Publications by authors named "Emile Tan"

Vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) for colorectal cancer utilizes transvaginal access for bowel mobilization, vascular pedicle ligation, oncological resection, and bowel anastomosis, along with subsequent transvaginal natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE), reducing or eliminating the need for transabdominal access. In this report, we describe the technique of vNOTES right hemicolectomy for cecal cancer, with intracorporeal anastomosis and transvaginal NOSE, including a step-by-step operative video. The patient was a 59-year-old Chinese female (body mass index 32.

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Complete mesocolic excision (CME) with D3 lymphadenectomy for colon cancer has been shown to improve overall as well as disease-free survival compared to conventional right hemicolectomy. Performing a laparoscopic CME/D3 right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA) can be technically demanding even for experienced operators. Here, we present a systematic, standardized approach to the surgery.

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Article Synopsis
  • NOSE is a safe and effective alternative to traditional methods for removing specimens during laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, leading to less pain and quicker recovery.
  • The study involved four patients who underwent simultaneous colectomy and liver metastasectomy using NOSE between July 2022 and April 2024, with promising results including clear resection margins and recovery of gastrointestinal function within two days.
  • This approach may be beneficial for selected patients, indicating potential for broader use in colorectal cancer surgeries.
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Background: Fecal incontinence has a devastating impact on quality of life and imposes a substantial socioeconomic burden. Best medical therapy, including biofeedback therapy, improves mild symptoms with minimal impact on moderate to severe symptoms. Surgical management for incontinence carries a degree of morbidity, resulting in low uptake and acceptability.

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Over-consumption of iron-rich red meat and hereditary or genetic iron overload are associated with an increased risk of colorectal carcinogenesis, yet the mechanistic basis of how metal-mediated signaling leads to oncogenesis remains enigmatic. Using fresh colorectal cancer samples we identify Pirin, an iron sensor, that overcomes a rate-limiting step in oncogenesis, by reactivating the dormant human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) subunit of the telomerase holoenzyme in an iron-(Fe3+)-dependent manner and thereby drives colorectal cancers. Chemical genetic screens combined with isothermal dose-response fingerprinting and mass spectrometry identified a small molecule SP2509 that specifically inhibits Pirin-mediated hTERT reactivation in colorectal cancers by competing with iron-(Fe3+) binding.

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Aim: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) is an alternative to conventional transabdominal retrieval. We aimed to compare outcomes following transvaginal specimen extraction (TVSE) and transabdominal specimen extraction (TASE) in minimally invasive abdominal surgery.

Methods: An electronic database search of PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL was performed from inception until March 2023.

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Minimally invasive abdominal surgery (MAS) can exert a physical cost. Surgical trainees spend years assisting minimally-invasive surgeries, increasing the risk of workplace injury. This prospective questionnaire-based cohort study was conducted amongst general surgery residents in Singapore.

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Purpose: We compared the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among Asian populations with localized colorectal cancer undergoing curative resection with and without the use of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (PTP).

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was undertaken to identify relevant studies published from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2022. The inclusion criteria were patients who underwent primary tumor resection for localized nonmetastatic colorectal cancer; an Asian population or studies conducted in an Asian country; randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, or cohort studies; and the incidence of symptomatic VTE, deep vein thrombosis, and/or pulmonary embolism as the primary study outcomes.

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Article Synopsis
  • The systematic review aimed to compare short-term postoperative outcomes for colorectal cancer patients undergoing a prehabilitation program versus standard care before surgery.
  • A total of seven studies involving 1,042 patients were analyzed, but no significant differences were found in postoperative complications, hospital stays, or readmission rates between the two groups.
  • The conclusion suggests that while prehabilitation does not seem to enhance short-term outcomes, the evidence is limited, indicating the need for larger-scale trials to assess its long-term effects.
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Background: Oncological outcomes of stenting as a bridge to surgery (SBTS) remain a major concern, despite perioperative benefits it offers. This study aims to evaluate the differences in recurrence patterns and survival in patients with non-metastatic, obstructing left sided colon cancers treated by SBTS versus upfront emergency surgery (ES).

