Incidence of surgical site infection in minimally invasive colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND Surgical site infection(SSI)is a common complication of colorectal surgery.Minimally invasive surgery notably reduces the incidence of SSI.This study aimed to compare the incidences of SSI after robot-assisted colorectal surgery(RACS)vs that after laparoscopic assisted colorectal surgery(LACS)and to analyze associated risk factors for SSI in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.AIM To compare the incidences of SSI after RACS and LACS,and to analyze the risk factors associated with SSI after minimally invasive colorectal surgery.METHODS Clinical data derived from patients who underwent minimally invasive colorectal surgery between October 2020 and October 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were collated.Differences in clinical characteristics and surgeryrelated information associated with RACS and LACS were compared,and possible risk factors for SSI were identified.RESULTS A total of 246 patients(112 LACS and 134 RACS)were included in the study.Fortythree(17.5%)developed SSI.The proportions of patients who developed SSI were similar in the two groups(17.9%vs 17.2%,P=0.887).Diabetes mellitus,intraoperative blood loss≥100 mL,and incision length were independent risk factors for SSI.Possible additional risk factors included neoadjuvant therapy,lesion site,and operation time.CONCLUSION There was no difference in SSI incidence in the RACS and LACS groups.Diabetes mellitus,intraoperative blood loss≥100 mL,and incision length were independent risk factors for postoperative SSI.

Quality of life after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery: A systematic review

This study was a systematic review of the available evidence on quality of life in patients after laparoscopic or open colorectal surgery. A systematic review was performed of all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared laparoscopic with open colorectal surgery. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers. Primary endpoint was quality of life after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery, as assessed by validated questionnaires. The search resulted in nine RCTs that included 2263 patients. Shortand long-term results of these RCTs were described in 13 articles. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 2 d to 6.7 years. Due to clinical heterogeneity, no meta-analysis could be conducted. Four RCTs did not show any difference in quality of life between laparoscopic or open colorectal surgery. The remaining five studies reported a better quality of life in favor of the laparoscopic group on a few quality of life scales at time points ranging from 1 wk to 2 years after surgery. In conclusion, based on presently available high-level evidence, this systematic review showed no clinically relevant differences in postoperative quality of life between laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery.

Artificial intelligence based real-time microcirculation analysis system for laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND Colonic perfusion status can be assessed easily by indocyanine green(ICG)angiography to predict ischemia related anastomotic complications during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Recently,various parameter-based perfusion analysis have been studied for quantitative evaluation,but the analysis results differ depending on the use of quantitative parameters due to differences in vascular anatomical structure.Therefore,it can help improve the accuracy and consistency by artificial intelligence(AI)based real-time analysis microperfusion(AIRAM).AIM To evaluate the feasibility of AIRAM to predict the risk of anastomotic complication in the patient with laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.METHODS The ICG curve was extracted from the region of interest(ROI)set in the ICG fluorescence video of the laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Pre-processing was performed to reduce AI performance degradation caused by external environment such as background,light source reflection,and camera shaking using MATLAB 2019 on an I7-8700k Intel central processing unit(CPU)PC.AI learning and evaluation were performed by dividing into a training patient group(n=50)and a test patient group(n=15).Training ICG curve data sets were classified and machine learned into 25 ICG curve patterns using a self-organizing map(SOM)network.The predictive reliability of anastomotic complications in a trained SOM network is verified using test set.RESULTS AI-based risk and the conventional quantitative parameters including T1/2max,time ratio(TR),and rising slope(RS)were consistent when colonic perfusion was favorable as steep increasing ICG curve pattern.When the ICG graph pattern showed stepped rise,the accuracy of conventional quantitative parameters decreased,but the AI-based classification maintained accuracy consistently.The receiver operating characteristic curves for conventional parameters and AI-based classification were comparable for predicting the anastomotic complication risks.Statistical performance verifications were improved in the AI-based analysis.AI analysis was evaluated as the most accurate parameter to predict the risk of anastomotic complications.The F1 score of the AI-based method increased by 31% for T1/2max,8% for TR,and 8% for RS.The processing time of AIRAM was measured as 48.03 s,which was suitable for real-time processing.CONCLUSION In conclusion,AI-based real-time microcirculation analysis had more accurate and consistent performance than the conventional parameter-based method.

