There is a need for a paradigm shift in laparoscopic surgical training: results of a nationwide survey among teaching hospitals in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Surgical training curricula have changed little over the past decades. Current advances in surgical techniques, especially in minimally invasive surgery, as well as the rapidly changing socioeconomic environment pose a major challenge for the training of young surgeons. The aim of this survey was to provide a representative overview of the surgical training landscape in Switzerland focusing on laparoscopic surgical training: How do department chairs of teaching hospitals deal with the above challenges, and what should a future training curriculum look like? METHODS: This is a prospective, questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study among the heads of departments of all certified surgical teaching hospitals in Switzerland. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 56% (48/86) and 86% (19/22) for tertiary centers. Two-thirds of the centers (32) organize themselves in training networks. Laparoscopic training courses are offered in 25 (52%) hospitals, mainly in tertiary centers. Self-training opportunities exist in 40 (83%) hospitals. In addition to commercial (27) and self-built (7) box trainers, high-fidelity trainers are available in 16 (33%) hospitals. A mandatory training curriculum exists in 7 (15%) facilities, and a training assessment is performed in 15 (31%) institutions. Thirty-two (65%) heads of departments indicated that residents have sufficient practical exposure in the operating room, but the ability to work independently with obtaining the specialist title is seen critically (71%). They state that the surgical catalog does not adequately reflect the manual skills of the resident (64%). The desire is for training to be restructured from a numbers-based to a performance-based curriculum (53%) and for tools to assess residents' manual skills (56%) to be introduced. CONCLUSIONS: Department chairs stated that the existing curriculum in Switzerland does not meet the requirements of a modern training curriculum. This study highlights the need to create an improved, competency-based curriculum that ensures the training of a new generation of surgeons, taking into account the growing evidence of the effectiveness of state-of-the-art training modalities such as simulation or proficiency-based training.

Preoperative lateral lymph node features and impact on local recurrence after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and total mesorectal excision for locally advanced rectal cancer: results from a multicentre international cohort study.

AIM: Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) is commonly treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) and total mesorectal excision (TME) to reduce local recurrence (LR) and improve survival. However, LR, particularly associated with lateral lymph node (LLN) involvement, remains a concern. The aim of this study was to investigate preoperative factors associated with LLN involvement and their impact on LR rates in LARC patients undergoing nCRT and curative surgery. METHOD: This multicentre retrospective study, including four academic high-volume institutions, involved 301 consecutive adult LARC patients treated with nCRT and curative surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 who did not undergo lateral lymph node dissection (LLND). Baseline and restaging pelvic MRIs were evaluated for suspicious LLNs based on institutional criteria. Patients were divided into two groups: cLLN+ (positive nodes) and cLLN- (no suspicious nodes). Primary outcome measures were LR and lateral local recurrence (LLR) rates at 3 years. RESULTS: Among the cohort, 15.9% had suspicious LLNs on baseline MRI, and 9.3% had abnormal LLNs on restaging MRI. At 3 years, LR and LLR rates were 4.0% and 1.0%, respectively. Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients with LR showed no suspicious LLNs at the baseline MRI. Abnormal LLNs on MRI were not independent risk factors for LR, distant recurrence or disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: Abnormal LLNs on baseline and restaging MRI assessment did not impact LR and LLR rates in this cohort of patients with LARC submitted to nCRT and curative TME surgery.

Feasibility of on-demand robotics in colorectal surgery: first cases.

INTRODUCTION: The key benefits of robotics are improved precision and control, thanks to fully articulated robotic instruments and enhanced, stable endoscope control. However, colorectal procedures also require large movements such as medialization of the colon where a robotic platform is not always needed. We present the world's first experience in colorectal surgery with a new open platform of on-demand robotics. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Standard laparoscopic 3-D camera, insufflator, trocars and energy devices, available in all hospitals performing laparoscopic surgery, are used in combination with the Dexter System™ from Distalmotion SA, which includes two robotic instrument arms, one robotic endoscope arm and a sterile surgeon console. We present the first 12 colorectal cases of robotic assisted ventral mesh rectopexy (n = 2), oncologic right colectomies (n = 8), transverse colectomy (n = 1) and ileocecal resection (n = 1) using the Dexter System. RESULTS: The two ventral mesh rectopexies were fully robotic, requiring no switching from standard laparoscopy to robotic assistance. The robotic platform was used for central vascular ligation (CVL) in all 8 oncologic colectomies, whereas medialization of the colon and transection was performed with standard laparoscopy. The switch from laparoscopy to robotics and back was performed in 15-30 s. Intracorporal anastomosis was performed in 4 patients (stapling by standard laparoscopy and suturing of the defect with robotic assistance). Conversion or permanent switch to standard laparoscopy was required in two patients due to visceral obesity. No robotic platform-related intraoperative adverse event occurred. No major morbidity occurred at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: On-demand robotics is feasible and combines the best of two worlds: Robotics where precision and enhanced dexterity are required and standard laparoscopy where it is at its best. The surgeon remains scrubbed-in at all times, allowing a switch between robotics and laparoscopy within seconds.

