Clinical observation of extraction-site incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery increases the risk of incisional hernia(IH)at the tumor extraction site.AIM To investigate the incidence of IH at extraction sites following laparoscopic colo-rectal cancer surgery and identify the risk factors for IH incidence.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the data of 1614 patients who underwent la-paroscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery with tumor extraction through the abdominal wall at our center between January 2017 and December 2022.Diffe-rences in the incidence of postoperative IH at different extraction sites and the risk factors for IH incidence were investigated.RESULTS Among the 1614 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical colorectal cancer surgery,303(18.8%),923(57.2%),171(10.6%),and 217(13.4%)tumors were ex-tracted through supraumbilical midline,infraumbilical midline,umbilical,and off-midline incisions.Of these,52 patients developed IH in the abdominal wall,with an incidence of 3.2%.The incidence of postoperative IH was significantly higher in the off-midline incision group(8.8%)than in the middle incision groups[the supraumbilical midline(2.6%),infraumbilical midline(2.2%),and umbilical incision(2.9%)groups](χ^(2)=24.985;P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed that IH occurrence was associated with age,obesity,sex,chronic cough,incision infection,and combined diabetes,anemia,and hypopro-teinemia(P<0.05).Similarly,multivariate analysis showed that off-midline incision,age,sex(female),obesity,incision infection,combined chronic cough,and hypoproteinemia were independent risk factors for IH at the site of laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The incidence of postoperative IH differs between extraction sites for laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.The infraumbilical midline incision is associated with a lower hernia rate and is thus a suitable tumor extraction site.

Occurrence and prevention of incisional hernia following laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Among minimally invasive surgical procedures,colorectal surgery is associated with a notably higher incidence of incisional hernia(IH),ranging from 1.7% to 24.3%.This complication poses a significant burden on the healthcare system annually,necessitating urgent attention from surgeons.In a study published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery,Fan et al compared the incidence of IH among 1614 patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery with different extraction site locations and evaluated the risk factors associated with its occurrence.This editorial analyzes the current risk factors for IH after laparoscopic colorectal surgery,emphasizing the impact of obesity,surgical site infection,and the choice of incision location on its development.Furthermore,we summarize the currently available preventive measures for IH.Given the low surgical repair rate and high recurrence rate associated with IH,prevention deserves greater research and attention compared to treatment.

Influence of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery on perioperative indicators, postoperative recovery, and serum inflammation in patients with colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery,the current standard treatment for colorectal carcinoma(CRC),has many disadvantages.AIM To assess the influence of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery(RPLS)on perioperative indicators,postoperative recovery,and serum inflammation indexes in patients with CRC.METHODS The study included 115 patients with CRC admitted between December 2019 and May 2023,52 of whom underwent conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery(control group)and 63 of whom underwent RPLS(research group).Comparative analyses were performed on the following dimensions:Perioperative indicators[operation time(OT),incision length,intraoperative blood loss(IBL),and rate of conversion to laparotomy],postoperative recovery(first postoperative exhaust,bowel movement and oral food intake,and bowel sound recovery time),serum inflammation indexes[high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)],postoperative complications(anastomotic leakage,incisional infection,bleeding,ileus),and therapeutic efficacy.RESULTS The two groups had comparable OTs and IBL volumes.However,the research group had a smaller incision length;lower rates of conversion to laparotomy and postoperative total complication;and shorter time of first postoperative exhaust,bowel movement,oral food intake,and bowel sound recovery;all of which were significant.Furthermore,hs-CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those of the control group,and the total effective rate was higher.CONCLUSION RPLS exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy in CRC,resulting in a shorter incision length and a lower conversion rate to laparotomy,while also promoting postoperative recovery,effectively inhibiting the inflammatory response,and reducing the risk of postoperative complications.

