Natural History and Surgical Management of Colonic Perforations in Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: A Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a rare and severe genetic condition leading to spontaneous, potentially life-threatening arterial and digestive complications. Colonic ruptures are a common feature of the disease, but clear recommendations on their management are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify surgery-related morbidity and 30-day postoperative mortality after colonic perforation. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review. SETTING: A large cohort of patients with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was followed in a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Between 2000 and 2016, the French National Reference Centre for Rare Vascular Diseases (HEGP, AP-HP, Paris, France) followed 148 patients with molecularly proven vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were surgery-related morbidity and 30-day postoperative mortality. RESULTS: Of 133 patients with molecularly proven vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 30 (22%) had a history of colonic perforation and 15 (50%) were males. These subjects were diagnosed with vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at a younger age than patients with a history of GI events without colonic perforation (p = 0.0007). There were 46 colonic perforations, median 1.0 event per patient (interquartile range, 1.0-2.0). Reperforations occurred in 14 (47%) patients, mostly males. Surgical management consisted of Hartmann procedures or subtotal abdominal colectomies, with a nonnegligible rate of reperforation following partial colonic resection (11 patients, 41%). LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this work are its retrospective design and that the diagnosis of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was made after colonic perforations in a majority of patients. CONCLUSION: Colonic perforations seem more severe in males, with a high rate of reperforation after Hartmann procedure. Subtotal colectomy may reduce digestive morbidity, particularly in male patients. Additional studies are required to identify other predictors of reperforation. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A937.

Natural history of gastrointestinal manifestations in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A 17-year retrospective review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder due to heterozygous mutations in the COL3A1 gene with a dominant negative effect. Spontaneous bowel perforation and intra-abdominal organ rupture are common complications of vEDS. Other gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations may occur but have not been extensively characterized. We herein describe the natural history of GI events and surgery-related complications in patients with vEDS. METHODS: A retrospective review of GI events in a large cohort of molecularly proven vEDS patients was conducted, after exclusion of mild forms of the disease. RESULTS: Of 133 patients, 41% had a history of GI manifestations with 112 events, mean 2.0 ± 1.3 events per patient. There was an earlier occurrence of GI events in men (P 0.008). Cumulative incidence was 58% for all patients, higher in men and in patients with splice-site variants. Recurrence of GI events was reported in more than 50% of patients. Colonic perforation was the first digestive event for 47% of patients. Of 85 GI surgeries, 37 (43%) were complicated with 43 events. Nine deaths were reported in this population. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is characterized not only by bowel perforation but also by a wide variety of GI complications that occur in close to half (41%) of patients. The pattern of GI fragility seems more severe in males and splice-site variants. Complications of GI surgery are common and are related with tissue fragility/friability.

The Immunoscore in the Clinical Practice of Patients with Colon and Rectal Cancers.

In the fine balance between tumor invasion and our defensive systems, the role played by the adaptive immune response at the tumor site is critical. Beyond the fact that all the immune components of the innate and adaptive response can be observed to varying degrees in the tumor microenvironment, it appears that a high density of T cytotoxic and memory lymphocytes, in a context of Th1 immune orientation in the tumor and its invasion front, provides a prognostic marker of paramount importance for colorectal cancer and more generally all solid tumors. The understanding of the role of immunity in cancer, tailored during one century of intensive research, has led to a complete paradigm shift.based on a sharp dissection In order to show the major impact of this conceptual revolution, we herein retrace through the example of colorectal cancer, how an effective immune test, namely the "Immunoscore", has been developed. We also provide up to date data demonstrating the capacity of the Immunoscore to prognosticate with a better accuracy than the TME classification clinical outcomes and to guide therapeutic strategies.

Is Mini-Gastric Bypass a Rational Approach for Type-2 Diabetes?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Morbid obesity and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are both major public health problems. Bariatric surgery is a proven and effective treatment for these conditions; laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is currently the gold-standard treatment. One-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is described as a simpler, safer, and non-inferior alternative to RYGB to treat morbid obesity. Concerning T2DM, experts of the OAGB procedure report promising metabolic results with good long-term remission of T2DM; however, heterogeneity within the literature prompted us to analyze this issue. RECENT FINDINGS: OAGB has gained popularity given its safety and long-term efficacy. Concerning the effect of OAGB for the treatment of T2DM, most reports involve non-controlled single-arm studies with heterogeneous methodologies and a few randomized controlled trials. However, this available literature supports the efficacy of OAGB for remission of T2DM in obese and non-obese patients. Two years after OAGB, the T2DM remission and improvement rate increased from 67 to 100%. The results were improved and stable in the long term. The 5-year T2DM remission rate increased from 82 to 84.4%. OAGB is non-inferior compared with RYGB and even superior to other accepted bariatric procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding. OAGB is an efficient, safe, simple, and reversible procedure to treat T2DM. The literature reveals interesting results for T2DM remission in non-obese patients. High-level comparative studies are required to support these data.

