Resection Of Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Articles

826 Does Prehabilitation Improve Quality of Life After Gastrointestinal Cancer Resection?

826 Does Prehabilitation Improve Quality of Life After Gastrointestinal Cancer Resection?

Effect of two enteral immunonutrition formulas on immune function in Chinese patients with gastrointestinal cancers undergoing surgery: A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

e16019 Background: Immunomodulating nutrition is believed to reduce systemic inflammation and postoperative complications in surgical patients.This study aimed to evaluate the impact of two enteral immunonutrition formulas (immune-enhanced formula and immune-modulating formula) on the immune function of Chinese patients following gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of immune function in perioperative enteral immunonutrition. Between October 2018 and September 2020, 308 patients undergoing resection and gastrointestinal reconstruction for gastrointestinal cancer received preoperative 5-day and postoperative 7-day feeding. They were randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to either the immune-enhanced formula (intervention) or immune-modulating formula group (control). . The primary endpoints were the levels of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Secondary endpoints included inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and IL-6 levels. Results: Of the 308 patients included, 193 (62.7%) exhibited adequate compliance ( > 75%). Patients in the immune-enhanced formula group did not demonstrate significant differences in CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CRP, and IL-6 levels compared with the immune-modulating formula group. However, among patients with low prealbumin levels, the median difference in CD4+/CD8+ ratio on postoperative day 7 was 1.845 in the immune-enhanced formula group and 1.68 in the immune-modulating formula group ( P = 0·036). Conclusions: This study suggests that immunonutrition may significantly enhance immune function in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. In particular, our data indicate that immune-enhanced formula may be more effective in ameliorating immune responses in patients with compromised nutritional status, making them more responsive to immunonutrition. Clinical trial information: NCT03665714 .

Effect of magnesium sulfate perioperative infusion on postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort in male patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer: a prospective, randomized and controlled study

BackgroundLaparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer is associated with a high incidence of postoperative catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD). Studies on the benefits of magnesium sulfate intravenous infusion during the perioperative period post-laparoscopic surgery are yet lacking.MethodsA total of 88 gastrointestinal cancer male patients scheduled for laparoscopic radical resection were randomly divided into two groups: normal saline (control) and magnesium. In the magnesium group, a 40 mg/kg loading dose of intravenous magnesium sulfate was administered for 10 min just after the induction of anesthesia, followed by continuous intravenous infusion of 15 mg/kg/h magnesium sulfate until the end of the surgery; the control group was administered the same dose of normal saline. Subsequently, 2 μg/kg sufentanil was continuously infused intravenously by a postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) device. The primary outcome was the incidence of CRBD at 0 h after the surgery. The secondary outcomes included incidence of CRBD at 1, 2, and 6 h postsurgery, the severity of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postsurgery. Remifentanil requirement during surgery, sufentanil requirement within 24 h postsurgery, the postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) score at 48 h after the surgery, magnesium-related side effects and rescue medication (morphine) requirement were also assessed.ResultsThe incidence of CRBD at 0, 1, 2, and 6 h postoperatively was lower in the magnesium group than the control group (0 h: P = 0.01; 1 h: P = 0.003; 2 h: P = 0.001; 6 h: P = 0.006). The incidence of moderate to severe CRBD was higher in the control group at postoperative 0 and 1 h (0 h: P = 0.002; 1 h: P = 0.028), remifentanil requirement during surgery were significantly lower in the magnesium group than the control group. Sufentanil requirements during the 24 h postoperative period were significantly lower in the magnesium group than the control group. The NRS score was reduced in the magnesium group compared to the control group in the early postoperative period. Magnesium-related side effects and rescue medication (morphine) did not differ significantly between the two groups.ConclusionsIntravenous magnesium sulfate administration reduces the incidence and severity of CRBD and remifentanil requirement in male patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer. Also, no significant side effects were observed.Trial registrationChictr.org.cn ChiCTR2100053073. The study was registered on 10/11/2021.

Current status and short‐term results of frailty in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer resection

Current status and short‐term results of frailty in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer resection

Feasibility of Perineal Defect Reconstruction with Simplified Fasciocutaneous Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator (IGAP) Flaps after Tumor Resection of the Lower Rectum: Incidence and Outcome in an Interdisciplinary Approach.

