The aim of these evidence-based guidelines is to present a consensus position from members of the Italian Unitary Society of Colon-Proctology (SIUCP: Società Italiana Unitaria di Colonproctologia) on the diagnosis and management of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), with the purpose of guiding physicians in the selection of the most appropriate treatment option. A panel of experts was appointed by the Board of the SIUCP to develop key questions addressing the main topics related to the management of ODS and to perform an accurate literature search for each topic, in order to provide evidence-based answers and to summarize them in structured statements. All clinical questions were discussed by the expert panel over multiple rounds using the Delphi approach, and consensus among the experts was achieved for each statement. The questions were formulated according to PICO (patients, intervention, comparison, outcome) criteria, and the statements were developed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) methodology. In patients with ODS refractory to first-line medical therapy, rehabilitation may be considered as a therapeutic option, particularly in cases of dyssynergic defecation, whereas a surgical approach may be indicated in patients with a high symptom score and an Oxford prolapse grade system score ≥3 on defecography (using magnetic resonance imaging or another modality). Surgical options include stapled transanal rectal resection and ventral mesh rectopexy, eventually combined, respectively, with pelvic organ prolapse suspension and sacrocolpopexy in the presence of multicompartment pelvic prolapse. A transverse perineal support procedure may be considered in the presence of excessive perineal descent. In patients with recurrent symptoms after surgery, transanal irrigation may represent a useful therapeutic option.
Understanding the muscular structure of the anal canal is crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of anorectal diseases. Treitz muscle is a vital yet poorly understood component. It supports the anal venous plexus and contributes to anal cushion formation. However, its anatomical details remain unclear, and various theories suggest different origins for its muscle bundles, which affects our understanding of the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids. In this study, we sought to clarify the origin and localization of Treitz muscle to provide an anatomical foundation for understanding anal function. In this descriptive cadaveric study of 11 cadavers, we performed macroscopic examinations and immunohistological analyses on tissues from the anterior, lateral, and posterior walls of the anal canal. The origin and localization of Treitz muscle were qualitatively evaluated. Treitz muscle is a smooth muscle formed by a directional change in the muscle bundles of the internal anal sphincter, running longitudinally along its surface. A shift in the direction of muscle bundles originating from the internal anal sphincter, giving rise to Treitz muscle, was frequently observed in the anterolateral wall of the anal canal. In summary, Treitz muscle, a smooth muscle extending from the internal anal sphincter, is considered part of the muscularis propria. Its directional shift was localized to the anterolateral wall, indicating that Treitz muscle is not uniformly distributed around the anal canal. This site-specific localization may influence the risk of hemorrhoids or cancer invasion depending on its anatomical position.
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) manifests with evacuation disorder symptoms and continence problems. However, no prior study has focused on evacuation disorders in patients with LARS. This study investigated the prevalence of evacuation disorders and their association with the LARS score. This study included patients with defecation per anus at the time of the survey, which was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021. These patients had undergone anus-preserving surgery for rectal tumors between 2014 and 2019 at a tertiary university hospital. The severity of evacuation disorders and LARS was evaluated using the Constipation Scoring System and the LARS score, respectively. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of evacuation disorders, defined as evacuation difficulty, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and abnormally long time on the toilet. The secondary endpoints were the associations between these symptoms and the LARS score. Of 332 eligible patients, 238 (71.7%) completed the questionnaire. The overall prevalence of evacuation disorders was 48.3%. The rates of feeling incomplete evacuation, evacuation difficulty, and prolonged time on the toilet were 45.6%, 15.5%, and 8.4%, respectively. Patients with minor or major LARS had a significantly higher prevalence of evacuation disorders than those with no LARS, particularly regarding feeling incomplete evacuation. Evacuation disorders were present in 48.3% of patients following anus-preserving surgery. Greater severity of LARS was associated with a higher prevalence of evacuation disorders, especially a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Patients should be informed about the potential for both evacuation disorders and continence-related symptoms following anus-preserving surgery.