Extended versus limited mesenteric excision for operative Crohn's disease: 30-Day outcomes from the ACS-NSQIP database.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have suggested that extended mesenteric excision (ME) may reduce surgical reintervention in Crohn's Disease (CD), but there remains clinical concerns regarding potential peri-operative morbidity. This retrospective study compares 30-day perioperative morbidity between limited and extended ME in segmental colectomies for CD. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS-NSQIP) colectomy-specific database, all patients with CD undergoing segmental colectomy for non-malignant indications between 2014-2019 were included. A lymph node harvest of 12 or more nodes was used as a surrogate for extended ME. The primary outcome was NSQIP major morbidity. Secondary outcomes included abdominal complications and perioperative bleeding. RESULTS: Of 3,709 patients included from the ACS-NSQIP database, 3,087 underwent limited ME and 622 underwent extended ME. On univariate analysis, those with limited mesenteric excision were less likely to be anemic (46.1% vs 55.0%, p < 0.001) and have undergone an open surgery (44.7% vs 34.7%, p < 0.001). On univariate comparison of limited and extended ME, there was no significant difference in major morbidity. On multiple logistic regression, controlling for age, sex, BMI, smoking, preoperative sepsis, preoperative anemia, surgical approach, emergency surgery, stoma creation, bowel preparation, and immunosuppression, the extent of ME was not an independent predictor of NSQIP major morbidity (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.84-1.44). Likewise, the extent of ME was not associated with an increase in abdominal complications (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.76-1.19) or post-operative bleeding (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.53). CONCLUSION: Extended ME for CD was not associated with an increase in 30-day perioperative major morbidity.

Is the Hartmann's procedure for diverticulitis obsolete? National trends in colectomy for diverticulitis in the emergency setting from 1993 to 2018.

BACKGROUND: Historically, Hartmann's procedure (HP) has been the operation of choice for diverticulitis in the emergency setting. However, recent evidence has demonstrated the safety of primary anastomosis (PA) with or without diverting ileostomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the trends of, and factors associated with, HP compared to PA in emergency surgery for diverticulitis over 25 years. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample database, we identified adult patients ≥ 18 years old who underwent emergency surgery for diverticulitis (HP or PA) between 1993 and 2018 using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal cancer or who underwent elective diverticulitis surgery were excluded. Trends in HP were analyzed using multivariable linear regression, and factors associated with HP were assessed with multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 499,433 patients who underwent colectomy in the emergency setting for acute diverticulitis, 271,288 (54.3%) had a HP and 228,145 (45.7%) had a PA. Median age was 61 years (IQR: 50-73), 53% were women, and 70.5% were white. The proportion of HP slightly increased over the study period-HP comprised 52.6% of included cases in 1993-98 and 55.2% of cases in 2014-2018 (p = 0.017). Advanced age (reference = 18-44 years; 45-54 years: OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10-1.22; 55-64 years: OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.20-1.33; 65-74 years: OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.25-1.42; ≥ 75 years: OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.41-1.62), complicated diverticulitis (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.36-1.46), and severity of illness (reference = minor; moderate: OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.38-1.54; major/extreme: OR 3.43, 95% CI 3.25-3.63) were associated with increased odds of HP. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 26-year period, HP has remained the most performed procedure in the emergency setting for diverticulitis. Future work should focus on knowledge translation with a possible change in practice as more randomized controlled trials provide support for PA.

Bowel stimulation before loop ileostomy closure to reduce postoperative ileus: a multicenter, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of preoperative bowel stimulation on the development of postoperative ileus (POI) after loop ileostomy closure. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial (NCT025596350) including adult (≥ 18 years old) patients who underwent elective loop ileostomy closure at 7 participating hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a centralized computer-generated sequence with block randomization to either preoperative bowel stimulation or no stimulation (control group). Bowel stimulation consisted of 10 outpatient sessions within the 3 weeks prior to ileostomy closure and was performed by trained Enterostomal Therapy nurses. The primary outcome was POI, defined as an intolerance to oral food in the absence of clinical or radiological signs of obstruction, on or after postoperative day 3, that either (a) required nasogastric tube insertion; or (b) was associated with two of the following: nausea/vomiting, abdominal distension, or the absence of flatus. RESULTS: Between January 2017 and November 2020, 101 patients were randomized, and 5 patients never underwent ileostomy closure; thus, 96 patients (47 stimulated vs. 49 control) were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat protocol. Baseline characteristics were well balanced in both groups. The incidence of POI was lower among patients randomized to stimulation (6.4% vs. 24.5%, p = 0.034; unadjusted RR: 0.26, 95% CI 0.078-0.87). Stimulated patients also had earlier median time to first flatus (2.0 days (1.0-2.0) vs. 2.0 days (2.0-3.0), p = 0.025), were more likely to pass flatus on postoperative day 1 (46.8% vs. 22.4%, p = 0.022), and had a shorter median postoperative hospital stay (3.0 days (2.0-3.5) vs. 4.0 days (2.0-6.0), p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative bowel stimulation via the efferent limb of the ileostomy reduced POI after elective loop ileostomy closure.

