Surgical wound infection prevention using topical negative pressure therapy on closed abdominal incisions - the 'SWIPE IT' randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in surgical patients. It is unclear whether incisional negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) can reduce the risk of SSIs in patients after open abdominal surgery. METHODS: A prospective, non-blinded multi-centre randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed to evaluate the incidence of SSI post-laparotomy using incisional NPWT compared with a standard dressing. The primary outcome was the rate of superficial SSI. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients (61 patients in the NPWT arm and 63 patients in the control arm) were included. One hundred and nine (87.9%) patients underwent colorectal surgery; 61 patients (49.2%) had emergency surgery. There were more superficial SSIs in the control group than in the NPWT group, although not statistically significant (20.6% vs 9.8%, P=0.1). Upon multiple logistic regression analysis, control dressings were associated with increased risk of superficial SSI although again, not statistically significant (odds ratio (OR) 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81-7.17, P=0.11). There was no superficial non-SSI related wound dehiscence in the NPWT group compared with 9.5% in the control group (P=0.03). There was no difference in postoperative complications (P=0.15), nor in other wound complications (P=0.79). CONCLUSION: NPWT was not associated with decreased superficial SSI in this RCT. However, there was a statistically significant reduction in superficial wound dehiscence with NWPT dressings. The results of this study should be included in meta-analyses for better evaluation of NPWT on closed abdominal incisions.

Rectal axis and enterocele on proctogram may predict laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy outcomes for rectal intussusception.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) has become a well-established treatment for symptomatic high-grade internal rectal prolapse. The aim of this study was to identify proctographic criteria predictive of a successful outcome. METHODS: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients were evaluated from a prospectively maintained pelvic floor database. Pre- and post-operative functional results were assessed with the Wexner constipation score (WCS) and Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI). Proctogram criteria were analyzed against functional results. These included grade of intussusception, presence of enterocele, rectocele, excessive perineal descent and the orientation of the rectal axis at rest (vertical vs. horizontal). RESULTS: Ninety-one patients completed both pre- and post-operative follow-up questionnaires. Median pre-operative WCS was 14 (range 10-17), and median FISI was 20 (range 0-61), with 28 patients (31%) having a FISI above 30. The presence of an enterocele was associated with more frequent complete resolution of obstructed defecation (70 vs. 52%, p = 0.02) and fecal incontinence symptoms (71 vs. 38%, p = 0.01) after LVMR. Patients with a more horizontal rectum at rest pre-operatively had significantly less resolution of symptoms post-operatively (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that proctographic findings can help predict functional outcomes after LVMR. Presence of an enterocele and a vertical axis of the rectum at rest may be associated with a better resolution of symptoms.

No benefit of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks over wound infiltration with local anaesthetic in elective laparoscopic colonic surgery: results of a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Advances in laparoscopic techniques combined with enhanced recovery pathways have led to faster recuperation and discharge after colorectal surgery. Peripheral nerve blockade using transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks reduce opioid requirements and provide better analgesia for laparoscopic colectomies than do inactive controls. This double-blind randomized study was performed to compare TAP blocks using bupivacaine with standardized wound infiltration with local anaesthetic (LA). METHOD: Seventy-one patients were randomized to receive either TAP block or wound infiltration. The TAP blocks were performed by experienced anaesthetists who used ultrasound guidance to deliver 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine post-induction into the transverse abdominis plane. In the control group, 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected around the trocar and the extraction site by the surgeon. Both groups received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous morphine. Patients and nursing staff assessed pain scores 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome was overall morphine use in the first 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 71 patients, 20 underwent a right hemicolectomy and 51 a high anterior resection. The modified intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences in overall morphine use [47.3 (36.2-58.5) mg vs 46.7 (36.2-57.3) mg; mean (95% CI), P = 0.8663] in the first 48 h. Pain scores were similar at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. No differences were found regarding time to mobilization, resumption of diet and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: In elective laparoscopic colectomies, standardized wound infiltration with LA has the same analgesic effect as TAP blocks post-induction using bupivacaine at 48 h.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines in cryptoglandular anal fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter-preserving procedures for the treatment of transsphincteric fistulas fail in at least one out of every three patients. It has been suggested that failure is due to ongoing disease in the remaining fistula tract. Cytokines play an important role in inflammation. At present, biologicals targeting cytokines are available. Therefore, detection and identification of cytokines in anal fistulas might have implications for future treatment modalities. The objective of the present study was to assess local production of a selected panel of cytokines in anal fistulas, including pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). METHODS: Fistula tract tissue was obtained from 27 patients with a transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin who underwent flap repair, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract or a combination of both procedures. Patients with a rectovaginal fistula or a fistula due to Crohn's disease were excluded. Frozen tissue samples were sectioned and stained using advanced immuno-enzyme staining methods for detection of selected cytokines, IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17A, IL-18, IL-36 and TNF-α. The presence and frequencies of cytokine-producing cells in samples were quantitated. RESULTS: The key finding was abundant expression of IL-1ß in 93 % of the anal fistulas. Frequencies of IL-1ß-producing cells were highest (>50 positive stained cells) in 7 % of the anal fistulas. Also, cytokines IL-8, IL-12p40 and TNF-α were present in respectively 70, 33 and 30 % of the anal fistulas. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1ß is expressed in the large majority of cryptoglandular anal fistulas, as well as several other pro-inflammatory cytokines.

