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Aim: Literature on nationwide long-term permanent stoma rates after rectal cancer resection in the minimally invasive era is scarce. The aim of this population-based study was to provide more insight into the permanent stoma rate with interhospital variability (IHV) depending on surgical technique, with pelvic sepsis, unplanned reinterventions and readmissions as secondary outcomes., Method: Patients who underwent open or minimally invasive resection of rectal cancer (lower border below the sigmoid take-off) in 67 Dutch centres in 2016 were included in this cross-sectional cohort study., Results: Among 2530 patients, 1470 underwent a restorative resection (58%), 356 a Hartmann's procedure (14%, IHV 0%-42%) and 704 an abdominoperineal resection (28%, IHV 3%-60%). Median follow-up was 51 months. The overall permanent stoma rate at last follow-up was 50% (IHV 13%-79%) and the unintentional permanent stoma rate, permanent stoma after a restorative procedure or an unplanned Hartmann's procedure, was 11% (IHV 0%-29%). A total of 2165 patients (86%) underwent a minimally invasive resection: 1760 conventional (81%), 170 transanal (8%) and 235 robot-assisted (11%). An anastomosis was created in 59%, 80% and 66%, with corresponding unintentional permanent stoma rates of 12%, 24% and 14% (p = 0.001), respectively. When corrected for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, cTNM, distance to the anorectal junction and neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy, the minimally invasive technique was not associated with an unintended permanent stoma (p = 0.071) after a restorative procedure., Conclusion: A remarkable IHV in the permanent stoma rate after rectal cancer resection was found. No beneficial influence of transanal or robot-assisted laparoscopy on the unintentional permanent stoma rate was found, although this might be caused by the surgical learning curve. A reduction in IHV and improving preoperative counselling for decision-making for restorative procedures are required., (© 2024 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Aim: Uncontrolled pelvic sepsis following rectal cancer surgery may lead to dramatic consequences with significant impact on patients' quality of life. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to evaluate management of pelvic sepsis after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer at a national referral centre., Method: Referred patients with acute or chronic pelvic sepsis after sphincter preserving rectal cancer resection, with the year of referral between 2010 and 2014 (A) or between 2015 and 2020 (B), were included. The main outcome was control of pelvic sepsis at the end of follow-up, with healed anastomosis with restored faecal stream (RFS) as co-primary outcome., Results: In total 136 patients were included: 49 in group A and 87 in group B. After a median follow-up of 82 months (interquartile range 35-100) in group A and 42 months (interquartile range 22-60) in group B, control of pelvic sepsis was achieved in all patients who received endoscopic vacuum assisted surgical closure (7/7 and 2/2), in 91% (19/21) and 89% (31/35) of patients who received redo anastomosis (P = 1.000) and in 100% (18/18) and 95% (41/43) of patients who received intersphincteric resection (P = 1.000), respectively. Restorative procedures resulted in a healed anastomosis with RFS in 61% (17/28) of patients in group A and 68% (25/37) of patients in group B (P = 0.567)., Conclusion: High rates of success can be achieved with surgical salvage of pelvic sepsis in a dedicated tertiary referral centre, without significant differences over time. In well selected and motivated patients a healed anastomosis with RFS can be achieved in the majority., (© 2024 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Purpose: Surgical approach to rectal cancer has evolved in recent decades, with introduction of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques and local excision. Since implementation might differ internationally, this study is aimed at evaluating trends in surgical approach to rectal cancer across different countries over the last 10 years and to gain insight into patient, tumour and treatment characteristics., Methods: Pseudo-anonymised data of patients undergoing resection for rectal cancer between 2010 and 2019 were extracted from clinical audits in the Netherlands (NL), Sweden (SE), England-Wales (EW) and Australia-New Zealand (AZ)., Results: Ninety-nine thousand five hundred ninety-seven patients were included (38,413 open, 55,155 MIS and 5416 local excision). An overall increase in MIS was observed from 29.9% in 2010 to 72.1% in 2019, with decreasing conversion rates (17.5-9.0%). The MIS proportion was highly variable between countries in the period 2010-2014 (54.4% NL, 45.3% EW, 39.8% AZ, 14.1% SE, P < 0.001), but variation reduced over time (2015-2019 78.8% NL, 66.3% EW, 64.3% AZ, 53.2% SE, P < 0.001). The proportion of local excision for the two periods was highly variable between countries: 4.7% and 11.8% in NL, 3.9% and 7.4% in EW, 4.7% and 4.6% in AZ, 6.0% and 2.9% in SE., Conclusions: Application and speed of implementation of MIS were highly variable between countries, but each registry demonstrated a significant increase over time. Local excision revealed inconsistent trends over time., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Patients who develop a perineal hernia after abdominoperineal resection may experience discomfort during daily activities and urogenital dysfunction, but the impact on quality of life has never been formally assessed., Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer between 2014 and 2022 in two prospective multicenter trials were included. Primary outcome was defined as median overall scores or scores on functional and symptom scales of the following quality of life questionnaires: 5-level version of the 5-dimensional EuroQol, Short Form-36, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL Questionnaire Colorectal cancer 29 and 30, Urogenital Distress Inventory-6, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7., Results: Questionnaires were available in 27 patients with a perineal hernia and 62 patients without a perineal hernia. The 5-dimensional EuroQol score was significantly lower in patients with a perineal hernia (83 vs 87, p = 0.048), which