Current and future perspectives in the management and treatment of colorectal cancer

In this editorial,we reviewed the article by Fadlallah et al that was recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.The article provided a comprehensive and in-depth view of the management and treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.The article analyzed the therapeutic modalities and their sequencing,focusing on total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.It highlighted the role of immunotherapy in tumors with high microsatellite instability or deficient mismatch repair,addressing recent advances that have improved prognosis and therapeutic response in localized and metastatic CRC.Innovations in surgical techniques,advanced radiotherapy,and systemic agents targeting specific mutational profiles are also discussed,reflecting on how they revolutionized clinical management.Circulating tumor DNA has emerged as a promising tool for detecting minimal residual disease,prognosis,and therapeutic monitoring,solidifying its role in precision oncology.This review emphasized the importance of technological and therapeutic advancements in improving clinical outcomes and personalizing CRC treatment.

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.

Pattern of colorectal surgery and long-term survival:10-year experience from a single center

BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer(CRC)has increased in recent decades,and ranks fourth among males and third among females in China.Surgical resection remains the most important treatment modality for curative intent in CRC.Several studies found that surgeon volumes and specialization appeared to be associated with improved overall survival(OS).Moreover,numerous reports have suggested that specialization and minimally invasive surgery have gained increased popularity in CRC surgery.However,few studies have specifically examined the role and long-term survival of all stage CRC in a real-world study.AIM To evaluate the effect of surgeon specialization on survival changes and minimally invasive surgery utilization in a real world study.METHODS A retrospective analysis on the association between surgeon specialization and OS between 2008 and 2013 in Zhongshan Hospital CRC database was performed.Standard demographic,clinicopathologic,surgical and follow-up data were obtained from the CRC database.Surgeon specialty was categorized as colorectal surgeon(CS)and general surgeon(GS).CRC patients who underwent primary surgical resection were enrolled.RESULTS A total of 5141 CRC patients who underwent primary surgical resection between 2008 and 2013 were evaluated,1748(34.0%)of these by CS.The percentage of minimally invasive procedures in the CS group showed an increasing trend.There was no benefit associated with surgeon specialization for stage I,II and IV patients.Surgeon specialization exhibited a significant association with OS solely among stage III patients,with 5-year OS rates of 76%and 67%for the CS and GSgroups,respectively(P<0.01).Further analyses found that surgeon specialization was significantly associated with survival only in stage III rectal patients,and the 5-year OS rate in the CS group and GS group was 80%and 67%,respectively(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Surgeon specialization is associated with improved OS after primary surgery in stage III rectal patients.An appropriate surgical technique,perioperative program and adjuvant therapy may contribute to survival benefit in these patients.

Results of selective decontamination with oral neomycin and metronidazole for major colorectal surgery in Australia:A cohort study

Objective The role of selective decontamination with oral antibiotics(OABs)and mechanical bowel preparation(MBP)prior to elective colorectal surgery is still widely debated.The objective of this study was to compare the outcomes of selective decontamination with neomycin,metronidazole and MBP compared to those of decontamination with MBP alone or with no preparation.Methods Selective decontamination with neomycin and metronidazole combined with bowel preparation was introduced prior to elective colorectal surgery as part of an enhanced recovery after surgery program at Westmead Hospital,a major Australian tertiary referral hospital,between June 2017 and January 2023.Comparisons between short-term outcomes of OAB+MBP and MBP/no preparation were made using prospectively collected data on length of stay(LOS),readmission,mortality within 30 days,anastomotic leakage(AL),surgical site infection(SSI),urinary tract infection,deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism,pneumonia,and ileus.Follow-up was limited to hospital stays and subsequent presentations within the health district within thirty days of surgery.The Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyse continuous data,and the chi-square test was used for categorical data.Univariate and multivariate regression modelling was performed to identify risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of SSI and AL.Results Patients with oral neomycin and metronidazole combined with bowel preparation had reduced superficial SSI(2.7%vs.7.6%,p=0.043)and overall complications(32.7%vs.44.6%,p=0.020),particularly Clavien-Dindo 1 complications(7.3%vs.16.5%,p=0.009).However,the differences in AL(2.7%vs.4.5%,p=0.369)and organ/space SSI(1.3%vs.3.7%,p=0.327)were not statistically significant.The median LOS(6 d vs.6 d,p=0.370)was not different between the groups.Conclusion Selective decontamination with neomycin and metronidazole reduces the risk of SSIs and overall complications.There was a trend to toward a lower AL,but this difference was not statistically significant.