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) represent a significant cause of morbidity following colorectal surgery. While mechanical bowel preparation combined with oral antibiotics is known to reduce SSIs, the independent effect of oral antibiotics alone remains unclear. This study compared the efficacy of oral antibiotic bowel preparation (OABP) versus no bowel preparation (NBP) in reducing SSIs among patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. A prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial was performed at a tertiary care center in India. Eighty-six patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery were randomized to receive either OABP (oral ciprofloxacin and metronidazole) or placebo, in addition to standard intravenous antibiotics. The primary outcome was the rate of SSIs. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leak, length of hospital stay, overall morbidity, and readmission rates. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The incidence of SSI was significantly lower in the OABP group compared to the NBP group (14.0% vs. 41.9%, P<0.01). The severity of infections and postoperative complications was also reduced in the OABP group (P<0.01). Although rates of anastomotic leak, readmission, and reoperation were higher in the NBP group, these differences were not statistically significant. The mean duration of hospital stay was shorter for patients in the OABP group (8.09 days vs. 11.28 days, P<0.01). No adverse effects related to oral antibiotics were observed. OABP without mechanical cleansing significantly reduces SSIs, postoperative morbidity, and length of hospital stay in elective colorectal surgery. This approach is safe and effective, offering a strategy to improve surgical outcomes.
Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is common and devastating complication for patients with rectal cancer who have undergone sphincter-sparing surgery. Prunes are a fiber-rich fruit being effective in treating chronic constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prune consumption on the incidence of LARS. A prospective, double-arm, parallel, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021 at a single tertiary center for patients who underwent low anterior resection. Patients randomized to the prune group consumed prune daily for 2 weeks after surgery, while those in the no-prune group did not. The primary outcome was the incidence of major LARS at 3 weeks after surgery. A total of 130 patients were randomized and 118 completed the study (81 men, 37 women), including 55 patients (46.6%) in the prune group and 63 patients (53.4%) in the no-prune group. LARS was confirmed in 15 patients (27.3%) in the prune group and 47 patients (74.6%) in the no-prune group (P<0.001). The incidence of major LARS was also significantly lower in the prune group (18.2% vs. 61.9%, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the level of anastomosis and prune consumption were significantly associated with the incidence of LARS. The prune group had higher emotional scores and lower symptom scores for constipation, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite in the quality-of-life questionnaire. Prune consumption significantly reduced the incidence of LARS and improved quality of life after low anterior resection. Trial registration: CRIS identifier: KCT0006085 (registered on September 1, 2019).
Minimally invasive techniques are increasingly applied in the management of pilonidal disease. While laser therapy is well established, radiofrequency (RF) represents a newer alternative with theoretical advantages. However, no prospective data have yet been published on its use. This study aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction associated with RF treatment for infected pilonidal sinus. We conducted a prospective, single-center pilot study including consecutive patients treated with RF between March and December 2023. The procedure was performed under spinal or general anesthesia in an outpatient setting using a radial RF probe (25 W, 4 MHz) following mechanical debridement. Patients were followed up at 15 days and at 1, 3, and 6 months. The primary endpoint was safety; secondary endpoints included healing rate, predictors of failure, postoperative pain, return to activities, and patient satisfaction. Forty-four patients were enrolled (median age, 25.5 years; 31 men, 70.5%), of whom 38.6% had undergone previous surgery. The median operative time was 12 minutes. No major complications occurred, and minor early events were reported in 6.8% of cases. Complete healing at 6 months was achieved in 77.3% of patients. Failure and recurrence rates were 13.6% and 9.1%, respectively. A history of prior surgery significantly increased the risk of failure (odds ratio, 0.2; P=0.005). The median peak pain score was 2 out of 10, with a median duration of 2 days. Overall, 33 patients (75.0%) were very satisfied, and 40 (90.9%) stated they would undergo the procedure again or recommend it to others. RF appears to be a safe, minimally invasive outpatient treatment option for pilonidal disease, demonstrating promising efficacy, minimal postoperative pain, and high patient satisfaction. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05855733.
