Mesenteric occlusive disease of the inferior mesenteric artery is associated with anastomotic leak after left-sided colon and rectal cancer surgery: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose Anastomotic leak (AL) is a serious complication following colorectal surgery. Atherosclerosis causes inadequate anastomotic perfusion and is suggested to be a risk factor for AL. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of mesenteric occlusive disease on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scan with AL after left-sided colon or rectal cancer surgery. Methods This was a retrospective, multicenter cohort study including 1273 patients that underwent left-sided or rectal cancer resection between 2009 and 2018 from three hospitals in the Netherlands. AL patients were 1:1 matched with non-leak patients and preoperative contrast-enhanced CT-scans were retrospectively analyzed for mesenteric atherosclerotic lesions. The main outcome measure was the presence of mesenteric occlusive disease on the preoperative CT-scan. Results Anastomotic leak developed in 6% of 1273 patients (N = 76). Low anterior resection and stage I–III disease were statistically significant associated with AL (p = 0.01, p = 0.04). No other statistically significant differences in patient characteristics between AL and non-leak patients were found. A clinically significant stenosis (≥ 70–100%) of the inferior mesenteric artery was statistically significant more frequent present in AL patients, compared to non-leak patients (p < 0.01). No statistically significant differences in the presence of mesenteric occlusive disease of the celiac artery and superior mesenteric artery between AL patients and non-leak patients were found. Conclusion Mesenteric occlusive disease of the IMA on preoperative CT-scan is associated with AL after left-sided colon or rectal resection for cancer. Preoperative identification of high-risk patients with a preoperative CT-scan of the mesenteric vasculature might be useful to reduce the risk of AL.

Neorectum prolapse after rectal cancer surgery corrected with perineal stapled prolapse resection

A 61-year-old woman developed neorectal prolapse after laparoscopic low anterior resection, total mesorectal excision with partial intersphincteric resection and handsewn coloanal anastomosis for rectal cancer. She presented with a 3 cm full thickness reducible prolapse, with associated anal pain and bleeding. A perineal stapled prolapse resection was performed to address the rectal prolapse, with satisfactory results.

Case Report: Early Recognition and Repair of Distal Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury During Laparoscopic Rectal Surgery

Background: Ureteral injury is an uncommon complication of the colorectal procedure. The colorectal procedure is the second most common cause of ureteral injury. The laparoscopic approach for colorectal surgery has contributed to the increase of ureteral injury. Delayed diagnosis of the iatrogenic ureteral injury is associated with higher morbidity. However, the early diagnosis of ureteral injury during the operation is difficult. We presented an early recognition and laparoscopic repair of iatrogenic ureteral injury during laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery cases and the strategy for recognizing and managing that injury for the surgeon.Case Presentation: A Male, 34 years old, had an iatrogenic ureteral injury during laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The left distal ureter was transected by an energy device. The diagnosis of ureteral injury was prompt. The repair of the ureter was done endo-laparoscopically. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on day 6 after surgery.Conclusion: The iatrogenic ureteral injury, although uncommon, is a serious complication of laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Direct visual identification of the distal ureter is mandatory in every rectal surgery. The iatrogenic ureteral injury is not an indication for open conversion when there is an adequate resource to do the endo-laparoscopic ureteral repair.