AIM: to assess the impact of colorectal anastomotic leakage on the severity of low anterior rectal resection syndrome and the quality of life.PATIENTS AND METHODS: the results of 375 patients with rectal tumors were analyzed. In 26 patients, surgery was complicated by anastomosis failure. For a assessment of the quality of life of patients with anastomotic leakage, each patient was matched with a pair from the group of respondents with an uncomplicated postoperative period. The quality of life was assessed in all patients using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire with the Cr-29 module.RESULTS: patients with anastomosis leakage have more severe low anterior rectal resection syndrome — 29 (17;34), versus 20 (9;28) points (p = 0.03) and a lower global score (p = 0.01), physical (p = 0.01) and social (p = 0.04) functioning. The symptom scales of the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, supplemented by the Cr-29 module, had significant differences between groups on the scales of body image (p = 0.01), fecal incontinence (p = 0.04) and embarrassment (p = 0.01).CONCLUSION: colorectal anastomosis leakage negatively affects the quality of life of patients.

INTRODUCTION: the wound following Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM) is traditionally closed by suturing. However, some studies suggest that leaving the wound open after TEM might be a viable alternative. STUDY OBJECTIVE: to compare two methods of managing rectal wounds in patients after TEM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: patients were divided into 2 groups: the main group (open wound management) and the control group (suture wound management). The primary endpoint of the study was the morbidity rate. The secondary endpoints included the need and duration of antibacterial therapy, post-op hospital stay, the severity of the inflammatory response, the wound healing time and the quality of life. RESULTS: from November 2021 to November 2023, 177 patients were included in the randomized study: 68 in the open wound management group and 109 in the suture wound group. The analysis included 50 patients in eachgroup. It was found that the operation time in the main group was significantly shorter (30 (20; 40) minutes versus 55 (40; 60), p < 0.0001). The infectious complications rate was lower in the open wound management group: 11/50 (22 %) versus 16/50 (32 %), p = 0.26; the postoperative bleeding rate was higher: 4/50 (8 %) versus 2/50 (4 %), p = 0.7. Post-op hospital stay did not differ: 6 (4;7) days versus 6 (5; 7), p = 0.22. The duration of antibiotic therapy for infectious complications was longer in the open wound management group: 6 (5;6) days versus 5 (5;6.5), p = 0.02. In the case of infectious complication the inflammatory response was higher in the group of the open wound management: white blood cell counts (15.9 (14.3; 19.5) × 109/L versus 13.1 (12; 15.6) × 109/L, p = 0.01) and temperature (38.6 ± 0.7 °C versus 38 ± 0.6 °C, p = 0.02). Wounds in both groups healed by the 30th day, and the quality of life did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: the results of the randomized study demonstrated the efficacy and safety of open rectal wound management after TEM.

