Keisaku Kondo

Evaluation of the learning curve in laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer

BackgroundLaparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer is considered to be more technically demanding than laparoscopic colectomy. This study aimed to analyze the learning curve for laparoscopic low anterior resection and to identify the factors that influence this learning curve.MethodsData from 250 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer, excluding patients with a combined resection such as cholecystectomy, hepatectomy, hysterectomy, or gastrectomy, between December 1996 and April 2010 were analyzed. For operative time, the learning curve was analyzed using the moving average method. The conversion rate and the postoperative complication rate were evaluated in five groups of up to 50 patients each based on the number of cases required for analysis of operative time. In addition, risk factors that influenced conversion to open surgery and postoperative complications were analyzed.ResultsThe learning curve analysis for operative time using the moving average method showed stabilization at 50 cases. The conversion rate decreased significantly by group 4 (151–200 cases). The postoperative complication rate decreased significantly by group 5 (201–250 cases). The significant factors for conversion to open surgery were male sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.6094; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–6.4) and T stage (OR, 2.4793; 95% CI, 1.1–5.8). For postoperative complications, male sex (OR, 3.8590; 95% CI, 1.9–3.8) was significant. In addition, the risk factors for anastomotic leakage were male sex (OR, 15.7659, 95% CI, 3.2–284.8) and multiple firing (2 or more cartridges for rectal transection) (OR, 3.0589; 95% CI, 1.1–9.5).ConclusionsThe risk factors affecting the learning curve for laparoscopic low anterior resection were T stage and male sex. In laparoscopic low anterior resection, rectal transection in particular can be technically difficult, and standardization for accurate performance of the same technique for expanded indications is very important.

Effect of previous abdominal surgery on outcomes following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of previous abdominal surgeries on the need for conversion to open surgery and on short-term outcomes during/after laparoscopic colectomy was retrospectively investigated. DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study was conducted from December 1996 through December 2009. SETTING: This study was conducted at Osaka Medical College Hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 1701 consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic resection of the colon and rectum were classified as not having previous abdominal surgery (n = 1121) or as having previous abdominal surgery (n = 580). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short-term outcomes were recorded, and risk factors for conversion to open surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in operative time, blood loss, number of lymph nodes removed, or conversion rate between the groups. The rate of inadvertent enterotomy was significantly higher in the previous abdominal surgery group than in the not having previous abdominal surgery group (0.9% versus 0.1%; p = 0.03), and the postoperative recovery time was significantly longer in the previous abdominal surgery group than in the not having previous abdominal surgery group. Ileus was more frequent in the previous abdominal surgery group than in the not having previous abdominal surgery group (3.8% versus 2.1%; p = 0.04). Significant risk factors for conversion to open surgery were T stage ≥3 (OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.89–3.75), median incision (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.23–9.41), upper median incision (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.29–5.42), lower median incision (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.09–3.12), and transverse colectomy (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.29–2.41). CONCLUSION: The incidence of successfully completed laparoscopic colectomy after previous abdominal surgery remains high, and the short-term outcomes are acceptable.

An internal hernia projecting through a mesenteric defect following laparoscopic-assisted partial resection of the transverse colon to the lesser omental cleft: report of a case

We herein report a case of an internal hernia projecting through a mesenteric defect following laparoscopic-assisted colectomy to the lesser omental cleft in a 61-year-old female. We performed laparoscopic-assisted partial resection of the transverse colon to treat transverse colon cancer. Three years and 6 months after the operation, the patient developed a bowel obstruction requiring surgical intervention. When we observed the intraperitoneal space under laparoscopy, we determined that the small intestine had passed into the bursa omentalis through the mesenteric defect. Additionally, an abnormal opening of the lesser omentum was present with a portion of the small intestine escaping into the space inferior to the liver. We performed reintegration of the escaped bowel and closed the mesenteric defect laparoscopically. This is the first case of an internal hernia projecting through a mesenteric defect following laparoscopic-assisted colectomy that we have experienced out of more than 2400 cases. Further research is needed to identify the patients who would benefit from the closure of mesenteric defects during laparoscopic-assisted colectomy.

Simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer and synchronous metastatic liver tumor.

Laparoscopic colorectal resection has been applied to advanced colorectal cancer. Synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer would be treated safely and effectively by simultaneous laparoscopic colorectal and hepatic resection. Seven patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastasis treated by simultaneous laparoscopic resection were analyzed retrospectively. Three patients received a hybrid operation using a small skin incision, 2 patients underwent hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery using a small incision produced for colonic anastomosis, and 2 patients were treated with pure laparoscopic resection. The mean total operation duration was 407 minutes, and mean blood loss was 207 mL. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all cases. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 16.4 days. No recurrence at the surgical margin was observed in the liver. For selected patients with synchronous liver metastasis of colorectal cancer, simultaneous laparoscopic resection is useful for minimizing operative invasiveness while maintaining safety and curability, with satisfying short- and long-term results.

