Feasibility of robotic assisted bladder sparing pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer:A single institution case series

BACKGROUND Pelvic exenteration for locally advanced rectal cancer involving prostate has been performed via open surgery.Robotic pelvic exenteration offers benefits of better pelvic visualisation and dissection for bladder preserving prostatectomy with vesicourethral anastomosis,while achieving clear margins.AIM To determine the feasibility of robotic assisted bladder sparing pelvic exenteration.METHODS We describe robotic assisted pelvic exenteration in three cases of locally advanced rectal cancer involving prostate and seminal vesicles(SV).The da Vinci S robotic system was used.Robotic console was docked at left oblique position for abdominal phase and redocked to between the patient’s legs for pelvic phase.All three cases were performed fully robotically at Tan Tock Seng Hospital by colorectal and urological teams.RESULTS Case 1:67-year-old with low rectal tumour 3 cm from anal verge involving the prostate.He underwent neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and robotic abdominoperineal resection with en-bloc prostatectomy.Case 2:66-year-old with low rectal tumour 3 cm from anal verge involving prostate and bilateral SV.He underwent neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and robot assisted ultra-low anterior resection with coloanal anastomosis and en-bloc prostatectomy.Case 3:57-year-old with metachronous rectal tumour in the rectovesical pouch inseparable from the anterior mid rectum,prostate and bilateral SV.He underwent robot assisted ultra-low anterior resection with en-bloc prostatectomy.Bladder neck margin revealed cauterized tumour cells,and he underwent total cystectomy and ileal conduit creation.Histology revealed no residual tumour.All patients are currently disease free CONCLUSION Robot assisted bladder sparing pelvic exenteration can be safely performed in locally advanced rectal cancer with acceptable surgical outcome while preserving benefits of minimally invasive surgery.

Pelvic exenterations for primary rectal cancer:Analysis from a 10-year national prospective database

AIM To identify short-term and oncologic outcomes of pelvic exenterations(PE) for locally advanced primary rectal cancer(LAPRC) in patients included in a national prospective database.METHODS Few studies report on PE in patients with LAPRC. For this study, we included PE for LAPRC performed between 2006 and 2017, as available, from the Rectal Cancer Registry of the Spanish Association of Surgeons [Asociación Espa?ola de Cirujanos(AEC)]. Primary endpoints included procedure-associated complications, 5-year local recurrence(LR), disease-free survival(DFS) and overall survival(OS). A propensitymatched comparison with patients who underwent non-exenterative surgery for low rectal cancers was performed as a secondary endpoint.RESULTS Eight-two patients were included. The mean age was 61.8 ± 11.5 years. More than half of the patients experienced at least one complication. Surgical site infections were the most common complication(abdominal wound 18.3%, perineal closure 19.4%). Thirty-three multivisceral resections were performed, including two hepatectomies and four metastasectomies. The long-term outcomes of the 64 patients operated on before 2013 were assessed. The five-year LR was 15.6%, the distant recurrence rate was 21.9%, and OS was 67.2%, with a mean survival of 43.8 mo. R+ve resection increased LR [hazard ratio(HR) = 5.58, 95%CI: 1.04-30.07, P = 0.04]. The quality of the mesorectum was associated with DFS. Perioperative complications were independent predictors of shorter survival(HR = 3.53, 95%CI: 1.12-10.94, P = 0.03). In the propensity-matched analysis, PE was associated with better quality of the specimen and tended to achieve lower LR with similar OS.CONCLUSION PE is an extensive procedure, justified if disease-free margins can be obtained. Further studies should define indications, accreditation policy, and quality of life in LAPRC.

