Perioperative Systemic Therapy Versus Cytoreductive Surgery and HIPEC Alone for Resectable Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: Patient-Reported Outcomes of a Randomized Phase II Trial.

BACKGROUND: As part of a randomized phase II trial in patients with isolated resectable colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPMs), the present study compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of patients treated with perioperative systemic therapy versus cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) alone. Also, PROs of patients receiving perioperative systemic therapy were explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were randomized to perioperative systemic therapy (experimental) or CRS-HIPEC alone (control). PROs were assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-CR29, and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires at baseline, after neoadjuvant treatment (experimental), and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Linear mixed modeling was used to compare five predefined PROs (visual analog scale, global health status, physical functioning, fatigue, C30 summary score) between arms and to longitudinally analyze PROs in the experimental arm. RESULTS: Of 79 analyzed patients, 37 (47%) received perioperative systemic therapy. All predefined PROs were comparable between arms at all timepoints and returned to baseline at 3 or 6 months postoperatively. The experimental arm had worsening of fatigue [mean difference (MD) + 14, p = 0.001], loss of appetite (MD + 15, p = 0.003), hair loss (MD + 18, p < 0.001), and loss of taste (MD + 27, p < 0.001) after neoadjuvant treatment. Except for loss of appetite, these PROs returned to baseline at 3 or 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with resectable CPM randomized to perioperative systemic therapy or CRS-HIPEC alone, PROs were comparable between arms and returned to baseline postoperatively. Together with the trial's previously reported feasibility and safety data, these findings show acceptable tolerability of perioperative systemic therapy in this setting.

[Oral health-related quality of life before and after bariatric surgery]. / Mondgezondheidgerelateerde kwaliteit van leven voor en na bariatrische chirurgie.

Obesity seems to adversely affect oral health-related quality of life. Remakably, several studies show a further decrease of oral health-related quality of life after bariatric surgery despite the weight loss. The objective of this study was to assess the perceived oral health-related quality of life in dentulous, obese patients and in dentulous, bariatric patients at least one year after they underwent surgery. This was assessed using the validated Dutch short version of the Oral Health Impact Profile questionnaire, consisting of 14 questions divided into 7 categories. A higher score on this questionnaire indicate a lower oral health-related quality of life. Based on the collected data of 440 patients, the overall oral health-related quality of life seems unaffected by bariatric surgery: a decrease was however seen regarding the functional limitation subcategory compared to preoperative patients with obesity.

Treatment Strategies and Prognosis of Patients With Synchronous or Metachronous Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare treatment strategies and survival of patients with synchronous colorectal peritoneal metastases (CPM) and patients with metachronous CPM in a nationwide cohort. METHODS: All patients from the Netherlands Cancer Registry with synchronous or metachronous CPM whose primary colorectal cancer (CRC) was diagnosed between 1 January and 30 June 2015 were included in the study. Treatments were categorized as (A) cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy [CRS-HIPEC]; (B) palliative treatment; or (C) best supportive care. Overall survival (OS) for all the patients and disease-free survival (DFS) for those who underwent CRS-HIPEC were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of 7233 patients, 743 had a diagnosis of CPM, including 409 patients with synchronous CPM and 334 patients with metachronous CPM. The median OS was 8.1 months for the patients with synchronous CPM versus 12 months for the patients with metachronous CPM (p = 0.003). After multivariable correction, OS no longer differed between the patients with synchronous CPM and those with metachronous CPM (HR 1.03 [0.83-1.27]). The patients with metachronous CPM more often underwent CRS-HIPEC than the patients with synchronous CPM (16 % vs 8 %; p = 0.001). The two groups did not differ statistically in terms of DFS and OS (median DFS, 21.5 vs 14.1 months, respectively; p = 0.094; median OS, 37.8 vs. 35.8 months, respectively; p = 0.553). CONCLUSION: This population-based study showed that survival for the patients with synchronous CPM and patients with metachronous CPM did not significantly differ. This suggests that a similar prognosis may be expected for patients selected for treatment regardless of the onset of CPM.

