Annals of Coloproctology

Original Articles

Early urinary catheter removal in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery: a randomized controlled trial on silodosin versus no pharmacological treatment on urinary function in the early postoperative period: Žilvinas Gricius, Justas Kuliavas, Eugenijus Stratilatovas, Bronius Buckus, Audrius Dulskas; Received October 6, 2024 Accepted January 20, 2025 Published online June 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00703.0100 [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the α1 adrenergic receptor antagonist silodosin in preventing lower urinary tract symptoms after rectal cancer surgery.
Methods
We conducted a 2-arm, double-blind, single-center randomized controlled trial. The study included 150 patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical surgery between 2019 and 2022. On the first postoperative day, the urinary catheter was removed for all patients. Of these, 100 patients were administered silodosin, while 50 patients (control group) receive placebo (glucose tablet). Urinary dysfunction (urinary retention, infection, dysuria) and other complications were monitored.
Results
Among the 150 patients, 84 (56.0%) were male and 66 (44.0%) were female. Surgical procedures included abdominoperineal resection in 33 patients, partial mesorectal excision in 45, and total mesorectal excision in 72. A laparoscopic approach was used in 69 patients, while the remaining 81 underwent open surgery. Urinary tract symptoms developed in 10 patients (6.7%): 7 (7.0%) in the silodosin group and 3 (6.0%) in the control group (P=0.92). In the silodosin group, there was 1 case (1.0%) of urinary retention, 3 cases (3.0%) of urinary tract infection, and 3 cases (3.0%) of dysuria. In the control group, there was 1 case (2.0%) each of urinary retention, urinary tract infection, and dysuria (all P=0.92).
Conclusion
Early urinary catheter removal on the first postoperative day was safe in both groups. The use of the oral α-antagonist silodosin did not provide additional benefits in preventing lower urinary tract symptoms in patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery.

CRC

Relationships between MMP-2, MMP-9, and ADAMDEC1 serum and tissue levels in patients with colorectal cancer: Zahra Mozooni, Kiana Khajeh Amiri, Nafiseh Golestani, Alireza Shahmohammadi, Sara Minaeian, Leyla Bahadorizadeh; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):136-144. Published online April 29, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00227.0032

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Abstract PDF 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.

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: Ko-Chao Lee, Yu-Li Su, Kuen-Lin Wu, Kung-Chuan Cheng, Ling-Chiao Song, Chien-En Tang, Hong-Hwa Chen, Kuan-Chih Chung; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(2):119-126. Published online April 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00591.0084

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Abstract PDF 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.

Colorectal cancer

Is clinical complete response as accurate as pathological complete response in patients with mid-low locally advanced rectal cancer?: Niyaz Shadmanov, Vusal Aliyev, Guglielmo Niccolò Piozzi, Barıs Bakır, Suha Goksel, Oktar Asoglu; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):57-67. Published online February 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00339.0048

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Purpose
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.

Colorectal cancer

Comparison of colorectal cancer surgery patients in intensive care between rural and metropolitan hospitals in Australia: a national cohort study: Jessica A. Paynter, Zakary Doherty, Chun Hin Angus Lee, Kirby R. Qin, Janelle Brennan, David Pilcher; Ann Coloproctol. 2025;41(1):68-76. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00269.0038

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Purpose
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.

Minimally invasive surgery

New double-stapling technique without staple-crossing line in laparoscopic low anterior resection: effort to reduce anastomotic leakage: Nam Seok Kim, Ji Hoon Kim, Yoon Suk Lee, In Kyu Lee, Won Kyung Kang; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):573-579. Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00409.0058

