Goodbye Hartmann trial: a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study on the current use of a surgical procedure developed a century ago.

BACKGROUND: Literature suggests colonic resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) instead of Hartmann's procedure (HP) for the treatment of left-sided colonic emergencies. We aim to evaluate the surgical options globally used to treat patients with acute left-sided colonic emergencies and the factors that leading to the choice of treatment, comparing HP and RPA. METHODS: This is a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total 1215 patients with left-sided colonic emergencies who required surgery were included from 204 centers during the period of March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. with a 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: 564 patients (43.1%) were females. The mean age was 65.9 ± 15.6 years. HP was performed in 697 (57.3%) patients and RPA in 384 (31.6%) cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most common cause of left-sided colonic emergencies (40.2%), followed by colorectal malignancy (36.6%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) were higher in the HP group (P < 0.001). 30-day mortality was higher in HP patients (13.7%), especially in case of bowel perforation and diffused peritonitis. 1-year follow-up showed no differences on ostomy reversal rate between HP and RPA. (P = 0.127). A backward likelihood logistic regression model showed that RPA was preferred in younger patients, having low ASA score (≤ 3), in case of large bowel obstruction, absence of colonic ischemia, longer time from admission to surgery, operating early at the day working hours, by a surgeon who performed more than 50 colorectal resections. CONCLUSIONS: After 100 years since the first Hartmann's procedure, HP remains the most common treatment for left-sided colorectal emergencies. Treatment's choice depends on patient characteristics, the time of surgery and the experience of the surgeon. RPA should be considered as the gold standard for surgery, with HP being an exception.

Gallstone formation and subsequent cholecystectomy after oncological gastric and esophageal resection.

PURPOSE: Gallstone formation is increased after gastric (GR) or esophageal resection (ER); however, the exact pathophysiology is not fully understood yet. Symptomatic cholecystolithiasis and the need for subsequent cholecystectomy after upper gastrointestinal resection can alter the outcome in oncological patients. There is an ongoing discussion if these patients benefit from a simultaneous prophylactic cholecystectomy. This study aims to analyze the risk of gallstone formation after GR or ER and the perioperative course of a subsequent cholecystectomy. METHODS: In this study, all patients were included, who underwent an oncological gastric or esophageal resection at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery in the years 2003-2021. RESULTS: A simultaneous cholecystectomy was performed in 29.8% with GR and in 2.1% with ER (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in complications or length-of-stay between patients with simultaneous vs. no simultaneous cholecystectomy. Newly developed gallstones tended to be more common after GR (16% vs. 10% ER), after reconstruction without preservation of the duodenal passage (17% vs. 11% with) and after GR with lymph node dissection (19% vs. 5% without). After ER, subsequent cholecystectomy was significant less frequently (11.4% vs. 2.9% OR) (p = 0.005). The subsequent cholecystectomy was performed openly in 57.1% with major complications classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a in 14.3%. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of our study, we do not recommend simultaneous cholecystectomy routinely in oncological gastric or esophageal resections. An individualized approach depending on risk factors like extensive lymphadenectomy or duodenal passage can be discussed.

Emergency resection is an independent risk factor for decreased long-term overall survival in colorectal cancer: a matched-pair analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms worldwide. Up to 30% of the patients present in an emergency setting despite an established screening program. Emergency colorectal resection is associated with increased mortality and morbidity as well as worse oncological outcome. This study aims to analyze the impact on tumor recurrence and survival in patients with an emergency colorectal resection, independent of sex, age, and tumor stage. METHODS: Patients, who underwent an oncological resection for colorectal cancer at the Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, between January 2003 and December 2018 were analyzed retrospectively and screened for emergency resections. Matched pairs were formed to analyze the impact of emergency operations on long-term outcomes, considering tumor stage, sex, and age, comparing it with elective patients. RESULTS: In total, 4.5% out of 1297 patients underwent surgery in an emergency setting. These patients had higher UICC (Union internationale contre le cancer) stages than elective patients. After matching the patients for age, sex, and tumor stage, emergency patients still had higher mortality. The incidence of recurrence was higher (47.5% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.003) and the 5-year overall survival decreased (35.6% vs. 64.4%, p < 0.001) compared to the matched patients with elective resection. Correcting for 90-day mortality still a reduction in the 5-year overall survival was demonstrated (44% vs. 70%, p = 0,001). The left-sided colon tumors were more common in the emergency group (45.8% vs. 25.4%, p = 0.006) and the rectal tumors in the elective one (21.2% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing emergency resection for colorectal cancer have a decreased tumor-specific and overall survival compared to patients after elective resection, independent of age, sex, and tumor stage, even after correcting for 90-day mortality. These findings confirm the importance of colorectal cancer awareness and screening to reduce emergency resections.