Understanding the Burden of Colorectal Adenomas in Patients Younger Than 50 Years: A Large Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is increasing in young adults. Our understanding of the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in young patients aged <50 years is lacking. The yield obtained by lowering the age of screening colonoscopy remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to understand the burden and histology of colorectal polyps in young adults and to explore predictors of adenoma detection in this population. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Colonoscopies were performed at a single university-affiliated tertiary care center. PATIENTS: This study included adults aged <50 years who underwent a colonoscopy between 2014 and 2019. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease and genetic disorders were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adenoma detection rates were analyzed according to age. Predictors of adenoma detection were investigated by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 4475 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 40.2 ± 8.0 years, 56.4% were female, and the mean BMI was 26.3 ± 5.5 kg/m2. A family history of colorectal cancer was reported in 23.8% of patients. The overall polyp and adenoma detection rates were 22% and 14%. The majority of polyps were adenomatous (58.9% of all polypectomies) and located in the left colon or rectum (61.4%). The detection rates of adenomas, advanced neoplasias, and adenocarcinomas were highest in patients aged 45 to 49 (19.3%, 4.8%, and 1.3%). On multivariate analysis, variables independently associated with adenoma detection included age (OR 1.08, 95% CI, 1.06-1.1), female sex (OR 1.80, 95% CI, 1.44-2.27), BMI (OR 1.01, 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), and having undergone a diagnostic colonoscopy (OR 1.81, 95% CI, 1.44-2.29). On subgroup analysis of patients aged 45 to 49, the same variables remained associated with adenoma detection except for age. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited due to the retrospective nature with heterogenous data. CONCLUSIONS: Adenoma detection in young adults aged 45 to 49 approaches the current adenoma detection of older adults. Predictors of adenoma detection in these young adults are female gender and BMI, which may help guide colorectal cancer screening guidelines in the future. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B843. COMPRENDER DE LA CARGA DE LOS ADENOMAS COLORRECTALES EN PACIENTES AOS UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE RETROSPECTIVO DE UN SOLO CENTRO: ANTECEDENTES:El cáncer colorrectal está aumentando en adultos jóvenes. No se conoce la secuencia adenoma-carcinoma en pacientes jóvenes <50 años. El rendimiento obtenido al reducir la edad de la colonoscopia de detección sigue sin estar claro.OBJETIVO:Comprender la carga y la histología de los pólipos colorrectales en adultos jóvenes y explorar los predictores de detección de adenomas en esta población.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Las colonoscopias se realizaron en un único centro de atención terciario afiliado a la universidad.PACIENTES:Adultos jóvenes <50 años que se sometieron a una colonoscopia entre 2014-2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y trastornos genéticos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se analizaron las tasas de detección de adenomas según la edad. Los predictores de la detección de adenomas se investigaron mediante regresión logística múltiple.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron 4475 pacientes. La edad media fue de 40,2 ± 8,0 años, el 56,4% eran mujeres y el IMC medio fue de 26,3 ± 5,5 kg / m2. Se informó de antecedentes familiares de cáncer colorrectal en el 23,8% de los pacientes. Las tasas generales de detección de pólipos y adenomas fueron del 22% y el 14%, respectivamente. La mayoría de los pólipos eran adenomatosos (58,9% de todas las polipectomías) y estaban localizados en colon izquierdo o recto (61,4%). Las tasas de detección de adenomas, neoplasias avanzadas y adenocarcinomas fueron más altas en pacientes de 45 a 49 años (19,3%, 4,8% y 1,3%, respectivamente). En el análisis multivariado, las variables asociadas de forma independiente con la detección de adenomas incluyeron: edad (OR 1.08; IC del 95%: 1,06-1,1), sexo femenino (OR 1,80; IC del 95%: 1,44-2,27), IMC (OR 1,01; IC del 95%: 1,01-1,05)) y haber sido sometido a una colonoscopia diagnóstica (OR 1,81; IC 95% 1,44-2,29). En el análisis de subgrupos de pacientes de 45 a 49 años, las mismas variables permanecieron asociadas con la detección de adenomas, excepto la edad.LIMITACIONES:Carácter retrospectivo con datos heterogéneos.CONCLUSIONES:La detección de adenomas en adultos jóvenes de 45 a 49 años se acerca a la detección actual de adenomas en adultos mayores. Los predictores de la detección de adenomas en estos adultos jóvenes son el sexo femenino y el IMC, que pueden ayudar a guiar las pautas de detección del cáncer colorrectal en el futuro. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B843. (Traducción-Dr. Hagerman).

