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Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a common postoperative complication of rectal cancer, and transanal drainage tube (TDT) efficacy is still contentious. This study aimed to evaluate the TDT effect on AL prevention.All relevant papers were searched by using a predefined search strategy (two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), one prospective study, and four retrospective studies). Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate AL and re-operation pooled rates.A total of 7 studies (1556 patients) were included: No significant statistic difference was found between two groups on AL rate (odds ratio (OR) 0.61, P = 0.11) and re-operation rate (OR 0.52, P = 0.10). For subgroup analysis, significant statistic difference was found between two groups on AL rate (OR 0.29, P = 0.002) and re-operation rate (OR 0.15, P = 0.04) in patients without neoadjuvant therapy. As for patients without diverting stoma, the AL rate (OR 0.35, P = 0.002) was significantly lower than that in patients without TDT.TDT may reduce AL morbidity and re-operation rate for patients without high risk of AL, but may be useless for those in high-risk situations.

The efficacy of laparoscopic vs open surgery for patients with low rectal cancer has not been established.To compare the short-term efficacy of laparoscopic surgery vs open surgery for treatment of low rectal cancer.This multicenter, noninferiority randomized clinical trial was conducted in 22 tertiary hospitals across China. Patients scheduled for curative-intent resection of low rectal cancer were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to undergo laparoscopic or open surgery. Between November 2013 and June 2018, 1070 patients were randomized to laparoscopic (n = 712) or open (n = 358) surgery. The planned follow-up was 5 years. Data analysis was performed from April 2021 to March 2022.Eligible patients were randomized to receive either laparoscopic or open surgery.The short-term outcomes included pathologic outcomes, surgical outcomes, postoperative recovery, and 30-day postoperative complications and mortality.A total of 1039 patients (685 in laparoscopic and 354 in open surgery) were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis (median [range] age, 57 [20-75] years; 620 men [59.7%]; clinical TNM stage II/III disease in 659 patients). The rate of complete mesorectal excision was 85.3% (521 of 685) in the laparoscopic group vs 85.8% (266 of 354) in the open group (difference, -0.5%; 95% CI, -5.1% to 4.5%; P = .78). The rate of negative circumferential and distal resection margins was 98.2% (673 of 685) vs 99.7% (353 of 354) (difference, -1.5%; 95% CI, -2.8% to 0.0%; P = .09) and 99.4% (681 of 685) vs 100% (354 of 354) (difference, -0.6%; 95% CI, -1.5% to 0.5%; P = .36), respectively. The median number of retrieved lymph nodes was 13.0 vs 12.0 (difference, 1.0; 95% CI, 0.1-1.9; P = .39). The laparoscopic group had a higher rate of sphincter preservation (491 of 685 [71.7%] vs 230 of 354 [65.0%]; difference, 6.7%; 95% CI, 0.8%-12.8%; P = .03) and shorter duration of hospitalization (8.0 vs 9.0 days; difference, -1.0; 95% CI, -1.7 to -0.3; P = .008). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications rate between the 2 groups (89 of 685 [13.0%] vs 61 of 354 [17.2%]; difference, -4.2%; 95% CI, -9.1% to -0.3%; P = .07). No patient died within 30 days.In this randomized clinical trial of patients with low rectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery performed by experienced surgeons was shown to provide pathologic outcomes comparable to open surgery, with a higher sphincter preservation rate and favorable postoperative recovery.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01899547.

Background:. The neoadjuvant chemotherapy is increasingly used in advanced gastric cancer, but the effects on safety and survival are still controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to compare the overall survival and short-term surgical outcomes between neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (NACS) and surgery alone (SA) for locally advanced gastric cancer. Methods:. Databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) were explored for relative studies from January 2000 to January 2021. The quality of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies was evaluated using the modified Jadad scoring system and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, respectively. The Review Manager software (version 5.3) was used to perform this meta-analysis. The overall survival was evaluated as the primary outcome, while perioperative indicators and post-operative complications were evaluated as the secondary outcomes. Results:. Twenty studies, including 1420 NACS cases and 1942 SA cases, were enrolled. The results showed that there were no significant differences in overall survival (P = 0.240), harvested lymph nodes (P = 0.200), total complications (P = 0.080), and 30-day post-operative mortality (P = 0.490) between the NACS and SA groups. However, the NACS group was associated with a longer operation time (P