INTRODUCTION: intraoperative fluorescence navigation with indocyanine green (ICG) allows visualizing possible affected lymph nodes, which hypothetically provides more precise lateral pelvic node dissection (LPND).AIM: to compare immediate results of lateral pelvic node dissection (LPND) combined with fluorescence navigation with ICG and conventional LPND for the treatment of metastatic lesions of lateral pelvic lymph nodes in patients with rectal cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODS: search was performed in the PubMed library (National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA) with keywords “indocyanine green,” “ICG“, ”lymph nodes,” “lateral lymph node dissection,” and “rectal cancer” in various combinations. Four non-randomized studies were included in meta-analysis, three retrospective and one prospective, on the outcomes of ICG use during LPND in patients with rectal cancer in the meta-analysis.RESULTS: significantly more lymph nodes were harvested in LPND + ICG group (MD = 4.5; 95% CI: 3.0–5.9; p < 0.00001). The operation time was longer in the ICG group (MD = 32.5; 95% CI: 2.8–62.3; p = 0.03). Intraoperative blood loss was higher in conventional LPND group (MD = −52.6; 95% CI: −89.8 — −15.3; p = 0.006). Hospital stay was significantly shorter in ICG group (MD = −1.2; 95% CI: −2.0 — −0.4; p = 0.003). Patients who underwent standard LPND were significantly more likely to have postoperative urinary retention (OR = 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1–0.9; p = 0.03).CONCLUSION: fluorescence navigation with ICG improves early results of LPND. Further accumulation of experience with dynamic follow-up of patients is crucial.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the immediate and long-term results of endoscopic mucosal resection with a circular incision (C-EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the treatment of patients with large benign epithelial neoplasms of the colon.PATIENTS AND METHODS: a prospective randomized comparative study was conducted from November 2020 to July 2022, included 103 patients with benign epithelial neoplasms of the colon ranging in size from 20 to 30 mm. The C-EMR method was used in 52, ESD - 51 patients.RESULTS: the removal of the tumor by the C-EMR method required statistically significantly less time, compared with the ESD method – 30 and 60 minutes, respectively (p<0.001). Intra- and postoperative complications occurred in 13(23.7%) patients in the C-EMR group and in 12(23.5%) patients in the ESD group. The most frequently reported complication was postcoagulation syndrome in the main and control groups – in 9(17.3%) and 11(21.6%) cases, respectively. It was found that the difficult location of the tumor (OR=18.3; p=0.01) and intraoperative complications (OR =37.5; p=0.04) are independent conversion factors of endoscopic intervention. The frequency of tumor removal in a en bloc and achievement of negative resection margins (R0) in the main and control groups did not significantly differ – 47(90.4%) and 49(96.1%) (p=0.4) and 40(76.9%) and 45(88.2%) (p=0.2), respectively.CONCLUSION: endoscopic mucosal resection with a circumferential incision is an effective and safe operation comparable to endoscopic submucosal dissection, and can be the method of choice for benign epithelial neoplasms of the colon with sizes from 20 to 30 mm. In addition, the duration of the operation using the C-EMR method is two times less than using ESD.

BACKGROUND: patients with rectal cancer after low anterior resections and with permanent colostomy inevitably face negative functional consequences of treatment. The question of anastomosis performing often remains unanswered. AIM: to compare the quality of life of patients with rectal cancer after low anterior resections and surgical treatment with a permanent colostomy.MATERIALS AND METHODS: literature search was performed in MEDLINE database according to PRISMA criteria using the keywords: “QoL”, “Quality of life”, “EORTC”, “low anterior resection” “rectal”, “stoma”, “ostomy” using suffixes [OR], [AND]. The meta-analysis included 9 retrospective studies with 2438 patients.RESULTS: no significant differences were found in global health status between the groups (p = 0.11). A significant difference with a worse score in ostomy patients is noted on the physical (p = 0.003), role (p = 0.002), emotional (p = 0.03) and social functioning (p = 0.004). In contrast, patients undergoing sphincter-preserving surgery have a higher incidence of constipation and diarrhea (p < 0.00001).CONCLUSION: patients with permanent stoma and after low anterior resections have comparable global health status. These patients have different profiles of disturbances in QoL patterns and functional consequences of surgery.

The purpose of the study: to identify risk factors for decreased quality of life in patients with permanent colostomy. The results of a survey of 114 patients with permanent stoma after radical surgical treatment of stage I–III rectal cancer were analyzed. The quality of life was assessed with EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire.Severe impact on the global health status (less than 50 points) was observed in 21 (18.4 %) respondents. The significant risk factors of impaired quality of life include the absence of preoperative stoma site marking (OR = 6.5, 95 %CI = 2.0–20.4; p = 0.002) and the lack of specialized stoma care service in the region of residence (OR = 4.6, 95 %CI = 1.6–13.1; p = 0.005). The emergency nature of the primary operation also had a significant negative impact on subsequent quality of life (OR = 6.1, 95 %CI = 1.8–20.1; p = 0.004). The employment had a positive effect on the quality of life of patients (OR = 0.2, 95 %CI = 0.07–0.9; p = 0.024). Conclusion. The quality of life of patients with a permanent colostomy after radical surgery for rectal cancer depends on several factors. The absence of preoperative stoma site marking, inaccessibility of the rehabilitation service for colostomy patients in the region, and surgery emergency negatively affect the quality of life of this category of patients.