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to demonstrate the safety of new double-stapling technique (nDST), without a crossing line and dog ears, by comparing with conventional DST (cDST) in laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 98 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR for rectal cancer from January 2018 to December 2020. The inclusion criterion was an anastomosis level below the peritoneal reflection and 4 cm above the anal verge. In the nDST group, the staple line of the linear cutter was sutured using barbed sutures to shorten the staple line before firing the circular stapler. Therefore, there were no crossing lines after firing the circular stapler. A 2:1 propensity score matching was performed between the cDST and nDST groups.
Results
After propensity score matching, 39 patients were in the cDST group and 20 were in the nDST group. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the 2 groups. There was no difference in the total operation time between the cDST and nDST groups (124.0±26.2 minutes vs. 125.2±20.3 minutes, P=0.853). Morbidity rates were similar between the 2 groups (9 cases [23.1%] vs. 5 cases [25.0%], P=0.855). There was no significant difference in leakage rate (4 cases [10.3%] vs. 1 case [5.0%], P=0.847) and anastomotic bleeding rate (1 case [2.6%] vs. 3 cases [15.0%], P=0.211).
Conclusion
The nDST to eliminate the crossing line and dog ears in laparoscopic LAR is technically feasible and safe. However, more attention should be paid to anastomotic bleeding in such cases.

Colorectal cancer

Preventive efficacy of hydrocortisone enema for radiation proctitis in rectal cancer patients undergoing short-course radiotherapy: a phase II randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial: Mohammad Mohammadianpanah, Maryam Tazang, Nam Phong Nguyen, Niloofar Ahmadloo, Shapour Omidvari, Ahmad Mosalaei, Mansour Ansari, Hamid Nasrollahi, Behnam Kadkhodaei, Nezhat Khanjani, Seyed Vahid Hosseini; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(5):506-514. Published online October 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00192.0027

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of hydrocortisone enema in preventing radiation proctitis in patients with rectal cancer undergoing short-course radiotherapy (SCRT).
Methods
This phase II randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced rectal cancer (clinically staged T3–4 and/or N1–2M0). Participants received a median of 4 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) followed by 3-dimensional conformal SCRT (25 Gy in 5 fractions). Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a hydrocortisone enema (n=50) or a placebo (n=51) once daily for 5 consecutive days during SCRT. The primary endpoint was the incidence and severity of acute proctitis.
Results
Of the 111 eligible patients, 101 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, performance status, and tumor location, were comparable across the treatment arms. None of the patients experienced grade 4 acute gastrointestinal toxicity or had to discontinue treatment due to treatment-related adverse effects. Patients in the hydrocortisone arm experienced significantly less severe proctitis (P<0.001), diarrhea (P=0.023), and rectal pain (P<0.001) than those in the placebo arm. Additionally, the duration of acute gastrointestinal toxicity following SCRT was significantly shorter in patients receiving hydrocortisone (P<0.001).
Conclusion
Hydrocortisone enema was associated with a significant reduction in the severity of proctitis, diarrhea, and rectal pain compared to placebo. Additionally, patients treated with hydrocortisone experienced shorter durations of gastrointestinal toxicity following SCRT. This study highlights the potential benefits of hydrocortisone enema in managing radiation-induced toxicity in rectal cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Hypofractionated Chemoradiotherapy in Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Jae Seung Kim, Jaram Lee, Hyeung-min Park, Soo Young Lee, Chang Hyun Kim, Hyeong Rok Kim
Cancers.2024; 16(24): 4280. CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

The impact of short-course total neoadjuvant therapy, long-course chemoradiotherapy, and upfront surgery on the technical difficulty of total mesorectal excision: an observational study with an intraoperative perspective: Cheryl Xi-Zi Chong, Frederick H. Koh, Hui-Lin Tan, Sharmini Su Sivarajah, Jia-Lin Ng, Leonard Ming-Li Ho, Darius Kang-Lie Aw, Wen-Hsin Koo, Shuting Han, Si-Lin Koo, Connie Siew-Poh Yip, Fu-Qiang Wang, Fung-Joon Foo, Winson Jianhong Tan; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(5):451-458. Published online September 19, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00899.0128

