Category: Intestine and Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Optimizing Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Rectal Cancer

Despite therapeutic advancements, disease-free survival and overall survival have not improved in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer due to distant metastases. Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is now standard to prevent local recurrence and distant metastases. Patients with high-risk features may benefit, but non-responsive patients have poor prognosis. Integrated multi-omics analysis and AI may predict […]

Minimally Invasive Techniques Improve Quality of Life in Pilonidal Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery in pilonidal disease treatment shows better quality of life, less pain, fewer complications, and quicker return to normal activities compared to major excisional surgery. However, it also has a higher risk of treatment failure. Complications were common, with 25% reporting unhealed wounds and 10% unable to resume normal activities at the study […]

Validation of Genetic and Morphological Evaluation Score for Patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases

Researchers validated the genetic and morphological evaluation score as a prognostic tool for patients with colorectal liver metastases, showing that the high-risk group had significantly lower median relapse-free survival and overall survival compared to the low-risk group. The histopathological, clinical, and molecular score was also developed, including variables such as age, tumour burden score, and […]

High Rates of Pathologic Complete Responses with Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Mismatch Repair Deficient Colon Cancer

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy for non-metastatic, mismatch repair deficient colon cancer showed high rates of pathologic complete responses in locally advanced cases. Among 8 included studies, complete resections were achieved in 98-100% of cases, with 50-91% showing ypt0n0 pathology post-treatment. Safety profiles were generally favorable, with mostly immune-related grade 1-2 adverse events reported in 22.2-70% of patients. […]

Impact of Weekday Surgery on Colorectal Cancer Outcomes

Weekday surgeries for colorectal cancer patients showed no significant difference in mortality rates but were associated with slightly longer operative times and increased blood loss for colon cancer patients. Rectal cancer patients operated on Fridays had lower respiratory issues but higher rates of complications and longer hospital stays. The study’s findings suggest that the day […]

Colorectal Surgeons Associated with Better Outcomes in Colorectal Surgeries

Surgeons found that outcomes of elective colectomies, proctectomies, and urgent colectomies were better when performed by colorectal surgeons (CRS) compared to general surgeons (GS). CRS had lower complication and mortality rates in all procedures analyzed. Hospitals lacking CRS may benefit from recruiting these specialists to improve patient outcomes. Journal Article by Purdy AC, Murphy S […]

Comparable Efficacy of Lumen Apposing Metal Stents vs. Balloon Dilation for Benign Colorectal Anastomotic Strictures

Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) appear to be as effective as endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) for treating benign colorectal anastomotic strictures (BCAS), with a potential for requiring fewer procedures and being safer. Twenty-nine patients were involved, showing no significant differences in outcomes between LAMS and EBD, but a trend towards fewer procedures and adverse events […]

Understanding Functional Disorders in Ileal-Anal Pouch

Functional disorders in the ileal-anal pouch present a spectrum of symptoms, some expected and others related to surgical complications. Studies have attempted to define and measure normal pouch function, but few have addressed pouch physiology. The confusion surrounding pouch function highlights the need for a better understanding of expected changes in defecation physiology post-surgery. Identifying […]

Impact of Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification on Conversion to Laparotomy in Rectal Cancer Patients

Participation of ESQS-certified physicians was associated with lower risk of both indicated and technical conversion to laparotomy for rectal cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Other factors influencing conversion included tumor diameter, combined resection of adjacent organs, and institution type. Referral to specialized centers, especially for high-risk patients, may improve outcomes. Journal Article by Goto K, […]

Key Factors for Post-Operative VTE in Colorectal Surgery

Post-operative colorectal venous thromboembolism rates were 1.75%, with 53% of patients undergoing urgent/emergent surgeries and 60% receiving blood transfusions. Only 30% had high Caprini scores, while 66% had low preoperative albumin levels. The study highlights the importance of considering urgent surgeries, low albumin levels, and blood transfusions in enhancing VTE screening and prophylaxis for colorectal […]