Technical,functional, and oncological validity of robot-assisted total-intersphincteric resection (T-ISR) for lower rectal cancer

BackgroundFew studies fairly compared anorectal function and prognostic outcomes between patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection (APR) and anorectal-function-saving operations (ASO) under the equivalent conditions. By contrast, surgeons used to be somewhat hesitant to conduct total intersphincteric resection (T-ISR) as maximal ASO, due to its technical complexity and potential anorectal dysfunction.MethodsPropensity-score matched cohorts undergoing robot-assisted R0 surgery [T-ISR vs APR vs partial-subtotal ISR (PS-ISR)/lower anterior resection (LAR)] for rectal cancer (n = 1361) were included. Operative outcomes, recurrence, and disease-free/overall survival (DFS/OS) were analyzed. Anorectal function was evaluated based on fecal incontinence score and high-resolution manometry between the T-ISR and other ASO groups.ResultsFew differences were detected between the T-ISR and APR groups. More patients undergoing APR had T4 stage disease, while the lowest tumor margin was the same in both groups (mean, 1.5 cm from anal verge). Prognostic outcomes did not differ between the T-ISR and APR groups, including local (5.1% vs 7.7%, p = 1) or systemic (15.4% vs 25.6%, p = 0.401) recurrence, and 5-year DFS (78.7% vs 61.5%, p = 0.1) and OS (89% vs 82.1%, p = 0.434) rates, nor were there differences between the T-ISR and PS-ISR/LAR groups. The PS-ISR group generally showed less anorectal dysfunction than the T-ISR group, but maximal tolerance volume did not differ between these two groups and was within the range for the healthy population.ConclusionsT-ISR can replace most traditional APR, except for advanced T4 disease with aggressive infiltration into the levator-sphincters, and can provide tolerable anorectal dysfunction.     

Comparison of long term survival outcomes between D1+ and D2 lymph node dissection for ≥ pT2 or pN+ gastric carcinoma: A large scale case-control study using propensity score matching

BackgroundD2 lymph node dissection (LND) is a widely performed as a standard procedure for advanced gastric cancer (AGC). However, there is little evidence supporting D2 over D1+ LND for gastric cancer treatment. This study compared the long-term outcomes of D2 and D1+ LND for AGC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data on 1121 patients who underwent curative distal gastrectomy and had pathologic stage of ≥ pT2 or pN+. The patients were categorized into the D1+ and D2 LND groups, and long-term survival was compared in the original and propensity score matching (PSM) cohorts.ResultsOverall, 909 and 212 patients underwent D2 and D1+ LND, respectively. The D2 group showed more advanced stage and more frequently underwent open surgery. Postoperative morbidity was significantly higher in the D2 group (19.5% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.034); however, mortality or ≥ grade III complications did not significantly differ between the groups. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) did not significantly differ between D2 and D1+ groups at the same stage. Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors revealed that the extent of LND did not significantly affect survival, after adjusting for tumor stage and other clinicopathological factors. In the PSM cohort, the D2 and D1 groups showed no significant difference in OS (p = 0.488) and DFS (p = 0.705).ConclusionsLong-term survival with D1+ LND was comparable to that with D2 LND for ≥ pT2 or pN + gastric carcinoma. A large randomized trial is warranted to validate the optimal extent of LND for gastric carcinoma.     

Laparoscopic approach for T4 colon cancer can be associated with poor prognosis in right-sided T4b tumours

