Surgical Treatment Of Rectal Cancer Research Articles

Functional outcomes and quality of life following open versus laparoscopic versus robot-assisted versus transanal total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The standard surgical treatment for rectal cancer is total mesorectal excision (TME), which may negatively affect patients' functional outcomes and quality of life (QoL). However, it is unclear how different TME techniques may impact patients' functional outcomes and QoL. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated functional outcomes of urinary, sexual, and fecal functioning as well as QoL after open, laparoscopic (L-TME), robot-assisted (R-TME), and transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME). A systematic review and meta-analysis, based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement, were conducted (PROSPERO: CRD42021240851). A literature review was performed (sources: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases; end-of-search date: September 1, 2023), and a quality assessment was performed using the Methodological index for non-randomized studies. A random-effects model was used to pool the data for the meta-analyses. Nineteen studies were included, reporting on 2495 patients (88 open, 1171 L-TME, 995 R-TME, and 241 TaTME). Quantitative analyses comparing L-TME vs. R-TME showed no significant differences regarding urinary and sexual functioning, except for urinary function at three months post-surgery, which favoured R-TME (SMD [CI] -0.15 [-0.24 to -0.06], p = 0.02; n = 401). Qualitative analyses identified most studies did not find significant differences in urinary, sexual, and fecal functioning and QoL between different techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight a significant gap in the literature concerning the evaluation of functional outcomes and QoL after TME for rectal cancer treatment. This study emphasizes the need for high-quality, randomized-controlled, and prospective cohort studies evaluating these outcomes. Based on the limited available evidence, this systematic review and meta-analysis suggests no significant differences in patients' urinary, sexual, and fecal functioning and their QoL across various TME techniques.

ОСЛОЖНЕНИЯ ХИРУРГИЧЕСКОГО ЛЕЧЕНИЯ РАКА ПРЯМОЙ КИШКИ КАК КЛИНИКО-ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННАЯ И МЕДИКО-СОЦИАЛЬНАЯ ПРОБЛЕМА (обзор литературы)

Abstracts. Introduction. Colorectal cancer is one of the most widespread oncologic diseases on our planet. One-year lethality in this pathology exceeds 13%. Colorectal cancer has a prevalence equal to 5.1% of all tumor pathologies in the Russian Federation. Aim. To analyze the complications in surgical treatment of rectal cancer as a clinical-organizational and medical-social problem. Materials and Methods. We analyzed the results of research on the problem of complications in surgical treatment of rectal cancer within the period from 2015 to 2023. Scientific literature was reviewed in the databases of biomedical publications, namely PubMed, ResearchGate, eLibrary, and Cyberleninka. Results and Discussion. The article analyzes the problems of surgical treatment of rectal cancer, as well as postoperative wounds. The data are presented regarding the technical peculiarities of abdominoperineal rectal extirpation as the main type of surgical interventions for the cancer localization in the lower ampullary part. Medical and social problems arising in patients with this neoplastic localization are highlighted. We outlined the negative aspects of lifelong colostomy formation in patients, the influence of this event on their wound processes, and their social adaptation and psychological status. Conclusions. With the current significant progress in the development of screening programs, technical methods of treatment, and introduction of the system of follow-up examinations, colorectal cancer remains in the second place in the world mortality rate among malignant tumors. The reasons for this circumstance include the high frequency of treatment complications of technical, organizational and medical-social nature. This necessitates the search for ways of effective prevention.

Pelvic Recurrence Following Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer

Pelvic recurrence is a common outcome following resection with curative intent for rectal cancer originating from various segments of the rectum. In this retrospective observational study involving 219 patients, surgical treatments were administered between 2014 and 2019 across three surgical centers. Procedures included anterior resection with Hartmann’s method (39 patients), anterior resection of rectosigmoid with colorectal anastomosis (130 cases), and abdominoperineal resection (44 cases). After a 2-year follow-up, pelvic recurrence occurred in 19 patients, constituting approximately 8.9% of cases. Recurrent rates were 15.38% for the Hartmann procedure, 9% for abdominoperineal resection, and 7% for anterior resection of rectosigmoid with colorectal anastomosis. The recurrence rate (RR) significantly correlated with the diagnostic stage: stage IV had a 31.4% RR, stage III had a 42.4% RR, stage II had a 21% RR, and stage I had a 5.2% RR. The survival rate among surgically treated patients was 91.99% in the first 2 years after treatment. The findings suggest that rectal cancer diagnosed in advanced stages carries a higher recurrence risk, while a lower recurrence rate indicates the success of curative surgical treatment. Notably, the Hartmann procedure, often performed as an emergency operation for locally advanced lesions, demonstrated the highest recurrence rate.

