Original Articles
Minimally invasive surgery
- Minimally invasive transanal excision for rectal tumors: technical feasibility compared to conventional approach
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Ji Yeon Mun, Gyu Sung Geong, Nina Yoo, Hyung Jin Kim, Hyeon-Min Cho, Bong-Hyeon Kye
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):162-168. Published online April 29, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00864.0123
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Abstract
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Supplementary Material

- Purpose
The technique for transanal resection of rectal tumors has evolved from conventional methods to minimally invasive approaches. However, the research comparing long-term results between these approaches is limited.
Methods
Between 2016 and 2022, a total of 133 patients who underwent transanal excision were analyzed. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to surgical approach: conventional transanal approach (CTA) and minimally invasive transanal approach (MTA). Medical records were analyzed to compare surgical and oncological outcomes between the 2 groups.
Results
There were no significant differences observed in patient’s demographics and tumor characteristics, except the MTA group exhibited a statistically longer distance from the anal verge. Although statistical significance was not reached, the MTA group demonstrated a 100% margin-negative rate in contrast to the CTA group, which had worse outcomes for both margin status and fragmentation. Recurrence was observed only in the CTA group containing pT1 rectal cancer and grade 1 neuroendocrine tumor, with negative margins and no fragmentation.
Conclusion
The minimally invasive approach did not demonstrate statistical superiority but showed technical feasibility through the absence of margin-positive cases and the use of the clip handle method. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and assess broader applicability.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Minimally invasive transanal excision over conventional transanal excision: pursuing the perfect removal of early rectal cancer
HyungJoo Baik
Annals of Coloproctology.2025; 41(2): 105. CrossRef
Minimally invasive surgery
- Impact of single-port laparoscopic approach on scar assessment by patients and observers: a multicenter retrospective study
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Sung Uk Bae, Kyeong Eui Kim, Chang-Woo Kim, Ji-Hoon Kim, Woon Kyung Jeong, Yoon-Suk Lee, Seong Kyu Baek, Suk-Hwan Lee, Jun-Gi Kim
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):154-161. Published online April 29, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00563.0080
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- Purpose
This study aimed to compare the wound cosmesis of a single-incision approach on scar assessment after laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer.
Methods
This study included 32 patients undergoing single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and 61 patients undergoing multiport laparoscopic surgery (MPLS) for colon cancer at 3 tertiary referral hospitals between September 2011 and December 2019. We modified and applied the Korean version of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) to assess cosmetic outcomes. To assess the interobserver reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient values for the Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS), the surgeons evaluated 5 images of postoperative scars.
Results
No significant differences were observed in the time before the return of normal bowel function, time to sips of water and soft diet initiation, length of in-hospital stay, and postoperative complication rate. The SPLS group had a shorter total incision length than the MPLS group. The POSAS favored the SPLS approach, revealing significant differences in the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS), OSAS, and overall scores. The SPLS approach was an independent factor influencing the POSAS, PSAS, and OSAS scores. Eleven colorectal surgeons had a significantly substantial intraclass coefficient.
Conclusion
The cosmetic outcomes of SPLS as assessed by the patients and surgeons were superior to those of MPLS in colon cancer. Reducing the number of ports is an independent factor affecting scar assessment by patients and observers.
CRC
- Relationships between MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1 serum and tissue levels in patients with colorectal cancer
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Zahra Mozooni, Kiana Khajeh Amiri, Nafiseh Golestani, Alireza Shahmohammadi, Sara Minaeian, Leyla Bahadorizadeh
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):136-144. Published online April 29, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00227.0032
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Supplementary Material
- Purpose
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal system globally. Identifying specific gene expression patterns indicative of early-stage CRC could enable early diagnosis and rapid treatment initiation. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play crucial roles in extracellular matrix degradation and tissue remodeling. Among them, MMP-2 and MMP-9 have been found to be upregulated in various cancers, including CRC, and are associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. In contrast, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase like decysin 1 (ADAMDEC1) is a relatively newly discovered gene with demonstrated involvement in immune response and inflammation. This study investigated serum levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9, along with tissue expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1, and explored potential associations with pathological and clinical factors in patients with CRC.
Methods
This study included 100 patients with CRC and 100 control participants. Tissue and blood samples were collected. Serum MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to assess the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1 in CRC tissue samples compared to adjacent control tissue.