implies a reduced level of functioning. The median scores of pain-specific domains were significantly worse in patients with a perineal hernia as measured by the SF-36 (78 vs. 90, p = 0.006), the EORTC-CR29 (17 vs. 11, p=<0.001) and EORTC-C30 (17 vs. 0, p = 0.019). Also, significantly worse physical (73 vs. 100, p = 0.049) and emotional (83 vs. 100, p = 0.048) functioning based on EORTC-C30 was observed among those patients. Minimally important differences were found for role, physical and social functioning of the SF-36 and EORTC-C30. The urological function did not differ between the groups., Conclusion: A symptomatic perineal hernia can significantly worsen quality of life on several domains, indicating the severity of this complication., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: P.J. Tanis reports financial support was provided by Dutch Cancer Society. P.J. Tanis reports financial support was provided by LifeCell Corp., (© 2023 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Omentoplasty is a commonly performed procedure after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer, but its effectiveness to reduce pelviperineal complications is not firmly established., Objective: This study aimed to assess the impact of omentoplasty on postoperative outcomes after long-course (chemo) radiotherapy and abdominoperineal resection in patients with locally advanced and locally recurrent rectal cancer., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Settings: Single center., Patients: All patients with locally advanced and locally recurrent rectal cancer undergoing abdominoperineal resection after neoadjuvant (chemo)radiation in a tertiary referral center between 2008 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed., Main Outcome Measures: Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to analyze the association between omentoplasty and pelviperineal complications, duration of nasogastric tube drainage, and length of hospital stay., Results: A total of 305 patients were analyzed, of whom 245 underwent omentoplasty (80%). Pelviperineal complications occurred in 151 patients (50%) overall, in 125 patients (51%) with omentoplasty, and in 26 patients (43%) without omentoplasty. Independent predictors of pelviperineal complications in multivariable analyses were smoking (OR 2.68; 95% CI, 1.46-4.94) and high BMI (OR 1.68; 95% CI, 1.00-2.83), but not omentoplasty (OR 1.36; 95% CI, 0.77-2.40). The mean duration of nasogastric tube drainage was longer after omentoplasty (6 vs 4 d) with a significant association in multivariable analysis (β coefficient 1.97; 95% CI, 0.35-3.59). Patients undergoing omentoplasty had a significantly longer hospital stay (14 vs 10 d), and omentoplasty remained associated with a prolonged hospital stay after adjusting for confounding (β coefficient 3.05; 95% CI, 0.05-5.74)., Limitations: Retrospective design., Conclusion: Omentoplasty was not associated with a reduced risk of the occurrence of short-term pelviperineal complications after abdominoperineal resection in patients undergoing long-course (chemo)radiotherapy. Furthermore, in patients undergoing omentoplasty, prolonged duration of nasogastric tube drainage and hospital stay was observed. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C124 ., Omentoplastia En Pacientes Sometidos a Reseccin Abdominoperineal Despus De Quimiorradioterapia De Curso Largo Para El Cncer De Recto Localmente Avanzado Y Localmente Recurrente Estudio De Cohorte Comparativo De Una Sola Institucin: ANTECEDENTES:La omentoplastía es un procedimiento que se realiza comúnmente después de la resección abdominoperineal por cáncer de recto, pero su efectividad para reducir las complicaciones pelvicoperineales no está firmemente establecida.OBJETIVO:Evaluar el impacto de la omentoplastía en las complicaciones pelvicoperineales a corto plazo y los resultados postoperatorios después quimioradioterapia de curso largo y resección abdominoperineal en pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado y localmente recurrente.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ESCENARIO:Centro único.PACIENTES:Se revisaron retrospectivamente todos los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado y localmente recurrente sometidos a resección abdominoperineal después de quimioradiación neoadyuvante en un centro de referencia de tercer nivel entre 2008 y 2020.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal y logística multivariable para examinar la asociación entre la omentoplastía y las complicaciones pelvicoperineales (p. ej., problemas de heridas perineales y abscesos pélvicos), la duración del drenaje por sonda nasogástrica y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron un total de 305 pacientes de los cuales 245 fueron sometidos a omentoplastía (80%). Las complicaciones pelvicoperineales ocurrieron en 151 pacientes (50%) en general, y en 125 (51%) y 26 (43%) de los pacientes con o sin omentoplastía, respectivamente. Los predictores independientes de complicaciones pelvicoperineales en análisis multivariable fueron el tabaquismo (OR 2.68, IC del 95% 1.46 a 4.94) y un IMC alto (OR 1.68, IC del 95% 1.00 a 2.83), pero no la omentoplastía (OR 1.36, IC del 95% 0.77 a 2.40) . La duración media del drenaje por sonda nasogástrica fue mayor después de la omentoplastía (6 frente a 4 días) con una asociación significativa en el análisis multivariable (coeficiente β 1.97, IC del 95%: 0.35-3.59). Los pacientes que se sometieron a una omentoplastía tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria significativamente más larga (14 frente a 10 días), y la omentoplastía permaneció asociada con una estancia hospitalaria prolongada después de ajustar por factores de confusión (coeficiente β 3.05, IC del 95%: 0.05-5.74).LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIÓN:La omentoplastía no se asoció con un riesgo reducido de aparición de complicaciones pelvicoperineales a corto plazo después de la resección abdominoperineal en pacientes sometidos a quimioradioterapia de larga duración. Adicionalmente, en los pacientes sometidos a omentoplastía se observó una duración prolongada del drenaje por sonda nasogástrica y la estancia hospitalaria. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C124 . (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco )., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2023.)

