Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for Crohn's perianal fistula-a real-world experience.

AIM: Remission rates of medically and surgically treated complex perianal fistulas in Crohn's disease are low. Recently, trials have demonstrated the potential for long-term remission with local injection of allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (darvadstrocel). Our aim was to analyse outcomes from our real-world experience with this new treatment. METHODS: All patients with Crohn's disease suffering complex perianal fistulas who consecutively underwent administration of darvadstrocel at two centres were followed up and evaluated. Patients were assessed for clinical remission, response, failure, and any complications during follow-up. The results of all patients with a minimum of 3 months' follow-up are presented. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with Crohn's disease and complex perianal fistulas were included. Of these, 20 (61%) experienced clinical remission that was maintained for a mean follow-up of 14 (3-32) months. A total of 24 of 33 (73%) experienced at least 3 months of clinical remission, with four later having recurrence (3-12 months). Among the remaining nine patients who did not experience clinical remission, two (6%) had partial remission (such as one of two fistulas closing), two (6%) showed signs of response but not remission, and five (15%) showed no signs of healing. The mean time to maintained clinical remission was 6 weeks (range 2 weeks to 6 months), and there were no severe adverse events. CONCLUSION: In this real-world experience, treatment of Crohn's disease complex perianal fistulas with darvadstrocel had a 61% success rate for maintained clinical remission.

Multisocietal European consensus on the terminology, diagnosis, and management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases: an E-AHPBA consensus in partnership with ESSO, ESCP, ESGAR, and CIRSE.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases is complex. The aim of this project was to provide a practical framework for care of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases, with a focus on terminology, diagnosis, and management. METHODS: This project was a multiorganizational, multidisciplinary consensus. The consensus group produced statements which focused on terminology, diagnosis, and management. Statements were refined during an online Delphi process, and those with 70 per cent agreement or above were reviewed at a final meeting. Iterations of the report were shared by electronic mail to arrive at a final agreed document comprising 12 key statements. RESULTS: Synchronous liver metastases are those detected at the time of presentation of the primary tumour. The term 'early metachronous metastases' applies to those absent at presentation but detected within 12 months of diagnosis of the primary tumour, the term 'late metachronous metastases' applies to those detected after 12 months. 'Disappearing metastases' applies to lesions that are no longer detectable on MRI after systemic chemotherapy. Guidance was provided on the recommended composition of tumour boards, and clinical assessment in emergency and elective settings. The consensus focused on treatment pathways, including systemic chemotherapy, synchronous surgery, and the staged approach with either colorectal or liver-directed surgery as first step. Management of pulmonary metastases and the role of minimally invasive surgery was discussed. CONCLUSION: The recommendations of this contemporary consensus provide information of practical value to clinicians managing patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases.

The multi-societal European consensus on the terminology, diagnosis and management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases: an E-AHPBA consensus in partnership with ESSO, ESCP, ESGAR, and CIRSE.

BACKGROUND: Contemporary management of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases is complex. The aim of this project was to provide a practical framework for care of patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases with a focus on terminology, diagnosis and management. METHODS: This project was a multi-organisational, multidisciplinary consensus. The consensus group produced statements which focused on terminology, diagnosis and management. Statements were refined during an online Delphi process and those with 70% agreement or above were reviewed at a final meeting. Iterations of the report were shared by electronic mail to arrive at a final agreed document comprising twelve key statements. RESULTS: Synchronous liver metastases are those detected at the time of presentation of the primary tumour. The term "early metachronous metastases" applies to those absent at presentation but detected within 12 months of diagnosis of the primary tumour with "late metachronous metastases" applied to those detected after 12 months. Disappearing metastases applies to lesions which are no longer detectable on MR scan after systemic chemotherapy. Guidance was provided on the recommended composition of tumour boards and clinical assessment in emergency and elective settings. The consensus focused on treatment pathways including systemic chemotherapy, synchronous surgery and the staged approach with either colorectal or liver-directed surgery as first step. Management of pulmonary metastases and the role of minimally invasive surgery was discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendations of this contemporary consensus provide information of practical value to clinicians managing patients with synchronous colorectal cancer and liver metastases.