Long term outcome and quality of life after pelvic exenteration for recurrent endometrial and cervical cancers

Introduction: Pelvic exenteration can cure recurrent gynecological malignancies. However, treatment morbidity is over 50% in radiated pelves. We evaluated the outcome, the morbidity and the quality of life after exenteration. Methods: Patients who underwent an exenteration for recurrent cervical or endometrial cancer in our institution between 1999 and 2011 were retrieved. Survival rates were calculated according to Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the logrank test. The EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CX24 questionnaires were sent to patients alive in January 2012. Results: We identified 25 patients: 17 (68%) had cervical cancer and 8 (32%) endometrial cancer. 92% of them had received radiotherapy previously. All patients had a central pelvic recurrence, within a median time of 30 months [4 - 384] from initial treatment. Early complications requiring a re-laparotomy occurred in 9 patients (36%). Late complications included 2 (8%) fistulas, 2 (8%) occlusion and 1 (4%) ureteral stenosis. Complete resection was obtained in 92% of patients. Disease Free and Overall survival rates were better in cervical rather than in endometrial cancer (median DFS in months 17 [2 - 145] vs 9.5 [3 - 21], p = 0.064, median OS in months 20 [2 - 145] vs 13 [4 - 42], p = 0.019). 69% of patients answered the quality of life questionnaires. Mean global quality of life score was 45 on a scale of 0 - 100, none of the patients had a sexual activity. Conclusions: Morbidity of exenteration remains high and quality of life is altered. Endometrial cancer is associated with a poorer prognosis. In those patients, exenteration should be put in balance with best supportive care.

Total pelvic exenteration and a new model of diversion for giant primitive neuroectodermal tumor of prostate: A case report and review of the literature

The present study reports a rare primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of prostate.A 27-year-old male was admitted to Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital (Harbin,China) for dysuria and dyschezia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large mass thatmay involve the bladder and rectum next to the prostate. Histopathological analysis of biopsyof prostate indicated mesenchymal origin tumor, and immunohistochemistric stainingconfirmed diagnosis of PNET of prostate. En bloc total pelvic exenteration and double barrelsigmoidostomy were performed. Double stomas in the skin incision were used for fecal andurinary diversion, respectively. Short-term outcome is satisfactory, while long-term efficacyremains to be poor. Clinical features of PNET of prostate should be paid much more attentionand radical surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy should be recommended.

Anterior perineal hernia after anterior exenteration

Perineal hernia is a rare complication of anterior exenteration.We reported this complication after an anterior exenteration for bladder cancer with bleeding complication requiring packing and second-look laparotomy.Perineal approach is a simple and effective method for repair of perineal hernia.

Minimally invasive pelvic exenteration for primary or recurrent locally advanced rectal cancer:A glimpse into the future

Surgeons have grappled with the treatment of recurrent and T4b locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC)for many years.Their main objectives are to increase the overall survival and quality of life of the patients and to mitigate postoperative complications.Currently,pelvic exenteration(PE)with or without neoadjuvant treatment is a curative treatment when negative resection margins are achieved.The traditional open approach has been favored by many surgeons.However,the technological advancements in minimally invasive surgery have radically changed the surgical options.Recent studies have demonstrated promising results in postoperative complications and oncological outcomes after robotic or laparoscopic PE.A recent retrospective study entitled“Feasibility and safety of minimally invasive multivisceral resection for T4b rectal cancer:A 9-year review”was published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery.As we read this article with great interest,we decided to delve into the latest data regarding the benefits and risks of minimally invasive PE for LARC.Currently,the small number of suitable patients,limited surgeon experience,and steep learning curve are hindering the establishment of minimally invasive PE.

Application of robot-assisted laparoscopic pelvic exenteration in treating gynecologic malignancies

Introduction Pelvic exenteration(PE)refers to the en bloc resection of the involved pelvic organs along with pelvic reconstruction so as to enhance the survival rate for tumor patients.First reported by Brunschwig in 1948,[1]PE has thereafter been utilized to treat rectal cancer,bladder cancer,prostate cancer,and cervical cancer as a curative or palliative treatment for advanced or recurrent malignancies.It is critical to carry out surgical resection of all the involved tumor lesions so as to prolong the overall survival(OS)of patients;nonetheless,such medical manipulation will induce various complications.For patients undergoing radiotherapy in the initial treatment,the increased tissue fragility,together with inflammation,has become trouble intraoperatively.

