Laparoscopic wedge resection as an alternative to laparoscopic oncological colon resection for benign endoscopically unresectable colon polyps.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate, by comparing clinical and histological outcomes, whether laparoscopic (hybrid) wedge resection (LWR) could be a less invasive and safe alternative to laparoscopic oncological colon resection (OCR) for patients with an endoscopically unresectable, suspected benign, colon polyp.

Method: All patients with an endoscopically unresectable colon polyp who were referred for surgery between 2009 and 2018 and without biopsy-proven colon cancer were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Patients with macroscopic features of malignancy during endoscopy were excluded.

The importance of rectal contrast in CT assessment to detect anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery.

Aim: Computed tomography (CT) is currently the diagnostic tool most often used to detect anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the value of rectal contrast.

Method: All patients who underwent colorectal surgery with a primary anastomosis between 2009 and 2018 were identified from a prospectively maintained database.

The impact of the national bowel screening program in the Netherlands on detection and treatment of endoscopically unresectable benign polyps.

Background: In January 2014, a national bowel cancer screening program started in the Netherlands. The program is being implemented in phases until 2019. Due to this program, an increase in patients referred for a colorectal resection for benign, but endoscopically unresectable polyps, is expected.

Colorectal anastomotic leak: delay in reintervention after false-negative computed tomography scan is a reason for concern.

Background: Early detection of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal surgery followed by timely reintervention is of crucial importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) imaging for AL and the effects of delay in reintervention after a false-negative CT.

Methods: All files from patients who had colorectal surgery with primary anastomoses between 2009 and 2014 were reviewed.

A critical evaluation of lymph node ratio in head and neck cancer.

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the search for better prognostic factors beyond TNM-stage is ongoing. Lymph node ratio (LNR) (positive lymph nodes/total lymph nodes) is gaining interest in view of its potential prognostic significance. All HNSCC patients at the Netherlands Cancer Institute undergoing neck dissection for lymph node metastases in the neck region between 2002 and 2012 (n = 176) were included.