BACKGROUND: The number of people with intestinal stomas in Russia reaches 140 thousand people according to the registry of stoma patients. For any outcomes stoma on the anterior abdominal wall has an extremely negative effect on the body image and quality of life of this patient.AIM: Validation and cultural adaptation of the CIS questionnaire in the Russian Federation.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The official translation of the CIS questionnaire was performed according to current WHO and EORTC guidelines. The study involved 209 patients from 9 centers (3 national and 6 regional) from different districts of Russia.RESULTS: The stoma impact on quality-of-life questionnaire showed an inverse negative relationship with the EORTC QLQ-C30 global quality of life scale, physical, role, emotional and social functioning (all p<0,05).CONCLUSION: The CIS Questionnaire reliably identifies a group of patients with a significant impairment in the quality of life and can be used in Russia.

Background : metastasis in lateral pelvic lymph nodes (LPLN) occurred in 6–15% of patients with middle or low rectal cancer. Currently there are still no criteria of diagnosis of this. There is no generally accepted management this group of the patients. Aim : to systematize the available literature data about lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in patients with rectal cancer. Materials and Methods : literature search was performed in the PubMed and e-Library databases using the keywords: LLND, lateral lymph node, rectal cancer, lymphodissection. The search date: July 2023. Results : preoperative CRT with total mesorectumectomy supplemented with selective LTLD for suspected metastases seems to be a rational strategy to achieve a favorable oncological treatment outcome. Conclusion : Additional studies are required.

Background: transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a safe method of local excision of benign tumor and early cancer. Emphysema is rare complication after transanal procedures, occurring only in 1.5%. There is no accepted approach for these patients. AIM: definition and treatment options of ectopic air after TEM.Materials and Methods: the search was performed using PubMed and e-Library database with the following keywords: «transanal», «emphysema», «microsurgery», «pneumoperitoneum». Data about patients, symptoms, complications, treatment and results were extracted and systematized.Results: the clinical emphysema rate after TEM was 0,02%. The most frequent symptoms is crepitation in lower abdomen and fever. Increase in C-reactive protein level and leukocytosis — important markers. The method of choice for diagnosis is computed tomography. Management of emphysema symptoms is possible with conservative methods.Conclusion: the accumulation of experience in the treatment of emphysema after TEM will allow a unified approach of managing these patients.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze early and long-term outcomes after total mesorectal excision (TME) and transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in patients with T1 rectal cancer.MATERIAL AND METHODS:A retrospective non-randomized comparative study included 2 groups of patients: group 1 - total mesorectal excision, group 2 - transanal endoscopic microsurgery. In the second group, total mesorectal excision was proposed for patients with tumor invasion depth pT1sm3 and/or lymphovascular invasion and/or low differentiation. If total mesorectal excision was performed as a salvage surgery, the patient was excluded from further analysis.RESULTS:There were 156 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma pT1 between October 2011 and August 2019 (102 cases - TEM, 54 cases - TME). We excluded 10 patients from the TEM group due to salvage surgery. Duration of TEM was 40.0 (34; 50) min, TME - 139 (120; 180) min (p=0.00001). Postoperative hospital-stay was also significantly less in the TEM group (7 (6; 9) vs. 10 (7; 11) days, p=0.00001). Six (6.5%) patients in the TEM group and 1 (1.8%) patient in the TME group developed a local recurrence in pelvic cavity (p=0.1). There were no distant metastases. Disease-free 3-year survival was 92% after TEM and 96% after TME (p=0.058).CONCLUSION:Transanal endoscopic microsurgery is a relatively safe alternative to total mesorectal excision for early rectal cancer.

