Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of primary colorectal cancer and associated liver metastases: a systematic review

As many as 25 % of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have liver metastases at presentation. However, the optimal strategy for resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastasis remains controversial. Despite the increasing use of laparoscopy in colorectal and liver resections, combined laparoscopic resection of the primary CRC and synchronous liver metastasis is rarely performed. The potential benefits of this approach are the possibility to perform a radical operation with small incisions, earlier recovery, and reduction in costs. The aim of this study was to review the literature on feasibility and short-term results of simultaneous laparoscopic resection. We conducted a systematic search of all articles published until February 2013. Search terms included: hepatectomy [Mesh], “liver resection,” laparoscopy [Mesh], hand-assisted laparoscopy [Mesh], surgical procedures, minimally invasive [Mesh], colectomy [Mesh], colorectal neoplasms [Mesh], and “colorectal resections.” No randomized trials are available. All data have been reported as case reports, case series, or case–control studies. Thirty-nine minimally invasive simultaneous resections were identified in 14 different articles. There were 9 (23 %) major hepatic resections. The most performed liver resection was left lateral sectionectomy in 26 (67 %) patients. Colorectal resections included low rectal resections with total mesorectal excision, right and left hemicolectomies, and anterior resections. Despite the lack of high-quality evidence, the laparoscopic combined procedure appeared to be feasible and safe, even with major hepatectomies. Good patient selection and refined surgical technique are the keys to successful simultaneous resection. Simultaneous left lateral sectionectomy associated with colorectal resection should be routinely proposed.     

Simultaneous versus staged liver resection of synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Background and aims The surgical strategy for treatment of synchronous liver metastases from colorectal cancer remains controversial. This retrospective analysis was conducted to compare the postoperative outcome and survival of patients receiving simultaneous resection of liver metastases and primary colorectal cancer to those receiving staged resection. Materials and methods Between January 1988 and September 2005, 219 patients underwent liver resection for synchronous colorectal liver metastases, of whom, 40 patients received simultaneous resection of liver metastases and primary colorectal cancer, and 179 patients staged resections. Patients were identified from a prospective database, and records were retrospectively reviewed. Patient, tumor, and operative parameters were analyzed for their influence on postoperative morbidity and mortality as well as on long-term survival. Results Simultaneous liver resections tend to be performed for colon primaries rather than for rectal cancer (p = 0.004) and used less extensive liver resections (p < 0.001). The postoperative morbidity was comparable between both groups, whereas the mortality was significantly higher in patients with simultaneous liver resection (p = 0.012). The mortality after simultaneous liver resection (n = 4) occurred after major hepatectomies, and three of these four patients were 70 years of age or older. There was no significant difference in long-term survival after formally curative simultaneous and staged liver resection. Conclusion Simultaneous liver and colorectal resection is as efficient as staged resections in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. To perform simultaneous resections safely a careful patient selection is necessary. The most important criteria to select patients for simultaneous liver resection are age of the patient and extent of liver resection.     

Laparoscopic major hepatectomy can be safely performed with colorectal surgery for synchronous colorectal liver metastasis

Background

The optimal strategy for resectable synchronous colorectal liver metastases remains controversial. Although some authors advocate a staged treatment, an increasing number of studies have reported that combined colorectal and liver resection is safe. Laparoscopic combined resection in primary colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases has been reported but there are no specific data for major liver resections. In the present study, we evaluated the feasibility of a simultaneous entirely laparoscopic procedure, in the light of the benefits of laparoscopy in both colon and liver surgery, and discussed the benefits of this strategy.

Methods

Two cases are presented of totally laparoscopic major liver resections associated with laparoscopic colorectal resections for synchronous liver metastases with the emphasis on the technical aspects. Duration of surgery, blood loss and post-operative outcome were evaluated.

Results

Laparoscopic right hepatectomy or left hepatectomy with simultaneous colon resection for liver metastasis was feasible and safe with only one suprapubic 5-mm trocar added to the usual trocar sites. The mean duration of surgery was 327 min with a mean estimated blood loss of 200 ml. The post-operative course was uneventful.