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.

Clinical effect of laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer based on propensity score matching

BACKGROUND The incidence of colorectal cancer(CRC)is increasing annually.Laparoscopic radical resection of CRC is a minimally invasive procedure preferred in clinical practice.AIM To investigate the clinical effect of laparoscopic radical resection of CRC on the basis of propensity score matching(PSM).METHODS The clinical data of 100 patients who received inpatient treatment for CRC at Changde Hospital,Xiangya School of Medicine,Central South University(The First People’s Hospital of Changde City)were analyzed retrospectively.The control group included patients who underwent open surgery(n=43),and those who underwent laparoscopic surgery formed the observation group(n=57).The baseline information of both groups was equipoised using 1×1 PSM.Differences in the perioperative parameters,inflammatory response,immune function,degree of pain,and physical status between the groups were analyzed.RESULTS Thirty patients from both groups were successfully matched.After PSM,baseline data showed no statistically significant differences between the groups:(1)Periop-erative parameters:The observation group had a longer surgery time,less intra-operative blood loss,earlier first ambulation and first anal exhaust times,and shorter gastric tube indwelling time than the control group;(2)Inflammatory response:24 h after surgery,the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)between groups were higher than preoperatively.IL-6,CRP,and TNF-αlevels in the observation group were lower than in the control group;(3)Immune function:At 24 h after surgery,counts of CD4-positive T-lymphocytes(CD4+)and CD4+/CD8-positive T-lymphocytes(CD8+)in both groups were lower than those before surgery,whereas CD8+was higher than that before surgery.At 24 h after surgery,both CD4+counts and CD4+/CD8+in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,whereas CD8+counts were lower;(4)Degree of pain:The visual analog scale scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group at 24 and 72 h after surgery;and(5)Physical status:One month after surgery,the Karnofsky performance score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic radical resection of CRC has significant benefits,such as reducing postoperative pain and postoperative inflammatory response,avoiding excessive immune inhibition,and contributing to postoperative recovery.

Preventive effect of probiotics on infections following colorectal cancer surgery:An umbrella meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Postoperative infections remain a significant source of morbidity among patients undergoing colorectal cancer(CRC)surgery.While probiotics have been pro-posed as a potential strategy to mitigate the risk of these infections,contemporary meta-analyses have produced conflicting findings.AIM To synthesize the available evidence regarding the prophylactic efficacy of probiotics in preventing infections following CRC surgery.METHODS A comprehensive search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted to identify relevant meta-analyses published up to February 2024.To assess the efficacy of probiotics on outcomes,relative risks(RR)and their corresponding 95%CI were pooled using a random effects model.RESULTS This comprehensive umbrella meta-analysis integrated eleven meta-analyses encompassing 11518 participants who fulfilled the inclusion criteria.Probiotics administration resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of total infections(RR:0.40,95%CI:0.31-0.51;moderate certainty),surgical site infections(RR:0.56,95%CI:0.49-0.63;high certainty),pneumonia(RR:0.38,95%CI:0.30-0.48;high certainty),urinary tract infections(RR:0.44,95%CI:0.31-0.61;moderate certainty),bacteremia(RR:0.41,95%CI:0.30-0.56;high certainty),and sepsis(RR:0.35,95%CI:0.25-0.44;high certainty).However,probiotics did not significantly affect intra-abdominal,central line,or peritoneal infections.CONCLUSION Probiotics have demonstrated potential in mitigating postoperative infectious complications among patients undergoing CRC surgery.

Quality assessment of surgery for colorectal cancer:Where do we stand?

