Eva Angenete

A Randomized Trial of Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Rectal Cancer

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer is widely used. However, robust evidence to conclude that laparoscopic surgery and open surgery have similar outcomes in rectal cancer is lacking. A trial was designed to compare 3-year rates of cancer recurrence in the pelvic or perineal area (locoregional recurrence) and survival after laparoscopic and open resection of rectal cancer. METHODS In this international trial conducted in 30 hospitals, we randomly assigned patients with a solitary adenocarcinoma of the rectum within 15 cm of the anal verge, not invading adjacent tissues, and without distant metastases to undergo either laparoscopic or open surgery in a 2:1 ratio. The primary end point was locoregional recurrence 3 years after the index surgery. Secondary end points included disease-free and overall survival. RESULTS A total of 1044 patients were included (699 in the laparoscopic-surgery group and 345 in the open-surgery group). At 3 years, the locoregional recurrence rate was 5.0% in the two groups (difference, 0 percentage points; 90% confidence interval [CI], -2.6 to 2.6). Disease-free survival rates were 74.8% in the laparoscopic-surgery group and 70.8% in the open-surgery group (difference, 4.0 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.9 to 9.9). Overall survival rates were 86.7% in the laparoscopic-surgery group and 83.6% in the open-surgery group (difference, 3.1 percentage points; 95% CI, -1.6 to 7.8). CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic surgery in patients with rectal cancer was associated with rates of locoregional recurrence and disease-free and overall survival similar to those for open surgery. (Funded by Ethicon Endo-Surgery Europe and others; COLOR II ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00297791.).

Laparoscopic Lavage Is Feasible and Safe for the Treatment of Perforated Diverticulitis With Purulent Peritonitis: The First Results From the Randomized Controlled Trial DILALA.

Objective: To evaluate short-term outcomes of a new treatment for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis in a randomized controlled trial. Background: Perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis (Hinchey III) has traditionally been treated with surgery including colon resection and stoma (Hartmann procedure) with considerable postoperative morbidity and mortality. Laparoscopic lavage has been suggested as a less invasive surgical treatment. Methods: Laparoscopic lavage was compared with colon resection and stoma in a randomized controlled multicenter trial, DILALA (ISRCTN82208287). Initial diagnostic laparoscopy showing Hinchey III was followed by randomization. Clinical data was collected up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Results: Eighty-three patients were randomized, out of whom 39 patients in laparoscopic lavage and 36 patients in the Hartmann procedure groups were available for analysis. Morbidity and mortality after laparoscopic lavage did not differ when compared with the Hartmann procedure. Laparoscopic lavage resulted in shorter operating time, shorter time in the recovery unit, and shorter hospital stay. Conclusions: In this trial, laparoscopic lavage as treatment for patients with perforated diverticulitis Hinchey III was feasible and safe in the short-term.

Outcome of extralevator abdominoperineal excision compared with standard surgery: results from a single centre

Aim  Extralevator abdominoperineal excision (APE) for low rectal tumours has been introduced to achieve improved local radicality. Fewer positive margins and intraoperative perforations have been reported compared with standard APE. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare short‐term complications and results of the two techniques in our institution.

Treatment of acute diverticulitis laparoscopic lavage vs. resection (DILALA): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundPerforated diverticulitis is a condition associated with substantial morbidity. Recently published reports suggest that laparoscopic lavage has fewer complications and shorter hospital stay. So far no randomised study has published any results.MethodsDILALA is a Scandinavian, randomised trial, comparing laparoscopic lavage (LL) to the traditional Hartmanns Procedure (HP). Primary endpoint is the number of re-operations within 12 months. Secondary endpoints consist of mortality, quality of life (QoL), re-admission, health economy assessment and permanent stoma. Patients are included when surgery is required. A laparoscopy is performed and if Hinchey grade III is diagnosed the patient is included and randomised 1:1, to either LL or HP. Patients undergoing LL receive > 3L of saline intraperitoneally, placement of pelvic drain and continued antibiotics. Follow-up is scheduled 6-12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. A QoL-form is filled out on discharge, 6- and 12 months. Inclusion is set to 80 patients (40+40).DiscussionHP is associated with a high rate of complication. Not only does the primary operation entail complications, but also subsequent surgery is associated with a high morbidity. Thus the combined risk of treatment for the patient is high. The aim of the DILALA trial is to evaluate if laparoscopic lavage is a safe, minimally invasive method for patients with perforated diverticulitis Hinchey grade III, resulting in fewer re-operations, decreased morbidity, mortality, costs and increased quality of life.Trial registrationBritish registry (ISRCTN) for clinical trials ISRCTN82208287http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN82208287