Transanal Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer: Toward Standardization of the Surgical Technique.

Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for rectal cancer; however, this technique is challenging due to tapering of the mesorectum in the pelvis, and the forward angle of the distal rectum, which renders this part of the rectum less accessible from the abdominal cavity. Hence, concerns regarding its safety and curability have been raised, particularly for inadequate distal and circumferential resection margins. Recently, transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME), which involves endoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) retrogradely from the anal side, has attracted attention worldwide as a solution to these problems. TaTME is superior to the conventional laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer in terms of both oncological and functional preservations. However, a shallow learning curve caused by the unfamiliar anatomical view from the anal side can pose challenges. Therefore, an efficient educational system needs to be established. Randomized controlled trials comparing conventional laparoscopic TME with TaTME are ongoing to demonstrate the usefulness of TaTME. This article reviews changes in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer, with a focus on TaTME, and describes the indications, surgical techniques, and training curricula for TaTME.

Complications from the formation of preventive stomas in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer

Background. Anastomotic leakage is one of the most severe complications of colorectal cancer surgery. The formation of a preventive stoma can avoid the consequences of this complication. Given the increase in the rate of sphincter-preserving surgeries, the number of surgeries with the formation of preventive stoma has also increased significantly. There are several techniques and each of them has its advantages and disadvantages.The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of surgical treatment and techniques of preventive stoma formation.Material and Methods. The retrospective study included 353 patients with stage II–IV rectal cancer who underwent surgery with the formation of preventive stoma (110 with ileostomy formation, 243 with transversostomy) from 2016 to 2020. Both intraoperative parameters (operation time, blood loss, intraoperative complications) and postoperative parameters (postoperative bed-day, complications) were evaluated. Immediate complications within 30 days after surgery using the Clavien–Dindo complication scale and infectious complications mainly related to the stoma formation (prolapse, stoma retraction, presence of peristomal dermatitis, reoperation) were assessed.Conclusion. The choice in the formation of a preventive ileo- or transversostomy during rectal resection has no effect on the frequency of anastomosis failure; however, there is a tendency that patients with colostomy spend fewer bed days in a hospital. Stoma-related complications in the postoperative period are mild and can be treated conservatively in the vast majority of cases. In compliance with the standardized surgical procedures and the protocol of perioperative management of patients, the number of severe complications is minimal. It is necessary to evaluate the second step of management of patients with preventive stomas – their elimination.

Single-center comparative study of short-term outcomes of transanal and laparoscopic total mesorectal excisions for low and middle rectal cancers.

Transanal total mesorectal excision is a promising surgical treatment for rectal cancer. However, evidence regarding the differences in outcomes between the transanal and laparoscopic total mesorectal excisions is scarce. We compared the short-term outcomes of transanal and laparoscopic total mesorectal excisions for low and middle rectal cancers. This retrospective study included patients who underwent low anterior or intersphincteric resection for middle (5-10cm) or low (< 5cm) rectal cancer at the National Cancer Center Hospital East, Japan, from May 2013 to March 2020. Primary rectal adenocarcinoma was confirmed histologically. Circumferential resection margins (CRMs) of resected specimens were measured; margins ≤ 1mm were considered positive. The operative time, blood loss, hospitalization length, postoperative readmission rate, and short-term treatment results were compared. Four hundred twenty-nine patients were divided into two mesorectal excision groups: transanal (n = 295) and laparoscopic (n = 134). Operative times were significantly shorter in the transanal group than in the laparoscopic group (p < 0.001). The pathological T stage and N status were not significantly different. The transanal group had significantly lower positive CRM rates (p = 0.04), and significantly lower incidence of the Clavien-Dindo grade III (p = 0.02) and IV (p = 0.03) complications. Both groups had distal margin positivity rates of 0%. Compared to laparoscopic, transanal total mesorectal excision for low and middle rectal cancers has lower incident postoperative complication and CRM-positivity rates, demonstrating the safety and usefulness of local curability for middle and low rectal cancers.

