Preoperative blood markers and intra-abdominal infection after colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among digestive tract tumors.Intra-abdominal infection(IAI)is a common postoperative complication that affects the clinical outcomes of patients with CRC and hinders their rehabilitation process.However,the factors influencing abdominal infection after CRC surgery remain unclear;further,prediction models are rarely used to analyze preoperative laboratory indicators and postoperative complications.AIM To explore the predictive value of preoperative blood markers for IAI after radical resection of CRC.METHODS The data of 80 patients who underwent radical resection of CRC in the Anorectal Surgery Department of Suzhou Hospital affiliated with Anhui Medical University were analyzed.These patients were categorized into IAI(n=15)and non-IAI groups(n=65)based on whether IAI occurred.Influencing factors were compared;general data and laboratory indices of both groups were identified.The relationship between the indicators was assessed.Further,a nomogram prediction model was developed and evaluated;its utility and clinical applic-ability were assessed.RESULTS The risk factors for IAI after radical resection of CRC were neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune-inflammation index(SII),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.NLR was correlated with PLR and SII(r=0.604,0.925,and 0.305,respectively),while PLR was correlated with SII(r=0.787).The nomogram prediction model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.968[95%confidence interval(CI):0.948-0.988]in the training set(n=60)and 0.926(95%CI:0.906-0.980)in the validation set(n=20).The average absolute errors of the calibration curves for the training and validation sets were 0.032 and 0.048,respectively,indicating a good model fit.The decision curve analysis curves demonstrated high net income above the 5%threshold,indicating the clinical practicality of the model.CONCLUSION The nomogram model constructed using NLR,PLR,SII,and CEA levels had good accuracy and reliability in predicting IAI after radical resection of CRC,potentially aiding clinical treatment decision-making.

Has the open surgical approach in colorectal cancer really become uncommon?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world.Surgery is man-datory to treat patients with colorectal cancer.Can colorectal cancer be treated in laparoscopy?Scientific literature has validated the oncological quality of laparo-scopic approach for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.Randomized non-inferiority trials with good remote control have answered positively to this long-debated question.Early as 1994,first publications demonstrated technical feasibility and compliance with oncological imperatives and,as far as short-term outcomes are concerned,there is no difference in terms of mortality and post-operative morbidity between open and minimally invasive surgical approaches,but only longer operating times at the beginning of the experience.Subsequently,from 2007 onwards,long-term results were published that demonstrated the ab-sence of a significant difference regarding overall survival,disease-free survival,quality of life,local and distant recurrence rates between open and minimally in-vasive surgery.In this editorial,we aim to summarize the clinical and technical aspects which,even today,make the use of open surgery relevant and necessary in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in adult patients receiving gastrectomy/colorectal resection:A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Acupuncture promotes the recovery of gastrointestinal function and provides analgesia after major abdominal surgery.The effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)remain unclear.AIM To explore the potential effects of TEAS on the recovery of gastrointestinal function after gastrectomy and colorectal resection.METHODS Patients scheduled for gastrectomy or colorectal resection were randomized at a 2:3:3:2 ratio to receive:(1)TEAS at maximum tolerable current for 30 min immediately prior to anesthesia induction and for the entire duration of surgery,plus two 30-min daily sessions for 3 consecutive days after surgery(perioperative TEAS group);(2)Preoperative and intraoperative TEAS only;(3)Preoperative and postoperative TEAS only;or(4)Sham stimulation.The primary outcome was the time from the end of surgery to the first bowel sound.RESULTS In total,441 patients were randomized;405 patients(58.4±10.2 years of age;247 males)received the planned surgery.The time to the first bowel sounds did not differ among the four groups(P=0.90;log-rank test).On postoperative day 1,the rest pain scores differed significantly among the four groups(P=0.04;Kruskal–Wallis test).Post hoc comparison using the Bonferroni test showed lower pain scores in the perioperative TEAS group(1.4±1.2)than in the sham sti-mulation group(1.7±1.1;P=0.04).Surgical complications did not differ among the four groups.CONCLUSION TEAS provided analgesic effects in adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery,and it can be added to clinical practice as a means of accelerating postoperative rehabilitation of these patients.

