Sphincter-preserving Procedure Research Articles

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract as an Emergency Treatment for Cryptoglandular Anal Fistula.

Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) is a sphincter-preserving procedure for treating anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin. Our prospective study aimed to determine the postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing LIFT in emergency and elective settings. This was a single-centre prospective observational study of the LIFT procedure for the treatment of anal fistulas. The differences in the 6-month postoperative outcomes between the emergency and elective procedures were analysed, including the healing rate, healing time, recurrence rate, recurrence time, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. Twenty-two patients were recruited for this study: 11 patients underwent LIFT as an emergency procedure (EM-LIFT), while the others underwent LIFT as an elective procedure (EL-LIFT). The healing rate for the EM-LIFT group was 90.9% (n = 10), with a median healing time of 2 months (range 0.5-4). For the EL-LIFT group, the healing rate was 100% (n = 11), with the same median healing time of 2 months (range 0.5-4). Two of the patients in the EM-LIFT group developed recurrence, with a median recurrence time of 5 months (range 4-6) and three developed recurrence in the EL-LIFT group, with the same median recurrence time of 5 months (range 4-6). There were minor postoperative complications of pain and subcutaneous infection, with no faecal incontinence. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcomes between the groups. EM-LIFT is a feasible and safe primary procedure for active cryptoglandular-type anal fistulas.

Low anterior resection syndrome and quality of life after intersphincteric resection for rectal cancer: a propensity score-matched study.

Our aim was to perform a propensity score-matched study to compare the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life following intersphincteric resection vs. low anterior resection (LAR) with very low anastomosis. Patients who underwent intersphincteric resection or low anterior resection with low anastomosis (≤ 4cm from the anal verge) for rectal cancer between January 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively included. A propensity score-matching process was performed. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed using theEuropean Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L), EORC-QLQ C30, EORC-QLQ CR29, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), Wexner, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. The primary outcome was the presence of LARS at least 12months after surgery. The second outcome was the postoperative quality of life of included patients. After propensity matching, 128 patients were included, including 58 males and 70 females with a median age of 59.5. Patients in the intersphincteric resection group showed a higher incidence of incontinence to flatus (32.8% versus 14.0%, p = 0.043) and stools (42.2% versus 21.9%, p = 0.046), pain/discomfort (25.0% versus 7.8%, p = 0.001), and bowel dysfunction, while the LARS scores (15.0 versus 13.2, p = 0.461) and major LARS rates (26.6% versus 14.1%, p = 0.078) were comparable in both groups. ISR leads to increased bowel incontinence rate and increased anal pain, without affecting the grade of low anterior resection syndrome, fecal urgency, and clustering. LAR might be the preferred sphincteric-preserving approach when negative resection margins and a safe anastomosis are guaranteed. Patients should be fully informed about potential functional impairment after sphincter-preservation procedures.

Defunctioning stoma in anterior resection for rectal cancer does not impact anastomotic leakage: a national population-based cohort study

BackgroundAnterior resection (AR) is considered the gold standard for curative cancer treatment in the middle and upper rectum. The goal of the sphincter-preserving procedure, such as AR, is vulnerable to anastomotic leak (AL) complications. Defunctioning stoma (DS) became the protective measure against AL. Often a defunctioning loop-ileostomy is used, which is associated with substantial morbidity. However, not much is known if the routine use of DS reduces the overall incidence of AL.MethodsElective patients subjected to AR in 2007–2009 and 2016-18 were recruited from the Swedish colorectal cancer registry (SCRCR). Patient characteristics, including DS status and occurrence of AL, were analyzed. In addition, independent risk factors for AL were investigated by multivariable regression.ResultsThe statistical increase of DS from 71.6% in 2007–2009 to 76.7% in 2016–2018 did not impact the incidence of AL (9.2% and 8.2%), respectively. DLI was constructed in more than 35% of high-located tumors ≥ 11 cm from the anal verge. Multivariable analysis showed that male gender, ASA 3–4, BMI > 30 kg/m2, and neoadjuvant therapy were independent risk factors for AL.ConclusionRoutine DS did not decrease overall AL after AR. A selective decision algorithm for DS construction is needed to protect from AL and mitigate DS morbidities.