Purpose: Highly selective fecal diversion after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer requires a strict postoperative protocol for early detection of anastomotic leakage (AL). The purpose of this study was to evaluate C-reactive protein (CRP)-based CT imaging in diagnosis and subsequent management of AL., Methods: All patients that underwent a CT scan for suspicion of AL after transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer in a university center (2015-2020) were included. Outcome parameters were diagnostic yield of CT and timing of CT and subsequent intervention., Results: Forty-four out of 125 patients underwent CT (35%) with an overall median interval of 5 h (IQR 3-6) from CRP measurement. The anastomosis was diverted in 7/44 (16%). CT was conclusive or highly suspicious for AL in 23, with confirmed AL in all those patients (yield 52%), and was false-negative in one patient (sensitivity 96%). CT initiated subsequent intervention after median 6 h (IQR 3-25). There was no or minor suspicion of AL on imaging in all 20 patients without definitive diagnosis of AL. After CT imaging on day 2, AL was confirmed in 0/1, and these proportions were 6/6 for day 3, 7/10 for day 4, 2/4 for day 5, and 9/23 beyond day 5., Conclusion: In the setting of an institutional policy of highly selective fecal diversion and pro-active leakage management, the yield of selective CT imaging using predefined CRP cut-off values was 52% with a sensitivity of 96%, enabling timely and tailored intervention after a median of 6 h from imaging., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Aim: The aim of this systematic review was to analyse recurrence rates after different surgical techniques for perineal hernia repair., Method: All original studies (n ≥ 2 patients) reporting recurrence rates after perineal hernia repair after abdominoperineal resection (APR) were included. The electronic database PubMed was last searched in December 2021. The primary outcome was recurrent perineal hernia. A weighted average of the logit proportions was determined by the use of the generic inverse variance method and random effects model., Results: A total of 19 studies involving 172 patients were included. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 5.6 years and the indication for APR was predominantly cancer (99%, 170/172). The pooled percentage of recurrent perineal hernia was 39% (95% CI: 27%-52%) after biological mesh closure, 29% (95% CI: 21%-39%) after synthetic mesh closure, 37% (95% CI: 14%-67%) after tissue flap reconstruction only and 9% (95% CI: 1%-45%) after tissue flap reconstruction combined with mesh., Conclusion: Recurrence rates after mesh repair of perineal hernia are high, without a clear difference between biological and synthetic meshes. The addition of a tissue flap to mesh repair seemed to have a favourable outcome, which warrants further investigation., (© 2022 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: Endoscopic vacuum-assisted surgical closure (EVASC) is an emerging treatment for AL, and early initiation of treatment seems to be crucial. The objective of this study was to report on the efficacy of EVASC for anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer resection and determine factors for success., Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all rectal cancer patients treated with EVASC for a leaking primary anastomosis after LAR at a tertiary referral centre (July 2012-April 2020). Early initiation (≤ 21 days) or late initiation of the EVASC protocol was compared. Primary outcomes were healed and functional anastomosis at end of follow-up., Results: Sixty-two patients were included, of whom 38 were referred. Median follow-up was 25 months (IQR 14-38). Early initiation of EVASC (≤ 21 days) resulted in a higher rate of healed anastomosis (87% vs 59%, OR 4.43 [1.25-15.9]) and functional anastomosis (80% vs 56%, OR 3.11 [1.00-9.71]) if compared to late initiation. Median interval from AL diagnosis to initiation of EVASC was significantly shorter in the early group (11 days (IQR 6-15) vs 70 days (IQR 39-322), p < 0.001). A permanent end-colostomy was created in 7% and 28%, respectively (OR 0.18 [0.04-0.93]). In 17 patients with a non-defunctioned anastomosis, and AL diagnosis within 2 weeks, EVASC resulted in 100% healed and functional anastomosis., Conclusion: Early initiation of EVASC for anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection yields high rates of healed and functional anastomosis. EVASC showed to be progressively more successful with the implementation of highly selective diversion and early diagnosis of the leak., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: This study aimed to establish the functional impact of displacement of urogenital organs after abdominoperineal resection (APR) using validated questionnaires., Methods: Patients who underwent APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer (2001-2018) with evaluable pre- and postoperative radiological imaging and completed urinary (UDI-6, IIQ-7) and sexual questionnaires (male, IIEF; female, FSFI, FSDS-R) were included from 16 centers. Absolute displacement of the internal urethral orifice, posterior bladder wall, distal end of the prostatic urethra, and cervix were correlated to urogenital function by calculating Spearman's Rho (ρ). Median function scores were compared between minimal or substantial displacement using median split., Results: There were 89 male and 36 female patients included, of whom 45 and 19 were sexually active after surgery. Absolute displacement of the internal urethral orifice and posterior bladder wall was not correlated with UDI-6 in men (ρ = 0.119 and ρ = 0.022) nor in women (ρ =  - 0.098 and ρ =  - 0.154). In men with minimal and substantial displacement of the internal urethral orifice, median UDI-6 scores were 10 (IQR 0-22) and 17 (IQR 5-21), respectively, with corresponding scores of 25 (IQR 10-46) and 21 (IQR 16-36) in women. Displacement of the cervix and FSDS-R were correlated (ρ = 0.433) in sexually active patients., Conclusion: This first analysis on functional impact of urogenital organ displacement after APR suggests that more displacement of the cervix might be associated with worse sexual function, while the data does not indicate any potential functional impact of bladder displacement. Studies are needed to further explore this underexposed topic., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The aim of this nationwide observational study was to evaluate factors associated with multivisceral resection (MVR), margin status and overall survival in locally advanced colorectal cancer (CRC)., Material and Methods: Patients with (y)pT4, cM0 CRC between 2006 and 2017 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Cox-proportional hazards modelling was used for survival analysis, stratified for T4a and T4b. Annual hospital volume cut-off was 75 for colon and 40 for rectal resections., Results: A total of 11.930 patients were included and 2410 patients (20.2%) underwent MVR. Factors associated with MVR for colon and rectal cancer besides cT4 category were more recent diagnosis (OR 3.61, CI 95% 3.06-4.25 (colon) and OR 2.72, CI 95% 1.82-4.08 (rectum)) and high hospital volume (OR 1.20, CI 95% 1.05-1.38 (colon) and OR 2.17, CI 95% 1.55-3.04 (rectum)). Patients ≥70 year were less likely to undergo MVR for colon cancer (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70-0.90). Risk factors for incomplete resection were cT4 (OR 3.08, CI 95% 2.35-4.04 (colon) and OR 1.82, CI 95% 1.13-2.94 (rectum)) and poor/undifferentiated tumors (OR 1.41, CI 95% 1.14-1.72 (colon) and OR 1.69, CI 95% 1.05-2.74 (rectum)). More recent diagnosis was independently associated with less incomplete resections in colon cancer (OR 0.58, CI 95% 0.40-0.76). Independent predictors of survival were age, resection margin, nodal status and adjuvant chemotherapy, but not MVR., Conclusion: Treatment of locally advanced CRC with MVR at population level was influenced by year of diagnosis and hospital