Management of pouch-vaginal fistulas - experience from our institution.

AIM: Pouch-vaginal fistula (PVF) is an uncommon but serious complication of ileo-anal pouch reconstruction. This study aimed to review the recent management of PVF, in particular the role of anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) drugs. METHOD: All patients presenting for management of PVF to our surgical service between 2007 and 2016 were studied. The median duration of follow-up from diagnosis of PVF was 6 years. Details of the original pouch surgery, timing of presentation of PVF, management and final outcome were recorded. Primary outcome was gastrointestinal (GI) continuity (as defined by the presence or absence of a stoma). RESULTS: A total of 23 patients were identified (median age 45 years) of whom nine had pelvic sepsis at the time of original pouch surgery. Management included local surgical repair, defunctioning ileostomy, pouch excision and anti-TNF therapy. GI continuity was achieved in 12 patients (52%). Healing of the PVF was achieved in 12 patients (52%). Pelvic sepsis was significantly associated with the need for a long-term ileostomy (P = 0.009). Biological therapy was used in 12 patients, of whom seven maintained GI continuity. Patients with late presentation PVF (60 months or longer postsurgery) and those with clinical features of Crohn's disease appeared to benefit from anti-TNF treatment. CONCLUSION: PVF remains a challenging problem with overall healing rates and GI continuity rates of just over 50%. Anti-TNF therapy may have a role in patients with late presentation PVF and those with features suggestive of Crohn's disease.

Short- and long-term outcomes of strictureplasty for obstructive Crohn's disease.

AIM: To evaluate the frequency and outcome of strictureplasty in the era of biologicals and to compare patients operated on by strictureplasty alone, resection alone or a combination of both. METHOD: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing strictureplasty for obstructing jejunoileal Crohn's disease (CD) in Oxford between 2004 and 2016 was conducted. For comparison, a cohort of CD patients with resection only during 2009 and 2010 was included. RESULTS: In all, 225 strictureplasties were performed during 85 operations, 37 of them in isolation and 48 with simultaneous resection. Another 82 procedures involved resection only; these patients had shorter disease duration, fewer previous operations and longer bowel preoperatively. The frequency of strictureplasty procedures did not alter during the study period and was similar to that in the preceding 25 years. There was no postoperative mortality. One patient required re-laparotomy for a leak after strictureplasty. None developed cancer. The 5-year reoperation rate for recurrent obstruction was 22% (95% CI 12-39) for resection alone, 30% (17-52) for strictureplasty alone and 42% (27-61) for strictureplasty and resection (log rank P = 0.038). Young age was a risk factor for surgical recurrence (log rank P = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The use of strictureplasty in CD has not changed significantly since the widespread introduction of biologicals. Surgical morbidity remains low. The risk of recurrent strictures is high and young age is a risk factor. In this study, strictureplasty alone was associated with a lower rate of reoperation compared with strictureplasty with resection.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

AIM: There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology. METHODS: Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines. RESULTS: All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management. CONCLUSION: These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Subtotal colectomy for ulcerative colitis: lessons learned from a tertiary centre.

AIM: Subtotal colectomy (STC) is a well-established treatment for complicated and refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). A laparoscopic approach offers potentially improved outcomes. The aim of the study was to report our experience with STC for UC in a single large centre. METHOD: From January 2007 to May 2015, all consecutive patients undergoing STC for UC were retrospectively analysed from a prospectively managed database. Patients with known Crohn's disease or those undergoing one-stage procedures were excluded. Demographics, perioperative outcomes and second-stage procedures were analysed. RESULTS: During the study period, 151 STCs were performed for UC [100 emergency (66%) and 51 elective (34%)]. Acute severe colitis refractory to therapy was the most common indication (62%). Overall, 117 laparoscopic (78%) and 34 open STCs were performed, with a conversion rate of 14.5%. Mortality and morbidity rates were 0.7% and 38%, respectively. Whilst operative time was shorter for open STC (by 75 min; P = 0.001), there were fewer complications (32% vs 62%; P = 0.002) and a shorter hospital stay (by 6.9 days; P = 0.0002) following laparoscopic STC. Fewer complications and shorter hospital stay were also observed after elective STC. Patients undergoing laparoscopic STC were more likely to undergo a restorative second-stage procedure than those having open STC (75% vs 50%; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic STC for UC is feasible and safe, even in the emergency situation. A laparoscopic approach may offer advantages in terms of lower morbidity and reduced length of stay. Elective resection may offer similar advantages and is best performed whenever possible.

The treatment of all MRI-defined low rectal cancers in a single expert centre over a 5-year period: is there room for improvement?