Application of the advance incision in robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection.

The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing each year. Robotic surgery is being used more frequently in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer; however, several problems associated with robotic surgery persist, such as docking the robot repeatedly to perform auxiliary incisions and difficulty exposing the operative field of obese patients. Herein we introduce a new technology that effectively improves the operability and convenience of robotic rectal surgery. To simplify the surgical procedure, enhance operability, and improve healing of the surgical incision, we developed an advance incision (AI) technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection, and compared its safety and feasibility with those of intraoperative incision. Between January 2016 and October 2021, 102 patients with rectal cancer underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection with an AI or intraoperative incision (iOI) incisions. We compared the perioperative, incisional, and oncologic outcomes between groups. No significant differences in the operating time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus, time to first passage of stool, duration of hospitalization, and rate of overall postoperative complications were observed between groups. The mean time to perform auxiliary incisions was shorter in the AI group than in the iOI group (14.14 vs. 19.77 min; p < 0.05). The average incision length was shorter in the AI group than in the iOI group (6.12 vs. 7.29 cm; p < 0.05). Postoperative incision pain (visual analogue scale) was lower in the AI group than in the iOI group (2.5 vs. 2.9 p = 0.048). No significant differences in incision infection, incision hematoma, incision healing time, and long-term incision complications, including incision hernia and intestinal obstruction, were observed between groups. The recurrence (AI group vs. iOI group = 4.0% vs. 5.77%) and metastasis rates (AI group vs. iOI group = 6.0% vs. 5.77%) of cancer were similar between groups. The advance incision is a safe and effective technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection, which simplifies the surgical procedure, enhances operability, and improves healing of the surgical incision.

Multidimensional Quality of Life After Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Maximizing patients' quality of life (QoL) is a central goal in surgical oncology. Currently, both laparoscopic and robotic surgery are viable options in rectal cancer (RC) resections. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the differences in postoperative QoL between the two operative modalities. This review was conducted in adherence to the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases were searched for articles comparing QoL in patients undergoing laparoscopic versus robotic surgery for RC. Seven studies were included (two randomized controlled trials, four prospective cohorts, and one retrospective cohort) out of which six reported data suitable for meta-analysis. Global QoL and QoL subdomains, such as physical and social functioning, were meta-analyzed using a random-effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I and Cochrane RoB-2 tools. Data on 869 patients (440 laparoscopic and 429 robotic surgery) across six studies were meta-analyzed. There was no significant difference in global QoL (Mean Difference:-0.43 [95% Confidence Interval:-3.49-2.62]). Physical functioning was superior after robotic surgery (1.92 [0.97-2.87]). However, nausea/vomiting, pain, and fatigue did not differ between groups. Perception of body image was worse after laparoscopic surgery (-5.06 [-9.05- -1.07]). Other psychosocial subdomains (emotional, cognitive, role, and social functioning) were comparable between groups. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for RC have comparable QoL overall, for both physical and psychological dimensions. Our results may assist the management-related decision-making in surgical treatment of RC.

Surgical treatment of rectal cancer: prospective cohort study about good oncologic results and low rates of abdominoperineal excision

