Transanal Decompression Research Articles

Radiation Exposure with Self-Expandable Metallic Stent versus Transanal Decompression Tube for Malignant Colorectal Obstruction: A Post Hoc Propensity Score Matched Analysis.

Background: Although several reports have compared the outcomes of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMSs) and transanal decompression tube (TDT) placement for malignant colorectal obstruction (MCO), few studies have compared the radiation exposure (RE) associated with these two procedures. Consequently, we aimed to compare the RE of SEMS and TDT placements for MCO using propensity score matching (PSM) in a multi-center, prospective observational study. Methods: This study investigated the clinical data of 236 patients who underwent SEMS or TDT placement. The air kerma at the patient entrance reference point (Ka,r: mGy) and air kerma-area product (PKA; Gycm2) were measured and compared between SEMS and TDT groups after PSM. Results: After PSM, 61 patients were identified in each group. The median Ka,r in the SEMS group was significantly greater than that in the TDT group (77.4 vs. 55.6 mGy; p = 0.025) across the entire cohort. With respect to subgroup analyses by location, in the rectum, the median Ka, r and PKA were significantly greater in the SEMS group than in the TDT group (172.9 vs. 34.6 mGy; p = 0.001; and 46.0 vs. 18.1 Gycm2; p = 0.006, respectively). However, in the colon, the RE parameters did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusions: TDT might be a more suitable option for decompression in patients with malignant rectal obstruction due to its lower RE and technical advantages. Conversely, SEMS placement is recommended as the first decompression method to treat malignant colonic obstruction, in line with the current guidelines.

Practical use of transanal decompression tube following the repair of fourth-degree perineal tears associated with vaginal delivery

BackgroundFourth-degree perineal tears associated with vaginal delivery (PTAVD) occur in approximately 0.25 to 6% of vaginal deliveries. A persistent challenge in treating fourth-degree PTAVD is the high incidence of anastomotic leakage, leading to impaired quality of life, marked by incontinence, rectovaginal fistula, and painful sexual intercourse. Thus, effective interventions are necessary. Herein, we report our successful approach in repairing a fourth-degree PTAVD, involving the placement of a transanal decompression tube (TDT) during the early postoperative period.Case presentationFive patients underwent the repair of fourth-degree PTAVD by suturing the mucosal and muscular layers of the rectum, and the vaginal wall in layers. Subsequently, a TDT was placed in the rectum, positioned 10–15 cm from the anal verge. The TDT was allowed to drain spontaneously without suction. Gastrografin enema examination was performed through a TDT, followed by a computed tomographic scan on postoperative days 3–4. After unfavorable complications were ruled out, the TDT was removed and the patients were transitioned to a normal diet.ResultAll patients showed favorable outcomes with no occurrence of vaginal fistula or incontinence.ConclusionThis simple intervention demonstrates potential efficacy in reducing anastomotic leakage following the repair of fourth-degree PTAVD.

Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis Complicated With Sinistral Portal Hypertension And Mechanical Obstruction Of The Colon: A Case Report.

Acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) is often associated with acute necrotic collection (ANC) or walled-off necrosis (WON). Due to the close anatomical connection between the pancreas, the spleen, and the transverse colon, necrotizing pancreatitis is often combined with spleen or colon involvement. Gastrointestinal dysfunction usually caused by pancreatitis leads to paralytic intestinal obstruction. However, pancreatitis combined with mechanical colonic obstruction is extremely rare. It can easily be misdiagnosed as malignant intestinal obstruction, and diagnosing the cause of intestinal obstruction becomes more critical when accompanied by Sinistral portal hypertension (SPH). Surgical resection is the primary method for the previous occurrence of colonic complications. In this case report, upon admission, a 37-year-old patient was diagnosed with acute necrotizing pancreatitis with sinistral portal hypertension. On the 6th day after admission, the patient developed a sudden colonic obstruction. After identifying the cause, the patient underwent a transanal decompression tube and minimally invasive necrosectomy, avoiding colon resection. In acute necrotizing pancreatitis combined with colonic mechanical obstruction, it is essential to clarify the etiology, and focus treatment on clearing the peripancreatic necrotic tissue, non-surgical treatment to deal with colonic obstruction is feasible, and the principle of individualized treatment should be used throughout the disease.