Feasibility and safety of minimally invasive multivisceral resection for T4b rectal cancer:A 9-year review

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second highest cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.About 5%-10%of patients are diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC)on presentation.For LARC invading into other structures(i.e.T4b),multivisceral resection(MVR)and/or pelvic ex-enteration(PE)remains the only potential curative surgical treatment.MVR and/or PE is a major and complex surgery with high post-operative morbidity.Minimally invasive surgery(MIS)has been shown to improve short-term post-operative outcomes in other gastrointestinal malignancies,but there is little evi-dence on its use in MVR,especially so for robotic MVR.This is a single-center retrospective cohort study from 1st January 2015 to 31st March 2023.Inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with cT4b rectal cancer and underwent MVR,or stage 4 disease with resectable systemic metastases.Pa-tients who underwent curative MVR for locally recurrent rectal cancer,or me-tachronous rectal cancer were also included.Exclusion criteria were patients with systemic metastases with non-resectable disease.All patients planned for elective surgery were enrolled into the standard enhanced recovery after surgery pathway with standard peri-operative management for colorectal surgery.Complex sur-gery was defined based on technical difficulty of surgery(i.e.total PE,bladder-sparing prostatectomy,pelvic lymph node dissection or need for flap creation).Our primary outcomes were the margin status,and complication rates.Cate-gorical values were described as percentages and analysed by the chi-square test.Continuous variables were expressed as median(range)and analysed by Mann-Whitney U test.Cumulative overall survival(OS)and recurrence-free survival(RFS)were analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates with life table analysis.Log-rank test was performed to determine statistical significance between cumulative estimates.Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.Meier estimates with life table analysis.Log-rank test was performed to determine statistical significance between cumulative estimates.Statistical significance was defined as P<0.05.RESULTS A total of 46 patients were included in this study[open MVR(oMVR):12(26.1%),miMVR:36(73.9%)].Patients’American Society of Anesthesiologists score,body mass index and co-morbidities were comparable between oMVR and miMVR.There is an increasing trend towards robotic MVR from 2015 to 2023.MiMVR was associated with lower estimated blood loss(EBL)(median 450 vs 1200 mL,P=0.008),major morbidity(14.7%vs 50.0%,P=0.014),post-operative intra-abdominal collections(11.8%vs 50.0%,P=0.006),post-operative ileus(32.4%vs 66.7%,P=0.04)and surgical site infection(11.8%vs 50.0%,P=0.006)compared with oMVR.Length of stay was also shorter for miMVR compared with oMVR(median 10 vs 30 d,P=0.001).Oncological outcomes-R0 resection,recurrence,OS and RFS were comparable between miMVR and oMVR.There was no 30-d mortality.More patients underwent robotic compared with laparoscopic MVR for complex cases(robotic 57.1%vs laparoscopic 7.7%,P=0.004).The operating time was longer for robotic compared with laparoscopic MVR[robotic:602(400-900)min,laparoscopic:Median 455(275-675)min,P<0.001].Incidence of R0 resection was similar(laparoscopic:84.6%vs robotic:76.2%,P=0.555).Overall complication rates,major morbidity rates and 30-d readmission rates were similar between la-paroscopic and robotic MVR.Interestingly,3-year OS(robotic 83.1%vs 58.6%,P=0.008)and RFS(robotic 72.9%vs 34.3%,P=0.002)was superior for robotic compared with laparoscopic MVR.CONCLUSION MiMVR had lower post-operative complications compared to oMVR.Robotic MVR was also safe,with acceptable post-operative complication rates.Prospective studies should be conducted to compare short-term and long-term outcomes between robotic vs laparoscopic MVR.