Discussion

In selected patients, laparoscopic major hepatectomies for unilobular synchronous metastases can be safely performed simultaneously with colorectal surgery.     

Simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection and distal gastrectomy for synchronous carcinoma of rectum and stomach

Laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer or gastric cancer has been advocated for the benefits of a reduced morbidity,a shorter treatment time,and similar outcomes.However,simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection and distal gastrectomy for synchronous carcinoma of rectum and stomach are rarely documented in literature.Endoscopic examination revealed a synchronous carcinoma of rectum and stomach in a 55-year-old male patient with rectal bleeding and epigastric discomfort.He underwent a simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted low anterior resection and distal gastrectomy with regional lymph nodes dissected.The operation time was 270 min and the estimated blood loss was 120 mL.The patient required parenteral analgesia for less than 24 h.Flatus was passed on postoperative day 3,and a solid diet was resumed on postoperative day 7.He was discharged on postoperative day 13.With the advances in laparoscopic technology and experience,simultaneous resection is an attractive alternative to a synchronous gastrointestinal cancer.     

腹腔镜下结直肠癌肝转移一期切除的临床研究

目的分析腹腔镜下同时行结直肠癌切除术合并肝转移癌切除术的可行性及安全性。 方法选取26例江苏省人民医院结直肠外科在2013年8月至2015年5月期间完成一期切除结直肠癌原发灶合并肝转移癌切除术的病历资料,观察一期切除的可行性（术中出血、手术时间和中转开腹率）、安全性（术后并发症）和治疗效果（术后恢复情况）。 结果26例一期手术过程顺利,都获得成功。其中腔镜下结直肠癌原发灶及肝转移癌同时切除共有16例,腔镜下结直肠癌切除术加开放肝转移癌切除术共有10例。手术时间为（205.12±49.09）min,术中出血量为（296.84±376.53）ml,术后消化道排气时间（2.62±0.56）d,术后住院时间（13.92±6.80）d。术后发生腹腔感染2例,肠瘘1例,自发性气胸1例。余者均恢复良好。 结论腹腔镜结直肠癌原发灶及肝转移癌的一期切除安全可行,具有较好的疗效。     

Laparoscopic and robot-assisted one-stage resection of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: a pilot study

Background/purpose

One-stage resection of primary colon cancer and synchronous liver metastases is considered an effective strategy of cure. A laparoscopic approach may represent a safe and advantageous choice for selected patients with the aim of improving the early outcome.

Methods

Between January 2008 and October 2008, 7 patients underwent one-stage laparoscopic resection for primary colorectal cancer combined with laparoscopic or robot-assisted liver resection.

Results

A total of five laparoscopic left-colon, one right-colon, and one rectal resections were performed. Three patients underwent preoperative left-colon stenting and two received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The patient with rectal cancer underwent neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Liver procedures included one bisegmentectomy (segments 2, 3), 3 segmentectomies, 6 metastasectomies, and four laparoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablations (LUG-RFAs). One patient with multiple liver metastases was managed by a two-stage hepatectomy partially conducted by a totally laparoscopic approach. The overall postoperative morbidity was null. The median hospital stay was 10 days (range 7–10 days).

Conclusions

This pilot study suggests that laparoscopic one-stage colon and liver resection is feasible and safe. Robot assistance may facilitate liver resection, increasing the number of patients who may benefit from a minimally invasive operation.     

Introduction to the minimal access colorectal surgery supplement of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Techniques in Coloproctology</Emphasis>

Introduction

One in ten patients with rectal cancer presents with synchronous colorectal liver metastases. We present an up-to-date review of the different surgical strategies available for rectal cancer patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases.

Method

A literature review of MEDLINE, Cochrane and Google scholar was performed.