[Anal cancer screening. A decade's experience of a consultation in a tertiary centre]. / Dépistage du cancer anal. Expérience d'une décennie de consultation spécialisée.

Anal cancer is a disease with a low but gradually increasing incidence, especially in developed countries. Most of these cancers are caused by the HPV. In Switzerland, more than 70 % of the sexually active population is infected with HPV at least once, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease. Immunosuppression and anal sex remain other major risk factors. Precancerous lesions can progress to anal cancer (up to 13 % at 5 years), hence the importance of early detection. High resolution anoscopy is the standard of care for diagnosis and primary treatment of lesions. It is therefore important to monitor at-risk groups and to proactively screen for gynaecological and anal HPV infection.

Le cancer anal a une incidence faible mais en constante augmentation, particulièrement dans les pays développés. Le HPV est responsable de la plupart de ces cancers. En Suisse, plus de 70 % de la population sexuellement active est infectée au moins une fois par le HPV, ce qui en fait la maladie sexuellement transmissible la plus fréquente. D'autres facteurs de risque incluent l'immunosuppression et les rapports sexuels anaux. Les lésions précancéreuses peuvent évoluer en cancer de l'anus (jusqu'à 13 % à 5 ans), justifiant l'importance d'un dépistage précoce. L'anuscopie de haute résolution est l'examen privilégié pour le diagnostic et le traitement primaire des lésions. Il est donc crucial de surveiller les groupes à risque et d'adopter une attitude proactive en matière de dépistage de l'infection HPV gynécologique et anale.

Robot-assisted pelvic floor reconstructive surgery: an international Delphi study of expert users.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery has gained popularity for the reconstruction of pelvic floor defects. Nonetheless, there is no evidence that robot-assisted reconstructive surgery is either appropriate or superior to standard laparoscopy for the performance of pelvic floor reconstructive procedures or that it is sustainable. The aim of this project was to address the proper role of robotic pelvic floor reconstructive procedures using expert opinion. METHODS: We set up an international, multidisciplinary group of 26 experts to participate in a Delphi process on robotics as applied to pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. The group comprised urogynecologists, urologists, and colorectal surgeons with long-term experience in the performance of pelvic floor reconstructive procedures and with the use of the robot, who were identified primarily based on peer-reviewed publications. Two rounds of the Delphi process were conducted. The first included 63 statements pertaining to surgeons' characteristics, general questions, indications, surgical technique, and future-oriented questions. A second round including 20 statements was used to reassess those statements where borderline agreement was obtained during the first round. The final step consisted of a face-to-face meeting with all participants to present and discuss the results of the analysis. RESULTS: The 26 experts agreed that robotics is a suitable indication for pelvic floor reconstructive surgery because of the significant technical advantages that it confers relative to standard laparoscopy. Experts considered these advantages particularly important for the execution of complex reconstructive procedures, although the benefits can be found also during less challenging cases. The experts considered the robot safe and effective for pelvic floor reconstruction and generally thought that the additional costs are offset by the increased surgical efficacy. CONCLUSION: Robotics is a suitable choice for pelvic reconstruction, but this Delphi initiative calls for more research to objectively assess the specific settings where robotic surgery would provide the most benefit.

Protective ileostomy creation after anterior resection of the rectum: Shared decision-making or still subjective?