BackgroundPostoperative colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) is a devastating complication following colorectal resection. However, the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage is often delayed because the current methods of identification are unable to achieve 100% clinical sensitivity and specificity. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the predictive value of peritoneal fluid cytokines in the detection of CAL following colorectal surgery.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science before June 2021 to retrieve studies regarding peritoneal fluid cytokines as early markers of CAL. Pooled analyses of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were performed. The means (MD) and standard deviations (SD) of the peritoneal fluid cytokines were extracted from the included studies. Review Manager Software 5.3 was used for data analysis.ResultsWe included eight studies with 580 patients, among which 85 (14.7%) and 522 (44.5%) were evaluated as the CAL and non-CAL groups, respectively. Compared to the non-CAL group, the CAL group had significantly higher peritoneal IL-6 levels on postoperative day (POD) 1–3 (P = 0.0006, 0.0002, and 0.002, respectively) and slightly higher TNF levels on POD 4 (P = 0.0002). Peritoneal levels of IL-1β and IL-10 were not significantly different between the two groups in this study.ConclusionPeritoneal IL-6 levels can be a diagnostic marker for CAL following colorectal surgery, whereas the value of TNF needs further exploration in the future.Systematic Review Registration[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#myprospero], PROSPERO (CRD42021274973)

Background: Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE) has become a popular procedure for low rectal cancer as compared with abdominoperineal excision (APE). No definitive answer has been achieved whether one is superior to the other. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELAPE for low rectal cancer with meta-analysis. Methods: The Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases before September 2019 were comprehensively searched to retrieve comparative trials of ELAPE and APE for low rectal cancer. Pooled analyses of the perioperative variables, surgical complications, and oncological variables were performed. Odds ratio (OR) and mean differences (MD) from each trial were pooled using random or fixed effects model depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. A subgroup analysis or a sensitivity analysis was conducted to explore the potential source of heterogeneity when necessary. Results: This meta-analysis included 17 studies with 4049 patients, of whom 2248 (55.5%) underwent ELAPE and 1801 (44.5%) underwent APE. There were no statistical differences regarding the circumferential resection margin positivity (13.0% vs. 16.2%, OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.42-1.14, P = 0.15) and post-operative perineal wound complication rate (28.9% vs. 24.1%, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.75-1.94, P= 0.43). The ELAPE was associated with lower rate of intraoperative perforation (6.6% vs. 11.3%, OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.39-0.64, P < 0.001) and local recurrence (8.8% vs. 20.5%, OR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.21-0.41, P < 0.001) when compared with APE. Conclusions: The ELAPE was associated with a reduction in the rate of intra-operative perforation and local recurrence, without any increase in the circumferential resection margin positivity and post-operative perineal wound complication rate when compared with APE in the surgical treatment of low rectal cancer. Key words: Extralevator abdominoperineal excision; Abdominoperineal excision; Low rectal cancer; Surgical complications