Pelvic Exenteration for Recurrent and Persistent Cervical Cancer

Background： Pelvic exenteration （PE） for primary and recurrent cervical cancer has resulted in favorable survival outcomes, but there are controversies about specific prognosis factors, and up to now, there have been no published reports from China. This study aimed to share our experiences of PE, which were performed in a single institution. Methods： Frorn January 2009 to January 2016, 38 patients with recurrent or persistent cervical cancer were included in the study, and they were followed up until January 2017. Epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of patients were compared for survival outcornes in univariate and Cox hazard regression analysis. Results： There were thirty-one and seven patients with recurrent and persistent cervical cancer, respectively. The median age of patients was 45 years （range 29 65 years）. Total, anterior, and posterior PE consisted of 52.6%, 28.9%, and 18.4% of cases, respectively. Early and late complications occurred in 21 （55.3%） patients and 15 （39.5%） patients, respectively. Two （5.3%） patients died due to complications related to surgeries within 3 months after PE. The median overall survival （OS） and disease-free survival （DFS） were 28.5 months （range 9-96 months） and 23 rnonths （range 4.-96 months）, respectively, and 5-year OS and DFS were 48% and 40%, respectively. Cox hazard regression analysis showed that, the margin status of the incision and mesorectal lymph node status were independent risk factors liar OS and DFS. Conclusion： In our patients with rect.rrent and persistent cervical cancer, the practice of PE might achieve favorable survival outcomes. Trial Registration： ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03291275; https：//clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03291275？term-NCT03291275＆rank = 1.

Robotic surgery for multi-visceral resection in locally advanced colorectal cancer:Techniques,benefits and future directions

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10%of diagnosed cancers globally and often presents as advanced disease,necessitating aggressive treatment.With both younger and healthier elderly patients being diagnosed,as well as potentially the need for salvage therapy post total neoadjuvant treatment,surgical options for cure include pelvic exenteration.Whilst typically performed via an open approach,there has been an increased utilisation of minimally invasive techniques including robotic surgery.Offering smaller in-cisions,reduced postoperative pain,and quicker recovery time than open surgery,robotic techniques have demonstrated lower blood loss,shorter hospital stays,and reduced morbidity.Moreover,the er-gonomic design of robotic systems provides surgeons with comfort during long procedures and increased precision.It also offers an increased opportunity for organ preservation and reconstruction whilst maintaining adequate oncological outcomes.As robotic technology continues to evolve and combines with artificial intelligence,it is poised to play an even more significant role in the management of complex colorectal cancer cases,improving survival and long-term outcomes.

Technical feasibility of laparoscopic extended surgerybeyond total mesorectal excision for primary or recurrentrectal cancer

Relatively little is known about the oncologic safety of laparoscopic surgery for advanced rectal cancer.Recently, large randomized clinical trials showed that laparoscopic surgery was not inferior to open surgery, as evidenced by survival and local control rates. However, patients with T4 tumors were excluded from these trials. Technological advances in the instrumentation and techniques used by laparoscopic surgery have increased the use of laparoscopic surgery for advanced rectal cancer. High-definition, illuminated, and magnified images obtained by laparoscopy may enable more precise laparoscopic surgery than open techniques, even during extended surgery for T4 or locally recurrent rectal cancer. To date, the quality of evidence regarding the usefulness of laparoscopy for extended surgery beyond total mesorectal excision has been low because most studies have been uncontrolled series, with small sample sizes, and long-term data are lacking. Nevertheless, laparoscopic extended surgery for rectal cancer, when performed by specialized laparoscopic colorectal surgeons, has been reported safe in selected patients, with significant advantages, including a clear visual field and less blood loss. This review summarizes current knowledge on laparoscopic extended surgery beyond total mesorectal excision for primary or locally recurrent rectal cancer.

Biological mesh reconstruction of the pelvic floor following abdominoperineal excision for cancer:A review

Extralevator abdominoperineal excision and pelvic exenteration are mutilating operations that leave wide perineal wounds.Such large wounds are prone to infection and perineal herniation,and their closure is a major concern to most surgeons.Different approaches to the perineal repair exist,varying from primary or mesh closure to myocutaneous flaps.Each technique has its own associated advantages and potential complications and the ideal approach is still debated.In the present study,we reviewed the current literature and our own local data regarding the use of biological mesh for perineal wound closure.Current evidence suggests that the use of biological mesh carries an acceptable risk of wound complications compared to primary closure and is similar to flap reconstruction.In addition,the rate of perineal hernia is lower in early follow-up,while long-term hernia occurrence appears to be similar between the different techniques.Finally,it is an easy and quick reconstruction method.Although more expensive than primary closure,the cost associated with the use of a biological mesh is at least equal,if not less,than flap reconstruction.

