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Background: Despite limited endoscopy resources, repeat endoscopy prior to surgery is commonly practised. Our aim was to determine repeat preoperative endoscopy rates and factors influencing this practice at a high-volume Canadian tertiary centre.Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on all patients undergoing elective colorectal resections for benign and malignant neoplasms at a tertiary centre in Winnipeg, Canada between 2007 and 2017. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of repeat preoperative endoscopy.Results: Of 1062 patients identified, mean age was 68 years and 56% were male. Rate of repeat preoperative endoscopy was 29%. On multivariable analysis, male sex (OR 1.68, CI 1.19-2.34, p = 0.003) and lesions located in the left colon (OR 2.73, CI 1.79-4.14, p < 0.001), rectosigmoid (OR 9.11, CI 2.14-38.8, p = 0.003), and rectum (OR 4.06, CI 2.58-6.38, p < 0.001) were at increased odds of undergoing repeat preoperative endoscopy. Patients with a tattoo placed at index endoscopy were at markedly lower odds of undergoing repeat preoperative endoscopy (OR 0.48, CI 0.34-0.68, p < 0.001). Index endoscopist specialty was not a significant predictor of repeat endoscopy (OR 0.76, CI 0.54-1.06, p = 0.09).Conclusions: Repeat preoperative lower endoscopy is commonly practised and may be unnecessary if appropriate identification and documentation of lesions has been achieved. Tattooing of suspicious lesions is a key modifiable factor associated with reduced likelihood of repeat preoperative endoscopy. This study highlights the need for standardized guidelines and endoscopy reporting practices given the delays and costs associated with repeat preoperative endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Repeat preoperative endoscopy is common for patients with colorectal neoplasms. This can result in treatment delays, patient discomfort, and risks of colonoscopy-related complications. Repeat preoperative endoscopy has been attributed to poor communication between endoscopists and surgeons. In January 2019, mandatory electronic synoptic reporting for endoscopy was implemented to include elements consistent with quality indicators proposed in national guidelines. The aim of the present study is to assess whether the repeat preoperative endoscopy rate for colorectal lesions changed following synoptic report implementation. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 1690 consecutive patients who underwent elective surgical resection for colorectal neoplasms from January 2007 to June 2020 at a tertiary hospital in Canada. Patients who had an index endoscopy documented via synoptic report were compared to those reported via narrative report. Primary outcomes were rates of repeat preoperative endoscopy and inclusion of colonoscopy quality indicators: photo-documentation, tattoo placement, and bowel preparation score. Results: In total, 1429 patients who underwent elective colorectal resection for colorectal cancers or polyps between January 2007 and June 2020 were included. 115 had index endoscopies recorded via synoptic report and 1314 by narrative report. The repeat preoperative endoscopy rate after endoscopies documented by narrative report was 29.07% (95% CI 26.63–31.61) and 25.22% (95% CI 17.58–34.17%) for synoptic report. Patients whose index endoscopies where performed by a practitioner other than their operating surgeon had a re-endoscopy rate of 36.03% (95% CI 32.82–39.33%) after narrative report and 38.81% (95% CI 27.14–51.50%) for synoptic report. Rates of tattoo placement, photo-documentation, and reporting of bowel preparation quality were all significantly increased with synoptic reports (p ≤ 0.003). Conclusions: Endoscopy synoptic reports based on current guidelines were not associated with a decrease in rates of repeat pre-operative endoscopy at a high-volume colorectal cancer centre. Future study should examine guideline deficiencies for this purpose and make necessary modifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transanal total mesorectal excision is a novel surgical treatment for mid to low rectal cancers. Norwegian population data have raised concerns about local recurrence in patients treated with transanal total mesorectal excision., Objective: This study aimed to analyze local recurrence and disease-free survival in patients treated by transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer at a high-volume tertiary center., Design: This retrospective study used a prospectively maintained institutional transanal total mesorectal excision database. Patient demographics, treatment, and outcomes data were