Small bowel neuroendocrine tumors: An analysis of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup and surgical approach-A single center retrospective study.

Background: Neurocrine neoplasms (NEN) of the small bowel (SBNEN) are a rare entity and mostly asymptomatic. The aim of this study was to explore trends in the clinical presentation, diagnostic workup, surgical approach and oncological outcome in patients with SBNEN at our surgical department. Materials and methods: All patients who underwent surgical resection for SBNEN from 2004 to 2020 at our department were enrolled in this single center retrospective study. Results: A total of 32 patients were included in this study. In most cases, the diagnosis was based on incidental findings during endoscopy or radiographic imaging (n = 23; 72%). Twenty cases had a G1 tumor and 12 cases a G2 tumor. The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 96%, 86% and 81%, respectively. Patients with a tumor more than 30 mm had a significantly lower OS (p = 0.01). For G1 tumors, the estimated disease-free survival (DFS) was 109 months. Again, the DFS was significantly lower when the tumor had more than 30 mm in diameter (p = 0.013). Conclusion: Due to the mostly asymptomatic presentation, the diagnostic workup can be difficult. An aggressive approach and a strict follow-up seem to be important for the oncological outcome.

Is a less-intensive follow-up for colon cancer in early stages reasonable?

PURPOSE: Patients with colon cancer are usually included in an intensive 5-year surveillance protocol after curative resection, independent of the tumor stage, though early stages have a considerably lower risk of recurrence. The aim of this study was to analyze the adherence to an intensive follow-up and the risk of recurrence in patients with colon cancer in UICC stages I and II. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we assessed patients who underwent resection for colon cancer in UICC stages I and II between 2007 and 2016. Data were collected on demographics, tumor stages, therapy, surveillance, recurrent disease, and oncological outcome. RESULTS: Of the 232 included patients, 43.5% (n = 101) reached the 5-year follow-up disease-free. Seven (7.5%) patients in stage UICC I and sixteen (11.5%) in UICC II had a recurrence, with the highest risk in patients with pT4 (26.3%). A metachronous colon cancer was detected in four patients (1.7%). The therapy of recurrence was intended to be curative in 57.1% (n = 4) of UICC stage I and in 43.8% (n = 7) of UICC stage II, but only in one of seven patients over 80 years. 44.8% (n = 104) of the patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSION: A postoperative surveillance in patients with colon cancer is important and recommended as a recurrent disease can be treated successfully in many patients. However, we suggest that a less intensive surveillance protocol is reasonable for patients with colon cancer in early tumor stages, especially in UICC stage I, as the risk of recurrent disease is low. With elderly and/or frail patients in a reduced general condition, who will not endure further specific therapy in case of a recurrence, the performance of the surveillance should be discussed: we recommend a significant reduction or even renunciation.

Long-term outcome after chronic anastomotic leakage following surgery for low rectal cancer.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the prevalence and factors influencing the history of chronic anastomotic leakage following low anterior resection for rectal cancer. Furthermore, the treatment of a persisting presacral sinus and the impact of stoma reversal on outcome were evaluated. METHODS: The institutional database was scanned for all patients with anastomotic leakage, who were primarily treated for low rectal cancer between January 1995 and December 2019. Patients with rectovaginal and rectovesical fistula or an inadequate follow-up were excluded (n = 5). After applying the exclusion criteria, 71 patients remained for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 39 patients out of 71 patients with anastomotic leakage (54.9%) developed a persisting presacral sinus. Neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy or chemotherapy showed a significant impact on the formation of a chronic anastomotic leakage (radiochemotherapy: p = 0.034; chemotherapy: p = 0.050), while initial surgical treatment showed no difference for anastomotic healing (p = 0.502), but a significantly better overall survival (p = 0.042). Multiple therapies and surgical revision had a negative impact on patients' rate of natural bowel continuity (p = 0.006/ < 0.001). In addition, the stoma reversal cohort showed improved overall 10-year survival (p = 0.004) and functional results (bowel continuity: p = 0.026; pain: p = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Primary surgical therapy for chronic anastomotic leakage should consist of surgical treatment. Furthermore, the reversal of a protective stoma should be considered a viable option in treating chronic presacral sinus to improve pain symptoms and bowel continuity.