Quality of life after colorectal surgery:A prospective study of patients compared with their spouses

BACKGROUND Although radical surgery for colorectal cancer improves the oncological outcomes,a significant portion of patients suffer from alterations in their quality of life(QoL).There are many studies investigating the QoL of patients who have colorectal cancer but none of these focus on the QoL of spouses.AIM To compare the QoL of patients after colorectal surgery to the QoL of spouses.METHODS This prospective study consisted of patients who were married and who underwent surgery at the University of Ankara,Department of Surgery between March 2006 and November 2010.Patients’spouses were also enrolled.The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine,Ankara University,and all patients provided written informed consent.The study included patients who underwent curative surgery for colorectal carcinoma[n=100;abdominoperineal excision(n=33),low anterior resection(n=33),left hemicolectomy(n=34)]and their spouses(n=100).The patients and spouses completed the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short Form Survey(SF-36)and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II(WHODAS-II)preoperatively and at postoperative months 15 to 18.RESULTS During this 4.5-year study period,273 patients with sigmoid or rectal cancer were admitted to the hospital.Of these patients,119 were eligible and willing to participate.Eleven patients had either systemic or locally inoperable disease,three patients had a severe surgical complication,and five patients were lost to followup.Therefore,a total of 100 patients completed the follow-up period.There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the disability scores of patients and the scores of their spouses for some of the WHODAS-II subscales,such as“self-care,”“life activities,”and“participation in society,”as well as for the total WHODAS-II score.There was also a positive correlation between the QoL of patients and the QoL of their spouses in most of the SF-36 subscales.Statistically significant correlations were observed for the“bodily pain,”“general health,””vitality,”“social function,”“emotion,”“mental health,”and mental component summary score subscales of the SF-36.When gender differences were evaluated,the QoL of male patients’spouses changed more when compared with female patients’spouses for all of the WHODAS-II subscales.Colorectal cancer surgery has a significant effect on the QoL of both patients and their spouses,these effects were more significant among male patients’spouses.CONCLUSION Preoperative counseling regarding potential problems should therefore collectively address patient and their spouse as a couple rather than the patient alone,particularly for patients undergoing low anterior resection and abdominoperineal resection procedures.

Chewing gum for postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery:A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses

Background：Many meta-analyses investigating gum chewing for postoperative recovery after colorectal surgery have been published with inconsistent findings.Therefore,we performed this study to systematically review these overlapping meta-analyses and offer clinical recommendations based on the current best evidence for decision makers.Methods：Multiple databases,including PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,Chinese BioMedical Literature on disc（CBMdisc）,China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）,Chinese Wanfang and Chinese VIP,were searched through October 2016.We included meta-analyses investigating the effectiveness of chewing gum for postoperative ileus after colorectal resection.Two investigators independently scanned and evaluated eligible meta-analyses,extracted essential information,assessed the methodological quality with the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews（AMSTAR） tool and Oxford Levels of Evidence,and used the Jadad decision algorithm at each step for all procedures.Heterogeneity ≤50%was accepted.Results：Ten meta-analyses were included in our study.The AMSTAR scores varied from 5 to 9,with a median of 7.7.Most heterogeneity fell into the acceptable range.After implementing the Jadad decision algorithm,two meta-analyses of RCTs were selected based on search strategies and the implications of selection.The available best evidence indicated that gum chewing significantly reduced time to first flatus,time to first bowel movement,time to first bowel sounds and length of hospital stay.However,these two meta-analyses reached inconsistent conclusions as to the complications and economic benefits.Conclusions：With the current best available evidence,we suggest gum chewing is beneficial for gastrointestinal function and reducing postoperative ileus.

Endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy as a treatment for anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery

Anastomotic leakage(AL)has a wide range of clinical features ranging from radiological only findings to peritonitis and sepsis with multiorgan failure.An early diagnosis of AL is essential in order to establish the most appropriate treatment for this complication.Despite AL continues to be a dreadful complication after colorectal surgery,there has been no consensus on its management.However,based on patient’s presentation and timing of the AL,there has been a gradual shift to a more conservative management,keeping surgery as the last option Reoperation for sepsis control is rarely necessary especially in those patients who already have a diverting stoma at the time of the leak.A nonoperative management is usually preferred in these patients.There are several treatment options,also for patients without a stoma who do not require a reoperation for a contained pelvic leak,including recently developed endoscopic procedures,such as clip placement or endoluminal vacuum-assisted therapy.More conservative treatments could be an option in patients who are clinically stable or in presence of a small defect.