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
Total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) is becoming the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, surgery is deferred for months after completion, which may lead to fibrosis and increased surgical difficulty. The aim of this study was to assess whether TNT (TNT-RAPIDO) is associated with increased difficulty of total mesorectal excision (TME) compared with long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCRT) and upfront surgery.
Methods
Twelve laparoscopic videos of low anterior resection with TME for rectal cancer were prospectively collected from January 2020 to October 2021, with 4 videos in each arm. Seven colorectal surgeons assessed the videos independently, graded the difficulty of TME using a visual analog scale and attempted to identify which category the videos belonged to.
Results
The median age was 67 years, and 10 patients were male. The median interval to surgery from radiotherapy was 13 weeks in the LCRT group and 24 weeks in the TNT-RAPIDO group. There was no significant difference in the visual analog scale for difficulty in TME between the 3 groups (LCRT, 3.2; TNT-RAPIDO, 4.6; upfront, 4.1; P=0.12). A subgroup analysis showed similar difficulty between groups (LCRT 3.2 vs. TNT-RAPIDO 4.6, P=0.05; TNT-RAPIDO 4.6 vs. upfront 4.1, P=0.54). During video assessments, surgeons correctly identified the prior treatment modality in 42% of the cases. TNT-RAPIDO videos had the highest recognition rate (71%), significantly outperforming both LCRT (29%) and upfront surgery (25%, P=0.01).
Conclusion
TNT does not appear to increase the surgical difficulty of TME.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Hypofractionated Chemoradiotherapy in Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Jae Seung Kim, Jaram Lee, Hyeung-min Park, Soo Young Lee, Chang Hyun Kim, Hyeong Rok Kim
Cancers.2024; 16(24): 4280. CrossRef

Reviews

Colorectal cancer

The role of lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in advanced rectal cancer: a review of current evidence and outcomes: Gyu-Seog Choi, Hye Jin Kim; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(4):363-374. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00521.0074

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Abstract PDF

Metastatic lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPNs) in rectal cancer significantly impact the prognosis and treatment strategies. Western practices emphasize neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), whereas Eastern approaches often rely on LPN dissection (LPND). This review examines the evolving role of LPND in the context of modern treatments, including total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), and the impact of CRT on the management of clinically suspicious LPNs. We comprehensively reviewed the key literature comparing the outcomes of LPND versus preoperative CRT for rectal cancer, focusing on recent advancements and ongoing debates. Key studies, including the JCOG0212 trial and recent multicenter trials, were analyzed to assess the efficacy of LPND, particularly in conjunction with preoperative CRT or TNT. Current evidence indicates that LPND can reduce local recurrence rates compared to total mesorectal excision alone in patients not receiving radiation therapy. However, the benefit of LPND in the context of neoadjuvant CRT is influenced by the size and pretreatment characteristics of LPNs. While CRT can effectively control smaller metastatic LPNs, larger or clinically suspicious LPNs may require LPND for optimal outcomes. Advances in surgical techniques, such as robotic-assisted LPND, offer potential benefits but also present challenges and complications. The role of TNT in controlling metastatic LPNs and improving patient outcomes is emerging but remains underexplored. The decision to perform LPND should be individualized based on patient-specific factors, including LPN size, response to neoadjuvant treatment, and surgeon expertise. Future research should focus on optimizing treatment protocols and further evaluating the role of TNT in managing metastatic LPNs.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Who is a candidate at the initial presentation? Prediction of positive lateral lymph node and survival after dissection
Y. Lee
Techniques in Coloproctology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The oncologic benefits of lateral lymph node dissection after neoadjuvant therapy – local control or survival?
T. Sammour
Techniques in Coloproctology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Laparoscopic Versus Robotic Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Locally‐Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Cohort Study Comparing Perioperative Morbidity and Short‐Term Oncological Outcomes
Joseph Mathew, Yogesh Kisan Bansod, Nishant Yadav, Janesh Murugan, Kovvuru Bhaskar Reddy, Mufaddal Kazi, Ashwin DeSouza, Avanish Saklani
Cancer Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery in colorectal cancer management: a narrative review of clinical efficacy and multidisciplinary integration
Engeng Chen, Li Chen, Wei Zhang
Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
From the Editor: Uniting expertise, a new era of global collaboration in coloproctology
In Ja Park
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(4): 285. CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Essential knowledge and technical tips for total mesorectal excision and related procedures for rectal cancer: Min Soo Cho, Hyeon Woo Bae, Nam Kyu Kim; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(4):384-411. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2024.00388.0055

