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Surgical Oncology


Surgical Oncology Organisations
Specalist Journals
Recent Research

Surgical Oncology Organisations (13 links)

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    World Federation of Surgical Oncology SocietiesWFSOS International
    Austrian Society of Surgical OncologyASSO Austria
    BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery BASO UK
    Belgian Society of Surgical Oncology - BSSOBSSO   Belgium
    Canadian Society for Surgical OncologyCSSO   Canada
    Egyptian Society of Surgical OncologyEGSSO Egypt
    European Society of Surgical OncologyESSO Europe
    Indian Association of Surgical OncologyIASO India
    Dutch Society for Surgical OncologyNVCO Netherlands
    Philippines Surgical Oncology Society   Philippines
    Royal Australasian College of Surgeons - Surgical Oncology Section Australia
    Society of Surgical OncologySOS USA
    Surgical Oncology Society of PakistanSOS-PK Pakistan

    Specalist Journals (8 links)

    See also: Oncology Journals

    Recent Research

    Steffey MA
    Principles and Applications of Surgical Oncology in Exotic Animals.
    Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 2017; 20(1):235-254 [PubMed] Related Publications
    The diagnosis and treatment of cancer in exotic species is a rapidly evolving area of veterinary medicine. In general, surgical excision remains pivotal in cancer treatment, although optimal outcomes are achieved when a coherent and thorough diagnostic and therapeutic plan is created prior to surgery. While surgical cure is not always achieveable, multimodal treatment plans can offer a variety of options, and palliative procedures may be used to improve quality of life. Treatment goals, whether curative intent or palliative intent, should be identified before surgery, and practitioners should endeavor to adhere to surgical principles in order to attain the best outcomes.

    Ragbir M, Brown JS, Mehanna H
    Reconstructive considerations in head and neck surgical oncology: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines.
    J Laryngol Otol. 2016; 130(S2):S191-S197 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
    This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. The reconstructive needs following ablative surgery for head and neck cancer are unique and require close attention to both form and function. The vast experience accrued with microvascular reconstructive surgery has meant a significant expansion in the options available. This paper discusses the options for reconstruction available following ablative surgery for head and neck cancer and offers recommendations for reconstruction in the various settings. Recommendations • Microsurgical free flap reconstruction should be the primary reconstructive option for most defects of the head and neck that need tissue transfer. (R) • Free flaps should be offered as first choice of reconstruction for all patients needing circumferential pharyngoesophageal reconstruction. (R) • Free flap reconstruction should be offered for patients with class III or higher defects of the maxilla. (R) • Composite free tissue transfer should be offered as first choice to all patients needing mandibular reconstruction. (R) • Patients undergoing salvage total laryngectomy should be offered vascularised flap reconstruction to reduce pharyngocutaneous fistula rates. (R).

    Ortolani JB, Tershak DR, Ferrara JJ, Paget CJ
    The Goalposts Have Moved: Can Surgery Residents Meet Updated Quality Benchmarks for Adenoma Detection Rate in Colonoscopy?
    Am Surg. 2016; 82(9):835-8 [PubMed] Related Publications
    The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE)/American College of Gastroenterology Task Force (ACGTF) on Quality in Endoscopy released updated quality benchmarks for colonoscopy in 2015. Our initial study concluded that surgery residents could perform safe and competent screening colonoscopy within a structured endoscopy curriculum. In this follow-up study, we sought to determine whether surgery residents could achieve the increased adenoma detection rate (ADR) benchmarks endorsed by the ASGE/ACGTF. An Institutional Review Board-approved prospective analysis of colonoscopies performed by five postgraduate year 2 and 3 general surgery residents from 2013 to 2015 was completed. All colonoscopies were performed under the direct supervision of surgical endoscopists after each resident passed a structured endoscopy simulation curriculum. The following ASGE/ACG quality metrics were recorded: bowel preparation quality; cecal intubation rate; polyp and ADRs; and, complications. Power analysis determined that 108 procedures were required for an 80 per cent probability of data analysis accuracy. About 135 screening and diagnostic colonoscopies were performed. Bowel prep was considered "adequate" in 90 per cent of cases. The cecum was reached independently in 95 per cent of cases. Polyp(s) were visualized and removed in 39 per cent of patients. The overall ADR was 31.8 per cent (>25%). Male ADR was 38.7 per cent (>30%). Female ADR was 26.0 per cent (>20%). Average polyp size was 8.7 mm (range: 1-22 mm). One patient was readmitted for postpolypectomy syndrome, and successfully managed nonoperatively. In conclusion, using our structured endoscopy curriculum, surgery residents achieved ADRs fully consistent with the updated benchmark values endorsed by the ASGE/ACGTF.

    Yen TW, Li J, Sparapani RA, et al.
    The interplay between hospital and surgeon factors and the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for breast cancer.
    Medicine (Baltimore). 2016; 95(31):e4392 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: Several surgeon characteristics are associated with the use of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for breast cancer. No studies have systematically examined the relative contribution of both surgeon and hospital factors on receipt of SLNB.
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between surgeon and hospital characteristics, including a novel claims-based classification of hospital commitment to cancer care (HC), and receipt of SLNB for breast cancer, a marker of quality care.
    DATA SOURCES/STUDY DESIGN: Observational prospective survey study was performed in a population-based cohort of Medicare beneficiaries who underwent incident invasive breast cancer surgery, linked to Medicare claims, state tumor registries, American Hospital Association Annual Survey Database, and American Medical Association Physician Masterfile. Multiple logistic regression models determined surgeon and hospital characteristics that were predictors of SLNB.
    RESULTS: Of the 1703 women treated at 471 different hospitals by 947 different surgeons, 65% underwent an initial SLNB. Eleven percent of hospitals were high-volume and 58% had a high commitment to cancer care. In separate adjusted models, both high HC (odds ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12-2.10) and high hospital volume (HV, OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.28-2.79) were associated with SLNB. Adding surgeon factors to a model including both HV and HC minimally modified the effect of high HC (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.95-1.88) but significantly weakened the effect of high HV (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.82-1.90). Surgeon characteristics (higher volume and percentage of breast cancer cases) remained strong independent predictors of SLNB, even when controlling for various hospital characteristics.
    CONCLUSIONS: Hospital factors are associated with receipt of SLNB but surgeon factors have a stronger association. Since regionalization of breast cancer care in the U.S. is unlikely to occur, efforts to improve the surgical care and outcomes of breast cancer patients must focus on optimizing patient access to SLNB by ensuring hospitals have the necessary resources and training to perform SLNB, staffing hospitals with surgeons who specialize/focus in breast cancer and referring patients who do not have access to SLNB to an experienced center.