New technique of guidewire exchange for transanal decompression tube placement.

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Long-term outcomes between self-expandable metallic stent and transanal decompression tube for malignant large bowel obstruction: A multicenter retrospective study and meta-analysis.

To compare the oncological outcomes between self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery and transanal decompression tube (TDT) placement for malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO). A total of 287 MLBO patients who underwent SEMS (n=137) or TDT placement (n=150) were enrolled in this multicenter retrospective study. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups were compared. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to calculate odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II and ≥III occurred frequently in the TDT group compared with the SEMS group (P=0.002 and 0.005, respectively). The 3-y OS in the overall cohort and 3-y DFS in the pathological stage II/III cohort in the SEMS and TDT groups were 68.6% and 71.4%, and 71.0% and 72.6%, respectively. The survival differences were not significantly different in the OS and DFS analyses (P=0.819 and P=0.892, respectively). A meta-analysis of nine studies (including our cohort data) demonstrated no significant difference between the SEMS and TDT groups for 3-y OS and DFS (OR=0.96, 95% CI=0.57-1.62, P=0.89 and OR=0.69, 95% CI=0.46-1.04, P=0.07, respectively). Our study demonstrated that SEMS placement had no inferiority regarding long-term outcomes, including OS and DFS, compared with TDT placement. Considering the short-term benefits of SEMS placement, this could be a preferable preoperative decompression method for MLBO.

Treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer

Obstructive colorectal cancer is a common malignant bowel obstruction. Colostomy or colostomy following tumor resection may be the first choice for emergency surgery. The intestinal and systemic conditions of patients undergoing emergency surgery are often poor, and patients need to undergo multiple operations, which increase the surgical risk and economic burden and reduce the quality of life of patients. Poor intraoperative visualization may also affect the radical operation of emergency surgery. Transanal decompression tube (TDT) can rapidly decompress and drain the obstructed bowel, effectively relieve obstruction symptoms, and improve the success rate of primary radical resection. The TDT squeeze the tumor lightly, causing no spread of tumor cells, and is cheap, but the cavity of transanal decompression tube is small and easily blocked, and requires tedious flushing or regular replacement. Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) can relieve intestinal obstruction effectively, provide sufficient preparation time for preoperative examination and improvement of nutritional status. By improving patient's tolerance to radical surgery, SEMS might be used as an important treatment strategy choice for obstructive colorectal cancer. However, SEMS may squeeze the tumor, leading to the spread of tumor cells, increase the recurrence rate and metastasis rate, and reduce the survival rate. Moreover, intestinal wall edema still existed during the operation following SEMS, and the rate of ostomy after anastomosis was as high as 34%. We hypothesized that prolonging the interval between stent insertion and surgery to 2 months, with neoadjuvant chemotherapy administered during this interval (SEMS-neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy), would help improve outcomes. The SEMS-neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy is a safe, effective, and well tolerated treatment approach with a high laparoscopic resection rate, low stoma formation rate and improvement in the overall survival for patients with left-sided colon cancer obstruction. The patient physical status is improved, the primary tumor is downstaged, and intestinal wall edema is relieved during the relatively longer interval between SEMS placement and surgery. The SEMS-neoadjuvant chemotherapy strategy may be a preferred therapeutic strategy for obstructive left colon cancer.