AIM: Outcomes following treatment for low rectal cancer still remain inferior to those for upper rectal cancer. A clear definition of 'low' rectal cancer is lacking and consensus is more likely using a definition based on MRI criteria. This study aimed to determine disease presentation and treatment outcome of low rectal cancer based on a strict anatomical definition. METHOD: A low rectal cancer was defined as one with a lower border below the pelvic attachment of the levator muscles on sagittal MRI. One hundred and eighty consecutive patients with tumours defined by this criterion between 2006 and 2011 were identified from a prospectively managed departmental database. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients (66%) underwent curative resection and 12 (7%) palliative resection. Eleven patients (6%) were entered into a 'watch and wait' (W&W) protocol; 10 others (5%) were not fit to undergo any operation. Some 26 patients (14%) had nonresectable local or metastatic disease. An R0 resection was the most important factor influencing survival after curative surgery. R+ resections occurred in 12% of non-abdominoperineal excisions, 11% of abdominoperineal excisions and 47% of extended resections. Overall survival was similar in the curative resections compared with the W&W patients. In 23 of the 96 (24%) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy there was a persistent clinical or a pathological complete response. CONCLUSION: In curative resections, a clear margin is the most important determinant of survival. In 24% of the patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, surgery could potentially have been avoided. There is scope for improvement in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancers.

Complications in surgery for Crohn's disease after preoperative antitumour necrosis factor therapy.

BACKGROUND: The use of biological therapy (biologicals) is established in the treatment of Crohn's disease. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative treatment with biologicals is associated with an increased rate of complications following surgery for Crohn's disease with intestinal anastomosis. METHODS: All patients receiving biologicals and undergoing abdominal surgery with anastomosis or strictureplasty were identified at six tertiary referral centres. Demographic data, and preoperative, operative and postoperative details were registered. Patients who were treated with biologicals within 2 months before surgery were compared with a control group who were not. Postoperative complications were classified according to anastomotic, infectious or other complications, and graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Some 111 patients treated with biologicals within 2 months before surgery were compared with 187 patients in the control group. The groups were well matched. There were no differences between the treatment and control groups in the rate of complications of any type (34·2 versus 28·9 per cent respectively; P = 0·402), anastomotic complications (7·2 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·976) and non-anastomotic infectious complications (16·2 versus 13·9 per cent; P = 0·586). In univariable regression analysis, biologicals were not associated with an increased risk of any complication (odds ratio (OR) 1·33, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·81 to 2·20), anastomotic complication (OR 0·89, 0·37 to 2·17) or infectious complication (OR 1·09, 0·62 to 1·91). CONCLUSION: Treatment with biologicals within 2 months of surgery for Crohn's disease with intestinal anastomosis was not associated with an increased risk of complications.

Influence of risk factors on the safety of ileocolic anastomosis in Crohn's disease surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ileocecal resection is the most commonly performed operation in patients with Crohn's disease. Anastomotic-associated complications, with their associated morbidity, are the most feared risks of surgery. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the influence of a variety of putative risk factors in a homogenous group of patients undergoing first or subsequent surgery for Crohn's disease to quantify the cumulative risk for anastomotic-associated complications. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: All patients undergoing ileocecal or ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease from 2000 to 2010 were studied with the use of a prospective database. Demographics, operative details, possible risk factors, and anastomotic-associated complications were recorded. Patients having strictureplasties, multiple resections, or subtotal colonic resections were excluded from analysis. Statistical analysis was by univariate analysis (Mann-Whitney U test) and binary logistic regression. OUTCOMES: An anastomotic-associated complication was defined as a proven anastomotic leak, postoperative fistulation, or intra-abdominal abscess formation. RESULTS: Two hundred seven patients (109 female) with a median age of 35 years (range, 13-75 years) were identified. One hundred seventy-three underwent primary anastomosis, 94 as an emergency procedure. Fifty-three had laparoscopic (5 converted) procedures. Nineteen of 173 anastomotic complication events (11%) were recorded. Steroid usage (OR 2.67, 95% CI 1.0-7.2) and the presence of preoperative abscess formation (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.2-9.8) were identified as independent predictors of anastomotic-associated complications. In the absence of both steroids and intra-abdominal abscess, the risk of anastomotic complications was 6%, which increased to 14% if either risk factor was present. When both risk factors were present, complication rates reached 40%. CONCLUSION: Steroid usage and preoperative abscess were associated with higher rates of anastomotic complications following ileocolic resection for Cohn's disease. When both risk factors are present, it is best to avoid primary anastomosis.

Is Clostridium difficile infection a particular problem after reversal of ileostomy?