Early discharge after colorectal cancer resection: trends and impact on patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of early discharge in colorectal surgery has been effective in improving patient satisfaction and reducing healthcare costs. Readmission rates following early discharge among colorectal cancer patients are believed to be low, however, remain understudied. The objectives of this study were: (i) to describe trends in early post-operative discharge and the associated hospitalization costs; (ii) to explore patient outcomes and resource utilization following early discharge; and (ii) to identify predictors of readmission following early discharge. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database. Adult patients admitted with a primary colorectal neoplasm who underwent colectomy or proctectomy between 2010 and 2017 were identified using ICD-9/10 codes. The exposure of interest was early post-operative discharge defined as ≤ 3 days from surgery. Main outcome measures were 30-day readmissions, post-operative complication rates, LOS and cost. RESULTS: In total, 342,242 patients were identified, and of those, 51,977 patients (15.2%) had early discharges. During the study period, the proportion of early discharges significantly increased (R2 = 0.94), from 9.9 to 23.4%, while readmission rates in this group remained unchanged (mean 7.3% ± 0.5). Complications that required bounceback readmission (within 7 days) after early discharge, rather than during index admission, were an independent predictor of longer overall LOS (ß = 0.044, p < 0.001) and higher hospitalization costs (ß = 0.031, p < 0.001). On multiple logistic regression, factors independently associated with bounceback readmission following early discharge were: male gender (OR = 1.47, 95%CI 1.33-1.63); open surgery (OR = 1.37, 95%CI 1.23-1.52); presence of stoma (OR = 1.51, 95%CI 1.22-1.87); transfer to facility or discharge with home health service (OR = 1.53, 95%CI 1.34-1.75); and Medicare/Medicaid insurance (OR = 1.34, 95%CI 1.14-1.57), among others. CONCLUSION: Early post-operative discharge of colorectal cancer patients is increasing despite a lack of improvement in readmission rates and an overall increase in hospitalization costs. Premature discharge of select patients may result in readmissions due to critical complications related to surgery resulting in increased resource utilization.

The impact of delaying colonoscopies during the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer detection and prevention.

PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a partial to total shutdown of endoscopy in many healthcare centers. This study aims to quantify the impact of the reduction in colonoscopies on colorectal cancer (CRC) detection and screening. METHODS: After institutional ethics board approval, the endoscopy database at an academic tertiary-care center in Montreal, Canada, was searched for all colonoscopies performed from during the first wave locally (March-June 2020), and during the ramp up period where endoscopy service resumed (July to August 2020). We compared these periods to the same periods in 2019, the pre-pandemic periods. The indications, CRC and adenoma detection rates, as well as the prioritization of urgent procedures were compared. RESULTS: In the first wave, only 462 colonoscopies were performed, compared to 2515 in the same period in 2019, an 82% reduction. The ramp up period saw 843 colonoscopies performed compared to 1328 in 2019, a 35% reduction. Urgent and inpatient colonoscopies numbers increased (324 (24.8%) vs. 220 (5.7%)) while surveillance and high-risk screening colonoscopies fell (376 (28.8%) vs 1869 (48.6%)). Emergency access to colonoscopy was preserved with a median time to endoscopy of < 1 day (IQR 0,1) in both pandemic periods. During the pandemic periods, there was an absolute reduction in CRC diagnosis of 28, despite the CRC detection per colonoscopy rate increasing slightly in the first wave from 1.7% (44) to 3.9% (18), and in the ramp up period from 2.5% (33) to 3.6% (31). The rate of adenoma detection per colonoscopy did not increase significantly between the pre- and pandemic periods, resulting in reduction in adenoma removal in 723 patients. DISCUSSION: The restriction of access to colonoscopy resulted in a significant reduction in screening and surveillance of high-risk patients, adenomas removed, and CRCs diagnosed. Clinicians and patients will face the oncologic ramifications this the coming years.

Financial and occupational impact of low anterior resection syndrome in rectal cancer survivors.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess bowel-related financial stress and strain and to evaluate its association with global quality of life. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study with cross-sectional follow-up including consecutive patients who underwent restorative proctectomy for neoplastic disease of the rectum at a single university-affiliated hospital in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Bowel-related financial impact and occupational impact were compared between patients with major low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) and those with minor/no LARS. The association between LARS, bowel-related financial impact and global quality of life (QoL) was then assessed in a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of 180 eligible rectal cancer survivors who were contacted, 154 completed the questionnaires (response rate 47.1%) at a median follow-up of 57.5 months (interquartile range 34.1-98.1) after proctectomy. Individuals with major LARS reported a higher prevalence of bowel-related financial stress (53.2% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001) and strain (42.2% vs 5.6%, p < 0.001) compared with those with minor/no LARS. Among those who were working preoperatively (n = 100), the majority of participants with major LARS reported an impact of their new bowel function on their ability to work (70.6%), including delayed return to work (44.1%), the need to change schedules (35.3%) or roles (20.6%), and complete long-term medical absence from work (14.7%). On multiple logistic regression, major LARS with financial impact (OR 4.50, 95% CI 1.57-13.77) was associated with low global QoL compared with minor/no LARS. CONCLUSION: Major LARS was associated with considerable financial stress and strain and difficulties in returning to work.

