Pelvic Cancer Surgery Research Articles

Reference value models for predicting preoperative six-minute walk test in patients scheduled for abdominal and pelvic cancer surgery.

Preoperative assessment of functional capacity with the six-minute walk test (6MWT) allows for estimation of surgical risk and targeted triage to prehabilitation services. Patient with abdominal and pelvic cancers have worse preoperative function compared with the general population. However, six-minute walk distance (6MWD) reference values from cancer patients are unknown, which limits the interpretation of 6MWT in this population. This study aimed to establish an explanatory reference value model for preoperative 6MWD in patients with abdominal or pelvic cancers undergoing elective surgery. Adult patients undergoing surgery for abdominal or pelvic cancers at major international hospitals were included. The 6MWT was assessed before surgery using a standardised protocol. Anthropometric data including age, sex, height, weight and body mass index (BMI) were collected and included in multiple linear regression analysis to model preoperative 6MWD. A total of 742 patients were included. Age, height and BMI were correlated with 6MWD. Six regression models were estimated, including two from the entire cohort, two from the subset of males and two from the subset of females. A sex-neutral model was the most representative, explaining 15% of the variance in 6MWD (6MWD = 761.00-3.00 * Age (years) -2.86 * BMI (kg/m2) - 48.09 * Sex (M1, F2)). The explored regression models, using anthropometric variables, poorly explained the variance between measured and modelled 6MWD, which suggests that these models have no clinical utility in the cancer population. Consideration of additional, non-anthropometric variables may improve regression modelling of preoperative 6MWD in patients in abdominal and pelvic cancers.

Evaluation of finite element modeling methods for predicting compression screw failure in a custom pelvic implant.

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D)-printed custom pelvic implants have become a clinically viable option for patients undergoing pelvic cancer surgery with resection of the hip joint. However, increased clinical utilization has also necessitated improved implant durability, especially with regard to the compression screws used to secure the implant to remaining pelvic bone. This study evaluated six different finite element (FE) screw modeling methods for predicting compression screw pullout and fatigue failure in a custom pelvic implant secured to bone using nine compression screws. Methods: Three modeling methods (tied constraints (TIE), bolt load with constant force (BL-CF), and bolt load with constant length (BL-CL)) generated screw axial forces using functionality built into Abaqus FE software; while the remaining three modeling methods (isotropic pseudo-thermal field (ISO), orthotropic pseudo-thermal field (ORT), and equal-and-opposite force field (FOR)) generated screw axial forces using iterative physics-based relationships that can be implemented in any FE software. The ability of all six modeling methods to match specified screw pretension forces and predict screw pullout and fatigue failure was evaluated using an FE model of a custom pelvic implant with total hip replacement. The applied hip contact forces in the FE model were estimated at two locations in a gait cycle. For each of the nine screws in the custom implant FE model, likelihood of screw pullout failure was predicted using maximum screw axial force, while likelihood of screw fatigue failure was predicted using maximum von Mises stress. Results: The three iterative physics-based modeling methods and the non-iterative Abaqus BL-CL method produced nearly identical predictions for likelihood of screw pullout and fatigue failure, while the other two built-in Abaqus modeling methods yielded vastly different predictions. However, the Abaqus BL-CL method required the least computation time, largely because an iterative process was not needed to induce specified screw pretension forces. Of the three iterative methods, FOR required the fewest iterations and thus the least computation time. Discussion: These findings suggest that the BL-CL screw modeling method is the best option when Abaqus is used for predicting screw pullout and fatigue failure in custom pelvis prostheses, while the iterative physics-based FOR method is the best option if FE software other than Abaqus is used.

Changes in walking function and neural control following pelvic cancer surgery with reconstruction.