    Nagendran ST, Lee NG, Fay A, et al.
    Orbital exenteration: The 10-year Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary experience.
    Orbit. 2016; 35(4):199-206 [PubMed] Related Publications
    The authors report their experience with orbital exenteration surgery at one academic institution over a 10-year period and review the literature. This retrospective cohort study monitored outcomes of all patients who underwent orbital exenteration surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 2003 and January 2013. Patients with no follow-up data or survival data were excluded from the study. The main outcome measures were surgical complications, disease status of surgical margins, need for adjuvant treatment, local recurrence, metastases and survival. 23 patients with malignancy and 2 with mucormycosis met inclusion criteria for the study. Surgical procedures included non-lid sparing total exenteration (44%), lid-sparing total exenteration (32%), non-lid sparing partial exenteration (8%) and lid-sparing partial exenteration (16%). 44% underwent additional extra-orbital procedures. Survival rates were 72% at 1 year, 48% at 3 years, and 37% at 5 years. Of patients with malignancies, 48% had clear margins after exenteration. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between patients with negative surgical margins compared to positive margins (p = 0.12). Mortality was highest in patients with melanoma (85.7%) and lowest in patients with non-squamous cell lid malignancies (0%). Our study suggests that the type of disease has a much greater impact on the survival of patients undergoing exenteration surgery than the type of exenteration surgery or the disease status of surgical margins. Patients with non-squamous cell lid malignancies and localized orbital disease have the best prognosis for tumor eradication from this radical and highly disfiguring surgery.

    Are C, Berman RS, Wyld L, et al.
    Global curriculum in surgical oncology.
    Eur J Surg Oncol. 2016; 42(6):754-66 [PubMed] Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: The significant global variations in surgical oncology training paradigms can have a detrimental effect on tackling the rising global cancer burden. While some variations in training are essential to account for the differences in types of cancer and biology, the fundamental principles of providing care to a cancer patient remain the same. The development of a global curriculum in surgical oncology with incorporated essential standards could be very useful in building an adequately trained surgical oncology workforce, which in turn could help in tackling the rising global cancer burden.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaders of the Society of Surgical Oncology and European Society of Surgical Oncology convened a global curriculum committee to develop a global curriculum in surgical oncology.
    RESULTS: A global curriculum in surgical oncology was developed to incorporate the required domains considered to be essential in training a surgical oncologist. The curriculum was constructed in a modular fashion to permit flexibility to suit the needs of the different regions of the world. Similarly, recognizing the various sociocultural, financial and cultural influences across the world, the proposed curriculum is aspirational and not mandatory in intent.
    CONCLUSIONS: A global curriculum was developed which may be considered as a foundational scaffolding for training surgical oncologists worldwide. It is envisioned that this initial global curriculum will provide a flexible and modular scaffolding that can be tailored by individual countries or regions to train surgical oncologists in a way that is appropriate for practice in their local environment.

    Digesu CS, Hofferberth SC, Grinstaff MW, Colson YL
    From Diagnosis to Treatment: Clinical Applications of Nanotechnology in Thoracic Surgery.
    Thorac Surg Clin. 2016; 26(2):215-28 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/05/2017 Related Publications
    Nanotechnology is an emerging field with potential as an adjunct to cancer therapy, particularly thoracic surgery. Therapy can be delivered to tumors in a more targeted fashion, with less systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles may aid in diagnosis, preoperative characterization, and intraoperative localization of thoracic tumors and their lymphatics. Focused research into nanotechnology's ability to deliver both diagnostics and therapeutics has led to the development of nanotheranostics, which promises to improve the treatment of thoracic malignancies through enhanced tumor targeting, controlled drug delivery, and therapeutic monitoring. This article reviews nanoplatforms, their unique properties, and the potential for clinical application in thoracic surgery.

    Teloken PE, Spilsbury K, Platell C,
    Analysis of mortality in colorectal surgery in the Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit.
    ANZ J Surg. 2016; 86(6):454-8 [PubMed] Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: In the last decade, there has been a significant increase in interest for public reporting of outcome data and performance comparison across institutions and surgeons. This study aims at comparing postoperative mortality after colorectal cancer surgery across units and individual consultants in Australia and New Zealand using funnel plots.
    METHODS: The Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit database was used. Unadjusted and adjusted funnel plots of inpatient mortality were constructed. Risk adjustment was based upon multivariable logistic regression models using purposeful covariate selection.
    RESULTS: A total of 10 008 patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer from 56 surgical units and 90 consultants were identified. Overall inpatient mortality was 1.51%, corresponding to 1.1% for elective and 3.9% for urgent cases. Logistic regression identified age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, urgent surgery and open surgery to be independently associated with inpatient mortality. Unadjusted and adjusted funnel plot analysis identified three (5.3%) units exceeding the inner limit and none exceeding the outer limit. Six (6.6%) consultants had inpatient mortality between the upper inner and outer limits and one (1.1%) between the inferior inner and outer limits. Upon adjustment, seven (7.7%) consultants had inpatient mortality between the inner and outer limit. Potential limitations of this study include: residual confounding being responsible for the association of open surgery and mortality; incomplete case-mix adjustment resulting in outlier identification; and bias towards inclusion of larger institutions.
    CONCLUSION: Mortality figures in Australia and New Zealand are comparable to recently reported international data. The vast majority of units and consultants are performing within the expected boundaries.

