Anastomotic leakage (AL) is one of the most serious complications after sphincter- preserving surgery for rectal cancer, which can significantly prolong the length of stay of patients, increase perioperative mortality, cause dysfunction, shorten overall survival and recurrence-free survival of patients. In order to reduce the serious consequences caused by AL, prediction of AL through preoperative and intraoperative risk factors are of great importance. However, the influences of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, protective stoma, laparoscopic surgery and some intraoperative manipulations on AL are still controversial. Through the auxiliary judgment of anastomotic blood supply during operation, such as indocyanine green imaging, hemodynamic ultrasound, etc., it is expected to achieve the source control of AL. Early diagnosis of AL can be achieved by attention to clinical manifestations and drainage, examination of peripheral blood, drainage and intestinal flora, identification of high risk factors such as fever, diarrhea and increased infectious indicators, and timely administration of CT with contrast enema.
Humans ; Anastomotic Leak/surgery* ; Rectal Neoplasms/complications* ; Rectum/surgery* ; Risk Factors ; Early Diagnosis

Anastomotic leak is one of inevitable postoperative complications of rectal cancer. With the improvement of surgical techniques, the enhancement of the cognization of rectal cancer, and the development of surgical instruments, surgical procedures of rectal cancer are getting more sophisticated. The anastomosis is performed lower and lower, however the incidence of anastomotic leak is not significantly decreased. In addition, different from intraperitoneal anastomotic leak, the low rectal anastomotic leak after low anterior resection has many special issues in the diagnosis and treatment in clinic. The incidence of peritonitis caused by low anastomotic leak is low, the onset time is late, and symptoms of peritonitis are mild. So most low anastomotic leak is treated conservatively, second surgical repair or resection of anastomotic site is rarely performed, and proximal intestinal diversion is commonly performed. In the prevention of low anastomotic leak, some techniques and precautions during the perioperative period and identification of high risk factors might play important roles. Combined our clinical experiences, we introduced the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and research progression of low anastomotic leak after anterior resection of low rectal cancer, we hope it would be helpful.
Anastomosis, Surgical ; Anastomotic Leak/diagnosis* ; Humans ; Postoperative Complications/diagnosis* ; Proctectomy ; Rectal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo explore the risk factors and clinical features of delayed anastomotic fistula (DAF) following sphincter-preserving operation for rectal cancer.

METHODSClinical data of 1 594 patients with rectal cancer undergoing sphincter-preserving operation in our department from January 2008 to May 2015 based on the prospective database of Dpartment of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty patients(3.8%) developed anastomotic fistula. Forty-one patients (2.6%) developed early anastomotic fistula (EAF) within 30 days after surgery while 19(1.2%) were DAF that occurred beyond 30 days. Univariate analyses were performed to compare the clinical features between EAF and DAF group.

RESULTSDAF was diagnosed at a median time of 194(30-327) days after anastomosis. As compared to EAF group, DAF group had lower tumor site [(6.1±2.3) cm vs. (7.8±2.8) cm, P=0.023], lower anastomosis site [(3.6±1.8) cm vs. (4.8±1.6) cm, P=0.008], higher ratio of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (84.2% vs. 34.1%, P=0.000), and receiving preventive stoma (73.7% vs. 14.6%, P=0.000). According to ISREC grading system for anastomotic fistula, DAF patients were grade A and B, while EAF cases were grade B and C(P=0.000). During the first hospital stay for anastomosis, DAF group did not have abdominal pain, general malaise, drainage abnormalities, peritonitis but 8 cases(42.1%) had fever more than 38centi-degree. In EAF group, 29 patients(70.7%) had abdominal pain and general malaise, and 29(70.7%) had drainage abnormalities. General or circumscribed peritonitis were developed in 25(61.0%) EAF patients, and fever occurred in 39(95.1%) EAF cases. There were 13(68.4%) cases with sinus or fistula formation and 9(47.4%) with rectovaginal fistula in DAF group, in contrast to 5 (12.2%) and 5 (12.2%) in EAF group respectively. In DAF group, 5 (26.3%) patients received follow-up due to stoma (no closure), 5 (26.3%) received bedside surgical drainage, while 9(47.4%) patients underwent operation, including diverting stoma in 3 patients, Hartmann procedure in 1 case, intersphincteric resection, coloanal anastomosis plus ileostomy in 1case because of pelvic fibrosis and stenosis of neorectum after radiotherapy, mucosal advancement flap repair with a cellular matrix interposition in 3 rectovaginal fistula cases, incision of sinus via the anus in 1 case. During a median follow-up of 28 months, 14(73.7%) DAF patients were cured.

