Advances in surgical management for locally recurrent rectal cancer: How far have we come?

Locally recurrent rectal cancer(LRRC) is a complex disease with far-reaching implications for the patient. Until recently, research was limited regarding surgical techniques that can increase the ability to perform an en bloc resection with negative margins. This has changed in recent years and therefore outcomes for these patients have improved. Novel radical techniques and adjuncts allow for more radical resections thereby improving the chance of negative resection margins and outcomes. In the past contraindications to surgery included anterior involvement of the pubic bone, sacral invasions above the level of S2/S3 and lateral pelvic wall involvement. However, current data suggests that previously unresectable cases may now be feasible with novel techniques, surgical approaches and reconstructive surgery. The publications to date have only reported small patient pools with the research conducted by highly specialised units. Moreover, the short and long-term oncological outcomes are currently under review. Therefore although surgical options for LRRC have expanded significantly, one should balance the treatment choices available against the morbidity associated with the procedure and select the right patient for it.

Ileal-anal pouches: A review of its history, indications, and complications

The ileal pouch anal anastomosis(IPAA)has revolutionised the surgical management of ulcerative colitis(UC)and familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP).Despite refinement in surgical technique(s)and patient selection,IPAA can be associated with significant morbidity.As the IPAA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018,this review provides a timely outline of its history,indications,and complications.IPAA has undergone significant modification since 1978.For both UC and FAP,IPAA surgery aims to definitively cure disease and prevent malignant degeneration,while providing adequate continence and avoiding a permanent stoma.The majority of patients experience long-term success,but“early”and“late”complications are recognised.Pelvic sepsis is a common early complication with far-reaching consequences of long-term pouch dysfunction,but prompt intervention(either radiological or surgical)reduces the risk of pouch failure.Even in the absence of sepsis,pouch dysfunction is a longterm complication that may have a myriad of causes.Pouchitis is a common cause that remains incompletely understood and difficult to manage at times.10%of patients succumb to the diagnosis of pouch failure,which is traditionally associated with the need for pouch excision.This review provides a timely outline of the history,indications,and complications associated with IPAA.Patient selection remains key,and contraindications exist for this surgery.A structured management plan is vital to the successful management of complications following pouch surgery.