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Background and Objectives : The incidence of diverticulitis is increasing in western countries. Complicated diverticulitis is defined as diverticulitis associated with localized or generalized perforation, localized or distant abscess, fistula, stricture or obstruction. Colonic symptomatic strictures are often treated with segmental colectomy. The aim of our study is to report our experience with Self Expandable Metal Stents (SEMS) placement to relieve sigmoid obstruction secondary to diverticulitis, either as a permanent solution or as a bridge to elective colectomy. Material and Methods : From January 2016 to December 2018, 21 patients underwent SEMS placement for sigmoid obstruction secondary to diverticulitis at our institution. In four patients with poor general conditions, SEMS was considered the definitive form of treatment. In 17 patients, the stent was placed as bridge to elective colectomy. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Primary outcomes were postoperative mortality and morbidity after SEMS and subsequent elective colectomy. Results : There was no mortality or major morbidity after SEMS placement or subsequent elective colectomy. No stoma was performed. Conclusions : Placement of Colorectal Self Expandable Stent represents a useful tool to relieve obstruction in patients with left-sided colonic diverticulitis. SEMS placement makes it possible to transform an emergency clinical condition into an elective condition, giving time to resolve the inflammation and the infection inevitably associated with complicated diverticulitis.

Background : The current use of endoscopic stenting as a bridge to surgery is not always accepted in standard clinical practice to treat neoplastic colonic obstructions. Objectives: The role of colonic self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) positioning as a bridge to resective surgery versus emergency surgery (ES) for malignant obstruction, using all new data and available variables, was studied and we focused on short- and long-term results. Materials and Methods: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed. PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were included. The search comprised only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the interventions that included SEMS positioning versus ES. The primary outcomes were the rates of overall postoperative mortality, clinical and technical success. The secondary outcomes were the short- and long-term results. Results: A total of 12 studies were eligible for further analyses. A laparoscopic colectomy was the most common operation performed in the SEMS group, whereas the traditional open approach was commonly used in the ES group. Intraoperative colonic lavage was seldomly performed during ES. There were no differences in mortality rates between the two groups (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.04; I 2 = 0%). In the SEMS group, the rate of successful primary anastomosis was significantly higher in of SEMS (69.75%) than in the ES (55.07%) (RR 1.26, 95% 245 CI 1.01 to 1.57; I 2 = 86%). Conversely, the upfront Hartmann procedure was performed more frequently in the ES (39.1%) as compared to the SEMS group (23.4%) (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.85; I 2 = 23%). The overall postoperative complications rate was significantly lower in the SEMS group (32.74%) than in the ES group (48.25%) (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.41 to 0.91; I 2 = 65%). Conclusions : In the presence of malignant colorectal obstruction, SEMS is safe and associated with the same mortality and significantly lower morbidity than the ES group. The rate of successful primary anastomosis was significantly higher than the ES group. Nevertheless, recurrence and survival outcomes are not significantly different between the two groups. The analysis of short- and long-term results can suggest the use of SEMS as a bridge to resective surgery when it is performed by an endoscopist with adequate expertise in both colonoscopy and fluoroscopic techniques and who performed commonly colonic stenting.