Multicentre study of non-surgical management of diverticulitis with abscess formation.

This multicentre retrospective cohort study included 447 patients with Hinchey Ib and II diverticular abscesses, who were treated with antibiotics, with or without percutaneous drainage. Abscesses of 3 and 5 cm in size were at higher risk of short-term treatment failure and emergency surgery respectively. Initial non-surgical treatment of Hinchey Ib and II diverticular abscesses was comparable between patients treated with antibiotics only and those who underwent percutaneous drainage in combination with antibiotics, with regard to short- and long-term outcomes. Most do not need drainage.

Long-term follow-up of a multicentre cohort study on laparoscopic peritoneal lavage for perforated diverticulitis.

AIM: Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage has increasingly been investigated as a promising alternative to sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis. Most studies only reported outcomes up to 12 months. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes of patients treated with laparoscopic lavage. METHODS: Between 2008 and 2010, 38 patients treated with laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis in 10 Dutch teaching hospitals were included. Long-term follow-up data on patient outcomes, e.g. diverticulitis recurrence, reoperations and readmissions, were collected retrospectively. The characteristics of patients with recurrent diverticulitis or complications requiring surgery or leading to death, categorized as 'overall complicated outcome', were compared with patients who developed no complications or complications not requiring surgery. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 46 months (interquartile range 7-77), during which 17 episodes of recurrent diverticulitis (seven complicated) in 12 patients (32%) occurred. Twelve patients (32%) required additional surgery with a total of 29 procedures. Fifteen patients (39%) had a total of 50 readmissions. Of initially successfully treated patients (n = 31), 12 (31%) had recurrent diverticulitis or other complications. At 90 days, 32 (84%) patients were alive without undergoing a sigmoidectomy. However, seven (22%) of these patients eventually had a sigmoidectomy after 90 days. Diverticulitis-related events occurred up to 6 years after the index procedure. CONCLUSION: Long-term diverticulitis recurrence, re-intervention and readmission rates after laparoscopic lavage were high. A complicated outcome was also seen in patients who had initially been treated successfully with laparoscopic lavage with relevant events occurring up to 6 years after initial surgery.

Predictive value of abdominal CT in evaluating internal herniation after bariatric laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: Internal herniation, a serious complication after bariatric surgery, is challenging to diagnose. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of abdominal CT in diagnosing internal herniation. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients who had undergone laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2015 at a bariatric centre of excellence. To select patients suspected of having internal herniation, reports of abdominal CT and reoperations up to 1 January 2017 were screened. CT was presumed negative for internal herniation if no follow-up CT or reoperation was performed within 90 days after the initial CT, or no internal herniation was found during reoperation. The accuracy of abdominal CT in diagnosing internal herniation was calculated using two-way contingency tables. RESULTS: A total of 1475 patients were included (84·7 per cent women, mean age 46·5 years, median initial BMI 41·8 kg/m2 ). CT and/or reoperation was performed in 192 patients (13·0 per cent) in whom internal herniation was suspected. Internal herniation was proven laparoscopically in 37 of these patients. The incidence of internal herniation was 2·5 per cent. An analysis by complaint included a total of 265 episodes, for which 247 CT scans were undertaken. CT was not used to investigate 18 episodes, but internal herniation was encountered in one-third of these during reoperation. Combining the follow-up and intraoperative findings, the accuracy of CT for internal herniation had a sensitivity of 83·8 (95 per cent c.i. 67·3 to 93·2) per cent, a specificity of 87·1 (81·7 to 91·2) per cent, a positive predictive value of 53·4 (40·0 to 66·5) per cent and a negative predictive value of 96·8 (92·9 to 98·7) per cent. CONCLUSION: Abdominal CT is an important tool in diagnosing internal herniation, with a high specificity and a high negative predictive value.