A case of intestinal failure associated with meconium peritonitis requiring transanal decompression using a Kangaroo New Enteral Feeding Tube

Meconium peritonitis is a congenital disorder characterized by intestinal perforation in utero and presents as sterile chemical peritonitis. When intraabdominal chemical inflammation is severe, intestinal decompression may be required to control intestinal failure due to severe adhesions. In this case, we safely controlled intestinal failure by transanal decompression using a Kangaroo New Enteral Feeding Tube (EF tube) because oral intestinal adhesions were severe and conventional transoral decompression was not feasible. Given the risk of anastomotic leakage and the potential time needed to improve intestinal failure, transanal decompression by EF tube should be considered when transoral decompression proves difficult.

Outcomes of Patients with Left-Sided Obstructive Colorectal Cancer: Comparison between Self-Expandable Metallic Stent and Other Treatment Methods

Introduction: This multi-institutional retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement for patients with left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). Methods: Overall, 520 consecutive patients who received treatment for OCRC were enrolled. Of these, the data of 253 patients who underwent primary tumour resection for left-sided OCRC were reviewed. The short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the SEMS group and other three groups: transanal decompression tube (TaDT), decompressing stoma (DS), and emergency resection (ER). Results: The SEMS group had a higher frequency of laparoscopic surgery (p < 0.001), lesser frequency of postoperative stoma (p < 0.001), and more dissected lymph nodes (p < 0.001) than the other groups. Moreover, the SEMS group had shorter postoperative hospital stays than the TaDT, DS, and ER groups (p = 0.005, p = 0.037, and p < 0.001, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves of recurrence-free survival and overall survival did not differ significantly between the SEMS group and the other three groups in patients with stage II and III diseases. Discussion/Conclusion: Elective surgery after SEMS placement may improve short-term outcomes compared to other treatment strategies, with similar long-term outcomes.

Transanal decompression tube is superior to self‐expandable metallic colonic stent for malignant colorectal obstruction: a retrospective study

The surgical management of left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, self-expandable metallic colonic stent (SEMS) and transanal decompression tube (TDT) used as a 'bridge to surgery' (BTS) have been widely used. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and oncological safety of SEMS and TDT as BTS to transform MLBO into elective surgery. Between February 2013 and March 2019, 62 patients with MLBO received SEMS (n=32) or TDT (n=30), and elective one-stage surgery later. We evaluated decompression efficiency and oncological safety in selective operation in TDT and SEMS groups, including preoperative preparation time, surgical approach, number of lymphatic dissection and vascular invasion, ulcer formation and histopathological findings of resected specimens. The preoperative preparation time in the SEMS group was shorter than that of the TDT group (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in postoperative length of hospital stay (P > 0.05). The number of vascular invasions in the TDT group was less than that in the SEMS group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the risk of wound abscess and ulcer formation in the TDT group was significantly lower than that in the SEMS group (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that SEMS is associated with a relatively poor oncological outcome and the placement of TDT as BTS in MLBO patients may be a better alternation.

Short- and long-term outcomes of a self-expandable metallic stent versus a transanal decompression tube for pathological stage II and III left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective observational study.

Few studies have investigated the long-term oncological outcomes of the self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery (BTS) for obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). We conducted this study to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of the SEMS with those of the traditional transanal decompression tube (TDT) in patients with stage II and III left-sided OCRC. The subjects of this retrospective study were 78 patients with pathological stage II and III left-sided OCRC who underwent radical surgery after SEMS or TDT placement, between April, 2005 and September, 2019. We compared perioperative data, including decompression success rates and 3-year relapse-free survival (RFS), between the SEMS and TDT groups. A SEMS was placed in 60 (76.9%) patients and a TDT was placed in 18 (23.1%) patients, achieving a clinical success rate of decompression of 98.3% in the SEMS group and 77.8% in the TDT group (P = 0.009). The 3-year RFS of the overall cohort was better in the SEMS group than in the TDT group (74.9% vs. 40.9%, respectively; P = 0.003). Decompression using a SEMS as the BTS may improve oncological outcomes over those achieved by a TDT in patients with left-sided stage II and III OCRC.

Is self-expandable metallic stents superior to transanal decompression tubes for the treatment of malignant large-bowel obstruction: a meta-analysis.