Human intestinal epithelial cells can internalize luminal fungi via LC3-associated phagocytosis.

Background: Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are the first to encounter luminal microorganisms and actively participate in intestinal immunity. We reported that IECs express the ß-glucan receptor Dectin-1, and respond to commensal fungi and ß-glucans. In phagocytes, Dectin-1 mediates LC3-associated phagocytosis (LAP) utilizing autophagy components to process extracellular cargo. Dectin-1 can mediate phagocytosis of ß-glucan-containing particles by non-phagocytic cells. We aimed to determine whether human IECs phagocytose ß-glucan-containing fungal particles via LAP. Methods: Colonic (n=18) and ileal (n=4) organoids from individuals undergoing bowel resection were grown as monolayers. Fluorescent-dye conjugated zymosan (ß-glucan particle), heat-killed- and UV inactivated C. albicans were applied to differentiated organoids and to human IEC lines. Confocal microscopy was used for live imaging and immuno-fluorescence. Quantification of phagocytosis was carried out with a fluorescence plate-reader. Results: zymosan and C. albicans particles were phagocytosed by monolayers of human colonic and ileal organoids and IEC lines. LAP was identified by LC3 and Rubicon recruitment to phagosomes and lysosomal processing of internalized particles was demonstrated by co-localization with lysosomal dyes and LAMP2. Phagocytosis was significantly diminished by blockade of Dectin-1, actin polymerization and NAPDH oxidases. Conclusions: Our results show that human IECs sense luminal fungal particles and internalize them via LAP. This novel mechanism of luminal sampling suggests that IECs may contribute to the maintenance of mucosal tolerance towards commensal fungi.

Rectal Cancer following Local Excision of Rectal Adenomas with Low-Grade Dysplasia-A Multicenter Study.

Purpose: Rectal polyps with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) can be removed by local excision surgery (LE). It is unclear whether these lesions pose a higher risk for recurrence and cancer development and might warrant an early repeat rectal endoscopy. This study aims to assess the rectal cancer rate following local excision of LGD rectal lesions. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study including all patients that underwent LE for rectal polyps over a period of 11 years was conducted. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data of patients with LGD werecollected and analyzed. Results: Out of 274 patients that underwent LE of rectal lesions, 81 (30%) had a pathology of LGD. The mean patient age was 65 ± 11 years, and 52 (64%) were male. The mean distance from the anal verge was 7.2 ± 4.3 cm, and the average lesion was 3.2 ± 1.8 cm. Full thickness resection was achieved in 68 patients (84%), and four (5%) had involved margins for LGD. Nine patients (11%) had local recurrence and developed rectal cancer in an average time interval of 19.3 ± 14.5 months, with seven of them (78%) diagnosed less than two years after the initial LE. Seven of the nine patients were treated with another local excision, whilst one had a low anterior resection, and one was treated with radiation. The mean follow-up time was 25.3 ± 22.4 months. Conclusions: Locally resected rectal polyps with LGD may carry a significant risk of recurring and developing cancer within two years. This data suggests patients should have a closer surveillance protocol in place.

Reduction in surgical site infections by localized administration with D-PLEX100 in patients with multiple risk factors undergoing colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: D-PLEX100 is a novel drug-eluting lipid polymer matrix that supplies a high, local concentration of doxycycline for approximately 30 days. The objective of this post-hoc analysis was to assess the efficacy of D-PLEX100 in preventing superficial and deep SSIs in patients with ≥2 risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A post-hoc analysis of a previously reported prospective randomized trial assessing D-PLEX100 plus Standard of Care (SOC) versus SOC alone in colorectal surgery was performed to assess SSI rate in patients with ≥2 risk factors. RESULTS: The overall incidence of SSI was significantly lower for the D-PLEX100 arm (9.9%) versus SOC (21%), p = 0.033. Patients with ≥2 risk factors, SSI incidence was 37.5% for SOC and 15.8% in D-PLEX100 treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: D-PLEX100 reduces the incidence of SSIs beyond benefits associated with SOC treatment alone and including patients with ≥2 risk factors. D-PLEX100 may be a promising addition to established SSI prophylaxis bundles.