IntroductionAlthough recent studies have demonstrated the safety of laparoscopic surgery in T4 colon cancer, some patients could have poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to analyse the risk factors affecting oncologic outcome of laparoscopic surgery.Materials and methodsAmong the 1033 T4 colon cancer patients collected from a multicentre database (2004–2017), 584 patients (458 T4a and 126 T4b) underwent laparoscopic approach for radical surgery. Risk factors associated with 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated through multivariate analysis. In addition, subgroups were classified using a combination of risk factors, and the survival rate was evaluated.ResultsDuring this period, 188 (32.2%) had recurrence, and 151 (25.9%) died. In the multivariate analysis for oncologic outcome, elevated carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37) and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.60) were associated with poor DFS. T4b (HR 1.56, 1.46), right-sided location (HR 1.52, 1.42), and open conversion (HR 2.70, 2.12) were independently associated with both poor DFS and OS. When four subgroups were analysed through the combination of tumour location and T stage, the DFS and OS rates were significantly lower in patients with right-sided T4b cancer than in other groups (log-rank p < 0.001).ConclusionRight-sided T4b colon cancer for laparoscopic surgery may lead to poor oncologic outcome. This approach could be a caution in suspected cases preoperatively.     

The absence of benefit of perioperative chemotherapy in initially resectable peritoneal metastases of colorectal cancer origin treated with complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: A retrospective analysis

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) of colorectal origin treated with complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with or without perioperative systemic chemotherapy (PCT+/PCT-).Patients and methodsRetrospective analysis of 125 patients treated with complete CRS (R0/R1) and HIPEC for PM from colorectal origin in two Belgian academic centers between 2008 and 2017. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed with regard to PCT. Statistical analyses were adjusted for non-balanced survival risk factors.ResultsThe PCT+ group (n = 67) received at least 5 cycles of PCT and the PCT-group (n = 56) did not receive PCT. The groups were well balanced for all prognostic factors except presentation of synchronous disease (more in PCT+). Survival analysis was adjusted to peritoneal cancer index and presentation of synchronous disease. After a median follow-up of 54±5-months, the 1, 3, 5-years OS in the PCT+ group were 98%, 59% and 35% compared to 97%, 77% and 56% in the PCT-group (HR = 1.46; 95% CI:0.87–2.47; p = 0.155). The 1,3 and 5 years DFS in the PCT+ group were 47%, 13% and 6% compared to 58%, 29% and 26% respectively in the PCT- (HR = 1.22; 95% CI:0.78–1.92; p = 0.376).ConclusionThis study does not show any clear benefit of PCT in carefully selected patients undergoing R0/R1 CRS and HIPEC for colorectal PM. The ongoing CAIRO6 trial randomizing CRS/HIPEC versus CRS/HIPEC and PCT will probably clarify the role of PCT in patients with resectable PM.     

Does laparoscopy increase the risk of peritoneal recurrence after resection for pT4 colon cancer? Results of a propensity score-matched analysis from an international cohort

BackgroundPeritoneal metastases (PM) occur in 15–20% of surgically resected pT4 colon cancer (CC) and strongly affect prognosis. Since no standard treatment has been established, efforts should be addressed toward its prevention. Some literature suggests a detrimental effect of laparoscopy in pT4 CC, hence we aimed to determine its impact on the development of PM after potentially curative resection.MethodsInternational multicenter retrospective cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing surgery for pT4a and pT4b CC (2014–2018) at 5 referral centers. The inclusion criteria were absence of distant metastasis, elective surgery, curative-intent resection (R0-1), and a minimum follow-up of 24 months (median, IQR: 35, 25.8–50.5 months).Results276 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. After 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM), 63 patients in the laparoscopic group (LapGroup) were compared with 63 patients in the open surgery group (OpenGroup). The two groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinical parameters, operative data, and specimen characteristics. The OpenGroup presented a higher estimated intraoperative blood loss (P < .001) and postoperative length of stay (P < .001). Overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and disease-free survival resulted comparable. The 5-year probability of developing PM was 16.2% after laparoscopy and 19.5% after open surgery (P = .686). Multivariate analysis confirmed laparoscopy not to be an independent risk factor for PM.ConclusionsElective laparoscopic surgery for pT4 CC does not seem to increase the risk of metachronous PM after potentially curative surgery. Long-term outcomes after laparoscopy are not inferior to conventional open resections.     