Preoperative intestinal decompression, such as self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) and transanal decompression tubes (TDT), has been widely used for patients with malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO). The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes of SEMS for MLBO as a bridge to surgery compared to TDT. We searched three databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception until June 12, 2019. Risk ratio (RR) or weight mean difference (WMD) with 95% CIs was used to calculate the data extracted from included studies. Five studies with 226 participants were included in this review. SEMS insertion showed significantly higher clinical success rate (RR =1.30, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.60; P=0.012) and technical success rate (RR =1.33, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.65; P=0.011), as well as higher rates of solid food intake (RR =27.15, 95% CI: 8.73, 84.45; P<0.001) and temporal discharge (RR =64.47, 95% CI: 9.10, 456.57; P<0.001), as compared with TDT insertion. Moreover, SEMS insertion significantly reduced the blood loss (WMD =-69.73 mL, 95% CI: -81.61, -57.85; P<0.001), and prolonged the operative time (WMD =93.49 minutes, 95% CI: 14.24, 172.75; P=0.021) in the treatment of MLBO. Duration of hospital stay, complication rate and mortality rate were comparable between the two treatments. Preoperative SEMS insertion offered better effects for MLBO, including higher success rate, and higher rates of solid food intake and temporary discharge, compared with TDT.

Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis—a personal experience reevaluating complications, pouch survival, and quality of life

Abstract Background Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the gold standard for proctocolectomy. The present study evaluates surgical outcomes of the authors’ operations over a 30-year period, including pouch survival and quality of life (QOL). Methods Records of patients undergoing IPAA between 1986 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed regarding early and late complications and pouch survival. An online survey assessed QOL. Results Of 119 patients, 84 had chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and 35 non-inflammatory bowel disease (non-IBD). Pouch construction was simultaneous with proctocolectomy in 69% and metachronous in 31%. Double-stapler anastomosis with purse string suture was performed in 100 patients. With temporary transanal decompression by catheter insertion in all patients, loop ileostomy (LIS) was selectively omitted in 68%. Three anastomotic insufficiencies occurred both without (4.4%) and with LIS (9.4%). Perioperative morbidity for LIS closure was substantial (33.3%). In the long-term course, 36 patients (30.5%) required revision (cumulative probability after 15 years: 59.1%). IPAA was discontinued in 16 patients (13.6%), reducing cumulative continence preservation to 72.9% after 15 years. By converting the pouch to a continent ileostomy (CI) in 6 patients with uncorrectable functional complications, cumulative pouch survival reached 81.8% after 27 years. The online survey revealed significant improvements in occupation, sports, and travel vs. before proctocolectomy, but no change in sexual life. Physical, psychological, and social scores were still below the age-matched norm values. Whereas &gt;90% were satisfied with the surgical outcome, only 3/25 had no functional improvement requests. Conclusion IPAA in double-stapler technique is safe, even without protective LIS. However, short- and long-term morbidity is considerable, with a non-negligible risk of continence loss. Conversion to CI for purely functional complications can significantly reduce definite pouch failure. Despite patients’ high subjective satisfaction, QOL remains objectively compromised.

Comparison of survival and perioperative outcome of the colonic stent and the transanal decompression tube placement and emergency surgery for left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer: a retrospective multi-center observational study \u201cThe CODOMO study\u201d

