Parallel pathways:A chronicle of evolution in rectal and breast cancer surgery

In this editorial,we have analyzed the historical evolution of rectal and breast cancer surgery,focusing on the progressive reduction of demolitive approaches and the increasing use of more conservative strategies,accompanied by a growing emphasis on perioperative treatments aimed at enhancing surgical outcomes.All of these changes have been made possible due to an increased awareness and understanding of oncological diseases and improved perioperative treatments.

Comparing short-term outcomes of robot-assisted and conventional laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery for rectal cancer in elderly patients

BACKGROUND Da Vinci Robotics-assisted total mesorectal excision(TME)surgery for rectal cancer is becoming more widely used.There is no strong evidence that roboticassisted surgery and laparoscopic surgery have similar outcomes in elderly patients with TME for rectal cancer.AIM To determine the improved oncological outcomes and short-term efficacy of robot-assisted surgery in elderly patients undergoing TME surgery.METHODS A retrospective study of the clinical pathology and follow-up of elderly patients who underwent TME surgery at the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine was conducted from March 2020 through September 2023.The patients were divided into a robotassisted group(the R-TME group)and a laparoscopic group(the L-TME group),and the short-term efficacy of the two groups was compared.RESULTS There were 45 elderly patients(≥60 years)in the R-TME group and 50 elderly patients(≥60 years)in the L-TME group.There were no differences in demographics,conversion rates,or postoperative complication rates.The L-TME group had a longer surgical time than the R-TME group[145(125,187.5)vs 180(148.75,206.25)min,P=0.005),and the first postoperative meal time in the L-TME group was longer than that in the R-TME(4 vs 3 d,P=0.048).Among the sex and body mass index(BMI)subgroups,the R-TME group had better out-comes than did the L-TME group in terms of operation time(P=0.042)and intraoperative assessment of bleeding(P=0.042).In the high BMI group,catheter removal occurred earlier in the R-TME group than in the L-TME group(3 vs 4 d,P=0.001),and autonomous voiding function was restored.CONCLUSION The curative effect and short-term efficacy of robot-assisted TME surgery for elderly patients with rectal cancer are similar to those of laparoscopic TME surgery;however,robotic-assisted surgery has better short-term outcomes for individuals with risk factors such as obesity and pelvic stenosis.Optimizing the learning curve can shorten the operation time,reduce the recovery time of gastrointestinal function,and improve the prognosis.

Congenital Heart Disease Referred for Surgery: Analysis and Epidemiological Description in the Cardiology Department of CHU Ignace Deen

Introduction: Congenital heart disease includes all cardiac and vascular malformations. It accounts for approximately one third of all congenital malformations and is a public health problem, particularly in developing countries. The aim of this study was to analyze the epidemiological, clinical and paraclinical aspects of congenital heart disease. Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive and analytical study based on the records of 135 patients referred for surgery and followed up in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen University Hospital, collected in November 2022. Results: Hospital prevalence was 5%. The mean age was 71 months, ranging from 1 month to 19 years. The age group over 24 months was the most represented (62%). The M/F sex ratio was 1.36. Urban origin was predominant (58%). The rate of children not attending school or dropping out was high (16%). Siblings with fewer than 4 children were the most common (88%). A heart murmur was the most frequent sign (78%), followed by cyanosis (36%) and heart failure (29%). The association between heart murmurs and CHD was proven with a p-value Conclusion: CHDs represent the main indication for paediatric cardiac surgery and follow-up (95%). We stress the importance of implementing a screening and management strategy for congenital heart disease.