Aims: Endoscopic placement of Self Expandable Metal Stents to relieve malignant colorectal obstruction has become a common therapeutic advancement in clinical practice., Methods: In a 16 year period 145 patients had endoscopic placement of a Self-Expandable Metal Stent for acute/subacute left sided malignant colorectal obstruction in a center where gastroenterologists and surgeons cooperate in a daily basis, discussing indications., Results: There was no operative mortality and no major complication in placement of the stent. Technical and clinical success was respectively 94.5% and 91.8%. Consultation among specialists changed the preoperative indication in 60 patients., Conclusions: Self-Expandable Metal Stents placement represents an important tool to treat patients with obstructing colorectal cancer. Surgical resection, diverting stoma or endoscopic stent placement should be chosen according to the clinical characteristics of each single patient. In this scenario, a close collaboration among specialists in selecting the most appropriate operative procedure is essential and brings to better results., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None of the authors has conflicts of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with asymptomatic Stage IV colorectal cancer represent a significant heterogeneous group. National statistics represent an effective method to follow in real time the clinical outcomes of patients, and they may represent an important tool to analyze and to compare different therapeutic approaches. The aim of our study was to analyze the reviews of national data and single institutions reports, which compared the clinical outcomes of patients with asymptomatic Stage IV colorectal cancer and un-resectable metastases who had resection of the primary tumor with those who did not have resection. We gave special attention to the number of missing established relevant variables, to determine the appropriateness of the results of the published studies., Material: We performed a systematic review of papers comparing patients who had and who had not primary tumor resection. Screened reports included the time of publication from June 2012 to June 2018; 2556 papers were identified and 27 were included into the review. The primary outcome was observed survival. We analyzed the number of major missing variables in National Data Bases and Single Institution Reports, to assess the overall validity of the conclusions of the analyzed reports., Results: In the majority of the reports and in the meta-analysis of studies with propensity score matching, resection of the primary tumor was correlated to improved survival and to the possibility for a better response to postoperative chemotherapy., Conclusions: The high number of missing significant variables, and a clear clinical selection in single center reports make any analysis error-prone. National statistics might represent a valid method to follow in real time the clinical outcomes of these patients, comparing different therapeutic approaches. There is the need for improvement in national data collection, to make descriptive national statistics the ground for future progress in treatment. (PROSPERO) CRD 42018089691., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: A prospective randomized open label parallel trial, comparing the quality of life (QoL) after endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent or primary tumor resection, in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer was performed., Patients and Methods: Thirty-three patients affected with stage IV colorectal cancer and unresectable metastases were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (16 patients), that underwent self-expandable metal stent positioning and Group 2 (17 patients), in which primary tumor resection was performed. Karnofsky performance scale and QoL assessment using the EQ-5D-5L™ questionnaire was administered before treatment and thereafter at 1, 3 and 6 months., Results: At 1 month, index values showed a statistically significant deterioration of the QoL in patients of Group 2 when compared to those of Group 1 (p=0.001; 95%CI=0.065-0.211) whereas, at 6 months, index values showed a statistically significant deterioration of the QoL in patients of Group 1 (p<0.025; 95%CI=0.017-0.238)., Conclusion: QoL in patients affected with stage IV colorectal cancer has a bimodal fluctuation pattern: at 1-month it was better in patients that received stent, but at 6-months it was significantly better in patients submitted to surgical resection., (Copyright© 2019, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) to relieve malignant colorectal obstruction has been widely accepted in clinical practice. Despite increasing experience, early and late complications occur with an incidence ranging from 4% to 20%., Materials and Methods: We have adopted a modification in the technique. A pediatric nasogastroscope (4.8 mm in diameter) has been used to pass the obstruction. It is possible to have a direct vision of the anatomy and pathology, and to pass the guidewire above the obstruction, through the nasogastroscope, under direct vision. Fluoroscopy was also used to follow the course of the guidewire and deployment of the stent., Results: Early and late complications have been reduced with the new technique., Conclusions: In the most recent experience of 64 patients, early and late complications have been reduced significantly. This new technique reduces radiation exposure by 70% for the patients and for the operators.

Goal: The aim of our prospective study was to analyze the results of endoscopic stenting to treat obstruction due to colorectal cancer and complications after colorectal resection for cancer., Background: Endoscopic stenting for obstructing colorectal cancer has become a common place in clinical practice. However, there is a 2% to 5% risk of bowel perforation, and a percentage of technical failure of 2% to 10%., Materials and Methods: In a 15-year period (August, 1999 to December, 2013), 153 patients with colorectal cancer had endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent for treatment of an obstructing colorectal cancer (133 patients) or for treatment of complications after colorectal resection for cancer (20 patients). They were prospectively evaluated in a database and they form the basis of this report., Results: There was no case of mortality or major morbidity. Overall technical success was 94.8%. After introducing the use of a pediatric nasogastroscope to pass the obstruction (71 patients), technical success was 100%. Complications in patients in whom the stent was left in place during the follow-up were frequent, requiring a close observation. We had 20 patients with fecal obstruction, 4 cases of stent dislodgment, and 8 cases of obstruction from ingrowth of the tumor. All patients were treated successfully endoscopically., Conclusions: Placement of self-expandable metal stents represents a valid technique. A proper training is required.