Introduction: Surgical planning and custom prosthesis design for pelvic cancer patients are challenging due to the unique clinical characteristics of each patient and the significant amount of pelvic bone and hip musculature often removed. Limb-sparing internal hemipelvectomy surgery with custom prosthesis reconstruction has become a viable option for this patient population. However, little is known about how post-surgery walking function and neural control change from pre-surgery conditions. Methods: This case study combined comprehensive walking data (video motion capture, ground reaction, and electromyography) with personalized neuromusculoskeletal computer models to provide a thorough assessment of pre- to post-surgery changes in walking function (ground reactions, joint motions, and joint moments) and neural control (muscle synergies) for a single pelvic sarcoma patient who received internal hemipelvectomy surgery with custom prosthesis reconstruction. Pre- and post-surgery walking function and neural control were quantified using pre- and post-surgery neuromusculoskeletal models, respectively, whose pelvic anatomy, joint functional axes, muscle-tendon properties, and muscle synergy controls were personalized using the participant's pre-and post-surgery walking and imaging data. For the post-surgery model, virtual surgery was performed to emulate the implemented surgical decisions, including removal of hip muscles and implantation of a custom prosthesis with total hip replacement. Results: The participant's post-surgery walking function was marked by a slower self-selected walking speed coupled with several compensatory mechanisms necessitated by lost or impaired hip muscle function, while the participant's post-surgery neural control demonstrated a dramatic change in coordination strategy (as evidenced by modified time-invariant synergy vectors) with little change in recruitment timing (as evidenced by conserved time-varying synergy activations). Furthermore, the participant's post-surgery muscle activations were fitted accurately using his pre-surgery synergy activations but fitted poorly using his pre-surgery synergy vectors. Discussion: These results provide valuable information about which aspects of post-surgery walking function could potentially be improved through modifications to surgical decisions, custom prosthesis design, or rehabilitation protocol, as well as how computational simulations could be formulated to predict post-surgery walking function reliably given a patient's pre-surgery walking data and the planned surgical decisions and custom prosthesis design.

Factor XI inhibitors: a new option for the prevention and treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a relatively common complication in cancer patients with potentially dire consequences. Anticoagulants are the mainstay of treatment of cancer-associated VTE. The anticoagulants most often used are low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) and direct oral factor (F) Xa inhibitors, which include apixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban. Most guidelines recommend primary VTE prophylaxis with LMWH, apixaban, or rivaroxaban after abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery, or in high-risk ambulatory cancer patients. Both oral FXa inhibitors and LMWH have limitations. LMWH requires daily subcutaneous injections, and because of its renal clearance, its use may be problematic in patients with severe kidney disease. The risk of bleeding with oral FXa inhibitors may be higher than with LMWH in patients with intraluminal gastrointestinal or genitourinary cancers. Other problems with oral FXa inhibitors include potential drug-drug interactions and dosing issues in patients with thrombocytopenia or severe kidney or liver disease. Therefore, there remains a need for convenient and safer anticoagulants for VTE treatment in cancer patients. FXI has emerged as a potentially safer target for anticoagulants than FXa because FXI is essential for thrombosis, but mostly dispensable for hemostasis. This review summarizes the currently available therapeutic options for cancer-associated VTE, highlights knowledge gaps, and discusses the potential of FXI inhibitors to address key unmet clinical needs in this vulnerable patient population.

AI-Enhanced evaluation of YouTube content on post-surgical incontinence following pelvic cancer treatment

BackgroundSeveral pelvic area cancers exhibit high incidence rates, and their surgical treatment can result in adverse effects such as urinary and fecal incontinence, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Post-surgery incontinence is a significant concern, with prevalence rates ranging from 25 to 45% for urinary incontinence and 9–68% for fecal incontinence. Cancer survivors are increasingly turning to YouTube as a platform to connect with others, yet caution is warranted as misinformation is prevalent. ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the information quality in YouTube videos about post-surgical incontinence after pelvic area cancer surgery. MethodsA YouTube search for "Incontinence after cancer surgery" yielded 108 videos, which were subsequently analyzed. To evaluate these videos, several quality assessment tools were utilized, including DISCERN, GQS, JAMA, PEMAT, and MQ-VET. Statistical analyses, such as descriptive statistics and intercorrelation tests, were employed to assess various video attributes, including characteristics, popularity, educational value, quality, and reliability. Also, artificial intelligence techniques like PCA, t-SNE, and UMAP were used for data analysis. HeatMap and Hierarchical Clustering Dendrogram techniques validated the Machine Learning results. ResultsThe quality scales presented a high level of correlation one with each other (p < 0.01) and the Artificial Intelligence-based techniques presented clear clustering representations of the dataset samples, which were reinforced by the Heat Map and Hierarchical Clustering Dendrogram. ConclusionsYouTube videos on "Incontinence after Cancer Surgery" present a "High" quality across multiple scales. The use of AI tools, like PCA, t-SNE, and UMAP, is highlighted for clustering large health datasets, improving data visualization, pattern recognition, and complex healthcare analysis.