Quality assurance in surgery has been one of the most important topics of debate among colorectal surgeons in the past decade.It has produced new surgical standards that led in part to the impressive oncological outcomes we see in many units today.Total mesorectal excision,complete mesocolic excision(CME),and the Japanese D3 lymphadenectomy are now benchmark techniques embraced by many surgeons and widely recommended by surgical societies.However,there are still ongoing discrepancies in outcomes largely based on surgeon performance.This is one of the main reasons why many countries have shifted colorectal cancer surgery only to high volume centers.Defining markers of surgical quality is thus a perquisite to ensure that standards and oncological outcomes are met at an institutional level.With the evolution of CME surgery,various quality markers have been described,mostly based on measurements on the surgical specimen and lymph node yield,while others have proposed radiological markers(i.e.arterial stumps)measured on postoperative scans as part of the routine cancer follow-up.There is no ideal marker;however,taken together and assembled into a new score or set of criteria may become a future point of reference for reporting outcomes of colorectal cancer surgery in research studies and defining subspecialization requirements both at an individual and hospital level.

Therapeutic effects of Buzhong Yiqi decoction in patients with spleen and stomach qi deficiency after routine surgery and chemotherapy for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the spleen and stomach are the basis of acquired nature and the source of qi and blood biochemistry.After surgery and chemotherapy,patients with colorectal cancer often develop spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome,leading to decreased immune function.Buzhong Yiqi decoction,a classic TCM prescription,has the effect of tonifying middle-jiao and invigorating qi,boosting Yang,and suppressing immune-related inflammation.Moreover,it is widely used in the treatment of spleen and stomach qi deficiency syndrome.AIM To investigate the effect of Buzhong Yiqi decoction on spleen and stomach qi deficiency in patients with colorectal cancer.METHODS One hundred patients with colorectal cancer who underwent preoperative chemotherapy and laparoscopy at The First TCM Hospital of Changde from January 2022 to October 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided equally into control and observation groups.Both groups underwent conventional rehabilitation surgery,and the observation group was supplemented with Buzhong Yiqi decoction.SPSS 26.0 was used for statistical analyses.Theχ2 test was used for univariate analysis;independent sample t-tests were used in all cases.RESULTS No significant differences were observed preoperatively in the general characteristics of the two groups.Fourteen days post-surgery,the abdominal distension,emaciation,loose stool,loss of appetite,and vomiting scores were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Immune function and interleukin(IL)-10 levels in the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group,whereas IL-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,and C-reactive protein levels,tumor biological indexes,and adverse reactions in the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).One month after surgery,the patients’quality of life in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the patients in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Buzhong Yiqi decoction can regulate inflammatory responses and metabolic processes by enhancing immune function,thereby promoting overall immune nutrition and restoring the body’s balance.

Predictive factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Every colorectal surgeon during his or her career is faced with anastomotic leakage(AL); one of the most dreaded complications following any type of gastrointestinal anastomosis due to increased risk of morbidity, mortality, overall impact on functional and oncologic outcome and drainage on hospital resources. In order to understand and give an overview of the AL risk factors in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, we carried out a careful review of the existing literature on this topic and found several different definitions of AL which leads us to believe that the lack of a consensual, standard definition can partly explain the considerable variations in reported rates of AL in clinical studies. Colorectal leak rates have been found to vary depending on the anatomic location of the anastomosis with reported incidence rates ranging from 0 to 20%, while the laparoscopic approach to colorectal resections has not yet been associated with a significant reduction in AL incidence. As well, numerous risk factors, though identified, lack unanimous recognition amongst researchers. For example, the majority of papers describe the risk factors for left-sided anastomosis, the principal risk being male sex and lower anastomosis, while little data exists defining AL risk factors in a right colectomy. Also, gut microbioma is gaining an emerging role as potential risk factor for leakage.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery:current status andimplementation of the latest technological innovations