Interactive online informational and peer support application for patients with low anterior resection syndrome: patient survey and protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) refers to a constellation of bowel symptoms that affect the majority of patients following restorative proctectomy. LARS is associated with poorer quality of life (QoL), and can lead to distress, anxiety and isolation. Peer support could be an important resource for people living with LARS, helping them normalize and validate their experience. The aim of this work is to describe the development of an interactive online informational and peer support app for LARS and the protocol for a randomized controlled trial. METHOD: A multicentre, randomized, assessor-blind, parallel-groups pragmatic trial will involve patients from five large colorectal surgery practices across Canada. The trial will evaluate the impact of an interactive online informational and peer support app for LARS, consisting of LARS informational modules and a closed forum for peers and trained peer support mentors, on patient-reported outcomes of people living with LARS. The primary outcome will be global QoL at 6 months following app exposure. The treatment effect on global QoL will be modelled using generalized estimating equations. Secondary outcomes will include patient activation and bowel function as measured by LARS scores. RESULTS: In order to better understand patients' interest and preferences for an online peer support intervention for LARS, we conducted a single institution cross-sectional survey study of rectal cancer survivors. In total, 35/69 (51%) participants reported interest in online peer support for LARS. Age <65 years (OR 9.1; 95% CI 2.3-50) and minor/major LARS (OR 20; 95% CI 4.2-100) were significant predictors of interest in LARS online peer support. CONCLUSION: There is significant interest in the use of online peer support for LARS among younger patients and those with significant bowel dysfunction. Based on results of the needs assessment study, the app content and features were modified reflect patients' needs and preferences. We are now in an optimal position to rigorously test the potential effects of this initiative on patient-centered outcomes using a randomized controlled trial.

Compliance With Preoperative Elements of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Rectal Cancer Surgery Checklist Improves Pathologic and Postoperative Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons published a rectal cancer surgery checklist composed of the essential elements of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care for patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess whether compliance with preoperative checklist elements was associated with improved pathologic and 30-day postoperative outcomes after rectal cancer surgery. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study involved North American hospitals contributing to the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. PATIENTS: Adult patients who underwent elective rectal cancer surgery from 2016 to 2017 were included. INTERVENTION: The study encompassed checklist compliance with 6 preoperative elements from the checklist. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pathologic outcomes (circumferential resection margin status, distal resection margin status, and adequate lymph node harvest ≥12), 30-day surgical morbidity, and length of stay were measured. RESULTS: In total, 2217 patients were included in the analysis. Individual compliance with the 6 available preoperative checklist items was variable, including 91.3% for pretreatment documentation of tumor location within the rectum, 86.8% for complete colonoscopy, 84.0% for appropriate preoperative stoma marking, 79.8% for appropriate use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy, 76.6% for locoregional staging, and 70.8% for distant staging. Only 836 patients (37.7%) had all 6 checklist elements complete, whereas 1381 (62.3%) did not. Compared with patients without checklist compliance, patients with checklist compliance were younger (60.0 vs 63.0 y; p < 0.001) but otherwise had similar demographic characteristics. On multivariate regression, checklist compliance was associated with lower odds of circumferential resection margin positivity (OR = 0.47 (95% CI, 0.31-0.71); p < 0.001), higher odds of an adequate lymph node harvest ≥12 (OR = 1.60 (95% CI, 1.29-2.00); p < 0.001), reduced surgical morbidity (OR = 0.78 (95% CI, 0.65-0.95); p = 0.01), and shorter length of stay (ß = -0.87 (95% CI, -1.51 to -0.24); p = 0.007). The association between checklist compliance and reduced odds of circumferential resection margin positivity remained on sensitivity analysis (OR = 0.61 (95% CI, 0.42-0.88); p = 0.009) when adjusting for neoadjuvant radiation. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its absence of long-term oncologic data and missing variables. CONCLUSIONS: Compliance with 6 preoperative elements of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons rectal cancer surgery checklist was associated with significantly improved pathologic outcomes and reduced postoperative morbidity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B80. EL CUMPLIMIENTO CON LOS ELEMENTOS PREOPERATORIOS DE LA LISTA DE VERIFICACIÓN DE CIRUGÍA PARA CÁNCER RECTAL DE LA SOCIEDAD AMERICANA DE CIRUJANOS DE COLON Y RECTO MEJORA LOS RESULTADOS HISTOPATOLÓGICOS Y POSTOPERATORIOS: En 2016, la Sociedad Americana de Cirujanos de Colon y Recto publicó una lista de verificación de cirugía de cáncer de recto que comprende los elementos esenciales de la atención pre, intra y postoperatoria para pacientes sometidos a cirugía de cáncer de recto.Evaluar si el cumplimiento con los elementos preoperatorios de la lista de verificación se asoció con mejores resultados histopatológicos y postoperatorios a 30 días después de la cirugía de cáncer rectal.Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva.Hospitales norteamericanos que contribuyen al Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Americano de Cirujanos.Pacientes adultos que se sometieron a cirugía electiva de cáncer rectal entre 2016 y 2017.Cumplimiento de la lista de verificación con seis elementos preoperatorios de la lista de verificación.Resultados histopatológicos (estado del margen de resección circunferencial, estado del margen de resección distal, cosecha adecuada de ganglios linfáticos ≥12), morbilidad quirúrgica a 30 días y duración de la estadía.En total, 2,217 pacientes fueron incluidos en el análisis. El cumplimiento individual de los seis ítems disponibles de la lista de verificación preoperatoria fue variable: 91.3% para la documentación previa al tratamiento de la localización del tumor dentro del recto, 86.8% para colonoscopía completa, 84.0% para el marcado preoperatorio apropiado del sitio de estoma, 79.8% para el uso apropiado de radioterapia neoadyuvante, 76.6 % para estadificación locorregional y 70.8% para estadificación distante. Solo 836 (37.7%) pacientes tenían los seis elementos de la lista de verificación completos, mientras que 1,381 (62.3%) no. En comparación con los pacientes sin cumplimiento de la lista de verificación, los pacientes con cumplimiento de la lista de verificación eran más jóvenes (60.0 vs. 63.0 años, p <0.001), pero por lo demás tenían características demográficas similares. En la regresión multivariada, el cumplimiento de la lista de verificación se asoció con menores probabilidades de positividad en el margen de resección circunferencial (OR = 0.47; IC del 95%: 0.31-0.71, p <0.001), mayores probabilidades de una cosecha adecuada de ganglios linfáticos ≥12 (OR = 1.60, IC 95% 1.29-2.00, p <0.001), menor morbilidad quirúrgica (OR = 0.78, IC 95% 0.65-0.95, p = 0.01) y menor duración de estadía (ß = -0.87, IC 95% -1.51 - - 0.24, p = 0.007). La asociación entre el cumplimiento de la lista de verificación y las probabilidades reducidas de positividad del margen de resección circunferencial se mantuvo en el análisis de sensibilidad (OR = 0.61; IC del 95%: 0.42-0.88, p = 0.009) al ser ajustado con radiación neoadyuvante.Ausencia de datos oncológicos a largo plazo y variables faltantes.El cumplimiento de seis elementos preoperatorios de la lista de verificación de cirugía de cáncer rectal de la Sociedad Americana de Cirujanos de Colon y Recto se asoció con resultados histopatológicos significativamente mejores y una menor morbilidad postoperatoria. Vea el resumen en video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B80.