Mesh Versus Patch Repair for Epigastric and Umbilical Hernia (MORPHEUS Trial); One-Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

DESIGN: This trial is a randomized controlled, patient-blinded, multicentre, superiority trial. METHODS: All patients ≥18 years with a single, symptomatic and primary umbilical or epigastric hernia (<2 fingers) qualified for participation in the study. Flat polypropylene mesh repair was compared to patch repair (PROCEED® Ventral Patch) (PVP). The objective of this trial was to identify a superior method for umbilical and epigastric hernia repair in terms of complication rates. RESULTS: A total of 352 patients were randomized in this trial; 348 patients received the intervention (n = 177 PVP vs. n = 171 mesh). No peri-operative complications occurred. PVP placement was significantly faster compared to mesh placement (30 min, SD 11 vs. 35 min, SD 11) and was scored as an easier procedure. At 1-month follow-up, 76 patients suffered any kind of complication. There was no significant difference in the proportion of complications (24.9% for PVP and 18.7% for mesh, p = 0.195). A significant difference was seen in re-operation rate within 1 month, significantly less early re-operations in the mesh group (0.0 vs. 2.8%, p = 0.027). After 1-year follow-up, no significant differences are seen in recurrence rates (n = 13, 7.8% PVP vs. n = 5, 3.3% mesh, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Both mesh and PVP had a comparable amount of reported complications. There was a significantly higher incidence of early re-operations due to early complications in the PVP group. No differences were seen in infection rates and the need for antibiotic treatment. No significant difference was seen in the recurrence rates. REGISTRATION: This trial was registered in the Dutch Trail Registry (NTR) NTR2514NL33995.060.10. [12].

A collective review of biological versus synthetic mesh-reinforced cruroplasty during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cruroplasty and fundoplication have become the gold standard in the treatment of hiatal hernia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The use of a mesh-reinforcement of the cruroplasty has been proven effective; although, there is a lack of evidence considering which type of mesh is superior. The aim of this study was to compare recurrence rates after mesh reinforced cruroplasty using biological versus synthetic meshes. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of all clinical trials published between January 2004 and September 2015 describing the application of a mesh in the hiatal hernia repair during Nissen fundoplication for both GERD and hiatal hernia. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate, and secondary outcomes were complication rate, mortality and symptomatic outcome. RESULTS: We included 16 studies and extracted data regarding 1089 mesh operated patients of whom 385 received a biological mesh and 704 a synthetic mesh. The mean follow-up was 53.4 months. The recurrence rate in the synthetic mesh group was 6.8% compared to 16.1% in the biological mesh group (P < 0.05). The complication rate was 5.1% and 4.6% (P = 0.694), respectively, and there were 12 mesh-related complications. No mesh-related mortality was reported. CONCLUSION: Mesh reinforcement of hiatal hernia repair seems safe in the short-term follow-up. The available literature suggests no clear advantage of biological over synthetic meshes. Regarding cost-efficiency and short-term results, the use of synthetic nonabsorbable meshes might be advocated.

Identification of technical errors and hazard zones in sleeve gastrectomy using OCHRA : "OCHRA for sleeve gastrectomy".

BACKGROUND: The sleeve gastrectomy is an example of minimally invasive surgery. It is important to determine the critical steps of the procedure in order to reduce complications and increase safety and efficiency. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to detect the key elements of the sleeve gastrectomy and find the potential hazard zones of the procedure. SETTING: Bariatric department of a large teaching hospital in the Netherlands. METHODS: A prospective clinical observation study was performed including 60 sleeve gastrectomy procedures. An expert panel determined the key steps, and two experts assessed the procedures systematically for technical errors according to the principles of Observational Clinical Human Reliability Assessment (OCHRA). RESULTS: A total of 213 technical errors have been made, and the majority were made during mobilization of the greater curvature and during stapling of the stomach. In 44.6 %, errors had consequences and 96 additional actions were performed. There was a significant correlation between errors during opening of the lesser sac and postoperative complications, and between repositioning of the stapler and postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the 13 key steps of the SG were defined, and OCHRA was considered a valuable assessment tool for surgical performance and potential hazard zones. Most consequential errors are made during dissection of the greater curvature and during stapling of the stomach. Errors during the start of mobilization of the greater curvature and repositioning of the stapler lead to longer duration of the procedure and are associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications.

