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The evidence on products for the prevention of radiodermatitis is limited. The primary objective was to analyse the effectiveness of the spray skin protectant 'non-burning barrier film' in the prevention of radiodermatitis with moist desquamation in patients with the anal canal and rectal cancer followed in nursing consultations compared to a standardised moisturiser based on Calendula officinalis and Aloe barbadensis. Single-blind randomised clinical trial. The study was performed in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with 63 patients undergoing anal canal and rectal cancer treatment, randomised into one of the following two groups: an experimental group, which used a spray skin protectant and a control group, which used a moisturiser. Data were collected using an initial and subsequent evaluation form and were assessed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Participants who used the spray skin protectant had a lower chance of presenting radiodermatitis with moist desquamation and a longer time without this outcome when compared to the control group. The overall incidence of radiodermatitis was 100%, with 36.5% being severe. Furthermore, 17.5% of participants discontinued radiotherapy due to radiodermatitis. There were no differences between the groups regarding the severity of radiodermatitis and the number of patients who discontinued radiotherapy. The skin protectant was effective in preventing radiodermatitis with moist desquamation amongst patients with anal canal and rectal cancer., (© 2024 The Author(s). International Wound Journal published by Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Competing Interests: Declaration of interests We declare no competing interests.

Background: According to several clinical trials for patients with rectal cancer, laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces intraoperative complications and bleeding compared with laparotomy and demonstrated comparable long-term results. However, obesity is considered one of the risk factors for increased surgical difficulty, including complication rate, prolonged operation time, and bleeding., Methods: Patients with clinical pathological stage II/III rectal cancer and a body mass index of ≥25 kg/m 2 who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery between January 2009 and December 2013 at 51 institutions participating in the Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery were included. These patients were divided into major bleeding (>500 mL) group and minor bleeding (≤500 mL) group. The risk factors of major bleeding were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses., Results: This study included 517 patients, of which 74 (19.9%) experienced major bleeding. Patient characteristics did not significantly differ between the two groups. The major bleeding group had a longer operative time (p < 0.001) and a larger tumor size than the minor bleeding group (p = 0.011). In the univariate analysis, age >65 years, laparotomy, operative time >300 min, and multivisceral resection were significantly associated with intraoperative massive bleeding. In the multivariate analysis, age >65 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-4.82), laparotomy (OR, 20.82; 95% CI, 11.56-39.75), operative time >300 min (OR, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.67-132), and multivisceral resection (OR, 10.72; 95% CI, 2.47-64.0) showed to be risk factors for massive bleeding., Conclusion: Age >65 years, laparotomy, operative time >300 min, and multivisceral resection were risk factors for massive bleeding during rectal cancer surgery in patients with obesity., (© 2024 The Authors. Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery published by Asia Endosurgery Task Force and Japan Society of Endoscopic Surgery and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure Supported in part by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82074214). All authors disclosed no financial relationships. Commentary Sessile laterally spreading tumors are usually asymptomatic. However, GI bleeding (occult or obscure), abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, and iron-deficiency anemia could be the only clues to a large colonic polyp. Although bowel obstruction is often seen because of a bulky mass or a pedunculated polyp, large circumferential sessile polyps can theoretically affect bowel peristalsis and lead to bowel obstruction. With the advances in the field of tissue resection, polyp size is no longer a deciding factor against endoscopic resection. However, when resection of large circumferential or semicircumferential colonic lesions with ESD are undertaken, it is essential to reserve any uninvolved part of the mucosal layer by the tumor in a longitudinal manner to limit the risk of delayed stricture. Often, performing early serial dilation is beneficial before fibrosis fully settles in. In cases where full circumferential tissue resection is inevitable, placement of a prophylactic covered metal stent has also been described as a tool to prevent late-onset luminal stenosis. Tara Keihanian, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA Amy Tyberg, MD, FASGE, FACG, Associate Editor for Focal Points

Competing Interests: Disclosure All authors disclosed no financial relationships. Commentary Although subepithelial lipomatous lesions of the GI tract remain largely asymptomatic and are incidentally found during endoscopy, these lesions may lead to bowel obstruction and GI bleeding if larger than 2 centimeters. Historically, a surgical approach has been the first treatment modality because of high concern for bleeding and perforation associated with endoscopic resection. Advances in endoscopic resection techniques such as EMR and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have enabled safe resection of these lesions. The wide-base stalks of pedunculated lipomatous lesions contain the major feeding vessel; thus, preventative coagulation and tamponade of the vessel would facilitate endoscopic resection and minimize the risk of postpolypectomy bleeding. This can be achieved by placement of either a detachable snare or a hemostatic clip to “strangulate” the stalk. Blanching of the polyp is a clue for optimal placement of the detachable snare or clips at the base of the stalk. Bleeding prevention can be reinforced with epinephrine injection at the base of the lipoma. The only caveat with removing such large lesions by EMR is uncertainty with regard to en bloc resection arising from an often challenging position and limited visualization. By contrast, ESD ensures dissection of the lesion from the stalk within the submucosa, the surface capsule being kept intact. It is worth noting that the majority of lipomatous lesions are benign lipomas, but rarely liposarcoma or pleomorphic lipoma/liposarcoma can be seen. It has been hypothesized that a larger size of the subepithelial fat could lead to superficial pressure necrosis of the mucosal surface and result in ulceration and bleeding. As demonstrated in these cases, the superficial mucosa is grossly intact except areas with small ulcerations and erosions, usually toward the tip of the lesion or at the point affected the most by the bowel peristalsis. Tara Keihanian, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA Amy Tyberg, MD, FASGE, FACG, Associate Editor for Focal Points

Purpose: The study aims at exploring the impact of dietary intake on the relief of bowel dysfunction among patients with rectal cancer after the sphincter-saving surgery., Methods: A prospective cohort design was used. A total of 299 patients were followed up at a tertiary hospital in East China between April 2020 and July 2021. Postoperative food intake was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire, and bowel dysfunction was assessed with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's bowel function scale. The generalized estimating equation and the generalized additive mixed model were used to analyze the collected data., Results: The average daily intake of livestock and poultry meats and dairy products during the first 6 months after sphincter-saving surgery was significantly associated with the relief of bowel dysfunction. Bowel dysfunction was relieved most quickly among patients who consumed 40.81 to 59.1 g/d of livestock and poultry meat during the first 3 months after surgery. Bowel dysfunction improved more slowly during the first 6 months after surgery among patients who consumed greater than 107.11 g/d dairy products than among patients who consumed 0 g/d dairy products., Conclusion: The impact of dietary factors on bowel dysfunction observed in this study added to the limited evidence about the specific effects of consuming foods and nutrients on defecation dysfunction, and these results provided a theoretical basis for the use of dietary modification programs aimed at relieving bowel dysfunction as soon as possible., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

A 44-year-old woman with Lynch syndrome was referred to our hospital for treatment of recurrence of microsatellite instability-high rectal cancer. [ 18 F]Fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG)-positron emission tomography revealed a peritoneal metastasis with invasion to the small intestine and left ureter. The peritoneal metastasis was diagnosed initially as unresectable because of extensive invasion to the left ureter requiring nephrectomy. Hence, first-line treatment with pembrolizumab was started. After the first course of pembrolizumab, she developed hydronephrosis and a resulting urinary tract infection (UTI). A percutaneous nephrostomy was performed to control the UTI. After six courses of pembrolizumab, 18FDG-positron emission tomography showed that the peritoneal metastasis was smaller with significantly reduced 18FDG uptake, and it was then diagnosed as resectable without nephrectomy. She underwent R0 resection of the peritoneal metastasis with partial resection of the small intestine. Intraoperatively, the peritoneal metastasis showed no invasion of the left ureter, allowing its preservation. The percutaneous nephrostomy was removed postoperatively, and she has not developed any subsequent UTIs. Histopathologically, the tumor showed a pathological complete response to pembrolizumab. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of conversion therapy with pembrolizumab for peritoneal metastasis with hydronephrosis., (© 2024. Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.)

