Martius flaps for low rectovaginal fistulae: a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal fistulae (RVF) are notoriously challenging to treat. Martius flap (MF) is a technique employed to manage RVF, among various others, with none being universally successful. We aimed to assess the outcomes of RVF managed with MF interposition. METHODS: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis searching for all studies specifically reporting on the outcomes of MF for RVF was performed. The primary objective was the mean success rate, whilst secondary objectives included complications and recurrence. The MedCalc software (version 20.118) was used to conduct proportional meta-analyses of data. Weighted mean values with 95% CI are presented and stratified according to aetiology where possible. RESULTS: Twelve non-randomized (11 retrospective, 1 prospective) studies, assessing 137 MF were included. The mean age of the study population was 42.4 (±15.7), years. There were 44 primary and 93 recurrent RVF. The weighted mean success rate for MF when performed for primary RVF was 91.4% (95% CI: 79.45-98.46; I2 = 32.1%; P = 0.183) and that for recurrent RVF was 77.5% (95% CI: 62.24-89.67; I2 = 58.1%; P = 0.008). The weighted mean complication rate was 29% (95% CI: 8.98-54.68; I2 = 85.4%; P < 0.0001) and the overall recurrence rate was 12.0% (95% CI: 5.03-21.93; I2 = 52.3%; P = 0.021). When purely radiotherapy-induced RVF were evaluated, the mean overall success rate was 94.6% (95% CI: 83.33-99.75; I2 = 0%; P = 0.350). CONCLUSIONS: MF interposition appears to be more effective for primary than recurrent RVF. However, the poor quality of the data limits definitive conclusions being drawn and demands further assessment with randomized studies.

A meta-analysis of laparoscopic versus ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery programmes in laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) employ combined approaches to achieve postoperative analgesia. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a locoregional anaesthetic technique that may reduce postoperative pain. AIMS: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of laparoscopic- versus ultrasound-guided TAP block in LCS. METHODS: Databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until March 2022. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared laparoscopic (LTB) versus ultrasound-guided (UTB) TAP blocks in LCS were included. The primary outcome was narcotic consumption at 24 h postoperatively, whilst secondary outcomes included pain scores at 24 h postoperatively, operative time, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and complication rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. RESULTS: Three RCTs were included capturing 219 patients. Studies were clinically heterogenous. On random effects analysis, LTB was associated with significantly lower narcotic consumption (SMD - 0.30 mg, 95% CI = - 0.57 to - 0.03, p = 0.03) and pain scores (SMD - 0.29, 95% CI = - 0.56 to - 0.03, p = 0.03) at 24 h. However, there were no differences in operative time (SMD - 0.09 min, 95% CI = - 0.40 to 0.22, p = 0.56), PONV (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.36 to 2.65, p = 0.96) or complication (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 0.64 to 2.64, p = 0.47) rates. CONCLUSIONS: LTB is associated with significantly less narcotic usage and pain at 24 h postoperatively but similar PONV, operative time and complication rates, compared to UTB. However, the data were inconsistent, and our findings require further investigation. LTB obviates the need for ultrasound devices whilst also decreasing procedure logistical complexity.

Omentoplasty to reduce anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leaks (AL) remain a devastating complication following intestinal anastomoses resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Wrapping the anastomosis with omentum may be protective although data are conflicting. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the effect of omentoplasty on colorectal anastomoses. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until August 2021. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) that reported on the use of omentoplasty in colon and rectal surgery were included. The primary outcome was rate of overall AL while secondary outcomes included clinical and radiological AL, overall reoperation and mortality. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. Sensitivity analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included capturing 1067 patients. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 61.5 (±14.8) years. On random effects analysis, omentoplasty reduced rate of overall (OR 0.43, 95% CI = 0.21-0.87, p = 0.02) and clinical AL (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.15-0.81, p = 0.01). However, there was no difference in radiological AL (OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.40-1.47, p = 0.42), overall reoperations (OR 0.48, 95% CI = 0.18-1.32, p = 0.16) or mortality (OR 0.52, 95% CI = 0.12 to-2.18, p = 0.37). On sensitivity analysis, assessing rectal anastomoses only, the results for overall AL remained similar (OR 0.28, 95% CI = 0.12-0.61, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Although omentoplasty appears to reduce the rate of overall and clinical AL, the heterogeneity in the data prevents definitive recommendations from being made. Further well-designed trials are needed to investigate this technique.