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) is a relatively new surgical technique for low rectal cancers, enabling a more radical approach than conventional abdominoperineal excision (APE) with a potentially better oncological outcome. To date, no standard exists for reconstruction after extended or extralevator approaches of abdominoperineal (ELAPE) resection for lower gastrointestinal cancer or inflammatory tumors. In the recent literature, techniques with myocutaneous flaps, such as the VY gluteal flap, the pedicled gracilis flap, or the pedicled rectus abdominis flaps (VRAM) are primarily described. We propose a tailored concept with the use of bilateral adipo-fasciocutaneous inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) advancement flaps in VY fashion after ELAPE surgery procedures. This retrospective cohort study analyzes the feasibility of this concept and is, to our knowledge, one of the largest published series of IGAP flaps in the context of primary closure after ELAPE procedures. In a retrospective cohort analysis, we evaluated all the consecutive patients with rectal resections from Jan 2017 to Sep 2021. All the patients with abdominoperineal resection were included in the study evaluation. The primary endpoint of the study was the proportion of plastic reconstruction and inpatient discharge. Out of a total of 560 patients with rectal resections, 101 consecutive patients with ELAPE met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study evaluation. The primary direct defect closure was performed in 72 patients (71.3%). In 29 patients (28.7%), the defect was closed with primary unilateral or bilateral IGAP flaps in VY fashion. The patients' mean age was 59.4 years with a range of 25-85 years. In 84 patients, the indication of the operation was lower rectal cancer or anal cancer recurrence, and non-oncological resections were performed in 17 patients. Surgery was performed in a minimally invasive abdominal approach in combination with open perineal extralevatoric abdominoperineal resection (ELAPE) and immediate IGAP flap reconstruction. The rate of perineal early complications after plastic reconstruction was 19.0%, which needed local revision due to local infection. All these interventions were conducted under general anesthesia (Clavien-Dindo IIIb). The mean length of the hospital stay was 14.4 days after ELAPE, ranging from 3 to 53 days. Since radical resection with a broad margin is the standard choice in primary, sphincter-infiltrating rectal cancer and recurrent anal cancer surgery in combination with ELAPE, the choice technique for pelvic floor reconstruction is under debate and there is no consensus. Using IGAP flaps is a reliable, technical, easy, and safe option, especially in wider defects on the pelvic floor with minimal donor site morbidity and an acceptable complication (no flap necrosis) rate. The data for hernia incidence in the long term are not known.

Comparing the Effectiveness of S-Ketamine Combined with Sufentanil versus Sufentanil Alone for Postoperative Pain Management in Elderly Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Resection of Gastrointestinal Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background. The optimal analgesic dose of S-ketamine after laparoscopic gastrointestinal malignancy surgery remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of S-ketamine combined with sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) on postoperative pain relief in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal tumors. Methods. Elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer were randomly assigned to one of three postoperative analgesia groups: F group received 2 ug/kg sufentanil in PCIA, LSF group received 0.5 mg/kg S-ketamine and 1.5 ug/kg sufentanil, and SF group received 1 mg/kg S-ketamine and 1 ug/kg sufentanil. The PCIA also contained 0.15 mg/kg of butorphanol and 0.02 mg/kg of ramosetron. Study drugs were administered via PCIA for 48 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome was the accumulated parecoxib sodium requirements within 48 hours after surgery. Results. A total of 105 patients were randomized, and 95 completed the trial (F group: n = 32, LSF group: n = 32, and SF group: n = 31). The cumulative consumption of parecoxib sodium within 48 hours postoperatively was lower in the SF group compared to that in the F group (median difference: −40 mg; 95% confidence interval: −40 to 0; P = 0.0028 ). The number of PCIA compressions within 48 hours after surgery was smaller in the SF group compared to that in the F group. NRS pain scores at 6 h and 12 h postoperatively were reduced in the SF group compared to that in the F group, both at rest and during movement. Compared to the F group, the incidence of postoperative mild depression was lower, the time to first flatus and time to first defecation were shorter, and the incidence of postoperative vomiting was lower in the SF group. The mechanical pain threshold, hyperalgesia area, and sedation scores were similar between the SF and F groups. No differences were observed in the abovementioned parameters between the LSF group and the F group. Conclusion. This trial demonstrated that 1.0 mg/kg S-ketamine combined with 1 ug/kg sufentanil in PCA decreased cumulative parecoxib sodium consumption within 48 hours after laparoscopic radical resection of gastrointestinal cancer in elderly patients.