Results

Twenty retrospective studies comparing staged versus simultaneous resections were found. Overall survival was similar for both approaches whilst the length of stay was decreased in simultaneous resections. Only two studies comparing the ‘reverse’ versus staged or simultaneous resections were found. The studies investigating resection versus non-resection for rectal primaries with unresectable liver metastases were limited.

Conclusion

Simultaneous resections are a reasonable alternative to staged resections for either advanced rectal cancers with limited liver disease or early rectal cancers with extensive liver disease. Currently, staged resections are favoured over simultaneous resections in patients with locally advanced rectal cancers with extensive liver disease. There are too few studies to determine the safety of reverse resections in the context of locally advanced rectal cancers. A resection of the primary tumour or a non-surgical intervention can be justified in the management of the rectal cancer primary in the presence of unresectable liver metastases.     

Simultaneous laparoscopic multi-organ resection combined with colorectal cancer: comparison with non-combined surgery

AIM: To access the short-term outcomes of simultaneous laparoscopic surgery combined with resection for synchronous lesions in patients with colorectal cancer.METHODS: Between March 1996 and April 2010 prospectively collected data were reviewed from 93 consecutive patients who had colorectal cancer and underwent simultaneous multiple organ resection (combined group) and 1090 patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy or laparoscopic low/anterior resection for colorectal cancer (non-combined group). In the combined group, there were nine gastric resections, three nephrectomies, nine adrenalectomies, 56 cholecystectomies, and 21 gynecologic resections. In addition, five patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic resection for three organs. The patient demographics, intra-operative outcomes, surgical morbidity, and short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups (the combined and non-combined groups).RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinicopathological variables between the two groups. The operating time was significantly longer in the combined group than in the non-combined group, regardless of tumor location (laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and laparoscopic low/anterior resection groups; P = 0.048 and P < 0.001, respectively). The other intra-operative outcomes, such as the complications and open conversion rate, were similar in both groups. The rate of post-operative morbidity in the combined group was similar to the non-combined group (combined vs non-combined, 15.1% vs 13.5%, P = 0.667). Oncological safety for the colon and synchronous lesions were obtained in the combined group.CONCLUSION: Simultaneous laparoscopic multiple organ resection combined with colorectal cancer is a safe and feasible option in selected patients.     

Simultaneous colorectal and parenchymal-sparing liver resection for advanced colorectal carcinoma with synchronous liver metastases: Between conventional and mini-invasive approaches

The optimal timing of surgery in case of synchronous presentation of colorectal cancer and liver metastases is still under debate. Staged approach, with initial colorectal resection followed by liver resection (LR), or even the reverse, liver-first approach in specific situations, is traditionally preferred. Simultaneous resections, however, represent an appealing strategy, because may have perioperative risks comparable to staged resections in appropriately selected patients, while avoiding a second surgical procedure. In patients with larger or multiple synchronous presentation of colorectal cancer and liver metastases, simultaneous major hepatectomies may determine worse perioperative outcomes, so that parenchymal-sparing LR should represent the most appropriate option whenever feasible. Mini-invasive colorectal surgery has experienced rapid spread in the last decades, while laparoscopic LR has progressed much slower, and is usually reserved for limited tumours in favourable locations. Moreover, mini-invasive parenchymal-sparing LR is more complex, especially for larger or multiple tumours in difficult locations. It remains to be established if simultaneous resections are presently feasible with mini-invasive approaches or if we need further technological advances and surgical expertise, at least for more complex procedures. This review aims to critically analyze the current status and future perspectives of simultaneous resections, and the present role of the available mini-invasive techniques.     

Simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases; a practice survey

BackgroundWe examined surgeon practice intentions and barriers to performing simultaneous resections for colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases.MethodsWe electronically surveyed North American surgeons who provide colorectal cancer care with a pilot-tested questionnaire. Four clinical scenarios of increasing complexity were presented. Perceived outcomes of and barriers to simultaneous resection were assessed on a 7-point Likert scale. We compared results between general and hepatobiliary surgeons.ResultsResponses (rate 20%, 234/1166) included 50 general and 134 hepatobiliary surgeons. High likelihood scores for support of simultaneous resection among general and hepatobiliary surgeons, respectively, included the following for: minor liver and low complexity colon, 83% and 98% (p < 0.001); minor liver and rectal resection, 57% and 73% (p = 0.042); complex liver and low complexity colon resection, 26% and 24% (p = 0.858); and, complex liver and rectal resection, 11% and 7.0% (p = 0.436). Among hepatobiliary surgeons, the most common barriers to simultaneous resections were patient comorbidities and lung metastases, whereas certain general surgeons additionally identified transfer of care.ConclusionsSurgeon support for simultaneous resection was high for cases with minor hepatectomy, and low for cases involving major hepatectomy. These results suggest that clinical trials should involve patients with limited disease to evaluate post-operative complications and cost.     

A systematic review of a liver-first approach in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous colorectal liver metastases

Background: Since the liver metastases rather than the colorectal cancer itself is the main determinant of patient’s survival, the ‘Liver-First Approach (LFA)’ with upfront chemotherapy followed by a hepatic resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and finally a colorectal cancer resection was proposed. The aim of this review was to analyse the evidence for LFA in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CLM.Methods: A literature search of databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) to identify published studies of LFA in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CLM was undertaken focussing on the peri-operative regimens of LFA and survival outcomes.Results: Three observational studies and one retrospective cohort study were included for review. A total of 121 patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CLM were selected for LFA. Pre-operative chemotherapy was used in 99% of patients. One hundred and twelve of the initial 121 patients (93%) underwent a hepatic resection of CLM. In total, 60% had a major liver resection and the R0 resection rate was 93%. Post-operative morbidity and mortality after the hepatic resection were 20% and 1%, respectively. Ultimately, 89 of the initial 121 (74%) patients underwent a colorectal cancer resection. Post-operative morbidity and mortality after a colorectal resection were 50% and 6%, respectively. The median overall survival was 40 months (range 19–50) with a recurrence rate of 52%.Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that LFA is safe and feasible in selected patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous CLM. Future studies are required to further define patient selection criteria for LFA and the exact role of LFA in the management of synchronous CLM.     

结直肠癌肝转移同期肝切除的原则剖析

结直肠癌(CRC)是常见的消化系统恶性肿瘤,其发病率及病死率逐年升高,肝脏是其最常见转移部位。手术治疗是目前治疗结直肠癌肝转移最有效的方法。对于结直肠癌肝转移同期肝切除的手术时机的选择一直是外科医生争论的话题。诸如围手术期化疗或者一些其他新的方法,都可以影响手术时机的选择。随着对结直肠癌肝转移研究的不断深入以及外科手术技巧的不断进步,目前对于同期肝切除的原则仍在很大程度上依赖于新辅助化疗、外科医生对于可切除性的判断以及病人的体质。笔者综述了近些年来对于结直肠癌肝转移同期肝切除的原则剖析,并加以分析。     

Laparoscopic high anterior resection with natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) for early rectal cancer

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer requires an abdominal incision to extract the resected specimen. We describe a technique for laparoscopic resection of an early-stage upper rectal cancer in a 51-year-old man followed by transanal specimen delivery, hence avoiding the need for making any additional abdominal incisions for retrieval of the specimen. Pneumoperitoneum was created, followed by medial-tolateral mobilization of the sigmoid colon, and take down of the splenic flexure and division of the inferior mesenteric vessels laparoscopically. The upper rectum distal to the tumour and proximal colon was transected with a laparoscopic stapler. The specimen was retrieved transanally via an opening in the rectal stump. The proximal colon was then delivered transanally and the anvil of the circular stapler inserted before returning it to the pelvic cavity. The rectal stump was transected again just below the opening to close off the stump, and the colorectal anastomosis was then completed intracorporeally. The patient, a 51-year-old male (BMI 18.6 kg/m²) with a 2.5-cm, early-stage posterior rectal cancer 12 cm from the anal verge, underwent the above-described procedure. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. He resumed normal daily activities 1 week after surgery. Histology confirmed a T1N0 upper rectal cancer. In the effort to minimize surgical trauma and postoperative pain, natural orifice specimen extraction techniques have been attempted. This procedure may be applicable to benign tumours and early colorectal cancer, and serves as an intermediate step between laparoscopic and natural orifice surgery.     

