Patients Undergoing Surgery For Colorectal Cancer Research Articles

Preventive effect of probiotics on infections following colorectal cancer surgery: An umbrella meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Postoperative infections remain a significant source of morbidity among patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. While probiotics have been proposed as a potential strategy to mitigate the risk of these infections, contemporary meta-analyses have produced conflicting findings. AIM To synthesize the available evidence regarding the prophylactic efficacy of probiotics in preventing infections following CRC surgery. METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant meta-analyses published up to February 2024. To assess the efficacy of probiotics on outcomes, relative risks (RR) and their corresponding 95%CI were pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS This comprehensive umbrella meta-analysis integrated eleven meta-analyses encompassing 11518 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Probiotics administration resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of total infections (RR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.31-0.51; moderate certainty), surgical site infections (RR: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.49-0.63; high certainty), pneumonia (RR: 0.38, 95%CI: 0.30-0.48; high certainty), urinary tract infections (RR: 0.44, 95%CI: 0.31-0.61; moderate certainty), bacteremia (RR: 0.41, 95%CI: 0.30-0.56; high certainty), and sepsis (RR: 0.35, 95%CI: 0.25-0.44; high certainty). However, probiotics did not significantly affect intra-abdominal, central line, or peritoneal infections. CONCLUSION Probiotics have demonstrated potential in mitigating postoperative infectious complications among patients undergoing CRC surgery.

Modified Frailty Index for Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample From 2015 to 2019.

Frailty is increasingly recognized as a perioperative risk for numerous surgical diseases. We applied the modified frailty index (mFI-11) to the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). We performed a retrospective analysis of the NIS (2015-2019) including CRC patients undergoing surgery. We classified patients into frail (ie, mFI ≥0.27) and robust (ie, mFI <0.27) categories. Primary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes included system-specific postoperative morbidity and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable regression models were fit. Within the 53,652 identified patients undergoing surgery for CRC, 19.1% were frail. Frail patients were at higher risk of postoperative mortality (3.1% vs 1.0%, odds ratio [OR] 1.96, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] 1.68-2.30, P < 0.001), morbidity (41.3 % vs 23.1%, OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.66-1.83, P < 0.001), and LOS (mean difference [MD] 1.46, 95% CI 0.29-1.62, P < 0.001). Significant differences existed between groups in system-specific postoperative morbidity, with the largest effect estimates seen in cardiovascular morbidities (OR 4.07, 95% CI 3.36-4.93, P = 0.001), followed by respiratory (OR 1.75, 95% CI 1.66-1.83, P = 0.001). Frail patients undergoing CRC surgery are at risk of increased postoperative complications. Preoperative frailty screening may allow for individualized preoperative counseling.

Circulating Metabolic Markers Identify Patients at Risk for Tumor Recurrence: A Prospective Cohort Study in Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

To investigate the spermidine pathway capability to predict patients at risk for tumor recurrence following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. Recurrence rates after CRC surgery remain at about 20% despite an optimal technique and adjuvant therapy when necessary. Identification of risk biomarkers of recurrence is an unmet need. The spermidine pathway is indispensable for cell proliferation and differentiation, and is suggested to accelerate tumor spread. This was a prospective cohort study of patients undergoing CRC surgery from 2015 to 2018. Plasma samples were collected before surgery and on postoperative day 4, and the spermidine pathway was assessed through mass spectrometry. Oncological outcomes were registered. A total of 146 patients were included and 24 (16.4%) developed tumor recurrence. Higher levels of preoperative spermidine pathway components (spermidine, spermine, spermidine synthase enzyme, and spermine/arginine balance) were positively associated with recurrence. Surgery promoted a decrease in these pathway elements. The greater the decline was, the lower the risk of recurrence. Preoperative spermidine over the cut-off of 0.198µM displayed a 4.69-fold higher risk of recurrence. The spermine synthase enzyme behaved in the opposite direction. The spermidine pathway is associated with tumor recurrence following CRC surgery and, after confirmation in larger cohorts, could be translated as a risk biomarker of recurrence into clinical practice.