The optimal dose of oxycodone in PCIA after laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer in elderly patients: A randomized controlled trial.

To explore the optimal bolus dose of oxycodone for patient controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) without background dose in elderly patients after laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled study, we recruited patients aged 65 years or older. They underwent laparoscopic resection for gastrointestinal cancer and received PCIA after surgery. Eligible patients were randomly divided into 0.01, 0.02, or 0.03 mg/kg group according to the bolus dose of oxycodone in PCIA. The primary outcome was VAS scores of pain on mobilization at 48 h after surgery. Secondary endpoints included the VAS scores of rest pain, the total and effective numbers of press in PCIA, cumulative dose of oxycodone used in PCIA, the incidence of nausea, vomiting and dizziness, as well as patients' satisfaction at 48 h after surgery. A total of 166 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to receive a bolus dose of 0.01 mg/kg (n = 55), 0.02 mg/kg (n = 56) or 0.03 mg/kg (n = 55) of oxycodone in PCIA. The VAS scores of pain on mobilization, the total and effective numbers of press in PCIA in 0.02 mg/kg group and 0.03 mg/kg group were lower than those in 0.01 mg/kg group (P < 0.05). Cumulative dose of oxycodone used in PCIA and patients' satisfaction in 0.02 and 0.03 mg/kg groups were more than those in 0.01 mg/kg group (P < 0.01). The incidence of dizziness in 0.01 and 0.02 mg/kg groups was lower than that in 0.03 mg/kg group (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in VAS scores of rest pain, the incidence of nausea and vomiting among three groups (P > 0.05). For elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for gastrointestinal cancer, 0.02 mg/kg bolus dose of oxycodone in PCIA without background infusion may be a better choice.

Foreseeing everyday life for older postoperative patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a constructivist grounded theory

Background: With the rapid ageing of societies worldwide, the number of older individuals diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer is expected to increase. Aims: This study aimed to describe nursing practices foreseeing everyday life after discharge in older patients following resection for gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Data were collected using participant observation and semi-structured interviews and analysed using Charmaz's grounded theory method. Categories and subcategories were constructed using theoretical sampling until theoretical sufficiency was reached. Findings: Overall, 19 nurses (16 women and three men) and two patients (one man in his 80s and one woman in her 70s) were included. The following three categories were constructed: ‘establishing everyday foundation,’ ‘maintaining the rhythm,’ and ‘foreseeing a new everyday life,’ which were further divided into subcategories. Conclusion: The nursing practice identified here describes the process of encouraging older patients to incorporate physical changes while maximising their independent activities following resection of gastrointestinal cancer.

Underutilization of pretreatment fertility preservation counseling in reproductive-age women with gastrointestinal cancer

IntroductionYoung patients with cancer face unique challenges, including disruption of family planning and fertility. Young adults represent an increasing proportion of gastrointestinal cancer patients, and the prevalence of pretreatment fertility preservation counseling in this population is unknown. MethodsWomen 18–40 years who underwent surgery for gastric, colorectal, hepatobiliary, or pancreatic cancer from 2004 to 2019 were identified through the Mayo Clinic Cancer Registry. Natural language processing was used to search electronic medical records and identify documentation of pretreatment fertility counseling. ResultsIn total, 216 reproductive-age women who underwent resection of gastrointestinal cancers were identified. Pretreatment fertility preservation counseling by any provider was documented in 29 (13%) of the entire cohort. This increased to 26 (23%) in women who also received systemic therapy. This rate did not change over time (p > 0.05). Women who had pretreatment fertility preservation counseling were younger, had higher stage disease, and were more likely to undergo chemotherapy (all p < 0.05). Of the 29 women who had a documented pretreatment discussion, 22 (76%) met with a fertility specialist and 14 (48%) eventually underwent a fertility preservation procedure. ConclusionA small subset of reproductive-age women who underwent surgery for gastrointestinal cancer had documented pretreatment fertility preservation counseling and only one in ten women met with a fertility specialist. The high rate of proceeding to fertility preservation treatment further supports the importance of this discussion in all patients and represents an opportunity for improvement.