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) in a single center in China.We performed a retrospective analysis of the patients with single EGC lesion who received ESD in Peking University Cancer Hospital from January 2011 to December 2013.Their clinicopathologic data, resectability, curability, complications and follow-up data were assessed.A total of 116 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients included 88 men and 28 women, with a median age of 63 years (range: 25-80 years).The post-operative histology of the lesions included 28 (24.1%) high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, 35 (30.2%) well differentiated adenocarcinoma, 35 (30.2%) moderated differentiated adenocarcinoma and 18 (15.5%) poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Of all the lesions, 75.0% (87/116) were confined into mucosa, 15.5% (18/116) invaded SM1 (500 μm from the muscularis mucosae) and 9.5% (11/116) invaded SM2 (≥ 500 μm from the muscularis mucosae). The mean tumor size was (1.49 ± 0.96) cm, and the rate of ulceration was 14.7% (17/116). The en bloc resection rates were 96.7% (111/116), complete resection rates were 93.1% (108/116) and curative resection rates were 77.6% (90/116). According to the curability, 62 (53.4%) cases were classified into the standard curative resection (sCR) group, 28 (24.2%) into the expanded curative resection (eCR) group and 26 (22.4%) into the non-curative resection (nCR) group. The mean tumor size of the sCR group was smaller than that of the eCR and nCR group (t=-4.121, P0.001 and t=-3.420, P=0.001). In the nCR group, the portion of type 0-III lesion and ulceration were significantly higher (χ² = 10.287, P=0.006 and χ² = 17.737, P0.001). In multivariate analysis, EGC with ulceration and submucosal invasion were the risk factors for non-curative resection (OR=6.634, P=0.006 and OR=12.735, P0.001). The ESD-related complications included 4 (3.4%) post-operative bleeding, 3 (2.6%) intra-operative perforation, 2 (1.7%) cardiac stenosis and 1 (0.9%) heart failure. In the study, 106 of the 116 patients received periodic follow-up, during a median follow-up of 22 months (12-47 months). Local tumor recurrence developed in 1 patient of the eCR group 8 months post the ESD.ESD is a safe and feasible option for EGC in China, ulceration and submucosal invasion are associated with non-curative resection, and post-operative bleeding and intra-operative perforation should be concerned as the main complications.

To explore the risk factors for pulmonary metastasis after curative resection of colorectal cancer in order to improve the effectiveness of follow-up and the rate of early diagnosis for the high-risk patients.The clinicopathological and follow-up data of 268 patients with colorectal cancer undergoing radical resection from January 2004 to December 2006 in the Beijing Cancer Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into study group including 16(6.0%) patients who developed lung metastasis and control group without lung metastasis. The high-risk variables associated with lung metastasis were reviewed by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis.Lung metastasis developed in 16 patients, including 10 cases with unilateral lung metastasis and 6 with bilateral. The median duration from colorectal surgery to identification of lung metastasis was 13.9 months. The diagnosis rate of pulmonary metastasis by enhanced chest CT was 81.3%(13/16). Univariate analysis identified the following associated with significant factors associated with pulmonary metastasis: primary tumor location(P=0.003), adjuvant chemotherapy(P=0.034), TNM stage(P=0.005) and preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) level (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that primary tumor location(rectum) and preoperative serum CEA level(≥5 μg/L) were independent risk factors for pulmonary metastasis(both P0.05).Primary tumor location and elevated preoperative CEA level are independent risk factors for pulmonary metastasis. Strict postoperative follow-up and routine chest enhanced CT examination is necessary for this particular patient population.

To study the safety and feasibility of transorally inserted anvil (OrVil(TM)) in laparoscopic-assisted radical resection for Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).Clinical data (operative time, rate of thoracotomy, residual cancer in the proximal margin, and postoperative recovery) of 72 patients suffered from Siewert type II AEG were analyzed retrospectively, including 46 cases of applying OrVil(TM) in digestive tract reconstruction for laparoscopic-assisted radical resection and 26 cases of applying pouch clamp embedding anvil, between May 2009 and August 2012 in Department of Minimally Invasive Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute.The length between proximal margin and superior border of tumor was (2.5±1.5) cm in OrVil(TM) group, significantly longer than that in the traditional group [(1.6±1.1) cm, P0.01]. Moreover, the intraoperative frozen pathological positive incidence of cancer remnant was 2.2% (1/46), and rate of thoracotomy was 0, both of which were significantly lower as compared to the traditional group [23.1% (6/26) and 15.4% (4/26) respectively, both P0.01]. However, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications did not differ between the two groups (both P0.05).As for laparoscopic-assisted Siewert type II AEG radical resection, application of OrVil(TM) in digestive tract reconstruction is a safe surgical procedure, and can effectively reduce the rate of intra-operative thoracotomy, which is beneficial to postoperative recovery.