RESUMO Objetivos: o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados da cirurgia do câncer de reto, em uma unidade que adota os princípios da excisão total do mesorreto (ETM) com baixa taxa de amputação abdominoperineal (AAP). Métodos: os pacientes com câncer retal extraperitoneal foram submetidos a ETM ou ETM com amputação abdominoperianeal. Pacientes com tumores de reto médio foram submetidos a EMT e pacientes com tumores de reto inferior e sem critérios para AAP foram submetidos a EMT e ressecção interesfincteriana. Aqueles em que o espaço interesfincteriano foi invadido e naqueles com margem distal livre menor que 1cm ou margem radial livre de tumor foram inatingíveis foram submetidos a AAP ou excisão abdominoperineal extraelevadora (ELAPE). Avaliamos as taxas de recorrência local, sobrevida global e envolvimento da margem radial. Resultados: sessenta (89,6%) pacientes realizaram ETM e sete (10,4%) ETM + AAP, dos quais cinco realizaram ELAPE. A recidiva local, em pacientes submetidos a ETM com ressecção anterior baixa, foi de 3,3% e em pacientes submetidos a AAP, 14,3%. A taxa de recorrência local (p=0,286) ou a taxa de recorrência à distância (p=1,000) foi semelhante entre os grupos. Não houve envolvimento das margens radiais. A sobrevida após 120 meses foi semelhante (p=0,239). Conclusão: as neoplasias malignas retais, incluindo aquelas localizadas no reto baixo, podem ser tratadas cirurgicamente com baixo índice de AAP, sem comprometer os princípios oncológicos e com baixo índice de recorrência local.

Surgical treatment of rectal cancer: prospective cohort study about good oncologic results and low rates of abdominoperineal excision.

the purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of rectal cancer surgery, in a unit adopting the principles of total mesorectal excision (TME) with a high restorative procedure rate and with a low rate of abdominoperineal excision (APE). we enrolles patients with extraperitoneal rectal cancer undergoing TME or TME+APE. Patients with mid rectal tumors underwent TME, and patients with tumors of the lower rectum and no criteria for APE underwent TME and intersphincteric resection. Those in which the intersphincteric space was invaded and in those with a free distal margin less than 1cm or a tumor free radial margin were unattainable underwent APE or extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE). We assessed local recurrence rates, overall survival and involvement of the radial margin. sixty (89.6%) patients underwent TME and seven (10.4%) TME + APE, of which five underwent ELAPE. The local recurrence, in pacientes undergoing TME+LAR, was 3.3% and in patients undergoing APE, 14.3%. The local recurrence rate (p=0.286) or the distant recurrence rate (p=1.000) was similar between groups. There was no involvement of radial margins. Survival after 120 months was similar (p=0.239). rectal malignancies, including those located in the low rectum, may be surgically treated with a low rate of APE without compromising oncological principles and with a low local recurrence rates.

Long-term incidence of depression in rectal cancer patients with or without stoma: a population-based cohort study.

Significant improvements have been made in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer with a higher sphincter-saving rate without compromising oncologic results. There have been studies about the quality of life of rectal cancer patients after surgery. However, no study has reported the long-term annual incidence of depression after rectal cancer surgery according to stoma status. The objective of this study was to determine the annual incidence of depression after rectal cancer surgery and the factors affecting it, especially the prevalence of depression according to the presence or duration of a stoma. Using the Korea National Health Insurance Service database, patients who underwent radical surgery for rectal cancer from 2002 to 2019 were searched. We analyzed the incidence and risk factors of depression in patients who underwent radical surgery for rectal cancer according to stoma status. Annual incidence of depression in rectal cancer patients was decreasing annually for 15 years after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of depression according to the stoma status. However, the diagnosis of depression within 1 year after surgery was statistically significantly increased in the permanent stoma group. There was no difference in the overall incidence of depressive disorders among patients with rectal cancer based on their stoma status. However, a permanent stoma seems to increase the incidence in the first year after surgery. Education and intensive assessments of depressive disorders in patients with permanent stoma within 1 year after surgery are needed, particularly for female patients who are under 50 years old.

Pattern of Rectal Cancer Recurrence Following Potentially Curative Surgical Treatment

AbstractSurvival in rectal cancer has been related mainly to clinical and pathological staging. Recurrence is the most challenging issue when surgical treatment of rectal cancer is concerned. This study aims to establish a recurrence pattern for rectal adenocarcinoma submitted to surgical treatment between June 2003 and July 2021. After applying the exclusion criteria to 305 patients, 166 patients were analyzed. Global recurrence was found in 18.7% of them, while 7.8% have had local recurrence. Recurrences were diagnosed from 5 to 92 months after the surgical procedure, with a median of 32.5 months. Follow-up varied from 6 to 115 months. Recurrence, in literature, is usually between 3 and 35% in 5 years and shows a 5-year survival rate of only 5%. In around 50% of cases, recurrence is local, confined to the pelvis. This study was consonant with the literature in most aspects evaluated, although a high rate of local recurrence remains a challenge in seeking better surgical outcomes.