Lessons Learned in 11 Years of Experience With Open Abdomen Treatment With Negative-Pressure Therapy for Various Abdominal Emergencies.

Introduction: Open abdomen (OA) treatment with negative-pressure therapy (NPT) was initiated for perforated diverticulitis and subsequently extended to other abdominal emergencies. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the indications, procedures, duration of NPT, and the outcomes of all our patients. Methods: All consecutive patients treated with intra-abdominal NPT from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 438 patients (44% females) with a median (range) age of 66 (12-94) years, BMI of 25 (14-48) kg/m2, and ASA class I, II, III, and IV scores of 36 (13%), 239 (55%), 95 (22%), and 3(1%), respectively, were treated with NPT. The indication for surgery was primary bowel perforation in 163 (37%), mesenteric ischemia in 53 (12%), anastomotic leakage in 53 (12%), ileus in 53 (12%), postoperative bowel perforation/leakage in 32 (7%), abdominal compartment in 15 (3%), pancreatic fistula in 13 (3%), gastric perforation in 13 (3%), secondary peritonitis in 11 (3%), burst abdomen in nine (2%), biliary leakage in eight (2%), and other in 15 (3%) patients. A damage control operation without reconstruction in the initial procedure was performed in 164 (37%) patients. The duration of hospital and intensive care stay were, median (range), 28 (0-278) and 4 (0-214) days. The median (range) duration of operation was 109 (22-433) min and of NPT was 3(0-33) days. A trend to shorter duration of NPT was observed over time and in the colonic perforation group. The mean operating time was shorter when only blind ends were left in situ, namely 110 vs. 133 min (p = 0.006). The mortality rates were 14% at 30 days, 21% at 90 days, and 31% at 1 year. An entero-atmospheric fistula was observed in five (1%) cases, most recently in 2014. Direct fascia closure was possible in 417 (95%) patients at the end of NPT, but least often (67%, p = 0.00) in patients with burst abdomen. During follow-up, hernia repair was observed in 52 (24%) of the surviving patients. Conclusion: Open abdomen treatment with NPT is a promising concept for various abdominal emergencies, especially when treated outside normal working hours. A low rate of entero-atmospheric fistula formation and a high rate of direct fascia closure were achieved with dynamic approximation of the fascia edges. The authors recommend an early-in and early-out strategy as the prolongation of NPT by more than 1 week ends up in a frozen abdomen and does not improve abdominal sepsis.

Prospectively Randomized Controlled Trial on Damage Control Surgery for Perforated Diverticulitis with Generalized Peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Damage control surgery (DCS) with abdominal negative pressure therapy and delayed anastomosis creation in patients with perforated diverticulitis and generalized peritonitis was established at our Institution in 2006 and has been published. The concept was adopted in other hospitals and published as a case series. This is the first prospectively controlled randomized study comparing DCS and conventional treatment (Group C) in this setting. METHODS: All consecutive patients from 2013 to 2018 with indication for surgery were screened and randomized to Group DCS or Group C. The primary outcome was the rate of reconstructed bowel at discharge and at 6 month. Informed consent was obtained. The trial was approved by the local ethics committee and registered at CinicalTrials.gov: NCT04034407. RESULTS: A total of 56 patients were screened; 41 patients gave informed consent to participate and ultimately 21 patients (9 female) with intraoperatively confirmed Hinchey III (n = 14, 67%) or IV (n = 7, 33%), and a median (range) age of 66 (42-92), Mannheim Peritonitis Index of 25 (12-37) and Charlson Comorbidity Index of 3 (0-10) were intraoperatively randomized and treated as Group DCS (n = 13) or Group C (n = 8). Per protocol analysis: A primary anastomosis without ileostomy (PA) was performed in 92% (11/12) patients in Group DCS at the second-look operation, one patient died before second look, and one underwent a Hartmann procedure (HP). In Group C 63% (5/8) patients received a PA and 38% (3/8) patients a HP. Two patients in Group C, but none in Group DCS experienced anastomotic leakage (AI). ICU and hospital stay was median (range) 2 (1-10) and 17.5 (12-43) in DCS and 2 (1-62) and 22 (13-65) days in group C. In Group DCS 8% (1/12) patients was discharged with a stoma versus 57% (4/7) in Group C (p = 0.038, n.s., α = 0.025); one patient died before discharge. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for discharge with a stoma is 0.068 (0.005-0.861). Intent to treat analysis: A PA was performed in 90% (9/10) of patients randomized to DCS, one patient died before the second look, and one patient received a HP. In group C, 70% (7/10) were treated with PA and 30% (3/10) with HP. 29% (2/7) experienced AI treated with protective ileostomy. In group DCS, 9% (1/11) were discharged with a stoma versus 40% (4/10) in group C (p = 0.14, n.s.). The odds ratio for discharge with a stoma is 0.139 (0.012-1.608). CONCLUSION: This is the first prospectively randomized controlled study showing that damage control surgery in perforated diverticulitis Hinchey III and IV enhances reconstruction of bowel continuity and can reduce the stoma rate at discharge.