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in the Elderly: A Case-Controlled, Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to identify factors associated with morbidity and mortality in patients older than 70 years who underwent cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). BACKGROUND: Major surgery is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. For PC, CRS and HIPEC is the only current potential curative therapy, but the risks inherent to this patient population have called its benefits into question. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a multi-center database from 1989 to 2015. All patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC for PC were selected and patients older than 70 years were matched 1:4 with a younger cohort according to cancer origin, peritoneal cancer index (PCI), and completeness of cytoreduction. Major morbidity and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 2328 patients, 188 patients older than aged 70 years were matched with 704 younger patients. Patients older than aged 70 years demonstrated a higher American Society of Anesthesiologist score (≥ASA III 10.8 vs. 6.6 %, p = 0.008). There was no difference in overall 90-day morbidity (≥70: 45.7 % vs. <70: 44.5 %; p = 0.171); however, patients older than 70 years had significantly more cardiovascular complications (13.8 vs. 9.2 %, p = 0.044). Differences between the older and younger cohorts failed to reach significance for 90-day mortality (5.4 and 2.7 %, respectively; p = 0.052), and failure-to-rescue (11.6 and 6.1 %, respectively; p = 0.078). In multivariate analysis, PCI > 7 (95 % CI 1.051-5.798, p = 0.038) and HIPEC duration (95 % CI 1.106-6.235, p = 0.028) were independent factors associated with morbidity in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS: CRS and HIPEC appear feasible for selected patients older than aged 70 years, albeit with a higher risk of medical complications associated with increased mortality.

[Colonic diverticulosis: natural history and therapeutic indications]. / Diverticulose colique: histoire naturelle et indications thérapeutiques.

Colonic diverticulosis defined by the presence of mucosal hernia passing through the colic muscularis is symptomatic due to complications in 10-20% of cases. It affects less than 10% of patients before 40 years old and reaches 80% at 80 years old. Primary prevention is a diet of 25g of dietary fiber per day. We are witnessing a decrease of the number of the resections during the last ten years. The diagnosis requires CT proofs. The most serious complications are often inaugural, and severity of acute accesses decreases then. Emergency cares are often minimally invasive therapies as imaging guided and laparoscopic drainage. Resection is reserved for peritonitis, chronic stenosis, fistula, or persistent diseases despite medical management, in patients with more than 3 outbreaks and patients with specific medical risk or immunocompromised.

[Treatment of acute appendicitis: history and evolution of practices]. / Traitement de l'appendicite aiguë: histoire et evolution des pratiques.

Since the princeps description of the appendectomy by Mac Burney in 1891, the treatment of appendicitis is still based on the resection of the appendix. The better quality of the pre-operative imaging leads to a significant decreased of unnecessary appendectomies during the last 30 years. The laparoscopic approach did not make a real change and is not the gold standard except in obese patient or young female. The question of an exclusive medical treatment is still a matter of debate, but it remains not recommended.

[Follow-up and dietary advice after sigmoid diverticulitis]. / Suivi et conseils diét6téques dans la diverticulose colique et ses complications.

Currently published data do not demonstrate the benefit of any medical treatment in the prevention of the onset or the recurrence of colonic diverticular disease. No specific diet can be recommended to patients with colonic diverticula for the prevention of diverticular disease. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as corticosteroids should be used cautiously in patients with diverticular disease since they induce a higher rate of complications, especially diverticular haemorrhage and severe sigmoid diverticulitis. In patients over 50 years old, or if a sigmoidectomy is needed, physicians should perform a colonoscopy in order to rule out colonic polyps or neoplasm.

[Indications for medical treatment of acute appendicitis]. / Indications du traitement médical de l'appendicite aiguë.

The acute appendicitis (AA) is an infection of the vermiform appendix and conservative antibiotic treatment is regularly mentioned since 50 years. Its success depends on the susceptibility of bacteria to empiric antibiotic therapy. The main bias of the studies comparing conservative antibiotic treatment versus appendectomy is that AA can not be proven histologically during medical treatment. However, after antibiotic conservative, 12-23% of patients are operated early after revaluation, and 11 to 15% in the first year for a total of 25% to 40% failure of conservative antibiotic treatment when proposed in first intention. In case of complicated appendicitis, severe infection and peritonitis, surgical treatment should be carried out urgently and remains the gold standard.