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3 Citations

Abstract PDF

Total mesorectal excision (TME) has greatly improved rectal cancer surgery outcomes by reducing local recurrence and enhancing patient survival. This review outlines essential knowledge and techniques for performing TME. TME emphasizes the complete resection of the mesorectum along embryologic planes to minimize recurrence. Key anatomical insights include understanding the rectal proper fascia, Denonvilliers fascia, rectosacral fascia, and the pelvic autonomic nerves. Technical tips cover a step-by-step approach to pelvic dissection, the Gate approach, and tailored excision of Denonvilliers fascia, focusing on preserving pelvic autonomic nerves and ensuring negative circumferential resection margins. In Korea, TME has led to significant improvements in local recurrence rates and survival with well-adopted multidisciplinary approaches. Surgical techniques of TME have been optimized and standardized over several decades in Korea, and minimally invasive surgery for TME has been rapidly and successfully adopted. The review emphasizes the need for continuous research on tumor biology and precise surgical techniques to further improve rectal cancer management. The ultimate goal of TME is to achieve curative resection and function preservation, thereby enhancing the patient’s quality of life. Accurate TME, multidisciplinary-based neoadjuvant therapy, refined sphincter-preserving techniques, and ongoing tumor research are essential for optimal treatment outcomes.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery in colorectal cancer management: a narrative review of clinical efficacy and multidisciplinary integration
Engeng Chen, Li Chen, Wei Zhang
Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
From the Editor: Uniting expertise, a new era of global collaboration in coloproctology
In Ja Park
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(4): 285. CrossRef
Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Hypofractionated Chemoradiotherapy in Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis
Jae Seung Kim, Jaram Lee, Hyeung-min Park, Soo Young Lee, Chang Hyun Kim, Hyeong Rok Kim
Cancers.2024; 16(24): 4280. CrossRef

Original Article

Colorectal cancer

Lymphovascular invasion in colorectal cancers: can we predict it preoperatively?: Elbrus Zarbaliyev, Nihan Turhan, Sebahattin Çelik, Mehmet Çağlıkülekçi; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(3):245-252. Published online June 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00458.0065

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Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study aimed to investigate preoperative predictors of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), which is a poor prognostic factor usually detected postoperatively in patients with colorectal cancer.
Methods
Results for all patients operated on for colorectal cancer between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2021, were retrospectively analyzed. Potential preoperative factors and postoperative pathology results were recorded. The patients were categorized as those with LVI and those without LVI. Potential factors that may be associated with LVI were compared between the 2 groups.
Results
The study included 335 patients. The incidence of LVI was 3.11 times higher in patients with ascending colon tumors (odds ratio [OR], 3.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34–7.23; P=0.008) and 4.28 times higher in those with metastatic tumors (OR, 4.28; 95% CI, 2.18–8.39; P<0.001). Diabetes mellitus was inversely related to LVI in colorectal cancer patients; specifically, LVI was 56% less common in colorectal cancer patients with diabetes mellitus, irrespective of its duration (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.25–0.76; P<0.001).
Conclusion
The presence of preoperative LVI in colorectal cancer patients is difficult to predict. In particular, the effect of the effect of factors such as chronic disease accompanied by microvascular pathologies on LVI is still unclear. Advances in the neoadjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer patients, who are becoming more widespread every day, will encourage the investigation of different methods of preoperatively predicting LVI as a poor prognostic factor in these patients.

Review

Colorectal cancer

Survival outcomes of salvage surgery in the watch-and-wait approach for rectal cancer with clinical complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Wenjie Lin, Ian Jun Yan Wee, Isaac Seow-En, Aik Yong Chok, Emile Kwong-Wei Tan; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):447-456. Published online December 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.01221.0174