Purpose: To identify the predictive role of sarcopenia in long-term survival among rectal cancer patients who underwent surgery based on available evidence., Methods: The Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched up to October 20, 2023, for relevant studies. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were the endpoints. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and survival., Results: Fifteen studies with 4283 patients were included. The pooled results demonstrated that preoperative sarcopenia significantly predicted poorer OS (HR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.67-2.57, P<0.001), DFS (HR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.39-2.48, P<0.001) and CSS (HR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.31-2.56, P<0.001). Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on neoadjuvant therapy indicated that sarcopenia was a risk factor for worse OS and DFS in patients who received (OS: HR = 2.44, P<0.001; DFS: HR = 2.16, P<0.001) but not in those who did not receive (OS: HR = 2.44, P<0.001; DDFS: HR = 1.86, P = 0.002) neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. In addition, subgroup analysis based on sample size and ethnicity showed similar results., Conclusion: Preoperative sarcopenia is significantly related to poor survival in surgical rectal cancer patients and could serve as a novel and valuable predictor of long-term prognosis in these patients., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Su, Shen. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the use of new lithotomy stirrups-2 on the pressure dispersal on lower limbs, which may lead to the prevention of well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), which are the most commonly associated adverse events with laparoscopic and robot-assisted rectal surgery., Methods: A total of 30 healthy participants were included in this study. The pressure (mmHg) applied on various lower limb muscles when using conventional lithotomy stirrups-1 and new type stirrups-2 was recorded in various lithotomy positions; 1) neutral position, 2) Trendelenburg position (15°) with a 0° right inferior tilt, and 3) Trendelenburg position (15°) with a 10° right inferior tilt. Using a special sensor pad named Palm Q®, and the average values were compared between two types of stirrups., Results: The use of new lithotomy stirrups-2 significantly reduced the pressure applied on the lower limb muscles in various lithotomy positions compared with the use of lithotomy stirrups-1. The most pressured lower limb muscle when using both lithotomy stirrups was the central soleus muscle, which is the most common site for the development of WLCS and DVT. In addition, when using the conventional lithotomy stirrups-1, the pressure was predominantly applied to the proximal soleus muscle; however, when using lithotomy stirrups-2, the pressure was shifted to the more distal soleus muscle., Conclusion: These results suggest that the new lithotomy stirrups-2 is useful in reducing the pressure load on leg muscles, especially on the proximal to central soleus, and may reduce the incidence of WLCS and DVT after rectal surgery performed in the lithotomy position. Further clinical studies are needed to determine whether the use of lithotomy stirrups-2 prevents these complications in various clinical settings., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Herein, we report the successful treatment using atezolizumab plus bevacizumab of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a portal vein tumor thrombus and multiple pulmonary metastases from rectal cancer with microsatellite stability. This patient developed rectal cancer with synchronous pulmonary metastases and HCC. After resecting the primary lesion of the rectal cancer, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was performed for the HCC. Drug therapy was planned for multiple pulmonary metastases of rectal cancer; however, the early development of recurrent HCC with portal vein tumor thrombus had to be highly prioritized, and atezolizumab plus bevacizumab was introduced. Following the disappearance of the recurrent HCC lesion, the metastatic pulmonary nodules shrunk into scar-like spots. The treatment for both HCC and pulmonary metastases of rectal cancer were considered to result in clinical complete response., (© 2024. Japanese Society of Gastroenterology.)

Objective: To explore the causes and therapeutic effects of pelvic pain caused by rectal fistula or bladder fistula after comprehensive treatment of cervical cancer and rectal cancer (radiotherapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and other treatments). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and pathological data of patients with pelvic tumors admitted to the First People's Hospital of Yinchuan City, Ningxia and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2016 to June 2022. The causes of persistent pelvic pain in patients after comprehensive treatment was investigated, and the corresponding therapeutic effects after clinical treatment was observed. Results: Thirty-two tumor patients experienced persistent pain after comprehensive treatment, including 22 cases of cervical cancer and 10 cases of rectal cancer. The preoperative pain of the entire group of patients was evaluated using the digital grading method, with a pain score of (7.88±1.31) points. Among the 32 patients, there were 16 cases of rectovaginal fistula or ileovaginal fistula, 9 cases of vesicovaginal fistula, 5 cases of rectoperineal fistula, and 2 cases of vesicovaginorectal fistula. Thirty-two patients were initially treated with medication to relieve pain, and according to the ruptured organs, a fistula was made to the corresponding proximal intestinal canal and renal pelvis to intercept the intestinal contents and urine. However, the pain did not significantly be improved. The pain score of treatment with the above methods for one week was (8.13±1.13) points, and there was no statistically significant difference compared to preoperative treatment ( P =0.417). In the later stage, based on a comprehensive evaluation of whether the tumor had recurred, the value of organ preservation, the benefits of surgery, the balance between survival time and improving quality of life, pathological organ resection or repair was performed. The surgical methods included repair of leaks, local debridement combined with irrigation of proximal intestinal fluid, distal closure of the sigmoid colon combined with proximal ostomy, posterior pelvic organ resection, anterior pelvic organ resection, and total pelvic organ resection. One week after surgery, the patients' pain completely relieved or disappeared, with the pain score of (1.72±1.37) points, which was significantly divergent from the preoperative and initial surgical treatments ( P ＜0.001). Conclusions: Palliative pyelostomy and proximal enterostomy cannot effectively alleviate persistent pelvic floor pain. The fundamental way to alleviate pain is complete blocking of the inflammatory erosion of the intestinal fluid and urine.

Background: Protective ileostomy can effectively prevent severe anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery; however, the optimal timing for ileostomy closure during adjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the safety and long-term outcomes of early ileostomy closure during adjuvant chemotherapy., Method: Patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery combined with protective ileostomy and adjuvant chemotherapy between April 2017 and April 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into an early closure group during chemotherapy (group A) and a late closure group after chemotherapy (group B)., Results: A total of 215 patients were included in this study, with 115 in group A and 100 in group B. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups. In group A, durations of stoma status ( p < 0.001) and low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) ( p < 0.001) were shorter, and rectal stenosis ( p =0.036) and stoma-related complications ( p =0.007), especially stoma stenosis ( p =0.041), were less common. However, compliance with chemotherapy was worse ( p =0.009). There were no significant differences in operative time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications, incidence and severity of LARS, disease-free survival, or overall survival between groups., Conclusion: Early ileostomy closure can effectively reduce the duration of stoma status, duration of LARS, rectal stenosis, and stoma-related complications while not affecting surgical complications and oncological outcomes. Ileostomy closure should not be delayed because of adjuvant chemotherapy. However, follow-up should be strengthened to increase compliance and integrity with chemotherapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Fan He et al.)