Does chronic kidney disease affect the short-term outcomes and prognosis of colorectal cancer surgery? A propensity score matching analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the short-term outcomes and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who underwent primary surgery. CRC patients who underwent radical surgery were included from Jan 2011 to Jan 2020 in a single hospital. The short-term outcomes and prognosis were compared between the CKD group and the Non-CKD group using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. A total of 4056 patients undergoing CRC surgery were included, including 723 patients in the CKD group and 3333 patients in the Non-CKD group. After 1:1 PSM, there were 666 patients in each group, respectively. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. (p>0.05). After PSM, the CKD group had a longer postoperative hospital stay (P=0.009) and a higher incidence of overall complications (p=0.050). Cox analysis was performed on matched patients to find predictors of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). We found that age (p<0.01, HR=1.045, 95% CI=1.028-1.062), tumor stage (p<0.01, HR=1.931, 95% CI=1.564-2.385) and overall complications (p<0.01, HR=1.858, 95% CI=1.423-2.425) were independent predictors of OS. Age (p<0.01, HR=1.034, 95% CI=1.020-1.049), tumor stage (p<0.01, HR=1.852, 95% CI=1.537-2.231), and overall complications (p<0.01, HR=1.651, 95% CI=1.295-2.10) were independent predictors of DFS. However, CKD was not an independent predictor of OS or DFS (OS: p=0.619, HR=1.070, 95% CI=0.820-1.396; DFS: p=0.472, HR=1.092, 95% CI=0.859-1.389). CKD prolonged postoperative hospital stay; however, CKD might not affect major postoperative complications, OS or DFS of CRC.

Effect of preoperative frailty on postoperative infectious complications and prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer: a propensity score matching study

BackgroundFew studies have explored the impact of preoperative frailty on infectious complications in patients with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of preoperative frailty on postoperative infectious complications and prognosis in patients with CRC using propensity score matching (PSM).MethodsThis prospective single-centre observational cohort study included 245 patients who underwent CRC surgery at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between August 2021 to May 2023. Patients were categorised into two groups: frail and non-frail. They were matched for confounders and 1:1 closest matching was performed using PSM. Rates of infectious complications, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, 30-day mortality, and 90-day mortality, as well as postoperative length of hospital stay, total length of hospital stay, and hospital costs, were compared between the two groups. Binary logistic regression using data following PSM to explore independent factors for relevant outcome measures.ResultsAfter PSM, each confounding factor was evenly distributed between groups, and 75 pairs of patients were successfully matched. The incidence of intra-abdominal infectious complications was significantly higher in the frail group than in the non-frail group (10.7% vs. 1.3%, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in ICU admission rate, postoperative length of hospital stay, total length of hospital stay, hospital costs, 30-day mortality rate, or 90-day mortality rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). Our logistic regression analysis result showed that preoperative frailty (OR = 12.014; 95% CI: 1.334–108.197; P = 0.027) was an independent factor for intra-abdominal infection.ConclusionsThe presence of preoperative frailty elevated the risk of postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications in patients undergoing CRC surgery. Therefore, medical staff should assess preoperative frailty in patients with CRC early and provide targeted prehabilitation interventions.

Promoting wound recovery through stable intestinal flora: Reducing post-operative complications in colorectal cancer surgery patients.