Evaluating variation in perioperative red blood cell transfusion for patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery

BackgroundPatients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery often receive packed red blood cell transfusions. Understanding practice variation is critical to support efforts working toward responsible transfusion use. We measured the extent and importance of variation in perioperative packed red blood cell transfusion use across physicians and hospitals among gastrointestinal cancer surgery patients. MethodsWe identified patients who underwent elective gastrointestinal cancer resection between 2007 and 2019 using linked administrative health data sets in Ontario, Canada. We used funnel plots to describe variation in transfusion use, adjusted for patient case mix. Hierarchical regression models quantified patient-level, between-physician, and between-hospital variation in transfusion use with R2 measures, variance partition coefficients, and median odds ratios. ResultsOf 59,964 included patients (median age 69 years; 43.2% female; 75.8% colorectal resections), 18.0% received perioperative packed red blood cell transfusions. Funnel plots showed variation in transfusion use among physicians and hospitals. Patient characteristics, such as age, comorbidity, and procedure type, combined to explain 12.8% of the variation. After adjusting for case mix, systematic between-physician and between-hospital differences were responsible for 2.8% and 2.1% of the variation, respectively. This translated to an approximately 30% difference in the odds of transfusion for 2 similar patients treated by distinct physicians (median odds ratio: 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.30–1.40) and hospitals (median odds ratio: 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.23–1.42). We observed comparable effects across procedure-type subgroups. ConclusionTransfusion provision is highly driven by patient factors. Yet the impact of the treating physician and hospital on variation relative to other factors is important and reflects opportunities to target modifiable processes of care to standardize perioperative packed red blood cell transfusion practice.

The Cancer Hub Approach for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery During COVID-19 Pandemic: Outcomes from a UK Cancer Centre

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused unprecedented disruption to global healthcare delivery. In England, the majority of elective surgery was postponed or cancelled to increase intensive care capacity. Our unit instituted the ‘RM Partners Cancer Hub’ at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, to deliver ongoing cancer surgery in a ‘COVID-lite’ setting. This article describes the operational set-up and outcomes for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer resections performed during this period.MethodsFrom April 2020 to April 2021, the Royal Marsden Hospital formed the RM Partners Cancer Hub. This approach was designed to coordinate resources and provide as much oncological treatment as feasible for patients across the RM Partners West London Cancer Alliance. A UGI surgical case prioritisation strategy, along with strict infection control pathways and pre-operative screening protocols, was adopted.ResultsA total of 231 patients underwent surgery for confirmed or suspected UGI cancer during the RM Partners Cancer Hub, with 213 completed resections and combined 90-day mortality rate of 3.5%. Good short-term survival outcomes were demonstrated with 2-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) for oesophageal (70.8% and 72.9%), gastric (66.7% and 83.3%) and pancreatic cancer resections (68.0% and 88.0%). One patient who developed perioperative COVID-19 during the RM Partners Cancer Hub operation made a full recovery with no lasting clinical sequelae.ConclusionOur experience demonstrates that the RM Partners Cancer Hub approach is a safe strategy for continuing upper gastrointestinal (GI) resectional surgery during future periods of healthcare service disruption

Medicaid expansion and surgery for HPB/GI cancers: NCDB difference-in-difference analysis

BackgroundIt is unclear if Medicaid expansion improved access to surgical resection for hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) and gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental, cohort study using difference-in-difference analysis to evaluate differences in surgical resection for HPB/GI cancers in the post-Medicaid expansion era compared to the pre-Medicaid expansion era among patients residing in states that had Medicaid expansion versus not. ResultsDuring the pre- (2011–2013) and post-Medicaid expansion (2015–2017) eras, there were 49,954 patients between the ages of 40–64 who had liver cancer (n = 19,384; 38.8%), pancreatic cancer (n = 14,351; 28.7%), colorectal liver metastasis (n = 7566; 15.1%), or gastric cancer (n = 8653; 17.3%). 43.2% resided in expansion states (n = 21,577). There were no significant differences in the overall rates of surgical resection between expansion and non-expansion states before and after Medicaid expansion. ConclusionsMedicaid expansion did not impact surgical resection for HPB/GI cancers.