Influence of humanistic care-based operating room nursing on safety,recovery,and satisfaction after radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Radical surgery is a preferred treatment for colorectal carcinoma,wherein nursing intervention is essential for postoperative recovery and prevention of complications.Recently,the application of humanistic care in medical care has attracted attention.Humanistic care emphasizes comprehensive care,with importance attached to patients’physical needs as well as psychological and emotional support to provide more humane and personalized care services.However,no clinical reports have examined the use of humanistic care in patients undergoing radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma.AIM To investigate the influence of humanistic care-based operating room nursing on the safety,postoperative recovery,and nursing satisfaction of patients who have undergone radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma.METHODS In total,120 patients with rectal cancer who underwent surgery in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University between August 2023 and March 2024 were selected and grouped based on the nursing methods employed.Of these patients,55 were treated with routine nursing intervention(control group)and 65 were provided humanistic care-based operating room nursing(research group).The patients’vital signs were recorded,including systolic/diastolic blood pressure(SBP/DBP)and heart beats per minute(BPM),as well as serum stress indices,including norepinephrine(NE),adrenal hormone(AD),and cortisol(Cor).Postoperative recovery and complications were also recorded.Patients’negative emotions,life hope,and nursing satisfaction were evaluated using the Self-rating Depression/Anxiety Scale(SDS/SAS),Herth Hope Index(HHI),and self-deve-loped nursing satisfaction questionnaire,respectively.RESULTS During emergence from anesthesia,SBP,DBP,and BPM levels were found to be lower in the research group than those in the control group,also serum Cor,AD,and NE levels were lower.In addition,the research group had shorter operative,awakening,anal exhaust,first postoperative ambulation,drainage tube removal,intestinal recovery,and hospital times.The total complication rate and the SDS and SAS scores were lower in the research group than those in the control group.The HHI and nursing satisfaction scores were higher in the research group.CONCLUSION Humanistic care-based operating room nursing can mitigate physiological stress responses,reduce postoperative complications,promote postoperative recovery,relieve adverse psychological emotions,and enhance life hope and nursing satisfaction in patients undergoing radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma,which can be popularized in clinical practice.

Therapeutic effect of Wendan Decoction combined with mosapride on gastroesophageal reflux disease after esophageal cancer surgery

BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a common complication of esophageal cancer surgery that can affect quality of life and increase the risk of esophageal stricture and anastomotic leakage.Wendan Decoction(WDD)is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders,such as gastritis,functional dyspepsia,and irritable bowel syndrome.Mosapride,a prokinetic agent,functions as a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 agonist,enhancing gastrointestinal motility.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects of WDD combined with mosapride on GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.METHODS Eighty patients with GERD were randomly divided into treatment(receiving WDD combined with mosapride)and control(receiving mosapride alone)groups.The treatment was conducted from January 2021 to January 2023.The primary outcome was improved GERD symptoms as measured using the reflux disease questionnaire(RDQ).The secondary outcomes were improved esophageal motility(measured using esophageal manometry),gastric emptying(measured using gastric scintigraphy),and quality of life[measured via the Short Form-36(SF-36)Health Survey].RESULTS The treatment group showed a notably reduced RDQ score and improved esophageal motility parameters,such as lower esophageal sphincter pressure,peristaltic amplitude,and peristaltic velocity compared to the control group.The treatment group showed significantly higher gastric emptying rates and SF-36 scores(in both physical and mental domains)compared to the control group.No serious adverse effects were observed in either group.CONCLUSION WDD combined with mosapride is an effective and safe therapy for GERD after esophageal cancer surgery.It can improve GERD symptoms,esophageal motility,gastric emptying,and the quality of life of patients.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm these findings.

