Patients Undergoing Surgery For Colon Cancer Research Articles

32. IMPACT OF SURGERY ON BODY COMPOSITION IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING COLECTOMY FOR COLON CANCER IN AN ERAS PROGRAM

Abstract Introduction The prevalence of sarcopenia in CC patients undergoing colon cancer surgery is high and is associated with increased morbi-mortality. However, there are few studies assessing the impact of surgery on body composition. The main objective of this study was to analyze changes in body composition after colectomy for CC. Methods Observational, retrospective study in which patients operated on for CC by RICA route between December 2019 and June 2022 were collected. Pre- and post-surgical measurement of skeletal muscle index (SMI), Psoas iliacus index (PI), visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of each patient was performed by computed tomography (CT). In addition, the influence of previous nutritional assessment and postoperative supplementation on body composition variation was analyzed. Results After surgery, SMI, PI, VAT, and SAT significantly decreased in patients. Moreover, the number of patients with sarcopenia increased significantly. Although no statistically significant differences were identified, patients who did not receive preoperative nutritional supplementation exhibited a greater decrease in muscle mass and fat tissue, along with a higher tendency for postoperative complications. Conclusion Surgical intervention presents a negative impact on body composition in patients with CC with a significant decrease in muscle mass and visceral and subcutaneous fat. Preoperative nutritional optimization could buffer this loss with a consequent decrease in associated complications.

Lymph Node Count and Ratio in Assessment of Colon Cancer Surgery

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of lymph node count (LNC) and lymph node ratio (LNR) in the surgical prognostic assessment of colon cancer. Methods: To analyze the correlation among LNC, LNR, and clinicopathological features including systemic inflammatory response (SIR) in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. To provide a new evaluation idea for clinicians to evaluate the prognosis of colon cancer surgery. The methods of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical data of patients who underwent colon cancer resection at the Affiliated Bozhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University from August 1, 2013 to August 1, 2023. LNC (<12 / ≥12) and LNR (<0.25 / ≥0.25) were analyzed using Chi-square test and logistic regression, as well as clinicopathological characteristics including modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, C-reactive protein and albumin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio. Univariate and multifactorial analyses were performed to analyze the relationship between LNR (<0.25 / ≥0.25) and clinicopathological characteristics and LNC≥12. Results: In multifactorial analysis, significant differences were found between T stage, N stage, LNR (≥0.25), luminal / open, and COPD (P<0.05). Among patients with LNC≥12 and positive lymph nodes, multivariate analysis showed that elevated LNR (≥0.25) was linked to T stage, NLR, and peritoneal invasion. Conclusion: LNC and LNR were unrelated with SIR labeling. The LNC and LNR, on the reverse hand, are directly related. In quality surgical and pathologic practice, when compared to N stage, LNR offers a better prognostic value for patients having surgery for colon cancer.The findings of this study demonstrate that LNR is dependent on LNC and has prognostic value in colon cancer patients.

Comparison of High Ligation Versus Low Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) on Short-Term and Long-Term Outcomes in Sigmoid Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Meta-analysis.

This study was done to compare the perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes between low ligation and high ligation of the inferior mesentric artery (IMA) in sigmoid colon and rectal cancer surgery.This study was conducted following the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A literature search was performed in electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHIL, EMBASE, and Web of Science to identify studies published between January 1, 2015, and April 30, 2023.The outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis included postoperative complications (anastomotic leakage, surgical site infection, and postoperative ileus), intraoperative outcomes (duration of surgery in minutes, total intraoperative blood loss in milliliters, total lymph nodes harvested, and total number of metastatic lymph nodes), recovery outcomes (time to first flatus and length of hospital stay), and long-term outcomes (five-year mortality rate and disease-free survival rate).A total of 17 studies were included in this meta-analysis. Of these, six were randomized control trials (RCTs) and 11 were retrospective cohort studies. This meta-analysis suggests that lower ligation may be associated with a lower risk of anastomotic leakage compared to higher ligation in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. However, there was no significant difference between the two techniques in terms of surgical site infection, postoperative ileus, total lymph nodes harvested, number of metastatic lymph nodes, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay. Time to first flatus was significantly shorter in patients who underwent lower ligation. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the five-year mortality rate and disease-free survival rate between the two techniques. The results of this study indicate that both techniques are comparable in most aspects and suggest that the choice of technique should be based on individual patient factors and surgeon preference.