A multicenter experience with peri-rectal tumors: The risk of local recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Peri-rectal tumors are rare and their management is challenging, especially when presenting with local recurrence. The aim of the current study was to report a multicenter series of peri-rectal tumors, focusing on the risk of recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1994 to 2014, patients with peri-rectal tumors from three different centers were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-two patients were identified and divided into two groups; Group 1: patients who presented with local recurrence at follow-up (n = 9, recurrence rate: 14.5%), and Group 2: patients without recurrence (n = 53). RESULTS: In Group 1, there were initially more patients with symptoms of a perineal mass (44.4% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.04), more malignant tumors (55.6% vs. 15.1%; p = 0.02), and larger lesions (+2.6 cm; p = 0.004). Incomplete resection was also more frequent in Group 1 (44.4% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.003). Eight patients with recurrence had further surgery, whilst one patient had radiological recurrence and was treated medically. Among the eight re-resections, five patients remain disease-free; two have had further recurrences and have had palliative treatment, whilst another has had a further resection and remains disease-free. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-rectal tumors are uncommon and there is no consensus on best management. Based on this large multicenter series, several risk factors seem to be associated with local recurrence, namely patient- (discovery of a perineal mass), tumor- (malignant and large lesion), and surgery-related (incomplete resection). Clinical follow-up should be adapted according to these factors.

Sidestream dark field imaging of the serosal microcirculation during gastrointestinal surgery.

AIM: The study aimed to describe the serosal microcirculation of the human bowel using sidestream dark field imaging, a microscopic technique using polarized light to visualize erythrocytes through capillaries. We also compared its feasibility to the current practice of sublingual microcirculatory assessment. METHOD: In 17 patients sidestream dark field measurements were performed during gastrointestinal surgery. Microcirculatory parameters like microvascular flow index (MFI), proportion of perfused vessels (PPV), perfused vessel density (PVD) and total vessel density (TVD) were determined for every patient, sublingually and on the bowel serosa. RESULTS: Sixty measurements were done on the bowel of which eight (13%) were excluded, five owing to too much bowel peristalsis and three because of pressure artefacts. Image stability was in favour of sublingual measurements [pixel loss per image, bowel 145 (95% CI 126-164) vs sublingual 55 (95% CI 41-68); P < 0.001] and time to acquire a stable image [bowel 96 s (95% CI 63-129) vs. sublingual 46 s (95% CI 29-64); P = 0.013]. No difference in the MFI was observed [bowel 2.9 (interquartile range 2.87-2.95) vs sublingual 3.0 (interquartile range 2.91-3.0); P = 0.081]. There was a difference in the PPV [bowel 95% (95% CI 94-96) vs sublingual 97% (95% CI 97-99); P < 0.001], PVD [bowel 12.9 mm/mm2 (95% CI 11.1-14.8) vs sublingual 17.4 mm/mm2 (95% CI 15.6-19.1); P = 0.003] and the TVD [bowel 13.6 mm/mm2 (95% CI 11.6-15.6) vs sublingual 17.7 mm/mm2 (95% CI 16.0-19.4); P = 0.008]. CONCLUSION: Sidestream dark field imaging is a very promising technique for bowel microcirculatory visualization and assessment. It is comparable to sublingual assessment and the analysis produces a similar outcome with slightly differing anatomical features.