    Losken A, Kapadia S, Egro FM, et al.
    Current Opinion on the Oncoplastic Approach in the USA.
    Breast J. 2016; 22(4):437-41 [PubMed] Related Publications
    The management of women with breast cancer who wish to preserve their breasts often includes partial reconstruction at the time of tumor resection. This is referred to as the oncoplastic approach and has been shown to improve outcomes. The purpose of this review was to better understand the current surgeon mindset relative to the oncoplastic approach. A survey was designed to understand demographics and opinions on partial breast reconstruction at the time of tumor resection. This was disseminated to the registered members of the American Society of Breast Surgeons as well the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) through an online system and comparisons were made. There were 422 responders in the ABS and 214 responders in the ASPS for a response rate of 14.8% and 9.1%, respectively. Most (69.7%) breast surgeons felt that partial breast reconstruction following lumpectomy was not limited in their practice. Fifty percent of plastic surgeons felt that it was limited because they were not getting the referrals. Both groups agreed that complex partial reconstructions were best performed using the team approach. Margin involvement was a major concern in both groups, and the groups agreed that the aesthetic benefits were a major driving force. Future adoption of these techniques will rely on increased training and increased awareness of these procedures. There tends to be general agreement surrounding the concerns and benefits of immediately reconstructing the partial mastectomy defect. Disparity does exist between the two groups in terms of delivery likely due to the system-based inadequacies in the USA. This represents an area for improvement.

    Schebesch KM, Brawanski A, Hohenberger C, Hohne J
    Fluorescein Sodium-Guided Surgery of Malignant Brain Tumors: History, Current Concepts, and Future Project.
    Turk Neurosurg. 2016; 26(2):185-94 [PubMed] Related Publications
    Fluorescein sodium (FL)-guided resection has become an important and beneficial treatment method for malignant brain tumors. FL-guided resection improves the rate of gross total resection in high-grade gliomas (HGG) and cerebral metastases (CM). FL sensitively visualizes the disruption of the blood-brain barrier in the area surrounding malignant lesions, similar to contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MR sequences. This review of the current literature summarizes the history of FL in neurosurgery from 1946 until today. We discuss the molecular mechanism of FL accumulation in cerebral malignant tumors and provide an overview of the current practice of using FL and applying a dedicated surgical microscope filter. Additionally, we outline and discuss ongoing trials and future projects.

    Lewis CM, Aloia TA, Shi W, et al.
    Development and Feasibility of a Specialty-Specific National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP): The Head and Neck-Reconstructive Surgery NSQIP.
    JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016; 142(4):321-7 [PubMed] Related Publications
    IMPORTANCE: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) serves the need for continual quality assessment in general surgery. Previously, no parallel mechanism specific to head and neck oncologic surgery existed.
    OBJECTIVE: To address the need for continual quality assessment in subspecialty surgery by adapting the ACS NSQIP platform for complex head and neck oncologic surgical procedures.
    DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: With an institutional ACS NSQIP team's guidance, surgeons from the departments of head and neck surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery developed disease- and procedure-specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables specific to head and neck surgery requiring reconstruction. Collection occurred with 100% sampling and standard ACS NSQIP 30-day follow-up. After a pilot period, long-term functional outcomes were added to this platform. A total of 312 patients underwent head and neck surgery requiring reconstruction at an academic medical center between August 1, 2012, and June 30, 2013.
    EXPOSURES: Development of a specialty-specific head and neck surgery ACS NSQIP platform.
    MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The feasibility of adapting the ACS NSQIP platform to capture complex head and neck surgery metrics in all patients.
    RESULTS: Head and neck surgery-specific preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were added to the ACS NSQIP platform and evaluated in 312 patients (201 [64.4%] male). Only 42 patients (13.5%) had no preoperative risk factors, and 136 (43.6%) had 3 or more risk factors. The mean (SD) duration of operation was 9.4 (3.0) hours (range, 1.7-19.3 hours). The mean (SD) postoperative length of stay was 7.9 (4.7) days (range, 1-40 days), 58 patients (18.6%) had an unplanned return to the operating room, 23 patients (7.4%) were readmitted within 30 days, and 3 patients (1.0%) died within 30 days. More than half of the patients (160 [51.3%]) did not experience a postoperative occurrence.
    CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive complex oncologic surgery outcomes platform derived from ACS NSQIP methods. The initial pilot demonstrates the ability to systematically capture head and neck surgery-specific variables with complete sampling. With multi-institutional expansion, increased accrual, and long-term patient-reported outcomes, we hope to set risk-adjusted benchmarks that may underpin quality improvement efforts in complex head and neck surgery.

    Kwaan MR, Weight CJ, Carda SJ, et al.
    Abdominal closure protocol in colorectal, gynecologic oncology, and urology procedures: a randomized quality improvement trial.
    Am J Surg. 2016; 211(6):1077-83 [PubMed] Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: Prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) can improve surgical quality through reductions in morbidity and cost. We sought to determine whether the abdominal closure protocol, in isolation, decreases SSI at an academic teaching hospital.
    METHODS: Adult patients undergoing laparotomy were prospectively randomized to an abdominal closure protocol, which includes unused sterile instruments and equipment at fascial closure, or usual care. A 30-day SSI rates were compared. General surgery, colorectal, urology, or gynecologic oncology patients undergoing anticipated wound classification II cases were eligible.
    RESULTS: Overall SSI rates were 11.6% in patients randomized to protocol closure vs 12.4% for usual care (total n = 233; P = .85). The abdominal closure protocol and usual care groups had similar rates of superficial (4.5% vs 4.1%; P = .9), deep (.9% vs 0%, P = .3), organ-space SSI rates (6.2% vs 8.3%, P = .55), and wound dehiscence (2.7% vs 5.3%; P = .24).
    CONCLUSIONS: An abdominal closure protocol did not decrease the rate of SSI and is likely not a key intervention for SSI reduction.