Health service nutrition practices and associations with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing resection for upper gastrointestinal cancer: Results from the multi-centre NOURISH point prevalence study.

The present study aimed to investigate health service nutrition practices of sites providing care to patients undergoing surgery for upper gastrointestinal cancer within Australia, including the provision of perioperative nutrition support services and outpatient clinics, as well as the use of evidence-based nutrition care pathways/protocols. Secondary aims were to investigate associations between the use of a nutrition care pathway/protocol and patient outcomes. Principal investigator dietitians for the sites (n = 27) participating in the NOURISH point prevalence study participated in a purpose-built site-specific survey regarding perioperative nutrition practices and protocols. Data from the 200 patients who participated in the study (including malnutrition prevalence, preoperative weight loss and receipt of dietetics intervention, intraoperative feeding tube insertions, provision of nutrition support day 1 post surgery, length of stay, and complications) were investigated using multivariate analysis to determine associations with the sites' use of a nutrition care pathway/protocol. The majority of sites (>92%) reported having dietetics services available in chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Eighty-five percent of sites reported having some form of outpatient clinic service; however, a routine service was only available at 26% of sites preoperatively and 37% postoperatively. Most preoperative services were embedded into surgical/oncology clinics (70%); however, this was reported for only 44% of postoperative clinics. Only 44% had a nutrition care pathway/protocol in place. The use of a nutrition care pathway/protocol was associated with lower rates of malnutrition, as well as higher rates of preoperative dietetics intervention, intraoperative feeding tube insertions, and European Society of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) guideline compliant care day 1 post surgery. The results of the present study demonstrate varied perioperative outpatient nutrition services in this high-risk patient group. The use of nutrition care pathways and protocols was associated with improved patient outcomes.

Early warning prevention and control strategies to reduce perioperative venous thromboembolism in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

BACKGROUNDVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a major cause of unexpected and perioperative in-hospital deaths. It is characterized by high morbidity, high mortality, high misdiagnosis rate, and high missed diagnosis rates. VTE is a common postoperative complication in cancer patients. VTE is preventable, and early identification of risk factors leading to VTE and appropriate early preventive actions can reduce its occurrence and mortality. Presently, there is no uniform standard for the prevention and control of VTE in clinical practice, and hospitals in China lack mature and effective protocols for the assessment, prevention, and treatment of VTE.AIMTo explore whether an early warning program could influence the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) postoperatively.METHODSThis is a comparative retrospective cohort study, which enrolled patients who underwent laparotomic or laparoscopic gastrointestinal tumor resection for gastrointestinal cancer between January 2016 and December 2019. Patients were divided into a control group and an early warning group depending on whether or not the early warning program was implemented. A venous thromboembolism prevention and control team was established. The outcomes included the occurrence of DVT, the correct rate of VTE assessment, the coagulation indicators, and the mastery of VTE knowledge by the nurses.RESULTSA total of 264 patients were included in this study, with 128 patients in the control group and 136 patients in the early warning group. The occurrence rate of DVT in the early warning group was 6.6% (9/136), compared with 14.1% (18/128) in the control group (P < 0.05). The correct rates of VTE risk assessment by the nurses and standard implementation rate of VTE preventive measures were 86.8% vs 65.6% and 80.2% vs 57.8% in early warning and control groups, respectively (all P < 0.001). The independent factors associated with postoperative DVT occurrence were age (OR = 1.083, 95%CI: 1.070-3.265, P = 0.032), Hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.127, 95%CI: 1.139-2.564, P = 0.042), preoperative high VTE risk (OR = 2.131, 95%CI: 1.085-5.178, P = 0.001), time of operation (OR = 2.268, 95%CI: 2.005-5.546, P = 0.026) and not adoption of early warning prevention (OR = 3.747, 95%CI: 1.523-6.956, P = 0.017).CONCLUSIONThe early warning strategy was independently associated with the decreasing occurrence of VTE, and it might be suitable for protection from VTE in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Evaluation of Racial Disparities in Quality of Care for Patients With Gastrointestinal Tract Cancer Treated With Surgery