Sacral neuromodulation for persistent faecal incontinence after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for high-grade internal rectal prolapse.

AIM: Internal rectal prolapse is recognized as an aetiological factor in faecal incontinence. Patients found to have a high-grade internal rectal prolapse on routine proctography are offered a laparoscopic ventral rectopexy after failed maximum medical therapy. Despite adequate anatomical repair, faecal incontinence persists in a number of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of sacral neuromodulation in this group of patients. METHOD: Between August 2009 and January 2012, 52 patients who underwent a laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for faecal incontinence associated with high-grade internal rectal prolapse had persistent symptoms of faecal incontinence and were offered sacral neuromodulation. Symptoms were evaluated before and after the procedure using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: Temporary test stimulation was successful in 47 (94%) of the patients who then underwent implantation of a permanent pulse generator. The median FISI score 1 year after sacral neuromodulation was lower than the median score before [34 (28-59) vs. 19 (0-49); P < 0.01], indicating a significant improvement in faecal continence. Quality of life (GIQLI) was significantly better after starting sacral neuromodulation [78 (31-107) vs. 96 (55-129); P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Patients may benefit from sacral neuromodulation for persisting faecal incontinence after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.

Single incision glove port laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.

INTRODUCTION: The advantages of single port surgery remain controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of single incision glove port colon resections using a diathermy hook, reusable ports and standard laparoscopic straight instrumentation. METHODS: Between June 2012 and February 2014, 70 consecutive patients (30 women) underwent a colonic resection using a wound retractor and glove port. Forty patients underwent a right hemicolectomy through the umbilicus and thirty underwent attempted single port resection via an incision in the right rectus sheath (14 high anterior resection, 13 low anterior resection, 3 abdominoperineal resection). RESULTS: Sixty-two procedures (89%) were completed without conversion to open or multiport techniques. Four procedures had to be converted and additional ports were needed in four other patients. The postoperative mortality rate was 0%. Complications occurred in six patients (9%). Two cases were R1 while the remainder were R0 with a median nodal harvest of 20 (range: 9-48). The median length of hospital stay was 5 days (range: 3-25 days) (right hemicolectomy: 5 days (range: 3-12 days), left sided resection: 6 days (range: 4-25 days). At a median follow-up of 14 months, no port site hernias were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Single incision glove port surgery is an appropriate technique for different colorectal cancer resections and has the advantage of being less expensive than surgery with commercial single incision ports.

Histological and mechanical differences in the skin of patients with rectal prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: It is still an enigma that some patients develop rectal prolapse whilst others with similar risk factors do not. Biomechanical assessment of the skin may provide further insight into the aetiology of this complex condition. Elastin fibres are an abundant and integral part of many extracellular matrices and are especially critical for providing the property of elastic recoil to tissues. The significance of elastin fibres is clearly reflected by the numerous human conditions in which a skin phenotype occurs as a result of elastin fibre abnormalities. METHOD: Between January and June 2013, skin specimens were obtained prospectively during surgery on 20 patients with rectal prolapse and 21 patients without prolapse undergoing surgery for other indications. Expression levels of elastin in the skin were measured by Orcein staining, and Image J. Tensile tests were performed using the Zwick Roell device, with custom ceramic clamps. For statistical analysis, Student's t test was used. RESULTS: Histological analysis of prolapse vs control showed percentage dermal elastin fibres of 9 vs 5.8 % (p = 0.001) in males and 6.5 vs 5.3 % (p = 0.05) in females. Patients with more severe prolapse (external) had a significantly (p = 0.05) higher percentage dermal elastin fibres 6.9 vs 6.1 % than internal prolapse. Young's modulus of patients with prolapse was lower in males (3.3 vs 2.8, p = 0.05) and females (3.1 vs 2.7, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with prolapse have a higher concentration of elastin fibres in the skin, and these differences are quantitatively demonstrated through mechanical testing. This suggests that the aetiology may be a result of a dysfunction of elastin fibre assembly.