Assessing the Quality of YouTube's Incontinence Information after Cancer Surgery: An Innovative Graphical Analysis.

Prostate and colorectum cancers rank among the most common cancers, and incontinence is a significant postsurgical issue affecting the physical and psychological well-being of cancer survivors. Social media, particularly YouTube, has emerged as a vital source of health information. While YouTube offers valuable content, users must exercise caution due to potential misinformation. This study aims to assess the quality of publicly available YouTube videos related to incontinence after pelvic cancer surgery. A search on YouTube related to "Incontinence after cancer surgery" was performed, and 108 videos were analyzed. Multiple quality assessment tools (DISCERN, GQS, JAMA, PEMAT, and MQ-VET) and statistical analyses (descriptive statistics and intercorrelation tests) were used to evaluate the characteristics and popularity, educational value, quality, and reliability of these videos, relying on novel graphical representation techniques such as Sankey and Chord diagrams. Strong positive correlations were found among quality rating scales, emphasizing agreement. The performed graphical analysis reinforced the reliability and validity of quality assessments. This study found strong correlations among five quality scales, suggesting their effectiveness in assessing health information quality. The evaluation of YouTube videos consistently revealed "high" quality content. Considering the source is mandatory when assessing quality, healthcare and academic institutions are reliable sources. Caution is advised with ad-containing videos. Future research should focus on policy improvements and tools to aid patients in finding high-quality health content.

Pre-emptive ultrasound-guided superior hypogastric plexus block in pelvic cancer surgeries: a randomized double-blinded study

BackgroundSuperior hypogastric plexus is a retroperitoneal plexus that receives visceral sensation from pelvic viscera. Superior hypogastric plexus block (SHPB) was used for chronic pelvic pain and recently studied for postoperative pain. We examined the safety and efficacy of preemptive anterior US-guided SHPB to reduce postoperative morphine consumption. Thirty-six patients undergoing pelvic cancer surgery were randomly divided into two equal groups; group S in which patients received anterior US-guided SHPB immediately after induction of general anesthesia and before skin incision using 20 ml bubivacaine 0.5%, group C control group in which 20 ml normal saline was given by the same technique. Patients of both groups received morphine via PCA postoperative and followed for 24 h. In both groups, we measured the total morphine consumption, VAS, vital signs, and side effects.ResultsDemographic data, duration, and type of surgery were comparable in both groups. Total 24 h morphine consumption in mg was significantly lower in group S (43.8 ± 2) than in group C (54.83 ± 2) with P value < 0.001. VAS was significantly lower in group S in all time intervals from 2 till 24 h postoperative. Side effects were minimal with no significant difference between both groups.ConclusionPreemptive US-guided SHPB is a relatively safe and effective method to reduce postoperative opioid demands after pelvic cancer surgeries.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04732234 in 1–2-2021.

Outcomes of DIEP flap reconstruction after pelvic cancer surgery: A retrospective multicenter case series

Flap reconstruction is often required after pelvic tumor resection to reduce wound complications. The use of perforator flaps has been shown to reduce donor site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (pDIEP) flap reconstruction. This was a retrospective multicenter study of patients who underwent immediate pDIEP flap reconstruction for a pelvic or perineal defect after tumor resection between November 2012 and June 2022. The primary outcome was abdominal donor site morbidity, and the secondary outcome was perineal morbidity. Thirty-four patients (median age, 57.5 years) who underwent pelvic exenteration (n=31), extralevator abdominoperineal excision (n=2), or extended vaginal hysterectomy (n=1) were included. The most common indications were recurrent cervical (n=19) and anal (n=4) squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty-nine patients (85%) had a history of radiotherapy. Only one patient (3%) had major (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) donor site complications (surgical site infection due to tumor recurrence). Eleven patients (32%) had at least one major recipient site complication (surgical site infection [n=1], total [n=2] or partial [n=1] flap loss, perineal dehiscence [n=2], hematoma [n=1], fistula [n=5]). No incisional or perineal hernias were observed during follow-up. Ninety-day survival was 100%. Pedicled DIEP flap reconstructions performed by experienced surgical teams had good outcomes for perineal or vaginal reconstruction, with low abdominal morbidity, in patients with advanced pelvic malignancies who had undergone median laparotomy. The risks and benefits of this procedure should be carefully evaluated preoperatively using clinical and imaging data.

