Identification of clinical outcome measures for recovery of gastrointestinal motility in postoperative ileus.

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical hallmarks associated with recovery of gastrointestinal transit. BACKGROUND: Impaired gastrointestinal transit or postoperative ileus largely determines clinical recovery after abdominal surgery. However, validated clinical hallmarks of gastrointestinal recovery to evaluate new treatments and readiness for discharge from the hospital are lacking. METHODS: Gastric emptying and colonic transit were scintigraphically assessed from postoperative day 1 to 3 in 84 patients requiring elective colonic surgery and were compared with clinical parameters. The clinical hallmark that best reflected recovery of gastrointestinal transit was validated using data from a multicenter trial of 320 segmental colectomy patients. RESULTS: Seven of 84 patients developed a major complication with paralytic ileus characterized by total inhibition of gastrointestinal motility and were excluded from further analysis. In the remaining patients, recovery of colonic transit (defined as geometric center of radioactivity ≥2 on day 3), but not gastric emptying, was significantly correlated with clinical recovery (ρ = -0.59, P < 0.001). Conversely, the combined outcome measure of tolerance of solid food and having had defecation (SF + D) (area under the curve = 0.9, SE = 0.04, 95% CI = 0.79-0.95, P < 0.001), but not time to first flatus, best indicated recovery of gastrointestinal transit with a positive predictive value of 93% (95% CI = 78-99). Also in the main clinical trial, multiple regression analysis revealed that SF + D best predicted the duration of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the time to SF + D best reflects recovery of gastrointestinal transit and therefore should be considered as primary outcome measure in future clinical trials on postoperative ileus.(Netherlands National Trial Register, number NTR1884 and NTR222).

Challenging case of deficient mismatch repair right-sided locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon with duodenal involvement: A case report including step-by-step video of operation.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Irresectable colon cancer presents a complex clinical challenge. Neoadjuvant immunotherapy has shown potential in improving resectability. Additionally, advancements in surgical techniques, including complete mesocolic excision (CME) with central vascular ligation (CVL), have contributed to better outcomes for right-sided colon cancer. This case report aims to demonstrate the successful laparoscopic resection of initial appearing irresectable colon cancer with suspected duodenal involvement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 70-year-old female presented with an irresectable mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) adenocarcinoma of the ascending colon with suspected duodenal ingrowth. Neoadjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab and ataluren resulted in a significant response, allowing for surgical resection. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME, including CVL, intracorporeal anastomosis and extraction through a Pfannenstiel incision, was performed. Additionally, the serosal layer of the duodenum was shaved after observing the absence of intraluminal invasion. Postoperatively, transient gastroparesis occurred, but overall outcomes were favourable. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: This case emphasizes the potential of immunotherapy in improving resectability for irresectable dMMR colon cancer with suspected involvement of surrounding organs. The combination of neoadjuvant therapy and advanced surgical techniques, such as CME with CVL, shows promise in achieving favourable clinical outcomes. However, further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness and safety of this combined approach in a larger cohort of patients. CONCLUSION: The successful laparoscopic resection of initially irresectable dMMR colon cancer with duodenal involvement, following neoadjuvant immunotherapy, demonstrated promising outcomes. This case advocates for further exploration of neoadjuvant treatments' efficacy, coupled with advanced surgical techniques, in managing locally advanced right-sided colon cancer.