volume. Margin status in colon cancer improved substantially over time., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine long-term outcomes of a randomized trial (BIOPEX) comparing biological mesh and primary perineal closure in rectal cancer patients after extralevator abdominoperineal resection and preoperative radiotherapy, with a primary focus on symptomatic perineal hernia., Summary Background Data: BIOPEX is the only randomized trial in this field, which was negative on its primary endpoint (30-day wound healing)., Methods: This was a posthoc secondary analysis of patients randomized in the BIOPEX trial to either biological mesh closure (n = 50; 2 dropouts) or primary perineal closure (n = 54; 1 dropout). Patients were followed for 5 years. Actuarial 5-year probabilities were determined by the Kaplan-Meier statistic., Results: Actuarial 5-year symptomatic perineal hernia rates were 7% (95% CI, 0-30) after biological mesh closure versus 30% (95% CI, 10-49) after primary closure (P = 0.006). One patient (2%) in the biomesh group underwent elective perineal hernia repair, compared to 7 patients (13%) in the primary closure group (P = 0.062). Reoperations for small bowel obstruction were necessary in 1/48 patients (2%) and 5/53 patients (9%), respectively (P = 0.208). No significant differences were found for chronic perineal wound problems, locoregional recurrence, overall survival, and main domains of quality of life and functional outcome., Conclusions: Symptomatic perineal hernia rate at 5-year follow-up after abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer was significantly lower after biological mesh closure. Biological mesh closure did not improve quality of life or functional outcomes., Competing Interests: The remaining authors report no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aim: This study aimed to quantify displacement of urogenital organs after abdominoperineal resection (APR), and to explore patient and treatment characteristics associated with displacement., Method: Patients from 16 centres who underwent APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer (2001-2018) with evaluable preoperative and 6-18 months postoperative radiological imaging were included in the study. Anatomical landmarks on sagittal images were related to a coordinate system based on reference lines between fixed bony structures and absolute displacements were calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. Rotation of landmarks was measured relative to a pubic-S5 reference line., Results: There were 248 patients included of which 171 were men and 77 women. The median displacement of the internal urethral orifice was 25 mm in men (maximum 65), and 17 mm in women (maximum 50). Rotation of the internal urethral orifice was in a caudal direction in 160/170 (94%) of men and 65/73 (89%) of women, with a median of 32 degrees (maximum 85) and 33 degrees (maximum 83), respectively. Displacements of the posterior bladder wall, distal end of prostatic urethra and cervix were significantly correlated with the internal urethral orifice. In linear regression analysis, biological mesh reconstruction of the pelvic floor and visceral interposition were significantly associated with increased displacement of the internal urethral orifice, and female gender and any filling of the presacral space with decreased displacement., Conclusions: Substantial absolute displacement and rotation of urogenital organs after APR for rectal cancer were observed, but with high variability among both men and women, and being significantly associated with reconstructive interventions., (© 2021 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: The aim of this study was to compare perineal wound healing between gluteal turnover flap and primary closure in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer., Methods: Patients who underwent APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer with gluteal turnover flap in two university hospitals (2016-2021) were compared to a multicentre cohort of primary closure (2000-2017). The primary endpoint was uncomplicated perineal wound healing within 30 days. Secondary endpoints were long-term wound healing, related re-interventions, and perineal herniation. The perineal hernia rate was assessed using Kaplan Meier analysis., Results: Twenty-five patients had a gluteal turnover flap and 194 had primary closure. The uncomplicated perineal wound-healing rate within 30 days was 68% (17/25) after gluteal turnover flap versus 64% (124/194) after primary closure, OR 2.246; 95% CI 0.734-6.876; p = 0.156 in multivariable analysis. No major wound complications requiring surgical re-intervention occurred after flap closure. Eighteen patients with gluteal turnover flap completed 12-month follow-up, and none of them had chronic perineal sinus, compared to 6% (11/173) after primary closure (p = 0.604). The symptomatic 18-month perineal hernia rate after flap closure was 0%, compared to 9% after primary closure (p = 0.184)., Conclusions: The uncomplicated perineal wound-healing rate after the gluteal turnover flap and primary closure after APR is similar, and no chronic perineal sinus or perineal hernia occurred after flap closure. Future studies have to confirm potential benefits of the gluteal turnover flap., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Background: Circumferential resection margin is considered an important prognostic parameter after rectal cancer surgery, but its impact might have changed because of improved surgical quality and tailored multimodality treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the prognostic importance of circumferential resection margin involvement based on the most recent literature., Methods: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed for studies published between January 2006 and May 2019. Studies were included if 3- or 5-year oncological outcomes were reported depending on circumferential resection margin status. Outcome parameters were local recurrence, overall survival, disease-free survival, and distant metastasis rate. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Jadad score were used for quality assessment of the studies. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model and reported as a pooled odds ratio or hazard ratio with 95% confidence interval., Results: Seventy-five studies were included, comprising a total of 85,048 rectal cancer patients. Significant associations between circumferential resection margin involvement and all long-term outcome parameters were uniformly found, with varying odds ratios and hazard ratios depending on circumferential resection margin definition (<1 mm, ≤1 mm, otherwise), neoadjuvant treatment, study period, and geographical origin of the studies., Conclusion: Circumferential resection margin involvement has remained an independent, poor prognostic factor for local recurrence and survival in most recent literature, indicating that circumferential resection margin status can still be used as a short-term surrogate endpoint., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: We declare no competing interests.