Response of renal cell carcinoma pancreatic metastasis to sunitinib treatment: a retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic metastasis accounts for 2% of metastatic renal cell carcinoma cases. Surgical management is typically recommended because of the limited value of immunotherapy as an effective treatment. Sunitinib recently showed clinical efficacy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. We report a series of patients with pancreatic metastasis treated with sunitinib. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied a population of 15 adults with pancreatic metastasis of renal cell carcinoma at 1 center in France and at 2 in the United States who were treated with sunitinib between 2005 and 2007. Sunitinib monotherapy was given at a dose of 50 mg orally in 6-week cycles, consisting of 4 weeks of treatment followed by 2 weeks of rest. All clinical and radiological data were analyzed. RESULTS: At a median followup of 20 months the overall tumor response using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors was 34%. Median time to relapse was 20 months. Two deaths were noted and median survival was not attained. Responses in the pancreatic metastasis were seen in 28% of patients and were stable in 72%. The main grade 3 and 4 adverse events were diarrhea in 7% of cases and fatigue in 7%. Only grade 1 increased lipase was noted in 27% of patients and no increase in amylase was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Sunitinib is effective in patients with pancreatic metastasis. This raises the question of whether patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma limited to the pancreas may derive greater clinical benefit from anti-angiogenic agents, rather than from aggressive surgical resection. However, surgery remains the only potential cure in patients with isolated pancreatic metastasis.

[Colonic diverticulosis: which patients need surgery?]. / Diverticulose colique: quand opérer?

Diverticular disease has become a very common condition in elder and more recently in younger patients in western countries that emerged at the turn of the 20th century and since then has become epidemic. An increasing incidence and an earlier onset of the disease lead us to update the current therapeutic indications, especially for surgery in elective condition. Whereas elective colectomy was performed for poorly documented suspicions of diverticulitis in the past, a positive diagnosis of diverticulitis on CT scan is needed. Therefore, indications for colectomy are restricted to patients with medical history of related endocarditis, diabetes mellitus, proven structural abnormalities of collagen, immune deficiency, after a second episode of diverticulitis requiring at least an hospitalisation or after a single complicated diverticulitis (abscess, fistula, stricture). A two-months delay between symptoms and surgery is suitable, and permits to perform preoperatively a colonoscopy in a safe condition to rule out concomitant adenoma or colonic cancer. There is no randomised trial of open versus laparoscopic colectomy in this specific indication. As the lesions of resected colon became more severe due to restricted indications, laparoscopic approach will require more surgical skill and conversion rate might increase. In selected cases, open surgery should be preferred.

Anastomotic Location Predicts Anastomotic Leakage After Elective Colonic Resection for Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a potential feared complication after colorectal resection, which is associated with an increased risk of postoperative mortality and frequently requires additional surgery. The aim of this study was to assess major independent risk factors for AL after elective colonic resection for cancer, including anastomotic location. METHODS: Among 1940 consecutive patients referred to our institution for colorectal adenocarcinoma, 1025 patients had elective colonic resection with intraperitoneal anastomosis without diverting stoma. Risk factors were assessed among preoperative, operative, and histological data. RESULTS: Clinical AL was observed in 36 patients (3.5%) with 24 patients requiring revisional surgery (67%). In multivariate analysis, endoscopic impassable tumor and colo-colic or ileo-colic anastomosis were independent risk factors for AL. The occurrence of AL was associated with poor overall (43.1 months vs. 146.4 months; p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (40.5 months vs. 137.3 months; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Anastomotic leakage occurs more frequently after colo-colic and ileo-colic anastomosis than after intraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis. The right colectomy appears to be at higher risk of AL, with a greater risk of surgical intervention than after an elective left colectomy. Ileo-colic anastomosis should be avoided in cases of suboptimal conditions.

Conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass for Weight Loss Failure.