Incidence,characteristics and risk factors for alveolar recruitment maneuver-related hypotension in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Alveolar recruitment maneuvers(ARMs)may lead to transient hypotension,but the clinical characteristics of this induced hypotension are poorly understood.We investigated the characteristics of ARM-related hypotension in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.AIM To investigate the characteristics of ARM-related hypotension in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.METHODS This was a secondary analysis of the PROtective Ventilation using Open Lung approach Or Not trial and included 140 subjects.An ARM was repeated every 30 min during intraoperative mechanical ventilation.The primary endpoint was ARM-related hypotension,defined as a mean arterial pressure(MAP)<60 mmHg during an ARM or within 5 min after an ARM.The risk factors for hypotension were identified.The peri-ARM changes in blood pressure were analyzed for the first three ARMs(ARM_(1,2,3))and the last ARM(ARMl_(ast)).RESULTS Thirty-four subjects(24.3%)developed ARM-related hypotension.Of all 1027 ARMs,37(3.61%)induced hypotension.More ARMs under nonpneumoperitoneum(33/349,9.46%)than under pneumoperitoneum conditions(4/678,0.59%)induced hypotension(P<0.01).The incidence of hypotension was higher at ARM_(1)points than at non-ARM_(1)points(18/135,13.3%vs 19/892,2.1%;P<0.01).The median percentage decrease in the MAP at ARM1 was 14%.Age≥74 years,blood loss≥150 mL and peak inspiratory pressure under pneumoperitoneum<24 cm H_(2)O were risk factors for ARM-related hypotension.CONCLUSION When the ARM was repeated intraoperatively,a quarter of subjects developed ARM-related hypotension,but only 3.61%of ARMs induced hypotension.ARM-related hypotension most occurred in a hemodynamically unstable state or a hypovolemic state,and in elderly subjects.Fortunately,ARMs that were performed under pneumoperitoneum conditions had less impact on blood pressure.

Fast-track rehabilitation program vs conventional care after colorectal resection:A randomized clinical trial

AIM:To compare the fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care for patients after resection of colorectal cancer.METHODS:One hundred and six consecutive patients who underwent fast-track rehabilitation program were encouraged to have early oral feeding and movement for early discharge,while 104 consecutive patients underwent conventional care after resection of colorectal cancer.Their gastrointestinal functions,postoperative complications and hospital stay time were recorded.RESULTS:The restoration time of gastrointestinal functions in the patients was significantly faster after fasttrack rehabilitation program than after conventional care(2.1 d vs 3.2 d,P < 0.01).The percentage of patients who developed complications was significantly lower 30 d after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care(13.2% vs 26.9%,P < 0.05).Also,the percentage of patients who had general complications was significantly lower 30 d after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care(6.6% vs 15.4%,P < 0.05).The postoperative hospital stay time of the patients was shorter after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care(5 d vs 7 d,P < 0.01).No significant difference was observed in the readmission rate 30 d after fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care(3.8% vs 8.7%).CONCLUSION:The fast-track rehabilitation program can significantly decrease the complications and shorten the time of postoperative hospital stay of patients after resection colorectal cancer.

Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels are elevated first month after surgery and may promote growth of residual metastases

BACKGROUND MMP-2 also known as gelatinase A and MMP-7(matrilysin)are members of the zinc-dependent family of MMPs(Matrix metalloproteinase).MMP-2 and MMP-7 are remodeling enzymes that digest extracellular matrix;MMP-2 is extensively expressed during development and is upregulated at sites of tissue damage,inflammation,and in stromal cells of metastatic tumors.MMP-7 is expressed in the epithelial cells and in a variety of cancers including colon tumors.Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels were assessed before and after minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer pathology.AIM To determine plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels before and after minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer pathology.METHODS Patients enrolled in a plasma bank for whom plasma was available were eligible.Plasma obtained from preoperative(Preop)and postoperative blood samples was used.Only colorectal cancer(CRC)patients who underwent elective minimally invasive cancer resection with preop,post-operative day(POD)1,3 and at least 1 late postop sample(POD 7-34)were included.Late samples were bundled into 7 d blocks(POD 7-13,14-20,etc.)and treated as single time points.Plasma MMP-2 and MMP-7 levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in duplicate.RESULTS Total 88 minimally invasive CRC resection CRC patients were studied(right colectomy,37%;sigmoid,24%;and LAR/AR 18%).Cancer stages were:1,31%;2,30%;3,34%;and 4,5%.Mean Preop MMP-2 plasma level(ng/mL)was 179.3±40.9(n=88).Elevated mean levels were noted on POD1(214.3±51.2,n=87,P<0.001),POD3(258.0±63.9,n=80,P<0.001),POD7-13(229.9±62.3,n=65,P<0.001),POD 14-20(234.9±47.5,n=25,P<0.001),POD 21-27(237.0±63.5,n=17,P<0.001,)and POD 28-34(255.4±59.7,n=15,P<0.001).Mean Preop MMP-7 level was 3.9±1.9(n=88).No significant differences were noted on POD 1 or 3,however,significantly elevated levels were noted on POD 7-13(5.7±2.5,n=65,P<0.001),POD 14-20(5.9±2.5,n=25,P<0.001),POD 21-27(6.1±3.6,n=17,P=0.002)and on POD 28-34(6.8±3.3,n=15 P<0.001,)vs preop levels.CONCLUSION MMP-2 levels are elevated for 5 wk and MMP-7 levels elevated for weeks 2-6.The etiology of these changes in unclear,trauma and wound healing likely play a role.These changes may promote residual tumor growth and metastasis.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for large laterally spreading tumors involving the ileocecal valve and terminal ileum

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a challenging technique that enables en-bloc resection for large colorectal tumors, as laterally spreading tumors, particularly difficult, if the ileocecal valve and terminal ileum is involved. Herein, we report on one of 4 cases. The procedures, using a bipolar needle knife (B-Knife) to reduce the perforation risk and carbon dioxide instead of conventional air insufflation for patient comfort, achieved curative resections without any complications.