Background: A more extensive resection is often required in locally advanced rectal cancer, depending on preoperative neoadjuvant treatment response., Objective: Circumferential margin involvement and postoperative outcomes after total mesorectal excision and multivisceral resection were assessed in patients with clinical locally advanced (cT4) rectal cancer at a national level., Design: This is a population-based study., Settings: Data were retrieved from the Dutch Colorectal Audit., Patients: A total of 2242 of 2881 patients with cT4 rectal cancer between January 2009 and December 2017 were selected., Main Outcome Measures: Main outcomes were resection margins, postoperative complications, and mortality., Results: Multivisceral resection was performed in 936 of 2242 patients, of whom 629 underwent extended multivisceral resection. Positive circumferential margin rate was higher after multivisceral resection than after total mesorectal excision: 21.2% vs 13.9% (p < 0.001). More postoperative complications occurred after limited and extended multivisceral resections than after total mesorectal excision (44.1% and 53.8% vs 37.6%, p < 0.001). Incidence of 30-day mortality was similarly low in both groups (1.5% vs 2.2%, p = 0.20). Independent predictors of postoperative complications were age ≥70 years (OR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.04-1.56]; p = 0.02), male sex (OR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.38-2.04]; p< 0.001), mucinous tumors (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.06-2.27]; p = 0.02), extended multivisceral resection (OR, 1.98 [95% CI, 1.56-2.52]; p< 0.001), Hartmann procedure (OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.07-1.90]; p = 0.02), and abdominoperineal resection (OR, 1.56 [95% CI, 1.25-1.96]; p < 0.001)., Limitations: Data specifying the extent of multivisceral resections and Clavien Dindo I to II complications were not available., Conclusions: This population-based study revealed relatively high circumferential margin positivity and postoperative complication rates in patients with cT4 rectal cancer, especially after multivisceral resections, but low mortality rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B457., Alta Tasa Persistente De Mrgenes Positivos Y Complicaciones Postoperatorias Despus De La Ciruga De Cncer Rectal Cta Nivel Nacional: ANTECEDENTES:A menudo se requiere una resección más extensa en el cáncer de recto localmente avanzado, según la respuesta al tratamiento neoadyuvante preoperatorio.OBJETIVO:Se evaluó la afectación del margen circunferencial y los resultados postoperatorios después de la escisión mesorrectal total y la resección multivisceral en pacientes con cáncer rectal clínico localmente avanzado (cT4) a nivel nacional.DISEÑO:Este es un estudio poblacional.ENTORNO CLINICO:Los datos se recuperaron de la Auditoría colorrectal holandesa.PACIENTES:Se seleccionaron un total de 2242 de 2881 pacientes con cáncer de recto cT4 entre enero de 2009 y diciembre de 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Los principales resultados fueron los márgenes de resección, las complicaciones postoperatorias y la mortalidad.RESULTADOS:Se realizó resección multivisceral en 936 de 2242 pacientes, de los cuales 629 fueron sometidos a resección multivisceral extendida. La tasa de margen circunferencial positivo fue mayor después de la resección multivisceral que después de la escisión mesorrectal total: 21,2% versus a 13,9% (p <0,001). Se produjeron más complicaciones postoperatorias después de resecciones multiviscerales limitadas y extendidas en comparación con la escisión mesorrectal total (44,1% y 53,8% versus a 37,6%, p <0,001). La incidencia de mortalidad a 30 días fue igualmente baja en ambos grupos (1,5% versus a 2,2%, p = 0,20). Los predictores independientes de complicaciones posoperatorias fueron la edad ≥70 años (OR = 1,28, IC del 95% [1,04 a 1,56], p = 0,02), hombres (OR = 1,68, IC del 95% [1,38 a 2,04], p <0,001), tumores mucinosos (OR = 1,55, IC del 95% [1,06 a 2,27], p = 0,02), resección multivisceral extendida (OR = 1,98, IC del 95% [1,56 a 2,52], p <0,001), Hartmann (OR = 1,42, 95% Cl [1,07 a 1,90], p = 0,02) y resección abdominoperineal (OR 1,56, Cl 95% [1,25 a 1,96], p <0,001).LIMITACIONES:No se disponía de datos que especificaran el alcance de las resecciones multiviscerales y las complicaciones de Clavien Dindo I-II.CONCLUSIONES:Este estudio poblacional reveló tasas de complicaciones postoperatorias y positividad del margen circunferencial relativamente altas en pacientes con cáncer de recto cT4, especialmente después de resecciones multiviscerales, pero tasas de mortalidad bajas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B457., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2021.)

Background: The risks of local recurrence and treatment-related morbidity need to be balanced after local excision of early rectal cancer. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine oncological outcomes after local excision of pT1-2 rectal cancer followed by no additional treatment (NAT), completion total mesorectal excision (cTME) or adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy (aCRT)., Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was local recurrence. Statistical analysis included calculation of the weighted average of proportions., Results: Some 73 studies comprising 4674 patients were included in the analysis. Sixty-two evaluated NAT, 13 cTME and 28 aCRT. The local recurrence rate for NAT among low-risk pT1 tumours was 6·7 (95 per cent c.i. 4·8 to 9·3) per cent. There were no local recurrences of low-risk pT1 tumours after cTME or aCRT. The local recurrence rate for high-risk pT1 tumours was 13·6 (8·0 to 22·0) per cent for local excision only, 4·1 (1·7 to 9·4) per cent for cTME and 3·9 (2·0 to 7·5) per cent for aCRT. Local recurrence rates for pT2 tumours were 28·9 (22·3 to 36·4) per cent with NAT, 4 (1 to 13) per cent after cTME and 14·7 (11·2 to 19·0) per cent after aCRT., Conclusion: There is a substantial risk of local recurrence in patients who receive no additional treatment after local excision, especially those with high-risk pT1 and pT2 rectal cancer. The lowest recurrence risk is provided by cTME; aCRT has outcomes comparable to those of cTME for high-risk pT1 tumours, but shows a higher risk for pT2 tumours., (© 2020 The Authors. British Journal of Surgery published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is still a common and feared complication after low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer. The multifactorial pathophysiology of AL and lack of standardised treatment options requires a multi-modal approach to improve long-term anastomotic integrity. The objective of the IMARI-trial is to determine whether the one-year anastomotic integrity rate in patients undergoing LAR for rectal cancer can be improved using a multi-interventional program., Methods: IMARI is a multicentre prospective clinical effectiveness trial, whereby current local practice (control cohort) will be evaluated, and subsequently compared to results after implementation of the multi-interventional program (intervention cohort). Patients undergoing LAR for rectal cancer will be included. The multi-interventional program includes three preventive interventions (mechanical bowel preparation with oral antibiotics, tailored full splenic flexure mobilization and intraoperative fluorescence angiography using indocyanine green) combined with a standardised pathway for early detection and active management of AL. The primary outcome is anastomotic integrity, confirmed by CT-scan at one year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes include incidence of AL, protocol compliance and association with AL, temporary and permanent stoma rate, reintervention rate, quality of life and functional outcome. Microbiome analysis will be conducted to investigate the role of the rectal microbiome in AL. In a Dutch nationwide study, the AL rate was 20%, with anastomotic integrity of 90% after one year. Based on an expected reduction of AL due to the preventive approaches of 50%, and increase of anastomotic integrity by a standardised pathway for early detection and active management of AL, we hypothesised that the anastomotic integrity rate will increase from 90 to 97% at one year. An improvement of 7% in anastomotic integrity at one year was considered clinically relevant. A total number of 488 patients (244 per cohort) are needed to detect this difference, with 80% statistical power., Discussion: The IMARI-trial is designed to evaluate whether a multi-interventional program can improve long-term anastomotic integrity after rectal cancer surgery. The uniqueness of IMARI lies in the multi-modal design that addresses the multifactorial pathophysiology for prevention, and a standardised pathway for early detection and active treatment of AL., Trial Registration: Trialregister.nl ( NL8261 ), January 2020.