Subjective outcome after laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair for intrathoracic stomach.

PURPOSE: For decades, an intrathoracic stomach (ITS) has been a definite indication for surgery due to the perceived risk of an acute volvulus with perforation, gangrene, or hemorrhage. At the present time, elective laparoscopic repair is the first choice for treatment of ITS. There is a lack of evidence in the long-term quality of life after a hiatal hernia repair for an intrathoracic stomach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients undergoing a hiatal hernia repair for an intrathoracic stomach between January 2004 and January 2015. Additionally, to a hiatal closure, the patients received an antireflux procedure. Outcome measures included patient characteristics, operative details, complications, and postoperative morbidity and mortality. All patients were sent a quality of life questionnaire to assess long-term quality of life and patient satisfaction. A higher quality of life score represents a better quality of life. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients underwent laparoscopic repair for ITS, from which, one patient died during surgery. Eighty-five patients were contacted and 81 completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 95.3 %. At a median follow-up of 2.7 years (range 0.1-9.6), the mean quality of life score was 13.5 (standard deviation 2.8). The mean overall satisfaction was 8.4. There were four recurrences: three in the first 12 days after surgery and one in 2.4 years. CONCLUSIONS: Very good results in patient satisfaction and symptom reduction were achieved after a median follow-up of 2.7 years in this laparoscopic repair of the intrathoracic stomach single center experience study. The symptomatic recurrence rate was very low.

Peritoneal cancer patients not suitable for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC during explorative surgery: risk factors, treatment options, and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is currently the only curative option for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of colorectal origin. Despite meticulous preoperative assessment, CRS and HIPEC appear to be impossible in a subset of patients at the time of surgery. This study investigated which clinical factors may identify these patients before surgery and reported on factors influencing survival. METHODS: All patients with PC of colorectal origin between April 2005 and November 2013 who underwent exploratory surgery to determine whether cytoreduction and HIPEC was feasible were included in this study. Details concerning preoperative patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes, treatment and survival were compared. RESULTS: In total, 350 patients with PC were referred to evaluate the possibility of CRS + HIPEC of which 268 (76.6 %) underwent CRS and HIPEC and 82 (23.4 %) had an open-close procedure. The main reason for discontinuing surgery was widespread peritoneal disease (50 %). A preoperative ostomy and an ASA score of 3 were associated with an increased risk for "open and close" (O&C). Median survival was 11.2 months in patients treated with palliative chemotherapy (75 %) compared with 2.7 months with palliative care only. CONCLUSIONS: CRS and HIPEC were deemed unsuitable in almost a quarter of all patients undergoing surgery. No strong clinical predictors for O&C were found, stressing the need for better preoperative imaging modalities. Survival in these patients is limited, but the majority could be treated with palliative chemotherapy resulting in survival of almost 1 year.

Poor outcome after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis with signet ring cell histology.

BACKGROUND: Signet ring cell cancer (SRCC) patients have a poor oncologic outcome. The aim of this study was to determine whether the potential drawbacks of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) outweigh the benefits in patients with peritoneally metastasized SRCC. METHODS: Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin referred to two tertiary centers between April 2005 and December 2013 were identified and retrospectively analyzed. Data were compared between SRCC histology and other differentiations. RESULTS: Three-hundred-fifty-one patients were referred for CRS+HIPEC among which 20 (5.7%) patients were identified with SRCC histology. CRS + HIPEC was performed in 16 of these 20 (80%) and 252 out of the 331 remaining patients (76.1%). A higher proportion of patients in the SRCC-group were diagnosed with N2 stage (62.5% vs. 36.1%, P=0.04). A macroscopic complete resection was achieved in 87.5% and 97.2% respectively (P=0.04). Median survival was 14.1 months compared to 35.1 months (P<0.01). Recurrence occurred in 68.8% of the SRCC patients and in 43.7% of the other histology patients (P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with SRCC and PC treated with CRS+HIPEC have a poor median survival only slightly reaching over 1 year. In the presence of other relative contraindications, SRCC histology should refrain a surgeon from performing CRS and HIPEC.