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of a novel stent-assisted ileal bypass for rectal cancer patients who received sphincter-preserving surgery., Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with rectal cancer and received sphincter-preserving surgery plus a novel stent-assisted ileal bypass were respectively included from January 2022 to January 2023. Biofragmentable ileal stent with diaphragm sheet in the cavity was placed in the terminal ileum using absorbable sutures after anastomosis. At the proximal end of the stent, an intestinal diversion tube was placed in the prefabricated purse-string, through which faeces were drained. The stent completely disintegrated in the body after 3-4 weeks, which protected the anastomosis after surgery and avoided protective stoma. Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were collected., Results: Eleven patients who successfully received surgery were included. There were seven (63.6%) males and four (36.4%) females. The tumour size was 3.2 ± 1.7 cm and the lower verge of tumour to anal verge was 6.8 ± 1.3 cm. As for surgical outcomes, operation time was 216.4 ± 54.1 min, blood loss was 43.6 ± 64.6 mL, time to first flatus via intestinal diversion tube was 3.2 ± 1.1 days, time to discharge stent was 22.8 ± 3.0 days, and postoperative hospital stay was 21.0 ± 5.4 days. Two patients suffered from postoperative complications including pneumonia and incision infection., Conclusion: This novel stent-assisted ileal bypass is safe and feasible, it provides a new choice for rectal cancer patients to avoid protective stoma and secondary surgery., (© 2023 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Background: Prophylactic surgery for familial adenomatous polyposis has evolved over several decades. Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA provides an alternative to total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. We have previously shown that the rate of proctectomy and rectal cancer after total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in the "pre-pouch era" was 32% and 13%, respectively., Objective: To determine the rate of proctectomy and rectal cancer among familial adenomatous polyposis patients and relative rectal sparing (fewer than 20 rectal polyps) selected for total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis in the modern era., Design: Retrospective cohort study., Setting: Single tertiary care institution with a hereditary colorectal cancer registry., Patients: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who underwent total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis between 1993 and 2020., Main Outcome Measures: Incidence of proctectomy for any indication and rectal cancer., Results: A total of 197 patients with a median age of 24 years (range, 10-67) were included. The median follow-up after total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was 13 years (interquartile range, 6-17). Sixteen patients (8%) underwent proctectomy. Indications included rectal cancer in 6 patients (3%; 2 stage I and 4 stage III), polyps with high-grade dysplasia in 4 (2%), progressive polyp burden in 3 (1.5%), defecatory dysfunction in 2 (1%), and anastomotic leak in 1 (0.5%). Among 30 patients (18%) with 20 or more rectal polyps at the time of total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, 8 patients (26%) underwent proctectomy and 3 patients developed rectal cancer (10%). Among 134 patients (82%) with fewer than 20 polyps, 8 patients (6%) underwent proctectomy and 3 patients developed rectal cancer (2%). Number of rectal polyps at the time of total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis was associated with the likelihood of proctectomy (OR 1.1, p < 0.001) but not incident rectal cancer ( p = 0.3)., Limitation: Retrospective data collection., Conclusions: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis selected for total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis by rectal polyp number have low rates of proctectomy and rectal cancer compared to historical controls. With appropriate selection criteria and surveillance, total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis remains an important and safe treatment option for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. See Video Abstract ., Riesgo De Proctectoma Despus De Anastomosis Ileorrectal En Poliposis Adenomatosa Familiar En La Era Moderna: ANTECEDENTES:La cirugía profiláctica para la poliposis adenomatosa familiar (PAF) ha evolucionado durante varias décadas. La proctocolectomía restauradora con anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal (IPAA) proporciona una alternativa a la colectomía abdominal total con anastomosis ileorrectal (TAC/IRA). Anteriormente hemos demostrado que la tasa de proctectomía y cáncer de recto después de TAC/IRA en la era "pre-bolsa" era del 32% y el 13%, respectivamente.OBJETIVO:Determinar la tasa de proctectomía y cáncer de recto entre pacientes con PAF y pacientes con preservación rectal relativa (<20 pólipos rectales) seleccionados para TAC/IRA en la era moderna.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ÁMBITO:Institución única de atención terciaria con un registro de cáncer colorrectal hereditario.PACIENTES:Pacientes con PAF que se sometieron a TAC/IRA entre 1993 y 2020.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO PRINCIPALES:Incidencia de proctectomía por cualquier indicación y cáncer de recto.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 197 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 24 años (rango 10-67). La mediana de seguimiento tras TAC/IRA fue de 13 años (RIC 6-17). 16 pacientes (8%) fueron sometidos a proctectomía. Las indicaciones incluyeron cáncer de recto en 6 (3%) (2 en estadio I y 4 en estadio III); pólipos con displasia de alto grado en 4 (2%); carga progresiva de pólipos en 3 (1,5%), disfunción defecatoria en 2 (1%); y fuga anastomótica en 1 (0,5%). Entre 30 pacientes (18%) con ≥20 pólipos rectales en el momento de TAC/IRA, 8 pacientes (26%) se sometieron a proctectomía y 3 pacientes desarrollaron cáncer de recto (10%). Entre 134 pacientes (82%) con <20 pólipos, 8 pacientes (6%) se sometieron a proctectomía y 3 pacientes desarrollaron cáncer de recto (2%). El número de pólipos rectales en el momento de TAC/IRA se asoció con la probabilidad de proctectomía (OR 1,1, p <0,001), pero no con la incidencia de cáncer de recto (p = 0,3).LIMITACIÓN:Recopilación de datos retrospectivos.CONCLUSIÓN:Los pacientes con PAF seleccionados para TAC/IRA por el número de pólipos rectales tienen tasas bajas de proctectomía y cáncer de recto en comparación con los controles históricos. Con criterios de selección y vigilancia adecuados, TAC/IRA sigue siendo una opción de tratamiento importante y segura para los pacientes con PAF. (Pre-proofed version )., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2023.)

Aim: Clostridium difficile infection is a cause of increased morbidity and mortality in hospitals, particularly in patients with cancer pathology. There are several factors favouring the development of Clostridium difficile infection among cancer patients, including age, exposure to antibiotic and proton pump inhibitors therapy, and chemotherapy. This study was conducted to observe the prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection after the reversal of ileostomy loop for rectal cancer surgery, which were initially operated either open or laparoscopic., Method: A retrospective study was performed on patients who were operated in a single surgical team for rectal cancer who benefited of a diverted loop ileostomy over a 4-year period. Results: 23 patients were documented with Clostridium difficile infection out of a total of 63. All 23 patients underwent ileostomy closure later than 3 months after primary surgery, and postoperatively received antibiotic therapy associated with proton pump inhibitors in the first 24 hours. Conclusions: Closure of ileostomy later than 3 months after primary surgery, combined with chemotherapy, antibiotic therapy and proton pump inhibitors, increases the risk of developing Clostridium difficile infection., (Celsius.)

Background: Laparoscopic anterior rectal resection (LAR) is a commonly performed surgery for rectal cancer patients. Pelvic floor peritoneum closure (PC), a vital procedure in conventional anterior rectal resection, is not routinely performed in LAR., Study Design: A total of 1118 consecutive patients with rectal cancer receiving LAR were included in this retrospective study. Patients were allocated into the PC group and the non-PC group. The occurrence of postoperative complications was compared between the 2 groups. Influential factors in anastomotic leakage (AL) were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression., Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics. The occurrence of postoperative complications was similar between the groups. The PC group had significantly shorter postoperative hospitalization and longer operation duration compared with the non-PC group. The occurrences of Clavien-Dindo (CD) III-IV complications, CD III-IV AL, and reoperation were significantly lower in the PC group than the non-PC group. PC and a protective ileostomy were independent protective factors for CD III-IV AL., Conclusion: PC could reduce the occurrence of CD III-IV complications, especially CD III-IV AL, and the rate of secondary surgery, especially in patients with a lower body mass index and patients who did not receive protective ileostomies., Competing Interests: The author declares no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study investigated the therapeutic effect of laparoscopic surgery combined with the plasma electric cutting knife on patients diagnosed with rectal cancer and its impact on serum inflammatory factors in the bloodstream., Methods: The researchers examined the clinical data of 85 patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer in our hospital from April 2020 to December 2021. The patients comprised two groups: an observation group of 40 cases and a control group of 45 cases. The CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels in both groups were detected using flow cytometry. The levels of relevant inflammatory factors in serum were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The researchers then compared the perioperative outcomes between the two groups., Results: The observation group demonstrated significantly shorter duration for the first time passing gas after surgery (P = .029) and hospital stays (P = .002) than the control group. Both groups experienced decreased levels of CD8+ cells following treatment, with the observation group exhibiting lower levels than the control group (P < .05). After three months of treatment, both groups showed reduced levels of relevant serum inflammatory factors, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8; however, the observation group was significantly lower than the control group with statistical significance (P < .05). Similarly, after three months of treatment, both groups exhibited lower levels of relevant serum electrolytes K+, Na+, and Cl-, with the observation group having lower levels than the control group (P < .05). Throughout the 12-month follow-up period, the two groups had no significant differences (P > .05) in complications such as urinary tract infection, anastomotic leakage, or anastomotic bleeding., Conclusion: Using a combination of laparoscopic techniques and a plasma electric cutting knife proved a highly effective surgical approach in treating rectal cancer. The method has numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety and few complications. When considering perioperative complications, it was evident that laparoscopic combined with the plasma electric cutting knife surpassed other surgical methods in treating rectal cancer.

