Determinants of Physical Activity among Patients with Colorectal Cancer: From Diagnosis to 5 Years after Diagnosis.

Introduction: Physical activity (PA) is associated with higher quality of life and probably better prognosis among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This study focuses on determinants of PA among CRC patients from diagnosis until 5 yr postdiagnosis.

Methods: Sociodemographic and disease-related factors of participants of two large CRC cohort studies were combined.

Multidisciplinary decision-making and course of treatment in older patients with colorectal cancer: Effect of geriatrician input.

Introduction: We evaluated the effect of the inclusion of a geriatrician in the multidisciplinary cancer team (MDT) on decision-making for chemotherapy with curative intent in older patients with colorectal cancer.

Materials And Methods: We audited all patients aged 70 years and older with colorectal cancer discussed at MDT meetings between January 2010 and July 2018; selection was limited to those patients for whom guidelines recommended chemotherapy with curative intent as part of the primary treatment. We assessed how treatment decisions came about, and what the course of treatment was in the period before (2010-2013) and after (2014-2018) the geriatrician joined the MDT meetings.

The impact of surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy on health-related quality of life in patients with colon cancer: Changes at group level versus individual level.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate changes in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) 1 year after surgical treatment in patients with primary resectable colon cancer and to assess whether changes at group level differ from changes at individual level. In addition, we assess which characteristics are associated with a decline of HR-QoL.

Methods: Patients with primary resectable colon cancer who received surgical treatment and adjuvant chemotherapy if indicated were selected from the Prospective Dutch ColoRectal Cancer cohort (PLCRC).

Patient- and physician-reported radiation-induced toxicity of short-course radiotherapy with a prolonged interval to surgery for rectal cancer.

Aim: A prolonged interval (>4 weeks) between short-course radiotherapy (25 Gy in five fractions) (SCRT-delay) and total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer has been associated with a decreased postoperative complication rate and offers the possibility of organ preservation in the case of a complete tumour response. This prospective cohort study systematically evaluated patient-reported bowel dysfunction and physician-reported radiation-induced toxicity for 8 weeks following SCRT-delay.

Method: Patients who were referred for SCRT-delay for intermediate risk, oligometastatic or locally advanced rectal cancer were included.

Factors associated with survival in older patients with stage I-III colorectal carcinoma who were not managed curatively in the Netherlands.

Aim: Some patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer (CRC) do not undergo tumor resection. Little is known about survival of these non-curatively managed patients. The aim of this study is to report all-cause mortality and to identify which factors are associated with survival in these patients.

Physical Activity Is Associated with Improved Overall Survival among Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer.

Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in stage I-III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This association is less defined in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). We therefore conducted a study in mCRC patients participating in the Prospective Dutch Colorectal Cancer cohort.

Health-related quality of life in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation with delayed surgery versus short-course radiotherapy with immediate surgery: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation with delayed surgery (CRT-DS) and short-course radiotherapy with immediate surgery (SCRT-IS) are two commonly used treatment strategies for rectal cancer. However, the optimal treatment strategy for patients with intermediate-risk rectal cancer remains a discussion. This study compares quality of life (QOL) between SCRT-IS and CRT-DS from diagnosis until 24 months after treatment.

Effect of Neoadjuvant Therapy and Rectal Surgery on Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Rectal Cancer During the First 2 Years After Diagnosis.

Introduction: Rectal cancer surgery with neoadjuvant therapy is associated with substantial morbidity. The present study describes the course of quality of life (QOL) in rectal cancer patients in the first 2 years after the start of treatment.

Patients And Methods: We performed a prospective study within a colorectal cancer cohort including rectal cancer patients who were referred for neoadjuvant chemoradiation or short-course radiotherapy and underwent rectal surgery.

The impact of postoperative complications on health-related quality of life in older patients with rectal cancer; a prospective cohort study.

Objectives: As result of the aging population and increasing rectal cancer incidence, more older patients undergo treatment for rectal cancer. This study compares treatment course, postoperative complications, and quality of life (QOL) between older and younger patients with rectal cancer and evaluates the impact of postoperative complications on QOL in the elderly.

Materials And Methods: Patients with rectal cancer participating in a prospective colorectal cancer cohort and referred for radiotherapy between 2013 and 2016 were included.

Physical performance measures for predicting outcome in cancer patients: a systematic review.

Background: Decision making regarding cancer treatment is challenging and there is a need for clinical parameters that can guide these decisions. As physical performance appears to be a reflection of health status, the aim of this systematic review is to assess whether physical performance tests (PPTs) are predictive of the clinical outcome and treatment tolerance in cancer patients.

Methods: A literature search was conducted on 2 April 2015 in the electronic databases Medline and Embase to identify studies focusing on the association between objectively measured PPTs and outcome.

[Which imaging technique in acute appendicitis?].

This is a commentary on two published articles in this issue of the Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG) about the diagnosis and work-up of patients with suspected acute appendicitis. Despite a well-established Dutch guideline since 2010 in some cases the diagnosis of acute appendicitis remains a challenge.

Age-related guideline adherence and outcome in low rectal cancer.

Background: Care for elderly patients with low rectal cancer can pose dilemmas, because radical total mesorectal excision surgery comes with high morbidity and mortality rates.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the treatment of patients with low rectal cancer, comparing treatment choices, guideline adherence, and outcomes for elderly patients (≥75 years) with younger patients (<75 years).

Design: Patient data were retrieved from the hospital pathology database and from the hospital prospective colorectal surgery database for surgically treated patients.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery: initial experience and short-term functional results.

Background: Currently, the preferred method for local excision of rectal polyps is transanal endoscopic microsurgery, avoiding rectal resection. Transanal minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new technique using a disposable port in combination with conventional laparoscopic instruments. This method is less expensive as compared with transanal endoscopic microsurgery, relatively easy to learn, and available.

[A woman with a perianal skin disease].

A 69-year-old woman presented with a large pigmented perianal ulcer and inguinal lymphomas. The ulcer was fixed to the rectovaginal septum and the anal sphincter. Histological examination of a perianal skin biopsy revealed an anorectal melanoma.

Randomized clinical trial of LigaSure versus conventional suture ligation in thyroid surgery.

Background: In thyroid surgery vessel division and haemostasis make up an important and time consuming part of the operation. While the presence of the recurrent laryngeal nerve limits the liberal use of diathermia, the many arterial and venous branches to and from the thyroid gland necessitates the use of numerous conventional suture ligatures.This study evaluates the effect of using a vessel sealing system on operation time during thyroid surgery.

Timing of cholecystectomy after endoscopic sphincterotomy for common bile duct stones.

Background: According to the literature, the conversion rate for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) for cholecystodocholithiasis reaches 20%, at least when LC is performed 6 to 8 weeks afterward. It is hypothesized that early planned LC after ES prevents recurrent biliary complications and reduces operative morbidity and hospital stay.

Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent LC after ES between 2001 and 2004 were retrospectively evaluated.