Robotic-assisted surgery for left-sided colon and rectal resections is associated with reduction in the postoperative surgical stress response and improved short-term outcomes: a cohort study.

Introduction: There is growing evidence that the use of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) in colorectal cancer resections is associated with improved short-term outcomes when compared to laparoscopic surgery (LS) or open surgery (OS), possibly through a reduced systemic inflammatory response (SIR). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive SIR biomarker and its utility in the early identification of post-operative complications has been validated in a variety of surgical procedures. There remains a paucity of studies characterising post-operative SIR in RAS.

The Role of Appendicectomy in Ulcerative Colitis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: This updated systematic review and meta-analysis investigates the putative role of the appendix in ulcerative colitis as a therapeutic target.

Methods: Ovid Medline, Embase, PubMed and CENTRAL were searched with MeSH terms ("appendectomy" OR "appendicitis" OR "appendix") AND ("colitis, ulcerative") through October 2020, producing 1469 references. Thirty studies, including 118 733 patients, were included for qualitative synthesis and 11 for quantitative synthesis.

Outcomes following completion and salvage surgery for early rectal cancer: A systematic review.

Objectives: To establish outcomes after completion and salvage surgery following local excision in literature published since 2005, to inform decision-making when offering local excision.

Background: Local excision of early rectal cancer aims to offer cure while maintaining quality of life through organ preservation. However, some patients will require radical surgery, prompted by unexpected poor pathology or local recurrence.

Transanal total mesorectal excision: A valid option for rectal cancer?

Low anterior resection can be a challenging operation, especially in obese male patients and in particular after radiotherapy. Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) might offer technical advantages over laparoscopic or open approaches particularly for tumors in the distal third of the rectum. The aim of this article is to review the current experience with TaTME.

The impact of surgical specialisation on survival following elective colon cancer surgery.

Purpose: Reorganisation of cancer services in the UK and across Europe has led to elective surgery for colon cancer being increasingly, but not exclusively, delivered by specialist colorectal surgeons. This study examines survival after elective colon cancer surgery performed by specialist compared to non-specialist surgeons.

Method: Patients undergoing elective surgery for colon cancer in 16 hospitals between 2001 and 2004 were identified from a prospectively maintained regional audit database.

Emergency presentation of node-negative colorectal cancer treated with curative surgery is associated with poorer short and longer-term survival.

Purpose: The majority of patients with node-negative colorectal cancer have excellent 5-year survival prospects, but up to a third relapse. Strategies to identify patients at higher risk of adverse outcomes are desirable to enable optimal treatment and follow-up. The aim of this study was to examine postoperative mortality and longer-term survival by mode of presentation for patients with node-negative colorectal cancer undergoing surgery with curative intent.

Deprivation and colorectal cancer surgery: longer-term survival inequalities are due to differential postoperative mortality between socioeconomic groups.

Background: Deprivation is associated with poorer survival after surgery for colorectal cancer, but determinants of this socioeconomic inequality are poorly understood.

Methods: A total of 4,296 patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer in 16 hospitals in the West of Scotland between 2001 and 2004 were identified from a prospectively maintained regional audit database. Postoperative mortality (<30 days) and 5-year relative survival by socioeconomic circumstances, measured by the area-based Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2006, were examined.