AIM: The choice of whether to perform protective ileostomy (PI) after anterior resection (AR) is mainly guided by risk factors (RFs) responsible for the development of anastomotic leakage (AL). However, clear guidelines about PI creation are still lacking in the literature and this is often decided according to the surgeon's preferences, experiences or feelings. This qualitative study aims to investigate, by an open-ended question survey, the individual surgeon's decision-making process regarding PI creation after elective AR. METHOD: Fifty four colorectal surgeons took part in an electronic survey to answer the questions and describe what usually led their decision to perform PI. A content analysis was used to code the answers. To classify answers, five dichotomous categories (In favour/Against PI, Listed/Unlisted RFs, Typical/Atypical, Emotions/Non-emotions, Personal experience/No personal experience) have been developed. RESULTS: Overall, 76% of surgeons were in favour of PI creation and 88% considered listed RFs in the question of whether to perform PI. Atypical answers were reported in 10% of cases. Emotions and personal experience influenced surgeons' decision-making process in 22% and 49% of cases, respectively. The most frequently considered RFs were the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge (96%), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (88%), a positive intraoperative leak test (65%), blood loss (37%) and immunosuppression therapy (35%). CONCLUSION: The indications to perform PI following rectal cancer surgery lack standardization and evidence-based guidelines are required to inform practice. Until then, expert opinion can be helpful to assist the decision-making process in patients who have undergone AR for adenocarcinoma.

Impact of Diagnostic Delay on Disease Course in Pediatric- versus Adult-Onset Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: Data from the Swiss IBD Cohort.

Introduction: Given the lack of data, we aimed to assess the impact of the length of diagnostic delay on the natural history of ulcerative colitis (UC) in pediatric (diagnosed <18 years) and adult patients (diagnosed ≥18 years). Methods: Data from the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study were analyzed. Diagnostic delay was defined as the interval between the first appearance of UC-related symptoms until diagnosis. Logistic regression modeling evaluated the appearance of the following complications in the long term according to the length of diagnostic delay: colonic dysplasia, colorectal cancer, UC-related hospitalization, colectomy, and extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs). Results: A total of 184 pediatric and 846 adult patients were included. The median diagnostic delay was 4 [IQR 2-7.5] months for the pediatric-onset group and 3 [IQR 2-10] months for the adult-onset group (p = 0.873). In both, pediatric- and adult-onset groups, the length of diagnostic delay at UC diagnosis was not associated with colectomy, UC-related hospitalization, colon dysplasia, and colorectal cancer. EIMs were significantly more prevalent at UC diagnosis in the adult-onset group with long diagnostic delay than in the adult-onset group with short diagnostic delay (p = 0.022). In the long term, the length of diagnostic delay was associated in the adult-onset group with colorectal dysplasia (p = 0.023), EIMs (p < 0.001), and more specifically arthritis/arthralgias (p < 0.001) and ankylosing spondylitis/sacroiliitis (p < 0.001). In the pediatric-onset UC group, the length of diagnostic delay in the long term was associated with arthritis/arthralgias (p = 0.017); however, it was not predictive for colectomy and UC-related hospitalization. Conclusions: As colorectal cancer and EIMs are associated with considerable morbidity and costs, every effort should be made to reduce diagnostic delay in UC patients.

[Obstructed colon cancer: which strategy in 2022?] / Cancer colique en occlusion : quelle prise en charge en 2022 ?

The key priority for obstructed colon cancer (OCC) is urgent resolution of the large bowel obstruction with ideally no compromise of oncological outcomes and low initial and permanent ostomy rates. Proactive management is pivotal to decrease the risk of perforation and septic shock. Staged procedures have an important place to provide optimal treatment and offer similar treatment and outcomes as in the elective setting. The approach is tailored to the patient's condition, the oncological situation and expertise of the available surgical team. This overview concludes by proposing a comprehensive treatment algorithm for individualized treatment of OCC.

La principale priorité du cancer du côlon obstructif (CCO) est la levée urgente de l'obstacle colique, sans compromettre les résultats oncologiques tout en réduisant les taux de stomies initiales et permanentes. Une prise en charge proactive est essentielle pour minimiser le risque de perforation et de choc septique. Les procédures par étapes (staged procedures) ont une place primordiale afin de permettre un traitement optimal associé à des résultats proches des conditions de la chirurgie élective. L'approche doit être adaptée à l'état des patients, au stade oncologique, ainsi qu'à l'expertise chirurgicale disponible. Cette synthèse de la littérature se conclut par la proposition d'un algorithme pour le traitement individualisé du CCO.