Emergency robotic colorectal surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: A retrospective case series study

Objective: While interest in elective robotic surgery is growing, use in emergency setting remainslimited due to challenges posed by sicker patients, advanced pathology and logistical issues. During theCOVID-19 pandemic, robotic surgery could provide the benefit of having the surgeon away from thebedside and reducing the number of directly exposed medical staff. The objective of this study was toreport patient outcomes and initial learning experience of emergency robotic colorectal surgery duringthe COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: A case series study was conducted, including patients undergoing emergency robotic colorectalsurgery between February 2020 and February 2021 at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, UK.Patient data were collected from an ethics approved prospective database. Patient demographics,operative time, conversions and postoperative complications were recorded. In addition, readmissions,length of stay and short-term oncological outcomes were analyzed.Results: Ten patients with median age 64 y (range, 36-83 y) were included. Four patients had roboticcomplete mesocolic resection for obstructing cancers. Six had colorectal resections for benign disease inemergency setting. All were R0 with a mean lymph node harvest of 54 ± 13. Mean operative time was249 ± 117 min, the median length of stay was 9.4 d (range, 5-22 d). Only one patient was given atemporary diverting ileostomy. There were no grade III/V complications and no 30-day mortality.Conclusions: Provided an experienced team and peri-operative planning, emergency robotic colorectalsurgery can achieve favorable outcomes with benefits of radical lymph node dissection in oncologicalcases and avoidance of diverting stoma.

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery learning curve

The learning curve in minimally invasive colorectal surgery is a constant subject of discussion in the literature.Discordant data likely reflects the varying degrees of each surgeon’s experience in colorectal,laparoscopic or robotic surgery.Several factors are necessary for a successful minimally invasive colorectal surgery training program,including:Compliance with oncological outcomes;dissection along the embryological planes;constant presence of an expert tutor;periodic discussion of the morbidity and mortality rate;and creation of a dedicated,expert team.

External Validation of SENIC and NNIS Scores for Predicting Wound Infection in Colorectal Surgery

Objective: We aimed to identify the ratio of Surgical Site Infection (SSI) and also the validity of the National Nosocomial Infection Survellance (NNIS) and Study on the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control (SENIC) risk indexes in colorectal surgery, among Turkish population. Background: Some problems have been reported with the power of NNIS risk index to predict the risk of surgical site infection. We aimed to validate theNNIS and SENIC risk indexes in colorectal surgery. Methods: Between January 2003 and December 2006, surgical site ?nfection survellance was performed to 107 patient who undergo colorectal surgery with NNIS and SENIC risk scales. The mean patient age was 48 years (range, 17 to 86), and 61.7% of the group (66) was female. For this patient cohort, 6 (5.6%) were diagnosed with incisional SSI. While the mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of all patients was 26.6;mean value of BMI among the patiens with SSI was 27.8.Results: 6 insicional surgical site infection were observed during the study. According to Receiver Operating Characteric (ROC) curve analyze neither NNIS with avalue of 0.70, nor SENIC with a value of 0.67 are perfect risk indexes. Conclusion: As a result both NNIS and SENIC ?s a good risk indexes but not perfect. Scarcely when NNIS and SENIC is used together to predict the SSI they forecast the development of infection better. But there is a lot of other factors that effect the development of SSI, so for excellent surveillance risk index those factors known by everyone must be added to risk index scales.