Perioperative,short-, and long-term outcomes of gastric cancer surgery: Propensity score-matched analysis of patients with or without prior solid organ transplantation

BackgroundDetails of perioperative outcomes and survival after gastric cancer surgery in prior transplant recipients have received minimal research attention.MethodsWe performed an observational cohort study using the database of 20,147 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy at a single gastric cancer center in Korea. Forty-one solid organ recipients [kidney (n = 35), liver (n = 5), or heart (n = 1)] were matched with 205 controls using propensity score matching.ResultsOperation time, blood loss, and postoperative pain were similar between groups. Short-term complication rates were similar between transplantation and control groups (22.0% vs. 20.1%, P = 0.777). Transplantation group patients with stage 1 gastric cancer experienced no recurrence, while those with stage 2/3 cancer had significantly higher recurrence risk compared to the controls (P = 0.049). For patients with stage 1 cancer, the transplantation group had a significantly higher rate of non-gastric cancer-related deaths compared to the controls (19.2% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.001). For those with stage 2/3 cancer, significantly lower proportion of the transplantation group received adjuvant chemotherapy compared to the control group (26.7% vs. 80.3%, P < 0.001). The transplantation group had a higher (albeit not statistically significant) rate of gastric cancer-related deaths compared to the controls (40.0% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.087).ConclusionTransplant recipients and non-transplant recipients exhibited similar perioperative and short-term outcomes after gastric cancer surgery. From long-term outcome analyses, we suggest active surveillance for non-gastric cancer-related deaths in patients with early gastric cancer, as well as strict oncologic care in patients with advanced cancer, as effective strategies for transplant recipients.     

The role of surgery for locally recurrent and second recurrent rectal cancer with metastatic disease

BackgroundThe role of surgery for locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) with resectable distant metastases or second LRRC remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the influence of synchronous distant metastases (SDMs), a history of distant metastasis resection (HDMR), and a second LRRC on the outcome.MethodsThe long-term outcomes of 70 surgically treated patients with LRRC between 2006 and 2018 were compared by SDM (n = 10), HDMR (n = 17), and second LRRC (n = 7).ResultsAmong the 10 patients with SDM, 4 patients underwent simultaneous resection, whereas the other 6 underwent staged resection with distant first approach. Recurrence developed in 9 patients, of which 2 patients with liver re-resection achieved long-term survival without cancer. The patients with and without SDM had equivalent 5-year overall survival rate (40.5% vs. 53.3%, p = 0.519); however, patients with SDM had a worse 3-year recurrence-free survival rate than those without SDM (10.0% vs. 37.5%, p = 0.031). Multivariate analysis showed that primary non-sphincter-preserving surgery, second LRRC, and R1 resection were independent risk factors for overall survival. Similarly, primary non-sphincter-preserving surgery, second LRRC, SDM, and R1 resection were risk factors for recurrence-free survival.ConclusionsPatients with SDM might still be suitable to undergo salvage surgery and achieve favourable overall survival. Distant metastasectomy should be performed first, followed by a sufficient interval to avoid unnecessary LRRC resection in uncurable patients. An HDMR should not be taken into consideration when making surgical plans. Surgical indication of second LRRC should be strict, especially in referred patients.     

Intra-abdominal recurrence from colorectal carcinoma: Differences and similarities between local and peritoneal recurrence

BackgroundPeritoneal recurrences from colo-rectal cancer can be isolated (PR) or associated with local recurrences (LR). The purpose of this study was to analyze patterns and outcomes of LR and PR.MethodsAnalyze from a prospective database of 108 patients treated with CCS plus HIPEC at two cancer centers between 2008 and 2015.ResultsThe population was divided into an LPR group (presence of LR with or without PR, n = 56) and a PR group (isolated PR, n = 52). The patients characteristics (age, sex, Charlson score, PCI) or perioperative treatments were comparable between the groups. The median number of resected organs for tumor involvement (respectively, 2 vs 1; p < 0.001), the percentage of patients with metastatic lymph nodes (LN+) from the resected specimen (respectively, 25% vs 7%; p = 0.016) and the mortality rate (respectively, 9% vs 0%; p = 0.023) were significantly higher in the LPR group. After a median follow-up of 32 (1–108) months, median overall survival was comparable between the two groups (respectively, 46 vs 42 months; p = 0.262).ConclusionsLR is associated with a higher incidence of organ invasion, LN involvement (25%) and postoperative mortality. Optimal surgical resection of LR with systematic lymphadenectomy of invaded organs seems mandatory.     