Modest agreement between magnetic resonance and pathological tumor regression after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer in the real world.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used for preoperative tumor staging and to assess response to therapy in rectal cancer patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of MRI based restaging after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in predicting pathologic response. This multicenter cohort study included adult patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant CRT followed by curative intent elective surgery between January 2014 and December 2019 at four academic high-volume institutions. Magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG) and pathologic tumor regression grade (pTRG) were reviewed and compared for all the patients. The agreement between radiologist and pathologist was assessed with the weighted k test. Risk factors for poor agreement were investigated using logistic regression. A total of 309 patients were included. Modest agreement was found between mrTRG and pTRG when regression was classified according to standard five-tier systems (k = 0.386). When only two categories were considered for each regression system, (pTRG 0-3 vs pTRG 4; mrTRG 2-5 vs mrTRG 1) an accuracy of 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73-0.83) was found between radiologic and pathologic assessment with a k value of 0.185. The logistic regression model revealed that "T3 greater than 5 mm extent" was the only variable significantly impacting on disagreement (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15-0.68, P = .0034). Modest agreement exists between mrTRG and pTRG. The chances of appropriate assessment of the regression grade after neoadjuvant CRT appear to be higher in case of a T3 tumor with at least 5 mm extension in the mesorectal fat at the pretreatment MRI.

Doing More with Less: Surgical Training in the COVID-19 Era.

BACKGROUND: The impact of COVID-19 in healthcare systems globally was unprecedented leading to cancelations of most planned surgical activities. Surgical trainees were redeployed to Intensive Care and Emergency units supporting urgent and unplanned care on COVID-19 patients. Theater exposure, crucial part of surgical training, was reduced to minimal since elective cases were postponed, and emergency operating was carried out by consultants only. Surgical research has also been severely hit with most of the clinical trials been postponed. Teaching activities as well as national and international congresses and surgical courses important tools for continuous professional development were canceled. METHODS: The primary aim of our study was to summarize the changes in surgical training during the pandemic. This was followed by a review of the existing social media platforms, video-conferencing platforms along with the role of the social media in surgical training. The crucial role of simulation in surgical training was explored and alternative ways of training with engagement of the feedback mechanisms were proposed. The secondary aim was to highlight possible novel educational strategies for the forthcoming post-COVID-19 era. CONCLUSIONS: The "new" era forced the educational boards to reexamine training curriculums. Innovation strategies and cooperation on the part of surgical residency programs is crucial. Strong leadership is needed, on the part of the education bodies with restructuring of the surgical programmes to accommodate alternative ways of training is necessary to maintain rigorous standards of education and training.

Development and validation of a prediction score for safe outpatient colorectal resections.

BACKGROUND: Avoiding unnecessary inpatient stay may decrease hospital-acquired complications and costs while increasing patient satisfaction. This study aimed to develop and validate a score to identify patients eligible for safe same-day discharge after colorectal resections. METHODS: This bi-institutional retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective colon and rectal resections (2011-2018) for benign and malignant indications. Two multivariable logistic models were developed based on demographic and surgical risk factors to predict a combined endpoint (ileus, anastomotic leak, intra-abdominal abscess, and readmission). Development and validation datasets were randomly sampled from the entire cohort. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were evaluated, and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests were used to assess validation model fit. RESULTS: Of 5,389 patients, 1,182 (21.9%) experienced at least one complication of the combined endpoint. Male gender, open surgery, ASA ≥3, wound class ≥3, ileostomy, surgical duration >3 hours, and perioperative IV fluids >3 L all had significantly greater odds of the combined endpoint in the parsimonious multivariable model (all P < .05). The reduced model considering only the 4 variables with the highest OR (>1.5) contained open surgery, ASA ≥3, wound class ≥3, and surgical duration ≥3 hours as predictors (all P < .05, AUC of 0.65; 95% CI 0.63, 0.68). Both the parsimonious model and the reduced model demonstrated no lack of fit in the validation cohort. CONCLUSION: The suggested score composed of preand intraoperative items may help physicians decide on patients' same-day discharge after colorectal resection.

Outcomes of the Composite Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Perineal Reconstruction After Postoncological Abdominoperineal Resection.