Impact of frailty on short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a major global health challenge that predominantly affects older people.Surgical management,despite advancements,requires careful consideration of preoperative patient status for optimal outcomes.AIM To summarize existing evidence on the association of frailty with short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.METHODS A literature search was conducted using PubMed,EMBASE and Scopus databases for observational studies in adult patients aged≥18 years undergoing planned or elective colorectal surgery for primary carcinoma and/or secondary metastasis.Only studies that conducted frailty assessment using recognized frailty assess-ment tools and had a comparator group,comprising nonfrail patients,were included.Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference or relative risk(RR)with 95%confidence intervals(CIs).RESULTS A total of 24 studies were included.Compared with nonfrail patients,frailty was associated with an increased risk of mortality at 30 d(RR:1.99,95%CI:1.47-2.69),at 90 d(RR:4.76,95%CI:1.56-14.6)and at 1 year(RR:5.73,95%CI:2.74-12.0)of follow up.Frail patients had an increased risk of any complications(RR:1.81,95%CI:1.57-2.10)as well as major complications(Clavien-Dindo classification grade≥III)(RR:2.87,95%CI:1.65-4.99)compared with the control group.The risk of reoperation(RR:1.18,95%CI:1.07-1.31),readmission(RR:1.70,95%CI:1.36-2.12),need for blood transfusion(RR:1.67,95%CI:1.52-1.85),wound complications(RR:1.49,95%CI:1.11-1.99),delirium(RR:4.60,95%CI:2.31-9.16),risk of prolonged hospitalization(RR:2.09,95%CI:1.22-3.60)and discharge to a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center(RR:3.19,95%CI:2.0-5.08)was all higher in frail patients.CONCLUSION Frailty in colorectal cancer surgery patients was associated with more complications,longer hospital stays,higher reoperation risk,and increased mortality.Integrating frailty assessment appears crucial for tailored surgical management.

Impact of anastomotic leakage on long-term prognosis after colorectal cancer surgery

Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common malignancies in the world.Despite significant improvements in surgical technique,postoperative complications still occur in a fair percentage of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.The most feared complication is anastomotic leakage.It negatively affects shortterm prognosis,with increased post-operative morbidity and mortality,higher hospitalization time and costs.Moreover,it may require further surgery with the creation of a permanent or temporary stoma.While there is no doubt about the negative impact of anastomotic dehiscence on the short-term prognosis of patients operated on for CRC,still under discussion is its impact on the long-term prognosis.Some authors have described an association between leakage and reduced overall survival,disease-free survival,and increased recurrence,while other Authors have found no real impact of dehiscence on long term prognosis.The purpose of this paper is to review all the literature about the impact of anastomotic dehiscence on long-term prognosis after CRC surgery.The main risk factors of leakage and early detection markers are also summarized.

Indocyanine green:The guide to safer and more effective surgery

In this editorial we comment on the article by Kalayarasan and co-workers published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.The authors present an interesting review on the use of indocyanine green fluo-rescence in different aspects of abdominal surgery.They also highlight future perspectives of the use of indocyanine green in mini-invasive surgery.Indo-cyanine green,used for fluorescence imaging,has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and is safe for use in humans.It can be administered in-travenously or intra-arterially.Since its advent,there have been several advance-ments in the applications of indocyanine green,especially in the surgical field,such as intraoperative mapping and biopsy of sentinel lymph node,measurement of hepatic function prior to resection,in neurosurgical cases to detect vascular anomalies,in cardiovascular cases for patency and assessment of vascular ab-normalities,in predicting healing following amputations,in helping visualization of hepatobiliary anatomy and blood vessels,in reconstructive surgery,to assess flap viability and for the evaluation of tissue perfusion following major trauma and burns.For these reasons,the intraoperative use of indocyanine green has become common in a variety of surgical specialties and transplant surgery.Co-lorectal surgery has just lately begun to adopt this technique,particularly for perfusion visualization to prevent anastomotic leakage.The regular use of in-docyanine green coupled with fluorescence angiography has recently been pro-posed as a feasible tool to help improve patient outcomes.Using the best available data,it has been shown that routine use of indocyanine green in colorectal surgery reduces the rates of anastomotic leak.The use of indocyanine green is proven to be safe,feasible,and effective in both elective and emergency scenarios.However,additional robust evidence from larger-scale,high-quality studies is essential before incorporating indocyanine green guided surgery into standard practice.

Postoperative ileus in colorectal surgery:is there any difference between laparoscopic and open surgery?