Results
The expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1 were significantly upregulated in CRC relative to adjacent control tissues. Analysis of clinicopathological features revealed statistically significant differences in the expression levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1 between patients with CRC with and without lymphovascular invasion (P<0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, these genes represent promising candidate diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.
Conclusion
MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1 levels may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for CRC.
Anorectal benign disease
- A comparative study on efficacy and safety of modified partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy versus conventional hemorrhoidectomy: a prospective randomized controlled trial
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Tae Gyu Kim, Chul Seung Lee, Dong Geun Lee, Choon Sik Chung, Seung Han Kim, Sang Hwa Yu, Jeong Eun Lee, Gwan Cheol Lee, Dong Woo Kang, Jeong Sub Kim, Gyu Young Jeong
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):145-153. Published online April 28, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00535.0076
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Supplementary Material
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The long-term outcomes and efficacy of partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy (PSH) compared with those of conventional hemorrhoidectomy (CH) are not fully understood. This study aimed to introduce a modified PSH (mPSH) and compare its clinical efficacy and safety with those of CH.
Methods
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. This study was performed at a single hospital and involved 6 colorectal surgeons. In total, 110 patients were enrolled between July 2019 and September 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to undergo either mPSH group (n=55) or CH group (n=55). The primary outcome was to compare postoperative average pain and postoperative peak pain using visual analog scale score between the 2 groups.
Results
The required duration of analgesia was shorter in the mPSH group than in the CH group, although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.096). However, the laxative requirement duration (P<0.010), return to work (P<0.010), satisfaction score (P<0.010), and Vaizey score (P=0.014) were significantly better in the mPSH group. The average and peak postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the mPSH group during the 15 days after surgery (P<0.001). The overall complication rate in both groups was 9.1%, with no significant difference between the groups (P=0.867).
Conclusion
The mPSH group demonstrated better improvement in symptoms, lower pain scores, and greater patient early satisfaction after surgery than the CH group. Therefore, this surgical technique appears to be a safe and effective alternative for CH.
CRC
- Impact of iron-deficiency anemia on short-term outcomes after resection of colorectal cancer liver metastasis: a US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) analysis
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Ko-Chao Lee, Yu-Li Su, Kuen-Lin Wu, Kung-Chuan Cheng, Ling-Chiao Song, Chien-En Tang, Hong-Hwa Chen, Kuan-Chih Chung
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):119-126. Published online April 24, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00591.0084
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Supplementary Material
- Purpose
Colorectal cancer (CRC) often spreads to the liver, necessitating surgical treatment for CRC liver metastasis (CRLM). Iron-deficiency anemia is common in CRC patients and is associated with fatigue and weakness. This study investigated the effects of iron-deficiency anemia on the outcomes of surgical resection of CRLM.
Methods
This population-based, retrospective study evaluated data from adults ≥20 years old with CRLM who underwent hepatic resection. All patient data were extracted from the 2005–2018 US National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The outcome measures were in-hospital outcomes including 30-day mortality, unfavorable discharge, and prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and short-term complications such as bleeding and infection. Associations between iron-deficiency anemia and outcomes were determined using logistic regression analysis.
Results
Data from 7,749 patients (representing 37,923 persons in the United States after weighting) were analyzed. Multivariable analysis revealed that iron-deficiency anemia was significantly associated with an increased risk of prolonged LOS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30–3.30), unfavorable discharge (aOR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.83–3.19), bleeding (aOR, 5.05; 95% CI, 2.92–8.74), sepsis (aOR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04–2.46), pneumonia (aOR, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.72–3.74), and acute kidney injury (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.35). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent associations between iron-deficiency anemia and prolonged LOS across age, sex, and obesity status categories.
Conclusion
In patients undergoing hepatic resection for CRLM, iron-deficiency anemia is an independent risk factor for prolonged LOS, unfavorable discharge, and several critical postoperative complications. These findings underscore the need for proactive anemia management to optimize surgical outcomes.
Complications
- Bedside endoscopic inspection of colorectal anastomoses in the early postoperative period: a 2-center prospective feasibility study
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David J. Nijssen, Roel Hompes, Jurriaan Tuynman, Jimme K. Wiggers, Willem A. Bemelman, Saidah Sahid, James Kinross, Wytze Laméris
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):127-135. Published online April 14, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00584.0083
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- Purpose
Early diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery can reduce severe postoperative morbidity and ensure successful treatment. This study evaluated the feasibility of bedside endoscopic inspection of the anastomosis early postoperatively using a point-of-care digital rectoscope.
