Category: Intestine and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Trans-intersphincteric double seton outperforms drainage for abscesses

Trans-intersphincteric double seton (TRISDS) significantly improves outcomes for patients with perianal abscesses. TRISDS achieved a cure rate of 78.2% (43/55), compared to just 41.2% (21/51) with incision and drainage (I&D). This technique preserves anal sphincter integrity, reducing risk of complications like fistula formation. Consider adopting TRISDS to improve surgical success and patient quality of life. […]

Colorectal Cancer Burden Rises Due to Low Activity in China and USA

Low physical activity is significantly increasing colorectal cancer rates in China and the US, underscoring the need for targeted intervention. In 2021, China saw 16,698 CRC deaths from low physical activity, a 191% increase since 1990. The US reported an 18% rise in CRC deaths from low activity, suggesting a growing need for preventative measures […]

Innovative Block Lowers Opioid Use in Colorectal Surgery

A new incision-based precision multipoint rectus sheath block reduces opioid requirements in laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery, improving patient outcomes. Patients receiving the new block had 25% less remifentanil usage (4.42 vs 5.92 μg/kg/h) during surgery (p=0.008). Postoperative sufentanil use was also lower in the new block group, showing better pain management without complications. Adopting this technique […]

Sequential Strategy Improves Survival in High-Risk Liver Metastases

A sequential approach combining neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy with surgery markedly boosts survival for high-risk colorectal liver metastasis patients. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a median progression-free survival of 1.1 years versus 0.6 years for surgery-first patients (p<0.001). Overall survival was better in the neoadjuvant group: 5.2 years compared to 4.3 years (p=0.044). Completing the […]

Successful Robotic Colorectal Surgeries with da Vinci Xi

Transitioning to the da Vinci Xi robotic platform for colorectal cancer surgery shows a significant improvement in outcomes. 100% of colonic resections achieved a lymph node yield of 12 or more, surpassing the national average of 88.1%. Only 3% conversion to open surgery, with a 1% anastomotic leak rate. Robotic procedures also led to shorter […]

Postoperative ctDNA Predicts Recurrence in Rectal Cancer

Postoperative circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing could transform management for rectal cancer patients undergoing surgery. 14.2% of patients were ctDNA-positive shortly post-surgery, with a significantly higher recurrence risk (HR: 9.96, p<0.0001). ctDNA-positive patients benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 0.28, p=0.031), while ctDNA-negative patients did not (HR: 0.59, p=0.211). Monitoring ctDNA can guide treatment decisions, optimizing […]

Effective Strategies Reduce Parastomal Hernia Incidence

Prophylactic measures can significantly lower parastomal hernia rates, impacting surgical choices and patient outcomes. Funnel mesh is the most effective intervention, reducing hernia incidence by 91% (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.05-0.17). Stapled mesh and abdominal wall strengthening exercises also show promise, with incidence reductions of 84% (OR 0.16) and 82% (OR 0.18), respectively. Selecting the […]

Long-Term Survival in Rectal Cancer Linked to Care Quality

Achieving textbook outcomes during rectal cancer surgery correlates with better long-term survival more than hospital volume does. Only 28.5% of patients reached textbook outcomes (TO). Patients at high-volume hospitals had a higher TO rate (31.2%) compared to medium (29.6%) and low-volume (23.2%) hospitals. Prioritizing TO criteria can enhance survival rates regardless of hospital case volume. […]

Anastomotic Leakage After Ileoanal Pouch Surgery: Key Insights

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a leading cause of pouch failure post-restorative proctocolectomy, and early intervention significantly improves outcomes. AL occurred in 13.6% of patients, with higher rates in low-volume centers (28.0% vs. 12.7%). The overall salvage rate for AL was 85.4%, increasing to 92% with early diagnosis and treatment. Early assessment and targeted management can […]

Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Changes Localized Rectal Cancer Management

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy shows promise for rectal cancer, challenging traditional surgical approaches. In microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) cases, clinical complete response rates hit 100%, allowing some patients to avoid surgery. For microsatellite stable (MSS) patients, post-treatment surgery rates ranged from 57.6% to 100%, with watch-and-wait strategies used in up to 27.1%. The variability in treatment outcomes underscores […]