BACKGROUND: The vertical rectus abdominis flap is considered the gold standard in perineal reconstruction after oncological abdominoperineal resection; however, it has a nonnegligible donor site morbidity. The anterolateral thigh flap offers reliable soft tissue coverage. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to analyze long-term outcomes of composite anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flaps in oncological abdominoperineal resections. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of a prospectively maintained database. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in the Lausanne University Hospital. Annually, approximately 10 oncological abdomioperineal resections are performed. Literature reports 7% to 20% of patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection require flap reconstruction; in our institution, approximately 2 patients with large defects after abdominoperineal resections required reconstruction. PATIENTS: Twenty-nine pedicled anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flaps in 27 consecutive patients (mean age 63 years +/-11.2, 23 with radiochemotherapy) after abdominoperineal resection to cover large defects (median 190 cm2, 48-600 cm2) were analyzed. INTERVENTION: Pedicled composite anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flaps were performed after oncological abdominoperineal resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Short- and long-term outcomes were analyzed, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Median follow-up was 16 months (12-48 months). RESULTS: Flap-related postoperative complications occurred in 16 flaps; flap-survival was 100%. Multivariate logistic analysis identified initial defect size as predictive for complications. Patients with larger defects (≥ 190 cm2) had higher complication rates (p = 0.006). Long-term analysis revealed 3 chronic fistulae, 2 tumor recurrences, 1 flap dysesthesia, and one perineal acne inversa. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include retrospective analysis, selection bias, and lacking a control group. Sample size limits statistical power. CONCLUSIONS: The pedicled anterolateral thigh-vastus lateralis flap offers reliable, stable tissue with low morbidity and good long-term outcomes. Complications compared favorably with current literature describing perineal reconstructions with rectus abdominis flaps. The composite anterolateral thigh flap is a valid alternative without the setback of abdominal donor site morbidity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B757.RESULTADOS DEL COLGAJO COMPUESTO ANTEROLATERAL DE MUSLO PARA LA RECONSTRUCCIÓN PERINEAL DESPUÉS DE LA RESECCIÓN ABDOMINOPERINEAL POST ONCOLÓGICAANTECEDENTES:El colgajo vertical de recto abdominal se considera el estándar de oro en la reconstrucción perineal después de la resección abdominoperineal oncológica, sin embargo, tiene una morbilidad no despreciable en el sitio donante. El colgajo anterolateral del muslo ofrece una cobertura confiable de los tejidos blandos.OBJETIVO:El objetivo fue analizar los resultados a largo plazo de los colgajos compuestos anterolaterales del muslo - vasto lateral - en resecciones abdominoperineales oncológicas.DISEÑO:Realizamos un análisis, retrospectivo, de tipo cohorte, de una base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.AJUSTES:Este estudio fue realizado en el hospital universitario de Lausanne. Anualmente se realizan aproximadamente 10 resecciones abdominoperineales oncológicas. La literatura reporta que entre el 7 y el 20% de los pacientes que se someten a una resección abdominoperineal requieren de reconstrucción con colgajo; en nuestra institución, aproximadamente 2 pacientes con grandes defectos tras la resección abdominoperineal requirieron reconstrucción.PACIENTES:Fueron analizados veintinueve colgajos pediculados anterolaterales de muslo - vasto lateral - en 27 pacientes consecutivos (edad media 63 años +/- 11,2, 23 con radio quimioterapia) después de la resección abdominoperineal para cubrir defectos grandes (mediana 190 cm2, 48-600 cm2).INTERVENCIÓN:Tras la resección abdominoperineal oncológica se realizaron colgajos pediculados compuestos anterolaterales de muslo - vasto lateral.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Fue realizado un análisis estadístico descriptivo. Fueron analizados los resultados a corto y largo plazo - fueron realizados así mismo análisis uni y multivariados. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 16 meses (12-48 meses).RESULTADOS:Complicaciones postoperatorias relacionadas con el colgajo ocurrieron en 16 colgajos, la supervivencia del colgajo fue del 100%. El análisis logístico multivariado identificó al tamaño del defecto inicial como predictor de complicaciones. Aquellos pacientes con defectos más grandes (≥190 cm2) tuvieron mayores tasas de complicaciones (p = 0,006). El análisis a largo plazo reveló tres fístulas crónicas, dos recidivas tumorales, una disestesia de colgajo y un acné perineal inverso.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen análisis retrospectivo, sesgo de selección y falta de grupo de control. El tamaño de la muestra limita el poder estadístico.CONCLUSIONES:El colgajo pediculado anterolateral de muslo - vasto lateral - ofrece tejido confiable y estable con baja morbilidad y buenos resultados a largo plazo. Los resultados de las complicaciones se mostraron favorables con respecto a la literatura actual que describe reconstrucciones perineales con colgajos de recto abdominal. El colgajo compuesto anterolateral de muslo es una alternativa válida sin el revés de la morbilidad del sitio donante abdominal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B757. (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto).