Background: Abdominoperineal excision (APE) for rectal cancer is associated with a relatively high risk of positive margins and postoperative morbidity, particularly related to perineal wound healing problems. It is unknown whether the use of a minimally invasive approach for the perineal part of these procedures can improve postoperative outcomes without oncological compromise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of minimally invasive transperineal abdominoperineal excision (TpAPE) METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included all patients having TpAPE for primary low rectal cancer. The primary endpoint was the intraoperative complication rate. Secondary endpoints included major morbidity (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3), histopathology results, and perineal wound healing., Results: A total of 32 TpAPE procedures were performed in five centers. A bilateral extralevator APE (ELAPE) was performed in 17 patients (53%), a unilateral ELAPE in 7 (22%), and an APE in 8 (25%). Intraoperative complications occurred in five cases (16%) and severe postoperative morbidity in three cases (9%). There were no perioperative deaths. A positive margin (R1) was observed in four patients (13%) and specimen perforation occurred in two (6%). The unilateral extralevator TpAPE group had worse specimen quality and a higher proportion of R1 resections than the bilateral ELAPE or standard APE groups. The rate of uncomplicated perineal wound healing was 53% (n = 17) and three patients (9%) required surgical reintervention., Conclusions: TpAPE seems to be feasible with acceptable perioperative morbidity and a relatively low rate of perineal wound dehiscence, while histopathological outcomes remain suboptimal. Additional evaluation of the viability of this technique is needed in the form of a prospective trial with standardization of the procedure, indication, audit of outcomes and performed by surgeons with vast experience in transanal total mesorectal excision.

Background: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) for rectal cancer is associated with high morbidity of the perineal wound, and controversy exists about the optimal closure technique. Primary perineal wound closure is still the standard of care in the Netherlands. Biological mesh closure did not improve wound healing in our previous randomised controlled trial (BIOPEX-study). It is suggested, based on meta-analysis of cohort studies, that filling of the perineal defect with well-vascularised tissue improves perineal wound healing. A gluteal turnover flap seems to be a promising method for this purpose, and with the advantage of not having a donor site scar. The aim of this study is to investigate whether a gluteal turnover flap improves the uncomplicated perineal wound healing after APR for rectal cancer., Methods: Patients with primary or recurrent rectal cancer who are planned for APR will be considered eligible in this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Exclusion criteria are total exenteration, sacral resection above S4/S5, intersphincteric APR, biological mesh closure of the pelvic floor, collagen disorders, and severe systemic diseases. A total of 160 patients will be randomised between gluteal turnover flap (experimental arm) and primary closure (control arm). The total follow-up duration is 12 months, and outcome assessors and patients will be blinded for type of perineal wound closure. The primary outcome is the percentage of uncomplicated perineal wound healing on day 30, defined as a Southampton wound score of less than two. Secondary outcomes include time to perineal wound closure, incidence of perineal hernia, the number, duration and nature of the complications, re-interventions, quality of life and urogenital function., Discussion: The uncomplicated perineal wound healing rate is expected to increase from 65 to 85% by using the gluteal turnover flap. With proven effectiveness, a quick implementation of this relatively simple surgical technique is expected to take place., Trial Registration: The trial was retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04004650 on July 2, 2019.

Aim: This study aimed to determine predictive factors for the circumferential resection margin (CRM) within two northern European countries with supposed similarity in providing rectal cancer care., Method: Data for all patients undergoing rectal resection for clinical tumour node metastasis (TNM) stage I-III rectal cancer were extracted from the Swedish ColoRectal Cancer Registry and the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (2011-2015). Separate analyses were performed for cT1-3 and cT4 stage. Predictive factors for the CRM were determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses., Results: A total of 6444 Swedish and 12 089 Dutch patients were analysed. Over time the number of hospitals treating rectal cancer decreased from 52 to 42 in Sweden, and 82 to 79 in the Netherlands. In the Swedish population, proportions of cT4 stage (17% vs 8%), multivisceral resection (14% vs 7%) and abdominoperineal excision (APR) (37% vs 31%) were higher. The overall proportion of patients with a positive CRM (CRM+) was 7.8% in Sweden and 5.4% in the Netherlands. In both populations with cT1-3 stage disease, common independent risk factors for CRM+ were cT3, APR and multivisceral resection. No common risk factors for CRM+ in cT4 stage disease were found. An independent impact of hospital volume on CRM+ could be demonstrated for the cT1-3 Dutch population., Conclusion: Within two northern European countries with implemented clinical auditing, rectal cancer care might potentially be improved by further optimizing the treatment of distal and locally advanced rectal cancer., (© 2019 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: Redo surgery of persisting pelvic sepsis or chronic presacral sinus after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is challenging. Transanal minimally invasive surgery improves visibility and accessibility of the deep pelvis., Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the conventional approach with transanal minimally invasive surgery for redo pelvic surgery with or without anastomotic reconstruction., Design: This is a retrospective cohort study., Settings: This study was conducted in a tertiary referral center., Patients: All consecutive patients undergoing redo pelvic surgery after low anterior resection for rectal cancer between January 2005 and March 2018 were included., Interventions: Redo surgery was divided into redo anastomosis and intersphincteric completion proctectomy. Transanal minimally invasive surgery procedures since November 2014 were compared with the conventional approach., Main Outcome Measures: Primary end points were procedural characteristics and 90-day major complications., Results: In total, 104 patients underwent redo surgery; 47 received a redo anastomosis (18 conventional and 29 transanal minimally invasive surgery) and 57 underwent intersphincteric completion proctectomy (35 conventional and 22 transanal minimally invasive surgery). The transabdominal part of the transanal minimally invasive surgery procedures was performed laparoscopically in 72% and 59% of redo anastomosis and intersphincteric completion proctectomy, compared with 6% and 34% in the conventional group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.100). The 90-day major complication rate was 33% and 45% after redo anastomosis (p=0.546) and 29% and 41% after intersphincteric completion proctectomy (p=0.349) in conventional surgery and transanal minimally invasive surgery., Limitations: A limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size., Conclusions: This study suggests that transanal minimally invasive surgery is a valid alternative to conventional top-down redo pelvic surgery for persisting pelvic sepsis or chronic sinus, with more often a laparoscopic approach for the abdominal part. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B87. MANEJO QUIRÚRGICO TRANSANAL MÍNIMAMENTE INVASIVO DE LA SEPSIS PÉLVICA PERSISTENTE O DE UN SENO CRÓNICO DESPUÉS DE RESECCIÓN ANTERIOR BAJA: La cirugía de reoperación por sepsis pélvica persistente o un seno presacro crónico después de una resección anterior baja por cáncer de recto es un desafío. La cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva mejora la visibilidad y la accesibilidad a la región profunda de la pelvis.El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el abordaje convencional con la cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva para cirugía pélvica de reoperación con o sin reconstrucción anastomótica.Este es un estudio de cohorte retrospectiva.Este estudio se realizó en un centro de referencia terciario.Se incluyeron todos los pacientes consecutivos que se sometieron a una cirugía pélvica de reoperación después de una resección anterior baja por cáncer de recto entre enero de 2005 y marzo de 2018.La cirugía de reoperación se dividió en reconstrucción de anastomosis y proctectomía interesfintérica. Los procedimientos de cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva desde noviembre de 2014 se compararon con el abordaje convencional.Los puntos primarios fueron las características del procedimiento y las complicaciones mayores a 90 días.En total, 104 pacientes fueron sometidos a cirugía de reoperación; 47 recibieron una reconstrucción de anastomosis (18 abordaje convencional y 29 cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva) y 57 se sometieron a una proctectomía interesfintérica (35 abordaje convencional y 22 cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva). La parte transabdominal de los procedimientos de cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva se realizó por vía laparoscópica en el 72% y el 59% de las reconstrucciones de anastomosis y las proctectomías interesfintéricas, respectivamente, en comparación con el 6% y el 34%, respectivamente, en el grupo convencional (p <0.001 y p = 0.100). La tasa de complicaciones mayores a los 90 días fue del 33% y del 45% después de la anastomosis de reconstrucción (p = 0.546) y del 29% y 41% después de la proctectomía interesfintérica (p = 0.349) en cirugía convencional y cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva, respectivamente.La limitación de este estudio es el tamaño relativamente pequeño de la muestra.Este estudio sugiere que la cirugía transanal mínimamente invasiva es una alternativa válida para la cirugía pélvica de reoperación convencional en sepsis pélvica persistente o seno crónico, con un abordaje laparoscópico utilizado más frecuentemente para la parte abdominal. Vea el Abstract del video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B87.