Faster recovery of gastrointestinal transit after laparoscopy and fast-track care in patients undergoing colonic surgery.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Postoperative ileus is characterized by delayed gastrointestinal (GI) transit and is a major determinant of recovery after colorectal surgery. Both laparoscopic surgery and fast-track multimodal perioperative care have been reported to improve clinical recovery. However, objective measures supporting faster GI recovery are lacking. Therefore, GI transit was measured following open and laparoscopic colorectal surgery with or without fast-track care. METHODS: Patients (n = 93) requiring elective colonic surgery were randomized to laparoscopic or conventional surgery with fast-track multimodal management or standard care, resulting in 4 treatment arms. Gastric emptying and colonic transit were scintigraphically assessed from days 1 to 3 in 78 patients and compared with clinical parameters such as time to tolerance of solid food and/or bowel movement and time until (ready for) discharge. RESULTS: A total of 71 patients without mechanical bowel obstructions or surgical complications requiring intervention were available for analysis. No differences in gastric emptying 24 hours after surgery between the different groups were observed (P = .61). However, the median colonic transit of patients undergoing laparoscopic/fast-track care was significantly faster compared with the laparoscopic/standard, open/fast-track, and open/standard care groups. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that both laparoscopic surgery and fast-track care were significant independent predictive factors of improved colonic transit. Both were associated with significantly faster clinical recovery and shorter time until tolerance of solid food and first bowel movement. CONCLUSIONS: Colonic transit recovers significantly faster after laparoscopic surgery and the fast-track program; laparoscopy and fast-track care lead to faster recovery of GI motility and improve clinical recovery.

Less adhesiolysis and hernia repair during completion proctocolectomy after laparoscopic emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether the need for adhesiolysis during completion proctectomy (CP) with ileopouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is influenced by the surgical approach of the initial emergency colectomy for ulcerative colitis and the hospital setting. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients who underwent CP with IPAA in our center between January 1999 and April 2010 were included. Emergency colectomy had been performed laparoscopically in 30 of 52 patients at the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam and in 6 of 48 patients at referring hospitals. Case files of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Significantly more extensive adhesiolysis was performed after open compared to laparoscopic colectomy (47 vs. 6%, P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, emergency colectomy at a referring hospital was also predictive for adhesiolysis (P = 0.003), but the open approach for the initial colectomy was the only independent predictive factor for the need for adhesiolysis (P < 0.001) in a multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis. Operating time of CP was significantly longer when limited [18 (95% CI = 0-36) min] or extensive [55 (35-75) min] adhesiolysis had to be performed. The interval to CP was longer after open colectomy and after colectomy performed at a referring hospital. Significantly more incisional hernia corrections during CP were performed after open emergency colectomy (14 vs. 0%, P = 0.024). Overall morbidity and postoperative hospital stay of CP were not related to the surgical approach or the hospital setting of the emergency colectomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic as opposed to open emergency colectomy is associated with less adhesiolysis, fewer incisional hernias, and a shorter interval to completion proctectomy.

Laparoscopy in combination with fast track multimodal management is the best perioperative strategy in patients undergoing colonic surgery: a randomized clinical trial (LAFA-study).

OBJECTIVE: To investigate which perioperative treatment, ie, laparoscopic or open surgery combined with fast track (FT) or standard care, is the optimal approach for patients undergoing segmental resection for colon cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Important developments in elective colorectal surgery are the introduction of laparoscopy and implementation of FT care, both focusing on faster recovery. METHODS: In a 9-center trial, patients eligible for segmental colectomy were randomized to laparoscopic or open colectomy, and to FT or standard care, resulting in 4 treatment groups. Primary outcome was total postoperative hospital stay (THS). Secondary outcomes were postoperative hospital stay (PHS), morbidity, reoperation rate, readmission rate, in-hospital mortality, quality of life at 2 and 4 weeks, patient satisfaction and in-hospital costs. Four hundred patients were required to find a minimum difference of 1 day in hospital stay. RESULTS: Median THS in the laparoscopic/FT group was 5 (interquar-tile range: 4-8) days; open/FT 7 (5-11) days; laparoscopic/standard 6 (4.5-9.5) days, and open/standard 7 (6-13) days (P < 0.001). Median PHS in the laparoscopic/FT group was 5 (4-7) days; open/FT 6 (4.5-10) days; laparoscopic/standard 6 (4-8.5) days and open/standard 7 (6-10.5) days (P < 0.001). Secondary outcomes did not differ significantly among the groups. Regression analysis showed that laparoscopy was the only independent predictive factor to reduce hospital stay and morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Optimal perioperative treatment for patients requiring segmental colectomy for colon cancer is laparoscopic resection embedded in a FT program. If open surgery is applied, it is preferentially done in FT care. This study was registered under NTR222 (www.trialregister.nl).