Revised risk factors and patient characteristics for failure to close a defunctioning ileostomy following low anterior resection for locally advanced rectal cancer.

Our clinical experience led us to raise questions about the validity of the reported risk factors and patient characteristics associated with permanent stomas after sphincter-preserving resection for rectal cancer. The present retrospective study aimed to identify and compare our center's incidence and risk factors for a permanent ostomy after low anterior resection (LAR) with a diverting stoma for locally advanced mid and low rectal cancer with those in published reports. A total of 239 patients underwent a sphincter-preserving procedure (LAR) for rectal cancer between 2000 and 2018, and 236 of them (age range 33-83years, 100 males (42%)) were included in the analysis. The study cohort was divided into 2 groups comprised of patients with and without permanent stomas after rectal cancer surgery. Only 25 of the 236 operated patients (10.6%) remained with permanent stomas after rectal cancer surgery. Factors associated with stoma non-closure in the multivariate analysis were pathological stage 3 (13 (52%) vs 51 (24.2%) for patients with closed stomas, p = 0.032), disease recurrence (14 (56%) vs 40 (18.9%), respectively, p = 0.048), length of stay > 10days, p = 0.032), and anastomotic leaks with a Clavien-Dindo score > 2 or reoperations (6 (24%) vs 13 (6.1%), p = 0.019). Sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer was associated with a lower incidence of stoma non-closure than published values. The major risk factors for non-closure were aggressive disease and severe complications of surgery.

A Retrospective Critique of the Various Sphincter-preserving Surgical Procedures for Ischiorectal Fistula.

In the 1950s, the cause of anal fistulas was identified as an infection of the anal gland (cryptoglandular infection theory). Thereafter, treatment for this disorder began in the 1960s with the lay-open procedure, which involved incising the sphincter and the fistula tract. However, it was found that too much invasion into the sphincter could result in postoperative fecal incontinence. Thus, to reduce such risk, sphincter-preserving surgery was applied for superficial anal fistula in 1961 and for deep anal fistula (ischiorectal fistula) in 1965. Over the years, more effective sphincter-preserving procedures for ischiorectal fistula have been developed to improve the quality of life of the patient. In this review article, we aim to first introduce the basic surgical techniques for ischiorectal fistula. We will discuss the anatomy of the anus and the pathogenesis of ischiorectal fistula and will provide some diagnostic methods. Representative sphincter-preserving procedures that have been performed for ischiorectal fistula since 1965 will also be categorized and outlined chronologically. The discussion will look at the following techniques for ischiorectal fistula and outline the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure so that they can be used as a reference for ischiorectal fistula surgery in the future: the lay-open procedure (fistulotomy and fistulectomy), the Hanley procedure (first partial sphincter-preserving procedure), the muscle-filling procedure, the Moriya method and Ui method (modified partial sphincter-preserving procedure), the Takano method and the sphincter-preserving lateral procedure (complete sphincter-preserving procedure), the seton method (a cross between the lay-open procedure and sphincter-preserving procedure), and the overseas sphincter-preserving procedure.

Sphincter-Preserving Fistulectomy Is an Effective Minimally Invasive Technique for Complex Anal Fistulas.

BackgroundThe optimal treatment of complex anal fistulas remains unclear, though many different sphincter-preserving procedures have been described. A minimally invasive technique with a better outcome is desired. The purpose of this study was to present a new technique—sphincter-preserving fistulectomy (SPF) and its clinical outcomes.Materials and MethodsA retrospective study was performed to compare the efficacy and outcomes of SPF with ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) in the management of complex anal fistulas in regards to postoperative pain, complications, wound healing time, recurrence, overall success rate, fecal continence function, and quality of life. Continence function was evaluated using the Wexner incontinence scale and anal manometry. The fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQL) scale was used to assess patients' quality of life.ResultsFrom June 2020 to July 2021, 41 patients with 43 SPF procedures and 35 patients with 35 LIFT procedures were included. Postoperative pain was comparable between two groups. The morbidity rate and the mean wound healing time in the SPF group were lower than those in the LIFT group (2.3% vs. 48.6%, p < 0.001; 1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.4 months, p = 0.001). At a mean follow-up duration of 11.4 ± 3.5 months in the SPF group and 10.7 ± 4.3 months in the LIFT group, SPF achieved a better overall success rate than LIFT (97.7% vs. 77.1%, p = 0.014). Three patients in the SPF group and 4 patients in the LIFT group who all underwent a simultaneous fistulotomy procedure complained new incontinence of flatus. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in regards to the Wexner scores (p = 0.790), the maximum resting anal canal pressure (p = 0.641), the maximum squeeze pressure (p = 0.289), and the FIQL scores including lifestyle (p = 0.188), coping (p = 0.188), depression (p = 0.850), and embarrassment (p = 0.910).ConclusionsSPF is a novel, safe, and effective minimally invasive technique for the management of complex anal fistulas, with a promising success rate and negligible impairment on continence. Future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of SPF.