Minimum radial margin in pelvic exenteration for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer

PurposeThe aim of this study was to clarify the suitable radial margin (RM) for favourable outcomes after pelvic exenteration (PE), focusing on the discrepancy between the concepts of circumferential resection margin (CRM) and traditional R status.MethodsSeventy-three patients with locally advanced (LARC, n = 24) or locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC, n = 49) who underwent PE between 2006 and 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were histologically classified into the following 3 groups; wide RM (≥1 mm, n = 45), narrow RM (0–1 mm, n = 10), and exposed RM (n = 18). The analysis was performed not only in the entire cohort but also in each disease group separately.ResultsThe rates of traditional R0 (RM > 0 mm) and wide RM were 75.3% and 61.6%, respectively, resulting in the discrepancy rate of 13.7% between the two concepts. Preoperative radiotherapy was given in 12.3%. In the entire cohort, the local recurrence and overall survival (OS) rates for narrow RMs were significantly worse than those for wide RMs (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002), but were similar to those for exposed RMs. In both LARC and LRRC, RM < 1 mm resulted in significantly worse local recurrence and OS rates compared to the wide RMs. Multivariate analysis showed that RM < 1 mm was an independent risk factor for local recurrence in both LARC (HR 15.850, p = 0.015) and LRRC (HR 4.874, p = 0.005).ConclusionsNarrow and exposed RMs had an almost equal impact on local recurrence and poor OS after PE. Preoperative radiotherapy might have a key role to ensure a wide RM.     

Can physical prehabilitation prevent complications after colorectal cancer surgery in frail older patients?

IntroductionFrail patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) are at increased risk of complications after surgery. Prehabilitation seems promising to improve this outcome and therefore we evaluated the effect of physical prehabilitation on postoperative complications in a retrospective cohort of frail CRC patients.MethodsThe study consisted of all consecutive non-metastatic CRC patients ≥70 years who had elective surgery from 2014 to 2019 in a teaching hospital in the Netherlands, where a physical prehabilitation program was implemented from 2014 on. We performed both an intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis to evaluate postoperative complications in the physical prehabilitation (PhP) and non-prehabilitation (NP) group.ResultsEventually, 334 elective patients were included. The 124 (37.1%) patients in the PhP-group presented with higher age, higher comorbidity scores and walking-aid use compared to the NP-group. Medical complications occurred in 26.6% of the PhP-group and in 20.5% of the NP-group (p = 0.20) and surgical complications in 19.4% and 14.3% (p = 0.22) respectively. In all frailty subgroups, the medical complications were lower in the PhP-group compared to the NP-group (35.9% vs. 45.5% for patients with ≥2 comorbidities, 36.2% vs. 39.1% for ASA score ≥ III, 29.2% vs. 45.8% for walking-aid use). Differences were not significant.ConclusionsIn this study, patients selected for physical prehabilitation had a worse frailty profile and therefore a higher a priori risk of postoperative complications. However, the postoperative complication rate was not increased compared to patients who were less frail at baseline and without prehabilitation. Hence, physical prehabilitation may prevent postoperative complications in frail CRC patients ≥70 years.     