Challenges in the treatment of a giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal soft-tissue sarcoma is a very rare neoplasm, the most frequent histological subtype is liposarcoma with up to 45% of all cases. Unspecific clinical presentation, late diagnosis and high local recurrence rate represent important problems in clinical practice. We present the case of an adult patient with an unusual large liposarcoma of the retroperitoneum analyzing diagnostic workup, surgical approach and therapeutic strategies. CASE REPORT: A 68-years old female was admitted with weight gain (+12 kg) and increasing abdominal girth. Computed tomography scan imaging showed a retroperitoneal tumor with 40 cm maximum diameter. Biopsy revealed a myxoid liposarcoma. The interdisciplinary curative surgical treatment included preoperative ureteral splinting, en-bloc tumorexstirpation, ileocecal resection, right ureteral resection and vascular reconstruction of the Arteria iliaca communis. The postoperative course was uneventful. After sixteen months the patient developed multifocal local recurrence requiring extensive surgical resection of tumor and retroperitoneal fat (Figs. 3, 4). However, thirteen months later the tumor reappeared and the patient was assigned to palliative chemotherapy. The patient is still alive with stable tumor disease. CONCLUSION: The removal of a huge retroperitoneal sarcoma is a significant challenge for the surgeon. Accurate planning, interdisciplinary treatment options, and radical surgery are essential. However, the recurrence risk is exceptionally high because of the enormous tumor dimensions and the big tumor surface, multimodal therapeutic approaches may improve the outcome in these patients. KEY WORDS: Liposarcoma, Retroperitoneum, Surgery.

Incisional hernia at the site of stoma reversal-incidence and risk factors in a retrospective observational analysis.

BACKGROUND: The closure of a stoma site has a high incidence of incisional hernia (IH) development, reaching 30% in some studies. Location and defect size in the abdominal wall depend on the type of stoma formed, most commonly a loop ileostomy or terminal sigmoid colostomy. METHODS: The retrospective single-centre study includes all consecutive patients who underwent stoma reversal between 2010 and 2016 at the Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery in Innsbruck. Patient characteristics and follow-up examinations were evaluated for IH at both the stoma reversal site and at any other surgical access sites. RESULTS: A total of 181 patients (49% female, 51% male) had a stoma reversal operation. A parastomal hernia was present in 5% (n = 9). Follow-up data was available for 140 patients (77%). A postoperative IH at the stoma reversal site developed in 15.7% (n = 22) and in 18.6% (n = 26) at other surgical wounds to the abdominal wall during a median follow-up of 136 weeks. The combination of a preoperative parastomal hernia and a postoperative IH was observed in 2.8% (n = 5). Parastomal herniation, male sex, body mass index over 25, arterial hypertension and concomitant ventral hernia were associated with IH formation at the stoma reversal. CONCLUSION: The rate of IH at the stoma reversal site was lower than expected from the literature, whereas the rate of IH at other surgical wounds to the abdominal wall was within the expected range.

Damage control surgery for perforated diverticulitis: a two center experience with two different abdominal negative pressure therapy devices.