Although carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) may exhibit low sensitivity in tumor screening, its prognostic significance has been highlighted. This study assessed the significance of preoperative CA19-9 and early postoperative CA19-9 levels in patients with nonmetastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients diagnosed with stage I-III CRC between January 2004 and April 2014 were included. Preoperative CA19-9 was assessed within 2 months of operation, whereas postoperative CA19-9 was measured 4 to 7 days after operation. The optimal cutoff values for preoperative and postoperative CA19-9 were established to maximize the differences in overall survival. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the CA19-9 change (CA19-9 trend): group 1, low preoperative CA19-9; group 2, high preoperative and low postoperative CA19-9; and group 3, high preoperative and postoperative CA19-9. The discriminatory powers of all variables were compared using the concordance index. A total of 816 patients were included. The determined cutoff values for preoperative and postoperative CA19-9 were 18.9 and 21.4 U/mL, respectively. Subgroup dichotomization revealed associations of preoperative CA19-9, postoperative CA19-9, and CA19-9 trend with overall survival in univariable analysis. The CA19-9 trend emerged as an independent prognostic factor in the multivariable analysis (group 1 vs. group 2: hazard ratio, 1.682 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.043-2.710], P=0.032; group 1 vs. group 3: hazard ratio, 2.882 [95% CI, 1.899-4.371], P<0.001). The concordance index value of the CA19-9 trend (0.636; 95% CI, 0.509-0.682) surpassed those of preoperative and postoperative CA19-9. The amalgamation of preoperative and postoperative CA19-9 levels demonstrated enhanced prognostic stratification, allowing for a more detailed classification of patients with nonmetastatic CRC.
This study aimed to determine whether the benefits of robotic surgery can be applied to the treatment of colon cancer by evaluating short-term outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic colonic resection. This interim analysis of an interventional multicenter randomized trial was conducted to compare outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed between January 2017 and December 2019. The study specifically assessed short-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic right or left colectomy for cancer. In addition, all short-term outcomes were evaluated in separate subgroups of right and left colonic resections through prespecified subgroup analyses. A total of 323 patients were analyzed, of whom 142 underwent robotic-assisted surgery and 181 underwent laparoscopic surgery. Overall, 109 complications (33.7%) occurred in the short-term period, 41 (28.9%) in the robotic group and 68 (37.6%) in the laparoscopic group, with no differences between groups in intraoperative or postoperative complications. However, grade III complications were significantly more frequent in the laparoscopic group, with 17 cases (9.4%) compared to 5 cases (3.5%) in the robotic group. Oncological radicality was similar between groups. Functional recovery after surgery was superior in the robotic group, as reflected by a shorter time to mobilization (17.5±10.2 hours vs. 21.1±11.5 hours). In the right colectomy subgroup, rates of grade III complications (1.9% vs. 11.7%) and lymph nodes retrieved (20.3±10.3 vs. 20.2±6.4) favored robotic surgery. In the left colon cancer subgroup, functional recovery was also improved with robotic surgery (44.3±22.2 hours vs. 61.1±31.1 hours, as measured by the composite recovery outcome). Robotic surgery is associated with fewer severe complications and improved postoperative recovery following colonic resections. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02871960.
Stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) is commonly used to treat severe internal hemorrhoids and rectal mucosal prolapse associated with prolapsing hemorrhoids. A common complication of SH is SH site stricture (SHsS), which negatively affects quality of life. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of low-dose triamcinolone acetonide (TA) injection at the SH site for the prevention of SHsS. Between 2020 and 2023, 1,023 patients underwent SH, with an average of 3.3 external hemorrhoids being excised per patient. The fluid mixture contained 40 mg of TA per 100 mL (0.4 mg/mL), with 5 mL (2 mg of TA) injected at the SH site and 2-3 mL (1.2 mg of TA) at each excisional hemorrhoidectomy site. The TA group (n=554; propensity score matching [PSM]-adjusted, n=375) received TA injections, whereas the non-TA group (n=469; after PSM, n=375) received conventional epinephrine injections. PSM was adjusted for age, sex, concurrent surgeries, botulinum toxin injection, and excisional hemorrhoidectomy frequency. Logistic regression models were used to analyze SHsS and reoperation rates. SHsS rate was significantly lower in the TA group (2.9%) than in the non-TA group (16.0%). Furthermore, the reoperation rate was lower in the TA group (5.9%) than in the non-TA group (14.4%). Low-dose TA injections effectively prevent SHsS and reduce reoperation rates without increasing the risk of infection, providing a safe, cost-effective approach to improving surgical outcomes.