Background:Postoperative ileus is a major complication of patients undergoing abdominal surgery.The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of operative time and the method of surgery on postoperative ileus.Methods:After institutional review board approval,121 patients were studied in two groups.Group 1 consisted of 86 patients with colorectal cancers and Group 2 included 35 patients with diverticulitis.Various surgical procedures were performed in both groups.In all patients,the nasogastric(NG)tube was removed after termination of surgery.Clear liquids were offered commencing on the first postoperative day,followed by a regular diet as tolerated.GI-1 was the postoperative time to toleration of clear liquids,whereas GI-2 was the postoperative time to first bowel movement or flatus and toleration of a regular diet.Statistical analysis was performed using a linear regression model by disease with the first bowel movement or flatus as the dependent variable and operative time and category as explanatory variables.Results:Vomiting after oral feeding occurred in 18(20.9%)patients with cancer and in 7(20.0%)patients with diverticular disease.An NG tube was reinserted in 13(15.1%)patients in the cancer group and in 3(8.6%)patients in the diverticular disease group.In patients with cancer,the duration of operation was associated with GI-2(P=0.011),whereas in patients with diverticulitis,the duration of operation was associated with GI-1(P=0.001)and GI-2(P=0.044).In the diverticulitis group,a significant relationship was found between GI-2 and operative category(P=0.03).Conclusion:Longer operations led to more prolonged postoperative ileus after both laparoscopy and laparotomy,regardless of malignant or benign pathology.In anticipation of and/or following longer operations,surgeons should consider measures to shorten postoperative ileus.

Outcomes after natural orifice extraction vs conventional specimen extraction surgery for colorectal cancer: A propensity scorematched analysis

BACKGROUND Natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE)via the anus or vagina replaces conventional transabdominal specimen retrieval via the transabdominal route through a limited mid-line laparotomy or Pfannenstiel incision.Reducing the number of laparoscopic ports further decreases operative abdominal wall trauma.These techniques reduce the surgical wound size as well as the risk of incisionrelated morbidity.AIM To compare short-term outcomes following 3-port NOSE surgery with a matched cohort of conventional non-NOSE colorectal cancer surgery.METHODS Patients who underwent elective 3-port laparoscopic colorectal NOSE surgery between February to October 2021 were identified.Selection criteria for NOSE surgery was adapted from the 2019 International Consensus on Natural Orifice Specimen Extraction Surgery for colorectal cancer.Patients with clinical T4 or N2 tumors on staging computed tomography were also excluded.The propensity score-matched cohort was identified amongst patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic colorectal surgery from January 2019 to December 2020.Matching was performed in the ratio of 1:4 based on age,gender,type of resection,and p-tumor node metastasis staging.RESULTS Over the eight-month study duration,14 consecutive cases(nine female,five male)of elective 3-port laparoscopic surgery with NOSE were performed for colorectal cancer.Median age and body mass index were 70(range 43-82)years and 24.1(range 20.0-31.7)kg/m2 respectively.Six patients underwent transanal NOSE and eight had transvaginal NOSE.Median operative time,intraoperative blood loss and postoperative length of stay were 208(range 165-365)min,30(range 10-150)mL and 3(range 2-6)d respectively.Two(14%)suffered minor postoperative compilations not attributable to the NOSE procedure.Median follow-up duration was 12(range 8-15)mo.No instances of mortality,local or distant disease recurrence were recorded in this cohort.Compared to the conventional surgery cohort of 56 patients,the 3-port NOSE cohort had significantly quicker mean return of bowel function(2.6 vs 1.2 d,P<0.001),reduced postoperative pain and patientcontrolled analgesia use,and decreased length of hospital stay(6.4 vs 3.4 d,P<0.001).There were no statistical differences in surgical duration and perioperative complication rates between the NOSE and non-NOSE cohorts.CONCLUSION 3-port laparoscopic colorectal surgery with NOSE is a feasible technique,augmenting the minimally invasive nature of surgery and producing good outcomes.Appropriate patient selection and expertise in conventional laparoscopy are required.

Use of artificial intelligence in total mesorectal excision in rectal cancer surgery: State of the art and perspectives

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is a major public health problem,with 1.9 million new cases and 953000 deaths worldwide in 2020.Total mesorectal excision(TME)is the standard of care for the treatment of rectal cancer and is crucial to prevent local recurrence,but it is a technically challenging surgery.The use of artificial intelligence(AI)could help improve the performance and safety of TME surgery.AIM To review the literature on the use of AI and machine learning in rectal surgery and potential future developments.METHODS Online scientific databases were searched for articles on the use of AI in rectal cancer surgery between 2020 and 2023.RESULTS The literature search yielded 876 results,and only 13 studies were selected for review.The use of AI in rectal cancer surgery and specifically in TME is a rapidly evolving field.There are a number of different AI algorithms that have been developed for use in TME,including algorithms for instrument detection,anatomical structure identification,and image-guided navigation systems.CONCLUSION AI has the potential to revolutionize TME surgery by providing real-time surgical guidance,preventing complic-ations,and improving training.However,further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of AI in TME surgery.