Recurrence patterns after curative gastrectomy for pStage II/III gastric cancer: Exploratory analysis of the randomized controlled JCOG1001 trial

BackgroundPeritoneal, lymph node, and hematogenous recurrence patterns are common after potentially curative surgery for gastric cancer. However, clinicopathological characteristics associated with each recurrence type have rarely been comprehensively reported among patients who received a unified treatment strategy and follow-up protocol. Understanding these recurrence patterns would help with early detection of recurrence and a personalized follow-up plan. We investigated the initial recurrence patterns after curative gastrectomy using data from the randomized clinical JCOG1001 trial.MethodsOf 1204 patients enrolled in JCOG1001, 932 pStage II/III patients were included. Initial recurrence dates and patterns were recorded by attending physicians according to the protocol. Risk factors for hematogenous, lymph node, and peritoneal recurrence were determined by univariable and multivariable analyses using the Fine–Gray model.ResultsOverall, 253 patients developed recurrence. Hematogenous recurrence was the most frequent pattern (n = 115), followed by peritoneal (n = 104) and lymph node recurrence (n = 70). Differentiated type (p = 0.0028), pT4 (p = 0.0466), and pN3 (p < 0.0001) were associated with hematogenous recurrence; however, D2+ lymphadenectomy reduced it (p = 0.0161). Patients with large (≥5 cm) tumors (p = 0.0312), pT4 (p < 0.0001), pN3 (p = 0.0013), and undifferentiated histologic type (p = 0.0001) had significantly higher rates of peritoneal recurrence. Extended lymph node metastasis (pN3) was the only risk factor (p < 0.0001) for lymph node recurrence.ConclusionsClinicopathological features differed according to the recurrence patterns. Vigilant follow-up with an understanding of recurrence patterns might be beneficial for some high-risk patients.     

Preoperative C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and clinical outcomes after resection of colorectal liver metastases

PurposeAccumulating evidence suggests that the inflammatory tumor microenvironment can potentiate tumor progression and metastasis. The C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) is a novel inflammation-based prognostic score. This study was performed to examine the associations of the preoperative CAR with clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) after curative resection.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed the preoperative CAR in 184 patients who underwent curative resection for CRLM from November 2001 to January 2018 at Kumamoto University (Kumamoto, Japan). The optimal cutoff level of the preoperative CAR was determined by survival classification and regression tree (CART) analysis. We compared clinicopathological factors and prognoses between the high-CAR and low-CAR groups. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders.ResultsA higher preoperative CAR was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (p < 0.0001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (p = 0.003). Applying survival CART analysis, the high-CAR group comprised 33 patients (17.9%). In the multivariate analyses, a high CAR was independently associated with shorter OS (HR, 2.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.63–4.72; p = 0.0004) and RFS (HR, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–2.49; p = 0.040). A high CAR was associated with a large tumor size, high serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels, high intraoperative blood loss, and more postoperative complications.ConclusionA high preoperative CAR is associated with shorter OS and RFS and might serve as a prognostic marker for patients with CRLM after curative resection.     

Sarcopenia and primary tumor location influence patients outcome after liver resection for colorectal liver metastases

IntroductionRight-sided and left-sided colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to differ in their molecular carcinogenic pathways. The prevalence of sarcopenia is known to worsen the outcome after hepatic resection. We sought to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and its prognostic application according to the primary CRC tumor site.Methods355 patients (62% male) who underwent liver resection in our center were identified. Clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term outcomes were stratified by sarcopenia and primary tumor location (right-sided vs. left-sided). Tumors in the coecum, right sided and transverse colon were defined as right-sided, tumors in the left colon and rectum were defined as left-sided. Sarcopenia was assessed using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) with a measurement of the skeletal muscle area at the level L3.ResultsPatients who underwent right sided colectomy (n = 233, 65%) showed a higher prevalence of sarcopenia (35.2% vs. 23.9%, p = 0.03). These patients also had higher chances for postoperative complications with Clavien Dindo >3 (OR 1.21 CI95% 0.9–1.81, p = 0.05) and higher odds for mortality related to CRC (HR 1.2 CI95% 0.8–1.8, p = 0.03).On multivariable analysis prevalence of sarcopenia remained independently associated with worse overall survival and disease free survival (overall survival: HR 1.47 CI 95% 1.03–2.46, p = 0.03; HR 1.74 CI95% 1.09–3.4, p = 0.05 respectively).ConclusionSarcopenia is known to have a worse prognosis in patients with CRLM and CRC. Depending on the primary location sarcopenia has a variable effect on the outcome after liver resection.     