Familial adenomatous polyposis is a hereditary condition that predisposes individuals to colorectal cancer. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmacological therapies for reducing polyp number, burden, and size in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Randomized trials assessing the effects of pharmacological interventions on polyp number, polyp burden, and polyp size were included, and adverse events were also analyzed. Sixteen studies (n=985) met the inclusion criteria. The mean participant age was 38±8.3 years, with a mean follow-up of 14.6±15.8 months. Of these studies, 62.5% focused on colorectal polyps, 18.8% on rectal polyps, 18.8% on duodenal polyps, and 12.5% addressed both colorectal and duodenal polyps. Pharmacological interventions were associated with a modest but statistically significant reduction in the number of polyps (Hedges g, -0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.08 to -0.05) and in average polyp size (Hedges g, -0.26; 95% CI, -0.49 to -0.04). However, no significant reduction in overall polyp burden was observed (Hedges g, -1.07; 95% CI, -2.21 to 0.06). In subgroup analyses, nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors produced a large reduction in polyp burden (Hedges g, -2.72; 95% CI, -3.28 to -2.16), while metformin also demonstrated benefit in a single study (Hedges g, -1.06; 95% CI, -1.86 to -0.27). Adverse events were generally infrequent and comparable to placebo. Chemopreventive interventions may reduce polyp number, burden, and size, and they appear to have a favorable safety profile.
Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) failure in fecal incontinence (FI) management represents a therapeutic challenge, often leading to more invasive, less accepted alternatives with inconsistent efficacy. In this context, intramural rectal botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection has recently emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative for urge FI. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intramural rectal BoNT-A injections in the challenging subgroup of SNM nonresponders. This retrospective, single-center study included patients with urge FI who underwent intramural rectal BoNT-A injections after SNM failure, between February 2018 and September 2024. The procedure involved endoscopic injection of 200 units of BoNT-A at 10 circumferential sites in the rectal wall. Treatment efficacy was assessed using the Cleveland Clinic Fecal Incontinence Score (CCFIS) and a visual analog scale (VAS) for symptom severity. Fifteen female patients met the inclusion criteria, with a median follow-up of 22.5 months (range, 4.4-103.2 months). Patients received a median of 2 injections, with a median reinjection interval of 9.8 months. CCFIS scores demonstrated significant improvement (median, 15 [range, 8-20] vs. 8 [range, 0-20]; P=0.001), as did VAS symptom scores (median, 4 [range, 0-5] vs. 2 [range, 0-5]; P=0.001). No adverse events were reported. This study provides long-term evidence supporting intramural rectal BoNT-A injections as an effective option for managing urge FI, including as salvage therapy in SNM nonresponders. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and define the optimal role of BoNT-A within the therapeutic algorithm for urge FI.
