Apollo Pronk

Transanal minimally invasive surgery: initial experience and short-term functional results.

BACKGROUND: Currently, the preferred method for local excision of rectal polyps is transanal endoscopic microsurgery, avoiding rectal resection. Transanal minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new technique using a disposable port in combination with conventional laparoscopic instruments. This method is less expensive as compared with transanal endoscopic microsurgery, relatively easy to learn, and available. Despite wide adoption of transanal minimally invasive surgery, to date only a few series on the implementation and use of this technique are reported, and detailed information on the effect of transanal minimally invasive surgery on fecal continence is not available. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to prospectively assess the functional outcome after transanal minimally invasive surgery using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index preoperatively and postoperatively. DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Patients included those who underwent transanal minimally invasive surgery between October 2011 and September 2013. INTERVENTIONS: Transanal minimally invasive surgery was studied. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured postoperative surgical and functional results. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients underwent transanal minimally invasive surgery during our study period. Short-term morbidity rate was 14%, and positive resection margins were reported in 6 cases (16%); in 1 of these patients, a local recurrence was observed. Overall, there was a significant decline in preoperative and postoperative Fecal Incontinence Severity Index scores (p = 0.02), indicating an improvement in anorectal function after transanal minimally invasive surgery for patients with impaired preoperative continence. Seventeen patients (49%) had impaired continence before transanal minimally invasive surgery (mean Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score = 21). Continence improved in 15 (88%) of these patients after surgery; no change was observed in 1 patient (6%), and continence further decreased in another. In addition, 18 patients (51%) had normal preoperative continence (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score = 0), of which 83% had no change in functionality, and continence decreased in 3. LIMITATIONS: No quality of life was measured. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term functional results of transanal minimally invasive surgery for rectal polyps are excellent and comparable to functional results using the dedicated transanal endoscopic microsurgery equipment. More research on outcome after transanal minimally invasive surgery is needed to assess morbidity rates and oncologic clearance.

Long-term changes in physical capacity after colorectal cancer treatment

Older patients with colorectal cancer are faced with the dilemma of choosing between the short-term risks of treatment and the long-term risks of insufficiently treated disease. In addition to treatment-related morbidity and mortality, patients may suffer from loss of physical capacity. The purpose of this review was to gather all available evidence regarding long-term changes in physical functioning and role functioning after colorectal cancer treatment, by performing a systematic Medline and Embase search. This search yielded 27 publications from 23 studies. In 16 studies addressing physical functioning after rectal cancer treatment, a median drop of 10% (range -26% to -5%) in the mean score for this item at three months. At six months, mean score was still 7% lower than baseline (range -18% to 0%) and at twelve months 5% lower (range -13% to +5%). For role functioning (i.e. ability to perform daily activities) after rectal cancer treatment, scores were -18% (range -39% to -2%), -8% (range -23% to +6%) and -5% (range -17% to +10%) respectively. Elderly patients experience the greatest and most persistent decline in self-care capacity (up to 61% at one year). This systematic review demonstrates that both physical functioning and role functioning are significantly affected by colorectal cancer surgery. Although initial losses are recovered partially during follow-up, there is a permanent loss in both aspects of physical capacity, in patients of all ages but especially in the elderly. This aspect should be included in patient counselling regarding surgery.

