PurposeTo compare high and low inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation in a large number of patients, and investigate the short-term and long-term outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study compared outcomes between high IMA ligation and low IMA ligation with dissection of lymph nodes (LNs) around the IMA origin. A total of 1,213 patients underwent elective low anterior resection with double-stapling anastomosis for stage I–III rectal cancer located ≥6 cm from the anal verge (835 patients underwent IMA ligation at the IMA origin; 378 patients underwent IMA ligation directly distal to the root of the left colic artery along with dissection of LNs around the IMA origin).ResultsThere was no difference in anastomotic leakage rate between groups. The 2 groups did not significantly differ in intraoperative blood loss, perioperative complications, total number of harvested LNs, and metastatic IMA LNs. However, more metastatic LNs were harvested in the high-tie than in the low-tie group (1.3 ± 2.9 vs. 0.8 ± 1.9, P = 0.002), and the incidence of positive pathologic nodal status was higher in the high-tie group (37.9% vs. 28.6%, P = 0.001). The 5-year local recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rates were similar between groups, as were the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival rates.ConclusionLow IMA ligation with dissection of LNs around the IMA origin showed no differences in anastomotic leakage rate compared with high IMA ligation, without affecting oncologic outcomes. High IMA ligation did not seem to increase the number of total harvested LNs, whereas the ratio of metastatic apical LNs were similar between groups.

BackgroundDespite acceptable oncologic outcomes of sphincter preserving surgeries for low rectal cancer, bowel dysfunction occurs. This study aimed to compare the oncologic and functional bowel outcomes between ultralow anterior resection (ULAR) and intersphincteric resection (ISR) for low rectal cancer.MethodsOne hundred sixty‐four patients who underwent ULAR with or without ISR for low rectal cancer between December 2010 and May 2018 were included. The Wexner and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) scores were used to evaluate the bowel function of patients. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were compared between patients.ResultsThe ISR group had higher incidence of major fecal incontinence than the ULAR group (75.9% vs 49.3%; P = .016). The median Wexner score decreased from 12 to 9 (P = .062) at 1‐year follow‐up. However, the frequency and urgency/soilage subscales of MSKCC score improved significantly in the ULAR group. ISR and follow‐up interval less than 1‐year significantly increased the major incontinence risk. The OS in the ULAR and ISR groups was 91.4% and 91.7%. Whereas the DFS in both groups was 79% and 79.2%, respectively.ConclusionULAR and ISR are comparable in oncologic outcomes. Severe bowel dysfunctions and major incontinence were noted in ISR group. Careful selection of patients is mandatory.

Although Hartmann’s procedure (HP) is commonly used as emergency treatment for colorectal disease, the reversal of HP (HR) is infrequently performed. The aims were to evaluate the rate of HR and determine the factors predictive of achieving HR. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent HP between January 2007 and June 2019 at six Hallym University-affiliated hospitals. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify which factors were independently associated with HR. In the study period, 437 patients underwent HP, and 127 (29.0%) subsequently underwent HR. Of these, 46 (35.9%) patients experienced post-HR complications. In multivariable analysis, an interval between HP and HR of > 6 months was associated with the only lower rate of post-HR complications. Multivariate analysis showed that HR was less likely in patients aged > 70 years, those with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III or IV, elective surgery, those experiencing more than two HP-related complications, and those with a malignancy (an indication for HP). One-third of the patients underwent HR. Age > 70 years, ASA class III or IV, elective surgery, more than two HP-related complications, and malignancy were associated with a non-HR rate.

Malignant melanoma of the anorectum is a rare disorder. Patients often present with local symptoms similar to benign diseases. The prognosis is very poor, and almost all patients die because of metastases. We report 2 female patients with unremarkable histories. Both of them received previous operations before visiting our center after they were diagnosed with anorectal malignant melanoma. One case underwent abdominoperineal resection and postoperative chemotherapy. The other had been treated with ultralow anterior resection followed by immunotherapy.