The 'Pelvic exenteration lexicon': Creating a common language for complex pelvic cancer surgery.

Pelvic exenteration surgery is an umbrella term for a multitude of operative techniques for locally advanced and recurrent pelvic malignancy. Currently, there is heterogeneity in the operative description that limits the interpretation of patient outcome and collaboration between units through standardized data collection. Our study aims to develop a consensus lexicon to describe the operative components of extended and exenteration pelvic surgery. This study adopted a mixed-methods approach using semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, focus groups and validation exercises involving pelvic exenteration experts from centres in the UK. Qualitative data were collected, and descriptive statistics are presented. We identified eight headings with 32 subheadings that encompass all components of the extent of the potential surgery. The lexicon was validated by 15 UK specialists. A 'high-complexity pelvic exenteration' was defined as encompassing 'conventional pelvic exenteration' with the extension of surgery to remove bony structures or the structures in the pelvic sidewall. Pelvic sidewall structures include major vessels, sciatic nerves and/or bone. Bony structures include the sacrum and/or pubic bones. This pelvic exenteration lexicon will permit classification of the surgical approach used that will improve data synthesis, allow more accurate activity recording for audit and ultimately improved outcomes for patients.

Surgical and Anatomical Basics of Pelvic Debulking Surgery for Advanced Ovarian Cancer - the "Hudson Procedure" as a Cornerstone of Complete Cytoreduction.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the fifth most common cause of death in women and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive tract. OC usually spreads through peritoneal dissemination and direct invasion. Optimal cytoreduction (no macroscopic residual disease) and adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy are the fundaments of OC treatment. OC is usually diagnosed at advanced stages, hence the obliteration of the Douglas pouch by the tumor as well as disseminated pelvic peritoneal carcinomatosis are commonly seen. Radical surgical cytoreduction typically requires a retroperitoneal approach to the pelvic masses and multivisceral resections in the upper abdomen. In 1968, Christopher Hudson introduced a new retroperitoneal surgical technique ("radical oophorectomy") for fixed ovarian tumors. Since then, numerous modifications have been described, including visceral peritonectomy, the "cocoon" technique, Bat-shaped en-bloc total peritonectomy (Sarta-Bat approach), or en-bloc resection of the pelvis. Although these modifications expanded the classical description in many ways, the concepts and key surgical steps are derived from the Hudson procedure. However, there are some gaps or disagreements regarding the anatomical or practical rationale for certain surgical steps. The purpose of this article is to outline the critical steps of radical pelvic cytoreduction ("Hudson procedure"), and to delineate the anatomical basis for the procedure in the proposed form. In addition, we discuss the controversies and address the perioperative morbidity associated with the procedure.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism risk stratification in patients with uterine cancer