Genital and subjective sexual response in women after restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis--a prospective clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual dysfunction after ileo pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is common. The most systematic physical reaction to sexual stimulation is an increase in vaginal vasocongestion. Genital response can be assessed by vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) using vaginal photoplethysmography. AIM: To assess whether restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is associated with autonomic pelvic nerve damage and changes in subjective indices of sexual function in women. METHODS: Female patients undergoing IPAA between April 2004 and January 2006 were included. During sexual stimulation (visual and vibrotactile) changes in vaginal vasocongestion were measured by vaginal photoplethysmography. Concurrently, quality of life (SF-36) and sexual functioning (FSFI, FSDS) were assessed using validated questionnaires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary endpoint was difference in VPA pre- and postoperatively. Secondary endpoints were differences in feelings of sexual arousal and estimated lubrication pre- and postoperatively and difference in psychological and sexual functioning pre-and postoperatively. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included. For eight patients (median age 37 [22-49 years]) pre- and postoperative data were collected. VPA analysis showed a significant reduction in vaginal vasocongestion during sexual stimulation postoperatively, P = 0.012. Subjective sexual arousal and estimated lubrication during the experiment, reported psychological and sexual functioning pre- and postoperative were not different. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal vasocongestion after IPAA was significantly reduced in this small study; indicating that IPAA in women might possibly be associated with autonomic pelvic nerve damage or partial devascularization of the vagina. Subjectively reported sexual arousal, estimated lubrication, psychological and sexual functioning were not diminished. Future research should focus on the possible advantage of a full close rectal dissection in these patients.

Feasibility of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication as a day-case procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective double-cohort pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility and desirability of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) performed in day-care when compared with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in day-care. METHODS: Patients who underwent a LNF in day-care were prospectively evaluated. LNF patients were treated according to LC in day-care protocol. Outcome parameters were EQ-5D, visual analogue scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From October 2005 to March 2008, 22 patients underwent LNF and 48 patients LC in day-care. After LNF, 21 out of 22 (95%) patients were discharged the same day. Seven (32%) patients were seen postoperatively in the Emergency Department with dysphagia or pain and two (9%) patients were readmitted. After LC, 45 out of 48 (94%) patients were discharged the same day. Six (12.5%) patients were seen postoperatively in the Emergency Department because of wound infection or pain and three (6%) were readmitted. EQ-5D and VAS scores were significantly worse after LNF in day-care (repeated measurements, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001). In a telephone survey 66.7% preferred a short hospital stay over day-care surgery after LNF compared with 30.9% after LC (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: LNF in day-care is feasible and safe, but postoperative pain scores are high and most prefer short hospital stay.

Quality of life after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery: a systematic review.

This study was a systematic review of the available evidence on quality of life in patients after laparoscopic or open colorectal surgery. A systematic review was performed of all randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared laparoscopic with open colorectal surgery. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were carried out independently by two reviewers. Primary endpoint was quality of life after laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery, as assessed by validated questionnaires. The search resulted in nine RCTs that included 2263 patients. Short- and long-term results of these RCTs were described in 13 articles. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 2 d to 6.7 years. Due to clinical heterogeneity, no meta-analysis could be conducted. Four RCTs did not show any difference in quality of life between laparoscopic or open colorectal surgery. The remaining five studies reported a better quality of life in favor of the laparoscopic group on a few quality of life scales at time points ranging from 1 wk to 2 years after surgery. In conclusion, based on presently available high-level evidence, this systematic review showed no clinically relevant differences in postoperative quality of life between laparoscopic and open colorectal surgery.