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Purpose
This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the outcomes of the watch-and-wait (WW) approach versus radical surgery (RS) in rectal cancers with clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
Methods
This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. Major databases were searched to identify relevant articles. WW and RS were compared through meta-analyses of pooled proportions. Primary outcomes included overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), local recurrence, and distant metastasis rates. Pooled salvage surgery rates and outcomes were also collected. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was employed to assess the risk of bias.
Results
Eleven studies including 1,112 rectal cancer patients showing cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation were included. Of these patients, 378 were treated nonoperatively with WW, 663 underwent RS, and 71 underwent local excision. The 2-year OS (risk ratio [RR], 0.95; P = 0.94), 5-year OS (RR, 2.59; P = 0.25), and distant metastasis rates (RR, 1.05; P = 0.80) showed no significant differences between WW and RS. Local recurrence was more frequent in the WW group (RR, 6.93; P < 0.001), and 78.4% of patients later underwent salvage surgery (R0 resection rate, 97.5%). The 2-year DFS (RR, 1.58; P = 0.05) and 5-year DFS (RR, 2.07; P = 0.02) were higher among RS cases. However, after adjustment for R0 salvage surgery, DFS showed no significant between-group difference (RR, 0.82; P = 0.41).
Conclusion
Local recurrence rates are higher for WW than RS, but complete salvage surgery is often possible with similar long-term outcomes. WW is a viable strategy for rectal cancer with cCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation, but further research is required to improve patient selection.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Watch‐and‐Wait Approach Following Neoadjuvant Chemo‐Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Single‐Center Cohort Study
Georgi Kalev, Sylvia Buettner, Tianzuo Zhan, Ralf‐Dieter Hofheinz, Judit Boda‐Heggemann, Christoph Reissfelder, Steffen Seyfried, Georgi Vassilev, Julia Hardt
Journal of Surgical Oncology.2025; 131(4): 658. CrossRef
Phase 2, Multicenter, Open-label, Nonrandomized Study of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Liposomal Irinotecan With 5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin, Followed by Chemoradiotherapy in Patients With Rectal Cancer in a Watch-and-Wait Program
César Muñoz, María-C. Riesco Martinez, Lisardo Ugidos, Pilar García-Alfonso, Rafael Alvarez-Gallego, Paloma Peinado, Carmen Toledano, Luka Mihic-Góngora, Justo Gabriel Ortega Anselmi, Enrique Sanz Garcia, Emilio Vicente, Yolanda Quijano, Hipólito J. Durán
American Journal of Clinical Oncology.2025; 48(3): 142. CrossRef
Therapeutic Management of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Existing and Prospective Approaches
Horia-Dan Lișcu, Nicolae Verga, Dimitrie-Ionuț Atasiei, Andreea-Teodora Ilie, Maria Vrabie, Laura Roșu, Alexandra Poștaru, Stefania Glăvan, Adriana Lucaș, Maria Dinulescu, Andreea Delea, Andreea-Iuliana Ionescu
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2025; 14(3): 912. CrossRef
A management of patients achieving clinical complete response after neoadjuvant therapy and perspectives: on locally advanced rectal cancer
Yu-Xin Liu, Xin-Rong Yang, Lan-Qing Peng, Zhuo-Hong Li
Frontiers in Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
ACCORD study: a national multi‐centre study of the watch and wait approach in patients with rectal cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand

ANZ Journal of Surgery.2025; 95(3): 440. CrossRef
Advancing Personalized Medicine in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Francesco Giulio Sullo, Alessandro Passardi, Chiara Gallio, Chiara Molinari, Giorgia Marisi, Eleonora Pozzi, Leonardo Solaini, Alessandro Bittoni
Journal of Clinical Medicine.2024; 13(9): 2562. CrossRef
Tailoring rectal cancer surgery: Surgical approaches and anatomical insights during deep pelvic dissection for optimal outcomes in low‐lying rectal cancer
Youn Young Park, Nam Kyu Kim
Annals of Gastroenterological Surgery.2024; 8(5): 761. CrossRef
Combined Transanal and Laparoscopic Approach for Full-Thickness Local Excision of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Following Near-Complete Response after Chemotherapy
Joshua S. H. Lim, Si-Lin Koo, Iain Beehuat Tan, Isaac Seow-En
World Journal of Colorectal Surgery.2024; 13(3): 95. CrossRef

Original Articles

Colorectal cancer

Impact of consolidation chemotherapy in poor responders to neoadjuvant radiation therapy: magnetic resonance imaging–based clinical-radiological correlation in high-risk rectal cancers: Swapnil Patel, Suman Ankathi, Purvi Haria, Mufaddal Kazi, Ashwin L. Desouza, Avanish Saklani; Ann Coloproctol. 2023;39(6):474-483. Published online December 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2023.00080.0011