Expression of fibulin-5 in the skin of patients with rectal prolapse.

AIM: Components of connective tissue other than collagen have been found to be involved in patients with rectal prolapse. The organization of elastic fibres differs between controls and subsets of patients with rectal prolapse, and their importance for maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the pelvic floor has been demonstrated in transgenic mice, with animals which have a null mutation in fibulin-5 (Fbln5(i/i)) developing prolapse. This study aimed to compare fibulin-5 expression in the skin of patients with and without rectal prolapse. METHOD: Between January 2013 and February 2014, skin specimens were obtained during surgery from 20 patients with rectal prolapse and from 21 without prolapse undergoing surgery for other indications. Fibroblasts from the skin were cultured and the level of fibulin-5 expression was determined on cultured fibroblasts, isolated from these specimens by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry was performed on fixed tissue specimens to assess fibulin-5 expression. RESULTS: Fibulin-5 mRNA expression and fibulin-5 staining intensity were significantly lower in young male patients with rectal prolapse compared with age-matched controls [fibulin-5 mean ± SD mRNA relative units, 1.1 ± 0.41 vs 0.53 ± 0.22, P = 0.001; intensity score, median (range), 2 (0-3) vs 1 (0-3), P = 0.05]. There were no significant differences in the expression of fibulin-5 in women with rectal prolapse compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Fibulin-5 may be implicated in the aetiology of rectal prolapse in a subgroup of young male patients.

Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for faecal incontinence: equivalent benefit is seen in internal and external rectal prolapse.

AIM: An external rectal prolapse (ERP) is often associated with faecal incontinence, and surgery is the recommended therapy. It has been suggested that correction of a high grade internal rectal prolapse (HIRP) is also worthwhile for patients with faecal incontinence. The aim of the present study is to compare the results of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) in patients with faecal incontinence associated with either an ERP or a HIRP. METHOD: Consecutive patients suffering from faecal incontinence, who underwent a LVR between June 2010 and October 2012, were identified from a prospective database. All patients underwent preoperative defaecating proctography, anorectal manometry and ultrasound. Symptoms were assessed preoperatively and at 1 year after operation using a standardized questionnaire incorporating the Faecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI; range 0-61) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: LVR was performed in 50 incontinent patients with a HIRP, and in 41 patients with an ERP. Preoperatively, the FISI was higher in patients with HIRP (HIRP 42 versus ERP 30, P < 0.01). The recurrence rate at 1 year was similar in both groups (HIRP 6 % versus ERP 2 %, P = 0.156). The FISI scores were significantly reduced in both groups (HIRP 48 % versus ERP 50 %, both P < 0.01). GIQLI was equally improved in both groups (HIRP 17 % versus ERP 18 %, both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for the treatment of faecal incontinence achieves equivalent outcomes in both patients with an external rectal prolapse or high grade internal rectal prolapse.

Is group pelvic floor retraining as effective as individual treatment?

AIM: Traditionally, pelvic floor retraining for faecal incontinence or obstructed defaecation has been delivered to patients through individual sessions with a specialist pelvic floor nurse, a resource-intensive practice. This study aimed to assess whether a similar outcome can be achieved by delivering retraining to patients in small groups, allowing considerable savings in the use of resources. METHOD: Data were collected prospectively in a pelvic floor database. Patients received pelvic floor retraining either individually or in a small group setting and completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires. Two hundred and fifteen patients were treated, 119 individually and 96 in a small group setting. Scores before and after treatment for the two settings were compared for the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms. Additionally patients receiving group treatment completed a short questionnaire on their experience. RESULTS: The median change in Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index score was 5 (range -62 to 73) for individual treatment and 4 (range -41 to 47) for group treatment, both showing statistically significant improvement. However, there was no significant difference between the settings. Similar results were obtained with the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptoms scores for the faecal incontinence and obstructed defaecation subgroups respectively. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients experienced symptomatic improvement following pelvic floor retraining and there was no significant difference in the resulting improvement according to treatment setting. As treatment costs are considerably less in a group setting, group pelvic floor retraining is more cost-effective than individual treatment.