CONCLUSIONSIt is advisable to be cautious that patients with lower site of tumor and anastomosis, neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and preventive stoma are at risk of DAF. DAF is clinically silent and most patients can be cured by effective surgical treatment.

Anal Canal ; Anastomosis, Surgical ; Anastomotic Leak ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Colostomy ; Digestive System Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Ileostomy ; Length of Stay ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Organ Sparing Treatments ; Postoperative Complications ; diagnosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Rectovaginal Fistula ; Rectum ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Surgical Flaps ; Surgical Stomas ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo identify the risk factors associated with lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).

METHODSFrom January 2005 to December 2013, the clinical data of 178 patients with advanced rectal cancer undergoing radical excision after neoadjuvant CRT in our department were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 11 clinicopathologic factors relating to lymph node metastasis were studied using univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses.

RESULTSThere were 74(41.6%) cases with lymph node metastasis, while 104 cases without lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis showed that age(P=0.000 2), post-CRT CEA level(P=0.011 2), ypT stage(P=0.000 0), pathologic type(P=0.004 0), and tumor regression grade(TRG)(P=0.033 8) were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. Multivariate analysis showed that age(OR=2.385, 95% CI:1.372 ~ 4.147, P=0.002 1), post-CRT CEA level(OR=2.310, 95% CI:1.005 ~ 5.307, P=0.048 6) and ypT stage(OR=2.592, 95% CI:1.236 ~ 5.432, P=0.011 7) were independent risk factors. However, 15.8% of the patients who achieved TRG1 had lymph node metastasis and TRG failed to independently correlate with lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant CRT.

CONCLUSIONSThere was a higher ratio of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer patients who were young, CEA≥5 μg/L or deep invasion after neoadjuvant CRT. Therefore, neoadjuvant CRT should be carefully considered in these patients.

Age Factors ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; blood ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; diagnosis ; Male ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Neoplasm Grading ; Neoplasm Invasiveness ; Rectal Neoplasms ; complications ; epidemiology ; therapy ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: To compare medical costs of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) for the treatment of rectal tumors. METHODS: The records of 80 patients who underwent ESD and 32 who underwent TEM for the treatment of rectal tumors were collected. Factors compared in the two groups included patient age, sex and clinical characteristics, as well as hospital stay, procedure time, instrument use, medications, postoperative complications, and imaging and laboratory findings. Costs were analyzed based on medical insurance fees, as set publicly by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Korea. Medical costs were also divided into patient copayments and National Health Insurance (NHI) Corporation charges. RESULTS: Patient characteristics, including age, sex, and comorbidities, were similar in the two groups, as were procedure time, histologic diagnosis, tumor size and distance from the anal verge, hospital stay, and complication rates. Median total hospital costs were significantly lower in the ESD than in the TEM group (1,214 United State dollars [USD] vs. 1,686 USD, P < 0.001). The costs for consumables, drugs and laboratory as well as operation fee were also significantly lower in the ESD than in the TEM group. However, patient copayments in the ESD group were significantly higher than in the TEM group (928 USD vs. 496 USD, P < 0.001), because ESD procedure for rectal tumors is not yet covered by the Korean NHI. CONCLUSION: Overall direct medical costs were significantly lower for ESD than for TEM in the treatment of rectal tumors.
Comorbidity ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Fees and Charges ; Hospital Costs ; Humans ; Insurance ; Korea ; Length of Stay ; Microsurgery* ; National Health Programs ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms*