Global geoepidemiology of gastrointestinal surgery rates in Crohn’s disease

BACKGROUND Data regarding the worldwide gastrointestinal surgery rates in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)remains limited.AIM To systematically review the global variation in the rates of surgery in CD.METHODS A comprehensive search analysis was performed using multiple electronic databases from inception through July 1,2020,to identify all full text,randomized controlled trials and cohort studies pertaining to gastrointestinal surgery rates in adult patients with CD.Outcomes included continent based demographic data,CD surgery rates over time,as well as the geoepidemiologic variation in CD surgery rates.Statistical analyses were conducted using R.RESULTS Twenty-three studies spanning four continents were included.The median proportion of persons with CD who underwent gastrointestinal surgery in studies from North America,Europe,Asia,and Oceania were 30%(range:1.7%-62.0%),40%(range:0.6%-74.0%),17%(range:16.0%-43.0%),and 38%respectively.No clear association was found regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time in North America(R^(2)=0.035)and Europe(R^(2)=0.100).A moderate,negative association was seen regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time(R^(2)=0.520)in Asia.CONCLUSION There appears to be significant inter-continental variation regarding surgery rates in CD.Homogenous evidencebased guidelines accounting for the geographic differences in managing patients with CD is prudent.Moreover,as a paucity of data on surgery rates in CD exists outside the North American and European continents,future studies,particularly in less studied locales,are warranted.

Analysis of the Effect of the Comprehensive Nursing Model on Patients with Moyamoya Disease Undergoing Intracranial and Extracranial Revascularization Surgery

Objective:To explore the effect of a comprehensive nursing model on patients with Moyamoya disease who underwent intracranial and extracranial revascularization surgery.Methods:110 cases were divided into control and observation groups with 55 cases each.The control group received routine perioperative care,and the observation group received perioperative care along with comprehensive nursing care.The two groups’disease cognition levels,anxiety,symptoms,daily living ability scores,and postoperative complication rates were compared.Results:The anxiety score and total postoperative complications of the observation group upon discharge were lower than that of the control group,and the disease cognition level and daily living ability upon discharge were higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Applying the comprehensive nursing model in conjunction with perioperative care for patients undergoing surgery can effectively improve their anxiety,strengthen activities of daily living,and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Natural orifice surgery applied for colorectal diseases

Clinical natural orifice surgery has been applied to abdominal surgery in recent years,mostly using transvaginal and transgastric access.Rectal and transcolonic natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES) were tested in animal and cadaver models by a few research groups.Despite the potential advantages of transcolonic NOTES for colorectal diseases,it has not yet been clinically applied.The first successful series of human applications of transcolonic NOTES in the literature from the NOTES Research Group in Brazil provide new possibilities in the field in new transrectal procedures for rectal cancer and benign disease.Successful first human reports on Transcolonic NOTES potentially brings new frontiers and applications for minimally invasive surgery.The treatment of colorectal diseases through flexible Perirectal NOTES Access is a promising new approach alongside existing laparoscopic and open surgery to improve patient care.

Robotic natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method vs conventional robotic resection for lower rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Robotic resection using the natural orifice specimen extraction surgery I-type F method(R-NOSES I-F)is a novel minimally invasive surgical strategy for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.However,the current literature on this method is limited to case reports,and further investigation into its safety and feasibility is warranted.AIM To evaluate the safety and feasibility of R-NOSES I-F for the treatment of low rectal cancer.METHODS From September 2018 to February 2022,206 patients diagnosed with low rectal cancer at First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were included in this retrospective analysis.Of these patients,22 underwent R-NOSES I-F surgery(RNOSES I-F group)and 76 underwent conventional robotic-assisted low rectal cancer resection(RLRC group).Clinicopathological data of all patients were collected and analyzed.Postoperative outcomes and prognoses were compared between the two groups.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.RESULTS Patients in the R-NOSES I-F group had a significantly lower visual analog score for pain on postoperative day 1(1.7±0.7 vs 2.2±0.6,P=0.003)and shorter postoperative anal venting time(2.7±0.6 vs 3.5±0.7,P<0.001)than those in the RLRC group.There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sex,age,body mass index,tumor size,TNM stage,operative time,intrao-perative bleeding,postoperative complications,or inflammatory response(P>0.05).Postoperative anal and urinary functions,as assessed by Wexner,low anterior resection syndrome,and International Prostate Symptom Scale scores,were similar in both groups(P>0.05).Long-term follow-up revealed no significant differences in the rates of local recurrence and distant metastasis between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION R-NOSES I-F is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of lower rectal cancer.It improves pain relief,promotes gastrointestinal function recovery,and helps avoid incision-related complications.