Pharmacological differences between beta-blockers and postoperative mortality following colon cancer surgery

β-blocker therapy has been positively associated with improved survival in patients undergoing oncologic colorectal resection. This study investigates if the type of β-blocker used affects 90-day postoperative mortality following colon cancer surgery. The study was designed as a nationwide retrospective cohort study including all adult (≥ 18 years old) patients with ongoing β-blocker therapy who underwent elective and emergency colon cancer surgery in Sweden between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2017. Patients were divided into four cohorts: metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol, and other beta-blockers. The primary outcome of interest was 90-day postoperative mortality. A Poisson regression model with robust standard errors was used, while adjusting for all clinically relevant variables, to determine the association between different β-blockers and 90-day postoperative mortality. A total of 9254 patients were included in the study. There was no clinically significant difference in crude 90-day postoperative mortality rate [n (%)] when comparing the four beta-blocker cohorts metoprolol, atenolol, bisoprolol and other beta-blockers. [97 (1.8%) vs. 28 (2.0%) vs. 29 (1.7%) vs. 11 (1.2%), p = 0.670]. This remained unchanged when adjusting for relevant covariates in the Poisson regression model. Compared to metoprolol, there was no statistically significant decrease in the risk of 90-day postoperative mortality with atenolol [adj. IRR (95% CI): 1.45 (0.89–2.37), p = 0.132], bisoprolol [adj. IRR (95% CI): 1.45 (0.89–2.37), p = 0.132], or other beta-blockers [adj. IRR (95% CI): 0.92 (0.46–1.85), p = 0.825]. In patients undergoing colon cancer surgery, the risk of 90-day postoperative mortality does not differ between the investigated types of β-adrenergic blocking agents.

Impact of Preoperative Immunonutrition on the Outcomes of Colon Cancer Surgery: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative immunonutrition on the outcomes of colon cancer surgery. Although current guidelines recommend that immunonutrition should be prescribed for malnourished patients before major gastrointestinal surgery, the benefit of preoperative immunonutrition remains debatable. Between April 2019 and October 2020, 176 patients with primary colon cancer were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive preoperative immunonutrition plus a normal diet (n = 88) or a normal diet alone (n = 88). Patients in the immunonutrition group received oral nutritional supplementation (400 mL/d) with arginine and ω-3 fatty acids for 7 days before elective surgery. The primary endpoint was the rate of infectious complications, and the secondary endpoints were the postoperative complication rate, change in body weight, and length of hospital stay. The rates of infectious (17.7% vs 15.9%, P = 0.751) and total (31.6% vs 29.3%, P = 0.743) complications were not different between the two groups. Old age was the only significant predictive factor for the occurrence of infectious complications (odds ratio = 2.990, 95% confidence interval 1.179-7.586, P = 0.021). The length of hospital stay (7.6 ± 2.5 vs 7.4 ± 2.3 days, P = 0.635) and overall change in body weight ( P = 0.379) were similar between the two groups. However, only the immunonutrition group showed weight recovery after discharge (+0.4 ± 2.1 vs -0.7 ± 2.3 kg, P = 0.002). Preoperative immunonutrition was not associated with infectious complications in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. Routine administration of immunonutrition before colon cancer surgery cannot be justified.