Racial disparities have been demonstrated in many facets of health care, but a comprehensive understanding of who is most at risk for substandard surgical care of gastrointestinal tract cancers is lacking. To examine racial disparities in quality of care of patients with gastrointestinal tract cancers. This retrospective cohort study of patients with gastrointestinal tract cancer included the US population as captured in the National Cancer Database with a diagnosis from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2017. Participants included 565 124 adults who underwent surgical resection of gastrointestinal tract cancers. Data were analyzed from June 21 to December 23, 2021. Race and site of cancer. Oncologic standard of care, as defined by negative resection margin, adequate lymphadenectomy, and receipt of indicated adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Among 565 124 adult patients who underwent surgical resection of a gastrointestinal tract cancer, 10.9% were Black patients, 83.5% were White patients, 54.7% were men, and 50.7% had Medicare coverage. The most common age range at diagnosis was 60 to 69 years (28.5%). Longer median survival was associated with negative resection margins (87.3 [IQR, 28.5-161.9] months vs 22.9 [IQR, 8.8-69.2] months; P < .001) and adequate lymphadenectomies (80.7 [IQR, 25.6 to not reached] months vs 57.6 [IQR, 17.7-153.8] months; P < .001). After adjustment for covariates, Black patients were less likely than White patients to have negative surgical margins overall (odds ratio [OR], 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.98]) and after esophagectomy (OR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.58-0.87]), proctectomy (OR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.66-0.76]), and biliary resection (OR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.61-0.91]). Black patients were also less likely to have adequate lymphadenectomy overall (OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.87-0.91]) and after colectomy (OR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.87-0.92]), esophagectomy (OR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.63-0.83]), pancreatectomy (OR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.85-0.96]), proctectomy (OR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88-0.98]), proctocolectomy (OR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.81-1.00]), and enterectomy (OR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.65-0.79]). Black patients were more likely than White patients not to be recommended for chemotherapy (OR, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.10-1.21]) and radiotherapy (OR, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.35-1.64]) because of comorbidities and more likely not to receive recommended chemotherapy (OR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.55-1.82]) and radiotherapy (OR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.97-2.41]) for unknown reasons. These findings suggest that there are significant racial disparities in surgical care of gastrointestinal tract cancers. Black patients are less likely than White patients to receive standard of care with respect to negative surgical margins, adequate lymphadenectomies, and use of adjuvant therapies. Both system- and physician-level reforms are needed to eradicate these disparities in health care.

Influence of Lymphangio vascular (V) and perineural (N) invasion on survival of patients with resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): a single-center retrospective study.

BackgroundLymphangio vascular invasion (LVI) and perineural invasion (PNI) are associated with survival following resection for gastrointestinal cancer. But the relationship between LVI/PNI and survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still unclear. We aim to demonstrate the prognostic significance of LVI/PNI in ESCC.MethodsA total of 195 ESCC patients underwent curative surgery from 2012 to 2018 was collected in the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University. All the patients were divided into four groups based on the status of the neurovascular invasion: (1) neither LVI nor PNI (V0N0); (2) LVI alone (V1N0); (3) PNI alone (V0N1); (4) combined LVI and PNI (V1N1). First, the analysis included the Kaplan-Meier survival estimates with the Log rank test were performed to determine median overall survival (OS) in different groups divided according to the clinical factor, respectively. And the association between OS with multi clinical factors was examined using Cox regression analysis. Next, the risk factors for recurrence in patients with V1N1 were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, respectively.ResultsThe cases in V0N0, V1N0, V0N1, and V1N1 groups were 91 (46.7%), 62 (31.8%), 9 (4.6%) and 33 (16.9%), respectively. The OS in the four groups was different (P < 0.001). The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS in V0N0 group was higher than that in V1N1 group, respectively (1-year OS: 93.4% vs 75.8%, 3-year OS: 53.8 % vs 24.2%, 5-year OS: 48.1% vs 10.5%). The OS in stage I-II for patients with V1N1 was significantly lower than that in the other groups (V0N0, V1N0, V0N1) (P < 0.001). The postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was a significant impact factor of OS for ESCC patients with V1N1 (P = 0.004). Lymphatic invasion and LVI were significantly prognosis factors associated (P = 0.036, P = 0.030, respectively). The ulcerative type is a risk factor for V1N1 occurance (P = 0.040).ConclusionsThe LVI and PNI are important prognosis factors for ESCC patients. ESCC patients with simultaneous lymphangio vascular and perineural invasion (V1N1) showed worse OS than patients with either lymphangio vascular or perineural invasion alone (V1N0 or V0N1) or none (V0N0). In addition, adjuvant chemotherapy may prolong the OS for ESCC patients with V1N1.