Beneficial Effects of Pre-operative Exercise Therapy in Patients with an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: The impact of post-operative complications in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery is substantial, and increases with age and concomitant co-morbidities. This systematic review focuses on the possible effects of pre-operative exercise therapy (PET) in patients with AAA on post-operative complications,aerobic capacity, physical fitness, and recovery. METHODS: A systematic search on PET prior to AAA surgery was conducted. The methodological quality of the included studies was rated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. The agreement between the reviewers was assessed with Cohen's kappa. RESULTS: Five studies were included, with a methodological quality ranging from moderate to good. Cohen's kappa was 0.79. Three studies focused on patients with an AAA (without indication for surgical repair) with physical fitness as the outcome measure. One study focused on PET in patients awaiting AAA surgery and one study focused on the effects of PET on post-operative complications, length of stay, and recovery. CONCLUSION: PET has beneficial effects on various physical fitness variables of patients with an AAA. Whether this leads to less complications or faster recovery remains unclear. In view of the large impact of post-operative complications, it is valuable to explore the possible benefits of a PET program in AAA surgery.

Outcome of sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure.

BACKGROUND: Sleeve gastrectomy is being performed increasingly in Europe. Data on long-term outcome would be helpful in defining the role of sleeve gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of sleeve gastrectomy as a primary bariatric procedure. METHODS: Medical charts of all patients who underwent a primary sleeve gastrectomy at the authors' institution between August 2006 and December 2012 were reviewed retrospectively using a prospective online data registry. For evolution of weight loss and co-morbidity, only patients with follow-up of at least 1 year were included. A subgroup analysis was done to compare patients with an intended stand-alone procedure and those with an intended two-stage procedure. RESULTS: A total of 1041 primary sleeve gastrectomies were performed in the study period. Median duration of surgery was 47 min, and median hospital stay was 2 days. Intra-abdominal bleeding occurred in 27 patients (2·6 per cent) and staple-line leakage in 24 (2.3 per cent). Some 866 patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Mean excess weight loss was 68.4 per cent after 1 year (P < 0.001) and 67.4 per cent after 2 years. Smaller groups of patients achieved a mean excess weight loss of 69.3 per cent (163 patients), 70.5 per cent (62) and 58.3 per cent (19) after 3, 4 and 5 years respectively. No difference in postoperative complications was found between the subgroups. Seventy-one (8.2 per cent) of 866 patients had a revision of the sleeve gastrectomy; reflux or dysphagia was the indication in 34 (48 per cent) of these patients. CONCLUSION: Sleeve gastrectomy is a safe and effective bariatric procedure. Maximum weight loss was achieved after 4 years. Long-term results regarding weight loss and co-morbidities were satisfactory.

Significant increase of emergency hernia operation during COVID.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, elective surgeries including hernia repairs, were postponed, or cancelled completely. However, it has been stated previously that the volume of surgical emergency hernia repairs did not drop during this period. Due to the disruption in elective surgeries, waiting lists have increased rapidly, causing a suspected treatment delay. To gain improved insight in preoperative patient prioritization, the aim of this multicenter study was to track volumes of hernia surgery before, during and after the pandemic to investigate for a shift from elective towards emergency hernia surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study using hernia databases from four regional hospitals to account for altered referral patterns (elective versus emergent), capturing patients' admissions and surgery times for both groin and ventral hernia repair was conducted. Study period was predefined from March 2019 to March 2023. Data are presented as descriptive statistics. RESULTS: During the historic period, 106 of 2267 hernia surgeries (4.7%) performed were defined as emergency repairs. During the pandemic, 3864 elective surgeries were executed, of which 213(5.5%) emergencies. During the current period, the portion of emergencies dropped to 4.9% (110 emergency hernia repairs); (p = 0.039). A non-significant increase in emergent incisional hernia repair during the pandemic period was found chronologically 9.9%, 11.8% and 11.6% emergent repairs(p = 0.75). There were no statistically significant differences across the hernia types in elective versus urgent rate. RESULTS: During the historic period, 106 of 2267 hernia surgeries (4.7%) performed were defined as emergency repairs. During the pandemic, 3864 elective surgeries were executed, of which 213(5.5%) emergencies. During the current period, the portion of emergencies dropped to 4.9% (110 emergency hernia repairs); (p = 0.039). A non-significant increase in emergent incisional hernia repair during the pandemic period was found chronologically 9.9%, 11.8% and 11.6% emergent repairs(p = 0.75). There were no statistically significant differences across the hernia types in elective versus urgent rate. DISCUSSION: Regionwide data showed a 15% decline in hernia repairs during the pandemic compared to historical levels, with an 0.8% increase in emergent repairs. Surgery rates are still convalescent after the pandemic, with a persistent proportion of emergent surgeries. These numbers emphasize the challenges in selecting patient whose hernia repair should not be postponed.