Introduction: Optimized treatment of primary rectal cancer might have influenced treatment characteristics and outcome of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Subgroup analysis of the Dutch TME trial showed that preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) for the primary tumour was an independent poor prognostic factor after diagnosis of LRRC. This cross-sectional population study aimed to evaluate treatment and overall survival (OS) of LRRC patients, stratified for prior preoperative radiotherapy (PRT) and intention of treatment of LRRC., Methods: All patients developing LRRC were selected from a collaborative Snapshot study on 2095 surgically treated rectal cancer patients from 71 Dutch hospitals in the year 2011. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to determine predictors for OS., Results: A total of 107 LRRC patients (5.1%) were included, of whom 88 (82%) underwent PRT for their primary tumour. LRRC was treated with initial curative intent in 31 patients (29%), with eventual resection in 20 patients (19%). Median OS was 22 and 8 months after curative and palliative intent treatment, respectively (p < 0.001). Initial CRM positivity and palliative intent treatment were associated with worse OS after LRRC, while prior PRT was not., Conclusions: This cross-sectional study revealed that rectal cancer patients, who underwent curative resection in the Netherlands in 2011 and subsequently developed local recurrence, were amenable for again curative intent treatment in 29%, with a corresponding median survival of 22 months. Prior PRT was not significantly associated with survival after diagnosis of LRRC., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.)

Background: Abdominoperineal resection (APR) carries a high risk of perineal wound morbidity. Perineal wound closure using autologous tissue flaps has been shown to be advantageous, but there is no consensus as to the optimal method. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a novel gluteal turnover flap (GT-flap) without donor site scar for perineal closure after APR., Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent APR for primary or recurrent rectal cancer were included in a prospective non-randomised pilot study in two academic centres. Perineal reconstruction consisted of a unilateral subcutaneous GT-flap, followed by midline closure. Feasibility was defined as uncomplicated perineal wound healing at 30 days in at least five patients, and a maximum of two flap failures., Results: Out of 17 potentially eligible patients, 10 patients underwent APR with GT-flap-assisted perineal wound closure. Seven patients had pre-operative radiotherapy. Median-added theatre time was 38 min (range 35-44 min). Two patients developed a superficial perineal wound dehiscence, most likely because of the excessive width of the skin island. Two other patients developed purulent discharge and excessive serosanguinous discharge, respectively, resulting in four complicated wounds at 30 days. No flap failure occurred, and no radiological or surgical reinterventions were performed. Median length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR 8-12 days)., Conclusions: The GT-flap for routine perineal wound closure after APR seems feasible with limited additional theatre time, but success seems to depend on correct planning of the width of the flap. The potential for reducing perineal morbidity should be evaluated in a randomised controlled trial.

Background: Abdominoperineal resection is associated with a high incidence of perineal complications, and whether this is reduced by an omentoplasty is still unclear., Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of omentoplasty on pelviperineal morbidity in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer., Design: This was a retrospective comparative cohort study using propensity score analyses to reduce potential confounding., Setting: The study was undertaken in 2 teaching hospitals and 1 university hospital., Patients: Patients who underwent abdominoperineal resection for primary rectal cancer between 2000 and 2017 were included., Main Outcome Measures: The main end points were primary perineal wound healing at 30 days and overall and specific pelviperineal morbidity until the end of the study period., Results: Among 254 included patients, 106 had an omentoplasty. The primary perineal wound healing rate at 30 days was similar for omentoplasty and no omentoplasty (65% vs 60%; p = 0.422), also after adjusting for potential confounding by propensity score analysis (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.45-1.75). Being free from any pelviperineal complication at 6 months (75% vs 79%; p = 0.492), absence of any pelviperineal morbidity until 1 year (54% vs 49%; p = 0.484), and incidence of persistent perineal sinus (6% vs 10%; p = 0.256) were also similar in both groups. The unadjusted higher perineal hernia rate after omentoplasty (18% vs 7%; p = 0.011) did not remain statistically significant after regression analysis including the propensity score (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.46-3.88). Complications related to the omentoplasty itself were observed in 8 patients, of whom 6 required reoperation., Limitations: This study was limited by the retrospective and nonrandomized design causing some heterogeneity between the 2 cohorts., Conclusion: In this multicenter study using propensity score analyses, the use of omentoplasty did not lower the incidence or the duration of pelviperineal morbidity in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer, and omentoplasty itself was associated with a risk of reoperation. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A918.