Purpose: The adoption of abdominal negative pressure therapy (NPT) during urgent laparotomy has shown to be helpful to control abdominal sepsis, improve morbidity and increase anastomosis rate. The aim of this study was to compare feasibility and outcome of two different abdominal negative pressure devices. Methods: The retrospective two-center study includes 78 consecutive patients with perforated sigmoid diverticulitis, who underwent urgent laparotomy using the ABThera™ (KCI, Wien, Austria) abdominal NPT device (Group A, n = 51) or the Suprasorb® CNP (Lohmann & Rauscher, Wien, Austria) abdominal NPT device (Group B, n = 27). Results: The mean length of abdominal NPT was 3.6 days in Group A and 2.8 days in Group B. Revisional surgery after closure of the abdomen was necessary due to surgical site infections, fascial dehiscence or anastomotic insufficiency in 25% and 29%, respectively. NPT-associated complications like fistula formation or acute bleeding were not observed. Mortality was 15% (Group A) and 7% (Group B). Conclusion: Despite the good feasibility and the well-known positive effect of abdominal NPT, perforated diverticulitis is still associated with high morbidity. However, the analysis did not show significant differences between the two abdominal NPT devices.

Perianal minimally invasive surgery (PAMIS) for rectal stump resection after previous colectomy.

PURPOSE: Resection of a long rectal stump after previous colectomy or Hartmann procedure often requires a combined transperitoneal and transperineal approach because of limited access through a perineal incision alone. Risks associated with this procedure include iatrogenic injury to bowels, nerves, ureters, vessels and sexual organs. This study reports on the feasibility and safety of perianal minimally invasive surgery (PAMIS) for the resection of long rectal stumps that would otherwise require a combined transperitoneal and perianal approach. METHODS: PAMIS utilizes standard laparoscopic equipment and a single access port to dissect the rectal stump following the mesorectal fascia into the pelvis after excision of the anal canal. Three PAMIS procedures were performed between February and April 2016. Feasibility, safety and outcome were analysed. RESULTS: Three patients with previous colectomy and ostomy creation due to colitis ulcerosa (n = 2) and idiopathic enteropathy (n = 1) underwent PAMIS. The rectal stump length ranged between 10 and 19 cm. The median postoperative length of stay was 9 (range 6 to 11) days and the median operating time was 90 (range 80 to 120) min. There were no perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: PAMIS is a feasible, safe and efficient procedure for rectal stump resection avoiding the transperitoneal approach for pelvic dissection.

Diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients: A fatal outcome requiring a new approach?

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and treatment of diverticulitis in immunosuppressed patients are more challenging than in immunocompetent patients, as maintenance immunosuppressive therapies may mask symptoms or impair the patient's ability to counteract the local and systemic infective sequelae of diverticulitis. The purpose of this study was to compare the in-hospital mortality and morbidity due to diverticulitis in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patients and identify risk factors for lethal outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive in-patients who received treatment for colonic diverticulitis at our institution between April 2008 and April 2014. Patients were divided into immunocompetent and immunosuppressed groups. Primary end points were mortality and morbidity during treatment. Risk factors for death were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 227 patients included, 15 (6.6%) were on immunosuppressive therapy for solid organ transplantation, autoimmune disease, or cerebral metastasis. Thirteen of them experienced colonic perforation and showed higher morbidity (p = 0.039). Immunosuppressed patients showed longer stays in hospital (27.6 v. 14.5 d, p = 0.016) and in the intensive care unit (9.8 v. 1.1 d, p < 0.001), a higher rate of emergency operations (66% v. 29.2%, p = 0.004), and higher in-hospital mortality (20% v. 4.7%, p = 0.045). Age, perforated diverticulitis with diffuse peritonitis, emergency operation, C-reactive protein > 20 mg/dL, and immunosuppressive therapy were significant predictors of death. Age (hazard ratio [HR] 2.57, p = 0.008) and emergency operation (HR 3.03, p = 0.003) remained significant after multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality due to sigmoid diverticulitis is significantly higher in immunosuppressed patients. Early diagnosis and treatment considering elective sigmoid resection for patients with former episodes of diverticulitis who are wait-listed for transplant is crucial to prevent death.