AIM: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. Various independent risk factors have been identified, including age and antibiotic exposure. This study attempted to determine whether surgery and associated antibiotic use influence the development of CDI. METHOD: A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of CDI diagnosed during admission to a colorectal unit was conducted over a 20-month period. Patient records were cross-referenced with a microbiology database to identify previous episodes of infection and cases of recurrence. RESULTS: There were 38 CDI episodes in 29 patients, including nine with recurrence. In 33, the use of antibiotics prior to the onset of CDI was documented, but in 14 (37%) patients this was limited to perioperative prophylaxis. The incidence of CDI after various procedures was as follows: ileostomy closure (4.2%), right hemicolectomy (2.1%) and anterior resection (1%). CONCLUSION: Ileostomy closure may carry a higher risk of CDI.

Delayed surgery for acute severe colitis is associated with increased risk of postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND: This study determined the long-term outcome after colectomy for acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) and assessed whether the duration of in-hospital medical therapy is related to postoperative outcome. METHODS: All patients who underwent urgent colectomy and ileostomy for ASUC between 1994 and 2000 were identified from a prospective database. Patient details, preoperative therapy and complications to last follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty patients were identified, who were treated with intravenous steroids for a median of 6 (range 1-22) days before surgery. Twenty-three (29 per cent) also received intravenous ciclosporin. There were 23 complications in 22 patients in the initial postoperative period. Sixty-eight patients underwent further planned surgery, including restorative ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in 57. During a median follow-up of 5.4 (range 0.5-9.0) years, 48 patients (60 per cent) developed at least one complication. Patients with a major complication at any time during follow-up had a significantly longer duration of medical therapy before colectomy than patients with no major complications (median 8 versus 5 days; P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Delayed surgery for patients with ASUC who do not respond to medical therapy is associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications.

Surgical therapy of perianal Crohn's disease.

The surgical management of perianal Crohn's disease is complex with a wide range of operations being described. The initial emergency treatment is to drain any source of underlying sepsis. A loose seton drainage or a defunctioning stoma can then be used as a 'bridge' to definitive treatment allowing both adequate assessment of the condition and preventing further sepsis. The likelihood of success of any surgical repair must be weighed against the risk of faecal incontinence. Improved results of a local surgical repair are seen with optimal surgical and medical management of perianal Crohn's disease.

A multicenter experience with peri-rectal tumors: The risk of local recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Peri-rectal tumors are rare and their management is challenging, especially when presenting with local recurrence. The aim of the current study was to report a multicenter series of peri-rectal tumors, focusing on the risk of recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 1994 to 2014, patients with peri-rectal tumors from three different centers were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-two patients were identified and divided into two groups; Group 1: patients who presented with local recurrence at follow-up (n = 9, recurrence rate: 14.5%), and Group 2: patients without recurrence (n = 53). RESULTS: In Group 1, there were initially more patients with symptoms of a perineal mass (44.4% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.04), more malignant tumors (55.6% vs. 15.1%; p = 0.02), and larger lesions (+2.6 cm; p = 0.004). Incomplete resection was also more frequent in Group 1 (44.4% vs. 3.8%; p = 0.003). Eight patients with recurrence had further surgery, whilst one patient had radiological recurrence and was treated medically. Among the eight re-resections, five patients remain disease-free; two have had further recurrences and have had palliative treatment, whilst another has had a further resection and remains disease-free. CONCLUSIONS: Peri-rectal tumors are uncommon and there is no consensus on best management. Based on this large multicenter series, several risk factors seem to be associated with local recurrence, namely patient- (discovery of a perineal mass), tumor- (malignant and large lesion), and surgery-related (incomplete resection). Clinical follow-up should be adapted according to these factors.

Histopathology of benign non-palpable breast lesions identified by mammography.

Over four years the histological features of benign breast diseases, diagnosed after biopsy of non-palpable mammographic abnormalities, were reviewed and correlated with the mammographic appearances. The histological features were compared with those from all other benign biopsy specimens taken during the same period. The incidence of sclerosing adenosis and microcalcifications was considerably higher in the group of non-palpable mammographic lesions; fibrous disease of the breast and radial scar (infiltrating epitheliosis) were also more common. There was no difference in the incidence of epithelial hyperplasia between the two groups. Correlation with the mammographic appearances showed that microcalcification was most often associated with blunt duct adenosis and that stromal distortion or masses were most often caused by fibrous disease.

Endoscopic transanal resection provides palliation equivalent to transabdominal resection in patients with metastatic rectal cancer.