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.

Systematic review of emergent laparoscopic colorectal surgery for benign and malignant disease

Laparoscopic surgery has become well established in the management of both and malignant colorectal disease.The last decade has seen increasing numbers of surgeons trained to a high standard in minimallyinvasive surgery.However there has not been the same enthusiasm for the use of laparoscopy in emergency colorectal surgery.There is a perception that emergent surgery is technically more difficult and may lead to worse outcomes.The present review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical appraisal of the available literature on the use of laparoscopic colorectal surgery(LCS)in the emergency setting.The literature is broadly divided by the underlying pathology;that is,inflammatory bowel disease,diverticulitis and malignant obstruction.There were no randomized trials and the majority of the studies were case-matched series or comparative studies.The overall trend was that LCS is associated with shorter hospital stay,par or fewer complications but an increased operating time.Emergency LCS can be safely undertaken for both benign and malignant disease providing there is appropriate patient selection,the surgeon is adequately experienced and there are sufficient resources to allow for a potentially more complex operation.

Endoscopic trans-esophageal submucosal tunneling surgery:A new therapeutic approach for diseases located around the aorta ventralis

AIM To assess the efficiency of endoscopic trans-esophageal submucosal tunneling surgery(EESTS) technique for diseases located around the aorta ventralis.METHODS Nine pigs were assigned to EESTs. The procedures were as follows: First, a long esophageal submucosal tunnel was established. Second, full-thickness myotomy was created. Third, an endoscope was entered into the abdominal cavity through a muscle incision and the endoscope was around the aorta ventralis. Eventually,celiac trunk ganglion neurolysis, partial hepatectomy and splenectomy, partial tissue resection in the area of the posterior peritoneum, and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD) combined with lymph node dissection were performed. The animals were given antibiotics for 5 d and necropsied 7 d after surgery.RESULTS In all surgeries, one pig died from intraperitoneal hemorrhage after doing partial splenectomy, while the other pigs were alive after successfully operating other surgeries. For surgery of celiac trunk ganglion damage, at necropsy, there was no exudation in the abdominal cavity. Regarding surgery of partial hepatectomy, the wound with part healing was observed in the left hepatic lobe, and no bleeding or obvious exudation was seen. In surgery of partial splenectomy, massive hemorrhage was observed on the splenic wound surface, and the metal clips could not stop bleeding. After surgery of retroperitoneal tissue resection, mild tissue adhesion was observed in the abdominal cavity of one animal, and another one suffered from severe infection. For surgery of ESD and lymph node dissection, a moderate tissue adhesion was observed.CONCLUSION EESTS is a feasible and safe technique for diseases located around the aorta ventralis.

Removal of a large rectal polyp with endoscopic submucosal dissection-trans-anal rectoscopic assisted minimally invasive surgery hybrid technique:A case report

BACKGROUND Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)can be used for the en-bloc removal of superficial rectal lesions;however,the lack of a traction system makes the procedure long and difficult in the presence of extensive lesions.CASE SUMMARY A large polyp occupying 2/3 of the rectal circumference and extending 5 cm in length was removed by ESD with the help of laparoscopic forceps introduced via trans-anal rectoscopic assisted minimally invasive surgery,a disposable platform designed to aid in transanal minimally invasive surgery.Traction of the polyp by forceps during the operation was dynamic,and applied at various points and in various directions.The polyp was removed en-bloc without complications in 1 h and 55 min.A sigmoidoscopy performed 50 d later showed normal healing without polyp recurrence.CONCLUSION The technique presented here could overcome the issues caused by lack of traction during ESD for rectal lesions.