全盆腔脏器切除术

1简介全盆腔脏器切除术(Total Pelvic Exenteration)是指切除盆腔肿瘤及盆腔全部脏器的一种手术方式,包括盆腔肿块、内生殖器官、膀胱、远侧输尿管、直肠及部分乙状结肠、转移淋巴结、盆底腹膜、提肛肌及外阴,并做消化道及尿路重建。该术式能在一定程度上提高晚期盆腔肿瘤患者的生存率,被认为适用于盆腔肿瘤复发、放疗后并发症、肿瘤姑息性治疗伴有严重盆腔症状者,但远处转移被视为该术式的禁忌症。对于盆腔肿瘤患者,需要严格筛选来执行该手术,以提高治愈率及减少术后并发症。

Clinical outcome of orbital apex syndrome in COVID associated mucormycosis patients in a tertiary care hospital

AIM: To share clinical pattern of presentation, the modalities of surgical intervention and the one month postsurgical outcome of rhino-orbito-mucormycosis(ROCM) cases.METHODS: All COVID associated mucormycosis(CAM) patients underwent comprehensive multidisciplinar y examination by ophthalmologist, otorhinolaryngologist and physician. Patients with clinical and radiological evidence of orbital apex involvement were included in the study. Appropriate medical and surgical intervention were done to each patient. Patients were followed up one-month post intervention. RESULTS: Out of 89 CAM patients, 31(34.8%) had orbital apex syndrome. Sixty-six(74.2%) of such patients had pre-existing diabetes mellitus, 18(58%) patients had prior documented use of steroid use, and 55(61.8%) had no light perception(LP) presenting vision. Blepharoptosis, proptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia were common clinical findings. Seventeen(19.1%) of such patients had variable amount of cavernous sinus involvement. Endoscopic debridement of paranasal sinuses and orbit with or without eyelid sparing limited orbital exenteration was done in most cases, 34(38.2%) patients could retain vision in the affected eye. CONCLUSION: Orbital apex involvement in CAM patients occur very fast. It not only leads to loss of vision but also sacrifice of the eyeball, orbital contents and eyelids. Early diagnosis and prompt intervention can preserve life, vision and spare mutilating surgeries.

Epidemiological Particularities and Indications of the Mutilating Surgery of the Eyeball in Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Objective: To describe the epidemiological profile and indications of mutilating eyeball surgery in Abidjan. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study on the files of eviscerated, enucleated or exentered patients in the Ophthalmology Department of the University Hospital of Yopougon from January 2010 to December 2016. The parameters studied were: socio-demographic characteristics, indications of mutilating surgery, anesthetic technique, operative technique and patient evolution. Results: During the study period, 59 patients underwent surgery for mutilating eye surgery out of a total of 11,114 procedures, a frequency of 0.53%. The average age of the patients was 31 years with extremes of 3 years and 67 years. Men predominated in 62.1% of cases with a sex ratio of 1.64. Patients came from rural areas in 68.5% of cases. The main indications of the mutilating surgery were: post-inflammatory phthisis (58.6%) and tumoral affections (29.31%). Evisceration was the most common operative technique (67.2%). In 68% of cases the interventions were performed under peribulbar anesthesia. Patients with evisceration (67.2%) and enucleation (5.1%) all benefited from prosthetic equipment. Conclusion: The mutilating surgery of the eyeball is responsible for serious psychological and sociological impacts. The seriousness of these repercussions requires primary prevention through early and adequate management of eye conditions.