AIM: to identify risk factors for burnout of healthcare employees and to identify the most vulnerable category of practicing physicians.PATIENTS AND METHODS: an observational study based on a public survey started from June to August 2022. The validated Maslach Burnout Inventory questionnaire was used as a burnout assessment tool. An integral burnout index was calculated, on the basis of which significant risk factors were analyzed. The results obtained are presented in the form of a predictive nomogram.RESULTS: the high degree of emotional burnout in Russia among doctors reaches 32%. The most significant professional risk factors are relationships between colleagues (p = 0.0002), overtime work (p = 0.006), work in outpatient unit (p = 0.006), with severe patients (p = 0.008) and uneven planning of work activities (0.0004). The protective factors are: family (p = 0.001), sports (p = 0.001), meditation (p = 0.005) and talking about own problems (p = 0.01).CONCLUSION: burnout is a multifactorial problem. The proposed nomogram is useful for identification of the most vulnerable specialists.

OBJECTIVE:To compare early (resection quality, complication rate, surgery time) and long-term (recurrence rate) outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus endoscopic mucosal resection.MATERIAL AND METHODS:A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Data were analyzed using the Rewiew Manager 5.3 software.RESULTS:The study included 8 manuscripts including 6 retrospective trials, 1 case-control and only 1 prospective study. These studies comprised the results of endoscopic resection of 1989 colonic tumors (EMR - 748, ESD - 1241). ESD is associated with higher incidence of en-bloc resection (OR 0.13; 95% CI 0.03 0.49; p=0.003) and R0 resection (OR 0.23; 95% CI 0.05 1.02; p=0.05) compared to EMR. Local recurrence rate is 13 times higher after EMR compared to ESD (OR 13.94; 95% CI 6.3 30.8; p=0.00001). However, ESD is followed by 4 times higher risk of colon wall perforation (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.08 0.81; p=0.02).CONCLUSION:ESD is more advisable regarding resection quality compared to EMR. However, higher incidence of perforations, surgery time and technical features of ESD do not allow us to unambiguously interpret the results of our meta-analysis and determine the optimal surgical approach.

Aim: to identify risk factors for neoplasms recurrence removed by endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).Patients and methods: the single-center retrospective observational study included 207 patients with 260 benign colon neoplasms. There were 95 (45.9%) males and 112 (54.1%) females. The median age of the patients was 67 (27-80) years. The results obtained were assessed using following criteria: morbidity rate, complication type, hospital stay, tumor site, number of neoplasms in colon, lateral growth, fragmentation rate, technical difficulties (mucosal fold convergence)during surgery, grade of dysplasia, recurrence rate.Results: intraoperative fragmentation of the neoplasms during mucosectomy occurred in 48/260 (18.5%) cases. Postoperative complications within the period of up to 30 days occurred in 13/207 (6.3%) patients. The most frequent 9 (4.2%) postoperative complication arising after mucosectomy was post-polypectomy syndrome. Another 4 (2.0%) patients produced bleeding after the surgery, which required repeated endoscopic procedure. No mortality occurred. The tumor size exceeding 25 mm (Exp (B) = 0.179; 95% CI = 0.05-0.7; p = 0.014), severe dysplasia (Exp (B) = 0.113; 95% CI = 0.03-0.4; p = 0.001) and fold convergence (Exp (B) = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.07-0.7; p = 0.015) are independent risk factors for disease recurrence.Conclusion: mucosectomy is indicated for colon adenomas if its size does not exceed 25 mm and can be removed en bloc.