In recent years, the relationship between intestinal flora and post-operative recovery, particularly in colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery patients, it has been hypothesized that intestinal flora stability influences wound healing, reduces complications and improves overall recovery outcomes after surgical interventions. This study examined the relationship between intestinal flora stability and post-operative recovery in patients undergoing CRC surgery. Between May 2020 and 2023, 80 CRC patients from our hospital's Colorectal Surgery Department were enrolled. A random number table was used to divide them into two categories. Both groups were subjected to distinct gastrointestinal preparation protocols. Indicators of clinical therapeutic effect, intestinal flora balance following surgery, post-operative complications and quality of life were evaluated. The observation group, which adhered to a distinct gastrointestinal regimen, demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in post-operative outcomes, with a clinical effectiveness rate of 97.5% compared to the control group's 75%. In addition, the observation group had a lower incidence of intestinal flora imbalance following surgery than the control group. The observation group had lower incidences of intestinal obstruction, infection, anastomotic leakage, incisional tumour implantation and delayed diarrhoea. Using the KPS score and the BMI, post-treatment assessments of the observation group's quality of life revealed significant enhancements in comparison to the control group. Additionally, wound healing rates were superior in the observation group, with a correlation between stable intestinal flora and decreased wound infection rates. The type of post-operative diet influenced the stabilization of the gut flora, with a high-fibre diet producing superior results in both groups. The stability of intestinal flora influences the post-operative rehabilitation of patients undergoing CRC surgery favourably. Appropriate bowel preparation and dietary considerations can reduce post-operative complications, improve wound healing rates and enhance overall quality of life.

Myocardial injury and long-term oncological outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer

PurposeMyocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) is associated with increased mortality and postoperative complications. In patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), postoperative complications are a risk factor for cancer recurrence and disease-free survival. This study investigates the association between MINS and long-term oncological outcomes in patients with CRC in an ERAS setting.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at Zealand University Hospital, Denmark, between June 2015 and July 2017. Patients undergoing CRC surgery were included if troponin was measured twice after surgery. Outcomes were all-cause mortality, recurrence, and disease-free survival within five years of surgery.ResultsAmong 586 patients, 42 suffered MINS. After five years, 36% of patients with MINS and 26% without MINS had died, p = 0.15. When adjusted for sex, age and UICC, the hazard ratio (aHR) for 1-year all-cause mortality, recurrence, and disease-free survival were 2.40 [0.93–6.22], 1.47 [0.19–11.29], and 2.25 [0.95–5.32] for patients with MINS compared with those without, respectively. Further adjusting for ASA status, performance status, smoking, and laparotomies, the aHR for 3- and 5-year all-cause mortality were 1.05 [0.51–2.15] and 1.11 [0.62–1.99], respectively. Similarly, the aHR for 3- and 5-year recurrence were 1.38 [0.46–4.51], and 1.49 [0.56–3.98] and for 3- and 5-year disease-free survival the aHR were 1.19 [0.63–2.23], and 1.19 [0.70–2.03].ConclusionIn absolute numbers, we found no difference in all-cause mortality and recurrence in patients with and without MINS. In adjusted Cox regression analyses, the hazard was increased for all-cause mortality, recurrence, and disease-free survival in patients with MINS without reaching statistical significance.

Patient Factors Affecting Inpatient Mortality Following Colorectal Cancer Resection.

Our objective is to identify factors for inpatient death in patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer (CRC). Unmatched 1:3 case-control study of surgically resected CRC at a tertiary care institution between 2004 and 2018. Variables for multivariate analysis were selected using tetrachoric correlation followed by a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression model. A total of 140 patients were included (N = 35 patients who died inpatient, N = 105 patients who did not die). Patients who died were older, had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), higher rates of preoperative anemia, hypoalbuminemia, emergency surgeries, blood transfusion, postoperative vasopressor requirement, anastomotic leak, and postoperative ICU admission than patients who underwent surgical resection without inpatient mortality. Anemia (aOR = 8.62, 1.44-91.58), emergency admission (aOR = 5.71, 1.46-24.36), and ICU admission (aOR 45.51, 8.31-448.4) significantly predicted inpatient mortality when controlled for CCI and hypoalbuminemia. Surprisingly, it appears that pre-existing anemia and perioperative factors are more important in predicting inpatient mortality of patients undergoing CRC surgery than baseline comorbidity or nutritional status.

Postoperative parenteral glutamine supplementation improves the short-term outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A propensity score matching study.