Are right-sided colectomies for neoplastic disease at increased risk of primary postoperative ileus compared to left-sided colectomies? A coarsened exact matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine whether right-sided colectomies (RC) were associated with a higher incidence of primary postoperative ileus (pPOI) compared to left-sided colectomies (LC). METHODS: Patients who underwent elective colectomy for neoplastic disease between 2012 and 2016 were identified using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. RC and LC were defined as having an ileocolic or colocolic/colorectal anastomosis, respectively. Coarsened Exact Matching (CEM) was used to balance the two groups (1:1) on important confounders. The association between type of colectomy and pPOI, defined as POI in the absence of intra-abdominal sepsis, was then assessed in a multiple logistic regression analysis of the matched data. RESULTS: Of 40,636 patients who underwent a colectomy for neoplastic disease, 15,231 underwent a RC and 25,405 a LC. After CEM, 12,949 matched patients remained in each group, and all important confounders were well balanced. The incidence of pPOI was higher in the RC group (11.5% vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001). On multiple logistic regression, RC was associated with a 35% higher odds of developing pPOI compared to LC (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.25-1.47). RC was also associated with increased risk for NSQIP-defined major morbidity (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20), 30-day readmission (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.06-1.27), and increased length of stay (ß = 0.16 days, 95% CI 0.11-0.22). CONCLUSION: pPOI is more common after RC than LC. Future research should aim at better understanding the pathophysiology behind this increased risk and identifying interventions to mitigate pPOI in this population.

Can we better predict readmission for dehydration following creation of a diverting loop ileostomy: development and validation of a prediction model and web-based risk calculator.

BACKGROUND: Dehydration is the most common morbidity following creation of a diverting loop ileostomy (DLI). We aimed to develop and validate a prediction model and web-based risk calculator for readmission for dehydration following DLI creation. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database between 2012 and 2017. Adult patients (> 18 years) who underwent DLI with a resection for colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticulitis were identified. Patient demographics, operative and postoperative data were collected. The final prediction model, developed in 60% of the cohort (training set) and which modeled the 30-day cumulative incidence of readmission for dehydration, was selected using highest area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) criterion. Model calibration was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The model was then assessed in validation and test sets, using 20% of the cohort for each. RESULTS: Of 25,638 patients in the ACS-NSQIP database who met inclusion criteria, 15,222 patients were randomly selected for the training set. The incidence of readmission for dehydration in this cohort was 2.1%. The final model with the highest AUC retained 12 candidate variables: age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, hypertension, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, type of admission, underlying diagnosis, procedure performed, operative time, index admission length of stay, and major morbidity. The model demonstrated good discrimination (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.74-0.79) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test confirmed good calibration (p = 0.50). Five-thousand and seventy-three patients were available for the validation and test sets, respectively, and the model remained strong in both the validation and test sets (AUCs of 0.73 and 0.73, respectively). The prediction model was then converted into a web-based risk calculator. CONCLUSIONS: A prediction model and web-based risk calculator for readmission for dehydration after DLI creation was developed and validated, demonstrating good predictive capabilities.

Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Right-Sided Diverticulitis: Over 15 Years of North American Experience.