Rate of stoma formation following damage-control surgery for severe intra-abdominal sepsis: a single-centre consecutive case series.

BACKGROUND: Severe intra-abdominal sepsis (IAS) is associated with high mortality and stoma rates. A two-stage approach with initial damage-control surgery (DCS) and subsequent reconstruction might decrease stoma and mortality rates but requires standardization. METHODS: A standardized two-stage damage-control algorithm for IAS was implemented in April 2016 and applied systematically. RESULTS: Some 203 consecutive patients (median age 70 years, 62 per cent ASA score greater than 3) had DCS for severe IAS. Median operation time was 82 minutes, 60 per cent performed during night-time. Median intraoperative noradrenaline doses were 20 (i.q.r. 26) µg/min and blood gas analysis (ABG) was abnormal (metabolic acidosis) in 90 per cent of patients. The second-stage operation allowed definitive surgery in 76 per cent of patients, 24 per cent had up to four re-DCSs until definitive surgery. The in-hospital mortality rate was 26 per cent. At hospital discharge, 65 per cent of patients were stoma free. Risk factors for in-hospital death were noradrenaline (odds ratio 4.25 (95 per cent c.i. 1.72 to 12.83)), abnormal ABG (pH: odds ratio 2.72 (1.24 to 6.65); lactate: odds ratio 6.77 (3.20 to 15.78)), male gender (odds ratio 2.40 (1.24 to 4.85)), ASA score greater than 3 (odds ratio 5.75 (2.58 to 14.68)), mesenteric ischaemia (odds ratio 3.27 (1.71 to 6.46)) and type of resection (odds ratio 2.95 (1.24 to 8.21)). Risk factors for stoma at discharge were ASA score greater than 3 (odds ratio 2.76 (95 per cent c.i. 1.38 to 5.73)), type of resection (odds ratio 30.91 (6.29 to 559.3)) and longer operation time (odds ratio 2.441 (1.22 to 5.06)). CONCLUSION: Initial DCS followed by secondary reconstruction of bowel continuity for IAS within 48 hours in a tertiary teaching hospital was feasible and safe, following a clear algorithm.

Challenges Related to Surgical Site Infection Prevention-Results after Standardized Bundle Implementation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of an intraoperative standardized surgical site infection (SSI) prevention bundle. METHODS: The multimodal, evidence-based care bundle included nine intraoperative items (antibiotic type, timing, and re-dosing; disinfection; induction temperature control > 36.5°; glove change; intra-cavity lavage; wound protection; and closure strategy). The bundle was applied to all consecutive patients undergoing colonic resections. The primary outcome, SSI, was independently assessed by the National Infection Surveillance Committee for up to 30 postoperative days. A historical, institutional pre-implementation control group (2012-2017) with an identical methodology was used for comparison. FINDINGS: In total, 1516 patients were included, of which 1256 (82.8%) were in the control group and 260 (17.2%) were in the post-implementation group. After 2:1 propensity score matching, the groups were similar for all items (p > 0.05). Overall compliance with the care bundle was 77% (IQR 77-88). The lowest compliance rates were observed for temperature control (53% overall), intra-cavity lavage (64% overall), and wound protection and closure (68% and 63% in the SSI group, respectively). Surgical site infections were reported in 58 patients (22.2%) vs. 21.4% in the control group (p = 0.79). Infection rates were comparable throughout the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) categories: superficial, 12 patients (4.5%) vs. 4.2%, p = 0.82; deep incisional, 10 patients (3.7%) vs. 5.1%, p = 0.34; organ space, 36 (14%) vs. 12.4%, p = 0.48. After propensity score matching, rates remained comparable throughout all comparisons (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of an intraoperative standardized care bundle had no impact on SSI rates. This may be explained by insufficient compliance with the individual measures.

Elective Surgery for Diverticulitis in Swiss Hospitals.