Multimodal treatment of perianal fistulas in Crohn’s disease: seton versus anti-TNF versus advancement plasty (PISA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCurrently there is no guideline for the treatment of patients with Crohn’s disease and high perianal fistulas. Most patients receive anti-TNF medication, but no long-term results of this expensive medication have been described, nor has its efficiency been compared to surgical strategies. With this study, we hope to provide treatment consensus for daily clinical practice with reduction in costs.Methods/DesignThis is a multicentre, randomized controlled trial. Patients with Crohn’s disease who are over 18 years of age, with newly diagnosed or recurrent active high perianal fistulas, with one internal opening and no anti-TNF usage in the past three months will be considered. Patients with proctitis, recto-vaginal fistulas or anal stenosis will be excluded. Prior to randomisation, an MRI and ileocolonoscopy are required. All treatment will start with seton placement and a course of antibiotics. Patients will then be randomised to: (1) chronic seton drainage (with oral 6-mercaptopurine (6MP)) for one year, (2) anti-TNF medication (with 6MP) for one year (seton removal after six weeks) or (3) advancement plasty after eight weeks of seton drainage (under four months anti-TNF and 6MP for one year). The primary outcome parameter is the number of patients needing fistula-related re-intervention(s). Secondary outcomes are the number of patients with closed fistulas (based on an evaluated MRI score) after 18 months, disease activity, quality of life and costs.DiscussionThe PISA trial is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial of patients with Crohn’s disease and high perianal fistulas. With the comparison of three generally accepted treatment strategies, we will be able to comment on the efficiency of the various treatment strategies, with respect to several long-term outcome parameters.Trial registrationNederlands Trial Register identifier: NTR4137 (registered on 23 August 2013).

Age-related guideline adherence and outcome in low rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Care for elderly patients with low rectal cancer can pose dilemmas, because radical total mesorectal excision surgery comes with high morbidity and mortality rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the treatment of patients with low rectal cancer, comparing treatment choices, guideline adherence, and outcomes for elderly patients (≥75 years) with younger patients (<75 years). DESIGN: Patient data were retrieved from the hospital pathology database and from the hospital prospective colorectal surgery database for surgically treated patients. Records were reviewed for nonadherence to treatment guidelines. Delivered treatment modalities for patients with stage I to III rectal cancer were compared with treatment advised by national guidelines, and reasons stated by the treating physician for nonadherence to guidelines were subsequently collected. SETTINGS: This study was performed at a high-volume teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Patients included were those with newly diagnosed rectal cancer (⩽10 cm from the anal verge). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Treatment decisions, guideline adherence, and outcome of surgical treatment were the main outcome parameters. RESULTS: Of 218 included patients, 75 (34%) were aged ≥75 years. Guideline adherence for all of the treatment modalities in stage I to III rectal cancer was significantly lower in elderly patients (62% versus 87% for aged <75 years; p < 0.001), and age was the primary reason mentioned for withholding treatment. Palliative anticancer treatment for stage IV disease was also initiated significantly less frequently in elderly patients (60% versus 97%; p = 0.002). Overall rates of treatment complications were similar for both patient groups (p = 0.71), but the impact of complications on survival was much greater for elderly patients (p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: Data on outcome of other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Guideline adherence for all of the treatment modalities in stage I to III rectal cancer declines significantly with increasing age. Future research should focus on strategies of treatment tailored to patient health status rather than chronological age.

Physical performance measures for predicting outcome in cancer patients: a systematic review

Abstract Background: Decision making regarding cancer treatment is challenging and there is a need for clinical parameters that can guide these decisions. As physical performance appears to be a reflection of health status, the aim of this systematic review is to assess whether physical performance tests (PPTs) are predictive of the clinical outcome and treatment tolerance in cancer patients. Methods: A literature search was conducted on 2 April 2015 in the electronic databases Medline and Embase to identify studies focusing on the association between objectively measured PPTs and outcome. No limitations in language or publication dates were applied. Results: The search retrieved 9680 articles, 16 publications were included involving 4187 patients with various cancer types and different treatments. Reported median or mean age varied from 58 to 78 years. Nine studies used the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test, five the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and five studies focused on gait speed. Poorer TUG, SPPB and gait speed outcome were associated with decreased survival. TUG, SPPB and gait speed were also associated with treatment-related complications. Furthermore, two studies reported an association between poorer TUG and SPPB outcome with higher rates of functional decline. Conclusion: PPTs appear to show a significant correlation with survival and these tests could be used as a prognostic tool, particular for older adult patients. A less explicit correlation for treatment-related complications and functional decline was also found. To optimize decision making, future research should focus on developing and validating individualized treatment algorithms that incorporate PPTs in addition to cancer- and treatment-related variables.