Fecal Calprotectin and Quality of Life Questionnaires Are Responsive to Change in Pouch Disease Activity After Antibiotic Therapy: Results From a Prospective Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Whether fecal calprotectin (FC) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires reflect change in disease activity in patients with a J-pouch is unknown. METHODS: Patients with acute pouchitis were prospectively treated with a 2-week course of antibiotics. The full Pouchitis Disease Activity Index, FC, and QoL questionnaires were measured at baseline and after antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: Twenty patients were prospectively enrolled. After 2 weeks of antibiotic treatment, the Pouchitis Disease Activity Index decreased from a median of 9 to 5 ( P = 0.007). FC decreased from a median of 661 ug/g to 294 ug/g ( P = 0.02), and QoL questionnaires improved significantly. DISCUSSION: FC and QoL questionnaires reflect real-time changes in inflammatory pouch activity.

Escherichia coli Strains from Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases have Disease-specific Genomic Adaptations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Escherichia coli is over-abundant in the gut microbiome of patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Here, we aimed to identify IBD-specific genomic functions of diverse E. coli lineages. METHODS: We investigated E. coli genomes from patients with ulcerative colitis [UC], Crohn's disease [CD] or a pouch, and healthy subjects. The majority of genomes were reconstructed from metagenomic samples, including newly sequenced faecal metagenomes. Clinical metadata were collected. Functional analysis at the gene and mutation level were performed and integrated with IBD phenotypes and biomarkers. RESULTS: Overall, 530 E. coli genomes were analysed. The E. coli B2 lineage was more prevalent in UC compared with other IBD phenotypes. Genomic metabolic capacities varied across E. coli lineages and IBD phenotypes. Host mucin utilisation enzymes were present in a single lineage and depleted in patients with a pouch, whereas those involved in inulin hydrolysis were enriched in patients with a pouch. E. coli strains from patients with UC were twice as likely to encode the genotoxic molecule colibactin than strains from patients with CD or a pouch. Strikingly, patients with a pouch showed the highest inferred E. coli growth rates, even in the presence of antibiotics. Faecal calprotectin did not correlate with the relative abundance of E. coli. Finally, we identified multiple IBD-specific non-synonymous mutations in E. coli genes encoding for bacterial cell envelope components. CONCLUSIONS: Comparative genomics indicates that E. coli is a commensal species adapted to the overactive mucosal immune milieu in IBD, rather than causing it. Our results reveal mutations that may lead to attenuated antigenicity in some E. coli strains.

Implantation of an Impedance Sensor for Early Detection of Gastrointestinal Anastomotic Leaks.