    Azin A, Jimenez MC, Cleghorn MC, et al.
    Discrepancy between gastroenterologists' and general surgeons' perspectives on repeat endoscopy in colorectal cancer.
    Can J Surg. 2016; 59(1):29-34 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/05/2017 Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: A myriad of localization options are available to endoscopists for colorectal cancer (CRC); however, little is known about the use of such techniques and their relation to repeat endoscopy before CRC surgery. We examined the localization practices of gastroenterologists and compared their perceptions toward repeat endoscopy to those of general surgeons.
    METHODS: We distributed a survey to practising gastroenterologists through a provincial repository. Univariate analysis was performed using the χ² test.
    RESULTS: Gastroenterologists (n = 69) reported using anatomical landmarks (91.3%), tattooing (82.6%) and image capture (73.9%) for tumour localization. The majority said they would tattoo lesions that could not be removed by colonoscopy (91.3%), high-risk polyps (95.7%) and large lesions (84.1%). They were equally likely to tattoo lesions planned for laparoscopic (91.3%) or open (88.4%) resection. Rectal lesions were less likely to be tattooed (20.3%) than left-sided (89.9%) or right-sided (85.5%) lesions. Only 1.4% agreed that repeat endoscopy is the standard of care, whereas 38.9% (n = 68) of general surgeons agreed (p < 0.001). General surgeons were more likely to agree that an incomplete initial colonoscopy was an indication for repeat endoscopy (p = 0.040). Further, 56% of general surgeons indicated that the findings of repeat endoscopy often lead to changes in the operative plan.
    CONCLUSION: Discrepancies exist between gastroenterologists and general surgeons with regards to perceptions toward repeat endoscopy and its indications. This is especially significant given that repeat endoscopy often leads to change in surgical management. Further research is needed to formulate practice recommendations that guide the use of repeat endoscopy, tattoo localization and quality reporting.

    Mehralivand S, Neisius A, Thomas C, et al.
    Treatment of cT1a Renal Tumours in Germany: A Nationwide Survey.
    Urol Int. 2016; 96(3):337-44 [PubMed] Related Publications
    OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical parameters influencing German urologists treating cT1a renal tumours, we performed a nationwide survey among members of the German urological associations (DGU and BDU).
    MATERIAL AND METHODS: In spring 2012, DGU and BDU members were invited to complete our survey. For 8 cases and 3 index patients, participants were asked about their preferred treatment. Multivariate analyses were used to identify significant parameters leading the responders to favour radical nephrectomy (RN) over nephron sparing surgery (NSS) as well as active surveillance (AS) over invasive treatment.
    RESULTS: Three hundred six (7.4%) forms were included in our analysis. In patients with larger tumours (4 vs. 2 cm, OR 3.16), endophytic growth (endophytic vs. exophytic, OR 2.70), hilar tumour location (perihilar vs. polar, OR 14.37), normal renal function (normal vs. decreased, OR 1.92) and elderly patients (elderly vs. young, OR 2.14) RN was preferred. Based on decreased renal function (decreased vs. normal, OR 12.74), elderly (elderly vs. young, OR 14.31) and hilar tumour location (perihilar vs. polar, OR 2.14), 77.2% of respondents recommended AS for selected patients. Treating physician factors had no influence on the treatment preference.
    CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with small tumours and impaired renal function were candidates for AS. Younger patients mainly underwent NSS. However, when the tumours' location was endophytic or hilar, RN was recommended.

    Kozower BD, O'Brien SM, Kosinski AS, et al.
    The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Composite Score for Rating Program Performance for Lobectomy for Lung Cancer.
    Ann Thorac Surg. 2016; 101(4):1379-86; discussion 1386-7 [PubMed] Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) has developed multidimensional composite quality measures for common cardiac surgery procedures. This first composite measure for general thoracic surgery evaluates STS participant performance for lobectomy in lung cancer patients.
    METHODS: The STS lobectomy composite score is composed of two outcomes: risk-adjusted mortality; and any-or-none, risk-adjusted major complications. General Thoracic Surgery Database data were included from 2011 to 2014 to provide adequate sample size, and 95% Bayesian credible intervals were used to determine "star ratings." The STS participants were also compared with national benchmarks (including non-STS participants) using the National Inpatient Sample. Comparisons of discharge mortality, postoperative length of stay, and percent of stage I lung cancers resected using minimally invasive approaches are not included in star ratings but will be reported to participants in STS feedback reports.
    RESULTS: The study population included 20,657 lobectomy patients from 231 participating centers. Operative mortality was 1.5%, major complication rate was 9.6%, and median postoperative length of stay was 4 days. Risk-adjusted mortality and major complication rates varied threefold from highest performing (three-star) to lowest performing (one-star) programs. Approximately 5% of participants were one-star, 7% were three-star, and 88% were two-star programs.
    CONCLUSIONS: The STS has developed the first general thoracic surgery quality composite measure to compare programs performing lobectomy for lung cancer. This measure will be used for quality assessment and provider feedback, and will be made available for voluntary public reporting.

    Latiff LA, Ibrahim Z, Pei CP, et al.
    Comparative Assessment of a Self-sampling Device and Gynecologist Sampling for Cytology and HPV DNA Detection in a Rural and Low Resource Setting: Malaysian Experience.
    Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2015; 16(18):8495-501 [PubMed] Related Publications
    PURPOSE: This study was conducted to assess the agreement and differences between cervical self-sampling with a Kato device (KSSD) and gynecologist sampling for Pap cytology and human papillomavirus DNA (HPV DNA) detection.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women underwent self-sampling followed by gynecologist sampling during screening at two primary health clinics. Pap cytology of cervical specimens was evaluated for specimen adequacy, presence of endocervical cells or transformation zone cells and cytological interpretation for cells abnormalities. Cervical specimens were also extracted and tested for HPV DNA detection. Positive HPV smears underwent gene sequencing and HPV genotyping by referring to the online NCBI gene bank. Results were compared between samplings by Kappa agreement and McNemar test.
    RESULTS: For Pap specimen adequacy, KSSD showed 100% agreement with gynecologist sampling but had only 32.3% agreement for presence of endocervical cells. Both sampling showed 100% agreement with only 1 case detected HSIL favouring CIN2 for cytology result. HPV DNA detection showed 86.2%agreement (K=0.64, 95% CI 0.524-0.756, p=0.001) between samplings. KSSD and gynaecologist sampling identified high risk HPV in 17.3% and 23.9% respectively (p= 0.014).
    CONCLUSION: The self-sampling using Kato device can serve as a tool in Pap cytology and HPV DNA detection in low resource settings in Malaysia. Self-sampling devices such as KSSD can be used as an alternative technique to gynaecologist sampling for cervical cancer screening among rural populations in Malaysia.