Lessons learnt from 1300 consecutive gallbladder cancer surgeries: Evolving role of peri-operative chemotherapy in the treatment paradigm

BackgroundLevel I evidence for multi-modality management of gallbladder cancers (GBC) is evolving.MethodsProspectively maintained operative GBC database of 1307 patients (year 2010–2019) was analysed to study the impact of peri-operative chemotherapy (PCT) on survival outcomes.Results1040 patients had pathologically confirmed GBC. Stage distribution showed: Stage I(85,8.2%), II(247,23.8%), III(460,44.2%), IV(248, 23.8%). PCT was used as follows: in stage II, 164 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy(ACT); in stage III, ACT was given to 444 patients, either operated upfront(244 patients) or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)(216 patients); in stage IV, 32 patients (11 received NACT) underwent radical surgery followed by ACT and 216 patients had inoperable disease (77 received NACT) upon exploration. With a median follow-up of 30 months, the 3-year OS for stage I, II and III was 94.1%, 82.6% and 48.2% respectively. Corresponding DFS was 93.8%, 67.3% and 38.3%. Upon reassessment for surgery after NACT (n = 332), patients who underwent radical surgery (n = 235) had superior OS (p = 0.000) and DFS (p = 0.000) in comparison to those who had inoperable disease (n = 97). Amongst stage III and IV patients with operable disease (n = 492), those who were operated upfront (n = 238) had equivalent survival as those operated after NACT (n = 254). This was also confirmed by a 1:1 propensity matched analysis (118 patients each), matching for T and N stage.ConclusionThe role of peri-operative chemotherapy in management of GBC is evolving. While the role of NACT for locally advanced GBC is unsettled and merits testing prospectively, it helps in selection of patients with favourable disease biology for radical surgery.     

Complications and risk factors in vulvar cancer surgery – A population-based study

IntroductionPrimary surgery for vulvar cancer has become less radical in past decades. This study investigates risk factors and prevalence of short-and long-term complications after up-to-date vulvar cancer surgery.MethodsPopulation-based cohort study of surgically treated primary vulvar cancer at a national center of vulvar cancer, assessing surgical outcome. The Swedish Quality Registry for Gynecological Cancer was used for identification, journals reviewed and surgical outcome including complications within 30 days and one year registered. Multivariable logistic regression analysis comprising risk factors of short-term complications; age>80 years, BMI, smoking, diabetes, lichen sclerosus and FIGO stage was performed.Results182 patients were identified, whereas 55 had vulvar surgery only, 53 surgery including sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and 72 surgery including inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (IFL), with short-term complication rates of 21.8%, 39.6% and 54.2% respectively. Vulvar wound dehiscence was reported in 6.0% and infection in 13.7%. Complication rates were lower after SLNB than IFL (wound dehiscence 0% vs 8.3%; p = 0.04, infection 15.1% vs 36.1%; p = 0.01 and lymphocele 5.7% vs 9.7%; p = 0.52). Severe complications were rare. Persisting lymphedema evolved in 3.8% after SLNB and in 38.6% after IFL (p = 0.001), ubiquitous after adjuvant radiotherapy. In multivariable regression analysis, no associations between included risk factors and complications were found.ConclusionSurgical complications are still common in vulvar cancer surgery and increase with the extent of groin surgery. To thrive for early diagnosis and to avoid IFL seem to be the most important factors in minimizing short-and long-term complications.     