INTRODUCTION: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) was suggested as an option in the management of weight loss failure after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). In parallel, the length of the biliopancreatic limb (BPL) is currently debated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate morbidity and efficiency of the conversion of SG to OAGB using two lengths of BPL (150 cm versus 200 cm). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database on 72 patients operated on between 2007 and 2017: (200-cm BPL before 2014 versus 150-cm BPL since 2014). RESULTS: At revision, the mean body mass index (BMI) was 43.6 ± 7 kg/m2. Sixteen patients (20%) had type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 23 (29%) had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Early morbidity rate was 4.2% (n = 3). Mean BMI were 33.7 ± 6 and 34.8 ± 9 at 2 and 5 years, respectively. At 5 years, the rate of lost of follow-up was 34%. T2D and OSA improved in 80% (n = 12) and 70% (n = 16) of the patients, respectively. At revision, the mean BMI were 46 ± 8 kg/m2 and 41 ± 6 kg/m2 for patients with 200-cm BPL (n = 38) and 150-cm BPL (n = 34), respectively. Two years after conversion, the mean BMI were 34 ± 1 kg/m2 for 200-cm BPL and 32 ± 7 kg/m2 for 150-cm BPL. The rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diarrhea was 13% and 5% in patients with 200-cm BPL versus 3% and 0% in patients with 150-cm BPL. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the conversion of SG to OAGB is feasible and safe allowing significant weight loss and improvement in comorbidities. Weight loss seems comparable between the 150-cm and 200-cm BPL.

Anatomical Relations Between the Esogastric Junction, the Diaphragm, the Pleura, and the Left Lung in Chronic Esogastro-bronchial and/or Esogastro-pleural Fistulas After Sleeve Gastrectomy.

PURPOSE: Gastric fistula is a severe complication following sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Chronic gastric fistula can progress to complex anatomical situations, such as esogastro-bronchial and/or esogastro-pleural (EGBP) fistulas. We decided to analyze the anatomical characteristics of these EGBP fistulas after SG. METHODS: Our work consisted of an analysis of the clinical, endoscopic, and radiological data of patients treated for EGBP fistulas after SG at the Georges Pompidou European Hospital from May 2009 to November 2017. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were retrospectively included with available complete clinical, endoscopic, and radiological data. The origin of the fistula was mostly at the top of the staple line. The fistula's termination was pleural in 5 patients (45%) and bronchial in 6 (55%). In bronchial fistulas, 2 were proximal and 4 were distal, with the left pulmonary posterolateral segment (S10) being reached in each case. The trans-diaphragmatic passage was through the left cupola in 9 out of 11 patients (82%). In 2 patients, the passage was trans-hiatal (18%). Interestingly, the 2 eso-bronchial fistulas had a trans-hiatal passage with a termination in the proximal bronchus, while the 4 gastro-bronchial fistulas had a trans-diaphragmatic passage with a termination in the distal bronchus. All pleural fistulas were gastric with a trans-diaphragmatic passage. CONCLUSIONS: Esogastro-bronchial and gastro-pleural fistulas after SG originated mostly at the top of the staple line. Eso-bronchial fistulas had a trans-hiatal passage with a proximal bronchial termination, while gastro-bronchial fistulas had a trans-diaphragmatic passage with a distal bronchial termination.

Blood pressure outcome of adrenalectomy in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism with or without unilateral adenoma.

OBJECTIVE: To assess blood pressure outcome in patients with primary aldosteronism, who were operated on the basis of a unilateral adenoma detected by computed tomography or a lateralized aldosterone hypersecretion detected by adrenal venous sampling, and to analyze the hormonal and nonhormonal factors associated with the outcome. METHODS: A retrospective study of 168 patients with primary aldosteronism undergoing surgery: 109 patients with a unilateral adenoma detected by computed tomography and 59 without a unilateral adenoma who underwent surgery because of an aldosterone to cortisol ratio at least five times higher on the dominant side than on the nondominant side. RESULTS: Patients with a unilateral adenoma were more likely to be women, had a shorter history of hypertension and had lower blood pressure levels and treatment scores than patients without a unilateral adenoma. The mean systolic blood pressures of patients with and without unilateral adenomas at follow-up were 133 +/- 16 and 137 +/- 16 mmHg, respectively. Hypertension cure or improvement was observed in 77% (95% confidence interval 69-85%) and 68% (95% confidence interval 56-80%) of patients, respectively. Using a linear regression model, baseline urinary aldosterone was positively associated, and baseline serum potassium was negatively associated, with decrease in systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSION: Adrenalectomy improves blood pressure control in patients with primary aldosteronism operated on the basis of either unilateral adenoma detected by computed tomography or a lateralized aldosterone hypersecretion. A high urinary aldosterone excretion and a low serum potassium level predict a more favorable outcome of surgery.

Primary results of laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass in a French obesity-surgery specialized university hospital.