Proton beam therapy of periorbital sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND Sinonasal malignancies are rare but demanding due to complex anatomy,usually late diagnosis,and inconsistent therapy strategy based on multimodality approaches.Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)is the most common histology,with poorer prognosis.In the setting of orbital invasion,an orbital exenteration may be required.However,in case of primary rejection of disfiguring surgery or unresectable disease,proton beam therapy(PBT)should be largely considered,allowing for better sparing of neighboring critical structures and improved outcomes by dose escalation.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old male presented with a recurrent SCC in the nasal septum abutting frontal skull base and bilateral orbits at 7 mo after primary partial nasal amputation.Because of refusal of face-deforming surgery and considerable adverse effects of conventional radiotherapy,the patient underwent a PBT by hyperfractionated accelerated scheme,resulting in complete response and moderate toxicities.After 2 years,a nasal reconstruction was implemented with satisfactory appearance and recurrence-freedom to date.Another patient with an initially extended sinonasal SCC,invading right orbit and facial soft tissue,declined an orbital exenteration and was treated with a normofractionated PBT to the gross tumor and elective cervical lymphatics.The follow-up showed a continuous tumor remission with reasonable late toxicities,such as cataract and telangiectasia on the right.Despite T4a stage and disapproval of concurrent chemotherapy owing to individual choice,both patients still achieved outstanding treatment outcomes with PBT alone.CONCLUSION PBT enabled orbit preservation and excellent tumor control without severe adverse effects on both presented patients with locally advanced sinonasal SCC.

STATUS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT OF RECTAL CANCER IN CHINA

The multimodality treatment methods of rectal cancer in China are presented. Extended radical excisions are used for Dukes’ B and C cases to reduce local recurrence. These include: high ligation with clearance of proximal lymph nodes at origin of inferior mesenteric artery, lateral pelvic lymphadenectomy, posterior or total pelvic exenterations in selected cases; but controversy exists. Radical sphincter-saving resections are advocated to improve the quality of life. Prerequisites of sphincter-saving resection are adequate resection of bowel and mesentery distal to the lesion, depending on the macroscopic type of lesion and degree of differentiation. The decisive factor in the choice of type of operation is the length of rectal stump above levator ani after resection. Bacon’s pull through resection was modified by preservation of levator ani and dentate margin, much better functional results were obtained postoperatively. Transanal full thickness local excision is advocated for small, protuberant, mobile, well differentiated lesions below the peritoneal reflection. Pre- or postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy is sometimes used for Dukes’ B and C cases. Adjuvant 5-Fu chemotherapy is usually used intraoperatively (intraluminal) or postoperatively (intravenous). The superiority of preoperative intrarectal 5-Fu emulsionover the conventional intravenous route has been demonstrated by experimental and clinical studies, which showed much higher and lasting concentration of 5-Fu in the rectal wall tissues and mesenteric lymph nodes, and a much lower concentration of 5-Fu in bone marrow after intrarectal administration. Several surgical groups employed varying techniques of sphincteric reconstruction of perineal colostomy after abdominoperineal excision, utilizing the gracilis or gluteus maximus sling, or intussusception of the colonic stump; with favorable late results in reported cases. However, controversy exists, so strict appropriate case selection is emphasized to avoid unnecessary sacrifice of the normal anus.

Beyond total mesorectal excision: The emerging role of minimally invasive surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer

Multivisceral resection and/or pelvic exenteration represents the only potential curative treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC);however,it poses significant technical challenges,which account for the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with the procedure.As complete histopathologic resection is the most important determinant of patient outcomes,LARC often requires an extended resection beyond the total mesorectal excision plane to obtain clear re-section margins.In an era when laparoscopic surgery and robot-assisted surgery are becoming commonplace,the optimal approach to extensive pelvic inter-ventions remains controversial.However,acceptance of the suitability of mini-mally invasive surgery is slowly gaining traction.Nonetheless,there is still a lack of evidence in the literature about minimally invasive approaches in multiple and extensive surgical resections,highlighting the need for research studies to explore,validate,and develop this issue.This editorial aims to provide a critical overview of the currently available applications and challenges of minimally invasive abdo-minopelvic surgery for LARC.Furthermore,we discuss recent developments in the field of robotic surgery for LARC,with a specific focus on new innovations and emerging frontiers.