Aim: to analyze the diagnostic value of the digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, MRI and ERUS for detecting occult adenocarcinoma in rectal adenomas.Patients and methods: the study included 100 patients with newly identified epithelial rectal neoplasms, which undergone transanal endoscopic microsurgery from December 2019 to December 2020. All the patients underwent digital rectal examination, colonoscopy, ERUS with sonoelastography, and pelvic MRI. The diagnostics value of this methods was estimated with determination of sensitivity and specificity.Results: the study included 67 (67%) females and 33 (33%) males. The mean age of the patients was 64.4 ± 10.7 years. The median distance from the tumor to the anal verge was 6.0 ± 2.9 cm. The sensitivity of the digital rectal examination in the occult malignancy verification was 0.44 (95% CI 0.24–0.65), specificity — 0.93 (95% CI 0.85–0.97). The sensitivity of the colonoscopy — 0.56 (95% CI 0.34–0.75), the specificity — 0.84 (95% CI 0.73–0.91). The sensitivity of MRI — 0.40 (95% CI 0.21–0.61), specificity — 0.89 (95% CI 0.80–0.95). The sensitivity of ERUS was 0.48 (95% CI 0.27–0.68), the specificity — 0.73 (95% CI 0.61–0.82). Pair wise comparison of diagnostic methods revealed the absence of significant differences in their diagnostic value (p > 0.05).Conclusion: at least one of diagnostic methods allows to verify the presence of malignant transformation in 100% of cases. So, only combination of diagnostic methods can help to choose the optimal treatment option.

Aim: to develop a conservative rehabilitation program for patients with severe symptoms of LARS.Patients and methods: since January 2019, 50 patients after low anterior resection were included in the study. The main group included 25 patients who underwent biofeedback therapy and tibial neuromodulation in 3–6 months after surgery. Functional results before and after treatment were evaluated by anorectal manometry. The control group included 25 patients, according to the Propensity score matching.Results: the median score on the LARS scale, in the main group was 41.0 ± 2.8 points, in the control — 38 ± 4. With sphincterometry, the median pressure at rest before treatment was 30.0 ± 7.8, with a voluntary contraction of 140.6 ± 56.0 mm Hg. After the conservative treatment, patients in the main group had significantly better results: the median score on the LARS scale decreased from 41 ± 2.8 to 17 ± 8 points (p < 0.0001), the median pressure after treatment increased from 30.0 ± 7.8 to 36.0 ± 8.0 (p = 0.004), with a voluntary contraction from 140.6 ± 56.0 to 157.5 ± 53.2 mmHg (p = 0.008). Comparing the results of the questionnaire of the main group with the control group after the stoma closure and after 12 months, it turned out that in the main group there was a significant decrease in the severity of LARS: 17.0 ± 8.0 scores vs. 35.0 ± 4.5 (p = 0.0003), which shows an improvement in the tone and contractility of the sphincter after conservative treatment.Conclusion: comprehensive biofeedback therapy and tibial neuromodulation improves the functional results of patients with severe LARS.

Aim: to compare the early and long-term results of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and conventional polypectomy for benign epithelial colon neoplasmsPatients and methods: the retrospective study included 344 patients with histologically verified adenomas of the size of up to 40 mm in the colon, who underwent EMR or conventional polypectomy. Mucosectomy (EMR) was performed in 207 patients, while conventional polypectomy was performed in 137.Results: there were no significant differences in the postoperative morbidity rates between the methods (OR = 1.8; 95% CI = 0.7–4.8, p = 0.3). Fragmentation significantly more often occurred in the group of conventional polypectomy (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 2.3–5.5, p = 0.001, especially when the size of the neoplasm was over 1 cm (OR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.1–8.9 = 0.037). Recurrence occurred in 19/173 (10.9%) in 12 (8.3%) patients of the EMR group. In the polypectomy group, recurrence developed in 22 (23.1%) patients, in 24/108 (22.2%) cases at the site of the postoperative scar. It was found that the adenoma recurrence in the area of endoscopic excision occurs significantly more often after conventional polypectomy (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.2–4.4; p = 0.016).Conclusion: EMR and conventional polypectomy both are the safe methods with low morbidity rates. However, the EMR is the preferred method of endoscopic excision for adenomas larger than 1 cm due to the fact that it allows for deeper and more complete resection of the tissue than conventional polypectomy.