Methods
This prospective study was conducted at 2 tertiary centers. Patients who underwent minimally invasive or open sphincter-preserving surgery with creation of a colorectal or coloanal anastomosis were included. Data were collected from December 2022 to October 2023. Bedside anastomotic inspections were performed postoperative day (POD) 3 to 5 using a point-of-care digital rectoscope. The primary outcome was feasibility, defined as adequate clinical assessment of the anastomosis during bedside inspection. Secondary outcomes included patient tolerability, efficacy compared to other diagnostic methods, and clinical outcomes during 90 days of follow-up.
Results
In total, 35 patients were included. All bedside anastomotic inspections were carried out successfully. The examination showed complete visibility of the entire anastomosis in 30 patients (85.7%), with minimal discomfort reported by 3 (8.6%). No adverse events were recorded. AL occurred in 6 patients (17.1%), with 3 cases detected during bedside inspections between POD 3 and 5. Two leaks were detected without clinical or biochemical suspicion. Three patients with negative rectoscopy between POD 3 and 5 were later diagnosed with AL: 2 by a computed tomography scan and 1 by a bedside rectoscopy.
Conclusion
Bedside inspection of rectal anastomoses early postoperatively is feasible and tolerable for patients. Routine anastomotic inspections can detect early AL even without clear clinical or biochemical signs.
Colorectal cancer
- Is clinical complete response as accurate as pathological complete response in patients with mid-low locally advanced rectal cancer?
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Niyaz Shadmanov, Vusal Aliyev, Guglielmo Niccolò Piozzi, Barıs Bakır, Suha Goksel, Oktar Asoglu
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):57-67. Published online February 28, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00339.0048
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The standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer involves neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by total mesorectal excision surgery. A subset of patients achieves pathologic complete response (pCR), representing the optimal treatment outcome. This study compares the long-term oncological outcomes of patients who achieved pCR with those who attained clinical complete response (cCR) after total neoadjuvant therapy, managed using a watch-and-wait approach.
Methods
This study retrospectively evaluated patients with mid-low locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant treatment from January 1, 2005, to May 1, 2023. The pCR and cCR groups were compared based on demographic, clinical, histopathological, and long-term survival outcomes.
Results
The median follow-up times were 54 months (range, 7–83 months) for the cCR group (n=73), 96 months (range, 7–215 months) for the pCR group (n=63), and 72 months (range, 4–212 months) for the pathological incomplete clinical response (pICR) group (n=627). In the cCR group, 15 patients (20.5%) experienced local regrowth, and 5 (6.8%) developed distant metastasis (DM). The pCR group had no cases of local recurrence, but 3 patients (4.8%) developed DM. Among the pICR patients, 58 (9.2%) experienced local recurrence, and 92 (14.6%) had DM. Five-year disease-free survival rates were 90.0% for cCR, 92.0% for pCR, and 69.5% for pICR (P=0.022). Five-year overall survival rates were 93.1% for cCR, 92.0% for pCR, and 78.1% for pICR. There were no significant differences in outcomes between the cCR and pCR groups (P=0.810); however, the pICR group exhibited poorer outcomes (P=0.002).
Conclusion
This study shows no significant long-term oncological differences between patients who exhibited cCR and those who experienced pCR.
Translational/basic research
- Preclinical testing of a new radiofrequency ablation device in a porcine perianal fistula model
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Sunseok Yoon, Jung-Woo Choi, Yongtaik Son, Hyun Soon Lee, Kwang Dae Hong
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):84-92. Published online February 26, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00626.0089
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- Purpose
Anorectal fistulas present a treatment challenge, with conventional surgical methods potentially resulting in complications such as fecal incontinence. To improve patient outcomes, more effective and minimally invasive therapies are critically needed. In this study, an optimal porcine model for the creation of anorectal fistulas was developed and used to evaluate the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy.
Methods
Two distinct but related experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, a reliable and standardized porcine anorectal fistula model was developed. In the second, the healing process was assessed, and outcomes were compared between the RFA-treated group and the control group using the established porcine model.