Clinical Manifestation and Treatment of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome

Globally, colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and following sphincter-preserving procedures for rectal cancer, many patients experience various forms of bowel dysfunction. Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS), which has a detrimental effect on the patients' quality of life, is the most common form in which bowel dysfunction presents and is a frequently reported complication of rectal cancer surgeries. Assessment of LARS severity requires a thorough history taking, physical examination of the patients, use of validated questionnaires, and other diagnostic techniques. The clinical manifestations of LARS can be categorized into two groups. The first includes increased frequency, incontinence, and fecal urgency. The second category includes issues with bowel emptying, incomplete eviction sensations, and constipation. Some patients describe traits from both categories, either switching back and forth between the two patterns or experiencing both at once. Each patient's LARS treatment should be tailored as per need. Patients with major LARS typically require multimodal therapy to achieve acceptable results. Treatment options include minimally invasive techniques as well as conservative care such as pharmacological management, pelvic floor rehabilitation, and transanal irrigation. Fecal diversion might be required if this treatment is unsuccessful. Appropriate Kegel exercise of the anal sphincter and initial precise dissection with preservation of nerves and development of a neorectal reservoir after anastomosis can limit the occurrence of LARS. For patients who have LARS risk factors, pretreatment counselling is a crucial step. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about clinical manifestation and treatment of LARS.

Is fistulotomy with immediate sphincter reconstruction (FISR) a sphincter preserving procedure for high anal fistula? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review aimed to assess the outcomes of fistulotomy or fistulectomy and immediate sphincter repair (FISR) in relation to healing, incontinence and sphincter dehiscence both overall and in patients with high anal fistulae. Medline, Embase and The Cochrane library were searched for studies of patients undergoing FISR for anal fistula. Data regarding healing, continence and sphincter dehiscence were extracted overall and for high anal fistulae. The DerSimonian-Laird random-effects method was used for pooled analysis, heterogeneity between studies was assessed based on the significance of between-study heterogeneity, and on the size of the I2 value. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We identified 21studies evaluating 1700 patients. Pooled analysis of healing reached 93% (95% CI: 91%-95%, I2 =51% p-value for heterogeneity=0.004), with continence disturbance and worsening continence reaching 11% (95% CI: 6%-18%, I2 =87% p<0.001) and 8% (95% CI: 4%-13%, I2 =74% p<0.001), respectively. Subgroup analysis according to fistula height could only be conducted on limited data. Pooled healing in high anal fistulae was 89% (95% CI: 84%-94%, I2 =76% p<0.001), 16% suffered disturbance of continence (95% CI: 7%-27%, I2 =89% p<0.001), 8% worsening continence from baseline (95% CI: 2%-16%, I2 =80% p<0.001) and 2% suffered sphincter dehiscence (95% CI: 0%-10%, I2 =89% p<0.001). The evidence suggests FISR is a safe, effective procedure. However, data are limited by inconsistencies in reporting of continence and definition of fistula height, particularly high anal fistulae. Significant heterogeneity means that outcomes in high fistulae remain uncertain.

Efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction enriched with platelet-rich plasma in flap repair of transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas

BackgroundTransanal advancement flap repair of transsphincteric fistulas is a sphincter-preserving procedure, which frequently fails, probably due to ongoing inflammation in the remaining fistula tract. Adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has immunomodulatory properties promoting wound healing and suppressing inflammation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) reinforces this biological effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of autologous adipose-derived SVF enriched with PRP in flap repair of transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted including consecutive patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula in a tertiary referral center. During flap repair, SVF was obtained by lipoharvesting and mechanical fractionation of adipose tissue and combined with PRP was injected around the internal opening and into the fistulous wall. Endpoints were fistula healing at clinical examination and fistula closure on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Adverse events were documented.ResultsForty-five patients with transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula were included (29 males, median age 44 years [range 36–53 years]). In the total study population, primary fistula healing was observed in 38 patients (84%). Among the 42 patients with intestinal continuity at time of surgery, primary fistula healing was observed in 35 patients (84%). In one patient, the fistula recurred, resulting in a long-term healing rate of 82%. MRI, performed in 37 patients, revealed complete closure of the fistula tract in 33 (89.2%). In the other patients, the tract was almost completely obliterated by scar tissue. During follow-up, none of these patients showed clinical signs of recurrence. The postoperative course was uneventful, except for three cases; venous thromboembolism in one patient and bleeding under the flap, necessitating intervention in two patients.ConclusionsAddition of autologous SVF enriched with PRP during flap repair is feasible, safe and might improve outcomes in patients with a transsphincteric cryptoglandular fistula.Trial registrationDutch Trial Register, Trial Number: NL8416, https://www.trialregister.nl/

External sphincter-sparing anal fistulotomy (ESSAF): a simplified technique for the treatment of fistula-in-ano

Fistula-in-ano due to cryptoglandular disease is a common condition. While a simple anal fistula can be treated successfully by a fistulotomy, the risk of potential damage to the anal sphincters and subsequent poor functional outcomes persist in a large portion of patients with complex fistulae. Several sphincter-preserving treatment procedures have been described for complex fistulae over the past 3 decades, with variable results and complication rates, and no procedure is proven to be superior to the others. We developed external sphincter-sparing anal fistulotomy (ESSAF), a reproducible simple modification of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) technique for the treatment of complex fistula-in-ano.. The aim of the present study was to describe the technique and our outcomes. This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent ESSAF for a complex anal fistula at our institution from January 2014 to December 2019. The primary outcome measure of this study was the primary fistula healing rate. Secondary outcome measures included fecal and/or gas incontinence and postoperative complications. During the ESSAF procedure, the mucosa and skin overlying the fistula tract are incised to allow complete exposure of the sphincter complex. Then the internal sphincter muscle fibers overlying the tract are divided and the tract is meticulously curetted and debrided. Next, the internal opening of the tract traversing the external sphincter muscle is suture-ligated with absorbable sutures. Then, a minimal amount of mucosa is advanced and the incision is partially closed with absorbable sutures, while its external portion is left open for drainage. Fifty-nine patients [43 males, median age was 50years (range 36-63years)] underwent ESSAF for complex anal fistula during the study period. Mean follow-up was 12 ± 14.7months. Of the 59 patients, 42 (71.2%) experienced fistula closure, with a median healing time of 8weeks (IQR 4-16weeks). None of the patients developed significant anal incontinence following the procedure. One patient (1.7%) suffered from soiling and another patient (1.7%) developed postoperative bleeding. There were no infectious complications. Of the 17 patients (28.8%) who failed to heal successfully, 9 (15.2%) did not heal primarily and 8 (16%) experienced recurrence after complete healing. Thirteen (76%) of these patients underwent reoperation with complete recovery after ESSAF (n = 4), fistulotomy (n = 8) or endorectal advancement flap (ERAF) (n = 1). Overall ESSAF initiated recovery in 93.2% of the patients. ESSAF is a feasible, safe, reproducible and effective sphincter-sparing procedure for the treatment of complex anal fistulae.