The Relationship between Serum Leukotriene B4 and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Expression Levels and Adverse Reactions in Patients with Colon Cancer During Perioperative Blood Transfusion

To explore the predictive value of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 in perioperative blood transfusion patients with colon cancer in patients with adverse blood transfusion reactions. 168 patients undergoing colon cancer surgery in a hospital from March 2018 to March 2020 were selected as the research objects and checked the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 in the venous blood of all patients. There were 73 cases in the adverse blood transfusion group (experimental group) and 95 cases in the non-transfusion reaction group (control group). The serum levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 in the two groups were compared. Based on the analysis of the basic data of the two groups of patients, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 are independent risk factors for perioperative adverse reactions in colon cancer patients. The levels of serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 in the experimental group are higher than those in the normal group and there are differences, both were statistically significant (p<0.05); receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that the area under the curve of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 alone and in combination to predict adverse transfusion reactions were 0.733, 0.819 and 0.877, respectively. The area under the curve of combined factor diagnosis was greater than single diagnosis; serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein≥14.64 mg/l and leukotriene B4≥18.86 pg/l are risk factors for adverse reactions in patients with colon cancer perioperative blood transfusion. Elevated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and leukotriene B4 in patients with colon cancer during perioperative blood transfusion are risk factors for adverse blood transfusion reactions. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein≥14.64 mg/l and leukotriene B4≥18.86 pg/l suggest that adverse blood transfusion reactions may occur. The combination of the two can increase the incidence of adverse blood transfusion reactions.

The association between the composite quality measure “textbook outcome” and long term survival in operated colon cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between textbook outcome and survival in patients with surgically treated colon cancer. A total of 804 surgical cases were enrolled between June 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014. Textbook outcome was defined as patients who had colon cancer surgery and met the six healthcare parameters of surgery within 6 weeks, radical resection, lymph node (LN) yield ≥12, no ostomy, no adverse outcome and colonoscopy before/after surgery within 6 months. The effect of textbook outcome on 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. A Cox regression model was used to find significant independent variables and stratified analysis used to determine whether text-book outcome had a survival benefit. A textbook outcome was achieved in 59.5% of patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. Important obstacles to achieving textbook outcome were no stomy, no adverse outcome and LN yield ≥12. Patients with text-book outcome had statistically significant better 5-year DSS compared to those with-out (80.1% vs. 58.3%). Multivariate analyses indicated that colon cancer patients with textbook outcome had better 5-year DSS after adjusting for various confounders ([aHR], 0.44; 95% CI, 0.34-0.57). Thus, besides being an index of short-term quality of care, textbook outcomes could be used as a prognosticator of long-term outcomes, such as 5-year survival rates.

Effects of beta-blocker therapy on mortality after elective colon cancer surgery: a Swedish nationwide cohort study

ObjectiveColon cancer surgery remains associated with substantial postoperative morbidity and mortality despite advances in surgical techniques and care. The trauma of surgery triggers adrenergic hyperactivation which drives adverse stress responses....

Erythrocyte deformability and aggregability in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery and effects of two infusions with omega-3 fatty acids.

An adequate erythrocyte function is vital for tissue oxygenation and wound healing. The erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition plays an important role in erythrocyte function and administration of omega-3 fatty acids may provide a means to improve it. To investigate peri-operative erythrocyte function and effects of omega-3 fatty acidsMETHODS:Forty-four patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colon resection for non-metastasized cancer were randomized between intravenous omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) or placebo (saline). Peri-operative blood samples were analyzed with a Lorrca MaxSIS Ektacytometer and erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were determined with gas chromatography. Patient and operation characteristics were equal between groups. There was a significant increase in erythrocyte membrane eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) but not docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the n-PUFA group. There were no significant differences in erythrocyte deformability but the aggregation index (AI) was significantly lower and the aggregation half time (T½) was significantly higher in the n-3 PUFA group. This study confirms rapid changes in erythrocyte membrane phospholipid composition after administration of intravenous n-3 PUFAs. Erythrocyte deformability parameters were not affected but erythrocyte aggregability was decreased in the n-3 PUFA group. Further investigation is necessary to gain more insights in the effects of n-3 PUFA and the postoperative inflammatory response on erythrocyte function.

