Intraoperative evaluation of colorectal anastomotic integrity: a comparison of air leak and dye leak tests.

BACKGROUND: Air leak tests (ALTs) and dye leak tests (DLTs) are the most common techniques for Intraoperative colorectal anastomosis assessment. The aim of our study was to compare the sensitivity of ALT with DLT in intraoperative evaluation of colorectal anastomotic integrity and to quantify the pressures routinely used in these tests. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was conducted on patients who had elective colorectal resection and primary anastomosis from November 2017 until July 2019 in a single academic referral center. Each patient underwent both tests. The ALT was a transanal insufflation of CO2 and inspection of escaping bubbles around the anastomosis immersed in saline. The DLT was a transanal infusion of diluted methylene blue and inspection of dye stains on surgical gauze wrapping the anastomosis. Peak pressures were measured. Primary endpoints were the sensitivity of ALT and DLT in detecting intraoperative leaks, quantification of intraluminal pressure routinely used in these settings and assessment of postoperative complications such as a clinical leak. RESULTS: Forty patients underwent elective colorectal resection and anastomosis for malignant (67%) or benign n (33%) etiology. Height of anastomoses ranged from 1 to 25 cm (mean ± SD 12 ± 6 cm). Mean pressures measured were 26.5 ± 6.6 mmHg for the DLT and 22 ± 4 mmHg for the ALT (p < 0.01). Twenty percent of the DLTs were positive (8 patients) compared to 2.5% (1 patient) of the ALTs (RR 1.97, CI 1.2-2.7; p = 0.03). All patients who had positive tests had a suture reinforcement of the anastomosis. Only 1 patient, who had a positive DLT and ALT, developed a clinical leak CONCLUSIONS: DLT is more sensitive in detecting anastomotic leak intraoperatively. This is the first study measuring anastomotic tests' pressures used in-vivo in humans demonstrating a range of 20-30 mmHg. Based on our data we believe that a positive DLT with a negative ALT may be treated with suture reinforcement alone. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: NCT03316677-10/17/2017.

Synchronous Hartmann reversal and incisional hernia repair is associated with higher complication rate compared to a staged procedure.

Post operative ventral hernias are common following Hartmann's procedure. There is a debate whether hernia repair is safe when performed concomitantly with colostomy closure. In this study we aimed to evaluate the outcomes of synchronous Hartmann reversal (HR) with a hernia repair, compared to a staged procedure. A retrospective multi-center study was conducted, including all patients who underwent Hartmann's procedure from January 2004 to July 2017 in 5 medical centers. Patient data included demographics, surgical data and post-operative outcome. Two hundred and seventy-four patients underwent colostomy reversal following Hartmann's procedure. In 107 patients (39%) a concomitant ventral hernia was reported during the Hartmann's reversal. Out of this cohort, 62 patients (58%) underwent hernia repair during follow-up. Thirty two patients (52%) underwent a synchronous hernia repair and 30 patients (48%) underwent hernia repair as a separate procedure. Post operative complication rate was significantly higher in the colostomy reversal with synchronous hernia repair group when compared to HR alone group (53% vs. 20%; p < 0.01; OR 4.5). In addition, severe complication rate (Clavien-Dindo score ≥ 3) was higher in the synchronous hernia repair group (25% vs. 7%). A tendency for higher hernia recurrence rate was noted in the synchronous group (56% vs. 40%). Median follow up time was 2.53 years (range 1-13.3 years). Synchronous colostomy closure and ventral hernia repair following Hartmann's procedure carries a significant risk for post operative complications, indicating that a staged procedure might be preferable.

Timing of colostomy reversal following Hartmann's procedure for perforated diverticulitis.

AIM: Hartmann's procedure is the surgical treatment of choice for perforated acute diverticulitis. Hartmann's reversal (HR) that is performed at a later stage may be challenging. The optimal timing for HR is still a subject for controversy. The aim of this study is to assess whether the timing of HR affects surgical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective-cohort multi-center study was conducted, including all patients who underwent HR for acute diverticulitis from January 2004 to June 2015 in 5 medical centers. Patient data included demographics, surgical data and post-operative outcome. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-two patients were included in the database. Median time from Hartmann's procedure to reversal was 182.7 days, with the majority of patients (76 patients, 62.2%) operated 60 to 180 days from the Hartmann's procedure. Fifty-seven patients (46.7%) had post-operative complications, most commonly wound infections (27 patients, 22.1%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and a propensity score match analysis (P=0.43) correlating between days to HR from the index procedure showed no specific cut-off point regarding post-operative complications (P=0.16), Major (Clavien-Dindo score of 3 or more) complications (P=0.19), Minor (Clavien Dindo 1-2) and no complications (P=0.14). Median length of stay was 10.9 days (range 3-90) and Pearson correlation failed to demonstrate a correlation between timing of surgical intervention and length of stay (P=0.4). CONCLUSION: Hartmann's Reversal is a complex surgical procedure associated with high rates of complications. In our series, timing of surgery did not affect surgical complications rate or severity or the length of hospital stay.

Reversal of Hartmann's procedure: still a complicated operation.

Hartmann's procedure, colonic resection with an end colostomy and rectal closure, is used in a variety of surgical emergencies. It is a common surgical procedure that is often practiced in patients with colonic obstruction and colonic perforation, resolving the acute clinical situation in the majority of cases. Reversal of Hartmann's procedure with restoration of bowel continuity occurs in a significantly low percentage of patients. There are several reasons contributing to the fact that many patients remain with a permanent colostomy following Hartmann's procedure. These include factors related to the patients' clinical status but also to the significant difficulty and morbidity related to the surgical reversal of Hartmann's procedure. The aim of this study was to review the factors related to the fairly low percentage of patients undergoing Hartmann's reversal as well as surgical techniques that could help surgeons restore intestinal continuity following Hartmann's procedure and deal with the postoperative outcomes.