Retrospective Evaluation of Outcome of Rerouting Technique in Management of Horseshoe Perianal Fistula, Single Institution Experience

Abstract Background: Complex anal fistula is a topic of debate from ancient times due to its difficult treatment and its effect on patients quality of life. The most complex anal fistula is the branched transsphincteric fistula with secondary extension in the perianal spaces forming the configuration U-shaped or horseshoe fistula. Many surgical technique have been described for treatment of this fistula as fistulotomy as was described by Hanly 1965 but he noted high risk of anal incontinence despite the complete eradication of the deep post anal sepsis. Aim of Study: To evaluate retrospectively patients with complex horseshoe fistula for them re-routing technique was done with respect to operative time, occurrence of incontinence and rate of recurrence of the fistula. Patients and Methods: This study is a retrospective ob-servational study that was conducted on 30 patients who had complex horseshoe perianal fistula and underwent re-routing technique for the fistula in the last 3 years; from January 2017 to December 2019. Follow-up of the patients was for 6 months. They were recruited from General Surgery Department, Ain Shams University Hospitals (El-Demerdash), Ain Shams University, Egypt. Results: Of the 30 patients, 27 patients (90%) preserved complete and full continence. Only 3 patients (10%) developed incontinence post-operatively after the second stage, stage of rerouting. Of the 3 patients developed incontinence, 2 patients (6.7%) developed only gas incontinence which is according to wexner scoring system was sometimes that occurred less than once per week and only 1 patient (3.3%) developed gas and liquid stool incontinence which according to the wexner score system was rare that occurred less than once per month. All 3 cases developed incontinence didn't need to wear pads and there was no effect on their life style. After 6 months follow-up of the patients, recurrence occurred only in 2 patients (6.7%) at 3.5 and 5 months which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Rerouting technique is a suitable proper sphincter preserving procedure for the management of the complex horse shoe perianal fistula with low recurrence rate, very acceptable and satisfactory magnitude of preservation of anal continence with no effect on patient's quality of life.

Failure to rescue following proctectomy for rectal cancer: the additional benefit of laparoscopic approach in a nationwide observational study of 44,536 patients.

There is growing evidence that failure to rescue (FTR) is an important factor of postoperative mortality (POM) after rectal cancer surgery and surgical approach modified post-operative outcomes. However, the impact of laparoscopy on FTR after proctectomy for rectal cancer remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare the rates of postoperative complications and FTR after laparoscopy vs open proctectomy for cancer. All patients who underwent proctectomy for rectal cancer between 2012 and 2016 were included. FTR was defined as the 90-day POM rate among patients with major complications. Outcomes of patients undergoing open or laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching by year of surgery, hospital volume, sex, age, Charlson score, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor localization and type of anastomosis. Overall, 44,536 patients who underwent proctectomy were included, 7043 of whom (15.8%) developed major complications. The rates of major complications, POM and FTR were significantly higher in open compared to laparoscopic procedure (major complications: 19.2% vs 13.7%, p < 0.001; POM: 5.4% vs 2.3%, p < 0.001; FTR: 13.6% vs 8.3%, p < 0.001; respectively). After matching, open and laparoscopic groups were comparable. Multivariate analysis showed that age, Charlson score, sphincter-preserving procedure and surgical approach were predictive factors for FTR. Open proctectomy was found to be a risk factor for FTR (OR 1.342, IC95% [1.066; 1.689], p = 0.012) compared to laparoscopic procedure. When complications occurred, patients operated on by open proctectomy were more likely to die.

Transanal Opening of Intersphincteric Space for Fistula-in-Ano.

The role of the intersphincteric space in the pathogenesis of fistula-in-ano is being increasingly recognized. Submucosal and intersphincteric rectal abscesses have been surgically managed by laying open and draining the intersphincteric space as well as by the modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure. In 2017, the transanal opening of intersphincteric space (TROPIS) technique was reported for the treatment of high, complex anal fistulae. We aim to investigate the advantages of performing the TROPIS procedure in patients with fistula-in-ano. This was a prospective cohort study investigating the outcomes in patients who had undergone a procedure using the TROPIS technique for the treatment of fistula-in-ano. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans and electronic colonoscopies were performed on all patients. A clinical database evaluating the following variables was constructed: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), previous fistula surgery, type of fistula, postoperative complications, duration of follow-up, success rate, and incontinence scores pre- and postoperatively. The TROPIS procedure was performed on 41 patients with fistula-in-ano with a follow-up time of 6-23months. The characteristics of the patients were as follows: 36 males, 6 females, mean age 38.6±13.2years, and mean BMI 23.5±3.9kg·m-2. All patients (41) had transsphincteric fistulae, and 90.2% (37) had high fistula. Of the 41 patients, 22% (9) had recurrent fistulae, 29.27% (12) had horseshoe fistulae, 7.3% (3) had supralevator fistulae, and 14.6% (6) had an associated abscess. The fistula healed completely in 85.3% (35) of patients and failed to heal in 14.7% (6) of patients, and the healing of high fistula was 86.5% (32). Of those patients who had not healed completely, 2 were found to have contracted iatrogenic infections due to foreign residues and underwent surgery with the passing of a loose seton. The additional 4 patients who had not healed underwent a fistulotomy and healed completely thereafter. There were no significant changes in incontinence scores. The incontinence scores were .15 ± .36 preoperatively and .22 ± .47 3months postoperatively (t = -1.438, P = .16). The TROPIS technique is a novel sphincter-preserving procedure, which can be effectively used in treating fistula-in-ano.