The clinical utility of glutamine in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of postoperative treatment with glutamine on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing CRC surgery. We included patients with CRC undergoing elective surgery between January 2014 and January 2021. Patients were divided into the glutamine and control groups. We retrospectively analyzed postoperative infections complications within 30 days and other outcomes using propensity score matching and performed between-group comparisons. We included 1,004 patients who underwent CRC surgeries; among them, 660 received parenteral glutamine supplementation. After matching, there were 342 patients in each group. The overall incidence of postoperative complications was 14.9 and 36.8% in the glutamine and control groups, respectively, indicating that glutamine significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative complications [p < 0.001; risk ratio (RR) 0.41 [95% CI 0.30-0.54]]. Compared with the control group, the glutamine group had a significantly lower postoperative infection complications rate (10.5 vs. 28.9%; p < 0.001; RR 0.36 [95% CI 0.26-0.52]). Although there was no significant between-group difference in the time to first fluid diet (p = 0.052), the time to first defecation (p < 0.001), first exhaust (p < 0.001), and first solid diet (p < 0.001), as well as hospital stay (p < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the glutamine group than in the control group. Furthermore, glutamine supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative intestinal obstruction (p = 0.046). Moreover, glutamine supplementation alleviated the decrease in albumin (p < 0.001), total protein (p < 0.001), and prealbumin levels (p < 0.001). Taken together, postoperative parenteral glutamine supplementation can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, promote the recovery of intestinal function, and improve albumin levels in patients undergoing CRC surgery.

Effect of remote ischemic preconditioning in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Background Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is reported to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in many vital organs by inhibiting a systemic inflammatory response. Inflammation also plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of prolonged post-operative ileus (PPOI) in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. However, the role of RIPC is unclear in reducing the incidence of PPOI in patients undergoing CRC surgery. Methods This was a prospective, randomized trial of RIPC vs. placebo-controlled in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic CRC surgery. Eighty patients were randomized to either a RIPC group or a control group (40 per arm), with computer-generated randomization. The aim was to determine whether RIPC improved the recovery of gut function. The primary outcomes assessed were time to gastrointestinal tolerance and incidence of PPOI. Results Median time to stool of the RIPC group was significantly lower than that of the control group [RIPC vs. control, 4.0 (3.0, 6.0) vs. 5.0 (4.0, 7.8) days, p = 0.027]. Median time to gastrointestinal tolerance and incidence of PPOI in the RIPC group were lower than the control group; however, there were no statistical differences between the two groups [RIPC vs. control: 5.0 (3.0, 7.0) vs. 6.0 (4.0, 8.8) days, p = 0.178; 15 vs. 30%, p = 0.108]. Conclusion RIPC could shorten the median time to stool in patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC surgery, but did not improve the overall recovery time of gut function or reduce the incidence of PPOI. Registration number ChiCTR2100043313 (http://www.chictr.org.cn). Key points Question: In patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC surgery, does RIPC improve time to the overall recovery of gut function and reduce the incidence of PPOI? Findings: In this randomized clinical trial that included 80 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic CRC surgery, no significant difference was found between the RIPC group and the control group concerning median time to gastrointestinal tolerance and incidence of PPOI. Meaning: RIPC did not improve the time for overall recovery of gut function or reduce the incidence of PPOI in patients undergoing laparoscopic CRC surgery.

The colorectal ERAS protocol shortens the length of hospital stay in patients without anemia, but not in patients with anemia

Objectives: Iron deficiency anemia is associated with adverse outcomes, which can be seen in up to 75% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The treatment of preoperative anemia as a component of ERAS protocol may improve patient outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the effect of anemia on length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients undergoing CRC surgery before and after ERAS implementation.

Anemia tolerance versus blood transfusion on long-term outcomes after colorectal cancer surgery: A retrospective propensity-score-matched analysis.