Intraoperative hypoperfusion is a major risk factor for postoperative anastomotic complications in colorectal surgery. Although most perfusion assessments emphasize arterial inflow, the roles of latency, sustained fluorescence, and venous outflow remain underexplored. This study aimed to identify quantitative indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence parameters predictive of intraoperative hypoperfusion. Eighty patients who underwent colorectal cancer resection between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed. Intraoperative perfusion was evaluated qualitatively using near-infrared ICG angiography and quantitatively through post hoc analysis of fluorescence time-intensity curves. Associations with hypoperfusion were assessed using group comparisons and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Qualitative evaluation indicated hypoperfusion requiring intraoperative relocation of the anastomotic site in 12 patients (15%), with postoperative leakage in 1 patient (1.2%) despite revision of the anastomosis. Quantitative analysis showed that latency was significantly shorter in hypoperfused cases (5.5 seconds [interquartile range (IQR), 1.0-13.0 seconds] vs. 20.0 seconds [IQR, 6.8-27.0 seconds]; P=0.003), and the plateau intensity ratio (PIR; Fplateau/Fmax) was markedly decreased (0.6 [IQR, 0.6-0.7] vs. 0.8 [IQR, 0.6-0.9]; P=0.045). The ROC analysis demonstrated good diagnostic performance for latency (area under the curve [AUC], 0.76; sensitivity, 33.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), 13.8-60.9]; specificity, 92.8% [95% CI, 84.1-96.9]; positive likelihood ratio, 4.6) and moderate accuracy for PIR (AUC, 0.68; sensitivity, 66.7% [95% CI, 39.1-86.2]; specificity, 68.1% [95% CI, 56.4-77.9]; positive likelihood ratio, 2.1). Quantitative fluorescence analysis identified latency and PIR as complementary markers of perfusion dynamics. Whereas latency reflects early arterial inflow kinetics, PIR captures outflow characteristics related to microvascular and venous integrity. Combining these metrics may improve intraoperative detection of hypoperfusion and support data-driven decisions regarding anastomotic site selection.
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, usability, and safety of the novel alginate-based sealants SEAL-G and SEAL-G MIST in reducing anastomotic leakage after colorectal resection. This prospective, multicenter study enrolled 160 patients undergoing elective colonic resection with primary anastomosis at 8 centers. SEAL-G was applied in open procedures (n=33), and SEAL-G MIST was used for minimally invasive procedures (n=127), with both sealants applied circumferentially to the anastomotic site. The primary endpoints included the rate of anastomotic coverage and the incidence of leakage within 30 days, classified according to the International Study Group of Rectal Cancer (ISGRC) criteria. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 3.1% (5 of 160), with only 1 patient (0.6%) experiencing a grade C leak that required reoperation. Four patients (2.5%) developed grade A or B leaks, all of which were managed conservatively. Complete circumferential sealant coverage was achieved in 93.1% of cases. The overall leak rates were 6.1 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively. However, statistical analysis did not show a significant difference. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter after laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery (5.1±2.8 days vs. 8.4±5.5 days, P<0.001). Alginate-based sealants show promise in reducing the severity of anastomotic leaks and in supporting anastomotic healing, demonstrating high technical success and low complication rates. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov iden-tifier: NCT04532515.
Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality despite advancements in targeted therapies. Monoclonal antibody medications-namely, bevacizumab, cetuximab, and panitumumab-are widely used in combination with chemotherapy as first-line treatments for unresectable mCRC in patients harboring wild-type KRAS tumors. However, the comparative effectiveness of these treatments in improving survival outcomes has not been clearly evaluated. This study aimed to directly compare the effectiveness of these 3 targeted therapies on survival outcomes in patients with unresectable mCRC. In this retrospective cohort study, we utilized Taiwan's National Health Insurance Database and Taiwan Cancer Registry to identify patients newly diagnosed with mCRC who were treated with at least 6 cycles of bevacizumab, cetuximab, or panitumumab between 2011 and 2021. Propensity score overlap weighting was applied to adjust for baseline differences, and outcomes were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed separately for left- and right-sided tumors. Among 4,849 patients, treatment with cetuximab and panitumumab was associated with improved overall survival compared to bevacizumab, particularly in patients with left-sided tumors (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.77 and 0.75, respectively). Both cetuximab and panitumumab also showed significantly higher rates of conversion surgery, with panitumumab demonstrating the strongest effect. For right-sided tumors, however, the effectiveness of all 3 agents was limited, and no significant differences were observed in overall survival. Cetuximab and panitumumab were more effective than bevacizumab at improving survival outcomes and facilitating conversion surgery in left-sided mCRC. These findings highlight the importance of tumor laterality and molecular profiling in guiding therapeutic strategies.