Risk factors of anastomotic leakage in colon cancer.

To analyze the risk factors for anastomosis leak in colon cancer surgery (CCS) in our environment, and developed a predictive equation for that risk. We performed a case-control study nested in a cohort of 576 consecutive patients undergoing colon cancer surgery with primary anastomosis, univariate statistical tests and univariate logistic regression for statistical analysis of associated factors with anastomosis leak in colon cancer surgery, and multivariate logistic regression for predicting that risk using a predictive equation associated with a ROC curve. We obtained a higher risk of anastomosis leak in patients whose operative time was longer than 180 minutes. The variables: preoperative transfusion, previous pathologies, nutritional status, approach, surgical technique or age do not influence the development of this complication. The equation found has a sensitivity of 64.1% and a specificity of 67.5%. Operation time longer than 180 minutes was the main risk factor for anastomosis leak. Our equation can hardly predict this risk. After further validation, our results may help the surgeon make a more individualized, safer decision regarding whether to perform an anastomosis or make a stoma.

Risk factors affecting hospital stay among patients undergoing colon cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study.

To identify and validate risk factors that contribute to prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer. This prospective cohort study included 1955 patients admitted to 22 hospitals for primary resection of colorectal cancer. Multivariate analyses were used to identify and validate risk factors, randomizing patients into a derivation and a validation cohort. Multiple correspondence and cluster analysis were performed to identify clinical subtypes based on LOS. The strongest independent predictors of prolonged LOS were postoperative reintervention, surgical site infection, open surgery, and distant metastasis. The multiple correspondence and cluster analysis provided three groups of patients in relation to prolonged LOS: patients with the longest LOS included the highest percentage of patients with open surgery, distant metastasis, deep surgical site infections, emergency admissions, additional diagnostic factors, and highly contaminated surgical sites. Patients with prolonged LOS (> 14days) were more likely to develop adverse outcomes within 30days after discharge. Patients undergoing resection of colorectal cancer cluster into different groups based on LOS of the index admission. Those with prolonged LOS were more likely to develop adverse outcomes within 30days after discharge. Some of the strongest independent predictors of prolonged LOS, such as surgical infections or open surgery, could be modified to reduce LOS and, in turn, other adverse outcomes. NCT02488161.

Upregulated Na+/H+-Exchange Protects Human Colon Cancer Tissue against Intracellular Acidification.

Increased metabolism accelerates local acid production in cancer tissue. The mechanisms eliminating acidic waste products from human colon cancer tissue represent promising therapeutic targets for pharmacological manipulation in order to improve prognosis for the increasing number of patients with colon cancer. We sampled biopsies of human colonic adenocarcinomas and matched normal colon tissue from patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. We measured steady-state intracellular pH and rates of net acid extrusion in freshly isolated human colonic crypts based on fluorescence microscopy. Net acid extrusion was almost entirely (>95%) Na+-dependent. The capacity for net acid extrusion was increased and steady-state intracellular pH elevated around 0.5 in crypts from colon cancer tissue compared with normal colon tissue irrespective of whether they were investigated in the presence or absence of CO2/HCO3–. The accelerated net acid extrusion from the human colon cancer tissue was sensitive to the Na+/H+-exchange inhibitor cariporide. We conclude that enhanced net acid extrusion via Na+/H+-exchange elevates intracellular pH in human colon cancer tissue.