Excision of malignant and pre-malignant rectal lesions by transanal endoscopic microsurgery in patients under 50 years of age

BACKGROUND The most common technique for treating benign and early malignant rectal lesions is transanal endoscopic microsurgery(TEM).Local excision is an acceptable technique for high-risk and elderly patients,but there are hardly any data regarding young patients.AIM To describe TEM outcomes in patients under 50 years of age.METHODS We collected demographic,clinical,and pathological data from all patients under the age of 50 years who underwent the TEM procedure at Hasharon Rabin Medical Center from January 2005 to December 2018.RESULTS During the study period,a total of 26 patients under the age of 50 years underwent TEM procedures.Their mean age was 43.3 years.Eleven(42.0%)were male.The mean operative time was 67 min,and the mean tumor size was 2.39 cm,with a mean anal verge distance of 8.50 cm.No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded.The median length of stay was 2 d.Seven(26.9%)lesions were adenomas with low-grade dysplasia,four(15.4%)were high-grade dysplasia adenomas,two were T1 carcinomas(7.8%),and three were T2 carcinomas(11.5%).No residual disease was found following endoscopic polypectomy in two patients(7.8%),but four(15.4%)had other pathologies.Surgical margins were negative in all cases.Local recurrence was detected in one patient 33 mo following surgery.CONCLUSION Among young adult patients,TEM for benign rectal lesions has excellent outcomes.It may also offer a balance between the efficacy of complete oncologic resection and postoperative quality of life in the treatment of rectal cancer.In some cases,it may be considered an alternative to radical surgery.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in pancreatic diseases

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is a surgical technique that has received considerable interest in recent years. Although minimal access surgery has increasingly replaced traditional open abdominal surgical approaches for a wide spectrum of indications, in pancreatic diseases its widespread use is limited to few indications because of the challenging and demanding nature of major pancreatic operations. Nonetheless, there have been attempts in animal models as well as in the clinical setting to perform diag- nostic and resectional NOTES for pancreatic diseases. Here, we review and comment upon the available data regarding currently analyzed and performed pancreatic NOTES procedures. Potential indications for NOTES include peritoneoscopy, cyst drainage, and necrosectomy, palliative procedures such as gastroenterostomy, as well as resections such as distal pancreatectomy or enucleation. These procedures have already been shown to be technically feasible in several studies in animal models and a few clinical trials. In conclusion, NOTES is a rapidly developing concept/technique that could potentially become an integral part of the armamentarium dealing with surgical approaches to pancreatic diseases.

A New Three-Dimensional(3D)Printing Prepress Algorithm for Simulation of Planned Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

Background:Three-dimensional printing technology may become a key factor in transforming clinical practice and in significant improvement of treatment outcomes.The introduction of this technique into pediatric cardiac surgery will allow us to study features of the anatomy and spatial relations of a defect and to simulate the optimal surgical repair on a printed model in every individual case.Methods:We performed the prospective cohort study which included 29 children with congenital heart defects.The hearts and the great vessels were modeled and printed out.Measurements of the same cardiac areas were taken in the same planes and points at multislice computed tomography images(group 1)and on printed 3D models of the hearts(group 2).Pre-printing treatment of the multislice computed tomography data and 3D model preparation were performed according to a newly developed algorithm.Results:The measurements taken on the 3D-printed cardiac models and the tomographic images did not differ significantly,which allowed us to conclude that the models were highly accurate and informative.The new algorithm greatly simplifies and speeds up the preparation of a 3D model for printing,while maintaining high accuracy and level of detail.Conclusions:The 3D-printed models provide an accurate preoperative assessment of the anatomy of a defect in each case.The new algorithm has several important advantages over other available programs.They enable the development of customized preliminary plans for surgical repair of each specific complex congenital heart disease,predict possible issues,determine the optimal surgical tactics,and significantly improve surgical outcomes.