    Hall GM, Shanmugan S, Bleier JI, et al.
    Colorectal specialization and survival in colorectal cancer.
    Colorectal Dis. 2016; 18(2):O51-60 [PubMed] Related Publications
    AIM: It is recognized that higher surgeon volume is associated with improved survival in colorectal cancer. However, there is a paucity of national studies that have evaluated the relationship between surgical specialization and survival.
    METHOD: We used the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare cancer registry to examine the association between colorectal specialization (CRS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) between 2001 and 2009. A total of 21,432 colon cancer and 5893 rectal cancer patients who underwent elective surgical resection between 2001 and 2009 were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate Cox survival analysis was used to identify the association between surgical specialization and cancer-specific survival.
    RESULTS: Colorectal specialists performed 16.3% of the colon and 27% of the rectal resections. On univariate analysis, specialization was associated with improved survival in Stage II and Stage III colon cancer and Stage II rectal cancer. In multivariate analysis, however, CRS was associated with significantly improved DSS only in Stage II rectal cancer [hazard ratio (HR) 0.70, P = 0.03]. CRS was not significantly associated with DSS in either Stage I (colon HR 1.14, P = 0.39; rectal HR 0.1.26, P = 0.23) or Stage III (colon HR 1.06, P = 0.52; rectal HR 1.08, P = 0.55) disease. When analysis was limited to high volume surgeons only, the relationship between CRS and DSS was unchanged.
    CONCLUSIONS: CRS is associated with improved DSS following resection of Stage II rectal cancer. A combination of factors may contribute to long-term survival in these patients, including appropriate surgical technique, multidisciplinary treatment decisions and guideline-adherent surveillance. CRS probably contributes positively to these factors resulting in improved survival.

    Pędziwiatr M, Pisarska M, Kisielewski M, et al.
    Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocol in patients undergoing laparoscopic resection for stage IV colorectal cancer.
    World J Surg Oncol. 2015; 13:330 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/05/2017 Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: There is strong evidence for the use of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol with colorectal surgery. However, in most studies on ERAS, patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC) are commonly excluded. It is not certain if the ERAS protocol combined with laparoscopy improves outcomes in this group of patients as well. The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility of the ERAS protocol implementation in patients operated laparoscopically due to stage IV CRC.
    METHODS: A prospective analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery was performed. Group 1 included patients with stages I-III, and group 2 included patients with stage IV CRC. Demographic, surgical factors, length of stay (LOS), complications, readmissions, ERAS implementation and early postoperative recovery were compared between the groups.
    RESULTS: Group 1 included 168 patients, and group 2 included 20 patients. There was no difference in the age, sex, BMI, ASA, cancer localisation or surgical parameters. No statistically significant difference was noted in complications (26.8 vs 20 %, p = 0.51344), LOS (4.7 vs 5.7 days, p = 0.28228) or readmissions (6 vs 10 %, p = 0.48392). The ERAS protocol compliance was 86.3 and 83.0 %, respectively (p = 0.17158).
    CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the ERAS protocol and laparoscopic surgery among patients with stage IV CRC is feasible and provides similar short-term clinical outcomes and recovery as with patients with stages I-III.

    Jarow JP, Ahmed HU, Choyke PL, et al.
    Partial Gland Ablation for Prostate Cancer: Report of a Food and Drug Administration, American Urological Association, and Society of Urologic Oncology Public Workshop.
    Urology. 2016; 88:8-13 [PubMed] Related Publications
    OBJECTIVE: To summarize the discussion that took place at a public workshop, co-sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the American Urological Association, and Society of Urologic Oncology reviewing the current state of the art for partial gland ablation (PGA) for the management of patients with prostate cancer. The purpose of this workshop was to discuss potential indications, current available evidence, and designs for future trials to provide the evidence needed by patients and providers to decide how and when to use PGA.
    METHODS: A workshop evaluating PGA for prostate cancer was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, in May 2015. Invited experts representing all stakeholders and attendees discussed the regulatory development of medical products, technology available, potential indications, and designs of trials to evaluate this modality of therapy.
    RESULTS: The panel presented the current information on the technologies available to perform PGA, the potential indications, and results of prior consensus conferences. Use of magnetic resonance imaging for patient selection, guide therapy, and follow-up was discussed. Designs of trials to assess PGA outcomes were discussed.
    CONCLUSION: The general consensus was that currently available technologies are capable of selective ablation with reasonable accuracy, but that criteria for patient selection remain debatable, and long-term cancer control remains to be established in properly designed and well-performed prospective clinical trials. Concerns include the potential for excessive, unnecessary use in patients with low-risk cancer and, conversely, that current diagnostic techniques may underestimate the extent and aggressiveness of some cancers, leading to inadequate treatment.