Whole blood gene expression profiling in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery identifies differential expression of genes involved in immune surveillance, inflammation and carcinogenesis

Abstract Introduction Cancer surgery may represent a potential risk of enhanced growth and metastatic ability of residual cancer cells due to post-operative immune dysfunction. This study identifies changes in transcription of genes involved in immune surveillance, immune suppression and carcinogenesis in the post-operative period of laparoscopic colon-cancer surgery within an ERAS regime. Methods Patients undergoing elective, curatively intended laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer stage I-III UICC were included in the study. Patients followed standard of care in an ERAS setting. Whole blood gene expression profiling (WBGP) was performed on the day prior to surgery and 1, 2, 3 and 10–14 days after surgery. Samples were collected in Paxgene tubes and Labeled cDNA was fragmented and hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip™ 2.0. Results were corrected for multiple hypothesis testing using the false discovery rate. Pathway analysis was performed through the Molecular Signature Database. Paired fold changes of gene expression were calculated for post-operative compared to pre-operative samples. A mixed effect model was used to test differential gene expression by repeated-measures ANOVA. Results WBGP of 33,804 genes at five timepoints in six patients showed 302 significantly differentially expressed genes between samples from the day prior to surgery and the day after surgery. Pathway gene enrichment analysis showed a downregulation of immunologically relevant pathways. There was a significant downregulation of genes involved in T-cell receptor signaling, antigen presentation and NK-cell activity after surgery. Furthermore, there was an upregulation of cytokines related to metastatic ability, growth and angiogenesis. Conclusion Whole blood gene expression profiling revealed dysregulation of genes involved in immune surveillance, inflammation and carcinogenesis, after laparoscopic colon cancer surgery.

The relationship between chemokines CCL2, CCL3, and CCL4 with the tumor microenvironment and tumor-associated macrophage markers in colorectal cancer.

A complex network of chemokines can influence cancer progression with the recruitment and activation of hematopoietic cells, including macrophages to the supporting tumor stroma promoting carcinogenesis and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between tissue and plasma chemokine levels involved in macrophage recruitment with tumor-associated macrophage profile markers and clinicopathological features such as tumor-node-metastases stage, desmoplasia, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor plasma content. Plasma and tumor/healthy mucosa were obtained from Chilean patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. Chemokines were evaluated from tissue lysates (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, and CX3CL1) by Luminex. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon match-paired test ( p < 0.05). Macrophage markers (CD68, CD163, and iNOS) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry samples derived from colorectal cancer patients. Correlation analysis between chemokines and macrophage markers and clinicopathological features were performed using Spearman's test. Plasmatic levels of chemokines and inflammatory mediators' vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-α were evaluated by Luminex. Tumor levels of CCL2 (mean ± standard deviation = 530.1 ± 613.9 pg/mg), CCL3 (102.7 ± 106.0 pg/mg), and CCL4 (64.98 ± 48.09 pg/mg) were higher than those found in healthy tissue (182.1 ± 116.5, 26.79 ± 22.40, and 27.06 ± 23.69 pg/mg, respectively p < 0.05). The tumor characterization allowed us to identify a positive correlation between CCL4 and the pro-tumor macrophages marker CD163 ( p = 0.0443), and a negative correlation of iNOS with desmoplastic reaction ( p = 0.0467). Moreover, we identified that tumors with immature desmoplasia have a higher CD163 density compared to those with a mature/intermediated stromal tissue ( p = 0.0288). Plasmatic CCL4 has shown a positive correlation with inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor) that have previously been associated with poor prognosis in patients. In conclusion High expression of CCL4 in colon cancer could induce the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages and specifically a pro-tumor macrophage profile (CD163+ cells). Moreover, plasmatic chemokines could be considered inflammatory mediators associated to CRC progression as well as tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor. These data reinforce the idea of chemokines as potential therapeutic targets or biomarker in CRC.