Fissurectomy and anoplasty in posterior normotensive chronic anal fissure.

Purpose:Anal Fissure (AF) is the second most frequent proctological disease in Italy. Chronic AF (CAF) most common located at the posterior anal commissure (CAPF). CAPF are thought to be associated with hypertonic internal anal sphincter (IAS) but manometric findings showed that a normotonic IAS is present in the 20-40%. Sphincterotomy is often recommended as treatment of choice for CAF independently from IAS tone; nevertheless, this approach appears less logical for CAF with normotonic IAS, as in those cases there’s a higher risk of post-operative anal incontinence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of fissurectomy and anoplasty with V-Y cutaneous advancement flap, as treatment for patients suffering from CAPF without hypertonic IAS.Methods:We enrolled 30 patients affected by CAPF without IAS hypertonia. All patients were followed up for 2 years after the surgical procedure, with evaluation of anal continence, recurrence rate and maximum resting pressure, maximum squeeze pressure, ultraslow wave activity.Results:All patients healed within 40 days after surgery. We didn’t observe any “de novo” post-operative anal incontinence cases. We reported 2 cases of recurrences, within 18 months from surgery, all healed after conservative therapy. We didn’t record statistically significant differences in pre- and post-operative manometry findings.Conclusion:At 2 years after the surgical procedure we achieved good results, these evidences shows that sphincter preserving procedures are more suitable for CAPF without hypertonic IAS.

Long-Term Clinical Results of Use of an Anal Fistula Plug for Treatment of Low Trans-Sphincteric Anal Fistulas.

BackgroundAn anal fistula plug is a sphincter-sparing procedure that uses biological substances to close an anorectal fistula. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term therapeutic effect of an anal fistula plug procedure in patients with trans-sphincteric fistula-in-ano and to determine the risk factors affecting fistula healing.Material/MethodsA single-center retrospective study was performed assessing long-term treatment outcomes of patients with low trans-sphincteric anal fistulas who initially underwent anal fistula plug procedures between August 2008 and September 2012. Risk factors affecting fistula healing were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsA total of 135 patients who had low trans-sphincteric anal fistulas and underwent anal fistula plug procedures were analysed. The overall healing rate was 56% (75/135) with a median follow-up time of 8 years (range, 72–121 months). The primary reasons for treatment failure were plug extrusion (n=12, 20%) and surgical site infection (n=9, 15%), occurring within 30 days after surgery. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of anal fistula ≥6 months was significantly associated with treatment failure using an anal fistula plug (OR=3.187, 95% CI: 1.361–7.466, P=0.008). Of the patients who failed initial treatment with an anal fistula plug, 6 (9%) had anal fistulas that healed spontaneously after 2–3 years without additional treatment.ConclusionsAs a sphincter-preserving procedure, the anal fistula plug can effectively promote healing of low trans-sphincteric anal fistulas. The long-term efficacy is good and the procedure warrants wider use in clinical practice.

Narrow pelvic inlet plane area and obesity as risk factors for anastomotic leakage after intersphincteric resection.