Prospective Evaluation of the Quality of Life of Patients after Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer: A 12-Month Cohort Observation.

This study constitutes a prospective, three-stage evaluation of quality of life among patients receiving surgical treatment for colorectal cancer depending on the type of surgery performed (open anterior resection, laparoscopic anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, or Hartmann’s procedure). The study included 82 patients treated at the Surgical Oncology Outpatient Department of the Oncology Center in Bydgoszcz from June 2019 to August 2021. The study tools consisted of diagnostic surveys and analyses of medical records. The standardized study tools were the surveys EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29. In addition, a proprietary questionnaire was developed to collect demographic data. Quality of life was measured at three time-points: the day before the surgery and 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the domains of role functioning (III, p = 0.030), body image (II, p < 0.001; III, p < 0.001), sexual functioning (II, p = 0.037), buttocks/anal area/rectum pain (III, p = 0.031), and embarrassment (II, p = 0.022; III, p = 0.010). Statistically significant differences in the functional and symptom scale scores were also observed within each group at different stages of cancer treatment. As shown by our study, the quality of life of patients treated for colorectal cancer is determined not only by the operating technique but also by sociodemographic and clinical factors. The use of minimally invasive surgical techniques enables patients to return to their social roles more quickly and improves their self-assessment of body image.

Quality of life in patients with rectal cancer with permanent stoma and low colorectal anastomosis

In recent decades, not only the oncological results of surgical treatment of rectal cancer have been actively studied, but also the impact that it has on the quality of life of patients. In the minds of a wide range of medical specialists, the idea that the presence of a permanent stoma is the factor that has the most adverse effect on the quality of life in the long term after a surgical intervention has become stronger. However, a significant number of modern studies are not supporting this point of view, not finding a significant difference in the quality of life in patients with a permanent stoma and a low colorectal anastomosis.

Specialization improves outcomes in rectal cancer surgery

Scope of specialtyColorectal surgery encompasses any procedure performed on the colon and/or rectum. This section focuses on rectal surgery, specifically regarding surgery for rectal cancer and its technical complexity and disease complexity that often requires a multidisciplinary team-based approach. The emergence of rectal cancer surgical specialists exhibits improvements in rectal cancer outcomes.Colorectal surgery fellowships are available for general surgeons who desire specialization. Roughly 70 colorectal surgery fellowship programs exist, of which 39 are accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). Patient care and quality outcomesThe OSTRiCh (Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer) Consortium (OC) and NAPRC developed guidelines for a standardized pathway for rectal cancer care and outline standards for patient care and performance indicators. These efforts focus on the recognition of disparities in rectal cancer outcomes, a system for improvement, delivery of quality care, and optimizing patient results by minimizing morbidity and mortality. Regulatory requirementsIn the United States, Board certification for surgeons performing colorectal surgery is granted by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS). While the United States lags behind its European counterparts in development of rectal cancer quality measures, significant changes have been made to close the gap. Improvement initiatives launched by the OC implemented a myriad of quality metrics for longitudinal outcome tracking; surgical site infection, positive circumferential margin rate, rate of colostomy creation, recurrence rate, to name a few.