Results
The results indicated that a 3.5-cm fistula tract length and a 14-day evaluation period following seton removal are optimal for the porcine anorectal fistula model. In the second experiment, the RFA group tended to exhibit better outcomes regarding fistula closure, although the differences were not statistically significant. Histopathologically, no significant difference in inflammation grade was observed between groups; however, scar tissue was more predominant in the RFA group.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that RFA therapy may offer potential benefits in the treatment of anorectal fistulas, as demonstrated using a porcine model. To validate these results and explore the mechanisms of action underlying RFA therapy for anorectal fistulas, further research involving larger sample sizes and a more robust study design is required.
Translational/basic research
- The effect of tumor resection on intestinal microbiota dysbiosis in patients with right-sided colon cancer
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Aldhimas Marthsyal Pratikna, M. Iqbal Rivai, Rini Suswita, Andani Eka Putra, Irwan Abdul Rachman, Avit Suchitra
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):47-56. Published online February 26, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00346.0049
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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- Purpose
This study aimed to determine the effect of tumor resection on dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota in patients with right-sided colon cancer.
Methods
This study utilized a longitudinal design to explore the outcomes of patients diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer who underwent surgical resection at Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital from July to December 2023. We excluded patients with a documented history of comorbidities, specifically those affecting the digestive system. To compare the microbiota (genus and phylum) between patients with right-sided colon cancer and the control group, we conducted bivariate analyses using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Furthermore, we employed the dependent t-test or Wilcoxon test to assess changes in the dysbiosis of the microbiota (genus and phylum) before and after resection. A P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
This study included a total of 21 patients diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer. In the control group, Bacteroidetes constituted the highest proportion of intestinal microbiota, accounting for 56.34%. Prior to tumor resection, the intestinal microbiota of patients exhibited Proteobacteria as the predominant phylum, representing 52.97%. Following tumor resection, Bacteroidetes remained the most prevalent, comprising 50.9% of the intestinal microbiota. Significant variations in the levels of Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Cyanobacteria/Chloroplast were observed in the intestinal microbiota of patients with right-sided colorectal cancer before and after tumor excision (all P=0.001).
Conclusion
The microbiome of patients with right-sided colorectal cancer differed significantly from that of the control group. However, following tumor resection, the microbiome composition of these patients became more similar to that observed in the control group.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Dynamics of the microbiota in right-sided colon cancer patients: pre- and post-tumor resection
Youn Young Park
Annals of Coloproctology.2025; 41(1): 1. CrossRef
Anorectal benign disease
- Antibiotic use during the first episode of acute perianal sepsis: a still-open question
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Stanislas Blondin, David Lobo, Axel Egal, Saliha Ysmail-Dahlouk, Milad Taouk, Josée Bourguignon, David Blondeel, Isabelle Etienney
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):40-46. Published online February 3, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00472.0067
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The role of antibiotics in preventing fistula formation following an initial abscess remains a subject of debate. This study compared the incidence of fistula in ano in patients experiencing their first episode of acute perianal sepsis, with and without antibiotic therapy, and evaluated the prevalence of fistula in ano necessitating surgical intervention at 1 year.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital with a dedicated proctology department. All patients who presented to the emergency proctology unit with a first episode of acute perianal sepsis were eligible for inclusion.
Results
This study included 276 patients. At 1 year, fistula formation was identified in 65.6% of all patients, 54.0% of those who had received antibiotics, and 75.0% of those who had not (P<0.001). This finding remained significant after weighted propensity analysis (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.31–0.92; P=0.025).
Conclusion
The rate of fistula formation was relatively high in this study. However, it was lower among patients with perianal sepsis who were treated with antibiotics, although a causal relationship could not be established. Prolonged follow-up is needed to clarify the role of antibiotic therapy in preventing or delaying fistula development in patients with acute perianal sepsis.
Colorectal cancer
- Comparison of colorectal cancer surgery patients in intensive care between rural and metropolitan hospitals in Australia: a national cohort study
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Jessica A. Paynter, Zakary Doherty, Chun Hin Angus Lee, Kirby R. Qin, Janelle Brennan, David Pilcher
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):68-76. Published online January 24, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00269.0038
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A small proportion of colorectal cancer (CRC) surgical patients will require an admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) within the early postoperative period. This study aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to an ICU following CRC surgery per hospital type (metropolitan vs. rural) over a decade in Australia.
Methods
A retrospective cohort analysis was undertaken of all adult patients admitted to a participating Australian ICUs following CRC surgery between January 2011 and December 2021. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.