Uterine cancers are associated with a high risk for venous thromboembolisms. The American Society of Clinical Oncology practice guidelines recommend that all patients undergoing pelvic surgery for cancer should receive extended pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis with the duration being dependent on risk. However, risk stratification for patients with uterine cancer is not clearly defined. The Caprini score is the most widely used risk assessment model but it has been found to have limited use in the gynecologic oncology population. A modified Caprini score has been explored in other populations. The Khorana score is an additional risk assessment model that has not been studied in this context. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of a modified Caprini model and the Khorana score to risk stratify patients with uterine cancer for postoperative venous thromboembolisms within 90 days of surgery. Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective cohort study was performed, and all patients with uterine cancer who underwent a hysterectomy over a 4-year period were included. The Caprini and Khorana scores were calculated for each patient. The Caprini score cutoff for highest risk was evaluated at ≥7, ≥8, and ≥9 (modified Caprini) and the Khorana score cutoff was evaluated at ≥2 and ≥3. To determine the prognostic use of each score and other clinico-pathologic criteria related to the development of a venous thromboembolism, univariate analyses were performed using independent ttests, chi-square tests, or Fisher's exact tests; a multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. A total of 954 patients were included. The rate of venous thromboembolism development was 1.7% (16/954). A minimally invasive surgical approach was used in 90.5% (863/954) of patients. The mean Caprini score for patients with a venous thromboembolism was 10.3 compared with 8.1 for patients without a venous thromboembolism (95% confidence interval, 1.17-3.33; P<.0001). The mean Khorana score for the venous thromboembolism group was 2.4 vs 1.9 for those without (95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.82; P=.03). Both the Caprini and Khorana scores were found to be associated with venous thromboembolisms, but only a Caprini score with a cutoff of ≥8 or ≥9 was statistically significant (risk ratio, 31.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.88-519.49; risk ratio, 4.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-14.13, respectively), with high accuracy based on the area under the curve (0.75 and 0.68, respectively). Of the minimally invasive subgroup, 11.7% (101/863) of patients had same-day discharge with no postoperative thromboprophylaxis; none of these patients developed venous thromboembolisms. Despite extended prophylaxis among the laparotomy patients (30 days), the rate of venous thromboembolisms was more than 3 times that of the minimally invasive group (5.49% vs 1.7%). Advanced tumor stage and leukocytosis were noted to be independent risk factors for venous thromboembolisms. Our study suggests that using a modified Caprini score could help to identify the highest-risk patients who would benefit from prolonged thromboprophylaxis, could reduce the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolisms, and could minimize the cost and harm of overtreatment. These findings need to be validated in a prospective manner, and further research is needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy.

Diffuse reflection spectroscopy at the fingertip: design and performance of a compact side-firing probe for tissue discrimination during colorectal cancer surgery.

Optical technologies are widely used for tissue sensing purposes. However, maneuvering conventional probe designs with flat-tipped fibers in narrow spaces can be challenging, for instance during pelvic colorectal cancer surgery. In this study, a compact side-firing fiber probe was developed for tissue discrimination during colorectal cancer surgery using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The optical behavior was compared to flat-tipped fibers using both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental phantom measurements. The tissue classification performance was examined using freshly excised colorectal cancer specimens. Using the developed probe and classification algorithm, an accuracy of 0.92 was achieved for discriminating tumor tissue from healthy tissue.

Long-term follow-up of bilateral gracilis reconstruction following extra-levator abdominoperineal excision

Colorectal operations such as an extra-levator abdominoperineal (elAPE) excision for locally advanced or recurrent cancer create a significant perineal tissue deficit. Options for perineal reconstruction include bilateral pedicled gracilis muscle flaps (BPGMF). Fashioning the gracili into a 'weave' creates a muscular sling that supports pelvic contents and is a novel technique. Our series reports the outcomes of the BPGMF in 50 patients undergoing surgery for pelvic cancer. This is a retrospective, single-centre study of patients undergoing reconstruction of perineal defects using BPGMF. All surgeries took place between January 2008 and February 2021. The primary outcome measured was perineal wound healing. The secondary outcomes measured were complications of surgical sites and length of hospital stay (short term), flap integrity on follow-up imaging and functional outcomes (long term). Fifty patients underwent perineal reconstruction using BPGMF (26 males). The median age was 62 years. The 30-day mortality was 2% (n=1). The average follow-up period was 2 years. Complete perineal wound healing was 86% (42/49) at outpatient follow-up. Complication rates for the donor site and reconstructed site were 14% and 22%, respectively. Complications included infection (2% donor site, 12% perineum), haematoma (4% donor site), dehiscence (2% donor site, 4% perineum) and seroma (3% donor site, 2% perineum). BPGMF offers a reliable and technically simple muscle flap to reconstruct large perineal defects. The muscle flap integrity appears maintained on follow-up imaging despite a lack of flap monitoring tools. This cohort had minimal functional impairment following BPGMF.

