The Optimal Ileal Pouch: Physiologic Parameters Significantly Correlate with Overall Pouch Function.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch function is affected by several patient factors and pouch physiology. The significance of pouch physiology on optimal pouch function has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to examine specific post-ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) physiologic parameters to determine impact on pouch function and quality of life. METHODS: Patients undergoing proctocolectomy with IPAA for ulcerative colitis were examined. Post-IPAA compliance, pouch anal pressure gradient (PAPG), and function were assessed 6-8 months postoperatively. Compliance was calculated as change in volume divided by change in pressure. PAPG was calculated as the difference between anal pressure and intra-pouch pressure at a fixed volume. Pouch function evaluation included stool frequency and episodes of incontinence. Quality of life was evaluated using the Rockwood Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were investigated. Post-IPAA resting anal pressure averaged 58.1 ± 15 mmHg. Mean volume and intra-pouch pressure at evacuation were 245 mL and 33.9 mmHg, respectively. Compliance averaged 11.2 mmHg/mL with a mean PAPG of - 29.3 mmHg. Compliance and PAPG correlated with 24-h (p = 0.003, p = 0.004) and nighttime stool frequency (p = 0.04, p = 0.03). Daytime continence was impacted by compliance (p = 0.04), PAPG (p = 0.02), and resting anal pressure (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: This unique evaluation reveals a significant correlation between IPAA physiologic properties and function. Optimal function and quality of life depend in part on maintaining optimal pouch compliance and pressure differentials between the pouch and anal canal, defined by the pouch anal pressure gradient.

Risk Factors for 30-Day Hospital Re-Admission with an Infectious Complication after Lower-Extremity Vascular Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Lowering the 30-d re-admission rate after vascular surgery offers the potential to improve healthcare quality. This study evaluated re-admission associated with infections after open and endovascular lower extremity (LE) procedures for peripheral artery disease (PAD). METHODS: Patients admitted for elective LE procedures for PAD were selected from the Cerner Health Facts® database. Chi-square analysis evaluated the characteristics of the index admission associated with infection at 30-d re-admission. Multivariable logistic models were created to examine the association of patient and procedural characteristics with infections at re-admission. The microbiology data available at the time of re-admission were evaluated also. RESULTS: A total of 7,089 patients underwent elective LE procedures, of whom 770 (10.9%) were re-admitted within 30 d. A total of 289 (37.5%) had a diagnosis of infection during the re-admission. These infections included surgical site (14.8%), cellulitis (13.6%), sepsis (8.8%), urinary tract (4.9%), and pneumonia (4.9%). Index stay factors associated with infection at re-admission were fluid and electrolyte disorders, kidney disease, diabetes, previous infection, and chronic anemia. Laboratory results associated with an infection during re-admission were post-operative hemoglobin <8 g/dL, blood urea nitrogen >20 mg/dL, platelet counts >400 × 103/mcL, glucose >180 mg/dL, and white blood cell count >11.0 × 103/mcL. Adjusted models demonstrated longer stay, chronic anemia, previous infection, treatment at a teaching hospital, and hemoglobin <8 g/dL to be risk factors for re-admission with infection. Infective organisms isolated during the re-admission stay included Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Escherichia, Pseudomonas, Proteus, and Klebsiella. CONCLUSIONS: Infectious complications were associated with more than one-third of all re-admissions after LE procedures. Predictors of re-admission within 30 d with an infectious complication were longer stay, greater co-morbidity burden, hospitalization in teaching facilities, hemoglobin <8 g/dL, and an infection during the index stay. Microbiology examination at re-admission demonstrated gram-negative bacteria in more than 40% of infections. Further evaluation of high-risk vascular patients prior to discharge and consideration of antibiotic administration for gram-negative organisms at the time of re-admission may improve outcomes.

Advantages of the meso-Rex bypass compared with portosystemic shunts in the management of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction in children.

BACKGROUND: Consequences of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) include variceal bleeding and hypersplenism due to portal hypertension, as well as metabolic abnormalities secondary to impaired portal venous circulation. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of meso-Rex bypass and portosystemic shunt (PSS) for reversing these symptoms in children with EHPVO. STUDY DESIGN: All children with idiopathic EHPVO evaluated for potential meso-Rex bypass at a single institution between 1997 and 2010 were reviewed. Portosystemic shunt was performed in patients with refractory portal hypertension when meso-Rex bypass was not technically feasible. Outcomes of meso-Rex bypass and PSS were compared, including resolution of portal hypertensive bleeding and hypersplenism, as well as changes in liver synthetic function, ammonia levels, and somatic growth. RESULTS: Sixty-five children with EHPVO underwent successful meso-Rex bypass, while 16 required PSS. Nearly all patients experienced complete relief of variceal bleeding after meso-Rex (96%) bypass and PSS (100%). The improvements in platelet count (+82.1 ± 60.0 vs +32.4 ± 56.3 thousand/µL; p=0.004), internal normalized ratio (-0.22 ± 0.27 vs 0.01 ± 0.14; p=0.022), and serum ammonia level (-26.8 ± 36.8 vs +19.4 ± 33.1 µM/L; p=0.002) were greater after meso-Rex bypass than PSS. Among patients with below average (standard deviation z-score<0) preoperative weight for age, the improvement in weight-for-age z-score was greater after meso-Rex bypass (+0.84 ± 0.98) than PSS (+0.17 ± 0.79, p=0.044). Median duration of follow-up was 4.45 years after meso-Rex bypass and 1.8 years after PSS. CONCLUSIONS: Both meso-Rex bypass and PSS effectively relieve symptoms of portal hypertensive bleeding in children with EHPVO, although the meso-Rex better relieves hypersplenism. By restoring normal portal venous circulation, the meso-Rex bypass has additional metabolic benefits.