Single incision laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis for synchronous colon cancer

Single incision laparoscopy is currently performed mostly for basic laparoscopic procedures involving single abdominal quadrants. The aim of this case report is to show that single incision laparoscopic techniques can be utilized for complex abdominal laparoscopic procedures with a large target organ and a working space involving all quadrants of the abdominal cavity. A single incision laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis and intraoperative CO₂ colonoscopy was performed for a patient with synchronous adenocarcinoma of the cecum and the sigmoid colon. The patient was discharged home on postoperative day 4 and had no immediate postoperative complications. Single incision laparoscopy is feasible for complex colorectal procedures. Some of the techniques used may be adapted further to achieve colonic resection via a natural orifice in the future.     

Management of rectal cancer: strategies and controversies

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in the western world. The goal of this review is to outline some of the important surgical issues surrounding the management of rectal cancer. In patients with early rectal cancer (T1), local excision may be an alternative approach in highly selected patients. For more advanced rectal cancer, radical surgical resection is the treatment of choice. Total mesorectal excision and negative radial margin (>1 mm) decreases the local recurrence rate and improves survival. In appropriate patients, laparoscopic resection allows for improved patient comfort, shorter hospital stays, and earlier returns to preoperative activity level. In patients with locally advanced disease, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical excision according to the principles of TME has become widely accepted. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice for resectable liver metastasis of colorectal origin. Surgical resection improves disease-free and overall survival rate. For patients with unresectable metastatic disease, multimodality approach may increase the resectability rate and hence survival.     

NOSES手术在直肠癌ERAS治疗中的应用

目的研究快速康复外科（ERAS）理念指导下经自然腔道取标本手术（NOSES）治疗直肠癌的临床效果。 方法选取本中心在ERAS理念指导下的25例行NOSES直肠癌根治术患者作为研究对象（NOSES-ERAS组）,选取同期在传统理念指导下行全腹腔镜直肠癌根治术患者30例作为对照组,评价手术时长、失血量、切口长度、淋巴结清扫数目及切口并发症和下肢静脉栓塞和坠积性肺炎等术后并发症发生率,采用数字分级法NRS方法评价术后疼痛感,SPSS 13.0软件统计分析比较两组之间差异。 结果实施NOSES直肠癌根治术的ERAS组与对照组比较在淋巴结清扫数目、手术时长、失血量、术后吻合口漏等方面差异均无统计学意义;NOSES-ERAS组切口相关并发症总发生率为低于对照组发生率（χ²=4.101,P<0.05）;NOSES-ERAS组患者术后离床活动时间及平均住院时间均短于对照组（χ²=-11.179,-3.434,P<0.05）;NOSES-ERAS组切口的切口长度短于对照组（t=-42.798,P<0.01）,NOSES-ERAS组术后疼痛感NRS评分轻于对照组（t=-26.525,P<0.05）,差异均有统计学意义。 结论ERAS理念指导下的NOSES直肠癌根治术进一步优化了全腹腔镜直肠癌手术的微创化、美容化、功能化、个体化治疗的效果,NOSES直肠癌根治术与ERAS相结合具有更大的优势,值得推广开展,具有良好的应用前景。     

腹部无辅助切口经直肠切口取标本的腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术（CRC-NOSES-Ⅷ式B法）近期疗效分析