INTRODUCTION: Accurate early diagnosis of a gastrointestinal anastomotic leak remains a challenge. When an anastomotic leak develops, the electrical properties of the tissue undergoing inflammatory processes change, resulting from the extravasation of inflammatory fluid and cellular infiltration. The method described here intends to provide a novel early anastomotic leak warning system based upon measurable changes in tissue impedance nearby an acute inflammatory process. METHODS: A biodegradable Mg-alloy was compared with a nonabsorbable stainless steel (STS) electrode connected to a wireless recording system for impedance measurement. In vitro measurements were made in physiological solutions and small animal (eight mice) and large animal (eight pigs) models with an anastomotic leak simulated by an open colotomy. Measurements were made at 10 mm intervals from the open colon at baseline and up to 120 min comparing these with a sutured colonic wound and normal tissue. RESULTS: In-vitro biodegradable magnesium electrode impedance evaluation showed good sensitivity to different media due to its environmental corrosion properties. The impedance of an acidic environment (1.06 ± 0.02 kΩ for citric acid) was twice that of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (0.64 ± 0.008 kΩ) with a distinction between Normal Saline (0.42 ± 0.013 kΩ) and PBS (0.64 ± 0.008 kΩ). This was in contrast to the performance characteristics of the control STS electrodes, where impedance in an acidic environment was lower than saline or PBS (citric acid:0.76 ± 0.01 kΩ versus PBS: 1.32 ± 0.014 kΩ). In a mouse model simulating an anastomotic leak, there was a significant increase in impedance after 120 min when compared with controls (99.7% increase versus 9.6% increase, respectively; P < 0.02). This effect was confirmed in a pig model when relative impedance measurements of the leak and control groups were compared (1.86 ± 0.46 versus 1.07 ± 0.02, respectively; P < 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Electrophysiological measurement shows diagnostic sensitivity for a gastrointestinal leak with potential clinical utility in the postoperative detection of early intra-abdominal sepsis. Further investigation of biodegradable tissue sensors capable of monitoring an early anastomotic leak is required.

High Rates of Incisional Hernia After Laparoscopic Right Colectomy With Midline Extraction Site.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery aims at reducing wound complications and improving cosmetics, among other advantages. High rates of postoperative ventral hernia (POVH) are observed after laparoscopic-assisted colectomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 2011 to 2016 retrospective study of all patients at Rabin Medical Center, we examined POVH prevalence after right hemicolectomy for neoplasia and correlation to specimen extraction site. We also compared laparoscopic-assisted colectomy to hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy. Included were patients who had postoperative abdominal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan as part of their routine oncological follow-up to 6 months postsurgery. Patients were excluded for conversion to laparotomy, and prior abdominal surgeries after right colectomy and before follow-up computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scan. Demographic and surgical data were collected from patient electronic records, and scans reviewed for POVH by a designated radiologist. RESULTS: Of 370 patients, 138 (mean age 70.09 y, 58 males) were included: 54 (39.1%) were diagnosed with POVH, 42/72 (58.3%) at midline extraction site, and 12/66 (18.8%) at off-midline extraction sites (P<0.0001). Surgical site infections and patients positive for tumor metastasis were associated with higher POVH rates. Most (74%) POVHs were identified within 18 months postsurgery (P<0.0001). Body mass index, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, smoking, tumor size, lymph nodes positive for metastasis, and hand-assisted laparoscopic colectomy were not associated with POVH prevalence. CONCLUSION: High rates of radiologically diagnosed POVH were found after laparoscopic-assisted colectomy, with association to midline extraction site, surgical site infections, and positive tumor distant metastasis.

Alteration in Urease-producing Bacteria in the Gut Microbiomes of Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bacterial urease is a major virulence factor of human pathogens, and murine models have shown that it can contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD]. METHODS: The distribution of urease-producing bacteria in IBD was assessed using public faecal metagenomic data from various cohorts, including non-IBD controls [n = 55], patients with Crohn's disease [n = 291] or ulcerative colitis [n = 214], and patients with a pouch [n = 53]. The ureA gene and the taxonomic markers gyrA, rpoB, and recA were used to estimate the percentage of urease producers in each sample. RESULTS: Levels of urease producers in patients with IBD and non-IBD controls were comparable. In non-IBD controls and most IBD patients, urease producers were primarily acetate-producing genera such as Blautia and Ruminococcus. A shift in the type of the dominant urease producers towards Proteobacteria and Bacilli was observed in a subset of all IBD subtypes, which correlated with faecal calprotectin levels in one cohort. Some patients with IBD had no detectable urease producers. In patients with a pouch, the probiotic-associated species Streptococcus thermophilus was more common as a main urease producer than in other IBD phenotypes, and it generally did not co-occur with other Bacilli or with Proteobacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike all non-IBD controls, patients with IBD often showed a shift towards Bacilli or Proteobacteria or a complete loss of urease production. Probiotics containing the species S. thermophilus may have a protective effect against colonisation by undesirable urease-producing bacteria in a subset of patients with a pouch.