Adherence to ESPEN guidelines and associations with postoperative outcomes in upper gastrointestinal cancer resection: results from the multi-centre NOURISH point prevalence study.

Postoperative nutrition support is an essential component of management in upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer resection, however there is limited knowledge of current clinical practice. This study aimed to describe the postoperative nutrition support received by patients undergoing UGI cancer resections, assess adherence with ESPEN surgical guideline recommendations, and to investigate differences between oesophageal, gastric and pancreatic surgeries. The secondary aim was to explore the association of adherence with ESPEN guidelines and provision of nutrition support, with surgical complications and length of stay (LOS). The NOURISH point prevalence study was conducted between September 2019-June 2020 across 27 Australian tertiary centres. Malnutrition was diagnosed using subjective global assessment. Data on postoperative diet codes, prescription of nutrition support (oral (ONS), enteral (EN), parenteral (PN)) and nutritional adequacy were collected by dietitians for the first 10 days of admission. Fisher's exact test was used to determine differences in nutritional management and adherence to ESPEN guidelines between surgery types. Multivariate regression analysed associations with surgical outcomes. Two-hundred participants were included (42% pancreatic, 33% oesophageal, 25% gastric surgery). Overall, only 34.9% (n=53) met the guideline recommendations that were applicable to them. Early oral intake of fluids or solids (within 24h post surgery) was initiated for 23.5% (n=47), whilst ONS/EN/PN was initiated for 49.5% (n=99). Only 25% of pancreatic surgeries had nutrition support initiated on the first postoperative day compared to 86.4% of oesophageal and 42.0% of gastric surgeries (p<0.001). In those who were 'nil by mouth', EN/PN were commenced within 24h for 51.0% (n=78), with 18.5% and 45.2% for pancreatic and gastric surgeries compared to 86.0% in oesophageal surgeries (p<0.001). In malnourished patients, 35.7% (n=30) commenced EN within 24h, with 11.1% and 31.8% for pancreatic and gastric compared to 73.1% in oesophageal surgeries (p<0.001). For patients meeting <60% energy/protein requirements for ≥7 days, only 14.8% (n=9) received EN/PN, with 2.5% and 16.7% of pancreatic and gastric compared to 75.0% of oesophageal surgeries (p<0.001). The number of days spent 'nil by mouth' or 'clear fluids' without EN/PN, as well as number of days with <60% estimated requirements met were independently associated with increased LOS and complications. Overall, there was poor adherence to the majority of assessed ESPEN guidelines, and care for patients undergoing pancreatic and gastric surgeries was less compliant than oesophagectomy. Poor nutritional adequacy was associated with increased LOS and complications. There is a clear need for knowledge translation and implementation studies to increase adherence to evidence-based recommendations in the Australian setting supported by an understanding of barriers and enablers to optimal postoperative nutrition management.

