Annals of Coloproctology最新文献

Purpose: This study aimed to identify predictors of lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) and assess prognostic factors in patients with locally advanced low rectal cancer (LALRC), with the goal of informing optimal treatment strategies for LALRC.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinicopathological data from patients with LALRC who underwent lateral lymph node dissection without preoperative treatment between 2014 and 2023. The radiological criterion for LLNM was a short-axis diameter of ≥6 mm on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results: Of 163 patients, 27 (16.6%) had pathological LLNM (pLLNM). Among 130 patients preoperatively classified as LLNM-negative, 5 (3.8%) were found to have pLLNM. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that meeting the radiological LLNM criterion independently predicted pLLNM (odds ratio, 53.000; P<0.001). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this criterion were 90.2%, 81.5%, 91.9%, 66.7%, and 96.2%, respectively. In multivariate analyses, pLLNM was an independent risk factor for 3‑year relapse‑free survival. MRI‑detected extramural vascular invasion (mrEMVI) was independently associated with 3‑year relapse‑free survival, local recurrence‑free survival, and distant recurrence‑free survival.

Conclusion: These radiological criteria may help clinicians develop personalized treatment plans for patients with LALRC. The high negative predictive value and specificity of LLNM assessment can assist in avoiding overtreatment in appropriate patients. Further evaluation is needed to define optimal management for mrEMVI‑positive cases.

Purpose: To evaluate long-term outcomes and identify prognostic factors for stoma construction following loose seton placement in patients with Crohn disease (CD)-associated perianal fistulas.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 136 patients who underwent initial loose seton placement for CD-associated perianal fistulas between 1999 and 2021, with at least 3 years of follow-up. Patient demographics, anorectal findings, and perioperative pharmacotherapy were assessed. Prognosis was defined as the cumulative incidence of stoma formation. Independent risk factors were identified using multivariate logistic regression. The association between postoperative molecular-targeted therapy and stoma-free survival was further analyzed in patients with severe anal ulceration and rectal stricture (high-risk features). Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests were used for comparisons.

Results: During follow-up, 42 patients required stoma construction. Severe anal ulceration (odds ratio [OR], 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-5.38; P=0.039), rectal stricture (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.09-7.37; P=0.032), and absence of postoperative molecular-targeted therapy (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15-0.84; P=0.018) were independent risk factors. In patients with severe anal ulceration, the cumulative stoma construction rate was significantly lower with postoperative molecular-targeted therapy (P=0.018). No significant difference was observed in patients with rectal strictures (P=0.058).

Conclusion: Severe anal ulceration, rectal stricture, and absence of postoperative molecular-targeted therapy were independently associated with stoma construction. Postoperative molecular-targeted therapy improved stoma-free survival in patients with severe anal ulceration. Individualized treatment strategies, including early pharmacological intervention, may improve long-term outcomes and preserve anorectal function. Tailoring treatment according to lesion characteristics may reduce stoma formation and enhance quality of life in CD-associated perianal disease.

Purpose: Palliative resection and palliative stenting are established options for managing obstruction in patients with metastatic left-sided colonic cancer. This retrospective study investigated the long-term outcomes and survival associated with each treatment modality.

Methods: Patients with left-sided colon cancer complicated by intestinal obstruction and unresectable metastatic lesions were included. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance demographic characteristics. The primary outcome was long-term survival. Secondary outcomes included short-term morbidity, length of hospital stay, clinical success rate, stoma formation rate, and number of readmissions due to tumor-related complications.

Results: Initially, 131 patients who underwent palliative resection or stenting between 2015 and 2022 were included. After propensity score matching, 98 patients remained (49 in each group). Survival was significantly better among patients receiving palliative resection compared to stenting (median, 19.6 months vs. 9.6 months; P=0.003). However, subgroup analysis for patients older than 70 years demonstrated no statistically significant survival benefit (median, 11.5 months vs. 10.2 months; P=0.240). The resection group experienced significantly higher rates of stoma formation and longer postoperative hospital stays. Readmission rates were similar. Cox regression analysis identified low carcinoembryonic antigen levels, tumor resection, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy as independent predictors of longer survival.

Conclusion: For metastatic colon cancer patients presenting with intestinal obstruction, palliative resection may offer a survival advantage. However, this benefit diminishes in patients over 70 years of age. Additionally, resection is associated with a higher rate of stoma formation. Therefore, individualized treatment decisions are warranted when choosing between palliative resection and palliative stenting in metastatic colonic cancer patients.

Purpose: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is common and devastating complication for patients with rectal cancer who have undergone sphincter-sparing surgery. Prunes are a fiber-rich fruit being effective in treating chronic constipation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prune consumption on the incidence of LARS.

Methods: A prospective, double-arm, parallel, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted from September 2019 to March 2021 at a single tertiary center for patients who underwent low anterior resection. Patients randomized to the prune group consumed prune daily for 2 weeks after surgery, while those in the no-prune group did not. The primary outcome was the incidence of major LARS at 3 weeks after surgery.