Evaluation of the feasibility of an "enhanced recovery after surgery" protocol for older patients undergoing colon cancer surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a protocol for enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for colon cancer in older patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty-nine patients enrolled in the ERAS group of our previous clinical study were divided according to age into an older group (n = 31; ≥80 years old) and a younger group (n = 128; <80 years old). We compared the two groups for clinical outcomes, including surgical complications, re-admission rates, and the time to discharge, based on criteria for hospital discharge. Compliance with each ERAS element was compared between groups. Results: Concomitant diseases were present in all older patients (100%), but only in 57.8% of the younger group (P < 0.0001). The preoperative risk grade according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was significantly higher in the older group than in the younger group. The postoperative surgical complications and re-admission rates were not significantly different between groups. Discharge criteria were met three days after the operation. The median length of hospital stay was slightly longer in the older group (9 days, range 5-15) than in the younger group (8 days, range 4-41; P = 0.061). Compliance above 80% was observed for 13 ERAS items in the older group and 14 ERAS items in the younger group; thus, compliance with the ERAS protocol was equally feasible in both groups. Conclusions: For older patients undergoing colon cancer surgery, an ERAS protocol might be feasible with a high implementation rate of the elements in the protocol.

Weekend Effect in Emergency Colon and Rectal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Study Using Data From the Dutch ColoRectal Audit.

Background: It is unclear whether emergency weekend colon and rectal cancer surgery are associated with worse outcomes (ie, weekend effect) because previous studies mostly used administrative data, which may insufficiently adjust for case-mix. Materials and Methods: Prospectively collected data from the 2012-2015 Dutch ColoRectal Audit (n=5,224) was used to examine differences in 30-day mortality and severe complication and failure-to-rescue rates for emergency weekend (Saturday and Sunday) versus Monday surgery, stratified for colon and rectal cancer. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification score, tumor stage, presence of metastasis, preoperative complication, additional resection for metastasis or locally advanced tumor, location primary colon tumor, type of rectal surgery (lower anterior resection or abdominal perineal resection), and type of neoadjuvant therapy (short-course radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy). Results: A total of 5,052 patients undergoing colon cancer surgery and 172 undergoing rectal cancer surgery were included. Patients undergoing colon or rectal cancer surgery during weekends had significantly more preoperative tumor complications compared with those undergoing surgery on a weekday. Additionally, differences in year of surgery and location of primary tumor were found for colon cancer surgery. Emergency colon cancer surgery during the weekend was associated with increased 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; 95% CI, 1.10-2.50) and severe complications (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.63) compared with surgery on Monday. Estimates for emergency weekend rectal cancer surgery were similar but not statistically significant, likely explained by small numbers. Conclusions: Weekend emergency colon cancer surgery was associated with higher mortality and severe complication rates. More research is needed to understand which factors explain and contribute to these differences.

Whole Blood Gene Expression Profiling in patients undergoing colon cancer surgery identifies differential expression of genes involved in immune surveillance, inflammation and carcinogenesis

IntroductionCancer surgery may represent a potential risk of enhanced growth and metastatic ability of residual cancer cells due to post-operative immune dysfunction. This study identifies changes in transcription of genes involved in immune surveillance, immune suppression and carcinogenesis in the post-operative period of laparoscopic colon-cancer surgery within an ERAS regime. MethodsPatients undergoing elective, curatively intended laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer stage I-III UICC were included in the study. Patients followed standard of care in an ERAS setting. Whole blood gene expression profiling (WBGP) was performed on the day prior to surgery and 1, 2, 3 and 10–14 days after surgery. Samples were collected in Paxgene tubes and Labeled cDNA was fragmented and hybridized to Affymetrix GeneChip™ 2.0.Results were corrected for multiple hypothesis testing using the false discovery rate. Pathway analysis was performed through the Molecular Signature Database. Paired fold changes of gene expression were calculated for post-operative compared to pre-operative samples. A mixed effect model was used to test differential gene expression by repeated-measures ANOVA. ResultsWBGP of 33,804 genes at five timepoints in six patients showed 302 significantly differentially expressed genes between samples from the day prior to surgery and the day after surgery. Pathway gene enrichment analysis showed a downregulation of immunologically relevant pathways. There was a significant downregulation of genes involved in T-cell receptor signaling, antigen presentation and NK-cell activity after surgery. Furthermore, there was an upregulation of cytokines related to metastatic ability, growth and angiogenesis. ConclusionWhole blood gene expression profiling revealed dysregulation of genes involved in immune surveillance, inflammation and carcinogenesis, after laparoscopic colon cancer surgery.