analyzed. Local recurrence, disease-free survival, and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis., Settings: The study was conducted at a single academic institution in Vancouver, Canada., Patients: All patients treated by transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma between 2014 and 2022 were included., Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was local recurrence-free survival., Results: Between 2014 and 2022, 306 patients were treated by transanal total mesorectal excision at St. Paul's Hospital. Of these, 279 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 62 years (SD ± 12.3), and 66.7% of patients were men. Restorative resection was achieved in 97.5% of patients, with a conversion rate from laparoscopic to open surgery of 6.8%. The composite optimal pathological outcome was 93.9%. The median follow-up was 26 months (interquartile range, 12-47), and 82.8% of patients achieved reestablishment of GI continuity to date. The overall local recurrence rate was 4.7% (n = 13). The estimated 2-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 95.0% (95% CI, 92-98) and the estimated 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was 94.5% (95% CI, 91-98)., Limitations: Limitations include the retrospective nature of the study and the generalizability of a Canadian population., Conclusions: Recent European data have challenged the presumed oncologic safety of transanal total mesorectal excision. Although the learning curve for this procedure is challenging and poor outcomes are associated with low volume, this high-volume single-center study confirms acceptable oncologic outcomes consistent with the current standard. See Video Abstract ., Sobrevida Sin Recidiva Despus De Tatme Experiencia Institucional Canadiense: ANTECEDENTES:La excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal es un tratamiento quirúrgico novedoso para los cánceres de recto medio a bajo. Estudios sobre la población noruega han generado preocupación debido a la recidiva local en pacientes tratados con excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal.OBJETIVO:Nuestra finalidad fué de analizar la recidiva local y la sobrevida libre de enfermedad en pacientes tratados mediante la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal, debido a un cáncer de recto en un centro terciario de alto volúmen.DISEÑO:El presente estudio retrospectivo, utiliza una base de datos institucional sobre la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal mantenida prospectivamente. Se analizaron los datos demográficos, de tratamiento y los resultados de los pacientes sometidos a la técnica mencionada. La recidiva local, la sobrevida libre de enfermedad y la sobrevida global se analizaron mediante el modelo de Kaplan-Meier.AJUSTES:El estudio se llevó a cabo en una sola institución académica en Vancouver, Canadá.PARTICIPANTES:Se incluyeron todos los pacientes tratados mediante excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal causado por adenocarcinomas de recto entre 2014 y 2022.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue la sobrevida libre de recidiva local.RESULTADOS:Entre 2014 y 2022, 306 pacientes fueron tratados mediante la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal en el Hospital St. Paul. De estos, 279 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. La edad media fue de 62 años (DE ± 12,3) y el 66,7% de los pacientes eran varones. La resección restauradora se logró en el 97,5% de los pacientes con una tasa de conversión de cirugía laparoscópica en laparotomía del 6,8%. El resultado patológico óptimo combinado fué del 93,9%. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 26 meses (rango intercuartil 12-47) y el 82,8% logró el restablecimiento de la continuidad gastrointestinal hasta la fecha. La tasa global de recidiva local fué del 4,7% (n = 13). La sobrevida libre de recidiva local estimada a los 2 años fué del 95,0% (IC del 95%: 92-98) y del 94,5% a los 5 años (IC del 95%: 91-98).LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen la naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio y la generalización de una población canadiense.CONCLUSIONES:Datos europeos recientes han cuestionado la supuesta seguridad oncológica de la excisión total del mesorecto por vía transanal. Si bien la curva de aprendizaje de este procedimiento es muy desafiante y los malos resultados se asocian con un volumen bajo, el presente estudio, unicéntrico de gran volumen confirma los resultados oncológicos aceptables consistentes con el estándar actual. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo )., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2024.)