PurposeAdvances in endoscopic technology have led to the reevaluation of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge-to-surgery (BTS) in patients with obstructive colorectal cancer. In Japan, after inclusion of SEMS placement as a BTS in the medical insurance coverage in 2012, this procedure has been increasingly performed. However, a transanal decompression tube (TADT) placement has been used as a BTS. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the optimal strategy for obstructive left-sided colorectal cancer (OLCRC) by comparing SEMS and TADT placement with emergency surgery.MethodsWe included 301 patients with stage II and III OLCRC from 27 institutions. The study patients were divided into Surgery group (emergency surgery, n = 103), SEMS group (BTS by SEMS, n = 113), and TADT group (BTS by TADT, n = 85). We compared the survival and perioperative outcomes of patients in the Surgery group as a standard treatment with those in the SEMS and TADT groups.ResultsThe 3-year relapse-free survival rate in patients in the Surgery group was 74.8%, while that in patients in the SEMS group and TADT group were 69.0% (p = 0.39) and 55.3% (p = 0.006), respectively. The technical success rate was not statistically different, but the clinical success rate was significantly higher in the SEMS group than in the TADT group (p = 0.0040). With regard to postoperative complications after curative surgery, the SEMS group had significantly lower of complications (≥ grade 2) than the Surgery group (p = 0.022).ConclusionPatients who underwent SEMS placement for OLCRC had similar oncological outcomes to patients who underwent emergency surgery.

Risk factors analysis of anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection of rectal cancer

Objective To analyze the risk factors for anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection(LAR) for rectal cancer. Methods The retrospective study of 1 336 patients with rectal cancer who underwent LAR from Jan. 2013 to Dec. 2017 in the Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University was conducted. There were 838 male and 498 female patients. The median age was 62 (53, 70) years. Observation indicators: ①intraoperative conditions, including the performance of preventive enterostomy, the preservation of left colic artery, the placement of transanal decompression tube; ②postoperative conditions, for example, postoperative clinical symptoms and physical examination, postoperative hospital stay. Anastomotic leakage patients were graded according to the grading system of anastomotic leakage following anterior resection of the rectum proposed by the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer in 2010. Measurement data with non-normal distribution were described as median, and comparison between groups was done using Mann-Whitney U test. Ranked data were compared with rank sum test. Comparison of count data between groups were analyzed using the Chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Potential risk factors for anastomotic leakage were further analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Results Anastomotic leakage was noted in 138(10.4%) of 1 336 patients with 93 patients (7.0%) of Grade B and 46 patients (3.4%) of Grade C respectively.The occurrence of Grade C anastomotic leakage was on the 3th day postoperatively, which was earlier than Grade B anastomotic leakage [5(3, 7) d, Z=2.746, P=0.006]. There were significant differences in sex, BMI, placement of transanal decompression tube and tumor location between anastomotic leakage cases and non-anastomotic leakage cases by Chi-squared test(χ2=10.897, 9.033, 6.343, 6.34, Z=-2.380, P<0.05). On multiple logistic regression analysis, male sex(OR=1.840, 95%CI: 1.210-2.799, P=0.004), BMI≥24 kg/m2(OR=1.573, 95%CI: 1.088-2.274, P=0.016), placement of transanal decompression tube(OR=2.418, 95%CI: 1.196-4.888, P=0.014), middle rectal cancer(OR=1.536, 95%CI: 0.836-2.822, P=0.167), low rectal cancer(OR=1.989, 95%CI: 1.068-2.822, P=0.03), ultralow rectal cancer (OR=2.908, 95%CI: 1.289-6.560, P=0.01) were independent risk factors of anastomotic leakage. Conclusion Male sex, high BMI, placement of transanal decompression tube and low rectal tumor were independent risk factors of anastomotic leakage for patients receiving LAR. Key words: Retrospective studies; Rectal neoplasms; Risk factors; Low anterior resection; Anastomotic leakage

Short-term outcomes of a self-expandable metallic stent as a bridge to surgery vs. a transanal decompression tube for malignant large-bowel obstruction: a meta-analysis.