BACKGROUNDIntersphincteric resection (ISR) has been increasingly used as the ultimate sphincter-preserving procedure in extremely low rectal cancer. The most critical complication of this technique is anastomotic leakage. The incidence rate of anastomotic leakage after ISR has been reported to range from 5.1% to 20%. AIMTo investigate risk factors for anastomotic leakage after ISR based on clinicopathological variables and pelvimetry.METHODSThis study was conducted at Department of Colorectal Surgery, Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan, with a total of 117 patients. We enrolled 117 patients with extremely low rectal cancer who underwent laparotomic and laparoscopic ISRs at our hospital. We conducted retrospective univariate and multivariate regression analyses on 33 items to elucidate the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after ISR. Pelvic dimensions were measured using three-dimensional reconstruction of computed tomography images. The optimal cutoff value of the pelvic inlet plane area that predicts anastomotic leakage was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.RESULTSWe observed anastomotic leakage in 10 (8.5%) of the 117 patients. In the multivariate analysis, we identified high body mass index (odds ratio 1.674; 95% confidence interval: 1.087-2.58; P = 0.019) and smaller pelvic inlet plane area (odds ratio 0.998; 95% confidence interval: 0.997-0.999; P = 0.012) as statistically significant risk factors for anastomotic leakage. According to the receiver operating characteristic curves, the optimal cutoff value of the pelvic inlet plane area was 10074 mm2. Narrow pelvic inlet plane area (≤ 10074 mm2) predicted anastomotic leakage with a sensitivity of 90%, a specificity of 85.9%, and an accuracy of 86.3%.CONCLUSIONNarrow pelvic inlet and obesity were independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage after ISR. Anastomotic leakage after ISR may be predicted from a narrow pelvic inlet plane area (≤ 10074 mm2).

Three-year outcome after transanal versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision in locally advanced rectal cancer: a multicenter comparative analysis

BackgroundFor patients with mid and distal rectal cancer, robust evidence on long-term outcome and causal treatment effects of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is lacking. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to assess whether TaTME reduces locoregional recurrence rate compared to laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (LapTME).MethodsConsecutive patients with rectal cancer within 12 cm from the anal verge and clinical stage II-III were selected from three institutional databases. Outcome after TaTME (Nov 2011 - Feb 2018) was compared to a historical cohort of patients treated with LapTME (Jan 2000 - Feb 2018) using the inverse probability of treatment weights method. The primary endpoint was three-year locoregional recurrence.ResultsA total of 710 patients were analysed, 344 in the TaTME group and 366 in the LapTME group. At 3 years, cumulative locoregional recurrence rates were 3.6% (95% CI, 1.1–6.1) in the TaTME group and 9.6% (95% CI, 6.5–12.7) in the LapTME group (HR = 0.4; 95% CI, 0.23–0.69; p = 0.001). Three-year cumulative disease-free survival rates were 74.3% (95% CI, 68.8–79.8) and 68.6% (95% CI, 63.7–73.5) (HR = 0.82; 95% CI, 0.65–1.02; p = 0.078) and three-year overall survival 87.2% (95% CI, 82.7–91.7) and 82.2% (95% CI, 78.0–86.2) (HR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53–1.03; p = 0.077), respectively. In patients who underwent sphincter preservation procedures, TaTME was associated with a significantly better disease-free survival (HR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.98; p = 0.033).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that TaTME may improve locoregional recurrence and disease-free survival rates among patients with mid and distal locally advanced rectal cancer.

Clinical parameters predictive for sphincter-preserving surgery and prognostic outcome in patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer

BackgroundAlthough controversial, there are data suggesting that clinical parameters can predict the probability of sphincter preserving procedures in rectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between clinical parameters and the sphincter-preserving surgery rate in patients who had undergone neoadjuvant combination therapy for advanced low rectal cancer.MethodsIn this single center study, the charts of 540 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who had been treated with induction chemotherapy-and/or neoadjuvant concomitant radiochemotherapy (nRCT) over an 11-year period were reviewed in order to identify patients with rectal cancer ≤6 cm from the anal verge, who had received the prescribed nRCT only. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify pretreatment patient- and tumor associated parameters correlating with sphincter preservation. Survival rates were calculated using Kaplan-Meier analyses.ResultsTwo hundred eighty of the 540 patients met the selection criteria. Of the 280 patients included in the study, 158 (56.4%) underwent sphincter-preserving surgery. One hundred sixty-four of 280 patients (58.6%) had a downsizing of the primary tumor (ypT < cT) and 39 (23.8%) of these showed a complete histopathological response (ypT0 ypN0). In univariate analysis, age prior to treatment, Karnofsky performance status, clinical T-size, relative lymphocyte value, CRP value, and interval between nRCT and surgery, were significantly associated with sphincter-preserving surgery. In multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.05, CI95%: 1.02–1.09, p = 0.003), relative lymphocyte value (HR = 0.94, CI95%: 0.89–0.99, p = 0.029), and interval between nRCT and surgery (HR = 2.39, CI95%: 1.17–4.88, p = 0.016) remained as independent predictive parameters.ConclusionsThese clinical parameters can be considered in the prognostication of sphincter-preserving surgery in case of low rectal adenocarcinoma. More future research is required in this area.