Preoperative risk factors for anastomotic leakage after resection for colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Colorectal anastomotic leakage is a serious complication. Despite extensive research, no consensus on the most important preoperative risk factors exists. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate risk factors for anastomotic leakage in patients operated with colorectal resection.

Patient‐reported genitourinary dysfunction after laparoscopic and open rectal cancer surgery in a randomized trial (COLOR II)

This article reports on patient‐reported sexual dysfunction and micturition symptoms following a randomized trial of laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer.

Health-related quality of life after laparoscopic and open surgery for rectal cancer in a randomized trial

Previous studies comparing laparoscopic and open surgical techniques have reported improved health‐related quality of life (HRQL). This analysis compared HRQL 12 months after laparoscopic versus open surgery for rectal cancer in a subset of a randomized trial.

Increased TGF‐Beta1 protein expression in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

There is evidence that TGF‐β1 plays a role as a tumor suppressor in early disease and has pro‐oncogenic effects in advanced tumor stage. The aim of the study was to correlate TGF‐β1 in plasma and tissue to clinical and pathological parameters in patients with various stages of disease progression.

Effect of laparoscopy on the risk of small-bowel obstruction: a population-based register study.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the incidence and risk factors for small-bowel obstruction (SBO) after certain surgical procedures. DESIGN A population-based retrospective register study. SETTING Small-bowel obstruction causes considerable patient suffering. Risk factors for SBO have been identified, but the effect of surgical technique (open vs laparoscopic) on the incidence of SBO has not been fully elucidated. PATIENTS The Inpatient Register held by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare was used. The hospital discharge diagnoses and registered performed surgical procedures identified data for cholecystectomy, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, bowel resection, anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, rectopexy, appendectomy, and bariatric surgery performed from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. Data on demographic characteristics, comorbidity, previous abdominal surgery, and death were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Episodes of hospital stay and surgery for SBO within 5 years after the index surgery. RESULTS A total of 108,141 patients were included. The incidence of SBO ranged from 0.4% to 13.9%. Multivariate analysis revealed age, previous surgery, comorbidity, and surgical technique to be risk factors for SBO. Laparoscopy exceeded other risk factors in reduction of the risk of SBO for most of the surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS Open surgery seems to increase the risk of SBO at least 4 times compared with laparoscopy for most of the abdominal surgical procedures studied. Other factors such as age, previous abdominal surgery, and comorbidity are also of importance.

Loop ileostomies in colorectal cancer patients–morbidity and risk factors for nonreversal

BACKGROUND In colorectal cancer patients, loop ileostomies are used to protect an anastomosis, in salvage surgery after a complication, and as a palliative measure. The aim of this study was to identify complications to the ileostomy, time until reversal, and risk factors for nonclosure or a permanent stoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Consecutive patients who received a loop ileostomy with the diagnosis of colorectal cancer at index surgery in four hospitals in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, from January 1, 2007 until February 28, 2010 were retrospectively studied. Demography, events during index surgery, complications related to the ileostomy and technique, and complications during closure were registered. RESULTS A total of 262 patients received a loop ileostomy. Loop iliostomies were constructed during emergency surgery in 15% of patients. Forty-three percent had complications related to the ileostomy; most common were high-volume output and leakage of stomal output. Morbidity after closure was high, at 28%, and mortality was 1%. Eighty-six percent had their stoma closed, median time 178 (3-700) d. Risk factors for nonreversal were postoperative complications to index surgery and advanced cancer disease. Eleven percent received a secondary stoma, and at the end of the study 23% had a permanent stoma. CONCLUSIONS The morbidity related to loop ileostomies and loop ileostomy closure is considerable. One in five patients will have a permanent stoma, and our conclusion is that for emergency patients with advanced disease another type of stoma should be chosen, if possible, to reduce the morbidity.