BACKGROUND: Le diagnostic et le traitement des diverticulites sont plus délicats chez les patients immunosupprimés que chez les patients immunocompétents, étant donné que les thérapies immunosuppressives d'entretien peuvent masquer les symptômes ou réduire la capacité du patient à lutter contre les infections locales ou systémiques pouvant découler de la diverticulite. La présente étude avait pour but de comparer les taux de mortalité et de morbidité en milieu hospitalier associés à la diverticulite chez des patients immunosupprimés et immunocompétents et de cerner les facteurs de risque de décès. METHODS: Cette étude rétrospective portait sur des patients traités consécutivement pour une diverticulite du côlon hospitalisés dans notre établissement entre avril 2008 et avril 2014. Les patients ont été divisés en 2 groupes : immunocompétents et immunosupprimés. Les résultats primaires à l'étude étaient la mortalité et la morbidité pendant le traitement, et nous avons évalué les facteurs de risque de décès. RESULTS: Parmi les 227 patients retenus, 15 (6,6 %) suivaient une thérapie immunosuppressive en raison d'une greffe d'organe plein, d'une maladie auto-immune ou de métastases cérébrales. Parmi eux, 13 ont subi une perforation du côlon et présentaient un taux de morbidité supérieur (p = 0,039). Les patients immunosupprimés sont restés plus longtemps à l'hôpital (27,6 j c. 14,5 j, p = 0,016) et à l'unité de soins intensifs (9,8 j c. 1,1 j, p < 0,001), et présentaient des taux supérieurs d'intervention d'urgence (66 % c. 29,2 %, p = 0,004) et de mortalité pendant l'hospitalisation (20 % c. 4,7 %, p = 0,045). L'âge, une diverticulite perforée avec péritonite diffuse, une opération d'urgence, un résultat de protéine C réactive > 20 mg/dL et une thérapie immunosuppressive étaient des prédicteurs de décès significatifs. L'âge (rapport de risque [RR] 2,57, p = 0,008) et une opération d'urgence (RR 3,03, p = 0,003) sont demeurés significatifs après l'exécution d'une analyse multivariée. CONCLUSION: Les taux de morbidité et de mortalité attribuables à une diverticulite du sigmoïde sont significativement plus élevés chez les patients immunosupprimés que chez les autres patients. Afin de prévenir les décès, il est essentiel de diagnostiquer et de traiter rapidement, possiblement par résection du sigmoïde, les patients ayant déjà souffert de diverticulite qui sont sur une liste d'attente pour une greffe.

Long-term surveillance of locally advanced rectal cancer patients with neoadjuvant chemoradiation and aggressive surgical treatment of recurrent disease: a consecutive single-centre experience.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the long-term outcome of rectal cancer patients who submitted to preoperative chemoradiation with consecutive intensive follow-up and aggressive surgical treatment of recurrent disease. METHODS: Patients with locally advanced (cT3-4 Nx M0-1) mid/low rectal cancer were treated at a tertiary university hospital with preoperative long-course chemoradiation followed by resection (according to a prospective study protocol). After resection, all patients were urged to participate in a standardised, risk-independent intensive follow-up program. All curatively treated patients (n = 153, 96 %) were included in our long-term analysis with respect to curative re-resection of recurrent disease. RESULTS: Of 153 patients, 143 (93 %) participated in our follow-up program: 63 % were surveyed longer than 5 years after primary therapy (mean follow-up 75 months, 95 % CI 67.8-82.2). Fifty-five (36 %) patients developed cancer recurrence (mean 27.8 months, 95 % CI 20.6-34.9, range 3-108), giving a disease-free survival rate of 68.5 and 60.7 % at 5 and 10 years; 21 (38 %) patients were re-resected curatively and 58 (38 %) patients died during the observation period, giving an overall survival rate of 70.8 and 57.5 % at 5 and 10 years. Multivariate analysis found tumour differentiation (P < 0.01), operative procedure (P < 0.05) and downstaging (P < 0.01) to be independent variables influencing overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of multimodal therapy and aggressive surgical treatment of metastases including repeated re-resections in curative intention is relevant in order to chronify the disease. Thus, both intensive and extended follow-up beyond 5 years appear to be mandatory.

The role of the open abdomen procedure in managing severe abdominal sepsis: WSES position paper.

The open abdomen (OA) procedure is a significant surgical advance, as part of damage control techniques in severe abdominal trauma. Its application can be adapted to the advantage of patients with severe abdominal sepsis, however its precise role in these patients is still not clear. In severe abdominal sepsis the OA may allow early identification and draining of any residual infection, control any persistent source of infection, and remove more effectively infected or cytokine-loaded peritoneal fluid, preventing abdominal compartment syndrome and deferring definitive intervention and anastomosis until the patient is appropriately resuscitated and hemodynamically stable and thus better able to heal. However, the OA may require multiple returns to the operating room and may be associated with significant complications, including enteroatmospheric fistulas, loss of abdominal wall domain and large hernias. Surgeons should be aware of the pathophysiology of severe intra-abdominal sepsis and always keep in mind the option of using open abdomen to be able to use it in the right patient at the right time.