Safe anastomosis in laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Introduction: In laparoscopic rectal surgery, there are some limitations on a surgeons ability to maneuver, especially in transection of the lower rectum. To achieve minimally invasive surgery, safe anastomosis, including proper rectal transaction, is necessary.

A multicenter phase II study of preoperative chemoradiotherapy with S-1 plus oxaliplatin for locally advanced rectal cancer (SHOGUN trial)

PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of adding oxaliplatin to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with S-1 in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma (LARC). PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a multicenter phase II study in patients with histologically proven clinical stage T3 or T4 (any N, M0) LARC. Patients preoperatively received oral S-1 (80 mg/m(2)/day on days 1-5, 8-12, 22-27, and 29-33) and infusional oxaliplatin (60 mg/m(2) days on 1, 8, 22, and 29) plus radiotherapy (50.4 Gy), with a chemotherapy gap in the third week of radiotherapy. Pathological complete response (pCR) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included toxicity, compliance, R0 resection rate, and downstaging rate. RESULTS A total of 45 patients were enrolled at six centers in Japan. All 45 patients received CRT, and 44 underwent operation. A pCR was achieved in 12 (27.3%) of the 44 patients who underwent surgery. Near-total tumor regression was confirmed in 47.7%. There were no grade 4 adverse events, and 11.1% of the patients had grade 3 adverse events. R0 resection was achieved in 95.5% of the patients. CONCLUSION Preoperative CRT with S-1 plus oxaliplatin had a high pCR rate and a favorable toxicity profile.

Stenosis after esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-double-stapling technique using the transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™) in Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the patient’s left side following laparoscopic total gastrectomy

BackgroundThe drawback of intracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with the double-stapling technique (DST) using a transorally inserted anvil (OrVil™, Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) following laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) is not only the high incidence of stenosis but also the presence of intractable stenosis that is refractory to endoscopic treatments.MethodsFrom November 2013 to December 2016, 24 patients with gastric cancer underwent intracorporeal circular-stapled esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-double-stapling technique (hemi-DST) using the OrVil™ in antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the left side of the patient following LTG to prevent twisting of the esophagojejunostomy and lifted jejunum, which might cause intractable stenosis of the esophagojejunostomy.ResultsIn this patient series, no twisting of the esophagojejunostomy and lifted jejunum was encountered intraoperatively or postoperatively. Two stenoses of the esophagojejunostomy occurred. Because neither was involved with twisting and both were localized at the anastomotic plane, endoscopic treatments including balloon dilation and electrocautery incisional therapy were successful in both cases. There were no patients with intractable stenosis in this series.ConclusionsIntracorporeal esophagojejunostomy with the hemi-DST using the OrVil™ in antecolic Roux-en-Y reconstruction with its efferent loop located on the left side of the patient can be one option for a circular stapling technique in LTG due to its prevention of intractable stenosis of the esophagojejunostomy that is refractory to endoscopic treatments.

Clinical implications of preoperative chemoradiotherapy prior to laparoscopic surgery for locally advanced low rectal cancer

The present study aimed to evaluate whether preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) has any adverse effects on laparoscopic surgery (LS) for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC). The study was performed at the Osaka Medical College Hospital, and included patients who were operated on between July 2006 and December 2013. The short-term outcomes in 156 patients who underwent surgery for LARC following CRT were evaluated, of whom 152 underwent LS. Among the patients who were followed for >40 months, 77 patients (the CRT group) were compared with 39 patients who underwent LS without CRT (the surgery-alone group) for long-term outcomes. The total number of patients who received sphincter-preserving surgery was 74%. No positive longitudinal resection margins were identified, and only 1.3% had identifiable positive circumferential resection margins. The complication rate was 14%, and no serious complications occurred. There were no significant differences between the CRT and the surgery-alone groups in terms of the 5-year relapse-free survival rate (70.1 vs. 61.5%; P=0.81) or the 5-year overall survival rate (88.3 vs. 69.2%; P=0.06). However, the 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate was significantly improved in the CRT group patients (96.1 vs. 79.5%; P=0.009). In conclusion, our results have demonstrated that LS with preoperative CRT appears to be feasible and safe, and may have beneficial effects on local recurrence.