Importance: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. Due to its relatively low incidence and limited prospective trials, current recommendations are guided by historical single-institution retrospective studies., Objective: To evaluate the overall survival (OS) of patients in Canada with head and neck MCC (HNMCC) according to American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition staging and treatment modalities., Design, Setting, and Participants: A retrospective cohort study of 400 patients with a diagnosis of HNMCC between July 1, 2000, and June 31, 2018, was conducted using the Pan-Canadian Merkel Cell Cancer Collaborative, a multicenter national registry of patients with MCC. Statistical analyses were performed from January to December 2022., Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was 5-year OS. Multivariable analysis using a Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed to identify factors associated with survival., Results: Between 2000 and 2018, 400 patients (234 men [58.5%]; mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 78.4 [10.5] years) with malignant neoplasms found in the face, scalp, neck, ear, eyelid, or lip received a diagnosis of HNMCC. At diagnosis, 188 patients (47.0%) had stage I disease. The most common treatment overall was surgery followed by radiotherapy (161 [40.3%]), although radiotherapy alone was most common for stage IV disease (15 of 23 [52.2%]). Five-year OS was 49.8% (95% CI, 40.7%-58.2%), 39.8% (95% CI, 26.2%-53.1%), 36.2% (95% CI, 25.2%-47.4%), and 18.5% (95% CI, 3.9%-41.5%) for stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively, and was highest among patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy (49.9% [95% CI, 39.9%-59.1%]). On multivariable analysis, patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy had greater OS compared with those treated with surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.46-1.25]); however, this was not statistically significant. In comparison, patients who received no treatment had significantly worse OS (HR, 1.93 [95% CI, 1.26-2.96)]., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of the largest Canada-wide evaluation of HNMCC survival outcomes, stage and treatment modality were associated with survival. Multimodal treatment was associated with greater OS across all disease stages.

Background: Surgeons commonly repeat preoperative endoscopy before planned colorectal resections. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, and repeat endoscopy may lead to delays in curative resection, increased costs, and patient discomfort., Objective: This study aimed to determine practice patterns, localization techniques, and processes of communication undertaken by endoscopy specialists in a high-volume regional health authority., Design: This was a qualitative study involving standardized, semi-structured, in-depth interviews that were conducted in person. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach., Settings: The study was conducted at Canadian tertiary and community facilities., Participants: Ten general surgeons and 10 gastroenterologists were included using a convenience sampling technique., Main Outcome Measures: Interview questions were developed to understand the perspectives and practice patterns of endoscopists when approaching patients diagnosed with colorectal lesions requiring surgical resection. The decision-making process to perform a repeat preoperative endoscopy was assessed., Results: Three key themes emerged: 1) patterns of communication, 2) feedback, and 3) trust. Thematic analysis revealed that poor communication and ambiguous documentation increased the likelihood of performing repeat preoperative endoscopy. Inconsistencies in tattooing practices and lesion location were important factors. Negative experiences and factors related to interprofessional trust emerged as key contributors to repeat preoperative endoscopy., Limitations: The transferability of findings to health care systems outside Canada may be limited and requires further study., Conclusions: Suboptimal endoscopic reporting contributes to gaps in communication among endoscopists. In addition, lack of consistent feedback and mutual trust may increase the likelihood of performing repeat preoperative lower endoscopy. Inconsistent tattooing practices pose significant concerns for accurate intraoperative lesion localization. Establishing collaborative work environments through joint educational initiatives may enhance communication and mitigate unnecessary repeat procedures. These results support the need for standardized guidelines and endoscopic reporting in the management of colorectal lesions. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B879 ., La Variabilidad En Las Prcticas De Comunicacin Y Presentacin De Informes Entre Gastroenterlogos Y Cirujanos Generales Contribuye a Repetir La Endoscopia Preoperatoria Para Las Neoplasias Colorrectales Un Anlisis Cualitativo: ANTECEDENTES:Los cirujanos suelen repetir la endoscopia preoperatoria antes de las resecciones colorrectales planificadas. Las razones de esto no están del todo claras y la repetición de la endoscopia puede provocar retrasos en la resección curativa, aumento de los costos y malestar del paciente.