New classification system for radical rectal cancer surgery based on membrane anatomy

BACKGROUND Total mesorectal excision along the“holy plane”is the only radical surgery for rectal cancer,regardless of tumor size,localization or even tumor stage.However,according to the concept of membrane anatomy,multiple fascial spaces around the rectum could be used as the surgical plane to achieve radical resection.AIM To propose a new membrane anatomical and staging-oriented classification system for tailoring the radicality during rectal cancer surgery.METHODS A three-dimensional template of the member anatomy of the pelvis was established,and the existing anatomical nomenclatures were clarified by cadaveric dissection study and laparoscopic surgical observation.Then,we suggested a new and simple classification system for rectal cancer surgery.For simplification,the classification was based only on the lateral extent of resection.RESULTS The fascia propria of the rectum,urogenital fascia,vesicohypogastric fascia and parietal fascia lie side by side around the rectum and form three spaces(medial,middle and lateral),and blood vessels and nerves are precisely positioned in the fascia or space.Three types of radical surgery for rectal cancer are described,as are a few subtypes that consider nerve preservation.The surgical planes of the proposed radical surgeries(types A,B and C)correspond exactly to the medial,middle,and lateral spaces,respectively.CONCLUSION Three types of radical surgery can be precisely defined based on membrane anatomy,including nerve-sparing procedures.Our classification system may offer an optimal tool for tailoring rectal cancer surgery.

Role of ultrasound in colorectal diseases

Ultrasound is an undervalued non-invasive examination in the diagnosis of colonic diseases. It has been replaced by the considerably more expensive magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography, despite the fact that, as first examination, it can usefully supplement the diagnostic process. Transabdominal ultrasound can provide quick information about bowel status and help in the choice of adequate further examinations and treatment. Ultrasonography,as a screening imaging modality in asymptomatic patients can identify several colonic diseases such as diverticulosis, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. In addition, it is widely available, cheap, non-invasive technique without the use of ionizing radiation, therefore it is safe to use in childhood or during pregnancy, and can be repeated at any time. New ultrasound techniques such as elastography, contrast enhanced and Doppler ultrasound, miniprobes rectal and transperineal ultrasonography have broadened the indication. It gives an overview of the methodology of various ultrasound examinations, presents the morphology of normal bowel wall and the typical changes in different colonic diseases. We will pay particular attention to rectal and transperineal ultrasound because of their outstanding significance in the diagnosis of rectal and perineal disorders. This article seeks to overview the diagnostic impact and correct indications of bowel ultrasound.

Construction of a nomogram model to predict technical difficulty in performing laparoscopic sphincter-preserving radical resection for rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal surgeons are well aware that performing surgery for rectal cancer becomes more challenging in obese patients with narrow and deep pelvic cavities.Therefore,it is essential for colorectal surgeons to have a comprehensive understanding of pelvic structure prior to surgery and anticipate potential surgical difficulties.AIM To evaluate predictive parameters for technical challenges encountered during laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.METHODS We retrospectively gathered data from 162 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical sphincterpreserving surgery for rectal cancer.Three-dimensional reconstruction of pelvic bone and soft tissue parameters was conducted using computed tomography(CT)scans.Operative difficulty was categorized as either high or low,and multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of operative difficulty,ultimately creating a nomogram.RESULTS Out of 162 patients,21(13.0%)were classified in the high surgical difficulty group,while 141(87.0%)were in the low surgical difficulty group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the surgical approach using laparoscopic intersphincteric dissection,intraoperative preventive ostomy,and the sacrococcygeal distance were independent risk factors for highly difficult laparoscopic radical sphincter-sparing surgery for rectal cancer(P<0.05).Conversely,the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance was identified as a protective factor(P<0.05).A nomogram was subsequently constructed,demonstrating good predictive accuracy(C-index=0.834).CONCLUSION The surgical approach,intraoperative preventive ostomy,the sacrococcygeal distance,and the anterior-posterior diameter of pelvic inlet/sacrococcygeal distance could help to predict the difficulty of laparoscopic radical sphincter-preserving surgery.

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.