Aim: The aim of this work was to evaluate the concordance between the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and preoperative LARS (POLARS) scores regarding the incidence of LARS in a Chilean population undergoing rectal surgery for cancer in a high-volume hospital., Method: The LARS score questionnaire, following telephone requests, was used to determine the presence and severity of LARS. The POLARS score was calculated based on variables described previously. Correlations and qualitative and quantitative concordance were evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient, the kappa coefficient and the Bland-Altman plot with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient., Results: A total of 120 patients met the inclusion criteria: 37.5% underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 61% underwent total mesorectal excision (TME) and 51.6% underwent ostomy. A total of 49% of patients did not present with LARS, whereas 28% had major LARS. The correlation between scales was poor, with a fair qualitative concordance to determine the presence/absence of LARS and a slight qualitative concordance to determine the degree of the intensity. The quantitative concordance was poor., Conclusion: In the Chilean population, concordance between the LARS and POLARS scores was qualitatively fair to determine the presence/absence of the disease and qualitatively slight to determine the degree of intensity. We do not suggest using the POLARS score in the perioperative period in the Chilean population deliberately, as the score may help to determine the presence/absence of LARS but cannot determine its degree of intensity. Additional evaluations are required to determine the factors contributing to the degree of agreement between the scales., (© 2024 Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.)

Introduction: The burden of defunctioning ileostomy is significant with up to two thirds of patients reporting stoma-related morbidity. While timely reversal is safe and cost-effective, the time to reversal in regional Australian hospitals is not well described in professional publications. We aim to assess the current timeliness of ileostomy closure and identify possible reasons for delaying closure., Methods: A retrospective analysis of loop ileostomies created and reversed in Launceston General Hospital for both rectal cancer surgery and other benign indications was undertaken. Patients with loop ileostomy created between 2010 and 2020 were included. Clinical data of timing of events, complications, readmission and stoma follow-up were recorded; and analysed using multivariate regression analyses to identify clinically relevant risk factors for delayed closure., Results: A total of 123 patients underwent loop-ileostomy formation during the study period, of which 106 patients (86.2%) were reversed. Median time to closure was 8.5 months (IQR 5.2-12.4) for patients with rectal cancers, compared to 5.2 months (IQR 3.6-9.3) for patients who did not have rectal cancer, with a difference of 3.4 months (95% CI 0.9, 5.9; P = 0.008). Adjuvant chemotherapy and unexpected readmission to hospital were associated with delayed reversal (P = 0.0081 and P = 0.0005, respectively)., Conclusion: Stoma reversal is often scheduled 3-6 months after creation. More than two-thirds of patients experienced delays due to changing clinical concerns and non-clinical factors, such as unexpected delays at each stage of surgical planning. Early placement on the waiting list and better-coordinated follow-ups may expedite reversal surgery and reduce associated morbidities., (© 2023 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Competing Interests: Disclosure All authors disclosed no financial relationships. Commentary This case illustrates a patient with the extremely rare McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome. Readers can be forgiven for never having heard of this syndrome. The syndrome involves large villous adenomas that secrete mucin rich in electrolytes that can lead to prerenal kidney injury as well as dehydration from secretory diarrhea. The fact that this could all be caused by a polyp is counterintuitive but nonetheless true. The mainstay of therapy is to remove the offending adenoma, either by endoscopy or surgery, as was performed here. The lesions that cause this syndrome can be very large, as was the case in this patient. Physicians unfamiliar with the syndrome may not make the connection between the patient’s diarrhea and kidney injury and the adenoma. Still, prompt recognition of this constellation of findings can produce an excellent outcome and avoid significant adverse events for the patient. Douglas G. Adler, MD, FASGE, GIE Editor-in-Chief Amy Tyberg, MD, FASGE, FACG, Associate Editor for Focal Points

Background: Rectal cancer is commonly treated by chemoradiation therapy, followed by the low anterior resection anal sphincter-preserving surgery, with a temporary protecting ileostomy. After reversal of the stoma a condition known as low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) can occur characterized by a combination of symptoms such as urgent bowel movements, lack of control over bowel movements, and difficulty fully emptying the bowels. These symptoms have a significant negative impact on the quality of life for individuals who have survived the cancer. Currently, there is limited available data regarding the presence, risk factors, and effects of treatment for these symptoms during long-term follow-up., Aims: To evaluate long term outcomes of low anterior resection surgery and its correlation to baseline anorectal manometry (ARM) parameters and physiotherapy with anorectal biofeedback (BF) treatment., Methods: One hundred fifteen patients (74 males, age 63 ± 11) who underwent low anterior resection surgery for rectal cancer were included in the study. Following surgery, patients were managed by surgical and oncologic team, with more symptomatic LARS patients referred for further evaluation and treatment by gastroenterologists. At follow up, patients were contacted and offered participation in a long term follow up by answering symptom severity and quality of life (QOL) questionnaires., Results: 80 (70%) patients agreed to participate in the long term follow up study (median 4 years from stoma reversal, range 1-8). Mean time from surgery to stoma closure was 6 ± 4 months. At long term follow up, mean LARS score was 30 (SD 11), with 55 (69%) patients classified as major LARS (score > 30). Presence of major LARS was associated with longer time from surgery to stoma reversal (6.8 vs. 4.8 months; p = 0.03) and with adjuvant chemotherapy (38% vs. 8%; p = 0.01). Patients initially referred for ARM and BF were more likely to suffer from major LARS at long term follow up (64% vs. 16%, p < 0.001). In the subgroup of patients who underwent perioperative ARM (n = 36), higher maximal squeeze pressure, higher maximal incremental squeeze pressure and higher rectal pressure on push were all associated with better long-term outcomes of QOL parameters (p < 0.05 for all). 21(54%) of patients referred to ARM were treated with BF, but long term outcomes for these patients were not different from those who did not perform BF., Conclusions: A significant number of patients continue to experience severe symptoms and a decline in their quality of life even 4 years after undergoing low anterior resection surgery. Prolonged time until stoma reversal and adjuvant chemotherapy emerged as the primary risk factors for a negative prognosis. It is important to note that referring patients for anorectal physiology testing alone tended to predict poorer long-term outcomes, indicating the presence of selection bias. However, certain measurable manometric parameters could potentially aid in identifying patients who are at a higher risk of experiencing unfavorable functional outcomes. There is a critical need to enhance current treatment options for this patient group., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: The association between volume, complications and pathological outcomes is still under debate regarding colorectal cancer surgery. The aim of the study was to assess the association between centre volume and severe complications, mortality, less-than-radical oncologic surgery, and indications for neoadjuvant therapy., Methods: Retrospective analysis of 16,883 colorectal cancer cases from 80 centres (2018-2021). Outcomes: 30-day mortality; Clavien-Dindo grade >2 complications; removal of ≥ 12 lymph nodes; non-radical resection; neoadjuvant therapy. Quartiles of hospital volumes were classified as LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH, and VERY HIGH. Independent predictors, both overall and for rectal cancer, were evaluated using logistic regression including age, gender, AJCC stage and cancer site., Results: LOW-volume centres reported a higher rate of severe postoperative complications (OR 1.50, 95% c.i. 1.15-1.096, P = 0.003). The rate of ≥ 12 lymph nodes removed in LOW-volume (OR 0.68, 95% c.i. 0.56-0.85, P < 0.001) and MEDIUM-volume (OR 0.72, 95% c.i. 0.62-0.83, P < 0.001) centres was lower than in VERY HIGH-volume centres. Of the 4676 rectal cancer patients, the rate of ≥ 12 lymph nodes removed was lower in LOW-volume than in VERY HIGH-volume centres (OR 0.57, 95% c.i. 0.41-0.80, P = 0.001). A lower rate of neoadjuvant chemoradiation was associated with HIGH (OR 0.66, 95% c.i. 0.56-0.77, P < 0.001), MEDIUM (OR 0.75, 95% c.i. 0.60-0.92, P = 0.006), and LOW (OR 0.70, 95% c.i. 0.52-0.94, P = 0.019) volume centres (vs. VERY HIGH)., Conclusion: Colorectal cancer surgery in low-volume centres is at higher risk of suboptimal management, poor postoperative outcomes, and less-than-adequate oncologic resections. Centralisation of rectal cancer cases should be taken into consideration to optimise the outcomes., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a potentially life-threatening surgical emergency. It is a rapidly progressive infection of soft tissues, and mortality is related to the degree of sepsis and the general condition of the patient. It is a rare condition that requires a rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment is aggressive debridement. There are a small number of reported cases of perforation of a rectal malignancy leading to NF of the thigh. We present a case with rectal cancer in which the sciatic foramen had provided a channel for the spread of pelvic infection into the thigh., (Copyright: © 2024 Permanyer.)

The increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been well documented in the literature. The present study aimed to assess the characteristics and outcomes of rectal cancer in patients with IBD. This study was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database at Cleveland Clinic Florida. Rectal cancer patients with or without IBD treated with curative surgery between 2016 and 2020 were compared for demographics, disease characteristics, and pathologic and oncologic outcomes. The primary outcomes were 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Secondary outcomes were clinicopathologic outcomes including disease stage, tumor histology and histologic features, and treatments received. 238 patients with rectal cancer were included, 15 (6.3%) of whom had IBD. IBD patients were significantly younger (52.9 vs 60.3 years, p = 0.033), presented more often with cT1-2 tumors (64.3% vs 30.4%, p = 0.008), and signet-ring cell pathology (14.3% vs 2%, p = 0.02). IBD patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation less often (40% vs 72.6%, p = 0.029) and had shorter time between diagnosis and surgery (7.5 vs 25 weeks, p = 0.013) than did non-IBD patients. Both groups had similar OS (36 vs 34.7 months, p = 0.431) and DFS (36 vs 32.9 months, p = 0.121). IBD patients with rectal cancer tend to present at a younger age, with a less invasive disease, and signet-ring carcinomas, and receive neoadjuvant treatment less often than non-IBD patients. Based on low level of evidence, IBD and non-IBD rectal cancer patients might have similar survival., (© 2023. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

Background: Discontinuity resection is commonly conducted to avoid anastomotic leakage in high-risk patients but potentially results in rectal stump leakage. Although risk factors for anastomotic leakage have been widely studied, data on rectal stump leakage rates and underlying risk factors are scarce., Objective: To determine rectal stump leakage rates following Hartmann's procedure and to identify patient-and surgery-associated risk factors., Design: A retrospective study with univariate and multivariate analyses was performed to identify risk factors of rectal stump leakage. A subgroup analysis of scheduled operations was performed., Settings: The study was conducted at Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany., Patients: Patients were included who underwent discontinuity resection with rectal stump formation between 2010 and 2020., Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures included rectal stump leakage rates, 30-day mortality, length of hospitalization, and necessity for further invasive treatment., Results: Rectal stump leakage occurred in 11.78% of patients. Rectal stump leakage rates varied considerably depending on the surgical procedure performed and were highest following subtotal pelvic exenteration (34%). Diagnosis of rectal stump leakage peaked on postoperative day 7. A short rectal stump ( p = 0.001), previous pelvic radiotherapy ( p = 0.04), chemotherapy ( p = 0.004), and previous laparotomy ( p = 0.03) were independent risk factors for rectal stump leakage in the entire patient collective. In patients undergoing scheduled surgery, a short rectal stump was the only independent risk factor ( p = 0.003). Rectal stump leakage was not associated with increased 30-day mortality but prolonged length of hospitalization and frequently necessitated further invasive treatment., Limitations: Study results are limited by the retrospective design, a high number of emergency operations, and the mere inclusion of symptomatic leakages., Conclusions: Rectal stump leakage is a relevant complication after discontinuity resection. Risk factors should be considered during surgical decision-making when both discontinuity resection and abdominoperineal resection are feasible. See Video Abstract., Factores De Riesgo Para La Fuga Del Mun Rectal Despus De Una Reseccin Por Discontinuidad La Longitud Del Mun Es Lo Ms Importante: ANTECEDENTES:La resección de discontinuidad se realiza comúnmente para evitar la fuga anastomótica en pacientes de alto riesgo, pero potencialmente da como resultado una fuga del muñón rectal. Si bien los factores de riesgo de fuga anastomótica se han estudiado ampliamente, los datos sobre las tasas de fuga del muñón rectal y los factores de riesgo subyacentes son escasos.OBJETIVO:Determinar las tasas de fuga del muñón rectal después del procedimiento de Hartmann e identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con el paciente y la cirugía.DISEÑO:Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo con análisis univariado y multivariado para identificar los factores de riesgo de fuga del muñón rectal. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de subgrupos de las operaciones programadas.AJUSTES:El estudio se realizó en el Hospital Universitario de Heidelberg, Alemania.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes que se sometieron a resección de discontinuidad con formación de muñón rectal entre 2010 y 2020.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO PRINCIPALES:Las principales medidas de resultado incluyeron las tasas de fuga del muñón rectal, la mortalidad a los 30 días, la duración de la hospitalización y la necesidad de un tratamiento invasivo adicional.RESULTADOS:La fuga del muñón rectal ocurrió en el 11,78% de los pacientes. Las tasas de fuga del muñón rectal variaron considerablemente según el procedimiento quirúrgico realizado y fueron más altas después de la exenteración pélvica subtotal (34%). El diagnóstico de fuga del muñón rectal alcanzó su punto máximo en el día 7 del postoperatorio. Un muñón rectal corto (p = 0,001), radioterapia pélvica previa (p = 0,04), quimioterapia (p = 0,004) y laparotomía previa (p = 0,03) fueron factores de riesgo independientes de fuga rectal. Fuga del muñón en todo el colectivo de pacientes. En los pacientes sometidos a cirugía programada, el muñón rectal corto fue el único factor de riesgo independiente (p = 0,003). La fuga del muñón rectal no se asoció con un aumento de la mortalidad a los 30 días, pero con una duración prolongada de la hospitalización y con frecuencia requirió un tratamiento invasivo adicional.LIMITACIONES:Los resultados del estudio están limitados por el diseño retrospectivo, un alto número de operaciones de emergencia y la mera inclusión de fugas sintomáticas.CONCLUSIONES:La fuga del muñón rectal es una complicación relevante tras la resección por discontinuidad. Se deben considerar los factores de riesgo durante la toma de decisiones quirúrgicas cuando son factibles tanto la resección por discontinuidad como la resección abdominoperineal. (Traducción-Yesenia Rojas-Khalil )., (Copyright © The ASCRS 2023.)

