TP6.1.5 The Importance of the Patient Voice in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study

Aims Colorectal cancer is the fourth commonest cancer in the UK with a third presenting with synchronous liver metastases. Although there is a large body of clinical cohort data, there is no research exploring patient perspectives of disease. This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of patients following treatment for synchronous disease. Methods Qualitative interviews used pre-prepared prompts encouraging open dialogue and were transcribed for thematic analysis. Results Four major themes emerged. (1) Experience of Cancer The initial diagnosis was recalled in vivid detail, with delays perceived negatively particularly if clinicians were dismissive about their concerns. Caregiver participation was valued in consultations. Patients with recurrence perceived chemotherapy as a method of control. (2) Patient Autonomy Patients describe a paternalistic relationship with their clinician and were satisfied with their management despite any complications or recurrence. There was little perception of pathway equipoise with some questioning any real choice particularly those with a symptomatic bowel primary. (3) Treatment Strategy Patients preferred a bowel-first strategy as a method of control, perceiving the primary to continually seed the body with metastases. Chemotherapy offered little reassurance for disease control. Synchronous resection was preferred but the greater potential for complications was appreciated. (4) Research No patients expressed ethical concerns about potential studies randomising to different surgical strategies. However, patients would not want a liver-first strategy. Conclusions This is the first qualitative study exploring patient perceptions of metastatic colorectal cancer. The importance of the first consultation outlining management is emphasised as a simple but important message.

Oncologic outcomes after resection of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in left-sided colon and rectal cancer

Aim The optimal surgical management strategy for para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis has not attracted as much attention as surgery for liver or lung metastasis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes after synchronous resection of PALN metastasis in left-sided colon and rectal cancer. Methods Between January 1986 and August 2016, 29 patients with pathologically positive PALN metastases who underwent curative resection at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We examined clinicopathological characteristics, long-term oncologic outcomes, and factors related to favorable prognosis in these patients. Results The 3-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 50.5% and 17.2%, respectively. In total, 6 (20.7%) patients experienced no recurrence in the 3 years after surgery, while postoperative complications were seen in 9 (31.0%) patients. The 3-year RFS rate was significantly better in the pM1a group than in the pM1b/pM1c group (26.3% and 0.0%, respectively, p = 0.032). Conclusion PALN dissection for patients without other organ metastases in left-sided colon or rectal cancer is a good indication as it is for liver and lung metastasis.

Ileus caused by small bowel, ileocaecal and rectal endometriosis misdiagnosed as Crohn’s disease and managed by synchronous ileocaecal and rectal resection

The reported incidence of intestinal endometriosis varies between 22% and 37%, with bowel obstruction in only 2.3% of cases, but few series report acute obstruction. We report a rare case of acute bowel obstruction due to multiple bilateral deep intestinal endometriosis lesions localised in the ileum, ileocaecal valve and upper rectum, requiring synchronous resection in an emergency setting. A 42-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with a diagnosis of obstructing Crohn’s disease based on abdominal computed tomography with oral contrast showing a thickened terminal ileum with stenosis, compression of the caecum and proximally dilated small bowel loops. Simultaneous ileocaecal resection and segmental resection of the upper rectum with handsewn end-to-end anastomosis between the sigmoid colon and rectum was performed. Owing to the advanced bowel obstruction and significant weight loss, a double barrelled ileoascendostomy was created. The patient had an uneventful recovery. Histological examination revealed transmural endometriosis with involvement of the pericolic fat in both specimens. Although intestinal endometriosis causing acute bowel obstruction is rare, it should be included among the differential diagnoses in young women with recurrent abdominal pain, intermittent diarrhoea and constipation without a family history for inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. Bleeding synchronous with menstruation is not typical for intestinal endometriosis. Right-sided intestinal endometriosis more frequently causes acute bowel obstruction, in most cases due to intussusception.

Oncologic outcomes after resection of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in left-sided colon and rectal cancer

Background The optimal surgical management strategy for para-aortic lymph node (PALN) metastasis has not attracted as much attention as surgery for liver or lung metastasis. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the oncologic outcomes after synchronous resection of PALN metastasis in left-sided colon and rectal cancer.Methods Between January 1986 and August 2016, 29 patients with pathologically positive PALN metastasis who underwent curative resection at our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. We examined clinicopathological characteristics, long-term oncologic outcomes, and factors related to favorable prognosis in patients with PALN metastasis.Results The 3-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 50.5% and 17.2%, respectively. Six (20.7%) patients experienced no recurrence in the three years after surgery. Postoperative complications were seen in nine (31.0%) patients. The three-year RFS rate was significantly better in the pM1a group than in the pM1b/pM1c group (26.3% and 0.0%, respectively, p = 0.032).Conclusions PALN dissection for left-sided colon or rectal cancer with synchronous PALN metastasis can be a feasible treatment option in selected patients.