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Purpose
The current study was conducted to examine the role of consolidation chemotherapy after neoadjuvant radiation therapy (NART) in decreasing the involvement of the mesorectal fascia (MRF) in high-risk locally advanced rectal cancers (LARCs).
Methods
In total, 46 patients who received consolidation chemotherapy after NART due to persistent MRF involvement were identified from a database. A team of 2 radiologists, blinded to the clinical data, studied sequential magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess the tumor response and then predict a surgical plan. This prediction was then correlated with the actual procedure conducted as well as histopathological details to assess the impact of consolidation chemotherapy.
Results
The comparison of MRI-based parameters of sequential images showed significant downstaging of T2 signal intensity, tumor height, MRF involvement, diffusion restriction, and N category between sequential MRIs (P < 0.05). However, clinically relevant downstaging (standardized mean difference, > 0.3) was observed for only T2 signal intensity and diffusion restriction on diffusion-weighted imaging. No clinically relevant changes occurred in the remaining parameters; thus, no change was noted in the extent of surgery predicted by MRI. Weak agreement (Cohen κ coefficient, 0.375) and correlation (Spearman rank coefficient, 0.231) were found between MRI-predicted surgery and the actual procedure performed. The comparison of MRI-based and pathological tumor response grading also showed a poor correlation.
Conclusion
Evidence is lacking regarding the use of consolidation chemotherapy in reducing MRF involvement in LARCs. The benefit of additional chemotherapy after NART in decreasing the extent of planned surgery by reducing margin involvement requires prospective research.

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Survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk patients with colon cancer regardless of microsatellite instability
Sung Uk Bae, Jong Lyul Lee, Chun-Seok Yang, Eun Jung Park, Soo Yeun Park, Chang Woo Kim, Woong Bae Ji, Gyung Mo Son, Yoon Dae Han, So Hyun Kim, Min Sung Kim, Youn Young Park, Kyung Ha Lee, Chang Hyun Kim, Gi Won Ha, JaeIm Lee, Kyeong Eui Kim, Woon Kyung J
European Journal of Surgical Oncology.2025; 51(6): 109674. CrossRef
The conundrum of total neoadjuvant therapy in rectal cancer
Devesh S. Ballal, Tejas P. Vispute, Avanish P. Saklani
Colorectal Disease.2024; 26(5): 1068. CrossRef

Stoma

Benefits and risks of diverting stoma creation during rectal cancer surgery: Masaya Kawai, Kazuhiro Sakamoto, Kumpei Honjo, Yu Okazawa, Rina Takahashi, Shingo Kawano, Shinya Munakata, Kiichi Sugimoto, Shun Ishiyama, Makoto Takahashi, Yutaka Kojima, Yuichi Tomiki; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(5):467-473. Published online December 5, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00353.0050

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Abstract PDF

Purpose
A consensus has been reached regarding diverting stoma (DS) construction in rectal cancer surgery to avoid reoperation related to anastomotic leakage. However, the incidence of stoma-related complications (SRCs) remains high. In this study, we examined the perioperative outcomes of DS construction in patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.
Methods
We included 400 participants who underwent radical sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer between 2005 and 2017. These participants were divided into the DS (+) and DS (–) groups, and the outcomes, including postoperative complications, were compared.
Results
The incidence of ileus was higher in the DS (+) group than in the DS (–) group (P<0.01); however, no patients in the DS (+) group showed grade 3 anastomotic leakage. Furthermore, early SRCs were observed in 33 patients (21.6%) and bowel obstruction-related stoma outlet syndrome occurred in 19 patients (12.4%). There was no significant intergroup difference in the incidence of grade 3b postoperative complications. However, the most common reason for reoperation was different in the 2 groups: anastomotic leakage in 91.7% of patients with grade 3b postoperative complications in the DS (–) group, and SRCs in 85.7% of patients with grade 3b postoperative complications in the DS (+) group.
Conclusion
Patients with DS showed higher incidence rates of overall postoperative complications, severe postoperative complications (grade 3), and bowel obstruction, including stoma outlet syndrome, than patients without DS. Therefore, it is important to construct an appropriate DS to avoid SRCs and to be more selective in assigning patients for DS construction.