Translated article] Validation of patient-specific 3D impression models for pelvic oncological orthopedic surgery

IntroductionPelvic ring tumours pose a challenge due to the difficulty in obtaining adequate surgical margins. Tools such as surgical navigation or 3D printing for the fabrication of patient-specific surgical positioning templates help in preoperative planning and intraoperative execution. Their correct positioning is essential in complex locations such as the pelvis, so it is necessary to identify positioning errors. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the reliability of 3D template placement for pelvic ring osteotomies. Material and methodsExperimental study in cadaver with 10 hemipelvis. CT was performed to obtain the three-dimensional model, planning of osteotomies, design of positioning templates in ischiopubic (I), iliopubic (P), supracetabular (S) and iliac crest (C) branches; and a positioning marker (rigid-body) on the C and S templates for navigation. The templates and rigid-body are 3D printed and positioned according to pre-planning. Navigation allows the final position of the inserts and osteotomies to be checked. ResultsThe positioning of the templates with respect to the preoperative planning varied depending on the location, being greater the error in those of the iliac crest. Using navigation the mean error of distance to the cutting plane is 3.5mm, except in pubis (5–8mm), being conditioned by the position of the rigid body. ConclusionThe use of patient-specific templates printed in 3D is a reliable tool for performing osteotomies in pelvic cancer surgery.

Impact on blood loss and transfusion rates following administration of tranexamic acid in major oncological abdominal and pelvic surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Major bleeding and receiving blood products in cancer surgery are associated with increased postoperative complications and worse outcomes. Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and improves outcomes in various surgical specialities. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate TXA use on blood loss in elective abdominal and pelvic cancer surgery. A literature search was performed for studies comparing intravenous TXA versus placebo/no TXA in patients undergoing major elective abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery. Twelve articles met the inclusion criteria, consisting of 723 patients who received TXA and 659 controls. Patients receiving TXA were less likely to receive a red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (p < 0.001, OR 0.4 95% CI [0.25, 0.63]) and experienced less blood loss (p < 0.001, MD -197.8 ml, 95% CI [-275.69, -119.84]). The TXA group experienced a smaller reduction in haemoglobin (p = 0.001, MD -0.45 mmol/L, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.18]). There was no difference in venous thromboembolism (VTE) rates (p = 0.95, OR 0.98, 95% CI [0.46, 2.08]). TXA use reduced blood loss and RBC transfusion requirements perioperatively, with no significant increased risk of VTE. However, further studies are required to assess its benefit for cancer surgery in some sub-specialities.

Adherence to apixaban for extended thromboprophylaxis after major abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancer: A prospective cohort study.

Due to lack of data, direct oral anticoagulants are not considered by guidelines for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after cancer surgery. Adherence to low-molecular-weight heparin injections in this setting is sometimes poor. Analysis of adherence to oral apixaban for extended thromboprophylaxis. Consecutive patients discharged after major surgery for abdominal/pelvic cancer and considered eligible for extended prophylaxis were offered apixaban 2.5 mg twice daily. Primary outcomes were adherence metrics-proportion of prescriptions filled, persistence (not prematurely discontinued), proportion of days covered (PDC) based on apixaban pill counts, and modified Morisky medication adherence scale at Days 28-30. Secondary outcomes were bleeding, VTE, and serious adverse events until Day 90. We included 53 patients, 51 were analyzed. Of 45 patients with prescriptions all had it filled (95% confidence interval [CI], 92%-100%). Persistence was 98% (95% CI, 90%-100%). PDC was ≥80% for 48 patients (94%; 95% CI, 84%-99%). We found good adherence (0/6 answers "yes") in 75% and moderate (1/6 answers "yes") in 25%. No major bleed or VTE occurred while on apixaban. Our results support good adherence with apixaban for VTE prophylaxis up to 28 days after major abdominal or pelvic cancer surgery.

Preoperative functional capacity and postoperative outcomes following abdominal and pelvic cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There is clinical uncertainty regarding an association between preoperative functional capacity of cancer patients, and postoperative outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate whether poor performance on preoperative six-minute walk test (6MWT) or five-times sit to stand test (5STS) is associated with worse postoperative complication rates and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS) in cancer patients. An electronic search was performed from earliest available record to 26th February 2021 in MEDLINE, Embase and AMED. Studies investigating the association between preoperative physical function (measured using either 6MWT or 5STS) and postoperative outcomes (complications and LOS) in patients with gastrointestinal, abdominal and pelvic cancers were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Where possible, summary odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random-effect models. Five studies (379 patients) were included, of which none utilized the 5STS. Overall, studies were rated as having low to moderate risk of bias. Higher preoperative performance on the 6MWT (≥400 m) was associated with low grade postoperative complications (OR=0.38; 95% CI=0.15-0.95) but was not associated with a shorter LOS (MD=3.29; 95%CI=-1.07-7.66). The available evidence suggests that in cancer patients, a higher preoperative functional capacity may be associated with reduced postoperative complications. Conversely, there is no significant association between preoperative function and LOS. Further high-quality studies are needed in this area, including studies involving 5STS.