Prevention of component separation in complex abdominal wall surgery by Botox prehabilitation: a propensity-matched study.

AIM: To facilitate midline fascial closure in complex abdominal wall surgery, component separation techniques (CST) are usually required. However, CST is associated with an enlarged morbidity. Prehabilitation could increase the compliance of the abdominal wall and thereby decrease the necessity of myofascial release. This can be accomplished by administration of botulinum toxin type A (BTA) in the lateral abdominal wall musculature. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BTA on the subsequent necessity to perform CST in patients with complex abdominal wall hernias. METHODS: Patients with a complex abdominal wall hernia, planned to undergo CST between July 2020 and November 2022 were included. Outcome of procedures with 300U of BTA 4 (2-6) weeks prior to surgery, were retrospectively analyzed by comparison with propensity matched subjects of an historical group. Hernia width difference was assessed by CT and operative details were included. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients with a median hernia width of 12 cm (IQR 9-14, range 24) were prehabilitated with BTA between July 2020 and November 2022. A CST was planned for all, however not required in 6/13 patients (46%) to accomplish midline fascial closure. A mean elongation of lateral abdominal wall musculature of 4.01 cm was seen in patients not requiring CST. Compared to the propensity score matched control group, a 27% reduction (p = 0.08) in the need for CST was observed. CONCLUSION: There is a tendency for decrease of necessity for CST by preoperatively administered BTA in patients with complex abdominal wall defects. Although small, as this study used propensity matched comparison, further exploration of BTA should be encouraged.

Early experience with laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic lavage has recently emerged as a promising alternative to sigmoid resection in the treatment of perforated diverticulitis. This study examined an early experience with this technique. METHODS: The files of all patients with complicated diverticulitis were searched in 34 teaching hospitals of the Netherlands. Patients with perforated diverticulitis treated with laparoscopic lavage between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2010 were included. RESULTS: Treatment with laparoscopic lavage was performed in only 38 patients in ten hospitals. Lavage was successful in controlling sepsis in 31 of the 38 included patients, with 32 per cent morbidity (10 of 31 patients) and fast recovery. Overall, 17 of 38 patients developed complications, of whom two had a missed overt sigmoid perforation. Two patients died from multiple organ failure and one from aspiration pneumonia; one other patient died after palliative management of inoperable lung carcinoma. Three patients in whom lavage was successful underwent subsequent sigmoid resection for recurrent diverticulitis. Patients in whom lavage was unsuccessful tended to have more co-morbidities, a higher preoperative C-reactive protein concentration and a higher Mannheim Peritonitis Index. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis was feasible in the majority of patients, but identification of an overt sigmoid perforation and patient selection are of critical importance.

Intraoperative radiotherapy and cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Five consecutive case reports of locally advanced rectal cancer with synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis.