    Song W, Kwon YS, Jeon SS, Kim IY
    Refining the American Urological Association and American Society for Radiation Oncology guideline for adjuvant radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy using the pathologic Gleason score.
    Asian J Androl. 2017 Jan-Feb; 19(1):20-25 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/05/2017 Related Publications
    Recently, it has been suggested that the guideline for adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) following radical prostatectomy (RP) sponsored by the American Urological Association and American Society for Radiation Oncology (AUA/ASTRO) may result in a significant overtreatment. Thus, the objective of the present study was to refine the AUA/ASTRO guideline for ART in patients at risk for biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP. To this end, we reviewed our prospectively maintained database and selected 193 patients who met the AUA/ASTRO ART criteria. With a median follow-up of 24.0 months, BCR rate was 17.6% (34/193). When stratified by the Gleason score, BCR rate in men with Gleason score 6 was 6.8%. There was no significant association between BCR-free survival and surgical margin (P = 0.690) and pathologic stage (P = 0.353) in patients with the Gleason score 6. However, in patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs)/pathologic stage ≥T3, there was a significant difference in BCR-free survival according to Gleason score (≤ 7 vs 8-10, P = 0.047). Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that pathologic stage ≥T3 (HR = 2.106; P= 0.018), PSMs (HR = 2.411; P= 0.003), and pathologic Gleason score 8-10 (HR = 4.715; P< 0.001) were independent predictors of BCR after RP. Therefore, in addition to pathologic stage ≥T3 and PSMs, Gleason score 8-10 predicts BCR after RP. In patients with Gleason score 6, observation rather than ART may be more appropriate regardless of stage and surgical margin status.

    Käser SA, Mattiello D, Maurer CA
    Distant Metastasis in Colorectal Cancer is a Risk Factor for Anastomotic Leakage.
    Ann Surg Oncol. 2016; 23(3):888-93 [PubMed] Related Publications
    PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether metastatic colorectal cancer (Union for International Cancer Control stage IV disease) represents a risk factor for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery without major hepatic resection.
    METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was based on an existing prospective colorectal database of all consecutive colorectal resections undertaken at the authors' institution from July 2002 to July 2012 (n = 2104). All patients with colorectal resection and primary anastomosis for colorectal cancer were identified (n = 500). A temporary loop ileostomy was constructed in low rectal anastomosis up to 6 cm from the anal verge (n = 128 cases, 26%). A routine contrast enema was undertaken at the occasion of other prospective studies in 254 patients. UICC stage IV disease was present in 94 patients (19%), while 406 patients (81%) had UICC stage I-III disease.
    RESULTS: The overall anastomotic leak rate was 2.6% (13/500), 2.2% (11/500) for both clinical and radiological leaks, and 0.8% (2/254) for radiological leaks only. Four were managed conservatively and nine (1.8%) required revision laparotomy. In the case of UICC stage IV disease, the anastomotic leak rate was 6.3% (6/94), while in the case of UICC stage I-III disease the leak rate was 1.7% (7/406). UICC stage IV disease [odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-14.4; p = 0.015] and diabetes (OR 5.7, 95% CI 1.7-18.7; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery.
    CONCLUSIONS: Patients with stage IV colorectal cancer have an increased anastomotic leak rate after colorectal surgery. Whether this is due to an impaired immune system remains speculative.

    Sonoda A, Ohnishi S, Nakao S, et al.
    Factors affecting serum albumin in the perioperative period of colorectal surgery: a retrospective study.
    BMC Res Notes. 2015; 8:638 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/05/2017 Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: Albumin is considered a negative acute-phase protein because its concentration decreases during injury and sepsis. Hypoalbuminemia is a risk factor for mortality, postoperative complications, and prolonged hospital stay. The magnitude of the systemic inflammatory response during the perioperative period, as indicated by the acute-phase proteins-C-reactive protein (CRP) in particular-, may help identify the risk of postoperative infectious complication. The correlation between serum albumin and CRP with gastrointestinal cancer has been reported. However, it is unclear whether antecedent CRP could be utilized to predict future hypoalbuminemia in the perioperative period in colorectal surgery. The primary endpoint of this study was to reveal that antecedent CRP could be utilized to predict future hypoalbuminemia in the perioperative period of colorectal surgery.
    METHODS: Thirty-seven patients who underwent elective open colorectal surgery were included in this study. Correlations between preoperative CRP and serum albumin on postoperative day (POD) 3, between preoperative CRP and serum albumin on POD 7 and between CRP on POD 3 and serum albumin on POD 7 were examined. Relationships between preoperative CRP and hypoalbuminemia on POD 3, between preoperative CRP and hypoalbuminemia on POD 7 and between CRP on POD 3 and hypoalbuminemia on POD 7 were examined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.
    RESULTS: Three-quarters of patients were older than 65 years of age. Significant correlations were observed between preoperative CRP and serum albumin on POD 3 (p = 0.023), between preoperative CRP and serum albumin on POD 7 (p = 0.023) and between CRP on POD 3 and serum albumin on POD 7 (p < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CRP on POD 3 to development of hypoalbuminemia on POD 7 was 0.833 (95 % CI 0.679-0.987) with an optimal threshold of 12.43 mg/dL, sensitivity 75 % and specificity 80 %.
    CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that antecedent CRP was associated with future serum albumin. Additionally, CRP on POD 3 could be useful in predicting the development of hypoalbuminemia on POD 7. This result suggests that CRP on POD 3 may be a valuable indicator for early nutritional intervention.