Results
Over the 10-year period, 19,611 patients were treated in 122 metropolitan ICUs and 4,108 patients were treated in 42 rural ICUs. Rural ICUs had a lower proportion of annual admissions following CRC surgery (20 vs. 36, P<0.001). Patients admitted to a rural ICU were more likely to have undergone emergency CRC surgery compared to those admitted to a metropolitan cohort (28.5% vs. 13.8%, P<0.001). There was no difference in in-hospital mortality between metropolitan and rural hospitals (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.73–1.35; P=0.500). There was a general trend for lower mortality in later years of the study with the odds of death in the final year of the study (2021) almost half that of the first study year (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34–0.80; P=0.003).
Conclusion
There was no difference between in-hospital mortality outcomes for CRC surgical patients requiring ICU admission between metropolitan and rural hospitals. These findings may contribute to discussions regarding rural scope of colorectal practice within Australia and globally.
Anorectal benign disease
- Ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) for high transsphincteric fistulas: a double-center retrospective study with long-term follow-up
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Leichang Zhang, Chuanyu Zhan, Lu Li, Wanjin Shao, Guidong Sun, Yugen Chen, Guanghua Chen, Yulei Lang, Zenghua Xiao, Xiao Xiao
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Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):77-83. Published online January 17, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00024.0003
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This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of the ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure in treating high transsphincteric fistulas.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the success rate of LIFT treatment in 82 patients with high transsphincteric fistulas involving at least one-third of the external sphincter. This study was carried out across 2 centers from November 2009 to February 2023.
Results
All patients underwent successful surgery with a median operative time of 48.9 minutes (range, 20–80 minutes), and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported. The median follow-up duration was 85.5 months (range, 4–120 months), with 5 patients (6.1%) lost to follow-up. Treatment was successful in 62 patients, whose symptoms disappeared and both the external opening and the intersphincteric incision completely healed, yielding an overall efficiency rate of 80.5%. There were 15 cases (19.5%) of treatment failure, including 6 (7.8%) that converted to intersphincteric anal fistula and 9 (11.7%) that experienced persistent or recurrent fistulas. Only 1 patient reported minor overflow during the postoperative follow-up, but no other patients reported any significant discomfort. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with surgical success and those with treatment failure in terms of fistula length, history of previous abscess or anal fistula surgery, number of external orifices or fistulas, and location of fistulas (all P>0.05).
Conclusion
LIFT is a safe and effective sphincter-preserving procedure that yields satisfactory healing outcomes and has minimal impact on anal function.
Anorectal benign disease
- Lower pain, less itching, and faster healing after ultrasound scalpel-assisted hemorrhoidectomy using an intimate cleaner containing chlorhexidine, acid hyaluronic acid, and natural anti-inflammatories: a multicenter observational case-control study
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Antonio Brillantino, Luigi Marano, Maurizio Grillo, Alessio Palumbo, Fabrizio Foroni, Luciano Vicenzo, Alessio Antropoli, Michele Lanza, Maria Laura Sandoval Sotelo, Nicola Sangiuliano, Mauro Maglio, Rosanna Filosa, Lucia Abbatiello, Maria Preziosa Romano, Luana Passariello, Pasquale Talento, Giovanna Ioia, Corrado Rispoli, Mariano Fortunato Armellino, Vincenzo Bottino, Adolfo Renzi, Carlo Bartone, Luigi Monaco, Paolino Mauro, Stefano Picardi, Maria Paola Menna, Elisa Palladino, Mario Massimo Mensorio, Vinicio Mosca, Claudio Gambardella, Luigi Brusciano, Ludovico Docimo
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Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):602-609. Published online December 30, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00570.0081
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Postoperative pain is a major concern for patients undergoing ultrasound scalpel-assisted hemorrhoidectomy, potentially exacerbated by delayed wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an intimate cleansing gel containing chlorhexidine, hyaluronic acid, and other anti-inflammatory agents (Antroclean Fisioderm) on postoperative pain, itching, and wound healing in patients who had undergone this procedure.
Methods
This multicenter observational case-control study involved a cohort of consecutive adult patients who underwent hemorrhoidectomy using an ultrasound device. The study compared 2 different postoperative wound management strategies over 1 month after surgery: washing with warm water twice per day (control group) versus a 2-minute topical application of intimate cleansing gel (Antroclean Fisioderm) followed by a warm water wash (intervention group).
