Short-term results of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and ineffective esophageal motility.

PURPOSE: In gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) requiring surgical treatment, concomitant ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is a decisive factor in surgical planning, due to concern regarding dysphagia. Anti-reflux surgery with the RefluxStop device is a promising technique. We assessed initial feasibility and clinical outcomes of RefluxStop surgery in patients with GERD and IEM. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with GERD, hiatal hernia (HH), and IEM, who underwent surgery with RefluxStop at our institution and achieved 12-month follow-up. Technique feasibility was assessed, in addition to symptom resolution (GERD-HRQL questionnaire), adverse events, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction. Placement of the device was confirmed by video fluoroscopy on postoperative day 1, and at 3 and 12 months. RESULTS: Between June 2020 and November 2022, 20 patients with IEM underwent surgery with RefluxStop and completed 12-month follow-up. All patients reported typical symptoms of GERD, and 12 had preoperative dysphagia. The median HH length was 4.5 cm (IQR, 3.75-5). The median operating time was 59.5 min (IQR, 50.25-64) with no implant-related intra- or postoperative complications. No HH recurrence was observed. One patient reported persistent left-sided thoracic pain at 11 months post-surgery, which required diagnostic laparoscopy and adhesiolysis. Three patients reported severe postoperative dysphagia: balloon dilatation was performed towards resolution. The mean GERD-HRQL scores improved (from 40.7 at baseline to 4.8 at 3 months and 5.7 at 12 months (p <0.001)). CONCLUSION: RefluxStop surgery was feasible and offered effective treatment for this group of patients with GERD and IEM. All patients had complete resolution or significant improvement of GERD symptoms, and 90% of them were satisfied with their quality of life 1 year after surgery.

Laparoscopic Large Hiatal Hernia Repair With RefluxStop: Outcomes of Six Months Follow-up in Thirty Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The antireflux surgical technique with the RefluxStop device is one of the latest approaches to treating patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic hiatal hernia (HH) repair with the RefluxStop device in patients with GERD and concurrent large HH (≥4 cm). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for the first 30 patients with a large HH who consented and underwent HH surgery with the RefluxStop device. The operative technique and outcomes were evaluated to assess safety and feasibility, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Between May 2020 and April 2022, 30 patients underwent laparoscopic HH repair with the RefluxStop device. All patients had typical symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation, and 15 patients (50%) had preoperative dysphagia. Median HH size was 5 cm (interquartile range, 4 to 5). Median operating time was 56 minutes (interquartile range, 52 to 63), with no intra and postoperative complications related to the device. One patient required laparotomy due to adhesions and associated bleeding when accessing the abdomen. All patients had postoperative imaging (video fluoroscopy) on postoperative day 1 and at 3 months, confirming the correct location of the RefluxStop device. One patient (3.3%) needed postoperative balloon dilatation due to severe dysphagia. Reflux symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) resolved significantly in all patients ( P < 0.001) at 6 months. One episode of recurrence of HH (3.3%) occurred during the follow-up period of 6 months. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the short-term safety and feasibility of laparoscopic HH repair with the RefluxStop device in patients with large HH, with a low rate of postoperative dysphagia and subsequent improvement or resolution of reflux symptoms in all patients.

Hepatic Artery Infusion Chemotherapy for Primary and Secondary Malignancies of the Liver: State of the Art and Current High-Level Evidence.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy (HAI) has been proposed as a valuable adjunct for multimodal therapy of primary and secondary liver malignancies. This review provides an overview of the currently available evidence of HAI, taking into account tumor response and long-term oncologic outcome. SUMMARY: In colorectal liver metastases (CRLM), HAI in combination with systemic therapy leads to high response rates (85-90%) and conversion to resectablity in primary unresectable disease in up to 50%. HAI in combination with systemic therapy in CRLM in the adjuvant setting shows promising long-term outcomes with up to 50% 10-year survival in a large, non-randomized single-center cohort. For hepatocellular carcinoma patients, response rates as high as 20-40% have been reported for HAI and long-term outcomes compare well to other therapies. Similarly, survival for patients with unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma 3 years after treatment with HAI is reported as high as 34%, which compares well to trials of systemic therapy where 3-year survival is usually below 5%. However, evidence is mainly limited by highly selected, heterogenous patient groups, and outdated chemotherapy regimens. The largest body of evidence stems from small, often non-randomized cohorts, predominantly from highly specialized single centers. KEY MESSAGE: In well-selected patients with primary and secondary liver malignancies, HAI might improve response rates and, possibly, long-term survival. Results of ongoing randomized trials will show whether a wider adoption of HAI is justified, particularly to increase rates of resectability in advanced malignant diseases confined to the liver.

Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban for Postoperative Thromboprophylaxis in Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality after bariatric surgery. Clinical end point studies on thromboprophylaxis with direct oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing bariatric surgery are lacking. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of a prophylactic dose of 10 mg/d of rivaroxaban for both 7 and 28 days after bariatric surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: This assessor-blinded, phase 2, multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2021, with participants from 3 academic and nonacademic hospitals in Switzerland. Intervention: Patients were randomized 1 day after bariatric surgery to 10 mg of oral rivaroxaban for either 7 days (short prophylaxis) or 28 days (long prophylaxis). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of deep vein thrombosis (symptomatic or asymptomatic) and pulmonary embolism within 28 days after bariatric surgery. Main safety outcomes included major bleeding, clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding, and mortality. Results: Of 300 patients, 272 (mean [SD] age, 40.0 [12.1] years; 216 women [80.3%]; mean body mass index, 42.2) were randomized; 134 received a 7-day and 135 a 28-day VTE prophylaxis course with rivaroxaban. Only 1 thromboembolic event (0.4%) occurred (asymptomatic thrombosis in a patient undergoing sleeve gastrectomy with extended prophylaxis). Major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events were observed in 5 patients (1.9%): 2 in the short prophylaxis group and 3 in the long prophylaxis group. Clinically nonsignificant bleeding events were observed in 10 patients (3.7%): 3 in the short prophylaxis arm and 7 in the long prophylaxis arm. Conclusions and Relevance: In this randomized clinical trial, once-daily VTE prophylaxis with 10 mg of rivaroxaban was effective and safe in the early postoperative phase after bariatric surgery in both the short and long prophylaxis groups. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03522259.

Risk factors for mortality in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis: a retrospective multicenter analysis.

It is difficult to predict the risk of mortality in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This study aimed at identifying risk factors for severe NEC (Bell stage III) and mortality in preterm children with NEC. In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed multiple data from 157 premature children with confirmed NEC in the period from January 2007 to October 2018. We performed univariate, multivariate, stepwise logistic regression, and receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analyses. We were able to demonstrate that low Apgar scores (notably at 1' and 5'), low hemoglobin concentration (Hgb), and high lactate level at disease onset and during disease correlated with NEC severity and mortality (P < 0.05, respectively). Severe NEC was related to congenital heart disease (CHD - OR 2.6, CI95% 1.2-5.8, P 0.015) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA - OR 3.3, CI95% 1.6-6.9, P 0.0012), whereas death was related to the presence of PDA (OR 5.5, CI95% 2.3-14, P < 0.001).Conclusion: Low Apgar scores, low Hgb, high lactate levels, and the presence of CHD or PDA correlated with severe NEC or mortality in children with NEC. What is Known: • It remains difficult to predict which infant that suffers from necrotizing enterocolitis at risk of death. • Several clinical and laboratory parameters tools to predict fatal outcome in NEC. What is New: • The following laboratory parameters were associated with the risk of death from NEC: Hemoglobin concentration, base excess and lactate level. • The following clinical variables were associated with the risk of death from NEC: Apgar scores, as well as the presence of congenital heart disease and patent ductus arteriosus.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Pancreatic Cancer: An Appraisal of the Current High-Level Evidence.

At the time of diagnosis, only about 20% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have resectable disease. PDAC treatment necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, and adjuvant chemotherapy after upfront resection is an established means of preventing recurrence. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAT), originally introduced to downstage tumor size, is nowadays more frequently used for selection of patients with favorable tumor biology and to control potential micrometastases. While NAT is routinely applied in locally advanced (LA) PDAC, there is increasing evidence demonstrating benefits of NAT in borderline resectable (BR) PDAC. The concept of NAT has recently been tested in resectable PDAC, but to date NAT has been restricted to clinical trials, as the data are limited and no clear benefits have yet been shown in this patient group. This review summarizes the current evidence for NAT in resectable, BR, and LA PDAC, with a focus on high-level evidence and randomized controlled trials.

Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Infants With Patent Arterial Duct. A Retrospective Matched Paired Analysis.

Background: The development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in neonates with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is not well-understood. Our aim was to find risk factors for NEC in children with a significant PDA and to assess differences in mortality and duration of hospital stay between patients with PDA and those with PDA and NEC. Methods: We performed a retrospective single center case control study including infants with PDA scheduled for treatment. We compared multiple patient data between patients with PDA and those with PDA and NEC from 2004 to 2018 using 1:2 and 1:1 matching. Results: We used 1:2 matching with 26 NEC patients (cases) and 52 PDA patients without NEC (controls) and 1:1 matching with 5 NEC patients and 5 PDA patients without NEC. NEC patients had lower Apgar score (1'), more congenital malformations, more suspected sepsis, less hypotension, higher minimum platelet count and higher CRP-values during the week before NEC (P < 0.05, respectively). The mortality was higher in NEC cases [29% (9/31)] compared to the control patients [2% (1/57), P < 0.001]. Lower Apgar score (1') was correlated with an increased risk of NEC stage III. Hypotension was inversely correlated with the odds of NEC (OR 0.3). Conclusions: NEC increased mortality in infants with PDA. Hypotension did not increase the risk of NEC in infants with PDA. Routine clinical parameters were not able to predict NEC in infants who suffer from PDA.

Postoperative Dysphagia Following Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

The addition of posterior cruroplasty to magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA-PC) has been shown to be effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study evaluates the predictors of persistent postoperative dysphagia, one of the major complaints after MSA-PC. From August 2015 to February 2018 the medical records of 118 patients (male=59, female=59) receiving MSA-PC for GERD were reviewed. Postoperative dysphagia was present in 80 patients (67.8%), with 20 (16.9%) requiring dilation for persistent dysphagia. Three patients (2.5%) had the magnetic sphincter augmentation device removed for persistent dysphagia, one was converted to a Nissen fundoplication. The median number of dilations was 1, mean time from surgery to dilation was 5.6 months, and 15/20 (75%) had symptom resolution after 1 to 2 dilations. Dilated patients were more likely than nondilated patients to have atypical GERD symptoms preoperatively (70% vs. 44.7%, P=0.042). After dilation, 93.3% of patients reported a good quality of life.

4/5 Gastrectomy in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectomy Reduces Delayed Gastric Emptying.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a frequent complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), impairing oral food intake and reducing the quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 4/5 gastrectomy on DGE after PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing pylorus-preserving PD (ppPD) were compared with PD with 4/5 subtotal gastrectomy, including resection of the gastric fundus (SGPD). The primary endpoint was DGE, according to the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition. Secondary outcomes included time to solid food intake, time to first flatus, postoperative morbidity, and body weight change 6- and 12-wk after surgery. RESULTS: Sixty patients underwent either ppPD (n = 32) or SGPD (n = 28). Patient characteristics were well balanced between the groups. DGE occurred in 47% after ppPD and 18% after SGPD (P = 0.027). Compared with ppPD, time to solid food intake and time to first flatus were significantly shorter after SGPD (8 d [interquartile range 5-12] versus 5 d [4-6]; P = 0.003 and 5 d [4-7] versus 3 d [2-5]; P = 0.001, respectively). Major postoperative morbidity and hospital stay was similar between the groups. Weight loss at 6 wk was less pronounced after ppPD (-4.8% [-6.3 to -2.7] versus -7.5% [-8.9 to -5.9]; P = 0.013), however, comparable after 3 and 6 mo (ppPD -7.6% [-8.5 to -4.8] versus SGPD -8.4% [-17.3 to -5.2]; P = 0.334 and ppPD -6.0% [-14.5 to 6.0] versus SGPD -9.5% [-11.8 to -7.0], P = 0.414, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with pylorus preservation, 4/5 gastrectomy significantly reduced the frequency of DGE and led to a faster gastrointestinal passage after PD. However, the benefits of a reduced DGE rate and a faster gastrointestinal passage should be carefully balanced against an increased weight loss after 4/5 gastrectomy in the early postoperative phase.