Preoperative intestinal decompression, using either a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery (BTS) or a transanal decompression tube (TDT), provides an alternative to emergency surgery for malignant large-bowel obstruction (MLBO). We conducted this meta-analysis to compare the short-term outcomes of SEMS placement as a BTS vs. TDT placement for MLBO. We conducted a comprehensive electronic search of literature published up to March, 2018, to identify studies comparing the short-term outcomes of BTS vs. TDT. Decompression device-related and surgery-related variables were evaluated and a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to calculate odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals. We analyzed 14 nonrandomized studies with a collective total of 581 patients: 307 (52.8%) who underwent SEMS placement as a BTS and 274 (47.2%) who underwent TDT placement. The meta-analyses showed that the BTS strategy conferred significantly better technical and clinical success, helped to maintain quality of life by allowing free food intake and temporal discharge, promoted laparoscopic one-stage surgery without stoma creation, and had equivalent morbidity and mortality to TDT placement. Although the long-term outcomes are as yet undetermined, the BTS strategy using SEMS placement could be a new standard of care for preoperative decompression to manage MLBO.

Comparison of the long-term outcomes of the self-expandable metallic stent and transanal decompression tube for obstructive colorectal cancer.

AimEndoscopic decompression using the self‐expandable metallic colonic stent (SEMS) or transanal decompression tube (TDT) can convert emergency surgery into elective one‐stage surgery for obstructive colorectal cancer (OCRC). The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of SEMS and TDT on long‐term oncological outcomes.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 76 consecutive pathological stage II and III OCRC patients who were inserted with SEMS or TDT as a bridge to curative surgery between 2009 and 2018.ResultsThere were 53 SEMS cases and 23 TDT cases. The tumor was located in the left colon in 58 cases and in the right colon in 18 cases. The interval between the decompression and the surgery was 16.5 days in the SEMS group and 13.0 days in the TDT group (P = 0.09). Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 100% for SEMS, and 95% and 91% for TDT, respectively. Stoma was created in four patients in the SEMS group, and in five in the TDT group (P = 0.08). Three‐year overall survival rates of the SEMS and TDT groups were 82% and 86% (P = 0.94), and disease‐free survival rates were 68% and 62% (P = 0.79), respectively. The recurrence pattern was not significantly different.ConclusionThis study found no statistically significant differences between the effects of SEMS and TDT for OCRC as a bridge to surgery on long‐term outcomes.

Comparative study between colonic metallic stent and anal tube decompression for Japanese patients with left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction

BackgroundSurgical management of malignant bowel obstruction carries with high morbidity and mortality. Placement of a trans-anal decompression tube (TDT) has traditionally been used for malignant bowel obstruction as a bridge to surgery. Recently, colonic metallic stent (CMS) as a bridge to surgery for malignant bowel obstruction, particularly left-sided malignant large bowel obstruction (LMLBO) caused by colorectal cancer, has been reported to be both a safe and feasible option. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the clinical effects of CMS for LMLBO as a bridge to surgery compared to TDT.MethodsBetween January 2000 and December 2015, we retrospectively evaluated outcomes of 59 patients with LMLBO. We compared the outcomes of 26 patients with CMS for LMLBO between 2013 and 2015 (CMS group) with those of 33 patients managed with TDT between 2003 and 2011 (TDT group) by the historical study. LMLBO was defined as a large bowel obstruction due to a colorectal cancer that was diagnosed by computed tomography and required emergent decompression.ResultsAll patients in the CMS group were successfully decompressed (p = 0.03) and could initiate oral intake after the procedure (p < 0.01). Outcomes in the CMS group were superior to the TDT group in the following areas: duration of tube placement (p < 0.01), surgical approach (p < 0.01), operation time (p < 0.01), number of resected lymph nodes (p < 0.001), and rate of curative resection (p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were found in the overall postoperative complication rate (p = 0.151), surgical site infection rate (p = 0.685), hospital length of stay (p = 0.502), and the need for permanent ostomy (p = 0.745). The 3-year overall survival rate of patients in the CMS and TDT groups was 73.0% and 80.9%, respectively, and this was not significant (p = 0.423).ConclusionsTreatment with CMS for patients with LMLBO as a bridge to surgery is safe and demonstrated higher rates of resumption of solid food intake and temporary discharge prior to elective surgery compared to TDT. Oncological outcomes during mid-term were equivalent.