Diagnostic choices and clinical outcomes in octogenarians and nonagenarians with iron-deficiency anemia in the Netherlands.

To evaluate current clinical practice for octogenarians with iron‐deficiency anemia (IDA) by assessing referral patterns, diagnostic choices, clinical consequences of omission of endoscopy, and risks and benefits of IDA‐related surgery.

Management of resectable esophageal and gastric (mixed adeno)neuroendocrine carcinoma: A nationwide cohort study.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to provide insight in accuracy of diagnosing, current treatment and survival in patients with resectable esophageal and gastric neuroendocrine- and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC, MANEC). METHODS All patients with esophageal or gastric (MA)NEC, who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2016, were identified from the Dutch national registry for histo- and cytopathology (PALGA). Patients with a neuroendocrine tumor lower than grade 3 were excluded. Data on patients, treatment and outcomes were retrieved from the patient records. Diagnosis by endoscopic biopsy was compared with diagnosis by resection specimen. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 49 patients were identified in 25 hospitals, including 21 patients with esophageal (MA)NEC and 26 patients with gastric (MA)NEC on resection specimen. Biopsy diagnosis of (MA)NEC was correct in 23/27 patients. However, 20/47 patients with definitive diagnosis of (MA)NEC, were misdiagnosed on biopsy. Neoadjuvant therapy was administered in 13 (62%) esophageal (MA)NECs and 12 (46%) gastric (MA)NECs. Survival curves were similar with and without neoadjuvant therapy. One (4.8%) esophageal (MA)NEC and 4 (15%) gastric (MA)NECs died within 90 days postoperatively. For esophageal (MA)NEC the median overall survival (OS) after surgery was 37 months and 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 71%, 50% and 35%, respectively. For gastric (MA)NEC, the median OS was 23 months and 1-, 3- and 5-year OS were 62%, 50% and 39%, respectively. CONCLUSION Localized esophageal and gastric (MA)NEC are often misdiagnosed on endoscopic biopsies. After resection, long-term survival was achieved in respectively 35% and 39% of patients.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy versus percutaneous catheter drainage for acute cholecystitis in high risk patients (CHOCOLATE): multicentre randomised clinical trial

Abstract Objective To assess whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy is superior to percutaneous catheter drainage in high risk patients with acute calculous cholecystitis. Design Multicentre, randomised controlled, superiority trial. Setting 11 hospitals in the Netherlands, February 2011 to January 2016. Participants 142 high risk patients with acute calculous cholecystitis were randomly allocated to laparoscopic cholecystectomy (n=66) or to percutaneous catheter drainage (n=68). High risk was defined as an acute physiological assessment and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score of 7 or more. Main outcome measures The primary endpoints were death within one year and the occurrence of major complications, defined as infectious and cardiopulmonary complications within one month, need for reintervention (surgical, radiological, or endoscopic that had to be related to acute cholecystitis) within one year, or recurrent biliary disease within one year. Results The trial was concluded early after a planned interim analysis. The rate of death did not differ between the laparoscopic cholecystectomy and percutaneous catheter drainage group (3% v 9%, P=0.27), but major complications occurred in eight of 66 patients (12%) assigned to cholecystectomy and in 44 of 68 patients (65%) assigned to percutaneous drainage (risk ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.37; P<0.001). In the drainage group 45 patients (66%) required a reintervention compared with eight patients (12%) in the cholecystectomy group (P<0.001). Recurrent biliary disease occurred more often in the percutaneous drainage group (53% v 5%, P<0.001), and the median length of hospital stay was longer (9 days v 5 days, P<0.001). Conclusion Laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with percutaneous catheter drainage reduced the rate of major complications in high risk patients with acute cholecystitis. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register NTR2666.