Trends and outcomes of minimally invasive surgery for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly being utilized for the resection of gastrointestinal cancers. National trends for perioperative and oncologic outcomes of MIS for gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are unknown. We hypothesized that with increased use of MIS, the perioperative outcomes and survival for GIST are preserved. The National Cancer Database (2010-2016) was utilized to assess perioperative and oncologic outcomes for GIST of the stomach and small bowel. Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used to compare survival outcomes. Data from 8923 gastric and 3683 small bowel resections were analyzed. Over the study period, MIS became the prevalent modality for gastrectomies (2010: robotic: 2.4%, laparoscopic: 26.1%, open: 71.5% vs. 2016: robotic: 9.6%, laparoscopic: 48.8%, open: 41.6%; p < 0.001), with a smaller increase in enterectomies (2010: robotic: 1%, laparoscopic: 17.3%, open: 81.6% vs. 2016: robotic: 3.9%, laparoscopic: 27.2%, open: 68.9%; p < 0.001). Age and Charlson comorbidity index were similar among groups. MIS approaches were associated with fewer readmissions and lower 90day mortality for gastrectomies and similar rates for enterectomies. MIS did not compromise patient survival even in patients who underwent neoadjuvant treatment or harbored tumors ≥ 10cm. Minimally invasive surgery is increasingly being utilized for resection of gastric and small bowel GIST, with improved postoperative outcomes.In this retrospective review, overall survival after minimally invasive or open surgery was comparable, even in challenging scenarios of neoadjuvant treatment or large tumors (≥ 10cm).

P-OGC07 The Role of Carbohydrate Loading on Lactate and Glucose Levels in Upper GI Cancer Surgery

Abstract Background Surgical stress is a significant factor in metabolic dysregulation in the perioperative setting. Its impact on insulin resistance is regarded as one of the most detrimental effects, contributing to post-operative complications and poor outcomes. Clinical markers of this include glucose and lactate levels, with hyperglycaemia and hyperlactataemia the predicted responses by the body. One way of minimising the impact of surgical stress is pre-operative carbohydrate loading, which in theory will provide more substrate for metabolism. Our aim was to investigate whether carbohydrate loading had any impact on lactate and glucose levels in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal cancer resections. Methods A retrospective observational feasibility study was performed looking at 42 patients who had undergone either an oesophagectomy or gastrectomy. Patients were divided depending on whether they received pre-operative carbohydrate loading. Lactate and glucose levels both intra-operatively and post-operatively were collected. Mean difference was compared between the two groups at 4 hours intra-operatively, 2 hours post-operatively and 12 hours post-operatively using unpaired t tests, with significance at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Variance between the two groups was analysed. Secondary outcomes included analysis based on type of operation, anastomotic leaks, and post-operative intravenous fluid use in the first 24 hours. Results There was no statistically significant difference in lactate levels between the two test groups at any time point. Mean difference at intra-operative 4 hours 0.0408mmol/L (+/- 0.2537, P = 0.8731); post-operative 2 hours 0.2697mmol/L (+/- 0.3008, P = 0.3754); post-operative 12 hours 0.2327mmol/L (+/- 0.2368, P = 0.3318). Glucose levels at the same time points were not significantly different: intra-operative 4 hours 0.068mmol/L (+/- 0.5322, P = 0.5746); post-operative 2 hours -0.2649mmol/L (+/- 0.4679, P = 0.5746); post-operative 12 hours 0.3773mmol/L (+/- 0.3629, P = 0.305). Secondary outcomes did not show any statistically significant differences between analysed groups. Conclusions Pre-operative carbohydrate loading does not seem to influence lactate or glucose levels in these patients either intra-operatively or post-operatively. The lack of significant differences between the two cohorts may be due to underpowering of the sample size, as this is a small feasibility study. We assume that carbohydrate loading would reduce insulin resistance and therefore lactate and glucose levels. However, could it be that carbohydrate loading is not having as much of an effect on patient metabolism as we think? A larger prospective study is recommended to investigate its impact on clinical biochemistry and patient outcomes.

The impact of arginine-containing postoperative immune modulating nutrition on survival in patients undergoing surgical resection for upper gastrointestinal cancer: the long-term follow-up of a randomized controlled trial

Rationale: Malnutrition and weight loss of varying severity is prevalent in cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract and have been shown to independently predict poorer oncological treatment outcomes and lower quality of life. There is evidence of benefit for the use of immune modulating nutrition (IMN) in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancers. In particular, IMN reduces infective complications and hospital length of stay. There have also been suggestions that arginine-containing IMN may result in improved survival and progression-free survival in patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancers1,2. This study analysed long-term data from a previous randomised controlled trial3 and evaluated the impact of postoperative IMN on the long-term survival of patients undergoing surgery for upper gastrointestinal cancer when compared with an isocaloric, isonitrogenous control feed.