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo fue determinar patrones de práctica, técnicas de localización y procesos de comunicación realizados por especialistas en endoscopia, en una autoridad sanitaria regional, de alto volumen.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio cualitativo, que involucró entrevistas estandarizadas, semiestructuradas y en profundidad que se llevaron a cabo en persona. Los datos se analizaron mediante un enfoque de análisis temático.ENTORNO CLINICO:El estudio se llevó a cabo en instalaciones comunitarias y terciarias canadienses.PARTICIPANTES:Se incluyeron 10 cirujanos generales y 10 gastroenterólogos, utilizando una técnica de muestreo por conveniencia.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Las preguntas de la entrevista se desarrollaron para comprender las perspectivas y los patrones de práctica de los endoscopistas, cuando se acercan a pacientes diagnosticados con lesiones colorrectales que requieren resección quirúrgica. Se evaluó el proceso de toma de decisiones para realizar una nueva endoscopia preoperatoria.RESULTADOS:Surgieron tres temas clave: 1) patrones de comunicación, 2) retroalimentación y 3) confianza. El análisis temático reveló que la pobre comunicación y la ambigua documentación aumentaron la probabilidad de realizar una nueva endoscopia preoperatoria. Las inconsistencias en las prácticas de tatuaje y la ubicación de las lesiones fueron factores importantes. Las experiencias pasadas negativas y los factores relacionados con la confianza interprofesional surgieron como contribuyentes clave para repetir la endoscopia preoperatoria.LIMITACIONES:La transferibilidad de los hallazgos a los sistemas de atención médica fuera de Canadá, puede ser limitada y requiere más estudios.CONCLUSIONES:Los informes endoscópicos subóptimos contribuyen a las brechas en la comunicación entre los endoscopistas. Además, la falta de retroalimentación consistente y la confianza mutua pueden aumentar la probabilidad de realizar una nueva endoscopia baja preoperatoria. Las prácticas inconsistentes de tatuaje, plantean preocupaciones importantes para la localización precisa de las lesiones intraoperatorias. El establecimiento de entornos de trabajo colaborativo a través de iniciativas educativas conjuntas pueden mejorar la comunicación y mitigar la repetición de procedimientos innecesarios. Estos resultados apoyan la necesidad de pautas estandarizadas e informes endoscópicos en el tratamiento de las lesiones colorrectales. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B879 . (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy )., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2022.)

Background: Appropriate tattooing of suspicious lesions during colonoscopy is critical for surgical planning. However, variability exists in tattoo placement, technique, and reporting. Our aim is to determine the rates and predictors of tattoo placement, tattoo location in relation to the lesion, and localization accuracy during lower endoscopy for individuals undergoing elective colorectal resections., Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review on all patients undergoing elective colorectal resections for benign and malignant neoplasms between 2007 and 2017 at a high volume Canadian tertiary centre. Patient demographics, endoscopic, and tumour-related characteristics were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of tattoo localization., Results: Of the 1062 patients identified, laparoscopic resection occurred in 59% of patients. 57% of patients underwent tattooing for tumour localization at index endoscopy. Tattoos were placed distal (27%), both proximal and distal (4%), and just proximal (2%) to the lesion. However, in the majority of cases the tattoo location was not documented (67%). On multivariate analysis, patients who had lesions located in the transverse colon (OR: 1.93, 95% CI 1.04-3.59), had surgery performed after 2010 (2011-2014: OR: 1.88, 95% CI 1.31-2.68; 2015-2017: OR: 2.87, 95% CI 1.93-4.26), underwent laparoscopic resections (OR: 1.69, 95% CI 1.22-2.33), and had their index endoscopy performed in an urban setting (OR: 5.92, 95% CI 3.23-10.87), were at higher odds of having a tattoo placed at index endoscopy., Conclusion: Endoscopic tattoo placement and location in relation to the lesion varies widely, with reports containing suboptimal documentation. Lesion location and laparoscopic procedures were significant predictors of tattoo placement. This study highlights the need for standardized tattooing practices and reporting amongst endoscopists. One of the focus of quality improvement efforts should be educational initiatives for rural endoscopists., (© 2020. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)