Background: A common and debilitating complication of low anterior resection for rectal cancer is low anterior resection syndrome (LARS). As a multifactorial entity, LARS is poorly understood and challenging to treat. Despite this, prevention strategies are commonly overlooked. Our aim was to review the pathophysiology of LARS and explore current evidence on the efficacy and feasibility of prophylactic techniques., Methods: A literature review was performed between [1st January 2000 to 1st October 2023] for studies which investigated preventative interventions for LARS. Mechanisms by which LARS develop are described, followed by a review of prophylactic strategies to prevent LARS. Medline, Cochrane, and PubMed databases were searched, 189 articles screened, 8 duplicates removed and 18 studies reviewed., Results: Colonic dysmotility, anal sphincter dysfunction and neorectal dysfunction all contribute to the development of LARS, with the complex mechanism of defecation interrupted by surgery. Transanal irrigation (TAI) and pelvic floor rehabilitation (PFR) have shown benefits in preventing LARS, but may be limited by patient compliance. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) and robotic-assisted surgery have shown some promise in surgically preventing LARS. Nerve stimulation and other novel strategies currently used in treatment of LARS have yet to be investigated in their roles prophylactically., Conclusions: To date, there is a limited evidence base for all preventative strategies including IONM, RAS, PFP and TAI. These strategies are limited by either access (IONM, RAS and PFP) or acceptability (PFP and TAI), which are both key to the success of any intervention. The results of ongoing trials will serve to assess acceptability, while technological advancement may improve access to some of the aforementioned strategies., (© 2023. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background: Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) is a common complication after colorectal surgery that increases patient discomfort, hospital stay, and financial burden. However, predictive tools to assess the risk of PPOI in patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection have not been developed. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop a nomogram to predict PPOI after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer., Methods: A total of 548 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic low anterior resection for mid-low rectal cancer at a single tertiary medical center were retrospectively enrolled between January 2019 and January 2023. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze potential predictors of PPOI. The nomogram was constructed using the filtered variables and internally verified by bootstrap resampling. Model performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve, and the clinical usefulness was evaluated by the decision curve., Results: Among 548 consecutive patients, 72 patients (13.1%) presented with PPOI. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that advantage age, hypoalbuminemia, high surgical difficulty, and postoperative use of opioid analgesic were independent prognostic factors for PPOI. These variables were used to construct the nomogram model to predict PPOI. Internal validation, conducted through bootstrap resampling, confirmed the great discrimination of the nomogram with an area under the curve of 0.738 (95%CI 0.736-0.741)., Conclusions: We created a novel nomogram for predicting PPOI after laparoscopic low anterior resection. This nomogram can assist surgeons in identifying patients at a heightened risk of PPOI., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

A 66-year-old man with a history of frequent diarrhea was diagnosed with rectal cancer with obstruction and a pelvic abscess. Following a transverse colostomy, he was referred to our hospital. The initial diagnosis was rectal cancer(cT4a N1bM0, cStage Ⅲb)and a pelvic abscess due to tumor perforation. To address this condition, we performed neoadjuvant chemotherapy using a combination of 5-fluorouracil, Leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan(FOLFOXIRI). Following 6 courses of FOLFOXIRI, the abscess disappeared and no signs of tumor progression and distant metastases were detected. Subsequently, we performed radical resection with D3LD2 lymph node dissection, leading to a pathological diagnosis of ypT3N1aM0, ypStage Ⅲb. The patient then underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin(CAPOX). No recurrence was observed after 9 months of follow-up.