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the natural history of early and late rectourethral fistulas (RUFs) and to determine the long-term outcomes of a multidisciplinary management approach. A multicenter retrospective study was performed on patients with RUF who were treated by a combined colorectal and urological team. Early RUF (ERUF) was defined as occurring within 31 days after surgery, while late RUF (LRUF) was defined as occurring thereafter. Surgical procedures and the surgeons involved were recorded, in addition to clinical assessments, radiological findings, and oncological assessments. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with RUF were treated between January 1, 2010, and June 2023. Patients were divided into ERUF (n=37) and LRUF (n=35) groups. After conservative management, comparisons of success rates for graciloplasty, York-Mason, and delayed coloanal anastomosis as second and third treatments showed higher rates for graciloplasty in ERUF than in LRUF (83% vs. 40%, P=0.034; 71% vs. 33%, P=0.500; and 60% vs. 40%, P>0.999, respectively). The ERUF group demonstrated significantly higher cure rates after the second treatment (83.8% vs. 40.0%, P<0.001). At final follow-up, complete healing was significantly more frequent in ERUF than in LRUF (83.8% vs. 42.9%, P<0.005). Definitive digestive and urinary diversion rates were lower in ERUF (13.5% vs. 48.5%, P=0.001; and 13.5% vs. 25.7%, P=0.240, respectively). These findings suggest that 30% of patients required a definitive colostomy, with a significantly higher proportion observed in the LRUF group. Moreover, repeated surgical procedures in the LRUF group were frequently unsuccessful.
Stoma reversal is associated with notable postoperative morbidity. Several techniques exist for skin closure after stoma reversal, with linear primary closure (LC) and purse-string closure (PS) being the most common. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to compare LC and PS skin closure after stoma reversal in terms of surgical site infection (SSI) rates, wound healing, and cosmesis. In accordance with the PRISMA statement, a systematic review of skin closure after stoma reversal was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. Eleven studies, enrolling 1,052 patients (PS, n=534; LC, n=518), published between 2006 and 2024, were included. The overall quality of the studies was considered acceptable, with a mean Jadad scale score of 4 (range, 3-5). Patients underwent ileostomy or ileostomy/colostomy in 6 and 5 studies, respectively. No differences were observed between groups in operative time, length of hospital stay, intestinal obstruction, or incisional hernia. However, SSI and overall infection rates were higher in the LC group, with a statistically significant difference for SSI. Skin closure following stoma reversal using the PS technique may offer advantages over LC. PS is associated with significantly lower SSI rates compared to LC. Although a large randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up is still required, current findings suggest that PS could be considered the standard of care for wound closure after ileostomy reversal.
The optimal sequencing of targeted therapies and the role of primary tumor resection (PTR) in KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) remain unclear. This study compared survival outcomes in patients treated with first-line cetuximab plus FOLFIRI (folinic acid, 5-fluorouracil, and irinotecan) versus bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI, followed by second-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy and later-line trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib. This retrospective cohort study used Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database and the Taiwan Cancer Registry. Patients diagnosed with mCRC between 2013 and 2019 were included if they received first-line cetuximab or bevacizumab plus FOLFIRI, followed by later-line trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib. Patients were stratified by PTR status. Primary endpoints were overall survival and survival during trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib treatment. Secondary endpoints included time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) and TTD during trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib therapy. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting was used for adjustment. Among 559 patients, 278 were assigned to the non-PTR group and 281 to the PTR group. In the non-PTR group, the cetuximab cohort demonstrated significantly longer survival during trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib therapy (6.2 months vs. 4.9 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.72) and longer TTD1 (the interval between initiation of first-line therapy and the start of second-line chemotherapy; 11.8 months vs. 9.5 months; HR, 0.67) than the bevacizumab cohort. Survival differences between regimens were less pronounced among patients who underwent PTR. First-line cetuximab plus FOLFIRI may confer a survival advantage over bevacizumab in patients with KRAS wild-type mCRC without PTR, including during later-line therapy with trifluridine/tipiracil or regorafenib, whereas bevacizumab appears to provide more consistent benefits in those with PTR.