Results
The median postoperative pain score was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at each follow-up point (P<0.01). The percentage of patients reporting anal itching was also significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group at each follow-up point (P<0.01). All patients in the intervention group achieved complete wound healing 4 weeks after surgery, compared to 88 (82%) in the control group (P<0.01). No adverse events were reported.
Conclusion
The topical application of intimate cleansing gel (Antroclean Fisioderm) twice daily for 1 month following ultrasound scalpel-assisted hemorrhoidectomy appears to be associated with faster healing, reduced pain, decreased itching, and improved quality of life, without any adverse effects. Further larger and prospective randomized trials are recommended to confirm these findings.
Minimally invasive surgery
- Robotic surgery may lead to reduced postoperative inflammatory stress in colon cancer: a propensity score–matched analysis
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Eun Ji Park, Gyong Tae Noh, Yong Joon Lee, Min Young Park, Seung Yoon Yang, Yoon Dae Han, Min Soo Cho, Hyuk Hur, Kang Young Lee, Byung Soh Min
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Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):594-601. Published online December 6, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00171.0024
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Supplementary Material
- Purpose
Robot-assisted surgery is readily applied to every type of colorectal surgeries. However, studies showing the safety and feasibility of robotic surgery (RS) have dealt with rectal cancer more than colon cancer. This study aimed to investigate how technical advantages of RS can translate into actual clinical outcomes that represent postoperative systemic response.
Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases in a single tertiary medical center in Korea. Patients with primary colon cancer who underwent curative resection between 2006 and 2012 were included. Propensity score matching was done to adjust baseline patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, tumor profile, pathologic stage, operating surgeon, surgery extent) between open surgery (OS), laparoscopic surgery (LS), and RS groups.
Results
After propensity score matching, there were 66 patients in each group for analysis, and there was no significant differences in baseline patient characteristics. Maximal postoperative leukocyte count was lowest in the RS group and highest in the OS group (P=0.021). Similar results were observed for postoperative neutrophil count (P=0.024). Postoperative prognostic nutritional index was highest in the RS group and lowest in the OS group (P<0.001). The time taken to first flatus and soft diet resumption was longest in the OS group and shortest in the RS group (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). Among all groups, other short-term postoperative outcomes such as hospital stay and complications did not show significant difference, and oncological survival results were similar.
Conclusion
Better postoperative inflammatory indices in the RS group may correlate with their faster recovery of bowel motility and diet resumption compared to LS and OS groups.
ERAS
- Effect of continuous wound infiltration on patients using intravenous patient-controlled analgesia for pain management after reduced-port laparoscopic colorectal surgery
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Hyeon Deok Choi, Sung Uk Bae
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Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):564-572. Published online November 22, 2024
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00143.0020
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Graphical Abstract
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- Purpose
Continuous wound infiltration (CWI) has been introduced as a component of multimodal analgesia to counteract the adverse effects of the most frequently used opioids. Advantages of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery (RPLS) include cosmetic benefits and decreased postoperative pain. We aimed to investigate the effect of CWI in patients using intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for pain management after RPLS for colorectal cancer.
Methods
This retrospective study included 25 patients who received both CWI (0.5% ropivacaine infused over 72 hours) and IV PCA (fentanyl citrate) and 52 patients who received IV PCA alone. The primary endpoint was pain scores on postoperative days (PODs) 0, 1, and 2. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the factors affecting the pain score on POD 0.
Results
On POD 0, the mean numeric rating scale score was significantly lower in the CWI group than in the control group (3.2±0.8 vs. 3.7±0.9, P=0.042). However, the scores were comparable between the groups during the rest of the period. Within 24 hours of surgery, the CWI group consumed fewer opioids (0.7±0.9 vs. 1.3±1.1, P=0.018) and more nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (2.0±1.4 vs. 1.3±1.4, P=0.046) than the control group. Time to removal of IV PCA was significantly longer in the CWI group than in the control group (4.4±1.6 days vs. 3.4±1.0 days, P=0.016).
Conclusion
CWI with ropivacaine and IV PCA was more effective than IV PCA alone in controlling postoperative pain within 24 hours of surgery, and opioid use could be reduced further.
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Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by

- Optimizing postoperative pain management in minimally invasive colorectal surgery
Soo Young Lee
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(6): 525. CrossRef