Background: Self-expandable metal stents can be used to treat patients with rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for cancer., Methods: Fifteen patients with rectovaginal fistula, after colorectal resection for cancer, were treated with endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent. In four patients, a diverting proximal stoma had been performed elsewhere. Mean age was 58 years. All patients had preoperative radiotherapy. In ten patients, the stent was placed as initial form of treatment. Four patients were referred after multiple failed operations. The control group consisted of ten patients who had rectovaginal fistula and underwent proximal diverting ileostomy and percutaneous drainage of the surrounding abscess, Results: One patient was not able to tolerate the stent, which was removed. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, the rectovaginal fistula healed in 12 patients. In the remaining two patients, the fistula has reduced significantly in size to allow a successful flap transposition. The fistula healed only in five out of the ten patients who had only a proximal ileostomy., Conclusions: Endoscopic placement of self-expandable metal stents represents a valid adjunctive to treat patients with rectovaginal fistula, after colorectal resection for cancer.

Aim: Metabolic syndrome has been identified as a risk factor for colorectal cancer and adenoma. The aim of our study was to assess the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma in an adult Italian population with metabolic syndrome., Patients and Methods: Ninety patients with metabolic syndrome were prospectively compared against a matched population without the syndrome to assess the prevalence of colorectal adenoma. Another 1,500 patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were prospectively analyzed: 134 patients with metabolic syndrome and colorectal adenoma were compared against a group of 108 patients with colorectal adenoma without metabolic syndrome to assess the prevalence of cancer. The study was performed from January 2008 until December 2010. Data were analyzed from March to June 2011., Results: The prevalence of colorectal adenoma was twice as high in patients with metabolic syndrome. The incidence of cancer was higher in patients with colorectal adenoma and metabolic syndrome. Associated obesity and liver steatosis were the only factors with independent statistical value., Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for adenoma and cancer degeneration when obesity is present. Associated liver steatosis is a significant risk factor for colorectal cancer., (Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

Anastomotic leak after colorectal resection for cancer is a challenging clinical problem. The postoperative quality of life in these situations is significantly impaired. We prospectively analyzed the effect of placing a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) at the level of the leak, with or without proximal diverting ileostomy, in 22 patients with symptomatic anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection. The stents were placed successfully in all 22 patients. An proximal ileostomy was created in 15 patients under general anesthesia. The anastomotic leak healed, without evidence of residual stricture or major incontinence, in 19 patients (86 %). In 3 patients, the leak did not heal; in 2 patients with recurrent rectovaginal fistula, the size of the leak decreased significantly, allowing successful flap transposition; and only 1 patient required a permanent stoma. SEMS placement is a valid adjunct to the treatment of patients with symptomatic anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Self-expandable metallic stents can be used to treat patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection., Methods: Twenty patients with symptomatic anastomotic stricture after colorectal resection were treated with endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent. Ten patients had "simple" anastomotic stricture. In the remaining 10 patients, a leak was associated with the stricture., Results: The anastomotic leakage healed without evidence of residual stricture or major fecal incontinence in 8 of 10 patients. Overall, the anastomotic stricture was resolved in 14 of the 20 patients., Conclusions: Self-expandable metal stents represent a valid adjunctive to treat patients with symptomatic anastomotic complications after colorectal resection for cancer. They have a complementary role to balloon dilatation in case of simple anastomotic stricture, and they improve the rate of healing when the stricture is associated with a leak., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)