Patients with metastatic rectal cancer precluding curative low anterior resection (LAR) or abdominoperineal resection (APR) can require palliation for impending obstruction. LAR or APR is frequently not optimal because of the associated operative morbidity. Lesser procedures such as diverting colostomy require patients to live with a permanent stoma. Endoscopic transanal resection (ETAR) has been used for excision of rectal lesions. To determine whether ETAR provides palliation equivalent to LAR or APR, we reviewed the outcomes of 49 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma and unresectable liver metastases who required palliative intervention between January 1989 and July 1996. Of these 49 patients, 24 underwent ETAR; the intraluminal tumor was resected using the urologic resectoscope to achieve a hemostatic, patent lumen. The outcomes of these patients were compared to those of the other 25 patients who had palliative LAR, APR, or a Hartmann procedure during the same period. The median distance of the tumors from the anal verge was similar (5 cm; range 1 to 15 cm). ETAR patients had a higher percentage of poorly differentiated tumors (35% vs. 6%, P = 0.034) and higher preoperative alkaline phosphatase values (478 +/- 75 mg/dl vs. 231 +/- 24 mg/dl; P < 0.015), suggesting more aggressive disease and greater hepatic tumor burden, respectively. Despite these differences, overall survival and time spent outside the hospital were similar in the two groups. The median number of debulking procedures required in the 24 ETAR patients was two (range 1 to 17). Resections in the 25 LAR/APR patients included LAR in 20, APR in two, and Hartmann procedures in three. There was a trend toward more stomas in the LAR/APR group (28% vs. 17%). More important, morbidity was significantly higher in the LAR/APR patients (24% vs. 4%; P = 0.049). In conclusion, ETAR is a safe alternative for the palliation of incurable rectal tumors. Compared to transabdominal resection, ETAR provides equivalent palliation as measured by survival and proportion of the patient's life spent outside the hospital, with a lower stoma rate and significantly less morbidity. Therefore, in select patients with metastatic rectal cancer, ETAR is an important palliative option.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy at the time of tumour resection in advanced oral cancer.

The role of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in patients undergoing resection of head and neck malignancy is well established. The procedure may be performed pre- or post-operatively with intravenous sedation or alternatively under general anaesthesia at the time of tumour resection. There are concerns as to the safety of PEG, particularly when performed under intravenous sedation. Elderly patients with poor general health and those with airway compromise may be at significant risk. We believe that patients with advanced oral malignancy often fall into such groups and, therefore, we routinely perform PEG at the time of resection. The aim of this study was to determine the potential risk factors for PEG insertion in patients with advanced oral malignancy and present our experience with insertion at the time of resection. A retrospective study was undertaken of the risk factors for PEG insertion in 72 consecutive patients with stage IV oral cancer treated between April 1993 and March 2000. Age, sex, tumour site, past medical history, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) and laryngoscopy grade, as an assessment of potential airway compromise, were recorded. There were 72 patients, 40 males and 32 females, with a mean age of 63 years (27-90). Eighteen patients (25%) scored 3 or 4 on the ASA scores of physical status. Laryngoscopy grades were recorded in 65 patients; of these, 18 (25%) had reduced visualisation of the larynx and in two patients not even the epiglottis could be seen. It is concluded that patients with advanced oral cancer have significant risk factors for PEG placement. However, PEG can be safely performed at the time of ablative surgery and has the advantage of avoiding an additional operative event for the patient.

The role of anal ultrasound in the management of anal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the accuracy of anal ultrasound (AUS) for anal fistulas, and the impact of routine pre-operative AUS on their surgical management. METHODS: Pre-operative AUS was performed in 38 consecutive patients with an anal fistula using a 10-MHz Brüel & Kjaer probe. All patients underwent subsequent examination under anaesthetic (EUA) with documentation of the anatomy of the fistula before the surgeon was shown the AUS results. Agreement between AUS and EUA findings and any modification to the surgical treatment was recorded. RESULTS: There was 84% agreement between AUS and EUA findings regarding presence and site of fistulas. One fistula not seen at AUS was found at EUA, and 5 fistulas seen on AUS were not demonstrated at EUA. AUS influenced the surgery undertaken in 9/24 (38%) patients; demonstrating occult sphincter defects (2 patients), reclassifying fistulas from low to higher fistulas (3 patients), deciding a surgical treatment open to doubt (2 patients) and helping identify an obscure fistula not initially found at EUA (2 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Accuracy of AUS in the assessment of anal fistulas is confirmed. Operative management is influenced in 38% of cases, usually towards more conservative treatment. We recommend the use of pre-operative AUS in the assessment of anal fistulas.

Perianal abscess in children.

The records of 16 children presenting with a diagnosis of perianal abscess, over a 5-year period, were reviewed. The clinical and microbiological features of paediatric perianal abscesses are similar to those found in adults, although the incidence of associated diseases is higher in paediatric patients. Perianal abscesses in children are best treated by incision and drainage. The presence of an underlying contributing disease should be excluded.

The consent form signature: a useful clinical sign?

The quality of a patient's consent form signature was assessed in 42 adult patients undergoing emergency major abdominal surgery. Patients with a poor quality or absent consent form signature had a significantly higher mortality and higher APACHE II scores than those with a satisfactory consent form signature.