BACKGROUND: Right-sided colonic diverticulitis represents less than 5% of diverticulitis cases in North America. The purpose of this study was to describe the management and outcomes for patients with a first episode of right-sided diverticulitis in a North American center. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, including all patients managed for right-sided diverticulitis at a single tertiary-care institution from 2000 to 2017. Patient demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment strategies were described. Short- (emergency surgery, operative morbidity, treatment failure) and long-term (recurrence, elective operation) outcomes were reported. Patients with right-sided diverticulitis were then compared to a cohort of patients with left-sided diverticulitis. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were managed for a first episode of right-sided diverticulitis, three (4.5%) of which were subsequently diagnosed with right-sided colon cancer; 64 patients therefore formed the population. Mean age was 51.2 ± 17.7 years. Eight patients (12.5%) self-identified as being Asian. The majority of patients had uncomplicated disease (90.6%); six (9.4%) presented with complicated diverticulitis. Most cases were diagnosed by computed tomography (78.1%), while 17.2% were diagnosed intra-operatively and 4.7% by pathology. Almost all patients diagnosed by computed tomography were managed nonoperatively. Fifteen patients (23.4%) were managed surgically: ten for suspected appendicitis, three for suspected colon mass, and two for diffuse peritonitis. After a median follow-up of 74.8 months (IQR 30.2-130.5), only two patients (3.1%) developed recurrent right-sided diverticulitis. Among patients managed nonoperatively, recurrence was significantly lower in patients with right-sided diverticulitis relative to left-sided diverticulitis (4.1% vs. 32.8%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Right-sided diverticulitis can be successfully managed nonoperatively with low rates of recurrence. In populations in which this condition is more seldom observed, underlying colon cancers should be considered.

Do clinical criteria reflect pathologic complete response in rectal cancer following neoadjuvant therapy?

BACKGROUND: Clinical complete response (cCR) in rectal cancer is being evaluated as a tool to identify patients who would not require surgery in the curative management of rectal cancer. Our study reviews mucosal changes after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer in patients treated at our center. METHODS: Pathology reports were retrieved for patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) or high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDRBT). The macroscopic appearance of the specimen was compared with pathologic staging. RESULTS: This study included 282 patients: 88 patients underwent neoadjuvant CRT and 194 patients underwent HDRBT; all patients underwent total mesorectal excision (TME). There were 160 male and 122 female patients with a median age of 65 years (range 29-87). The median time between neoadjuvant therapy and surgery was 50 and 58 days. Sixty patients (21.2%) were staged as ypT0N0, 21.2% had a pathologic complete response (pCR), and only 3.2% had a cCR. Of the 67 patients with initial involvement of the circumferential radial margin (CRM), 44 converted to pathologic CRM-. Two hundred seventy-three patients (96.8%) had mucosal abnormalities. Of the 222 patients with residual tumor, 70 patients had no macroscopic tumor visualized but an ulcer in its place. CONCLUSION: Most patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer have residual mucosal abnormalities which preclude to a cCR as per published criteria from Brazil. Further studies are required to optimize clinical evaluation and MRI imaging in selected patients.

Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision provides acceptable perioperative outcomes but is lengthy--analysis of learning curves for a novice minimally invasive surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Associated with reduced trauma, laparoscopic colon surgery is an alternative to open surgery. Furthermore, complete mesocolic excision (CME) has been shown to provide superior nodal yield and offers the prospect of better oncological outcomes. METHODS: All oncologic laparoscopic right colon resections with CME performed by a single surgeon since the beginning of his surgical practice were retrospectively analyzed for operative duration and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 81 patients. The average duration of surgery was 220.0 (range 206-233) minutes. The initial durations of about 250 minutes gradually decreased to less than 200 minutes in an inverse linear relationship (y = -0.58x × 248). The major complication rate was 3.6% ± 4.2% and the average nodal yield was 31.3 ± 4.1. CumulativeSum analysis showed acceptable complication rates and oncological results from the beginning of surgeon's laparoscopic career. CONCLUSION: Developing laparoscopic skills can provide acceptable outcomes in advanced right hemicolectomy for a surgeon who primarily trained in open colorectal surgery. Operative duration is nearly triple that reported for conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. The slow operative duration learning curve without a plateau reflects complex anatomy and the need for careful dissection around critical structures. Should one wish to adopt this strategy either based on some available evidence of superiority or with intention to participate in research, one has to change the view of right hemicolectomy being a rather simple case to being a complex, lengthy laparoscopic surgery.