Melanosis coli in patients with colon cancer.

IntroductionMelanosis coli is a benign lesion affecting the mucosa of the large intestine. There is a relationship between the presence of melanosis and anthraquinone laxative use. Melanosis coli is also observed in patients with colon cancer, but there is doubt whether these two conditions are related.AimTo analyze the correlation between melanosis and colon cancer.Material and methodsWe analyzed retrospectively 436 patients undergoing colon cancer surgery. There were 246 women and 190 men. Patients were divided into three age groups: under 50 years, between 51 and 65 years, and over 66 years. We analyzed sections of the cancer and intestinal mucosa from the tumor’s proximal (2–5 cm) and distal (8–10 cm) zone.ResultsMelanosis coli was present in 52 patients, which represents 11.9% of patients with colon cancer. More often it was present in women. The most common location of melanosis and colon cancer was the terminal part of the large intestine. In patients below 50 years of age in both sexes melanosis coli did not occur. In men, melanosis was more common in the age group over 66 years. Intensity of pigmentation was higher in the tumor’s distal zone.ConclusionsThe incidence of melanosis coli increases with age, similar to that of colon cancer. Melanosis was not present inside tumors, in almost half of the cases it was not present in the proximal zone, and the degree of pigmentation increased in distal zone. The cause-effect relationship between melanosis coli and colon cancer remains uncertain.

Safety and efficacy of an "enhanced recovery after surgery" protocol for patients undergoing colon cancer surgery: a multi-institutional controlled study.

The aim of this multi-institutional study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for colonic surgery. The subjects of this study were 320 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II physical status. Patients underwent elective open or laparoscopic colonic resection or high anterior resection between April 2011 and January 2014 at one of six institutions. Three hospitals implemented an ERAS protocol (n=159), and three administered conventional care (n=161). The primary outcome measure was the surgical complication rate. Most operations, irrespective of group, were performed laparoscopically. The incidence of a surgical complication was 17.0% in the ERAS group vs. 16.1% in the conventional group (P=0.842), in which several non-surgical complications also arose. Oral food intake was implemented earlier for the ERAS group vs. the conventional group, after a median (range) of 1 (1-31) vs. 3 (1-9) days for the ERAS vs. conventional care groups, respectively (P<0.001). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was reduced by 5.5days for the ERAS group, being 8.5 (5-41) vs. 14 (7-56) days for the ERAS vs. conventional care groups, respectively (P<0.001). This multi-institutional controlled study clearly demonstrated that an ERAS protocol was efficient, without increasing the complication risk.

Results of colon cancer surgery in patients over 75 years old.

Colon cancer is the second most frequent cause of death in both genders. Survival has increased since 1980, although this increase has been lower in patients ≥75 years old. We analyzed the results of surgical treatment for this pathology in this group of patients. This retrospective, observational and descriptive study analyzed data relating to 315 patients undergoing colon cancer surgery between January 2010 and December 2011. Surgical results (surgical procedure, mean postoperative stay, isolated lymph nodes, postoperative morbidity and mortality) were compared between patients who were <75 and ≥75 years old. Statistical significance was observed in the percentages of hypertension (P = 0.001), cardiovascular disease (P = 0.006) and bronchopathy (P = 0.005) for the older group. No differences were found between the groups regarding surgical results, except higher postoperative morbidity and mortality in the ≥75 years old age group (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with postoperative morbidity were age and preoperative albumin levels (P < 0.05). Cancer-specific survival (CSS) was lower in older patients (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis of survival determined that age and tumour stage are independent predictive factors (P = 0.004 and P = 0.039, respectively), unlike American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Age does not influence the surgical results after colon cancer resection but is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. CSS is lower in patients who are ≥75 years old.