Therapeutic management and outcome of locoregional recurrence after curative colorectal cancer therapy-a single-center analysis.

Locoregional tumor recurrence after curative therapy for colorectal cancer is therapeutically challenging and associated with poor prognosis. Goal of this single-center study was to analyze patients with locoregional recurrence with regard to therapeutic strategies and outcome for colon and rectal cancer each. Charts of all patients surgically treated for colorectal cancer in the period from 2000 to 2011 (n = 1296) were examined; patients with locoregional recurrence (n = 86) were then further analyzed. Fifty-three (10.2%) patients with rectal and 33 (5.6%) patients with colon cancer developed a locoregional recurrence, median 24.5 months after first diagnosis. Recurrence-specific therapy was applied in the majority of the patients (84.8% colon, 90.7% rectum); a surgical approach was undertaken in 82.1% (colon) and in 56.3% (rectum). Five-year overall survival after locoregional recurrence was 13% for rectal cancer and 9% for colon cancer. Itemized analysis for the approached therapeutic regimens revealed that radical recurrence resection (R0) significantly prolongs overall survival (p = 0.003) in rectal cancer, as does a surgical approach itself, as compared to conservative treatment modalities. If feasible, oncologic radical resection of the relapse (R0) significantly influences patient outcome and overall survival in rectal cancer.

Is limited surgery justified in the treatment of T1 colorectal cancer?

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) should be aimed primarily at achieving a combination of surgical-oncologic radicalness and the highest possible quality of life. In recent years, surgical therapy for T1 CRC has tended toward less radical interventions. The question regarding changes in survival and recurrence rates still is unanswered. METHODS: A retrospective medical chart review of patients surgically treated in our department for T1 CRC from January 1990 to December 2010 (n = 223) was performed. Charts were reviewed for tumor-specific parameters, local recurrence, distant metastasis, and patient survival. The different treatment options used were strictly separated for a more detailed workup. RESULTS: Radical resection (RR) was performed for 57.1 %, local resection (LR) for 14.8 %, and an endoscopic approach (EA) for 28.1 % of the study population. After receipt of the histology report, 35.7 % of the patients initially resected nonradically underwent reoperation, mostly using RR. Seven patients experienced a local recurrence over time (3.6 %): one after initial RR, three after LR, and three after EA. Systemic recurrence occurred for nine patients (4.6 %) over time, six of whom had undergone initial RR. High-risk criteria were shown for 20 T1 CRCs. For 60 % (12/20) of the patients, initial RR was performed. Radical reoperation was performed for 75 % of the nonradically treated high-risk tumors. One high-risk patient without reoperation experienced metastatic disease over time. The 5-year overall survival rate was 87.2 %, itemized for the defined subgroups as follows: 83.9 % for RR, 82.8 % for LR, and 58.2 % for EA. CONCLUSION: Patients with T1 CRC had a distinctly higher incidence of local recurrence after EA or LR. Explicit workup in terms of risk classification is crucial to reducing the risk of local and systemic recurrence. A nonradical approach should be only a second option for patients with T1 CRC, namely, those solely in clearly low-risk situations or those with distinct comorbidities.

Enterolithiasis-associated ileus in Crohn's disease.

Stasis of the flow of the intestinal contents, ingested material and unfavorable composition of the chylus can lead to the formation of enteroliths inside the bowel. Enterolithiasis represents a rare disorder of the gastrointestinal tract that can be associated with intermittent abdominal pain or more serious complications such as bleeding or obstruction. Enterolithiasis in Crohn's disease represents an extremely rare condition and usually occurs only in patients with a long symptomatic history of Crohn's disease. We report an unusual case of enterolithiasis-related intestinal obstruction in a young male patient with Crohn's disease (A2L3B1 Montreal Classification for Crohn's disease 2005) undergoing emergency laparotomy and ileocoecal resection. In addition, we present an overview of the relevant characteristics of enterolithiasis on the basis of the corresponding literature.