In recent years, minimally invasive surgery has been adopted and widely used in Japan and Korea for early gastric cancer with low risk of lymph node metastasis, since laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) with lymph node dissection was first reported in 1994 by Kitano. The purposes of laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer are to minimize surgical insults and to maximize patient's quality of life, while not compromising the oncologic clearance. As laparoscopic experience has accumulated, the indications for laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) have been broadened to patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, the role of LG remains controversial, because studies of the long-term outcomes of LG are insufficient. Therefore, in order to make sure the same effectiveness of LG as conventional open operation, there are some basic principles should be strictly followed while performing LG, such as properly selected patients, sufficient surgical margins, standardized D2 lymphadenectomy, no-touch technique and so on.

To investigate the clinical value of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) in detecting K-ras gene mutation.Sixty-one paraffin-embeded specimens of colorectal cancer were selected. MALDI-TOF-MS and regular sequencing were used to test the mutation of codon 12 and 13 in K-ras exon 2.Only 47 specimens could be detected successfully in regular sequencing, while all the specimens were tested successfully in MALDI-TOF-MS. Fourteen specimens had K-ras mutation in regular sequencing (30.0%), while 22 specimens had mutation in MALDI-TOF-MS (36.1%). Six specimens with mutation were found in MALDI-TOF-MS but were wild-type in regular sequencing. Same mutation types from 14 specimens were confirmed by both regular sequencing and MALDI-TOF-MS. MALDI-TOF-MS was able to detect the mutation in 2 specimens that was not identified in regular sequencing.MALDI-TOF-MS is a feasible approach of K-ras gene mutation testing in colorectal cancer, which is less demanding in terms of specimen quality and is more sensitive as compared to regular sequencing.

Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer was first reported in 1994. Since then, the laparoscopic approach is rapidly becoming the preferred method of treatment for patients with early gastric cancer (EGC) due to the many advantages of minimally invasive surgery. Many retrospective comparative trials and randomized-controlled trials (RCT) have confirmed that laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is safe and feasible, and that short-term outcomes are better than those of open gastrectomy in patients with EGC. As laparoscopic experience has accumulated, the indications for LG have been broadened to patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, the role of LG remains controversial, because studies of the long-term outcomes of LG are insufficient. Laparoscopic gastric surgery is demanding from a technical point of view, especially when a D2 lymphadenectomy is performed. Adequate training in laparoscopic techniques and procedures is mandatory prior to embarking on a LG.

To evaluate the accuracy of endoluminal ultrasonography (ELUS) in the preoperative assessment of wall invasion of rectal carcinoma and analyze its influencing factors.ELUS was performed preoperatively in 117 patients with rectal carcinoma, in which no preoperative treatment was given. The results of ELUS were correlated with operative and pathologic findings according to the TNM classification. We observed the following factors and analyzed their impact on the accuracy of ELUS: tumor location, the depth of the tumor invasion, and the inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis peritumor.The overall accuracy of ELUS in T stage was 76.9% (90/117). The sensitivity of ELUS for pT(1), pT(2), pT(3) and pT(4) carcinoma was 87.5% (7/8), 51.7% (15/29), 85.7% (60/70), 80% (8/10), respectively. Misdiagnosis occurred in 27 cases, of which 14 cases were overstaged and 13 cases were understaged. The sensitivity for pT(2) carcinoma was the lowest; 14 cases were misdiagnosed, of them 13 cases were overstaged. Overstaging with ELUS for pT(2) carcinoma occurred mainly in these cases in which inflammatory cell infiltration, fibrosis or tumor involved more than one-third of muscularis propria. 13 cases were understaged, of which tumors in 7 cases were located in superior segment of rectum and 4 cases with obviously rectal stenosis. When tumor was located in middle or lower segment of rectum, misdiagnostic rate was 18.5% (17/92); while tumor was located in superior segment of rectum, misdiagnostic rate was 40% (10/25), and differences were statistically significant between two groups in misdiagnostic rate (P = 0.024).Although ELUS in the preoperative assessment of wall invasion of rectal carcinoma is useful, it is difficult to avoid overstaging and understaging of ELUS. The overstaging is an important unfavourable factor in assessing the invasion depth of pT(2) carcinoma with ELUS, and the depth of tumor invasion muscularis propria, and the depth of inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis might be responsible for overstaging. Obviously rectal stenosis and tumor being located in the superior segment of rectum might cause understaging.