Effects of Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy on Postoperative Complications in Rectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Objective. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy (nRT) is an important treatment approach for rectal cancer. The relationship, however, between nRT and postoperative complications is still controversial. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate such concerns. Methods. The electronic literature from 1983 to 2021 was searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Postoperative complications after nRT were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled odds ratio (OR) was calculated by the random-effects model. Statistical analysis was conducted by Review Manager 5.3 and STATA 14. Results. A total of 23,723 patients from 49 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that nRT increased the risk of anastomotic leakage (AL) compared to upfront surgery (OR = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.07–1.41; p = 0.004 ). Subgroup analysis suggested that both long-course (OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.03–1.40; p = 0.02 ) and short-course radiotherapy (OR = 1.25, 95% CI, 1.02–1.53; p = 0.04 ) increased the incidence of AL. In addition, nRT was the main risk factor for wound infection and pelvic abscess. The pooled data in randomized controlled trials, however, indicated that nRT was not associated with AL (OR = 1.01; 95% CI 0.82–1.26; p = 0.91 ). Conclusions. nRT may increase the risk of AL, wound infection, and pelvic abscess compared to upfront surgery among patients with rectal cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pelvic abscess drainage: a report of 2 cases and literature review

Background Drainage is essential for source control of the infection in a pelvic abscess. The purpose of this study was to report 2 cases of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of the pelvic abscess and review the literature of different modalities of EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscess. Case presentation A 60-year-old male developed a pelvic abscess 1 month after laparoscopic complete tumor resection. An abdominal CT showed a mass shadow (about 7.1 cm × 5.1 cm) in the right pelvic region. Another case was an 85-year-old male who developed a pelvic abscess 3 days after recurrent tumor resection of multiple organs. The CT showed pelvic effusion and gas accumulation (approximately 6.5 cm × 4.2 cm), and the intestinal tube above the small intestinal anastomosis was dilated with effusion. A 19G-A puncture needle was used to puncture the abscess. An 8-mm cylindrical balloon was inserted, followed by a 10 Fr-3 cm double pigtail stent and an 8.5 Fr drainage tube. After EUS-guided drainage of pelvic abscess, the symptoms disappeared without recurrence. Conclusions EUS-guided drainage is an effective and safe method for treating pelvic abscesses as long as the drainage modality is appropriately selected based on the etiology, size, and mucus viscosity of the abscess.

Uterocutaneous Fistula after a C-Section in a Patient with Second Trimester Fetal Demise and Chorioamnionitis

Uterocutaneous fistulae are very rare entities with only about 120 cases reported in the literature. They are mostly described after a C-section or other pelvic surgery. We hereby describe a uterocutaneous fistula in a 41-year-old patient 5 months after a C-section because of a chorioamnionitis and a 22-week fetal demise. One month after the C-section, she underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy to exclude postoperative intrauterine adhesions. Afterwards, she complained of pelvic pain, persistent metrorrhagia, and significant weight loss during 2 months. She consulted the emergency unit several times, and lastly endometritis was diagnosed. She was treated with antibiotic therapy for 7 days, without significant clinical improvement. She presented at our institution 48 hours after a carbuncle had appeared in her right iliac fossa. A uterocutaneous fistula was diagnosed on the CT scan. The patient received IV antibiotic therapy and underwent a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy by laparotomy, as she did not want a conservative surgery. The clinical postoperative evolution was favorable. Symptoms of UCF can be very unspecific. To avoid medical wandering and improve the patient’s care, UCF should be in the differential diagnostic of abdominal pain after a pelvic surgery. Moreover, in patients with previous C-section and infectious perioperative status, the risk of PID or pelvic abscess must be careful evaluated before intrauterine diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.