目的探讨经直肠取标本的腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术（CRC-NOSES-Ⅷ式B法）的安全性、可行性和近期疗效。 方法收集2018年1月至2021年4月在中国医学科学院肿瘤医院行腹部无辅助切口经直肠取标本的腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治术和腹腔镜辅助下右半结肠癌根治术患者的临床资料，回顾性分析两种术式对患者术后恢复情况、并发症及病理结果的影响。 结果共有15例患者行腹部无辅助切口经直肠取标本的腹腔镜右半结肠癌根治手术（研究组），随机抽取同期符合入组条件的腹腔镜辅助下右半结肠癌根治术男性患者45例设为对照组。研究组和对照组性别、年龄、ASA分级、实验室检查、术前肿瘤大小、部位及TNM分期等差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05），BMI指数研究组和对照组之间差异有统计学意义（t=-2.401，P=0.022）。研究组和对照组患者均顺利完成手术，无中转开腹病例，手术时间、术中出血量、肠道功能恢复时间、术后住院天数、术后病理肿瘤最大径、淋巴结检出及阳性个数、肿瘤病理类型、分化程度和肿瘤的术后TNM分期等差异均无统计学意义（P＞0.05），术后第一天疼痛评分、第三天疼痛评分研究组与对照组差异有统计学意义（t=-6.477，10.160；P＜0.05）。研究组术后均未出现肠梗阻、腹腔出血、腹腔感染、吻合口漏、吻合口出血、吻合口狭窄、直肠切口出血、直肠切口漏等并发症，全组患者控粪功能未受明显影响。 结论BMI指数在CRC-NOSES-Ⅷ式B法与腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌根治术术式选择方面有重要价值和参考意义。在经选择适合入组的右半结肠癌患者行CRC-NOSES-Ⅷ式B法与传统腹腔镜辅助右半结肠癌根治术的近期疗效类似，手术技术安全可行，患者的疼痛感明显减轻。     

Synchronous resections of primary colorectal tumor and liver metastasis by laparoscopic approach

Liver metastasis of colorectal cancer is common. Resection of solitary tumors of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer can have a favorable outcome. Open resection of primary colorectal tumor and liver metastasis in one operation or in separate operations is currently common practice. Reports have shown that synchronous resections do not jeopardize short or long-term surgical outcomes and that this is a safe and effective approach in open surgery. The development of laparoscopic colorectal surgery and laparoscopic hepatectomy has made a minimally invasive surgical approach to treating colorectal cancer with liver metastasis feasible. Synchronous resections of primary colorectal tumor and liver metastasis by laparoscopy have recently been reported. The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic colorectal resection and laparoscopic hepatectomy have been proven separately but synchronous resections by laparoscopy are in hot debate. As it has been shown that open resection of primary colorectal tumor and liver metastasis in one operation results in an equally good short-term outcome when compared with that done in separate operations, laparoscopic resection of the same in one single operation seems to be a good option. Recent evidencehas shown that this new approach is a safe alternative with a shorter hospital stay. Large scale randomized controlled trials are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this minimally invasive approach.     

Hospital variation and outcomes of simultaneous resection of primary colorectal tumour and liver metastases: a population-based study

BackgroundThe optimal treatment sequence for patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess factors associated with the use of simultaneous resections and impact on hospital variation.MethodThis population-based study included all patients who underwent liver surgery for synchronous colorectal liver metastases between 2014 and 2019 in the Netherlands. Factors associated with simultaneous resection were identified. Short-term surgical outcomes of simultaneous resections and factors associated with 30-day major morbidity were evaluated.ResultsOf 2146 patients included, 589 (27%) underwent simultaneous resection in 28 hospitals. Simultaneous resection was associated with age, sex, BMI, number, size and bilobar distribution of CRLM, and administration of preoperative chemotherapy. More minimally invasive and minor resections were performed in the simultaneous group. Hospital variation was present (range 2.4%–83.3%) with several hospitals performing simultaneous procedures more and less frequently than expected. Simultaneous resection resulted in 13% 30-day major morbidity, and 1% mortality. ASA classification ≥3 was independently associated with higher 30-day major morbidity after simultaneous resection (aOR 1.97, CI 1.10–3.42, p = 0.018).ConclusionDistinctive patient and tumour characteristics influence the choice for simultaneous resection. Remarkable hospital variation is present in the Netherlands.