CONTEXTE: La chirurgie du côlon par laparoscopie, qui réduit les traumatismes, est une solution de rechange à la chirurgie ouverte. De plus, il a été démontré que l'excision mésocolique complète (EMC) optimise le curage ganglionnaire et offre la perspective de meilleurs résultats oncologiques. MÉTHODES: On a examiné rétrospectivement la durée de l'opération et les résultats périopératoires de toutes les résections du côlon droit réalisées par laparoscopie avec EMC pratiquées par un seul chirurgien depuis le début de sa carrière. RÉSULTATS: L'étude a été menée auprès de 81 patients. La durée moyenne de l'intervention chirurgicale était de 220 minutes (intervalle de 206 à 233 minutes). Au début, l'intervention durait environ 250 minutes; avec le temps, sa durée a progressivement diminué de sorte qu'à la fin, elle était de moins de 200 minutes, d'après une relation linéaire négative (y = ­0,58x × 248). Le taux de complications graves s'est établi à 3,6 % ± 4,2 % et le nombre moyen de noeuds lymphatiques excisés a été de 31,3 ± 4,1. En utilisant la méthode d'analyse des sommes cumulées, on a observé un taux de complications et des résultats oncologiques acceptables depuis le début de la carrière du chirurgien en laparoscopie. CONCLUSION: En perfectionnant sa technique laparoscopique, un chirurgien formé principalement en chirurgie colorectale ouverte peut produire des résultats acceptables dans les cas d'hémicolectomie droite avancée. La durée de l'intervention chirurgicale est presque le triple de celle d'une hémicolectomie droite laparoscopique classique. La courbe d'apprentissage lente sans plateau montre bien la complexité des structures anatomiques et la nécessité de faire preuve de prudence lors de la résection autour de structures vitales. Quiconque souhaite adopter cette méthode, soit en raison de données démontrant sa supériorité ou dans le but de participer à une recherche, doit adopter une nouvelle perspective, c'est-à-dire que l'hémicolectomie droite laparoscopique n'est pas une intervention simple, mais une chirurgie complexe qui prend beaucoup de temps.

Low Anterior Resection Syndrome in a Reference North American Sample: Prevalence and Associated Factors.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is a well-described consequence of rectal cancer treatment. Studying the degree to which bowel dysfunction exists in the general population may help to better interpret to what extent LARS is related to disease and/or cancer treatment. Currently, North American LARS normative data are lacking. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of bowel dysfunction, as measured by the LARS score, and quality of life (QoL) in a reference North American sample. Quality of life was measured and associations between participant characteristics and LARS were identified. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-institution cross-sectional study of asymptomatic adults who underwent screening and surveillance colonoscopies from 2018 to 2021 with no/benign endoscopic findings. Survey was conducted on select comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, LARS, and QoL. Outcomes were LARS and QoL. Multivariable linear regression accounting for a priori clinical factors associated with bowel dysfunction was performed. RESULTS: Of 1,004 subjects approached, 502 (50.0%) participated, and 135 (26.9%) participants had major/minor LARS. On multiple linear regression, female sex (ß = 2.15, 95% CI 0.30 to 4.00), younger age (ß = -0.10, 95% CI -0.18 to -0.03), White ethnicity (ß = 2.45, 95% CI 0.15 to 4.74), and the presence of at least one of the following factors: diabetes, depression, neurologic disorder, or cholecystectomy (ß = 3.54, 95% CI 1.57 to 5.51) were independently associated with a higher LARS score. Individuals with LARS had lower global QoL, functional subscales, and various symptom subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified the baseline prevalence of LARS in asymptomatic adults who have not undergone a low anterior resection. These normative data will allow for more accurate interpretation of ongoing studies on LARS in North American rectal cancer patients.

Influence of different materials and techniques to transfer molding in multiple implants.

The aim of this study was to compare different materials and techniques used in transfer molding of multiple implants, by evaluating the space between implants and superstructure. Four external hexagon implants were fixed in a master template and the same on a superstructure. Transfer molding of implants were done using the direct and indirect techniques, with transfers united or not, using the union chemically activated acrylic resin (QA) and other groups polymerized acrylic resin (FT), and sectioned and not split. The casts were made with polyether and models divided into 8 groups (n = 5). The space between the superstructure and the master implants was measured with a microscope and the data was analyzed statistically by Student's t test (p < 0.05). For the material of union there was no significant difference, except when the groups were compared with the resin Duralay QA (G4) and the resin Duolay FT (G8) and groups using resins Duolay QA (G5) and Duolay FT (G7) for the union of the transfers. When comparing the groups who had the union between the transfers and sectioned again united with those in which the union was not severed there was no statistically significant difference. QA resin was superior to the FT with respect to the union of transfers. Techniques with united transfers or not were similar.

Observational versus antibiotic therapy for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis: A non-inferiority meta-analysis based on a Delphi consensus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if observational therapy is noninferior to antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis according to clinically relevant margins. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane were systematically searched by 2 independent reviewers to identify comparative studies of observational therapy versus antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis. Non-inferiority margins (ΔNI) for each outcome were based on Delphi consensus including 50 patients and 55 physicians: persistent diverticulitis (ΔNI = 4.0%), progression to complicated diverticulitis (ΔNI = 3.0%), and time to recovery (ΔNI = 5 days). Risk differences and mean differences were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. One-sided 90% confidence intervals and Z-tests were used to determine non-inferiority. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding patients post hoc determined to have complicated diverticulitis. RESULTS: Nine studies (3 randomized controlled trials, 6 observational studies) met inclusion criteria: observational therapy (n = 2,011) versus antibiotics (n = 1,144). Observational therapy was noninferior to antibiotics regarding the risk of persistent diverticulitis (pooled risk differences: -0.39%, 90% CI -3.22 to 2.44%, ΔNI: 4.0%, PNI < 0.001; I2 = 66%) and progression to complicated diverticulitis (pooled risk differences: -0.030%, 90% CI -0.99 to 0.92%, ΔNI: 3.0%, PNI < 0.001; I2 = 0%). On sensitivity analysis, observational therapy remained noninferior for both outcomes. When stratified by study design, observational therapy also remained noninferior for both outcomes among randomized controlled trials only. Only 1 study reported on time to recovery as a continuous outcome, with no statistical difference between antibiotics and observational therapy. CONCLUSION: According to clinically relevant ΔNIs, observational therapy was noninferior to antibiotics for the treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis with regard to persistent diverticulitis and progression to complicated diverticulitis.