Dysbiosis in Metabolic Genes of the Gut Microbiomes of Patients with an Ileo-anal Pouch Resembles That Observed in Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and pouchitis are multifactorial and chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Pouchitis develops in former UC patients after proctocolectomy and ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis and is characterized by inflammation of the previously normal small intestine comprising the pouch. The extent to which microbial functional alteration (dysbiosis) in pouchitis resembles that of CD or UC has not been investigated, and the pathogenesis of pouchitis remains unknown. We collected 208 fecal metagenomes from 69 patients with a pouch (normal pouch and pouchitis) and compared them to publicly available metagenomes of patients with CD (n = 88), patients with UC (n = 76), and healthy controls (n = 56). Patients with pouchitis presented the highest alterations in species, metabolic pathways, and enzymes, which was correlated with intestinal inflammation. Ruminococcus gnavus strains encoding mucin-degrading glycoside hydrolases were highly enriched in pouchitis. Butyrate and secondary bile acid biosynthesis pathways were decreased in IBD phenotypes and were especially low in pouchitis. Pathways such as amino acid biosynthesis and degradation of aromatic compounds and sugars, encoded by members of the Enterobacteriaceae, were enriched in pouch and CD but not in UC. We developed microbial feature-based classifiers that can distinguish between patients with a normal pouch and pouchitis and identified species and genes that were predictive of pouchitis. We propose that the noninflamed pouch is already dysbiotic and microbially is similar to CD. Our study reveals microbial functions that outline the pathogenesis of pouchitis and suggests bacterial groups and functions that could be targeted for intervention to attenuate small intestinal inflammation present in pouchitis and CD.IMPORTANCE Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and pouchitis are chronic inflammatory conditions of the bowel. Pouchitis develops in former UC patients after proctocolectomy and ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis and is characterized by inflammation of the previously normal small intestine comprising the pouch. The extent to which microbial dysbiosis in patients with pouchitis resembles that of CD or UC and the pathogenesis of pouchitis remains unclear. We investigated the functions in the gut microbiomes of these patients using metagenomics. We found that the noninflamed pouch is already dysbiotic and microbially is similar to CD. Our study reveals microbial functions with a potential role in pouchitis pathogenesis such as depletion in butyrate and secondary bile acid synthesis and enrichment of amino acid synthesis and degradation of aromatic compounds, encoded by members of the Enterobacteriaceae We developed microbial feature-based classifiers that can distinguish between patients with a normal pouch and pouchitis and identified species and genes that were predictive of pouchitis. We suggest species and functions that could be targeted for intervention to attenuate small intestinal inflammation present in pouchitis and CD.

Some Nursing Screening Tools Can Be Used to Assess High-Risk Older Adults Who Undergo Colorectal Surgery for Cancer.