PURPOSE: Treatment of rectal cancer has markedly improved since the introduction of neoadjuvant strategies and better surgical techniques. However, treatment remains troublesome for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) or with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). Patients presenting with LARC may now benefit from the integration of intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) into multimodality treatment. Selected patients with PC now undergo cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) resulting in improved survival. Some patients present with locally advanced disease and synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis and fulfill the eligibility criteria for both HIPEC and IORT, raising the question whether the combined application of both modalities within one operative procedure is feasible. CASE SERIES: This report includes five consecutive cases of rectal cancer patients presenting with LARC and synchronous PC who were treated with a multimodality treatment including IORT and HIPEC after cytoreductive surgery. Postoperative complications and survival are described. RESULTS: The combination of cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC and IORT appeared to be feasible and well tolerated. The observed complications did not differ from the morbidity associated with extensive pelvic surgery without HIPEC or IORT. No inhospital mortality occurred. One patient died after 11 months of recurrent disease. All other patients are currently alive with one patient already surviving 38 months. CONCLUSION: The current case series shows that a multimodality treatment containing IORT and HIPEC is feasible and safe with promising survival rates. This strategy may, therefore, be considered in selected rectal cancer patients presenting with both LARC and synchronous PC.

Sleeve gastrectomy in older obese patients.

BACKGROUND: With global aging, obesity will increasingly affect the older population with higher risks of morbidity and mortality, yet full consensus has been obtained for the role of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in the older obese. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of SG in the older obese. SETTING: Bariatric department, large teaching hospital, The Netherlands. METHODS: Between August 2006 and December 2011, 135 patients aged 55 years or older underwent SG. Outcomes in terms of perioperative complications, weight loss, remission of comorbidities, and revision were extracted from our prospectively held database. A subanalysis was done comparing three age groups: 55-59 years, 60-64 years, and 65 years and older. RESULTS: During mean follow-up of 14.6 months, short-term mortality was 0 %. The 30-day complication rate was 11.1 %, without significant differences between age groups. Late complications occurred in 4.4 %. In 14 patients, revisions were performed because of development of reflux disease or dysphagia. Significant reduction of comorbidities was found in all age groups, except for sleep apnea. Among the total cohort, excellent weight loss was achieved during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as a primary treatment modality for the older morbidly obese is an effective and relatively safe procedure in terms of weight loss and remission of comorbidities with an acceptable low complication rate.

Telemonitoring for perioperative care of outpatient bariatric surgery: Preference-based randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Implementation of bariatric surgery on an outpatient basis is hampered by concerns about timely detection of postoperative complications. Telemonitoring could enhance detection and support transition to an outpatient recovery pathway. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate non-inferiority and feasibility of an outpatient recovery pathway after bariatric surgery, supported by remote monitoring compared to standard care. DESIGN: Preference-based non-inferiority randomized trial. SETTING: Center for obesity and metabolic surgery, Catharina hospital Eindhoven, the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients scheduled for primary gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Same-day discharge with one week ongoing Remote Monitoring (RM) of vital parameters or Standard Care (SC) with discharge on postoperative day one. MAIN OUTCOMES: Primary outcome was a thirty-day composite Textbook Outcome score encompassing mortality, mild and severe complications, readmission and prolonged length-of-stay. Non-inferiority of same-day discharge and remote monitoring was accepted below the selected margin of 7% upper limit of confidence interval. Secondary outcomes included admission duration, post-discharge opioid use and patients' satisfaction. RESULTS: Textbook Outcome was achieved in 94% (n = 102) in RM versus 98% (n = 100) in SC (RR 2.9; 95% CI, 0.60-14.23, p = 0.22). The non-inferiority margin was exceeded which is a statistically inconclusive result. Both Textbook Outcome measures were above Dutch average (5% RM and 9% SC). Same-day discharge reduced hospitalization days by 61% (p<0.001) and by 58% with re-admission days included (p<0.001). Post-discharge opioid use and satisfaction scores were equal (p = 0.82 and p = 0.86). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, outpatient bariatric surgery supported with telemonitoring is clinically comparable to standard overnight bariatrics in terms of textbook-outcome. Both approaches reached primary endpoint results above Dutch average. However, statistically the outpatient surgery protocol was neither inferior, nor non-inferior to the standard pathway. Additionally, offering same-day discharge reduces the total hospitalization days while maintaining patient satisfaction and safety.