Objectives: As one of the most serious complications of rectal cancer (RC) surgery, preventing anastomotic leakage (AL) is crucial. Several studies have suggested a positive role of the transanal drainage tube (TaDT) in AL prevention. However, whether TaDT is beneficial for AL in patients with RC remains controversial. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of TaDT on AL following minimally invasive resection without diverting stoma (DS) in patients with RC., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 392 consecutive patients with RC who had undergone minimally invasive resection without DS between 2010 and 2021. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce selection bias. AL was classified as grade A, B, or C., Results: A TaDT was used in 214 patients overall. After PSM, we enrolled 316 patients (n=158 in each group). Before PSM, significant group-dependent differences were observed in terms of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, and the use of antiplatelet/anticoagulant agents. The frequency of AL was 7.3% in the overall cohort and was significantly lower in the TaDT group (3.7%) than in the non-TaDT group (11.8%). The rate of grade B AL was significantly lower in the TaDT group than in the non-TaDT group (before PSM, P <0.01; after PSM, P =0.02). However, no significant differences between groups were found for grade C AL. Moreover, multivariate analysis identified the lack of a TaDT as an independent risk factor for AL in the overall and matched cohorts [before PSM, odds ratio, 3.64, P <0.01; after PSM, odds ratio, 2.91, P =0.02]., Conclusion: These results indicated that TaDT may play a beneficial role in preventing AL, particularly of grade B, for patients with RC undergoing minimally invasive resection without DS. However, further randomized controlled trials, including patient-reported outcomes, are still needed to understand better the role of TaDT in preventing ALs in patients with RC undergoing minimally invasive resection without DS., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The optimal treatment of colorectal cancer is surgical resection and primary anastomosis. Anastomotic leak can affect up to 20% of patients and creates significant morbidity and mortality. Current diagnosis of a leak is based on clinical suspicion and subsequent radiology. Peritoneal biomarkers have shown diagnostic utility in other conditions and could be useful in providing earlier diagnosis. This pilot study was designed to assess the practical utility of peritoneal biomarkers after abdominal surgery utilising an automated immunoassay system in routine use for quantifying cytokines., Methods: Patients undergoing an anterior resection for a rectal cancer diagnosis were recruited at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff between June 2019 and June 2021. A peritoneal drain was placed in the proximity of the anastomosis during surgery, and peritoneal fluid was collected at days 1 to 3 post-operatively, and analysed using the Siemens IMMULITE platform for interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, CXCL8, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and C-reactive protein (CRP)., Results: A total of 42 patients were recruited (22M:20F, median age 65). Anastomotic leak was detected in four patients and a further five patients had other intra-abdominal complications. The IMMULITE platform was able to provide robust and reliable results from the analysis of the peritoneal fluid. A metric based on the combination of peritoneal IL-6 and CRP levels was able to accurately diagnose three anastomotic leaks, whilst correctly classifying all negative control patients including those with other complications., Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates that a simple immune signature in surgical drain fluid could accurately diagnose an anastomotic leak at 48 h postoperatively using instrumentation that is already widely available in hospital clinical laboratories., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) is a key quality indicator of colonoscopy, and PCCRC rates are high in the IBD population. Rectal cancer, an important risk factor for PCCRC among patients with Crohn's disease (CD), has not previously been examined., Methods: Swedish adult patients with CD who underwent a colonoscopy within 36 months before a rectal cancer diagnosis between 2001 and 2015 were identified through the National Patient and Cancer registers. Their medical records were reviewed and a root-cause analysis and a sub-categorization according to the World Endoscopic Organization (WEO) were performed., Results: Of 24 patients with CD and PCCRC in the rectum, 79% were men and the median age was 50 (IQR 45-59) years. The median disease duration was 21.5 (IQR 19-30) years. The cancer was located in the distal 5 cm of the rectum in 63% of the cases. Retroversion in the rectum was reported in only one case. The most common plausible explanation for PCCRC was 'possible missed lesion, prior examination adequate' (63%); when adding retroversion in the rectum, instead 77% of examinations were considered negative but deemed as inadequate. The most common PCCRC sub-category was non-interval type C (54%) and B (37%). Among those with type C, 38% should have been included in surveillance according to present guidelines., Conclusion: Better adherence to surveillance guidelines and more meticulous follow-up is warranted. The importance of performing rectal palpation and retroversion in the rectum is underscored and we suggest that this is included in the WEO algorithm., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Our aim was to perform a propensity score-matched study to compare the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life following intersphincteric resection vs. low anterior resection (LAR) with very low anastomosis., Methods: Patients who underwent intersphincteric resection or low anterior resection with low anastomosis (≤ 4 cm from the anal verge) for rectal cancer between January 2017 and June 2020 were retrospectively included. A propensity score-matching process was performed. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed using the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L), EORC-QLQ C30, EORC-QLQ CR29, Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS), Wexner, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires. The primary outcome was the presence of LARS at least 12 months after surgery. The second outcome was the postoperative quality of life of included patients., Results: After propensity matching, 128 patients were included, including 58 males and 70 females with a median age of 59.5. Patients in the intersphincteric resection group showed a higher incidence of incontinence to flatus (32.8% versus 14.0%, p = 0.043) and stools (42.2% versus 21.9%, p = 0.046), pain/discomfort (25.0% versus 7.8%, p = 0.001), and bowel dysfunction, while the LARS scores (15.0 versus 13.2, p = 0.461) and major LARS rates (26.6% versus 14.1%, p = 0.078) were comparable in both groups., Conclusion: ISR leads to increased bowel incontinence rate and increased anal pain, without affecting the grade of low anterior resection syndrome, fecal urgency, and clustering. LAR might be the preferred sphincteric-preserving approach when negative resection margins and a safe anastomosis are guaranteed. Patients should be fully informed about potential functional impairment after sphincter-preservation procedures., (© 2023. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Background:  As endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large (≥ 20 mm) adenomatous nonpedunculated colonic polyps (LNPCPs) becomes widely practiced outside expert centers, appropriate training is necessary to avoid failed resection and inappropriate surgical referral. No EMR-specific tool guides case selection for endoscopists learning EMR. This study aimed to develop an EMR case selection score (EMR-CSS) to identify potentially challenging lesions for "EMR-naïve" endoscopists developing competency., Methods:  Consecutive EMRs were recruited from a single center over 130 months. Lesion characteristics, intraprocedural data, and adverse events were recorded. Challenging lesions with intraprocedural bleeding (IPB), intraprocedural perforation (IPP), or unsuccessful resection were identified and predictive variables identified. Significant variables were used to form a numerical score and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to generate cutoff values., Results:  Of 1993 LNPCPs, 286 (14.4 %) were in challenging locations (anorectal junction, ileocecal valve, or appendiceal orifice), 368 (18.5 %) procedures were complicated by IPB and 77 (3.9 %) by IPP; 110 (5.5 %) procedures were unsuccessful. The composite end point of IPB, IPP, or unsuccessful EMR was present in 526 cases (26.4 %). Lesion size, challenging location, and sessile morphology were predictive of the composite outcome. A six-point score was generated with a cutoff value of 2 demonstrating 81 % sensitivity across the training and validation cohorts., Conclusions:  The EMR-CSS is a novel case selection tool for conventional EMR training, which identifies a subset of adenomatous LNPCPs that can be successfully and safely attempted in early EMR training., Competing Interests: M.J. Bourke has received research support from Olympus Medical, Cook Medical, and Boston Scientific.T. O'Sullivan, M. Sidhu, S. Gupta, K. Byth, J. Elhindi, D. Tate, O. Cronin, A. Whitfield, H. Wang, E. Lee, S. Williams, and N.G. Burgess declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Sarcopenia, defined as low skeletal muscle mass, affects up to 60% of rectal adenocarcinoma patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NACRT), with negative impact on patient outcomes. Identifying modifiable risk factors may decrease morbidity and mortality., Methods: A retrospective review of rectal cancer patients from a single academic center from 2006 to 2020 was performed. Sixty-nine patients with pre- and post-NACRT CT imaging were included. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) was calculated as total L3 skeletal muscle divided by height squared. Sarcopenia thresholds were 52.4 cm 2 /m 2 for men and 38.5 cm 2 /m 2 for women. Student T-test, chi-square test, multivariable regression, and multivariable Cox hazard analysis were performed., Results: 62.3% of patients lost SMI from pre- to post-NACRT imaging, with a mean change of -7.8% (±19.9%). Eleven (15.9%) patients were sarcopenic at presentation, increasing to 20 (29.0%) following NACRT. Mean SMI decreased from 49.0 cm 2 /m 2 (95% CI: 42.0 cm 2 /m 2 -56.0 cm 2 /m 2 ) to 38.2 cm 2 /m 2 (95% CI: 33.6 cm 2 /m 2 -42.9 cm 2 /m 2 ) (P = .003). Pre-NACRT sarcopenia correlated with post-NACRT sarcopenia (OR 20.6, P = .002). Percent decrease in SMI was associated with a 5% increased mortality risk., Conclusion: The presence of sarcopenia at diagnosis and its association with post-NACRT sarcopenia suggests an opportunity for a high-impact intervention., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Case 1: A 28-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of bloody stools that persisted for several months. Colonoscopy showed a 1/2 circumferential type 2 tumor in the rectum. Laparoscopic high anterior resection(D3)was performed for rectal cancer cT3N0M0, cStage Ⅱa. The final diagnosis was pStage Ⅱa, and MSI-high. XELOX therapy was performed for 3 months to prevent recurrence, and the patient is alive without recurrence. Case 2: A 51-year-old man, father of case 1 patient, was admitted to our hospital because of anemia and dyspnea. Colonoscopy showed a circumferential type 2 tumor in the ascending colon. Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy(D3)was performed for ascending colon cancer cT4b N2aM0, cStage Ⅲc. The final diagnosis was pT3N0M0, pStage Ⅱa, and MSI-high. The patient is alive no recurrence without adjuvant chemotherapy. Both patients had a family history of colorectal cancer, were MSI-high, met the Amsterdam criteria Ⅱ and the revised Bethesda guidelines, and were suspected of having Lynch syndrome. A detailed family history and appropriate information provision were considered useful.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the USA and worldwide. In the USA, nearly one-third of CRC cases are anatomically classified as rectal cancer. Over the past few decades, continued refinement of multimodality treatment and the introduction of new therapeutic agents have enhanced curative treatment rates and quality of life outcomes. As treatments improve and the incidence of young onset rectal cancer rises, the number of rectal cancer survivors grows each year. This trend highlights the growing importance of rectal cancer survivorship. Multimodality therapy with systemic chemotherapy, chemoradiation, and surgery can result in chronic toxicities in multiple organ systems, requiring a multi-disciplinary care model with services ranging from appropriate cancer surveillance to management of long-term toxicities and optimization of modifiable risk factors. Here, we review the evidence on these long-term toxicities and provide management considerations from consensus guidelines. Specific topics include bowel dysfunction from radiation and surgery, oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, accelerated bone degeneration, the impact of fluoropyrimidines on long-term cardiovascular health, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and psychosocial distress. Additionally, we review modifiable risk factors to inform providers and rectal cancer survivors of various lifestyle and behavioral changes that can be made to improve their long-term health outcomes., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Purpose: In patients with chemotherapy, there is no consensus on the timing of ileostomy closure. Ileostomy reversal could improve the quality of life and minimise the long-term adverse events of delayed closure. In this study, we evaluated the impact of chemotherapy on ileostomy closure and searched for the predictive factors for complications., Methods: We retrospectively analysed 212 patients with rectal cancer who underwent ileostomy closure surgery during and without chemotherapy and were consecutively enrolled between 2010 and 2016. As a result of the heterogeneity of the two groups, propensity score matching (PSM) was performed with a 1:1 PSM cohort., Results: A total of 162 patients were included in the analysis. The overall stoma closure-related complications (12.4% vs. 11.1%, p = 1.00) and major complications (2.5% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.44) were not significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that chronic kidney disease and bevacizumab use are risk factors for major complications., Conclusion: Patients with oral or intravenous chemotherapy can safely have ileostomy closure with an adequate time delay from chemotherapy. When patients use bevacizumab, major complications related to ileostomy closure should still be cautioned., (© 2023. Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and both colorectal adenomatous polyps and non-adenomatous polyps, in order to provide evidence for the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with NAFLD., Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Jiangsu, China. The study included 3028 adults who underwent abdominal ultrasonography and colonoscopy over a 5 year period. We compared characteristics among patients with adenomatous polyps, non-adenomatous polyps, and without colorectal polyps using descriptive statistics. Logistic regression analyses were used to detect associations between NAFLD with the prevalence of adenomatous polyps and non-adenomatous polyps. NAFLD was determined by abdominal ultrasound. Colorectal polyps were assessed by data in the colonoscopy report and pathology report., Results: A total of 65% of patients with NAFLD had colorectal polys (52% adenomatous polyps and 13% non-adenomatous polyps), and 40% of patients without NAFLD had polyps (29% adenomatous polyps and 11% non-adenomatous polyps). After adjusting for confounding variables, NAFLD was significantly associated with the prevalence of adenomatous in males and females [odds ratio (OR) = 1.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-2.2, P  < 0.01], but was not associated with non-adenomatous polyps (OR = 1.2, 95% CI:0.9-1.5, P  > 0.05)., Conclusion: NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenomatous polyps compared to the absence of polyps, but not associated with an increased risk of non-adenomatous polyps. These results provide important evidence for the prevention of CRC in patients with NAFLD., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

