperative functions were compared with the preoperative data to detect subjective functional deterioration. Outcomes were compared between patients who underwent open (group 1, n = 29) and laparoscopic (group 2, n = 34) total mesorectal excision. Only minor disturbances of bladder function were reported for one patient (3%) in group 1 and three patients (9%) in group 2 (p > 0.05). Impotency after surgery was experienced by 6 of 17 preoperatively sexually active males (29%) in group 1 and 1 of 18 males (5%) in group 2 (p = 0.04). Similarly, 5 of 10 women (50 %) in group 1 and 1 of 14 women (7%) in group 2 felt that their overall level of sexual function had decreased as a result of surgery (p = 0.03). Open rectal cancer resection is associated with a higher rate of sexual dysfunction, but not bladder dysfunction, compared with laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery offers a significant advantage with regard to preservation of postoperative sexual function and constitutes a true advance in rectal cancer surgery compared with the open technique. The proposed advantages can be attributed to improvement in visibility by the magnification feature of laparoscopic surgery.

Complications of elective surgery for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND: Standardization of surgery and new procedures have led to significant advances in the treatment of rectal cancer. METHODS: Review on avoidance and management of complications in rectal cancer surgery. RESULTS: Anatomical dissection of the mesorectum permits optimal local control and reduction of local recurrence. Sphincter preservation can be achieved by the technique of intersphincteric resection even for low tumours. A J-pouch or a recently designed coloplasty pouch improve functional results after coloanal anastomoses. Neoadjuvant treatments have a role in local control of the disease after TME surgery and in new strategies of sphincter-saving procedures. Although perioperative morbidity in elective surgery for rectal cancer is very low, radical local control of the disease and the patient's wish for sphincter preservation have to be weighed against possible complications. The literature was carefully reviewed to evaluate data on the procedure-specific complications in elective surgery for rectal cancer and the impact of neoadjuvant treatment regimens and perioperative management on postoperative morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous attention to detail achieve low complication rates in modern rectal surgery. In experienced hands, the total mesorectal excision operation is not associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Impact of Autonomic Nerve Preservation and Lateral Node Dissection on Male Urogenital Function after Total Mesorectal Excision for Lower Rectal Cancer

Urogenital dysfunction is a well recognized complication of rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of autonomic nerve preservation (ANP) and lateral node dissection (LND) on male urogenital function after total mesorectal excision for lower rectal cancer. We studied, using a questionnaire, preoperative and current urogenital function in 47 male patients who underwent total mesorectal excision with the ANP technique for lower rectal cancer. Patients with and without LND were analyzed separately. A total of 37 patients (78.7%) (22 patients without LND, 15 with LND) returned the questionnaire. Among the 15 patients with LND, 2 underwent unilateral ANP. One patient without LND had urinary dysfunction preoperatively, and among the other 21 patients only 2 (9.5%) reported minor urinary complications postoperatively. After LND, 5 patients (33%) reported minor complications; there were no severe complications. Among patients who were sexually active prior to the operation, 90% and 70% of patients without LND and 50% and 10% of those with LND maintained sexual activity and ejaculation, respectively. However, 50% of patients who underwent low anterior resection or Hartmann resection without LND and all patients with abdominoperineal resection or LND reported reduced overall sexual satisfaction. The ANP technique offers the great advantage of maintaining urogenital function after rectal cancer surgery. After LND, although the ANP technique minimized urinary dysfunction, sexual function, particularly ejaculation, was often damaged. Careful follow-up is important even after ANP to improve postoperative sexual satisfaction.

Risk factors for anastomotic failure after total mesorectal excision of rectal cancer

Anastomotic leakage is a major complication of rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with symptomatic anastomotic leakage after total mesorectal excision (TME). Between 1996 and 1999, patients with operable rectal cancer were randomized to receive short-term radiotherapy followed by TME or to undergo TME alone. Eligible Dutch patients who underwent an anterior resection (924 patients) were studied retrospectively. Symptomatic anastomotic leakage occurred in 107 patients (11.6 per cent). Pelvic drainage and the use of a defunctioning stoma were significantly associated with a lower anastomotic failure rate. A significant correlation between the absence of a stoma and anastomotic dehiscence was observed in both men and women, for both distal and proximal rectal tumours. In patients with anastomotic failure, the presence of pelvic drains and a covering stoma were both related to a lower requirement for surgical reintervention. Placement of one or more pelvic drains after TME may limit the consequences of anastomotic failure. The clinical decision to construct a defunctioning stoma is supported by this study.

The Impact of Storage Time of Transfused Blood on Postoperative Infectious Complications in Rectal Cancer Surgery

We have studied the impact of storage time of transfused allogeneic blood together with other known risk factors on postoperative infectious complications after operation for rectal cancer. Intra-abdominal abscess, anastomotic leakage, septicaemia, wound infection, and pneumonia were prospectively recorded in 303 patients undergoing elective resection for primary rectal cancer in 18 Danish hospitals. Patient risk variables and variables related to operation technique and transfusion were recorded prospectively, whereas amount given before infectious complication and storage time of saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAGM) blood, administered to each patient, were recorded retrospectively. The overall infection rate was 24% in 78 non-transfused and 40% in 225 transfused patients (P = 0.011). The proportion of SAGM blood stored for > or = 21 days administered to each transfused patient was a median of 60% in patients developing postoperative infections versus 25% (P = 0.037) in patients without infections. A multivariate analysis of significant risk variables showed weight > 75 kg (odds ratio, 2.0 versus < 65 kg) and transfusion of SAGM blood stored > or = 21 days (odds ratio, 2.5 versus no transfusion) to be independent variables predicting infectious complications. Blood storage time may, along with other risk factors, play a significant role in blood transfusion-associated development of postoperative infectious complications.