Assessment of long-term bowel dysfunction after restorative proctectomy for neoplastic disease: A population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to describe postoperative bowel dysfunction after restorative proctectomy, and to identify factors associated with its development. METHODS: Patients who underwent restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer between April 1998 and November 2018 were identified from the Hospital Episode Statistics database and linked to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink for postoperative follow-up. Bowel dysfunction was defined according to relevant symptom-based read codes and medication prescription-product codes. A Cox proportional hazards model was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative bowel dysfunction, adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS: In total, 2,197 patients were included. The median age was 70.0 (interquartile range: 62.0-77.0) years old, and the majority (59.2%) of patients were male. After a median follow-up of 51.6 (24.0-90.0) months, bowel dysfunction was identified in 620 (28.2%) patients. Risk factors for postoperative bowel dysfunction included extremes of age (<40 years old: adjusted hazards ratio 2.35, 95% confidence interval 1.18-4.65; 70-79 years old: adjusted hazards ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.52), radiotherapy (adjusted hazards ratio 1.94, 95% confidence interval 1.56-2.42), distal tumors (adjusted hazards ratio 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.34-1.94), history of diverting ostomy (adjusted hazards ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.33-1.89), and anastomotic leak (adjusted hazards ratio 1.48, 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.05). A minimally invasive surgical approach was protective for postoperative bowel dysfunction (adjusted hazards ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.53-0.86). CONCLUSION: Bowel dysfunction was common after restorative proctectomy, and several patient, disease, and treatment-level factors were associated with its development.

MORPHEUS Phase II-III Study: A Pre-Planned Interim Safety Analysis and Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: We explored image-guided adaptive endorectal brachytherapy patients electing non-operative management for rectal cancer. We present the first pre-planned interim analysis. METHODS: In this open-label phase II-III randomized study, patients with operable cT2-3ab N0 M0 rectal cancer received 45 Gy in 25 fractions of pelvic external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with 5-FU/Capecitabine. They were randomized 1:1 to receive either an EBRT boost of 9 Gy in 5 fractions (Arm A) or three weekly adaptive brachytherapy (IGAEBT) boosts totaling 30 Gy (Arm B). Patient characteristics and toxicity are presented using descriptive analyses; TME-free survival between arms with the intention to treat the population is explored using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients were in this analysis. Baseline characteristics were balanced; acute toxicities were similar. Complete clinical response (cCR) was 50% (n = 10/20) in Arm A and 90% in Arm B (n = 18/20). Median follow-up was 1.3 years; 2-year TME-free survival was 38.6% (95% CI: 16.5-60.6%) in the EBRT arm and 76.6% (95% CI: 56.1-97.1%) in the IGAEBT arm. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation intensification with IGAEBT is feasible. This interim analysis suggests an improvement in TME-free survival when comparing IGAEBT with EBRT, pending confirmation upon completion of this trial.

Use of polylactic acid microvessel to obtain microplantlets of Eucalyptus microcorys through indirect organogenesis.

Microplants of Eucalyptus microcorys were produced through indirect organogenesis, and the interaction of plant growth regulators (PGRs) (TDZ-thidiazuron and NAA-α-naphthalene acetic acid), juvenile tissues (cotyledon and hypocotyl) and different types of polylactic acid (PLA) microvessels on plant production were evaluated. Cotyledon-derived callus induction increased by 30-60% in all tested combinations of TDZ and NAA concentrations compared the absence of PGRs. Hypocotyl-derived callus induction was improved in most tested combinations of TDZ and NAA concentrations. Moreover, 100% callus induction from both tissues was achieved with TDZ (1, 2 and 3 mg L-1) + NAA (0 mg L-1). Bud induction from cotyledon tissues was improved with TDZ (1 and 3 mg L-1) + NAA (0 mg L-1) and from hypocotyl with TDZ (1 and 2 mg L-1) + NAA (0 mg L-1). Shoot elongation from cotyledon tissues was not improved from any combination of PGRs, whereas TDZ (1 mg L-1) + NAA (0 mg L-1), TDZ (1 mg L-1) + NAA (4 mg L-1), TDZ (2 mg L-1) + NAA (4 mg L-1) and TDZ (3 mg L-1) + NAA (2 mg L-1) improved shoot elongation from hypocotyl tissues. Adventitious rooting and acclimatization of microcuttings ranged from 40 to 70% in three of the tested microvessels. The acclimatized microcuttings had low genetic variability. Successful production of E. microcorys microplants was achieved in this study using hypocotyl tissue and cultivated a culture medium supplemented with TDZ and NAA, using PLA-based microvessels.