IMPACT OF SURGICAL TREATMENT ON SEXUAL FUNCTION IN RECTAL CANCER

Introduction: The development of new surgical techniques and medical devices, like therapeutical multimodal approaches has allowed for better outcomes on patients with rectal cancer. Owing to that, an increased awareness and investment towards better outcomes regarding patients sexual and urinary function has been recently observed. Objective: Evaluate and characterize the sexual dysfunction of patients submitted to surgical treatment for rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: An observational retrospective study including all male patients who underwent a surgical treatment for rectal cancer between January 2015 to December 2019. A total of 113 patients were included in the study. All patients were underwent major surgery for rectal cancer. An inquiry questionnaire presented to every patient about its sexual habits and level of function before and after surgery. Results: All patients included in the study were males. Patient age range between 40-75 years with mean age of 57 years. Surgical procedure was rectum anterior resection (RAR) in 62(54.8%) patients and an abdominoperineal resection (APR) in 51(45.1%). 71(62.8%) patients described their sexual life as important/very important. Sexual function worsening was observed in 83 (73.4%) patients with complains of erectile dysfunction and ejaculation impairment. 30 (26.5%) patients didnt resume sexual activity after surgery. Increased age (p=0.06), surgery performed (APR) (p=0.04) and the presence of a stoma (p=0.04) were predictors of erectile dysfunction after surgery. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the clear negative impact in sexual function of patients submitted to a surgical treatment for rectal cancer. Since it is a valued feature for patients, it becomes essential to correctly evaluate/identify these cases in order to offer an adequate therapeutical option.

Functional results after mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: comparative study among surgical approaches.

We analyzed the evolution of genitourinary dysfunctions in patients undergoing surgical treatment for rectal cancer, and compared open surgery, laparoscopy, robotic and TaTME. Functional outcomes were evaluate using standardized questionnaires, compiled at the start of treatment, after the end of Radiotherapy, at 1 and 6 months after surgery. In 72 patients 37.5% had low, 27.8% middle, and 34.7% high rectal cancers. Open technique was performed in 25% of cases, while 29.2% underwent laparoscopy, 20.8% TaTME and 25% robotic. We noted a deterioration in urogenital function: surgical technique can influence the result both in urinary and male sexual function but not ejaculation. Robotics and laparoscopy bring better outcomes than open surgery and TaTME. Female sexuality worsening seems not influenced by the technique. In general age, stage, complications, and anastomotic leakage appear to be predictive factors for functional dysfunctions. As reported in literature rectal cancer treatment leads to urogenital worsening: this seems to be progressive in male sexuality only, while female one and urinary function show a slight improvement in the first months, although a full recovery possibility is discussed. Is also reported how robotic and laparoscopy have a lower functional impact. TaTME has gained consensus thank to the excellent oncological and function outcomes, but in our study leads to worse results. Mini-invasive techniques guarantee the same oncological result than more invasive ones, but with better functional outcomes and tolerability; robotic surgery seems to be slight superior to laparoscopy, but with longer operative time.

Roboticky asistovaná léčba zhoubných nádorů kolorekta a hepatopankreatobiliární oblasti

Summary: Introduction: The Czech Republic belongs to countries under significant strain due to malignant tumours. Despite the changes introduced in the therapy of gastrointestinal malignancies, radical removal of the tumour holds a crucial position in the mutimodal therapeutic process and is irreplaceable nowadays. From the beginning of the third millennium, minimally invasive surgery of abdominal tumours is being expanded with robotic-assisted procedures. The aim of this paper is to assess the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery in the treatment of colorectal and hepatopancreatobiliary neoplasms and to present the results of a non-randomized study with prospectively collected data from robotically assisted rectal cancer surgeries. Material and method: The authors summarize studies published in the PubMed, EMBASE, Medline and Cochrane Library databases that compare robotic and laparoscopic approaches in the treatment of colorectal and hepatopancreatobiliary malignancies, and present the results of their own non-randomized study. 204 patients with rectal cancer (&lt;15 cm from the anal verge) who underwent robotic-assisted surgery at our department between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020 were included in the study. All demographic, clinical and oncological data were prospectively obtained and analysed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistic methods. Results: 204 patients with rectal cancer of whom 138 were men and 66 were women underwent robotic surgery at our department during the five-year period. In 97 (47.5%) cases the disease was dia­gnosed in an advanced stage (stage III and IV of the TNM classification). 18 patients had synchronous liver metastases and 2 patients had pulmonary metastases at the time of the dia­gnosis. The liver-first approach was indicated in 8 (44.4%) patients, two patients underwent a radical resection of liver lesions together with the primary neoplasm in one surgery. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 136 patients with extraperitoneal disease, partial mesorectal excision was performed in 68 cases. 18 complications were documented. Clinically relevant anastomotic leak requiring intervention occurred in 5 (3.6%) cases. One patient died due to decompensation of chronic toxonutritive liver disease. Local recurrence was documented in 6 patients, half of them underwent radical resection. Conclusion: Surgical therapy holds a crucial position in the treatment of colorectal and hepatopancreatobiliary neoplasms and represents the only potentially curative procedure in multimodal therapy. Robotic-assisted therapy has become a routine therapeutic modality for colorectal and hepatopancreatobiliary malignancies worldwide. Da Vinci assisted surgeries prevail in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer at the authors’ workplace as well as at some foreign centres. Compared to open and laparoscopic resections of rectal carcinoma, robotic-assisted operations achieve the same clinical and oncological results with a lower rate of complications. Key words: robotic surgery – colorectal cancer – liver malignancies – pancreatic carcinoma