    Mallory MA, Losk K, Camuso K, et al.
    Does "Two is Better Than One" Apply to Surgeons? Comparing Single-Surgeon Versus Co-surgeon Bilateral Mastectomies.
    Ann Surg Oncol. 2016; 23(4):1111-6 [PubMed] Article available free on PMC after 01/04/2017 Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: Bilateral mastectomies (BM) are traditionally performed by single surgeons (SS); a co-surgeon (CS) technique, where each surgeon concurrently performs a unilateral mastectomy, offers an alternative approach. We examined differences in general surgery time (GST), overall surgery time (OST), and patient complications for BM performed by CS and SS.
    METHODS: Patients undergoing BM with tissue expander reconstruction (BMTR) between January 2010 and May 2014 at our center were identified through operative case logs. GST (incision to end of BM procedure), reconstruction duration (RST) (plastic surgery start to end of reconstruction) and OST (OST = GST + RST) was calculated. Patient age, presence/stage of cancer, breast weight, axillary procedure performed, and 30-day postoperative complications were extracted from medical records. Differences in GST and OST between CS and SS cases were assessed with a t test. A multivariate linear regression was fit to identify factors associated with GST.
    RESULTS: A total of 116 BMTR cases were performed [CS, n = 67 (57.8 %); SS, n = 49 (42.2 %)]. Demographic characteristics did not differ between groups. GST and OST were significantly shorter for CS cases, 75.8 versus 116.8 min, p < .0001, and 255.2 versus 278.3 min, p = .005, respectively. Presence of a CS significantly reduces BMTR time (β = -38.82, p < .0001). Breast weight (β = 0.0093, p = .03) and axillary dissection (β = 28.69, p = .0003) also impacted GST.
    CONCLUSIONS: The CS approach to BMTR reduced both GST and OST; however, the degree of time savings (35.1 and 8.3 %, respectively) was less than hypothesized. A larger study is warranted to better characterize time, cost, and outcomes of the CS-approach for BM.

    Gien LT, Sutradhar R, Thomas G, et al.
    Patient, tumor, and health system factors affecting groin node dissection rates in vulvar carcinoma: A population-based cohort study.
    Gynecol Oncol. 2015; 139(3):465-70 [PubMed] Related Publications
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of groin node dissection (GND) for invasive vulvar carcinoma in a population-based cohort, and the patient, tumor, or health system factors associated with having this procedure.
    METHODS: This retrospective population-based cohort includes all cases of invasive squamous cell carcinoma identified in the provincial cancer registry from 1998 to 2007. Chart abstraction was completed for all clinical and pathologic factors. Descriptive analyses with chi-squared tests were used for comparing proportions between patient groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was implemented to determine factors associated with having a GND.
    RESULTS: Data was collected for 1109 patients; 1038 patients were included in this analysis. 647 (62%) had a GND as part of primary management of their vulvar cancer, while 391 (38%) did not. When those with depth of invasion ≤1mm and no GND were removed, the GND rate increased to 68%. Reasons for no GND included age, obesity, advanced disease, or comorbidities. Factors significantly associated with omission of GND were increasing age (OR 0.98, CI 0.97-0.99), severe comorbidities (OR 0.57, CI 0.42-0.78), lower income quintile (OR 0.71, CI 0.54-0.95), and surgeon type (non-gynecologic oncologist vs gynecologic oncologist) (OR 0.43, CI 0.22-0.85), whereas depth of invasion >1mm was significantly associated with having a GND (OR 2.75, CI 2.08-3.62).
    CONCLUSION: This population-based cohort demonstrates 32% of invasive vulvar cancer patients did not have a GND at initial management. Vulvar cancer patients should be evaluated by clinicians with expertise in this rare disease to ensure that a GND is completed when feasible.

    Dawes AJ, Reardon S, Chen VL, et al.
    Wireless Technology to Track Surgical Patients after Discharge: A Pilot Study.
    Am Surg. 2015; 81(10):1061-6 [PubMed] Related Publications
    Failure to detect changes in patients' postoperative health status increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including complications and readmission. We sought to design and implement a real-time surveillance system for postoperative colorectal surgery patients using wireless health technology. Participants were assigned a preprogrammed tablet computer during their inpatient hospitalization, and asked to complete a daily survey regarding their postoperative health status until their first clinic visit. Surveys were transmitted wirelessly to a secure database for review. As a pilot study, we report on our first 20 consecutively enrolled patients, monitored for 265 patient days. Overall compliance was 63 per cent (data available for 166 of the 265 days), but varied by patient from 26 to 100 per cent. We were able to reliably collect basic data on postoperative health status as well as patient-reported outcomes not previously captured by standard assessment techniques. Qualitative data suggest that the experience strengthened patients' relationship with their surgeon and aided in their recovery. Postoperative remote monitoring is feasible, and provides more detailed and complete information to the clinical team. Wireless health technology represents an opportunity to close the information gap between discharge and first clinic visit, and, eventually, to improve patient-provider communication, increase patient satisfaction, and prevent unnecessary readmissions.

    Butterworth CJ, Lancaster J, Shah HS
    Elective dental extractions and osseointegrated implant replacement to facilitate transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures.
    J Laryngol Otol. 2015; 129(12):1234-7 [PubMed] Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: Transoral endoscopic ENT surgical procedures are a mainstay of treatment for a variety of conditions and are often preferable to open surgery where possible. Cases of micrognathia, prominent incisor teeth or trismus may create difficulties in gaining sufficient access to undertake such procedures. Extraction of the anterior maxillary teeth can help overcome these problems in appropriate cases, with subsequent prosthetic tooth replacement supported by dental implants. To date, this approach has not been reported in the literature.
    CASE REPORTS: This paper reports on two cases which illustrate this approach; the first case involved pharyngeal pouch management where previous open surgery had failed, and the second case involved glottic carcinoma management where oral access was compromising resection.
    CONCLUSION: This technique is recommended to facilitate effective transoral surgical procedures as a low-morbidity alternative to either open surgery or non-surgical therapies.

    Mandato VD, Torricelli F, Pirillo D, et al.
    Impact of the Food and Drug Administration Safety Communication on the Use of Power Morcellator in Daily Clinical Practice: An Italian Survey.
    J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2016; 23(2):206-14 [PubMed] Related Publications
    STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning about power morcellation use on the daily clinical practice of Italian gynecologists.
    DESIGN: Electronic survey mailed to the main gynecologic centers (Canadian Task Force Classification type III).
    SETTING: Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS - Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova di Reggio Emilia (Italy).
    PATIENTS: The study did not include patient data.
    INTERVENTION: There was no intervention.
    MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: From 490 surveys sent out, 426 replies were included in the final analysis (return rate = 86.9%). Four hundred of the 426 (93.9%) gynecologists were aware of the FDA warning. One hundred fifty of 302 (49.7%) of experienced gynecologists and 176 of 349 (50.4%) of oncology gynecologists considered laparoscopy the best approach for myomectomy. The FDA communication was considered overly restrictive by experienced and oncology gynecologists who declared that they had no intention of changing their surgical approach. Two hundred fifty of the 426 (58.7%) gynecologists declared that they would change their surgical approach only to prevent legal litigation.
    CONCLUSION: The FDA warning also affected Italian gynecologists. Particularly, less experienced gynecologists and those without oncologic practice seem to be more interested in avoiding legal litigation rather than a real clinical risk of upstaging an unexpected leiomyosarcoma. Fear of undiagnosed sarcoma could increase the number of laparotomies.