Methods: This is a retrospective, single-centre cohort study of 227 consecutive patients with non-metastatic, obstructing left sided colon cancer between 2007 and 2016.

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Background: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is a dynamic reflection of heart rhythm regulation by various physiological inputs. HRV deviations have been found to correlate with clinical outcomes in patients under physiological stresses. Perioperative cardiovascular complications occur in up to 5% of adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery and are associated with significantly increased mortality.

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Wnts, cholesterol, and MAPK signaling are essential for development and adult homeostasis. Here, we report that fatty acid hydroxylase domain containing 2 (FAXDC2), a previously uncharacterized enzyme, functions as a methyl sterol oxidase catalyzing C4 demethylation in the Kandutsch-Russell branch of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. FAXDC2, a paralog of MSMO1, regulated the abundance of the specific C4-methyl sterols lophenol and dihydro-T-MAS.

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Aim: Natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) in left-sided colorectal surgery requires application of the circular stapler anvil to the proximal bowel without exteriorization through an additional abdominal incision. We describe an intracorporeal method to secure the stapler anvil, termed the intracorporeal antimesenteric ancillary trocar (IAAT) technique.

Method: The ancillary trocar is attached to the stapler anvil before introduction into the abdominal cavity through the anal or vaginal orifice.

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Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the outcomes of the watch-and-wait (WW) approach versus radical surgery (RS) in rectal cancers with clinical complete response (cCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods: This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. Major databases were searched to identify relevant articles.

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This study aims to assess the quality and performance of predictive models for colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM). A systematic review was performed to identify relevant studies from various databases. Studies that described or validated predictive models for CRCLM were included.

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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third highest incidence cancer and is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Metastasis to distal organ is the major cause of cancer mortality. However, the underlying genetic factors are unclear.

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Purpose: In 2017, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was introduced in the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Singapore General Hospital as a pilot quality improvement initiative. This study aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of NSQIP by evaluating its effects on surgical outcomes, length of stay (LOS), and costs.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing colorectal surgery (2017-2020).

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Background: Management for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) conventionally comprises long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT), total mesorectal excision (TME), and adjuvant chemotherapy. However, the RAPIDO study published in 2021 showed that total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) led to better oncological outcomes without increased toxicity. We review the surgical and short-term oncological outcomes of patients with high-risk LARC who underwent TNT or LCCRT before TME.

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Objectives: Despite an increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) survival, less is known about CRC-specific long-term unmet supportive needs in Asian patients. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of long-term unmet needs and identify clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with increased unmet needs in Asian CRC survivors.

Design And Setting: We conducted a cross-sectional study that assessed unmet needs using the Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs scale.

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Background: Following laparoscopic colorectal surgery, transabdominal specimen extraction requires a mini-laparotomy or Pfannenstiel incision, associated with increased postoperative pain and wound complications. The vagina has several unique properties that make natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) ideal. We report our experience with transvaginal NOSE for colorectal cancer surgery.

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Background: Surgery remains the primary treatment for localized colorectal cancer (CRC). Improving surgical decision-making for elderly CRC patients necessitates an accurate predictive tool.

Aim: To build a nomogram to predict the overall survival of elderly patients over 80 years undergoing CRC resection.

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Purpose: The growth of Singapore's geriatric population, coupled with the rise in colorectal cancer (CRC), has increased the number of colorectal surgeries performed on elderly patients. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and costs of laparoscopic versus open elective colorectal resections in elderly CRC patients over 80 years.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) identified patients over 80 years undergoing elective colectomy and proctectomy between 2018 and 2021.

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Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) impacts 5-20% of patients after elective colorectal surgery. There are varying reports on the effectiveness of oral antibiotics (OAB) with preoperative mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in preventing SSI. We aim to determine the role of OAB and MBP in preventing SSI after elective colorectal surgery.

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