Results: A total of 130 patients were randomized and 118 completed the study (81 men, 37 women), including 55 patients (46.6%) in the prune group and 63 patients (53.4%) in the no-prune group. LARS was confirmed in 15 patients (27.3%) in the prune group and 47 patients (74.6%) in the no-prune group (P<0.001). The incidence of major LARS was also significantly lower in the prune group (18.2% vs. 61.9%, P<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that the level of anastomosis and prune consumption were significantly associated with the incidence of LARS. The prune group had higher emotional scores and lower symptom scores for constipation, sleep disturbance, and loss of appetite in the quality-of-life questionnaire.

Conclusion: Prune consumption significantly reduced the incidence of LARS and improved quality of life after low anterior resection. Trial registration: CRIS identifier: KCT0006085 (registered on September 1, 2019).

Purpose: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) is effective for the treatment of rectal prolapse. However, descending perineal syndrome may impair the outcomes of LVMR. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and functional outcomes of LVMR performed with and without transverse perineal support (TPS).

Methods: This was a retrospective study of 143 consecutive female patients treated with LVMR with or without TPS between 2018 and 2022. Patients with rectal prolapse and perineal descent who underwent surgery were included. Obstructed defecation syndrome and fecal incontinence were evaluated using the Cleveland Constipation Score (Wexner score) and St. Mark's Incontinence Score, respectively. Perineal descent was defined using defecography. Biological meshes were utilized in all cases.

Results: No significant differences were recorded between with- and without-TPS groups at baseline. TPS was performed in 110 patients (76.9%). Surgical morbidity was higher in the with-TPS group (12.7% vs. 0%, P=0.047), primarily due to seroma formation. Almost all complications were mild (Clavien-Dindo grades I-II). In both groups, digital aid for defecation (P<0.001), prolonged straining (P=0.004), and hematochezia (P<0.001) nearly disappeared postoperatively, though constipation and laxative/enema use persisted in 22.4%. Fecal incontinence significantly decreased from 43.4% to 11.2% (P<0.001). TPS appears to have a potentially favorable effect in reducing the constipation score. Both constipation and incontinence scores remained low up to 24 months after surgery. Operative time was significantly longer in the LVMR with-TPS group (P<0.001).

Conclusion: LVMR with TPS appears safe and feasible. TPS may provide better surgical outcomes compared to LVMR alone for patients with symptomatic rectoceles and descending perineum syndrome.

Fecal incontinence (FI) significantly impairs patient quality of life and creates substantial distress not only for affected individuals but also for nurses and caregivers. The prevalence of FI among older adults is estimated at up to 20%, although the sensitive nature of the condition often prevents active reporting by patients. This article reviews risk factors and pharmacotherapies for FI, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of Daikenchuto (DKT). The etiology of FI is multifactorial and lacks a singular definition. Currently, no prescription drugs specifically approved for FI are available, leaving treatment options limited. Nonetheless, major clinical guidelines have identified several viable pharmacological approaches. Strongly recommended treatments include the antidiarrheal agent loperamide and stool bulking or solidifying agents, such as dietary fiber and polycarbophil. Other therapeutic options include ramosetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist; amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant; and sodium valproate and diazepam, which are GABAergic neuromodulators. Recently, research has explored the efficacy and mechanism of action of DKT, a traditional Japanese medicine Kampo. Historically used for abdominal symptoms like bloating and known for promoting intestinal motility, emerging evidence suggests DKT may also effectively manage FI.

Purpose: Hemorrhoidal disease impacts quality of life, with hemorrhoidectomy being the standard treatment for grades II-III hemorrhoids. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using the Rafaelo technique offers a less invasive alternative; however, comparative data remain limited. This study evaluated short-term outcomes following RFA versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods: A single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted at a medical university hospital in Thailand, involving patients who underwent either RFA or hemorrhoidectomy between January 2023 and September 2024. Propensity score matching was utilized to minimize selection bias. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain and opioid consumption.

Results: After propensity score matching, 102 patients were analyzed (51 patients in each group). Baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the 2 groups. The RFA group had higher pain scores at 8 hours postoperatively (1 vs. 0, P=0.002) but lower scores at 20 hours (0 vs. 1, P<0.001). Opioid consumption was significantly lower in the RFA group (9.8% vs. 31.4%, P=0.007), with a reduced morphine-equivalent dose (0.7 mg vs. 3.5 mg, P=0.003). Additionally, the RFA group had a shorter operative time (20 minutes vs. 30 minutes, P<0.001) and less intraoperative blood loss (0 mL vs. 5 mL, P<0.001). Hospital stays and complication rates were comparable between groups.

Conclusion: RFA resulted in improved postoperative pain control, reduced opioid use, shorter operative duration, and decreased blood loss compared to hemorrhoidectomy, with similar hospital stay durations and complication rates.