The surgical treatment of rectal cancer in Poland. The findings of a multi-center observational study by the Polish Society of Surgical Oncology (PSSO-01)

Introduction. PSSO-01, a Polish prospective multi-center project on rectal cancer, started in 2016 with participation on a voluntary basis. This study evaluates the early outcome of the surgical treatment of rectal cancer in Poland according to hospital volume. Material and methods. The dataset derives from 17 clinical centers registered in the PSSO-01 study. From 2016 to 2020, the data of 1,607 patients were collected. Taking into account the number of patients enrolled in the study, the centers were divided into three categories: high volume, medium volume, and low volume. Nominal variables were compared between different categories of centers using the chi-square test. The STROBE guidelines were used to guarantee the reporting of this observational study. Results. More patients with metastatic disease were operated on in the low volume centers (p = 0.020). Neoadjuvant treatment was used in 35%, 52%, and 66% of patients operated on in low, medium, and high volume centers respectively (p &lt; 0.001). Laparoscopic resection in medium volume centers was performed more often than in other centers (p &lt; 0.001). The total rate of postoperative complications related to high, medium, and low centers was 22%, 26%, 18% (p = 0.044). One year following surgery, a stoma was present in 63% of patients. A defunctioning stoma following anterior resection was reversed in only 55% of patients. Anastomotic leakage was the main reason for a non-reversal diverting stoma. Conclusions. The representation of low volume centers in the PSSO-01 study was understated. However, the outcomes may show the actual situation of surgical treatment of rectal cancer in high and medium volume centers in Poland.

Post-resectional pelvic recurrences of rectal cancer

Introduction. Pelvic recurrence is not a rare event after resection with curative intent for rectal cancer originating from different segments of the rectum (lower, intermediary and superior part). Material and methods. This retrospective observational study included 106 patients; among these cases there were 79 patients who accepted surgical treatment of rectal cancer (treated in a governmental hospital between 2014 and 2017) and who were submitted to anterior resection with Hartmann’s procedure (6.5% of patients), anterior resection of rectosigmoid with colorectal anastomosis (78% of cases) and abdominoperineal resection (15% of cases). Results. After a 2 year follow-up, pelvic recurrence was reported in 11patients ~ 14% of cases: 33% rate of recurrence after Hartmann procedure, 9% rate of recurrence after abdominoperineal resection, and 10% rate of recurrence after anterior resection of rectosigmoid with colorectal anastomosis. 39 patients (49% of cases) had been submitted to preoperative radiotherapy: the pelvic recurrence rate among these cases was of 11% (9 patients). The rate of recurrence (RR) was also significantly influenced by the stage at diagnostic: stage III had RR = 52% of cases, stage II had RR = 41% of cases and stage I had RR = 0% of cases). The survival rate among surgically treated patients after 1 one year was 86%, and 80% in the first 2 years after treatment. Conclusions. Rectal cancer diagnosed in advanced stages has a high recurrence rate. A low recurrence rate indicates successful curative surgical treatment. The highest recurrence rate was reported after Hartmann procedure (which was usually performed as an emergency operation for locally advanced lesions).