Objective: To assess current management of diverticulitis in Switzerland. Methods: Prospective observational study of diverticulitis management and outcomes in surgical departments over a 3-month time period. Hospital category was graded according to the Swiss Medical Association (FMH) as: U: University; A: Cantonal; B: Regional; P: Private. Results: 75 participating hospitals treated 1,015 patients, among whom 214 patients (21%) had elective sigmoid resections in 49 hospitals. Indication for elective resection were recurrent diverticulitis, previous complicated diverticulitis, fistulas, and stenosis. Surgeries were performed completely laparoscopically in 185 cases (86%) and required conversion to open in 19 cases (9%). Overall postoperative complication rate was 18% (n = 39) and no mortality was observed. Operation time, surgeons experience and hospital stay differed considerably between hospital categories. Conclusions: Elective sigmoid resection for diverticulitis in Switzerland was mainly performed laparoscopically with low postoperative morbidity. Different practices and outcomes between institutions were observed.

Sarcopenia and major complications in patients undergoing oncologic colon surgery.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is a surrogate marker for malnutrition and frailty, which has been linked to higher complication rates and prolonged length of stay (LOS) after surgery. The study aim was to assess the correlation between computed tomography (CT)-based sarcopenia and short-term clinical outcomes after oncologic colon surgery. METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients operated between May 2014 and December 2019. Three radiological indices of sarcopenia were measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra on preoperative CT scans: skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index (SMI) (both markers of muscle quantity), and skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA) (marker of muscle quality). Patients with major complications (grade ≥ 3b according to the Clavien classification) were compared with those without. Statistical correlation between sarcopenia indices, LOS, and comprehensive complication index (CCI) was tested with the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 325 patients were included. Mean age was 67 years [standard deviation (SD) 14.3], mean body mass index was 26.0 kg/m2 (SD 5.3), and 193 (59%) were male. Fifty patients (15.4%) had major complications, while 275 (84.6%) did not. Patients with major complications had more open surgery (52 vs. 21%, P < 0.01), intraoperative blood loss (257 vs. 102 mL, P = 0.035), and intraoperative complications (22 vs. 9%, P = 0.012). Patients with major complications had significantly increased CCI scores (53 vs. 6, P < 0.01), reoperations (74 vs. 0%, P < 0.01), and LOS (33 vs. 7, P < 0.01). SMA and SMI were comparable between both groups (126.0 vs. 125.2 cm2 , P = 0.974, and 43.4 vs. 44.3 cm2 /m2 , P = 0.636, respectively), while SMRA was significantly lower in patients with major complications (33.6 vs. 37.3 HU, P = 0.018). A lower SMRA was correlated with prolonged LOS (r = -0.207, P < 0.01) and higher CCI (r = -0.144, P < 0.01), while the other sarcopenia indices had no influence on surgical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle quality (SMRA) as a specific sarcopenia marker was lower in patients with major complications and seems to prevail over muscle quantity (SMA and SMI) in the prediction of adverse outcomes after oncologic colon surgery.

[Surgery for colon cancer in 2021]. / Chirurgie du cancer du côlon en 2021.

Over the last decade, surgical management of colon cancer became more individualized due to new preoperative, surgical and oncological strategies. Recent high-level evidence demonstrated a favorable impact of these advanced concepts, which require proper planning and challenging surgical management form a technical standpoint, on cancer-specific survival. To tailor the best strategy, cases have to be discussed in multidisciplinary tumor boards with specialists in medical oncology, radiology, gastroenterology and pathology. In this review, these innovations are summarized within their scientific context, with focus on new strategies of preoperative bowel preparation, neoadjuvant chemotherapy and technical aspects, to illustrate the complexity of current colon cancer management.

Ces dernières années, la prise en charge du cancer du côlon est devenue plus personnalisée en raison de nouveaux concepts préopératoires, chirurgicaux et de nouvelles stratégies oncologiques. De récentes études de qualité ont démontré un impact favorable en termes de survie spécifique au cancer en employant ces concepts complexes qui nécessitent une planification soigneuse et une prise en charge chirurgicale exigeante au niveau technique. Dans cet article, ces innovations sont résumées dans leur contexte scientifique, en détaillant les nouveaux concepts de préparation colique, de nouvelles stratégies de chimiothérapie néoadjuvante et des techniques chirurgicales plus précises, pour illustrer la complexité de la prise en charge.