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Effects of Diverting Stoma Creation in Minimally Invasive Surgery for Rectal Cancer
Hirotaka Momose, Makoto Takahashi, Masaya Kawai, Kiichi Sugimoto, Hiromitsu Takahashi, Shunsuke Motegi, Kumpei Honjo, Yu Okazawa, Rina Takahashi, Shun Ishiyama, Yuichi Tomiki, Kazuhiro Sakamoto
Journal of the Anus, Rectum and Colon.2025; 9(1): 88. CrossRef
Prevalence and pooled risk factors of stoma outlet obstruction after colorectal surgery with diverting ileostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Jian-xin Gan, Hai-peng Liu, Kang Chen
International Journal of Colorectal Disease.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
A multicentre prospective study of anal function after laparoscopic ultra‐low rectal cancer surgery using a mixed‐effects model
Makoto Takahashi, Kazuhiro Sakamoto, Yuichiro Tsukada, Shingo Kawano, Jun Watanabe, Yosuke Fukunaga, Yasumitsu Hirano, Hiroki Hamamoto, Masanori Yoshimitsu, Hisanaga Horie, Nobuhisa Matsuhashi, Yoshiaki Kuriu, Shuntaro Nagai, Madoka Hamada, Shinichi Yoshi
Colorectal Disease.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Effectiveness of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mixed with Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Healing of Inflammatory Bowel Anastomoses: A Pre-Clinical Study in Rats
Georgios Geropoulos, Kyriakos Psarras, Maria Papaioannou, Vasileios Geropoulos, Argyri Niti, Christina Nikolaidou, Georgios Koimtzis, Nikolaos Symeonidis, Efstathios T. Pavlidis, Georgios Koliakos, Theodoros E. Pavlidis, Ioannis Galanis
Journal of Personalized Medicine.2024; 14(1): 121. CrossRef
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Scott MacDonald, Li‐Siang Wong, Hwei Jene Ng, Claire Hastings, Immogen Ross, Tara Quasim, Susan Moug
Colorectal Disease.2024; 26(5): 994. CrossRef
Nomogram for predicting the probability of rectal anastomotic re-leakage after stoma closure: a retrospective study
Yuegang Li, Gang Hu, Jinzhu Zhang, Wenlong Qiu, Shiwen Mei, Xishan Wang, Jianqiang Tang
BMC Cancer.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Early detection of anastomotic leakage in colon cancer surgery: the role of early warning score and C-reactive protein
Gyung Mo Son
Annals of Coloproctology.2024; 40(5): 415. CrossRef
Effect of intraoperative anastomotic reinforcement suture on the prevention of anastomotic leakage of double-stapling anastomosis for laparoscopic rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Chaoyang Wang, Xiaolong Li, Hao Lin, Jiahua Ju, Haibao Zhang, Yongjiang Yu
Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

Colorectal cancer

Validation of the Vietnamese version of the low anterior resection syndrome score questionnaire: Tuong-Anh Mai-Phan, Vu Quang Pham; Ann Coloproctol. 2024;40(6):588-593. Published online November 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3393/ac.2022.00514.0073

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Purpose
The aim of this study was to validate the low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) score questionnaire in the Vietnamese language among Vietnamese patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery for rectal cancer.
Methods
The LARS score questionnaire was translated from English into Vietnamese and then back-translated as recommended internationally. From January 2018 to December 2020, 93 patients who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery completed the Vietnamese version of the LARS score questionnaire together with an anchored question assessing the influence of bowel function on quality of life. To validate test-retest reliability, patients were requested to answer the LARS score questionnaire twice.
Results
Ninety-three patients completed the LARS score questionnaire, of whom 89 responded twice. The patients who responded twice were included in the analysis of test-retest reliability. Fifty-eight patients had a “major” LARS score. The LARS score was able to discriminate between patients who were obese and those who were not (P<0.001) and between the LAR and AR procedures (P<0.001). Age and sex were not associated with higher LARS scores (P=0.975). There was a perfect fit between the quality of life category question and the LARS score in 56.2% of cases, and a moderate fit was found in 42.7% of cases, showing reasonable convergent validity. The test-retest reliability of 89 patients showed a high intraclass correlation coefficient.
Conclusion
The Vietnamese version of the LARS score questionnaire is a valid tool for measuring LARS.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Major Low Anterior Resection Syndrome (LARS) and Quality of Life in Patients With Low Rectal Cancer: A Preoperative Survey Using LARS Score and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer’s 30-Item Core Quality of Life Questionnaire
Ly Huu Phu, Ho Tat Bang, Nguyen Viet Binh, Hoang Danh Tan, Ung Van Viet, Nguyen Trung Tin
Cureus.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

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