The introduction of laparoscopy is an example of surgical innovation with a rapid implementation in many areas of surgery. A large number of controlled studiesand meta-analyses have shown that laparoscopic colorectal surgery is associated with the same benefits than other minimally invasive procedures, including lesser pain, earlier recovery of bowel transit and shorter hospital stay. On the other hand, despite initial concerns about oncological safety, well-designed prospective randomized multicentre trials have demonstrated that oncological outcomes of laparoscopy and open surgery are similar. Although the use of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery has increased in recent years, the percentages of patients treated with surgery using minimally invasive techniques are still reduced and there are also substantial differences among centres. It has been argued that the limiting factor for the use of laparoscopic procedures is the number of surgeons with adequate skills to perform a laparoscopic colectomy rather than the tumour of patients' characteristics. In this regard, future efforts to increase the use of laparoscopic techniques in colorectal surgery will necessarily require more efforts in teaching surgeons. We here present a review of recent controversies of the use of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery, such as in rectal cancer operations, the possibility of reproducing complete mesocolon excision, and the benefits of intracorporeal anastomosis after right hemicolectomy. We also describe the results of latest innovations such as single incision laparoscopic surgery, robotic surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery for colon and rectal diseases.

Controversy of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery

Laparoscopically assisted colorectal procedures are time-consuming and technically demanding and hence have a long steep learning curve. In the technical demand, surgeons need to handle a long mobile organ, the colon, and have to operate on multiple abdominal quadrants, most of the time with the need to secure multiple mesenteric vessels. Therefore, a new surgical innovation called hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) was introduced in the mid 1990s as a useful alternative to totally laparoscopic procedures. This hybrid operation allows the surgeon to introduce the non-dominant hand into the abdominal cavity through a special hand port while maintaining the pneumoperitoneum. A hand in the abdomen can restore the tactile sensation which is usually lacking in laparoscopic procedures. It also improves the eye-to-hand coordination, allows the hand to be used for blunt dissection or retraction and also permits rapid control of unexpected bleeding. All of those factors can contribute tremendously to reducing the operative time. Moreover, this procedure is also considered as a hybrid procedure that combines the advantages of both minimally invasive and conventional open surgery. Nevertheless, the exact role of HALS in colorectal surgery has not been well defined during the advanced totally laparoscopic procedures. This article reviews the current status of hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery as a minimally invasive procedure in the era of laparoscopic surgery.

Short-and long-term outcomes following laparoscopic vs open surgery for pathological T4 colorectal cancer: 10 years of experience in a single center

AIM To evaluate the short-term and long-term outcomes following laparoscopic vs open surgery for pathological T4(pT 4) colorectal cancer.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the short-and long-term outcomes of proven p T4 colorectal cancer patients who underwent complete resection by laparoscopic or open surgery from 2006 to 2015 at Guangdong General Hospital.RESULTS A total of 211 p T4 colorectal cancer patients were included in this analysis, including 101 cases in thelaparoscopy(LAP) group and 110 cases in the open surgery(OPEN) group [including 15(12.9%) cases of conversion to open surgery]. Clinical information(age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, etc.) did not differ between the two groups. In terms of blood loss, postoperative complications and rate of recovery, the LAP group performed significantly more favorably(P < 0.05). With regard to p T4 a/b and combined organ resection, there were significantly more cases in the OPEN group(P < 0.05). The 3-and 5-year overall survival rates were 74.9% and 60.5%, respectively, for the LAP group and 62.4% and 46.5%, respectively, for the OPEN group(P = 0.060). The 3-and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 68.0% and 57.3%, respectively, for the LAP group and 55.8% and 39.8%, respectively, for the OPEN group(P = 0.053). Multivariate analysis showed that ⅢB/ⅢC stage, lymph node status, and CA19-9 were significant predictors of overall survival. PT4 a/b, ⅢC stage, histological subtypes, CA19-9, and adjuvant chemotherapy were independent factors affecting disease-free survival.CONCLUSION Laparoscopy is safely used in the treatment of p T4 colorectal cancer while offering advantages of minimal invasiveness and faster recovery. Laparoscopy is able to achieve good oncologic outcomes similar to those of open surgery. We recommend that laparoscopy be carried out in experienced centers. It is still required to screen the appropriate cases for laparoscopic surgery, optimize the preoperative diagnosis process, and reduce the conversion rate. Multi-center, prospective, and large-sample studies are required to assess these issues.