Short-term outcomes of endoscopic gastro-jejunal revisions for treatment of dumping syndrome after Roux-En-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Dumping syndrome is a known long-term complication of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Most cases can be avoided with dietary and lifestyle changes. Severe dumping is characterized by multiple daily episodes with significant impact on quality-of-life. As dumping correlates with rapid pouch emptying through a dilated gastro-jejunal anastomosis (GJA), the aim was to assess endoscopic gastro-jejunal revisions (EGR) regarding feasibility, safety, and outcome. METHODS: From January 2016 to August 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients with dumping syndrome undergoing EGR with the Apollo OverStitch suturing device (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA). Demographics, procedure details, and outcome variables were recorded. Sigstad questionnaire was administered before and after surgery to assess symptomatic response. RESULTS: There were 40 patients (M:F = 13:27) treated with EGR for dumping. Mean procedure time was 18.5 min (12-41) with a median number of 1 suture (range 1-3) used. Mean anastomotic diameter was 22.6 mm (R 18-35) at the beginning and 6.2 mm (R 4-13) at the end of the procedure, with 100% technical success in narrowing the GJA. There were no intra-operative or 30-day complications. Repeat EGR was required in 9 patients (22.5%) for persistent/recurrent dumping. Two patients (5%) required a laparoscopic pouch revision. For patients with minimum 1-month follow-up who were treated only endoscopically, 33/37 (89.2%) had improved or resolved symptoms during the follow-up period. Mean follow-up time was 12.5 months (R1-33.8). Survey responses were available for 25/34 (73.5%) patients. Mean Sigstad score decreased from 13.9 (R 0-28) pre-operatively to 8.6 (R 0-28) after EGR. CONCLUSION: EGR of the dilated GJA is a highly effective treatment option for dumping syndrome after RYGB. Due to its endoluminal approach, it is a feasible and safe procedure, and effective for immediate symptom resolution in most patients. In some patients, repeat narrowing of the anastomosis is necessary for the maintenance of symptom resolution.

Endoscopic Closure of Gastro-gastric Fistula After Gastric Bypass: a Technically Feasible Procedure but Associated with Low Success Rate.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-gastric fistulas (GGF) are reported to be as high as 12% after gastric bypass for treatment of morbid obesity. While different endoscopic methods are described, the management traditionally consists of surgical revision with high associated morbidity. The aim of the study was to assess feasibility, safety and success rate of endoscopic closure using an endoscopic suturing device. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients undergoing endoscopic closure of a GGF with the Apollo Overstitch system (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA). Demographic details, procedure details, and outcome variables were recorded. RESULTS: A total of six patients (M:F = 5:1) underwent endoscopic fistula closure. Five patients (83.3%) had a prior banded gastric bypass (with subsequent band removal). The median number of prior abdominal surgeries was 3, the mean time from bypass to endoscopic fistula closure was 5 years (range 1.1-10.4). While immediate complete endoscopic fistula closure was possible in 10 of 12 attempts in those six patients (83%), all patients had recurrent (persistent) fistulas at follow-up. After a mean follow-up time of 12 months, 83.3% had further laparoscopic converted to open (n = 2) or laparoscopic (n = 3) revisions with complete fistula closure. One patient is refusing further intervention. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic gastro-gastric fistula closure with an endoscopic suturing device is feasible and safe. Unfortunately, due to the nature of gastro-gastric fistulas, permanent successful closure is rare. Therefore, the approach should be reserved for patients in whom a laparoscopic or open surgical attempt is impossible due to prior abdominal revisions.

Gastrointestinal sequelae after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To document what types of gastrointestinal sequelae were described after surgery for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and to analyse their frequency. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library (CENTRAL) from 1990 to October 2016. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: We included studies, which provided original data on the occurrence of gastrointestinal sequelae in patients surviving surgery for NEC. Meta-analysis and metaregression to assess heterogeneity were performed for studies including 10 or more patients with gastrointestinal strictures, recurrence of NEC, intestinal failure (IF) and adhesion ileus. RESULTS: Altogether 58 studies, including 4260 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Strictures were reported to occur in 24% (95% CI 17% to 31%) of surviving patients, recurrence of NEC in 8% (95% CI 3% to 15%), IF in 13% (95% CI 7% to 19%) and adhesion ileus in 6% (95% CI 4% to 9%). Strictures were more common following enterostomy (30%; 95% CI 23% to 37%) than after primary anastomosis (8%; 95% CI 0% to 23%) and occurred more often after enterostomy without bowel resection than with bowel resection. We found considerable heterogeneity in the weighted average frequency of all sequelae (I2 range: 38%-90%). Intestinal outcomes were poorly defined, there were important differences in study populations and designs, and the reported findings bear a substantial risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal sequelae in neonates surviving surgery for NEC are frequent. Long-term follow-up assessing defined gastrointestinal outcomes is warranted.