BACKGROUND: Since 2002, we have performed 350 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypasses (LRYGB). We decided to evaluate the laparoscopic mini-gastric bypass (LMGB), an operation reported as effective, yet simpler than LRYGB. It consisted of a long lesser curvature tube with a terminolateral gastroenterostomy, 200 cm distal to the Treitz ligament. METHODS: From October 2006 to November 2007, 100 patients (23 men and 77 women) underwent LMGB. The mean age was 40.9 +/- 11.5 years (17.5-62.4), the preoperative mean body weight was 131 +/- 23.1 kg (82-203) and the mean BMI was 46.9 +/- 7.4 kg/m(2) (32.8-72.4). Twenty-four patients had prior restrictive procedure: 20 LAGB of which nine were already removed and four VBG (two laparoscopic and two by open surgery). In preoperative gastric endoscopy Helicobacter pylorii was present in 26 patients and eradicated. RESULTS: All procedures were completed laparoscopically by six different surgeons. Mean operative time was 129 +/- 37 min. There was no death. Seven patients (7%) presented major early complications: three reoperations for incarcerated herniation of small bowel in the trocar wound, one peritonitis due to a traumatic injury of the biliary limb, one perianastomotic abscess, one intraabdominal bleeding requiring splenectomy, and one endoscopic haemostasis for anastomotic bleeding. One patient presented anastomotic stenosis that required endoscopic dilatation 2 months postoperatively. Mean BMI at 3 months was 38.7 kg/m(2) (31.2-60.9) and at 6 months 35.1 (23.6-53.0). Nine patients complained of diarrhea that resolved 3 months postoperatively and, significantly, only two patients complained of biliary reflux. CONCLUSION: Pending long-term evaluation, LMBG seems a good alternative to LRYGB, giving the same results with a more simple and reproductible technique.

[Surgical treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis with reduction surgery and perioperative chemotherapy]. / Traitement des carcinoses péritonéales par chirurgie de réduction chimiothérapie périopératoire.

So far, peritoneal carcinomatosis had been considered as the last progression stage of intra-abdominal cancers, and thus without any therapeutic recourse. During the last ten years, the association of tumour surgical resection and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (with or without hyperthermia) has proven to produce long term survival and even cure. This aggressive therapeutic strategy is associated with mortality and morbidity, which add to the mortality and morbidity of surgery and chemotherapy. It thus requires a careful patient selection conducted by specialized multidisciplinary teams. The main indications are peritoneal carcinomatosis on colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, ovarian cancer, pseudomyxoma and mesothelioma. The treatment can also be initiated secondarily, if carcinomatosis is detected during a procedure performed in a center where this type of treatment is not provided. An organ resection should thus be performed. The patient is then referred to a specialized center, either within the ten days following the procedure, or after three months, most of the time after an adjuvant therapy.

Complicated Meckel's diverticulum: Presentation modes in adults.

Complicated Meckel's diverticulum represents a common etiology of acute abdomen in children. However, this condition is less frequent in adults. We reviewed the records of adult patients who underwent the surgical removal of complicated Meckel's diverticulum between 2001 and 2017 at 2 tertiary French medical centers. We then analyzed the clinical characteristics, mode of presentation, and management for all patients.The Meckel's diverticulum was resected in 37 patients (24 males and 13 females). The mean patient age was 46.1 ±â€Š21.4 years. The most common clinical presentations of complicated Meckel's diverticulum were diverticulitis (35.1%, n = 13), small-bowel obstruction (35.1%, n = 13), and gastrointestinal bleeding (29.8%, n = 11) (anemia, n = 1; hematochezia, n = 10). Age distribution was significantly different (P = .02) according to the 3 Meckel's diverticulum complications: patients with diverticulitis (P = .02) were statistically more frequently over 40 (P = .05), significantly older than patients with gastrointestinal bleeding who were more frequently <40 (P = .05). There was a preoperative diagnosis available for 15 of the 37 patients (40%). An exploratory laparoscopy was necessary to determine the cause of disease for the other 22 patients (60%). An intestinal resection was performed in 33 patients (89%) and diverticulectomy was performed in 4 patients (11%). There was heterotopic tissue found in only 6 patients (16%). Postoperative complications were as follows: 1 death by cardiac failure in a 92-year-old patient and 2 patients with postoperative wound infections. The follow-up time was 3 to 12 months.The correct diagnosis of complicated Meckel's diverticulum in adults is difficult due to the lack of specific clinical presentation. As a result, exploratory laparoscopy appears to play a central role in cases of acute abdomen with uncertain diagnosis.