Toward less invasive coloproctology: The future is out there

Medical care has undergone remarkable improvements over the past few decades.One of the most important innovative breakthroughs in modern medicine is the advent of minimally and less invasive treatments.The trend towards employing less invasive treatment has been vividly shown in the field of gastroenterology,particularly coloproctology.Parallel to foregut interventions,colorectal surgery has shifted towards a minimally invasive approach.Coloproctology,including both medical and surgical management of colorectal diseases,has undergone a remarkable paradigm shift.The treatment of both benign and malignant colorectal conditions has gradually transitioned towards more conservative and less inva-sive approaches.An interesting paradigm shift was the trend to avoid the need for radical resection of rectal cancer altogether in patients who showed complete response to neoadjuvant treatment.The trend of adopting less invasive appro-aches to treat various colorectal conditions does not seem to be stopping soon as further research on novel,more effective and safer methods is ongoing.

Colon perforation with severe peritonitis caused by erotic toy insertion and treated using vacuum-assisted closure:A case report

BACKGROUND Colorectal foreign bodies are commonly encountered during surgery.They are frequently observed in men 20 to 90 years of age and have bimodal age distribution.Surgical management is necessary for cases of rectal perforation.However,surgical site infections are the most common complications after colorectal surgery.CASE SUMMARY We discuss a case of rectal perforation in a patient who presented to our hospital 2 d after its occurrence.The perforation occurred as a result of the patient inserting a sex toy in his rectum.Severe peritonitis was attributable to delayed presentation.CONCLUSION Vacuum-assisted closure was performed to treat the wound,which healed well after therapy.No complications were noted.

Consensus on the definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage: A modified Delphi study

BACKGROUND Despite the emerging knowledge about colorectal anastomotic leakage(CAL)through the increasing number of clinical and experimental studies, there is no generally accepted definition of CAL. Because of the wide variety of definitions used in literature, comparison of study outcomes and quality of care is complicated.AIM To reach consensus on the definition of CAL using a modified Delphi method.METHODS The RAND/UCLA appropriateness method was used. The expert panel consisted of international colorectal surgeons and researchers who had published three or more articles about CAL. The consensus process consisted of two online distributed questionnaires and a third round with a recommendation. In the questionnaires participants were asked to rate the appropriateness of statements using a 1-9 Likert scale. Consensus was defined as a panel median between 1-3 or 7-9 without disagreement. In the final round a recommendation was formed regarding the definition of CAL and the expert panel was asked if they agreed or disagreed.RESULTSTwenty-three authors participated in the first round and twenty-one finished the second round. After two rounds consensus was reached on 37 items(80%) in nine different categories. The International Study Group of Rectal Cancer definition is the most frequently advised general definition by our panel. Consensus was reached regarding the clinical symptoms of CAL, which serum markers contributes to the suspicion of CAL, which radiological and perioperative findings should be considered as CAL, which grading system is appropriate and if there should be a range of postoperative days in the definition. Eventually, 19 experts completed all three rounds of which 16(84%) agreed with our final recommendations for the definition of CAL.CONCLUSION A consensus-based recommendation for the definition of CAL was formed using our modified Delphi method that can be widely incorporated in the field.

Definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage: A consensus survey among Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons

AIM To determine the level of consensus on the definition of colorectal anastomotic leakage(CAL) among Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons.METHODS Dutch and Chinese colorectal surgeons were asked to partake in an online questionnaire. Consensus in the online questionnaire was defined as > 80% agreement between respondents on various statements regarding a general definition of CAL,and regarding clinical and radiological diagnosis of the complication.RESULTS Fifty-nine Dutch and 202 Chinese dedicated colorectal surgeons participated in the online survey. Consensus was found on only one of the proposed elements of a general definition of CAL in both countries: ‘extravasation of contrast medium after rectal enema on a CT scan'. Another two were found relevant according to Dutch surgeons: ‘necrosis of the anastomosis found during reoperation',and ‘a radiological collection treated with percutaneous drainage'. No consensus was found for all other proposed elements that may be included in a general definition.CONCLUSION There is no universally accepted definition of CAL in the Netherlands and China. Diagnosis of CAL based on clinical manifestations remains a point of discussion in both countries. Dutch surgeons are more likely to report ‘subclinical' leaks as CAL,which partly explains the higher reported Dutch CAL rates.

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 miniinvasive techniques.