Optimal management of functional anorectal pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Functional anorectal is idiopathic and characterised by severe and potentially intractable anorectal pain. The current review aims to appraise available evidence for the management of functional anorectal pain and synthesise reported outcomes using network meta-analysis. PubMed, CENTRAL and Web of Science databases were searched for studies investigating treatments for functional anorectal pain. The primary outcome was clinical improvement of symptoms and the secondary outcome was pain scores reported during follow-up. A Bayesian network meta-analysis of interventions was performed. A total of 1538 patients were included from 27 studies. Intramuscular injection of triamcinolone, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and biofeedback were most likely to be associated with improvement in symptoms [SUCRA (triamcinolone) = 0.79; SUCRA (SNM) = 0.74; SUCRA (Biofeedback) = 0.61]. Electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS), injection of botulinum toxin A and topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) were less likely to produce clinical improvement [SUCRA (EGS) = 0.53; SUCRA (Botox) = 0.30; SUCRA (GTN) = 0.27]. SNM and biofeedback were associated with the largest reductions in pain scores [mean difference, range (SNM) = 4.6-8.2; (Biofeedback) = 4.6-6]. As biofeedback is noninvasive and may address underlying pathophysiology, it is a reasonable first-line choice in patients with high resting pressures or defecation symptoms. In patients with normal resting pressures, SNM or EGS are additional options. Although SNM is more likely to produce a meaningful response compared to EGS, EGS is noninvasive and has less morbidity. Whilst triamcinolone injection is associated with symptomatic clinical improvement, the magnitude of pain reduction is less.

Early infection is an independent risk factor for increased mortality in patients with culture-confirmed infected pancreatic necrosis.

BACKGROUND: Mortality in infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is dynamic over the course of the disease, with type and timing of interventions as well as persistent organ failure being key determinants. The timing of infection onset and how it pertains to mortality is not well defined. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between mortality and the development of early IPN. METHODS: International multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients with IPN, confirmed by a positive microbial culture from (peri) pancreatic collections. The association between timing of infection onset, timing of interventions and mortality were assessed using Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 743 patients from 19 centers across 3 continents with culture-confirmed IPN from 2000 to 2016 were evaluated, mortality rate was 20.9% (155/734). Early infection was associated with a higher mortality, when early infection occurred within the first 4 weeks from presentation with acute pancreatitis. After adjusting for comorbidity, advanced age, organ failure, enteral nutrition and parenteral nutrition, early infection (≤4 weeks) and early open surgery (≤4 weeks) were associated with increased mortality [HR: 2.45 (95% CI: 1.63-3.67), p < 0.001 and HR: 4.88 (95% CI: 1.70-13.98), p = 0.003, respectively]. There was no association between late open surgery, early or late minimally invasive surgery, early or late percutaneous drainage with mortality (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early infection was associated with increased mortality, independent of interventions. Early surgery remains a strong predictor of excess mortality.

Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery-a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: Effective postoperative analgesia is paramount in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, given their increased predisposition to narcotic-induced respiratory depression. Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has shown promise in the enhanced recovery pathway for several abdominal procedures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of TAP block in laparoscopic bariatric surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until June 2020. All randomized trials that compared TAP blocks versus none in laparoscopic bariatric procedures were included. The primary outcome was narcotic consumption at 24 h postoperatively, whilst secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores at 24 h, time to ambulation, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and complication rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. RESULTS: Seven randomized controlled trials were included, capturing 617 patients. There was high statistical heterogeneity across studies. On random effects analysis, there were no significant differences in narcotic consumption (MD -12.63 mg, 95% CI = -31.67 to 6.41, p = 0.19), pain scores (MD -0.71, 95% CI = -1.93 to 0.50, p = 0.25) or complications (RD = -0.00, 95% CI = -0.03 to 0.03, p = 0.87) between TAP and no TAP groups. However, TAP was associated with significantly less time to ambulation (MD -2.22 h, 95% CI = -3.89 to -0.56, p = 0.009) and PONV (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.35, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: TAP in laparoscopic bariatric surgery is associated with significantly less PONV and time to ambulation, but similar complication rates, narcotic usage and postoperative pain at 24 h compared to no TAP.