We report a case of mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in the perianal soft tissue in association with chronic fistula-in-ano in a 43-year-old man who had a relapse of perianal pain and bloody discharge after six years of defaulted follow-up. He underwent magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography imaging with correct identification of the disease entity on imaging. Mesh-like septations and an enhancing solid component with high diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and intermediate apparent diffusion coefficient signals were observed. He underwent abdominoperineal resection of the tumour but succumbed due to postoperative complications. Literature on the MR imaging features of this tumour remains scarce. We highlight the MR imaging features, including those seen on DWI, which were useful in making the correct diagnosis. Though uncommon, this would be an important condition to recognise since assessment of fistula-in-ano by MR imaging is considered to be the standard of care in current clinical practice. The clinical features of this entity are also briefly discussed.
Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; complications ; diagnosis ; Adult ; Anus Neoplasms ; complications ; diagnosis ; Chronic Disease ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Humans ; Male ; Rectal Fistula ; complications ; diagnosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Situs inversus totalis is a rare anomaly in which the abdominal and thoracic cavity structures are opposite their usual positions. A 41-yr-old woman, who had an ulcerating cancer on the rectum, was found as a case of situs inversus totalis. We present an overview of the operative technique for the first documented laparoscopic total mesorectal excision of a rectal cancer in the patient with situs inversus totalis. Careful consideration of the mirror-image anatomy permitted a safe operation using techniques not otherwise different from those used for the general population. Therefore, curative laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer in this patient is feasible and safe.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Laparoscopy/*methods ; Mesocolon/*surgery ; Rectal Neoplasms/diagnosis/*surgery ; Rectum/*surgery ; Situs Inversus/*complications/*surgery

Colorectal Neoplasms ; complications ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neck ; pathology ; Rectal Neoplasms ; complications ; Skin Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; secondary ; Thorax ; pathology

Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is known to be associated with the administration of antibiotics which alter normal gastrointestinal flora and allow overgrowth of Clostridium difficile. Most cases of rifampicin-induced PMC are seen in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, but not with gastrointestinal tuberculosis. We report a case of PMC associated with rifampicin therapy in a patient with gastrointestinal tuberculosis. A 65-year-old female patient with rectal cancer and gastrointestinal tuberculosis was admitted due to abdominal pain and diarrhea. She was treated with anti-tuberculosis agents containing rifampicin. On colonoscopic examination, mucoid exudates and yellowish plaque lesions were observed. Anti-tuberculosis agents were stopped, and the patient was treated with metronidazole. Symptoms were relieved and did not recur when all the anti-tuberculosis agents except rifampicin were started again. When a patient complains of abdominal pain or diarrhea while taking rifampicin, the physician should consider the possibility of rifampicin-associated PMC.
Aged ; Antibiotics, Antitubercular/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous/*diagnosis/etiology/pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Rectal Neoplasms/*complications/diagnosis ; Rifampin/*adverse effects/therapeutic use ; Sigmoidoscopy ; Tuberculosis, Gastrointestinal/complications/diagnosis/*drug therapy

We report a case of fatal fungal peripheral suppurative thrombophlebitis, caused by Candida albicans, which was disseminated to the blood, lungs, eyes, and spine. Clinical suspicion and aggressive management are important in managing fungal peripheral suppurative thrombophlebitis. Early clinical suspicion is important in managing fungal peripheral suppurative thrombophlebitis, and radical excision of the affected veins, recognition of metastatic foci, and use of systemic antifungal agents are essential to avoid septic shock and death.
Amphotericin B/therapeutic use ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Candida albicans ; Candidiasis/blood/*diagnosis/surgery ; Echocardiography ; Fatal Outcome ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications/diagnosis/*microbiology ; Rectal Neoplasms/diagnosis/surgery ; Thrombophlebitis/*diagnosis/microbiology