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations — Part I: Preoperative and intraoperative management

BackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been shown to considerably reduce complications, length of stay and costs after most of surgical procedures by standardised application of best evidence-based perioperative care. The aim was to elaborate dedicated recommendations for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in a two-part series of guidelines based on expert consensus. The present part I of the guidelines highlights preoperative and intraoperative management.MethodsThe core group assembled a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts involved in peritoneal surface malignancy surgery representing the fields of general surgery (n = 12), gynaecological surgery (n = 6), and anaesthesia (n = 6). Experts systematically reviewed and summarized the available evidence on 72 identified perioperative care items, following the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, evaluation) system. Final consensus (defined as ≥50%, or ≥70% of weak/strong recommendations combined) was reached by a standardised 2-round Delphi process, regarding the strength of recommendations.ResultsResponse rates were 100% for both Delphi rounds. Quality of evidence was evaluated high, moderate low and very low, for 15 (21%), 26 (36%), 29 (40%) and 2 items, respectively. Consensus was reached for 71/72(98.6%) items. Strong recommendations were defined for 37 items, No consensus could be reached regarding the preemptive use of fresh frozen plasma.ConclusionThe present ERAS recommendations for CRS±HIPEC are based on a standardised expert consensus process providing clinicians with valuable guidance. There is an urgent need to produce high quality studies for CRS±HIPEC and to prospectively evaluate recommendations in clinical practice.     

Does the difficulty grade of laparoscopic liver resection for colorectal liver metastases correlate with long-term outcomes?

IntroductionPrognosis of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is strongly correlated with the oncological outcome after liver resection. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) difficulty score (IMM difficulty score) on the oncological results in patients treated for CRLM.MethodsAll patients who underwent LLRs for CRLM from 2000 to 2016 in our department, were retrospectively reviewed. Data regarding difficulty classification, -according to the Institute Mutualiste Montsouris score (IMM)-, recurrence rate, recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS) and data regarding margin status were analyzed.ResultsA total of 520 patients were included. Patients were allocated into 3 groups based on IMM difficulty score of the LLR they underwent: there were 227 (43,6%), 84 (16,2%) and 209 (40,2%) patients in groups I, II and III, respectively. The R₁ resection rate in group I, II and III were 8,8% (20/227), 11,9% (10/84) and 12,4% (26/209) respectively (p = 0.841). Three- and 5-year RFS rates were 77% and 73% in group I, 58% and 51% in group II, 61% and 53% in group III, respectively (p = 0.038). Three and 5-year OS rates were 87% and 80% for group I, 77% and 66% for group II, 80% and 69% for group III respectively (p = 0.022).ConclusionThe higher LLR difficulty score correlates with significant morbidity and worse RFS and OS, although the more technically demanding and difficult cases are not associated with increased rates of positive resection margins and recurrence.     

Guidelines for Perioperative Care in Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic IntraPEritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC): Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society Recommendations — Part II: Postoperative management and special considerations

BackgroundEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have been shown to considerably reduce complications, length of stay and costs after most of surgical procedures by standardised application of best evidence-based perioperative care. The aim was to elaborate dedicated recommendations for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) ± hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in a two-part series of guidelines based on expert consensus. The present part II of the guidelines highlights postoperative management and special considerations.MethodsThe core group assembled a multidisciplinary panel of 24 experts involved in peritoneal surface malignancy surgery representing the fields of general surgery (n = 12), gynaecological surgery (n = 6), and anaesthesia (n = 6). Experts systematically reviewed and summarized the available evidence on 72 identified perioperative care items, following the GRADE (grading of recommendations, assessment, development, evaluation) system. Final consensus (defined as ≥50%, or ≥70% of weak/strong recommendations combined) was reached by a standardised 2-round Delphi process, regarding the strength of recommendations.ResultsResponse rates were 100% for both Delphi rounds. Quality of evidence was evaluated high, moderate low and very low, for 15 (21%), 26 (36%), 29 (40%) and 2 items, respectively. Consensus was reached for 71/72(98.6%) items. Strong recommendations were defined for 37 items. No consensus could be reached regarding the preemptive use of fresh frozen plasma.ConclusionThe present ERAS recommendations for CRS ± HIPEC are based on a standardised expert consensus process providing clinicians with valuable guidance. There is an urgent need to produce high quality studies for CRS ± HIPEC and to prospectively evaluate recommendations in clinical practice.