Prophylaxis extension for venous thromboembolism after major abdominal and pelvic surgery for cancer (prevent): Quality improvement transitioned into a cohort study

BackgroundExtended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after abdominopelvic cancer surgery has not been widely adopted. We compared outcomes of patients pre- and postimplementation of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin. MethodsProspectively collected data from a quality initiative project aimed at prescribing extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after abdominopelvic cancer surgery was compared with previously published data from a prospective cohort without extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. The primary outcome was 6-month postoperative symptomatic venous thromboembolism incidence. Secondary outcomes: differences in 1- and 3-month venous thromboembolism incidence and factors associated with venous thromboembolism using Cox-proportional hazard models. Cumulative incidence of venous thromboembolism was estimated using Kaplan-Meier methods and expressed as proportions with 95% confidence interval. ResultsThere were 241 patients in the venous thromboembolism-prophylaxis cohort and 284 patients in the no venous thromboembolism prophylaxis cohort. Patients in the venous thromboembolism-prophylaxis cohort were more likely to be female (69% vs 60%, P = .018), have metastatic disease (49% vs 29%, P < .001), have longer operative times (236 min vs 197 min, P < .001), and to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (27% vs 23%, P = .006). Respectively, the 1- (0.5% [95% confidence interval, 0.1–2.5] vs 0.4% [95% confidence interval, 0.1–2.5]), 3- (2.6% [95% confidence interval, 1.2–5.6] vs 2.5% [95% confidence interval, 1.2–5.2]), and 6-month (7.5% [95% confidence interval, 4.8–11.5] vs 7.2% [95% confidence interval, 4.7–11.0]) venous thromboembolism incidence were similar. By multivariable analysis, history of venous thromboembolism (hazard ratio 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–12.05; P = .045) and longer duration of hospital stay (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.12; P = .016) demonstrated increased risk of venous thromboembolism. ConclusionThis study failed to demonstrate a decreased 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative venous thromboembolism incidence after the implementation of extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis.

Endovascular coil embolization of inferior mesenteric artery to ileal-conduit fistula: a case report

BackgroundUretero-arterial fistulas (UAFs) are uncommon and pose a diagnostic dilemma, making them life threatening if not recognized and treated expediently. UAFs to small arteries such as a branch of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) are very uncommon and present a further diagnostic and treatment challenge. There should be a high index of suspicion for UAFs when intervening on patients with history of treated pelvic cancers and long-standing ureteric stents experiencing hematuria not attributable to another cause.Case presentationWe present a case of a fistula formed between a distal branch of the IMA—superior rectal artery—and an ileal-conduit in a patient with a long-standing reverse nephroureterostomy (Hobbs) catheter presenting with abdominal pain and hematuria through the conduit. During a tube exchange, contrast injection demonstrated a fistula with the superior rectal artery, multiple ileal intraluminal blood clots, and active extravasation. The patient became tachycardic and hypotensive, actively bleeding through the ileal-conduit, prompting a massive transfusion protocol. Successful endovascular coiling of the superior rectal artery was performed with resolution of active extravasation and stabilization of the patient. The patient recovered and was discharged in stable condition 10 days later.ConclusionsAlthough UAFs are uncommon, our case demonstrated key predisposing risk factors to fistula development; pelvic cancer surgery, pelvic radiation, and a prolonged ureteric stent through the ileal-conduit. Typically, UAFs arise from communication with the iliac arterial system, however in this instance we have demonstrated that fistulization to other arterial vessels is also possible. Endovascular management has become the preferred method of therapy, typically involving the placement of covered stents when involving the iliac arterial system. In this instance stent grafting was not possible due to the small caliber vessel and therefore had to be embolized.

Prophylaxis Extension for VENous Thromboembolism Following Major Abdominal and Pelvic Surgery for Cancer (PREVENT): Quality Improvement Transitioned into a Cohort Study

Introduction: Extended venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following abdominopelvic cancer surgery has not been widely adopted. We compared outcomes of patients pre- and post-implementation of extended VTE prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin.