Early vs. standard reversal ileostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Formation of a defunctioning loop ileostomy is common after mid and low rectal resection. Historically, they were reversed between 3 and 6 months after initial resection. Recently, earlier closure (< 14 days) has been suggested by some current randomised controlled trials. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early stoma closure on surgical and patient outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of the current randomised controlled trial literature comparing early and standard ileostomy closure after rectal surgery was performed. Specifically, we examined surgical outcomes including; morbidity, mortality and quality of life. RESULTS: Six studies met the predefined criteria and were included in our analysis. 275 patients underwent early stoma closure compared with 259 patients having standard closure. Overall morbidity was similar between both groups (25.5% vs. 21.6%) (OR, 1.47; 95% CI 0.75-2.87). However, there tended to be more reoperations (8.4 vs. 4.2%) (OR, 2.02, 95% CI 0.99-4.14) and small bowel obstructions/postoperative ileus (9.3% vs. 4.4%) (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.90) in the early closure group, but no difference across the other domains. CONCLUSIONS: Early closure appears to be a feasible in highly selective cases after good perioperative counselling and shared decision-making. Further research on quality of life outcomes and long term benefits is necessary to help define which patients are suitable candidates for early closure.

Orthogonal external ventricular drain (EVD) trajectory from burr holes sited by junior neurosurgical staff is superior to freehand placement: An in-silico model.

External ventricular drain (EVD) or ventriculostomy placement is one of the most common neurosurgical procedures performed worldwide and is associated with complications including haemorrhage, malposition and infection. Several authors have attempted to define an ideal trajectory for placement, and scalp-mounted guidance devices have been devised to exploit the theoretical ideal orthogonal trajectory from the scalp to the lateral ventricles. However, uptake has been limited due to lack of demonstrated superiority to freehand placement. Previous modelling studies have failed to include a true-to-life sample of patients undergoing EVD insertion and excluded cases with midline shift or non-hydrocephalus indications. Further, none have attempted to model the orthogonal insertion of EVD via actual burr holes placed by junior neurosurgical staff. In our report of 58 cases of frontal EVD insertion in a low-volume Australian neurosurgical unit freehand EVD insertion resulted in acceptable placement in the ipsilateral frontal horn in 62% of cases, any ventricle in 22%, and in eloquent or non-eloquent brain in 16% of cases. The modelled orthogonal trajectory from the same burr holes, using post-procedural computed tomography scans and the S8 Stealth Station (Medtronic), resulted in superior placement; 80% in the ipsilateral frontal horn and 20% contralateral (p = 0.007). There were no significant malpositions associated with the modelled trajectories. In our series, 18% of freehand catheters required multiple placement attempts. In conclusion, our data suggests that an orthogonal trajectory may result in improved EVD positioning compared to freehand placement.

Management options for chronic anal fissure: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Anal fissure is the most common cause of severe anorectal pain in adults, contributing significantly to coloproctology workloads. There are a wide variety of management options available, including topical nitrites, calcium channel blockers, botulinum toxin injection and sphincterotomy. The aim of this study was to review current options for the treatment of chronic anal fissure. METHODS: A comprehensive search identifying randomized controlled trials comparing treatment options for anal fissure published between January 2000 and February 2020 was performed. The primary outcome assessed was healing at 8 weeks post commencing treatment. Secondary outcomes included recurrence, intolerance of treatment and complications. RESULTS: A total of 2822 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and non-relevant studies, we identified nine randomized controlled trials which met pre-defined criteria. There was a total of 775 patients. At 8 weeks, healing rates were 95.13% in those treated with sphincterotomy, 66.7% in the botulinum toxin group, 63.8% in the nitrate group, 52.3% for topical diltiazem and 50% for topical minoxidil. Recurrence was highest amongst those treated with botulinum toxin injection (41.7%) and lowest for sphincterotomy (6.9%). Although the absolute number is low, there was a risk of permanent incontinence with sphincterotomy. CONCLUSION: This review of the randomized control data demonstrates that healing was significantly higher amongst those treated with sphincterotomy versus more conservative modalities. Topical nitrites had similar outcomes to botulinum toxin injection but were poorly tolerated in comparison to other treatments. The benefit of sphincterotomy was at a cost of increased complications, notably permanent incontinence.

Management of anal intraepithelial neoplasia and anal squamous cell carcinoma at a tertiary referral centre with a dedicated infectious diseases unit: an 18-year review.

INTRODUCTION: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare malignancy with rising incidence rates. Risk factors include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, high-risk sexual activity and HPV-related genitourinary dysplasia/neoplasia. There is an overlap between high-risk patients and those attending HIV Medicine/Sexual Health (HMSH) services. We hypothesised that HMSH involvement may facilitate earlier referral to colorectal surgeons, with better outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of all ASCC and anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) treated at a tertiary-referral hospital with a dedicated HMSH clinic between 2000 and 2018. Comparative analysis was performed of demographics, management and outcomes between HMSH and non-HMSH patients. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients had anal pathology, eighty-five with ASCC (78%) and twenty-four with AIN (22%). Seventy (64%) were male. Median (range) age at ASCC diagnosis was 51 years (26-88). Thirty-six percent of all patients attended HMSH services, 28% were HIV positive, and 41% of males were men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Eighty-one ASCC patients (97.5%) were treated with curative intent. Sixty-seven (80%) had primary chemoradiation therapy. Fifteen (17.5%) had primary surgical excision. Twelve (14%) developed recurrent disease. Ultimately, seven required salvage APR. Overall 3-year survival (3YS) was 76%. HMSH patients were significantly younger at ASCC diagnosis (p < 0.001), with a higher prevalence of HIV, HPV and MSM. HMSH attenders also tended to be diagnosed at earlier stages, were less likely to develop recurrence and achieved better overall outcomes, with a superior overall 3YS than non-HMSH patients (92% vs 72%, p = 0.037). CONCLUSION: ASCC incidence is increasing worldwide. The HMSH cohort has emerged as a distinct subpopulation of younger, high-risk, male patients. Collaboration between HMSH and colorectal surgeons offers an opportunity for risk reduction strategies and earlier intervention.

Outcomes following colonic stenting for malignant left-sided bowel obstruction: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Malignant bowel obstruction is a common presentation and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Emergency resection is the traditional treatment modality. In recent years, colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery has become more prevalent. However, there is considerable debate surrounding its use. The aim of this review was to examine the technical and clinical success of self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) as a bridge to surgery for obstructing colorectal tumours. METHODS: We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials using PubMed, Cochrane and SCOPUS databases. Included studies must have compared outcomes in SEMS as a bridge to surgery with those proceeding straight to emergency resection. RESULTS: A total of 1245 studies were identified. After removal of duplicates and non-relevant studies, we identified seven articles which met the predefined criteria. This review observed that 81% of SEMS were technically successful, with 76% of patients having restoration of gastrointestinal function. Iatrogenic perforation rate was 5%. One-fifth of patients required emergency surgery following stent placement, and permanent stoma rate was 8.7%. CONCLUSION: This study observed that SEMS as a bridge to surgery is associated with good technical and clinical success, with low rates of perforation and permanent stoma. SEMS should be part of the treatment armamentarium for obstructing colorectal neoplasms, but careful patient selection and institutional expertise are important factors for success.

Colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in malignant large bowel obstruction: oncological outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Stenting of obstructing colorectal cancers obviates the need for emergency surgery, reducing initial morbidity and mortality rate associated with emergency surgery and facilitates full staging of the neoplastic process with an opportunity to optimize the patient for surgery. Some recent publications have suggested however that this approach may be associated with higher local recurrence rates. We examined our outcomes following colonic stenting as a bridge to resection. METHODS: A database was reviewed (2006-2018) of patients presenting with acute colorectal obstruction that proceeded to endoscopic stenting. We assessed the bridge to surgery strategy, its success, complication rate, and impact on recurrence and survival. RESULTS: Of a total of 103 patients who presented with acute malignant large bowel obstruction over this time period, 26 patients had potentially curable disease at presentation and underwent stenting as a bridge to surgery. The technical success rate for stenting in those managed as a bridge to surgery was 92% (n = 24/26) with 7.69% (n = 2/26) having a complication. There was one stent-related perforation. Median follow-up of this cohort was 31 months, with a 5-year overall survival of 53.5%. CONCLUSION: Colorectal stenting as a bridge to resection is a successful management strategy for those presenting with obstructing colorectal obstruction. Selective use is associated with lower rates of stoma formation, greater rates of laparoscopic resections with low complication rates, and acceptable oncological outcomes.

Should MRI Be the Imaging Modality of Choice in Suspected Appendicitis During Pregnancy?

Aim The aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in determining appendicitis during pregnancy. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course for all pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis from 2013-2018. We evaluated the efficacy of MRI and Alvarado scoring and its impact on management. Results Twenty-nine pregnant patients with suspected appendicitis had an MRI. The majority (90%, n=26/29) had normal diagnostics with two patients (10.3%) having findings consistent with acute appendicitis. Two other patients proceeded to laparoscopy, one with an inconclusive MRI, and one patient with clinical appendicitis. We found no accurate correlation between pregnancy and Alvarado scoring. Conclusion MRI is a safe adjunct in accurately diagnosing appendicitis in pregnancy. Its routine use could help reduce rates of negative appendectomies and the potential risk to maternal and fetal health.

The surgical management of radiation proctopathy.

BACKGROUND: There is sparse evidence guiding the optimum surgical management of patients with radiation proctopathy (RP). The purpose of this review is to analyse all the literature on the surgical management of RP in order to guide physicians and surgeons as to when and what surgery should be employed for these patients. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Cochrane Library using the MeSH terms "radiation proctopathy", "proctitis", "surgical management", and related terms as keywords was performed. The review included all articles that reported on the surgical management of patients with radiation proctopathy. All relevant articles were cross-referenced for further articles and any unavailable online were retrieved from hard-copy archive libraries. Eighteen studies including one prospective cohort study, fifteen retrospective cohort studies, and three small case series are included. CONCLUSION: Surgery is indicated for patients with RP for rectal obstruction, perforation, fistulae, or a failure of medical measures to control the symptoms of RP. Surgery centres mainly on diversion version resection. Diversion alone does not remove the damaged tissue leaving the patient at risk of continued complications including bleeding, perforation, occlusion, and abscess formation; however, major resectional surgery carries higher risks. Morbidity and mortality vary 0-44% and 0-11% for diversion only versus 0-100% and 0-14% for resectional surgery. There is no universally agreed surgical first-line approach. The data supports both resection with defunctioning stoma or diversion only as reasonable first-line surgical options for patients requiring surgery for RP.

The Impact of Social Work Intervention in Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis in Ireland: a Single-Center Experience.

AIM: To evaluate the effect on recurrent admission for alcohol-induced pancreatitis (that can be up to 48%) of a brief social work intervention for alcohol dependence in a single center in Ireland METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients admitted with acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis to a tertiary hospital in Ireland from January 2009 to December 2012. RESULTS: The relapse rate in the cohort of 160 patients with alcohol-induced pancreatitis was 28.1%. There was no difference in the relapse rate of those patients who received a social work intervention compared with those who did not (ANOVA, P = 0.229). The employment status was a significant risk factor for relapse (ANOVA, P = 0.027), but did not differ between those who did, and did not, receive the intervention. CONCLUSION: Although the cohort size did not allow great statistical power, it appears that our hospital's current social work intervention for alcohol-induced pancreatitis is ineffective in preventing relapse. Long-term prospective studies are required to formulate and better implement more efficacious interventions for such patients.

Introduction of oesophageal Doppler-guided fluid management in a laparoscopic colorectal surgery enhanced recovery programme: an audit of effect on patient outcome.

Morbidity after colorectal surgery can be reduced with intraoperative oesophageal Doppler monitor (ODM) guided fluid therapy. We audited the effect of introducing ODM-guided fluid therapy in enhanced recovery laparoscopic colorectal surgery. ODM group (n = 40) outcomes (toleration of diet, Post Operative Morbidity Survery (POMS) score, complications) were compared to matched patients (n = 40) who had the same surgery using a conventional approach to fluid management. Mean (SD) time to tolerate diet was shorter in the ODM group (2.3 (1.6) days vs 3.8 (2.4) days, p = 0.003). The ODM group had a lower mean (SD) POMS score on post-operative day 1 (2 (1.4) vs 4 (1.1), p = 0.001), fewer postoperative complications (14 patients vs 20, p = 0.009) and a lower rate of unplanned critical care area admission (1 vs 6, p= 0.001). Introduction of intraoperative ODM-guided stroke volume optimization was associated with improved outcomes in patients undergoing enhanced recovery laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Self-expanding metal stent insertion by colorectal surgeons in the management of obstructing colorectal cancers: a 6-year experience.

BACKGROUND: Placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) in patients presenting with colorectal cancer as an acute large bowel obstruction may obviate emergency surgery, potentially effectively palliating incurable cancers and acting as a bridge to surgery in patients with operable tumours. We present our experience with stenting for malignant acute large bowel obstruction over a 6-year period (2006-2011). METHODS: A prospectively compiled colorectal cancer database was reviewed to identify all patients presenting to our unit with malignant acute large bowel obstruction who had stenting carried out to achieve colonic decompression. All 44 procedures were performed by colorectal surgeons using a combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic technique. RESULTS: Overall, successful decompression was achieved in 42 patients by SEMS insertion (95.5%). Technical and clinical success was achieved in all 30 patients undergoing stenting as a palliative measure (100%). There was no clinical perforation in any of the 44 patients. CONCLUSIONS: SEMSs insertion is a safe and effective technique for colonic decompression in the setting of acute malignant large bowel obstruction as either a palliative measure or as a bridge to subsequent resection.

Factors involved in unplanned admissions from general surgical day-care in a modern protected facility.

The aim in this audit study was to identify the rate of and the reasons for unanticipated admissions in general day surgery. All day ward procedures performed during the one year period from January 2011 to January 2012 were reviewed. Of 560 procedures performed, 25 (4.4%) patients were admitted. The age range of the patients admitted was from 26 to 83 years. The average BMI of the admitted patient was 28.9 (range 24-39).The average stay in hospital was 1.7 days (range 1-3 days). The reason for admission was potentially preventable in ten (40%) patients. This included eight (80%) out of ten admissions for control of postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting. Two (20%) were admitted for surgical observation due to high risk of bleeding. Fifteen (60%) of admissions were due to a non-preventable source, including 5 with a drain inserted at a perceived difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 5 for urinary retention post open inguinal hernia repair, 2 for a cardiology review and 2 for further urgent investigations because of an unexpected intraoperative finding of malignancy. The rate of un-planned admission can be reduced by controlling potentially preventable causes, however a small contribution from unexpected scenarios is inevitable.

Re-laparoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of postoperative complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has increasingly become the standard of care in the management of both benign and malignant colorectal disease. We herein describe our experience with laparoscopy in the management of complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: Between November 2010 and July 2012, data were prospectively collected for all patients requiring surgical intervention for colorectal cancer. This was performed by a full-time colorectal cancer data manager. RESULTS: A total of 203 patients had surgery for colorectal cancer during this period, 154 (75.9%) of which were performed laparoscopically and 49 (24.1%) performed by open surgery. Ten patients (4.9%) underwent surgery for complications of which 7 were following laparoscopic surgery. Two of these 7 patients had an exploratory laparotomy due to abdominal distension and haemodynamic instability. Laparoscopic surgical intervention was successful in diagnosing and treating the remaining 5 patients. Three of these patients developed small bowel obstruction which was managed by re-laparoscopy while in 2 patients there was a significant suspicion of an anastomotic leakage despite appropriate diagnostic imaging which was out ruled at laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy can frequently be used to diagnose and treat complications following laparoscopic colorectal surgery. This is another benefit associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery which is rarely described and allows the benefits associated with the laparoscopic approach to be maintained.

Control of splenic bleeding during splenic flexure mobilisation by devascularisation of the inferior pole of the spleen.

Injury to the spleen is a recognised complication of colorectal resections involving mobilisation of the splenic flexure. Bleeding from the spleen is difficult to control and not infrequently requires splenectomy with its attendant lifelong potential haematological and immunological complications. Furthermore, conversion from a laparoscopic to an open procedure may be required as splenic haemorrhage is more difficult to control laparoscopically. We describe a technique for control of bleeding from the inferior pole of the spleen, used during laparoscopic splenectomy, which may be applied to either open or laparoscopic surgery to achieve haemostasis thereby obviating splenectomy and in laparoscopic cases, conversion to open.

Metastatic paediatric colorectal carcinoma.

A 16-year-old girl presented to our unit with crampy abdominal pain, change in bowel habit, a subjective impression of weight loss and a single episode of haematochezia. She was found to have a rectosigmoid adenocarcinoma and proceeded to laparoscopic anterior resection, whereupon peritoneal metastases were discovered. She received chemotherapy and is alive and well ten month later with no radiological evidence of disease. Colorectal carcinoma is rare in the paediatric population but is increasing in incidence. Early diagnosis is critical to enable optimal outcomes.

Metabolic syndrome and leptin are associated with adverse pathological features in male colorectal cancer patients.

AIM: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) describes a clustering of factors including central obesity, hypertension and raised plasma glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Central obesity is associated with a risk for colorectal cancer, but the impact of MetS on colorectal cancer biology and outcomes is unclear. METHOD: A prospective observational study of colorectal cancer patients was carried out in an Irish population. Patients underwent metabolic and anthropometric assessment before treatment, including measurement of serum hormones and adipokines and CT measurement of visceral fat. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation definition(3) . RESULTS: One-hundred and thirty consecutive colorectal cancer patients (66 men and 64 women) were recruited. MetS was diagnosed in 38% patients compared with the population norms reported at 21%(21) . Male patients had a significantly greater visceral fat area compared with female patients. MetS was associated with node-positive disease (P = 0.026), percentage nodal involvement (P = 0.033) and extramural vascular invasion (P = 0.049) in male patients but no significant association was observed in female patients. HDL cholesterol was also significantly associated with a more advanced pathological stage (P = 0.014) and node-positive disease (P = 0.028). Leptin was associated with nodal status (P = 0.036), microvascular invasion (P = 0.054), advanced pathological stage (P = 0.046) and more advanced Dukes stage (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: We report a high prevalence of MetS and visceral obesity in a colorectal cancer population. MetS and plasma leptin are associated with a more aggressive tumour phenotype in male patients only.

Cost of care for colorectal cancer in Ireland: a health care payer perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Management options for colorectal cancer have expanded in recent years. We estimated average lifetime cost of care for colorectal cancer in Ireland in 2008, from the health care payer perspective. METHOD: A decision tree model was developed in Microsoft EXCEL. Site and stage-specific treatment pathways were constructed from guidelines and validated by expert clinical opinion. Health care resource use associated with diagnosis, treatment and follow-up were obtained from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (n=1,498 cancers diagnosed during 2004-2005) and three local hospital databases (n=155, 142 and 46 cases diagnosed in 2007). Unit costs for hospitalisation, procedures, laboratory tests and radiotherapy were derived from DRG costs, hospital finance departments, clinical opinion and literature review. Chemotherapy costs were estimated from local hospital protocols, pharmacy departments and clinical opinion. Uncertainty was explored using one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: In 2008, the average (stage weighted) lifetime cost of managing a case of colorectal cancer was €39,607. Average costs were 16% higher for rectal (€43,502) than colon cancer (€37,417). Stage I disease was the least costly (€23,688) and stage III most costly (€48,835). Diagnostic work-up and follow-up investigations accounted for 4 and 5% of total costs, respectively. Cost estimates were most sensitive to recurrence rates and prescribing of biological agents. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the value of using existing data from national and local databases in contributing to estimating the cost of managing cancer. The findings illustrate the impact of biological agents on costs of cancer care and the potential of strategies promoting earlier diagnosis to reduce health care resource utilisation and care costs.

Anal fistula: an unusual presentation of tuberculosis in a migrant health care professional.

We present a case of a young health care professional from the Indian subcontinent, who presented with a low anal fistula and underwent exploration, debridement and fistulotomy twice. The initial working diagnosis was Crohn's disease. However, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, fully sensitive to all first-line drugs was cultured from the specimens sent from the second surgical procedure. On initiation of anti-tubercular therapy the symptoms improved within 5 weeks. The origin of the patient, high index of suspicion for non-infectious reactivation of tuberculosis in migrant health care workers, importance of a proper history taking including previous exposure and diagnostic workup is stressed.