BackgroundPerioperative anemia and transfusion are intertwined with each other, and both have adverse impacts on the survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. But the treatment of anemia still relies on transfusion in several countries, which leads us to question the effects of anemia tolerance and transfusion on the long-term outcomes of CRC patients. We investigated the combined effect of preoperative anemia and postoperative anemia and of preoperative anemia and blood transfusion, which imposes a greater risk to survival, to compare the effects of anemia tolerance and transfusion on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients undergoing CRC surgery.MethodsA retrospective propensity-score-matched analysis included patients with CRC undergoing elective surgery between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2014. After propensity-score matching, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to study the prognostic factors for survivals. In univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, two novel models were built.ResultsOf the 8,121 patients with CRC, 1,975 (24.3%) and 6,146 (75.7%) patients presented with and without preoperative anemia, respectively. After matching, 1,690 patients remained in each group. In the preoperative anemia and postoperative anemia model, preoperative anemia and postoperative anemia was independent risk factor for OS (HR, 1.202; 95% CI, 1.043–1.385; P=0.011) and DFS (HR, 1.210; 95% CI, 1.050–1.395; P=0.008). In the preoperative anemia and transfusion model, preoperative anemia and transfused was the most dangerous independent prognostic factor for OS (HR, 1.791; 95% CI, 1.339–2.397; P<0.001) and DFS (HR, 1.857; 95% CI, 1.389–2.483; P<0.001). In patients with preoperative anemia, the OS and DFS of patients with transfusion were worse than those of patients without transfusion (P=0.026 in OS; P=0.037 in DFS).ConclusionsPreoperative anemia and blood transfusion imposed a greater risk to OS and DFS in patients undergoing CRC surgery, indicating that the harm associated with blood transfusion was greater than that associated with postoperative anemia. These findings should encourage clinicians to be vigilant for the timely prevention and treatment of anemia, by appropriately promoting toleration of anemia and restricting the use of blood transfusion in patients with CRC.

Effect of Surgical Humidification on Inflammation and Peritoneal Trauma in Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundPre-clinical studies indicate that dry-cold-carbon-dioxide (DC-CO2) insufflation leads to more peritoneal damage, inflammation and hypothermia compared with humidified-warm-CO2 (HW-CO2). Peritoneum and core temperature in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery were compared.MethodsSixty-six patients were randomized into laparoscopic groups; those insufflated with DC-CO2 or HW-CO2. A separate group of nineteen patients undergoing laparotomy were randomised to conventional surgery or with the insertion of a device delivering HW-CO2. Temperatures were monitored and peritoneal biopsies and bloods were taken at the start of surgery, at 1 and 3 h. Further bloods were taken depending upon hospital length-of-stay (LOS). Peritoneal samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopy to evaluate mesothelial damage.ResultsLaparoscopic cases experienced a temperature drop despite Bair-HuggerTM use. HW-CO2 restored normothermia (≥ 36.5 °C) by 3 h, DC-CO2 did not. LOS was shorter for colon compared with rectal cancer cases and if insufflated with HW-CO2 compared with DC-CO2; 5.0 vs 7.2 days, colon and 11.6 vs 15.4 days rectum, respectively. Unexpectedly, one third of patients had pre-existing damage. Damage increased at 1 and 3 h to a greater extent in the DC-CO2 compared with the HW-CO2 laparoscopic cohort. C-reactive protein levels were higher in open than laparoscopic cases and lower in both matched HW-CO2 groups.ConclusionsThis prospective RCT is in accord with animal studies while highlighting pre-existing damage in some patients. Peritoneal mesothelium protection, reduced inflammation and restoration of core-body temperature data suggest benefit with the use of HW-CO2 in patients undergoing CRC surgery.

The predictive value of preoperative frailty screening for postoperative outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer

The predictive value of preoperative frailty screening for postoperative outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer surgery in elderly patients 80 years and older: a comparison with younger age groups.

A reduction in complications and mortality can be observed over the last few decades among elderly patients in the early postoperative period for colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, but long-term outcomes are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcomes of elderly patients 80 years and older after CRC surgery in comparison with younger age groups. The influence of clinical, oncological, and physical parameters on outcome were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 346 patients underwent CRC surgery with curative intent between January 2013 and December 2017. Patients were divided into three age groups: younger than 60 (n=47), between 60 and 79 (n=218), and 80 and older (n=81). Clinicopathological variables including comorbidity, modified frailty index, prognostic nutrition index (PNI), operative/postoperative data, and outcome including cause of death were compared among age groups. To identify factors associated with death from CRC and other causes, univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model were performed. Immediate postoperative morbidity of patients with Clavien-Dindo grades of III or greater (16.0%) and the 30-day mortality rate (2.5%) of patients 80 years and older were not statistically different from those of younger age groups. Long-term disease-free survival was also similar among age groups, suggesting CRC surgery provides oncological benefit to patients irrespective of age. Multivariate analysis revealed that R1 resection, advanced tumor stage, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level of >5 ng/mL, undifferentiated tumor, and longer postoperative hospital stay were risk factors for CRC death. Long-term overall survival was significantly reduced in comparison to younger age groups. Seventy percent of deaths in elderly patients during follow-up were primarily from respiratory failure and cardiovascular disease. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that advanced age, frailty, low PNI, and open procedure were risk factors for other causes of mortality. Elderly patients undergoing CRC surgery appeared to enjoy similar oncological benefits as younger age groups. Since both modified frailty index and PNI were correlated with mortality unrelated to CRC, preoperative assessment of these factors can be important for predicting outcome and selecting patients for prehabilitation.

TP10.2.7Reintroduction of elective colorectal cancer surgery following the first wave of Covid-19 in the UK – an audit of risk mitigation strategies and review of patient outcome

AimPerioperative acquisition of Covid‐19 is associated with high mortality and morbidity. We have analysed the effectiveness of newly designed ‘green’ pathway for elective colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, which aimed to minimise risk of Covid‐19.MethodData collected with concurrent implementation of ‘green’ pathway for all patients undergoing CRC surgery over a 6 week period following the ‘first wave’ of the Covid-19 pandemic. The standard audited were appropriately timed pre‐operative CT chest, Covid‐19 swabs and shielding adherence. The impact of positive pre‐operative swabs and post‐operative complications were analysed. Additional risk mitigation strategies included dual consultant operating, open operating, and defunctioning ileostomy for high risk anastomoses.Results49 operations performed of 56 planned. 1 cancelled due to patient being positive for Covid‐19, 5 due to progression of cancer on restaging CT, 1 required further medical optimisation. All had a 2 week pre‐operative swab and then shielded until the day of the operation. 48/49 had swab 2 days pre‐op. CT chest performed in all, 37 (66.7%) were to restage. 4 (8%) had post‐operative complication graded as ≥ 2 on Clavien‐Dindo score; none of which were Covid related. 1 patient tested positive for Covid‐19 post‐operatively but remained asymptomatic. All procedures were open and performed by 2 consultants.ConclusionWe demonstrate an effective pathway and various operative strategies which can be employed to reduce risk for patients undergoing CRC surgery in the midst of the ongoing global pandemic.

Impact of Psychiatric Diagnoses and Treatment on Postoperative Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer.

Psychiatric diagnoses may be a risk factor for poor colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery outcomes. The authors investigated the risk of psychiatric diagnoses and benefit of mental health treatment for surgery outcomes among CRC patients. This retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing CRC surgery in the 2000-2014 period identified documentation of psychiatric diagnosis and mental health treatment (no treatment, medication only, psychotherapy only, or both medication and psychotherapy) 30 days before surgery. Associations between psychiatric diagnoses, mental health treatment, and postoperative outcomes (postoperative complications, length of stay [LOS], and 90-day readmission rate) were evaluated with multivariable generalized estimating equations. Among 58,961 patients undergoing CRC surgery, 9,029 (15.3%) had psychiatric diagnoses, 4,601 (51.0%) of whom received preoperative mental health treatment (90.0% psychiatric medication, 6.7% psychotherapy, and 3.0% medication and psychotherapy). Patients with psychiatric diagnoses had an increased risk for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR]=1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.03-1.15) and 90-day readmission (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.06-1.17) compared with patients without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychiatric diagnoses who received no mental health treatment or only medication had a 7%-17% increased risk for postoperative complications and 90-day readmission compared with patients without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients who received medication only also had a 4% increase in LOS relative to patients without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychiatric diagnoses receiving only psychotherapy and patients without psychiatric diagnoses had similar postoperative outcomes. Preoperative psychiatric diagnoses were associated with worse postoperative outcomes. Surgical quality-improvement efforts should focus on identifying patients with preoperative psychiatric diagnoses and addressing these conditions presurgery.