A meta-analysis of marsupialisation versus none in the treatment of simple fistula-in-ano.

INTRODUCTION: Marsupialisation of post-fistulotomy wounds results in a smaller raw surface area and may improve postoperative outcomes. However, it remains a variable practice. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of marsupialisation in the treatment of simple fistula-in-ano. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from inception until April 2020. All trials that reported on marsupialisation in anal fistula treatment were included. The primary outcome measure was time to complete healing, while secondary outcomes included recurrence, pain scores and incontinence. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. A sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: Six randomised controlled trials were included capturing 461 patients. The mean (SD) age of the cohort was 39.31 (± 8.71) years. There were 395 males (85.7%). All fistulae were of the cryptoglandular aetiology. On random effects analysis, marsupialisation was associated with a significantly shorter time to healing compared with no marsupialisation (SMD - 0.97 weeks, 95% CI = - 1.36 to - 0.58, p < 0.00001). However, there was no difference in recurrence (RD = - 0.00, 95% CI = - 0.02 to 0.02, p = 0.72), pain scores at 24 h (SMD - 0.03, 95% CI = - 0.56 to 0.50, p = 0.91) or incontinence (RD = - 0.01, 95% CI = - 0.05 to 0.02, p = 0.42). On sensitivity analysis, focusing exclusively on fistulotomy for simple fistula-in-ano, the results for time to healing, recurrence and incontinence remained similar. CONCLUSIONS: Marsupialisation of fistulotomy wounds for simple fistula-in-ano is associated with a significantly shorter healing time, but similar recurrence, pain scores at 24 h and incontinence rates, compared with omitting marsupialisation.

Effect of liposomal bupivacaine on opioid requirements and length of stay in colorectal enhanced recovery pathways: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

AIM: Reducing postoperative opioid consumption is a key aim of enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery protocols. Potential solutions include anaesthetic techniques such as local infiltration of anaesthetic agents or transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for colorectal resections, across a variety of anaesthetic techniques. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies assessing LB, administered by any anaesthetic technique. The primary outcome was postoperative morphine consumed (milligrams) and the secondary outcome was length of stay (days). A Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing LB versus non-LB analgesia was performed alongside meta-regression for different surgical approaches. RESULTS: Twelve trials were included, with a total of 2512 patients. LB-based wound infiltration was most likely to reduce length of stay followed by TAP block with LB (sum under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA] 85.55 and 70.26, respectively). TAP block with LB was most likely to reduce morphine requirements, followed by wound infiltration with LB (SUCRA 83.94 and 75.73, respectively). Compared to standard analgesia, LB-based wound infiltration reduced morphine usage (mean difference 36.64 mg, 95% credibility interval 15.64-59.20) and length of stay (mean difference 1.79 days, 95% credibility interval 0.59-3.81). On meta-regression, the findings held for minimally invasive surgery only. CONCLUSION: Although LB-based interventions were associated with reduced postoperative morphine requirements and length of stay in this network meta-analysis, the confidence in these estimates was graded as very low. Further well-executed trials are required before LB can be recommended as a first-line agent.