Endoscopic Gastrojejunal Revisions Following Gastric Bypass: Lessons Learned in More Than 100 Consecutive Patients.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain and dumping after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) are long-term challenges thought to be due to dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of endoscopic gastrojejunal revisions (EGRs) after its introduction in a tertiary bariatric surgery center. METHODS: From January 2016 to March 2018, we reviewed the electronic records of all patients undergoing EGR with the OverStitch suturing device. Demographics, procedure details, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were 107 patients (M:F = 29:78) treated with 133 EGR procedures for weight regain (n = 81), dumping syndrome (n = 13), or both (n = 13) with mean age 47.3 years (R 22.0-72.9) and mean BMI 32.9 kg/m2 (R 22.2-49.8) at time of procedure. Mean procedure time was 17.8 min (R 12-41), with median 1 suture used (R 1-2). No intra-operative or 30-day complications were recorded. Mean follow-up time was 9.2 months (R 1-26.8). Patients lost a mean of 4.1, 5.8, and 8.0 kg at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively, after the procedure. Weight loss outcomes were significantly better when two compared to one suture was used (p = 0.036), and for patients with higher starting BMI (p = 0.047). For patients with dumping syndrome, 90-100% had treatment response after one or two EGRs. CONCLUSION: EGR is feasible and safe for weight regain and dumping syndrome after RYGB. It can stabilize weight regain and improve dumping symptoms. Around 20% of patients will need repeat EGR within 1 year to achieve sufficient narrowing of the anastomosis.

Congenital Heart Disease Increases Mortality in Neonates With Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Background: Studies on the influence of congenital heart disease (CHD) on neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have produced varied results. We therefore examined the influence of CHD on NEC outcomes. Methods: We carried out a retrospective single-center study including infants with confirmed NEC, treated between 2004 and 2017. We excluded patients with isolated patent ductus arteriosus or pulmonary hypertension (n = 45) and compared outcomes of patients with hemodynamically relevant CHD (n = 38) and those without CHD (n = 91). Results: Patients with CHD were more mature than those without CHD [gestational age, median, 95% confidence interval (CI95), 37.1, 34.5-37.2w, vs. 32.6, 31.9-33.3w; P < 0.01]. The presence of CHD did not influence the frequencies of severe disease (overall 21% Bell stage III), nor surgical interventions (overall 30%), the occurrence of intestinal complications (overall 13%), nor the duration of hospitalization (overall 38 days in survivors). The overall mortality as well as NEC-related mortality was increased with the presence of CHD, being 50% (19 out of 38) and 13% (5 out of 38), respectively, when compared to patients without CHD, being 8% (7 out of 91) and 3% (3 out of 91). The presence of CHD and of advanced NEC stage III were independent predictors of NEC-associated fatalities with multivariable odds ratios (CI95) of 7.0, 1.3-39.5 for CHD, and of 3.4, 1.6-7.5 for stage III disease. Conclusions: While some outcome parameters in neonates with NEC remained unaffected by the presence of CHD, the mortality risk for patients with CHD was seven times higher than without CHD.

Conservative treatment versus surgery for uncomplicated appendicitis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare conservative treatment with index admission appendicectomy in children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) from 1950 to 18 February 2017. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Studies that assessed both appendicectomy and non-operative management of acute uncomplicated appendicitis in children of less than 18 years of age. Endpoints were postintervention complications, readmission and efficacy (successful outcome of the initial therapy). RESULTS: Five studies met the inclusion criteria (conservative treatment n=189; surgical intervention n=253). Compared with patients undergoing index admission appendicectomy, conservative treatment showed a reduced treatment efficacy (relative risk 0.77, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.84; p<0.001) and an increased readmission rate (relative risk 6.98, 95% CI 2.07 to 23.6; p<0.001), with a comparable rate of complications (relative risk 1.07, 95% CI 0.26 to 4.46). Exclusion of patients with faecoliths improved treatment efficacy in conservatively treated patients. One study was randomised, with the remaining four comprising cohorts assembled by patient or physician choice. Different antibiotic regimens were used between investigations. Follow-up varied from 1 to 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment was less efficacious and was associated with a higher readmission rate. Index admission appendicectomy should in the present still be considered to be the treatment of choice for the management of uncomplicated appendicitis in children.