Probiotic/Synbiotic Treatment and Postoperative Complications in Colorectal Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Post-CRC resection complications and lower quality of life (QoL) are associated with a lower long-term survival. Perioperative administration of probiotics/synbiotics might lower prevalence of side effects and improve QoL and survival among CRC patients. Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane database, Embase, and clinical trials registries were searched in January 2020. Altogether, 16 randomized placebo-controlled probiotic/synbiotic clinical trials that included patients undergoing CRC surgery and investigated postoperative complications and QoL side effects were found. Meta-analyses using random-effects model were performed on data from 11 studies to calculate the effects of probiotics/synbiotics on common CRC resection postoperative side effects and complications. Perioperative probiotics/synbiotics administration was associated with lower infection incidence (odds ratio [OR] = 0.34, P < 0.001), lower diarrheal incidence (OR = 0.38, P < 0.001), faster return to normal gut function (mean difference [MD] −0.66 days, P < 0.001), shorter postoperative antibiotics use (MD −0.64 days, P < 0.001), lower incidence of septicemia (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001), and shorter length of hospital stay (MD −0.41 days, P = 0.110). The results support the hypothesis that short-term perioperative administration of probiotics/synbiotics, which are easy to administer, have few side-effects, and are low cost compared with alternatives, might help to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms and postoperative complications among CRC patients.

Prognostic significance of the preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio in patients with colorectal cancer.

The aim of the present study was to determine the utility of the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) for predicting the overall survival (OS) in locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This retrospective multicenter study was performed using data from a prospectively maintained database of pathological Stage II or III patients undergoing CRC surgery at the Yokohama City University, Department of Surgery, and its affiliated institutions between April 2000 and March 2016. The risk factors for the OS were identified. A CAR of 0.03 was considered to be the optimal cutoff point for classification based on the 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates and receiver operating characteristic curve. The OS rates at 3 and 5 years after surgery were 92.4% and 85.7% in the CAR-low group, respectively, and 86.7% and 81.1% in the CAR-high group. A multivariate analysis showed that the CAR was a significant independent risk factor for the OS. When comparing the patients' demographic and clinical characteristics between the CAR ≤0.03 and >0.03 groups, the incidence of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy and the incidence of postoperative complications were significantly different between the two groups. The present study showed that the preoperative CAR was a risk factor for the OS in patients who underwent surgery for CRC. To improve the patients' survival, CAR might be a useful tool for devising treatment strategies.

Intestinal Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

Simple SummaryThe microbial communities of the intestine exist in a delicate balance with the human. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies, and the microbiota seems to be related to it. The intestinal microbiota of patients after colorectal surgery is changed due to surgical stress and other perioperative factors. The occurrence of complications after colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery may depend on these bacterial shifts, which could also be associated with prognosis and survival in postoperative CRC patients.The intestinal microbiota consists of numerous microbial species that collectively interact with the host, playing a crucial role in health and disease. Colorectal cancer is well-known to be related to dysbiotic alterations in intestinal microbiota. It is evident that the microbiota is significantly affected by colorectal surgery in combination with the various perioperative interventions, mainly mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotic prophylaxis. The altered postoperative composition of intestinal microbiota could lead to an enhanced virulence, proliferation of pathogens, and diminishment of beneficial microorganisms resulting in severe complications including anastomotic leakage and surgical site infections. Moreover, the intestinal microbiota could be utilized as a possible biomarker in predicting long-term outcomes after surgical CRC treatment. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these interactions will further support the establishment of genomic mapping of intestinal microbiota in the management of patients undergoing CRC surgery.