Long-term survival outcomes following laparoscopic surgery for clinical stage 0/I rectal carcinoma.

AimTo clarify and evaluate the long‐term outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for clinical stage 0/I rectal carcinoma patients.MethodsThis single‐arm phase II trial involved accredited surgeons from 43 Japanese institutions. Patients were registered preoperatively. The planned sample size was 490. The primary endpoint was overall survival, and long‐term outcomes were evaluated.ResultsA total of 495 patients were registered between February 2008 and August 2010. Eight patients (1.6%) required conversion to open surgery. Sphincter‐preserving procedures were performed in 477 (97%) patients. Positive radial resection margin was found in two (0.4%) patients. Of 490 patients, 22, 314, 38, 115, and one patient had final pathological stages (p‐stage) 0, I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Pathologically, 31.4% (154/490) of the patients did not have p‐stage 0/I. The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates in p‐stages 0, I, II, and III were 100%, 98%, 97%, and 94%, respectively. The 5‐year OS of all patients at 96.6% (95% CI 94.6‐97.9) was significantly better than the expected 5‐year OS of 81.1% (P < .0001). The 5‐year relapse‐free survival in p‐stages 0, I, II, and III were 100%, 93%, 81%, and 79%, respectively. The 5‐year relapse‐free survival of all patients was 90.1%. Fifty patients (10.2%) had recurrence; lung recurrence was found in 22 patients, local recurrence in 14, liver in seven, distant lymph node in nine, and bone in three.ConclusionsLaparoscopic surgery for clinical stage 0/I rectal carcinoma has feasible long‐term outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov No.NCT00635466.)

Ligation of the Intersphincteric Fistula Tract and Endorectal Advancement Flap for High Perianal Fistulas in Crohn's Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background and AimsLigation of the intersphincteric fistula tract [LIFT] and advancement flap [AF] procedures are well-established, sphincter-preserving procedures for closure of high perianal fistulas. As surgical fistula closure is not commonly offered in Crohn’s disease patients, long-term data are limited. This study aims to evaluate outcomes after LIFT and AF in Crohn’s high perianal fistulas.MethodsAll consecutive Crohn’s disease patients ≥18 years old treated with LIFT or AF between January 2007 and February 2018 were included. The primary outcome was clinical healing and secondary outcomes included radiological healing, recurrence, postoperative incontinence and Vaizey Incontinence Score.ResultsForty procedures in 37 patients [LIFT: 19, AF: 21, 35.1% male] were included. A non-significant trend was seen towards higher clinical healing percentages after LIFT compared to AF [89.5% vs 60.0%; p = 0.065]. Overall radiological healing rates were lower for both approaches [LIFT 52.6% and AF 47.6%]. Recurrence rates were comparable: 21.1% and 19.0%, respectively. In AF a trend was seen towards higher clinical healing percentages when treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor/immunomodulators [75.0% vs 37.5%; p = 0.104]. Newly developed postoperative incontinence occurred in 15.8% after LIFT and 21.4% after AF. Interestingly, 47.4% of patients had a postoperatively improved Vaizey Score [LIFT: 52.9% and AF: 42.9%]. The mean Vaizey Score decreased from 6.8 [SD 4.8] preoperatively to 5.3 [SD 5.0] postoperatively [p = 0.067].ConclusionsBoth LIFT and AF resulted in satisfactory closure rates in Crohn’s high perianal fistulas. However, a discrepancy between clinical and radiological healing rates was found. Furthermore, almost half of the patients benefitted from surgical intervention with respect to continence.