Fixation versus no fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair of primary inguinal hernia-a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The necessity of mesh fixation in laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair remains controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of mesh fixation versus no fixation in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant articles from January 1992 until May 2020. All trials that compared fixation versus no fixation in TEP repairs for inguinal herniae were included. Recurrent and femoral herniae were excluded from the current analysis. The primary outcome measure was recurrence while secondary outcomes included postoperative pain at 24 h, mean operative time, urinary retention, and seroma rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out. RESULTS: Eight randomized controlled trials were included capturing 557 patients and 715 inguinal herniae. On random effects analysis, there were no significant differences between fixation and no fixation with respect to recurrence (RD 0.00, 95% CI = - 0.01 to 0.01, p = 1.00), operative time (MD 1.58 min, 95% CI = - 0.22 to 3.37, p = 0.09), seroma (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.28 to 1.74, p = 0.44), or urinary retention (RD 0.09, 95% CI = - 0.18 to 0.36, p = 0.53). However, fixation was associated with more pain at 24 h (MD 0.93, 95% CI = 0.20 to 1.66, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Mesh fixation in laparoscopic TEP repair for primary inguinal herniae is associated with increased postoperative pain at 24 h but similar recurrence, seroma, and urinary retention. Therefore, it may be omitted.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Closed Laparotomy Incisions in General and Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common after laparotomy wounds and are associated with a significant economic burden. The use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has recently been broadened to closed surgical incisions. Objective: To evaluate the association of prophylactic NPWT with SSI rates in closed laparotomy incisions performed for general and colorectal surgery in elective and emergency settings. Data Sources: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar databases were searched without language restrictions for relevant articles from inception until December 2017. The latest search was performed on December 31, 2017. The bibliographies of retrieved studies were further screened for potential additional studies. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials and nonrandomized studies were included. Unpublished reports were excluded, as were studies that examined NPWT (or standard nonpressure) dressings only without a comparator group. Studies that evaluated the use of NPWT in open abdominal incisions were also excluded. Disagreement was resolved by discussion, and if the question remained unsettled, the opinion of the senior author was sought. A total of 198 citations were identified, and 189 were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: This meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were independently extracted by 2 authors. A random-effects model was used for statistical analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome measure was SSI, and secondary outcomes included seroma and wound dehiscence rates. These outcomes were chosen before data collection. Results: Nine unique studies (3 randomized trials and 2 prospective and 4 retrospective studies) capturing 1266 unique patients were included. Of these, 1187 patients with 1189 incisions were included in the final analysis (52.3% male among 7 studies reporting data on sex; mean [SD] age, 52 [15] years among 8 studies reporting data on age). Significant clinical and methodologic heterogeneity existed among studies. On random-effects analysis, NPWT was associated with a significantly lower rate of SSI compared with standard dressings (pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.52; P < .001). However, no difference in rates of seroma (pooled OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.12-1.23; P = .11) or wound dehiscence (pooled OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 0.61-6.78; P = .25) was found. On sensitivity analysis, focusing solely on colorectal procedures, NPWT significantly reduced SSI rates (pooled OR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07-0.36; P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: Application of NPWT on closed laparotomy wounds in general and colorectal surgery is associated with reduced SSI rates but similar rates of seroma and wound dehiscence compared with conventional nonpressure dressings.

Anal advancement flap versus lateral internal sphincterotomy for chronic anal fissure- a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissures (CAF) are common and associated with reduced quality of life. Lateral internal sphincterotomy (LIS) is frequently carried out but carries a significant risk of anal incontinence. Anal advancement flap (AAF) has been advocated as an alternative, 'sphincter-preserving' procedure. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of both techniques in the treatment of CAF. METHODS: The online databases of PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to January 2017. All studies that investigated and reported outcomes of LIS and AAF for treatment of CAF were included. The primary outcome measure was anal incontinence while secondary outcomes included unhealed fissure and wound complication rates. Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effect size estimates. RESULTS: Four studies (2 randomized controlled trials and 2 retrospective studies) describing 300 patients (150 LIS, 150 AAF) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. There was significant clinical heterogeneity among the trials. On random effects analysis, AAF was associated with a significantly lower rate of anal incontinence compared to LIS (OR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.36, p = .002). However, there were no statistically significant differences in unhealed fissure (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 0.25 to 19.33, p = .47) or wound complication rates (OR = 1.41, 95% CI = 0.50 to 4.99 p = .51) between AAF and LIS. CONCLUSIONS: AAF is associated with less incontinence, but similar wound complications as well as a similar rate of unhealed fissures compared to LIS. However, further well-executed, multi-centre randomized trials are required to provide stronger evidence.

Extra-pulmonary primary small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma arising from the duodenum: rare tumor, unusual location.

Small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is a high-grade carcinoma rarely encountered in extra-pulmonary sites. A 40-year-old lady presented with epigastric pain and was noted to have an ulcerated small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma in her duodenum with liver metastases. She underwent palliative chemotherapy but unfortunately passed away. Duodenal SCNC is an unusual malignancy with an aggressive phenotype.