Evolution of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery:An evidencebased review

Open surgery for colorectal disease has progressed significantly over the past century from humble beginnings to form the mainstay of treatment for colorectal cancer and a number of benign conditions.Following the introduction of laparoscopic abdominal surgery,the next stage in the evolution of the specialty began in the 1990s with the first laparoscopic colonic resection.Following some early concerns regarding its safety and oncological efficacy during the latter part of that decade,laparoscopic colorectal surgery rapidly came into mainstream use in the early part of the current century with evidence supporting its use being made available from large scale randomised controlled trials.This article provides an evidence-based summary of this evolutionary process as it relates to both benign and malignant colorectal disease,as well as discussion of the next phase of new technologies such as robotic surgery.

Early rehabilitation programs after laparoscopic colorectal surgery:Evidence and criticism

During the past several decades,early rehabilitation programs for the care of patients with colorectal surgery have gained popularity.Several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have confirmed that the implementation of these evidence-based detailed perioperative care protocols is useful for early recovery of patients after colorectal resection.Patients cared for based on these protocols had a rapid recovery of bowel movement,shortened length of hospital stay,and fewer complications compared with traditional care programs.However,most of the previous evidence was obtained from studies of early rehabilitation programs adapted to open colonic resection.Currently,limited evidence exists on the effects of early rehabilitation after laparoscopic rectal resection,although this procedure seems to be associated with a higher morbidity than that reported with traditional care.In this article,we review previous studies and guidelines on early rehabilitation programs in patients undergoing rectal surgery.We investigated the status of early rehabilitation programs in rectal surgery and analyzed the limitations of these studies.We also summarized indications and detailed protocol components of current early rehabilitation programs after rectal surgery,focusing on laparoscopic resection.

Single-incision laparoscopic colorectal surgery for cancer: State of art

A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that the laparoscopic approach for colorectal cancer resection provides the same oncologic results as open surgery along with all clinical benefits of minimally invasive surgery. During the last years, a great effort has been made to research for minimizing parietal trauma, yet for cosmetic reasons and in order to further reduce surgery-related pain and morbidity. New techniques, such as natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) and single-incision laparoscopy (SIL) have been developed in order to reach the goal of &#x0201c;scarless&#x0201d; surgery. Although NOTES may seem not fully suitable or safe for advanced procedures, such as colectomies, SIL is currently regarded as the next major advance in the progress of minimally invasive surgical approaches to colorectal disease that is more feasible in generalized use. The small incision through the umbilicus allows surgeons to use familiar standard laparoscopic instruments and thus, perform even complex procedures which require extraction of large surgical specimens or intestinal anastomosis. The cosmetic result from SIL is also better because the only incision is made through the umbilicus which can hide the wound effectively after operation. However, SIL raises a number of specific new challenges compared with the laparoscopic conventional approach. A reduced capacity for triangulation, the repeated conflicts between the shafts of the instruments and the difficulties to achieve a correct exposure of the operative field are the most claimed issues. The use therefore of this new approach for complex colorectal procedures might understandingly be viewed as difficult to implement, especially for oncologic cases.

Evolution and future of laparoscopic colorectal surgery

The advances of laparoscopic surgery since the early 1990 s have caused one of the largest technical revolutions in medicine since the detection of antibiotics(1922,Flemming),the discovery of DNA structure(1953,Watson and Crick),and solid organ transplantation(1954,Murray).Perseverance through a rocky start and increased familiarity with the chop-stick surgery in conjunction with technical refinements has resulted in a rapid expansion of the indications for minimally invasive surgery.Procedure-related factors initially contributed to this success and included the improved postoperative recovery and cosmesis,fewer wound complications,lower risk for incisional hernias and for subsequent adhesionrelated small bowel obstructions; the major breakthrough however came with favorable long-term outcomes data on oncological parameters.The future will have to determine the specific role of various technical approaches,define prognostic factors of success and true progress,and consider directing further innovation while potentially limiting approaches that do not add to patient outcomes.