Fluoroscopy-guided trans-anal decompression tube placement in the treatment of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction: a single center experience.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO or Ogilvie's syndrome) is a rare but often fatal disease; timely colonic decompression may be essential for successful treatment. This study describes a technique of placing a trans-anal tube via fluoroscopy-guiding and investigates the effect of colon decompression on ACPO. Patients undergoing colonic decompression via fluoroscopy-guided trans-anal tube placement from April 2015 to May 2017 were included. The technical and clinical successes of this procedure were evaluated. Clinical features and long-term outcomes are described. Decompression was successful in 72.73% (16/22) of the patients; the procedure was considered a clinical success in 50% (11/22) of the patients. 31.82% (7/22) of the patients underwent elective surgery, and only 18.19% (4/22) of the patients need emergency surgery. Fluoroscopy-guided trans-anal decompression tube placement was an easy and efficient method for treating ACPO. Additionally, ACPO once required emergency surgery, but now may only require elective surgery in certain instances.

Early diagnosis and treatment of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer surgery

Anastomotic leakage is the most common major complication after mid-low rectal cancer surgery. Due to lack of knowledge regarding the virtual mechanisms of anastomotic leakage, not much can be done to prevent its development. The aim of the present review was to discuss the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. For patients with risk factors, such as anastomotic site within 4 cm from anus, obese men, lack of blood supply of the anastomotic site, neoadjuvant chemo radiotherapy, or patients with severe co-morbidity, aggressive preventive strategy should be adopted. The effectiveness of diverting stoma, preoperative bowel preparation, and transanal decompression are still in debate. The combination of fluorescence imaging to assess anastomotic perfusion and selective preservation of the left colic artery can be used in the future to prevent anastomotic leakage intraoperatively. With increasing use of neoadjuvant chemo radiotherapy and diverting stoma, more than half of the leaks present in a more subtle and insidious manner, including ileus, diarrhea, anal discharge of pus, mild fever, accelerated heart rate, tachypnea, and oliguria. Surgeons should be more cautious regarding these insidious clinical presentations. Computed tomography scan and endoscopy are among the most important diagnostic workups that can early diagnose leakage and indicate the size of the defect and extent of infection. For patients presenting with diffuse peritonitis, emergency surgical exploration is mandatory along with fluid resuscitation. For those with limited infection, appropriate treatment plan should be made after consideration of the extent of infection, methods to eradicate the infectious source, strategies following adjuvant therapy, and the possibility and necessity of re-establishing bowel continuity.

Oncological Assessment of Stent Placement for Obstructive Colorectal Cancer from Circulating Cell-Free DNA and Circulating Tumor DNA Dynamics.

The self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) provides effective decompression for patients with malignant large bowel obstruction (MLBO); however, mechanical damage to malignant cells from insertion may negatively affect prognosis, similar to surgical manipulation, and its oncological safety is unclear. We examined mechanical damage from SEMS placement using circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Between 1 November 2014 and 30 June 2017, 35 MLBO patients were analyzed, comprising 25 SEMS patients and 10 transanal decompression tube (TDT) patients (control). Blood samples were collected before and after decompression on days 0, 1, 3, and 7. cfDNA, ctDNA, white blood cells, C-reactive protein, and lactate dehydrogenase were analyzed. The clinical success rates of SEMS and TDT were 88 and 90%, respectively (p=1.0). The cfDNA concentration on day 7 was significantly higher in the SEMS group than in the TDT group (992 vs. 308ng/mL; p=0.005). A significant increase in ctDNA was observed in the SEMS group compared with the TDT group (83% vs. 22%; p=0.002). The cfDNA concentration showed strong positive correlations with ctDNA and lactate dehydrogenase (R 2=0.838 and 0.593, respectively), and a weak positive correlation with C-reactive protein (R 2=0.263). Despite equivalent clinical success rates, SEMS placement increased plasma levels of cfDNA and ctDNA by tumor manipulation, but TDT did not. Colonic stenting showed oncological risk in terms of molecular analysis.