Purpose: A protective loop ileostomy is the most useful method to reduce sequelae in the event of an anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal cancer surgery. However, it requires an additional stoma reversal surgery with its own potential complications. Postoperative ileus (POI) remains the most common complication after ileostomy reversal, which leads to an increase in morbidity, length of hospital stay (LOS) and overall healthcare costs. Several retrospective studies carried out in this field have concluded that there are insufficient evidence-based recommendations about the routine application of preoperative bowel stimulation in clinical practice. Here we discuss whether stimulation of the efferent limb before ileostomy reversal might reduce POI and improve postoperative outcomes., Methods: This is a multicentre randomised controlled trial to determine whether mechanical stimulation of the efferent limb during the 2 weeks before the ileostomy reversal would help to reduce the development of POI after surgery. This study was registered on Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05302557). Stimulation will consist of infusing a solution of 500 ml of saline chloride solution mixed with a thickening agent (Resource © , Nestlé Health Science; 6.4 g sachet) into the distal limb of the ileostomy loop. This will be performed within the 2 weeks before ileostomy reversal, in an outpatient clinic under the supervision of a trained stoma nurse., Conclusion: The results of this study could provide some insights into the preoperative management of these patients., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background: The optimal treatment of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection is unclear. This worldwide cohort study aimed to provide an overview of four treatment strategies applied., Methods: Patients from 216 centres and 45 countries with anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection between 2014 and 2018 were included. Treatment was categorized as salvage surgery, faecal diversion with passive or active (vacuum) drainage, and no primary/secondary faecal diversion. The primary outcome was 1-year stoma-free survival. In addition, passive and active drainage were compared using propensity score matching (2 : 1)., Results: Of 2470 evaluable patients, 388 (16.0 per cent) underwent salvage surgery, 1524 (62.0 per cent) passive drainage, 278 (11.0 per cent) active drainage, and 280 (11.0 per cent) had no faecal diversion. One-year stoma-free survival rates were 13.7, 48.3, 48.2, and 65.4 per cent respectively. Propensity score matching resulted in 556 patients with passive and 278 with active drainage. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in 1-year stoma-free survival (OR 0.95, 95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 1.33), with a risk difference of -1.1 (95 per cent c.i. -9.0 to 7.0) per cent. After active drainage, more patients required secondary salvage surgery (OR 2.32, 1.49 to 3.59), prolonged hospital admission (an additional 6 (95 per cent c.i. 2 to 10) days), and ICU admission (OR 1.41, 1.02 to 1.94). Mean duration of leak healing did not differ significantly (an additional 12 (-28 to 52) days)., Conclusion: Primary salvage surgery or omission of faecal diversion likely correspond to the most severe and least severe leaks respectively. In patients with diverted leaks, stoma-free survival did not differ statistically between passive and active drainage, although the increased risk of secondary salvage surgery and ICU admission suggests residual confounding., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of BJS Society Ltd.)

Anastomotic leakage (AL), one of the most severe complications in rectal surgery, is often diagnosed late because of the low specificity of the clinical symptoms and limitations of current clinical investigations. Identification of patients with early AL remains challenging. Here, we explored the protein expression profiles of AL patients to provide potential biomarkers to identify AL in patients who undergo surgery for rectal cancer. We screened differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in drainage fluid from AL and non-AL patients using a tandem mass tag method. A total of 248 DEPs, including 98 upregulated and 150 downregulated proteins, were identified between AL and non-AL groups. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses suggested that DEPs were enriched in neutrophil degranulation, bacterial infection, proteolysis, hemostasis, and complement and coagulation cascades. The results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay validated that the expression of the top three upregulated DEPs, AMY2A, RETN, and CELA3A, was significantly increased in the drainage fluid of AL patients, compared with that of non-AL patients (AMY2A, P = 0.001; RETN, P < 0.0001; and CELA3A, P = 0.023). Thus, our findings provide several potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AL after rectal cancer resection.

A 56-year-old woman was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer, with tumor invasion to the sacrum and levator muscle of the anus and multiple lymph node metastasis. After construction of an artificial anus, chemotherapy was started. However, tumor invasion and the cancer pain progressed. Finally, she was hospitalized for pain control; an anesthesiologist planned to insert an epidural catheter. The epidural catheter was placed at the L5-S1 interspace, and continuous administration of 0.2% ropivacaine was started. Cancer pain in the buttocks improved quickly. Therefore, an epidural catheter with a subcutaneous port was placed to prevent catheter-related infection after a long period. The postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged from the hospital on the 10th day postoperatively. She could receive home medical care and pain control treatment in an outpatient clinic. Finally, she died due to progression of the rectal cancer, 3 months after placement of the epidural catheter with the subcutaneous port. Some patients with advanced rectal cancer develop cancer pain even though they are sufficiently treated with opioids or palliative radiation therapy. Here, we describe the case of a patient with locally advanced rectal cancer, treated with an epidural catheter with a subcutaneous port for cancer pain that was difficult to manage with opioids alone.

Paraneoplastic syndromes are rare but possible manifestations of colorectal cancer. We present THE CASE of a 51-year-old female diagnosed with cT3N2 rectal adenocarcinoma who developed back pain and progressive muscle weakness during preoperative treatment. She had a rapid worsening in mobility and was ultimately ambulating with a wheelchair, despite physical therapy and conservative treatments. Extensive laboratory workup including onconeural antibodies was negative and her lower extremity electromyogram was suggestive of a subacute demyelinating lumbosacral plexopathy. After multidisciplinary discussion, the decision was made to proceed with curative resection. She had significant improvement in her weakness following resection, suggesting a paraneoplastic etiology. One year after resection, she remains free of disease and is ambulating comfortably. Onconeural antibodies can be a helpful diagnostic tool, but their absence does not rule out paraneoplastic disease. A high index of suspicion is necessary when assessing patients with atypical symptoms, particularly with the rise of colorectal cancer in young adults., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.