Aim: search for modifiable and unmodifiable risk factors affecting the quality of life of patients after rectal cancer surgery.Materials and methods: the literature search was done according to the keywords: quality of life, rectal cancer, low anterior resection syndrome. Twelve prospective randomized studies, 2 cohort studies, and 2 meta-analyses are included in the study. The quality of life was assessed in the analyzed studies by using questionnaires for cancer patients and updated questionnaires for colorectal cancer: EORTC QLQ-CR29, QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR38, BIQ.Results: the literary data on influence of gender, age, surgery, stoma, and chemoradiotherapy on life quality of patients after rectal cancer surgery was analyzed.Conclusion: the most significant factor affecting the life quality of patients with rectal cancer is a violation of the body image if it is necessary to form the stoma on the anterior abdominal wall. The manifestations of the low anterior resection syndrome and the urination problems are significant risk factors in the case of restoration of bowel continuity.

Introduction — Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a socially significant problem that impedes social adaptation and contributes to deterioration of life quality in patients. The objective of this study was to search for the category of patients most prone to major LARS, as well as to identify the factors determining the severity of this syndrome manifestations. Material and Methods — Systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The study selected publications that included the functional results of treatment of patients operated for rectal cancer. Functional impairments were assessed according to the international LARS Score. Statistical analysis was performed using the inverse-variance weighted average method (IVW) with calculation of the odds ratio logarithm and standard error of the mean. Results — After a critical search and analysis of all literature sources, eight studies were found suitable for meta-analysis. In total, 1042 patients (796 men and 246 women) were included into statistical analysis, 409 of which (39.2%) had symptoms of major LARS. Chemotherapy was performed on 637 (62.5%) patients, while 568 subjects (55.5%) underwent radiation therapy, and anastomotic leaks were described in 89 (8.5%) people. According to the results of the meta-analysis, statistically significant factors were: preventative ostomy (OR=3.32, 95% CI 1.99-5.55, p<0.00001), chemotherapy (OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.23-3, 19, p=0.005), radiation therapy (OR=5.00, 95% CI 2.73-9.13, p <0.00001), anastomotic leaks (OR=2.93, 95% CI 2.30-3, 73, p<0.00001), anal verge distance from anastomosis site (OR=2.61, 95% CI 1.47-4.62, p=0.001). Conclusion — The results of our meta-analysis allowed us identifying the group of rectal cancer patients most vulnerable to LARS. The risk of developing severe functional disorders is significantly higher in patients with low colorectal anastomosis, as well as in patients undergoing neoadjuvant radiation therapy.

AIM: to compare multiparametric endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and enhanced imaging colonoscopy in the diagnosis of early colorectal cancer.PATIENTS AND METHODS: the study included 78 patients with epithelial rectal tumor. All the patients underwent multiparametric ERUS and colonoscopy with examination by narrow beam imaging (NBI) at optical magnification. All the patients were operated.RESULTS: a morphological examination removed specimens revealed adenomas in 48 cases, in 19 specimens – adenocarcinomas in situ and T1, and in 11 specimens – adenocarcinomas with invasion of the muscle layer or deeper. When calculating the accuracy indicators of diagnostic methods for groups of patients with adenoma, Tis-T1 adenocarcinoma, and T2-T3 adenocarcinoma, the difference in the sensitivity and specificity of the methods in none of the presented groups did not reach the level of statistical significance (p>0.05).ROC analysis showed that ultrasound has a prognostic value comparable to colonoscopy. The area difference was 0.013 (p=0.85).CONCLUSION: endoscopy and ultrasound have similar value in the diagnosis of malignant transformation of rectal adenomas.