Background: Low Hartmann's procedure (LHP) and intersphincteric abdominoperineal resection (iAPR) are both surgical options in the treatment of distal rectal cancer when there is no intention to restore bowel continuity. This study aimed to evaluate current practice among members of the Dutch Association of Coloproctology (WCP)., Methods: An online survey among members of the WCP who represent 66 Dutch hospitals was conducted. The survey consisted of 15 questions addressing indications for surgical procedures and complications., Results: Surgeons from 37 hospitals (56%) responded. Thirty-six percent does not distinguish low from high Hartmann's procedures based on estimated length of the rectal remnant. Overall, iAPR was the preferred technique in 86%. If asking whether operative approach would be different in tumours at 1 cm from the pelvic floor compared to 5 cm distance, 62% stated that they would consider a different technique. The incidence of pelvic abscess after LHP was thought to be higher, equal or lower than iAPR in 36%, 36% and 21%, respectively, with the remaining respondents not answering this question., Conclusions: The vast majority of the respondents considers iAPR as the preferred non-restorative procedure for rectal cancer not invading the sphincter complex, which contradicts with population based data from 2011.

Aim: The aim of this study was to validate the Dutch translation of the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score in a population of Dutch rectal cancer patients., Method: Patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer received the LARS score questionnaire, a single quality of life (QoL) category question and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 questionnaire. A subgroup of patients received the LARS score twice to assess the test-retest reliability., Results: A total of 165 patients were included in the analysis, identified in six Dutch centres. The response rate was 62.0%. The percentage of patients who reported 'major LARS' was 59.4%. There was a high proportion of patients with a perfect or moderate fit between the QoL category question and the LARS score, showing a good convergent validity. The LARS score was able to discriminate between patients with or without neoadjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.003), between total and partial mesorectal excision (P = 0.008) and between age groups (P = 0.039). There was a statistically significant association between a higher LARS score and an impaired function on the global QoL subscale and the physical, role, emotional and social functioning subscales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. The test-retest reliability of the LARS score was good, with an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.79., Conclusion: The good psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the LARS score are comparable overall to the earlier validations in other countries. Therefore, the Dutch translation can be considered to be a valid tool for assessing LARS in Dutch rectal cancer patients., (Colorectal Disease © 2018 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Aim: Low Hartmann's resection (LHR) and intersphincteric abdominoperineal excision (iAPR) are both feasible options in the treatment of rectal cancer when restoration of bowel continuity is not desired. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of pelvic abscess and associated need for re-intervention and readmission after LHR and iAPR., Method: From a snapshot research project in which all rectal cancer resections from 71 Dutch hospitals in 2011 were evaluated, patients who underwent LHR or iAPR were selected., Results: A total of 185 patients were included: 139 LHR and 46 iAPR. No differences in baseline characteristics were found except for more multivisceral resections in the iAPR group (22% vs 10%; P = 0.041). Pelvic abscesses were diagnosed in 17% of the LHR group after a median of 21 days (interquartile range 10-151 days), compared to 11% in the iAPR group (P = 0.352) after a median of 90 days (interquartile range 44-269 days; P = 0.102). All 28 patients with a pelvic abscess underwent at least one re-intervention. Four patients (9%) in the iAPR group and nine (7%) after LHR were readmitted because of a pelvic abscess over a median 39 months of follow-up., Conclusion: This cross-sectional multicentre study suggests that cross-stapling and intersphincteric resection of the rectal stump, during non-restorative rectal cancer resection, are associated with an equal risk of pelvic abscess formation and have a similar need for re-intervention and readmission., (© 2018 The Authors. Colorectal Disease published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Background: Perineal wound complications are often encountered following abdominoperineal resection (APR). Filling of the pelvic space by omentoplasty (OP) might prevent these complications, but there is scant evidence to support its routine application., Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of OP on perineal wound complications., Methods: All patients undergoing APR with primary perineal closure (PPC) for non-locally advanced rectal cancer in 71 Dutch centers in 2011 were selected from a cross-sectional snapshot study. Outcomes were compared between PPC with or without OP, which was based on variability in practice among surgeons., Results: Of 639 patients who underwent APR for rectal cancer, 477 had a non-locally advanced tumor and PPC was performed. Of those, 172 (36%) underwent OP. Patients with OP statistically more often underwent an extralevator approach (32% vs. 14%). Median follow-up was 41 months (interquartile range 22-47). There were no significant differences with or without OP in terms of non-healing of the perineal wound at 30 days (47% vs. 48%), non-healing at the end of follow-up (9% vs. 5%), pelvic abscess (12% vs. 13%) or re-intervention for ileus (5% vs. 3%). Perineal hernia developed significantly more often after OP (13% vs. 7%), also by multivariable analysis (odds ratio 2.61, 95% confidence interval 1.271-5.364; p = 0.009)., Conclusions: In contrast to previous assumptions, OP after APR with PPC appeared not to improve perineal wound healing and seemed to increase the occurrence of perineal hernia. These findings question the routine use of OP for primary filling of the pelvic space.

Aim: The construction of a new coloanal anastomosis (CAA) following anastomotic leakage after low anterior resection (LAR) is challenging. The available literature on this topic is scarce. The aim of this two-centre study was to determine the clinical success and morbidity after redo CAA., Method: This retrospective cohort study included all patients with anastomotic leakage after LAR for rectal cancer who underwent a redo CAA between 2010 and 2014 in two tertiary referral centres. Short- and long-term morbidity were analysed, including both anastomotic leakage and permanent stoma rates on completion of follow-up., Results: A total of 59 patients were included, of whom 45 (76%) were men, with a mean age of 59 years (SD ± 9.4). The median interval between index and redo surgery was 14 months [interquartile range (IQR) 8-27]. The median duration of follow-up was 27 months (IQR 17-36). The most frequent complication was anastomotic leakage of the redo CAA occurring in 24 patients (41%), resulting in a median of three reinterventions (IQR 2-4) per patient. At the end of follow-up, bowel continuity was restored in 39/59 (66%) patients. Fourteen (24%) patients received a definitive colostomy and six (10%) still had a diverting ileostomy. In a multivariable model, leakage of the redo CAA was the only risk factor for permanent stoma (OR 0.022; 95% CI 0.004-0.122)., Conclusion: Redo CAA is a viable option in selected patients with persisting leakage after LAR for rectal cancer who want their bowel continuity restored. However, patients should be fully informed about the relatively high morbidity and reintervention rates., (Colorectal Disease © 2017 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)