    Romaguera J, Seymour S, Cabrera V, et al.
    Use of Screening Tests for Colorectal Cancer Among Gynecologists in Puerto Rico.
    Bol Asoc Med P R. 2015 Apr-Jun; 107(2):82-5 [PubMed] Related Publications
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the use of screening tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) among Gynecologists in Puerto Rico. This study evaluates the screening practices used by Gynecologists in PR to diagnose CRC and adherence to screening guidelines.
    METHODS: A self-administered anonymous questionnaire was mailed to 440 practicing gynecologists through the College of Physicians and Surgeons of PR. The questionnaire included general and specific questions.
    RESULTS: Response rate was 23.2% (102/440). Of this group of gynecologists, 77.5% referred screening patients, while 22.5% did not. The majority (28.4%) use Fecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) as a first screening test, while 27.5% use Colonoscopy. Screening is started by 49% at age 50. Only 7% stop screening at 75 years and 31% never stop screening. CRC Screening performed by participants were: 35% screen annually, 6% screen 2-3 years, 10% screen every 5 years, 6% screen every 10 years and 6% screen 5-10 years. Data for CRC Screening reveals 7% gynecologists comply with all the guidelines; 49% comply with the recommendations regarding the start screening age and 7% stop screening as per guidelines.
    CONCLUSION: The recommendations are not followed by most of the gynecologists in PR that participated in the study, Further research should be directed towards the reasons for not complying and how to educatethemedical population to achieve adequate screening in the PR female population.

    Safir IJ, Shrewsberry AB, Issa IM, et al.
    Impact of remote monitoring and supervision on resident training using new ACGME milestone criteria.
    Can J Urol. 2015; 22(5):7959-64 [PubMed] Related Publications
    INTRODUCTION: The study objective was to determine the impact of remote monitoring and supervision (RMS) in integrated endourology suites (IES) on residents achieving endoscopic training milestones.
    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one urology residents evaluated RMS in IES using a 25-question survey. IES provided audio-visual communication for faculty to supervise residents remotely. Questionnaire used a linear visual scale of 1-10 to assess acceptability (8 questions), impact on training (10 questions), supervision level (1 question), and pre- and post-training milestone self-assessments (6 questions). Improvements in Patient Care Milestone #7 (upper/lower tract endoscopic procedures) and Patient Care Milestone #9 (office-based procedures) were analyzed.
    RESULTS: Twenty-one urology residents (out of potential 23) evaluated RMS in IES using a 25-question survey (91.3% response rate). Overall RMS acceptability and satisfaction was high (mean score = 9.1/10) with a majority (95.2%) feeling comfortable being alone with the patient. Residents reported positively on the following parameters: autonomy without compromising safety (8.7), supervision level (8.6), achieving independence (8.4), education quality (8.3), learning rate (8.1), clinical decision-making (8.0), and reducing case numbers to achieve proficiency (7.6). Residents perceived no issues with under- or over-supervision, and a majority (76.2%) expressed that RMS should be standard of training in residency programs. Residents reported mean level increases of 2.5 and 2.8 (out of 5) in Patient Care Milestones for endoscopic procedures and office-based procedures, respectively (p < 0.0001).
    CONCLUSIONS: RMS in integrated endourology suites may enhance resident education and endoscopic training. The study demonstrated an increase in competency levels reported by residents trained using RMS.

    Foo CC, Law WL
    The Learning Curve of Robotic-Assisted Low Rectal Resection of a Novice Rectal Surgeon.
    World J Surg. 2016; 40(2):456-62 [PubMed] Related Publications
    BACKGROUND: With the increasing availability of the surgical robotic system, the young generation colorectal surgeons may learn robotic-assisted rectal surgery upfront. There are currently very limited studies evaluating the learning curve of novice rectal surgeons.
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of a surgeon who had limited experience in open and laparoscopic rectal surgery.
    METHODS: Thirty-nine consecutive robotic-assisted total mesorectal excisions were performed from March 2013 to October 2014. All cases were performed by a single surgeon whose prior experience in open or laparoscopic low rectal cancer resections was <5 cases. The learning curve was analyzed using the cumulative sum method.
    RESULTS: Thirty-four low anterior resections, four abdomino-perineal resections, and one Hartmann's operation were performed. The mean total operating time was 397.2 ± 184.3 min. There was no conversion. The major complication rate was 10.3 %. When total operating time was analyzed with the CUSUM method, three phases could be identified. They are the initial eight cases, middle 17 cases, and the final 14 cases. The first phase consisted of more proximal tumors (86.3 ± 20.7 vs. 58.0 ± 34.9 mm from anal verge, p = 0.04) and was associated with a shorter total operating time (243.5 ± 38.0 vs. 540.9 ± 133.4 min, p = 0.000) and less estimated blood loss (81.3 ± 25.9 vs. 168.8 ± 99.5 ml, p = 0.02) compared to the second phase. When the third phase is compared with the first and second phase, it has shorter total operating time (310.6 ± 164.5 vs. 44 5.7 ± 179.8 min, p = 0.03). Complications rate were 12.5, 17.6, and 0 % for phase one, two, and three respectively.
    CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the learning curve for a novice rectal surgeon was 25 cases. This is comparable to those who have already mastered the technique with laparoscopic or open approach. Surgical robotic system may have a role in shortening the learning curve for low rectal resection.

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