The da Vinci Surgical System has led to major advances in robot-assisted colorectal surgery. Following its patent expiration, domestic alternatives such as the hinotori Surgical Robot System have been developed in Japan. However, clinical comparisons between the hinotori and the da Vinci Xi systems remain limited. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of right-sided colon cancer surgeries performed with either system using propensity score matching. This retrospective study included 39 patients who underwent da Vinci-assisted surgery and 37 who underwent surgery using the hinotori system. Propensity score matching was performed using 7 covariates: age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, clinical T and N categories, and surgeon experience (≥100 prior robotic colorectal surgeries). To assess the robustness of the findings, inverse probability weighting was also applied using the same covariates. Surgical, postoperative, and pathological outcomes were evaluated. After matching, 27 patients were included in each group. The hinotori group had significantly longer operative and console times (236 minutes vs. 191 minutes, P=0.001; 140 minutes vs. 90 minutes, P<0.001). No significant differences were observed in blood loss, complication rates, length of hospital stay, or lymph node harvest. No conversions or reoperations occurred. One readmission for ileus was noted in the da Vinci group, whereas none occurred in the hinotori group. Right colectomy assisted by the hinotori system demonstrated short-term outcomes equivalent to those of the da Vinci system, despite a prolonged operative time. Further prospective studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted.
Ileocecal tuberculosis (ICT) presents unique surgical challenges due to dense adhesions, distorted anatomy, and inflamed tissue planes. Although laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRH) is well established in colonic surgery, its application in ICT remains limited. We evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of the caudal tunneling with lateral colonic attachment preservation (CLAP) procedure, a modified laparoscopic technique designed to facilitate safer dissection in ICT. This single-center prospective cohort study was conducted between May 2016 and October 2023 at King George's Medical University. Fifty-six adult patients with confirmed ICT underwent LRH using the CLAP technique. The procedure begins with retroperitoneal tunneling along Toldt fascia from the terminal ileum while preserving lateral colonic attachments until the final step. Intraoperative variables, perioperative outcomes, and complications were recorded. Patients were followed for 2 years to assess long-term outcomes. The median age was 38 years, and 64.3% of patients were female. Dense adhesions were noted in 87.5% of cases. The mean operative time was 181 minutes (mean blood loss, 100±20 mL). Conversion to open surgery occurred in 3 patients (5.4%). Additional ports were required in 80.4%. Morbidities included prolonged ileus (10.7%), surgical site infection (5.4%), urinary tract infection (12.5%), and anastomotic leak (1.8%). There was no mortality. At 2-year follow-up, all patients demonstrated symptom resolution and weight gain, with 1 incisional hernia reported. The CLAP technique is a safe and feasible modification of LRH for ICT, enabling controlled retroperitoneal dissection and minimizing operative risk. Larger multicenter comparative studies are warranted.
This study aimed to identify predictors of lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) and assess prognostic factors in patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer (LALRC), with the goal of informing optimal treatment strategies for LALRC. We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological data from patients with LALRC who underwent lateral lymph node dissection without preoperative treatment between 2014 and 2023. The radiological criterion for LLNM was a short-axis diameter of ≥6 mm on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of 163 patients, 27 (16.6%) had pathological LLNM (pLLNM). Among 130 patients preoperatively classified as LLNM-negative, 5 (3.8%) were found to have pLLNM. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that meeting the radiological LLNM criterion independently predicted pLLNM (odds ratio, 53.000; P<0.001). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this criterion were 90.2%, 81.5%, 91.9%, 66.7%, and 96.2%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, pLLNM was an independent risk factor for 3‑year relapse‑free survival. MRI‑detected extramural vascular invasion (mrEMVI) was independently associated with 3‑year relapse‑free survival, local recurrence‑free survival, and distant recurrence‑free survival. These radiological criteria may help clinicians develop personalized treatment plans for patients with LALRC. The high negative predictive value and specificity of LLNM assessment can assist in avoiding overtreatment in appropriate patients. Further evaluation is needed to define optimal management for mrEMVI‑positive cases.