AIM: Life expectancy and incidence of cancer among older adults are increasing. The aim of this study was to assess whether routinely used nursing screening tools can predict surgical outcomes in older adults with colorectal cancer. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent elective colorectal cancer surgery at Rabin Medical Center during the years 2014-2016 were collected retrospectively. Patients were divided into study group (age 80-89 y), and control group (age 60-69 y) for comparing surgical outcomes and six-month mortality. In the study group, screening tool scores were evaluated as potential predictors of surgical outcomes. These included Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), Admission Norton Scale Scores (ANSS), Morse Fall Scale (MFS), and Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI). RESULTS: The study group consisted of 77 patients, and the control group consisted of 129 patients. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were similar in both groups. Nursing screening tools did not predict immediate postoperative outcomes in the study group. MUST and CCI were predictors for six-month mortality. CCI score was 9.43±2.44 in those who died within six months from surgery compared to 7.07 ±1.61 in those who were alive after six months (p<0.05). Post-operative complications were not associated with increased 30-day mortality. Advanced grade complications were associated with an increased six-month mortality (RR=1.37, 95% CI 0.95-1.98, p=0.013). CONCLUSION: Different screening tools for high-risk older adults who are candidates for surgery have been developed, with the caveat of necessitating skilled physicians and resources such as time. Routinely used nursing screening tools may be helpful in better patient selection and informed decision making. These tools, specifically MUST and CCI who were found to predict six-month survival, can be used to additionally identify high-risk patients by the nursing staff and promote further evaluation. This can be a valuable tool in multidisciplinary and patient-centered care.

Early PET-CT in patients with pathological stage III colon cancer may improve their outcome: Results from a large retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Current staging of pathological stage III colon cancer (CC) is suboptimal; many patients recur despite unremarkable preoperative staging. We previously reported that early postoperative PET-CT can alter the stage and management of up to 15% of patients with high-risk stage III CC. This study aimed to determine the role of the test in the general stage III CC population. METHODS: A retrospective study of all consecutive patients with stage III CC who underwent early postoperative PET-CT between 2005 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 342 patients, 166 (48.5%) males, median age 66 years (range, 29-90), were included. Pathological stage was IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC in 18 (5.3%), 257 (75.1%), and 67 (19.6%) patients, respectively. Median number of positive lymph nodes was 2 (range, 0-32). PET-CT results modified the management of 46 patients (13.4%): 37 (10.8%) with overt metastatic disease and 9 (2.6%) with a second primary. The 5-year disease-free survival for true stage III patients was 81%. The median overall survival for the entire cohort and for true stage III patients was not reached and was 57.2 months for true stage IV. Of the 37 patients found to be metastatic, 14 (37.8%) underwent curative treatments and 9/14 (64.3%) remain disease-free, with a median follow-up of 83.8 months. Predictive factors for upstaging following PET-CT were identified. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative PET-CT changed the staging and treatment of 13.4% of stage III CC patients and has the potential for early detection of curable metastatic disease. Outcome results are encouraging. Prospective validation is ongoing.

Comparison between laparoscopic and open Hartmann's reversal: results of a decade-long multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Hartmann's reversal is a challenging surgical procedure with significant postoperative morbidity rates. Various surgical methods have been suggested to lower the risk of postoperative complications. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative results between open and laparoscopic techniques for Hartmann's reversal. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent Hartmann's reversal in five centers in central Israel between January 2004 and June 2015 was conducted. Medical charts were reviewed, analyzing preoperative and operative parameters and short-term postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: 260 patients were included in the study. 76 patients were operated laparoscopically with a conversion rate of 26.3% (20 patients). No differences were found between patients operated laparoscopically and those operated in an open technique regarding gender (p = 0.785), age (61.34 vs. 62.64, p = 0.521), body mass index (26.6 vs. 26.2, p = 0.948), Charlson index score (1.79 vs. 1.95, p = 0.667), and cause for Hartmann's procedure (neoplastic vs. non-neoplastic, p = 0.644). No differences were seen in average time from the Hartmann's procedure to reversal (204.89 vs. 213.60 days, p = 0.688) and in overall complication rate (46.4 vs. 46.5%, p = 1). The Clavien-Dindo score for distinguishing between minor (0-2 score, p = 1) and major complications (3-5 score, p = 0.675) failed to demonstrate an advantage to laparoscopy, as well as to average length of stay (10.91 days in the laparoscopic group vs. 11.72 days in the open group, p = 0.529). An analysis based on the intention-to-treat with laparoscopy, including converted cases in the laparoscopic group, showed similar results, including overall complication rate (48.6 vs. 45.6%, p = 0.68) and Clavien-Dindo score in both minor (p = 0.24) and major complications (p = 0.44). Length of stay (10.92 vs. 11.81 days, p = 0.45) was also similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In this series, a laparoscopic approach to Hartmann's reversal did not offer any short-term advantage when compared to an open surgical approach.