Two-step procedure for complicated appendicitis with perityphlitic abscess formation.

PRINCIPLES: Optimal management of perforated appendicitis with perityphlitic phlegmon or abscess formation is controversial. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome after a two-step procedure to treat patients with perityphlitic abscess formation. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed prospectively collected data from a single-centre database that included adult patients who had appendicitis and perityphlitic abscess (>=3 cm) but no generalised peritonitis, and were treated in 2007-2015. Patients underwent a two-step procedure that comprised antibiotic treatment and drainage when technically feasible (step 1) followed by interval appendectomy (step 2). We evaluated treatment modalities, complications and outcomes. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1480 patients with appendicitis, 15 patients presented with perityphlitic abscess. In addition to antibiotic treatment, computed tomography-guided drainage was performed in 12 of these cases. Step 1 and 2 hospital stays were (median, range) 7 days (5­14 days) and 2 days (2­12 days), respectively. One patient's abscess recurred after 2 months, associated with new onset appendicitis and perforation. Another patient underwent reoperation after interval appendectomy for suspected postoperative peritonitis. CONCLUSION: This two-step procedure for appendicitis with appendicular abscess was highly successful (100%) with a low rate of complications (13%). In the view of a potentially increased rate of appendicular neoplasm in combination with abscess formation, the role of interval appendectomy has to be evaluated in larger trials.

Outcome in neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis and patent ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND: There is no agreement of the influence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on outcomes in patients with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In this study, we assessed the influence of PDA on NEC outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective study of 131 infants with established NEC was performed. Outcomes (death, disease severity, need for surgery, hospitalization duration), as well as multiple clinical parameters were compared between NEC patients with no congenital heart disease (n=102) and those with isolated PDA (n=29). Univariate, multivariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Birth weight and gestational age were significantly lower in patients with PDA [median (95% CI): 1120 g (1009-1562 g), 28.4 wk (27.8-30.5 wk)] than in those without PDA [median (95% CI): 1580 g (1593-1905 g), 32.4 wk (31.8-33.5 wk); P<0.05]. The risk of NEC-attributable fatality was higher in NEC patients with PDA (35%) than in NEC patients without PDA (14%)[univariate odds ratio (OR)=3.3, 95% CI: 1.8-8.6, P<0.05; multivariate OR=2.4, 95% CI: 0.82-2.39, P=0.111]. Significant independent predictors for non-survival within the entire cohort were advanced disease severity stage III (OR=27.9, 95% CI: 7.4-105, P<0.001) and birth weight below 1100 g (OR=5.7, 95% CI: 1.7-19.4, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with NEC, the presence of PDA is associated with an increased risk of death. However, when important differences between the two study groups are controlled, only birth weight and disease severity may independently predict mortality.

Influence of deep sternal wound infection on long-term survival after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the influence of deep sternal wound infection on long-term survival following cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our institutional database we retrospectively evaluated medical records of 4732 adult patients who received open-heart surgery from January 1995 through December 2005. The predictive factors for DSWI were determined using logistic regression analysis. Then, each patient with deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) was matched with 2 controls without DSWI, according to the risk factors identified previously. After checking balance resulting from matching, short-term mortality was compared between groups using a paired test, and long-term survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Overall, 4732 records were analyzed. The mean age of the investigated population was 69.3±12.8 years. DSWI occurred in 74 (1.56%) patients. Significant independent predictive factors for deep sternal infections were active smoking (OR 2.19, CI95 1.35-3.53, p=0.001), obesity (OR 1.96, CI95 1.20-3.21, p=0.007), and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR 2.09, CI95 1.05-10.06, p=0.016). Mean follow-up in the matched set was 125 months, IQR 99-162. After matching, in-hospital mortality was higher in the DSWI group (8.1% vs. 2.7% p=0.03), but DSWI was not an independent predictor of long-term survival (adjusted HR 1.5, CI95 0.7-3.2, p=0.33). CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this report clearly show that post-sternotomy deep wound infection does not influence long-term survival in an adult general cardio-surgical patient population.