Considerations for Hartmann's reversal and Hartmann's reversal outcomes-a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Hartmann's procedure is commonly practiced in emergent cases with the restoration of bowel continuity planned at a second stage. This study assessed the rate of restorations following Hartmann's procedure and evaluated factors affecting decision-making. METHODS: Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, causes for Hartmann's procedure, reversal rate, and complications were collected in a multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent Hartmann's procedure in five medical centers. RESULTS: Six hundred forty patients underwent Hartmann's procedure for diverticular disease (36.1%), obstructing malignancy (31.8%), benign obstruction (5%), and other reasons (23.1%). Overall, 260 (40.6%) patients underwent subsequent restoration of bowel continuity. One hundred twenty-one (46.5%) patients had post-reversal complications, with an average Clavien-Dindo score of 1.4 and a mortality rate of 0.77%. Decision to avoid reversal was mostly related to comorbidities (49.7%) and metastatic disease (21.6%). Factors associated with the decision to restore bowel continuity included male gender (P = 0.02), patient age (62.3 years in Hartmann's reversal patients vs 73.5 years in non-reversal patients; P < 0.0001), number of comorbidities (1.1 vs 1.58; P < 0.001), average Charlson score (1.93 vs 3.44; P < 0.001), and a neoplastic etiology (P < 0.0001). A sub-analysis excluding all patients who died in the 30 days following Hartmann's procedure showed similar factors associated with ostomy closure. CONCLUSION: Many patients do not have restoration of bowel continuity after undergoing Hartmann's procedure. Hartmann's reversal is associated with a significant postoperative morbidity. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the possibility that the colostomy might become permanent.

Changing paradigms in the management of diverticulitis.

The management of diverticular disease has evolved in the last few decades from a structured therapeutic approach including operative management in almost all cases to a variety of medical and surgical approaches leading to a more individualized strategy. There is an ongoing debate among surgeons about the surgical management of diverticular disease, questioning not only the surgical procedure of choice, but also about who should be operated and the timing of surgery, both in complicated and uncomplicated diverticular disease. This article reviews the current treatment of diverticulitis, with a focus on the indications and methods of surgery in both the emergency and elective settings. Further investigation with good clinical data is needed for the establishment of clear guidelines.

Feasibility of an Intraluminal Bypass Device in Low Colorectal Anastomosis: Preliminary Results in a Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: The Cologuard CG-100 is a novel intraluminal bypass device designed to reduce the clinical outcomes associated with low colorectal anastomotic leak. The device is inserted transanally, anchored to the colon above the anastomosis, and deployed intraluminally to cover the anastomosis from within. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the device in a porcine model. METHOD: Twelve pigs underwent low colorectal anastomosis with insertion of the Cologuard CG-100 device. Contrast material injection, abdominal X-ray, and histologic studies were used to evaluate sealing quality, device positioning, and tissue damage, respectively. The surgeons completed a usability and satisfaction questionnaire after completion of the procedure. RESULTS: Absolute sealing was observed in all 4 animals euthanized immediately after surgery. In the other 8 animals, the device was kept in situ for 10 days and then extracted. X-ray films with injection of contrast material through a designated injection tube before device removal showed that the sheath and ring were correctly placed. No leak was demonstrated. There were no device-related adverse events, and no critical histological abnormalities were noted in the bowel area that was compressed by the device. The device was found to be easy to insert, position, and extract. CONCLUSION: The Cologuard CG-100 device efficiently reduced contact between fecal content and low colorectal anastomosis in a porcine model and is easily deployed and extracted. It holds promise for possible clinical use pending further studies.