The persisting presacral sinus after anastomotic leakage following anterior resection or restorative proctocolectomy.

AIM: Despite improvements in anastomotic technique, anastomotic leakage is frequently encountered following anterior resection. This can eventually evolve into a presacral sinus. This study assessed the incidence, the natural course and the outcome of persisting presacral sinus. METHOD: Patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) for cancer or restorative proctocolectomy (RPC) for ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis were eligible. Patients with anastomotic leakage or a presacral abscess were included. Outcome parameters included a persistent presacral sinus, or its closure and average time to closure and the stoma closure rate. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were identified with a sinus after LAR (n = 20) or RPC (n = 5). A persistent sinus was present in nine (1%) of 834 patients after LAR and two (0.9%) of 229 patients after RPC. Definitive resolution of the sinus occurred in 12 (52%) of 23 assessable patients. This was achieved at a median of 340 days (range 23-731 days). At final follow-up, nine of the 23 patients had permanent faecal diversion because of recurrent abscess or persistent sinus formation, seven after LAR and two after RPC. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients with anastomotic leakage after rectal surgery develop a chronic sinus, of which only half heal over time. Persisting sinus is the main reason for a permanent stoma.

Intestinal barrier function in patients undergoing colectomy.

AIM: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the type of approach (open or laparoscopic) and the order of devascularization during laparoscopic colectomy affect intestinal barrier function, local inflammatory response and clinical outcome. METHOD: Twenty-two patients undergoing elective colectomy from April 2006 to July 2008 were randomized to two sequences of vascular ligation, starting with either the inferior mesenteric artery or the ileocolic artery. Eighteen patients scheduled for open surgery served as a prospective control group. To assess the intestinal barrier function, release of intestinal fatty-acid binding protein (I-FABP; a marker of mucosal injury and ischaemia) was measured pre- and postoperatively. Mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested to assess the expression of inflammatory mediator-related genes using multiplex ligation probe amplification. The study was registered under NTR1025. RESULTS: Laparoscopic devascularization starting at the ileocolic artery resulted in a significantly increased excretion of I-FABP over time (P = 0.002). In this group, the I-FABP levels were significantly increased on postoperative days 1 and 3 compared with preoperative values (P = 0.011 and P = 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in expression of inflammatory mediator-related genes or postoperative morbidity among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study, devascularization commencing at the ileocolic artery during laparoscopic colectomy was associated with prolonged intestinal mucosal ischaemia.

Long-term outcomes following laparoscopically assisted versus open ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Long-term results of laparoscopically assisted versus open ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease were evaluated in a randomized trial. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent ileocolic resection between 1999 and 2003 were followed prospectively. Primary outcomes were reoperation, readmission and repeat resection rates for recurrent Crohn's disease. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QOL), body image and cosmesis. RESULTS: Five patients were lost to follow-up. Median follow-up was 6.7 (interquartile range 5.7-7.9) years. Sixteen of 29 and 16 of 26 patients remained relapse free after ileocolic resection in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively (risk difference 6 (95 per cent confidence interval - 20 to 32) per cent). Resection of recurrent Crohn's disease was necessary in two of 29 versus three of 26 patients (risk difference 5 (-11 to 20) per cent). Overall reoperation rates for recurrent Crohn's disease, incisional hernia and adhesion-related problems were two of 29 versus six of 26 (risk difference 16 (-3 to 35) per cent). QOL was similar, whereas body image and cosmesis scores were significantly higher after laparoscopy (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopically assisted ileocolic resection results in better body image and cosmesis, whereas open surgery is more likely to produce incisional hernia and obstruction.

Histological identification of epithelium in perianal fistulae: a prospective study.

AIM: A procedure often performed following fistulotomy and advancement flap is curettage of the fistula tract after fistulotomy or after closing the internal opening. Epithelialization of the fistula tract might prevent closure of the fistula tract. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and origin of epithelialization of the fistula tract in patients with perianal fistulae undergoing fistulotomy. METHOD: Only patients with low perianal fistulae that were surgically treated by fistulotomy were included. Surgical biopsies were taken from the fistula tract from three different locations; on the proximal side at the internal opening, in the middle of the fistula tract and near the distal end close to the external opening. RESULTS: In the study period, 18 patients with low perianal fistulae were included. In 15 of the 18 patients, squamous epithelium was found at least in one of the biopsies taken from the fistula tract. Epithelium was predominantly found near the internal opening. There was no relation between the duration of fistula complaints and the amount of epithelialization (P = 0.301). The amount of epithelium was not related to the presence of a history of fistula surgery (P = 1.000). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated epithelialization in the fistula tract in the majority of the patients surgically treated by fistulotomy for low perianal fistulae. Curettage of perianal fistulae must therefore be considered an essential step in the surgical treatment of perianal fistula.

Outcome of surgical treatment for fistula in ano in Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence rates and long-term functional outcome after surgical treatment of anal fistula in Crohn's disease were assessed. METHODS: A consecutive series of patients was treated for Crohn's fistula in ano; those without proctitis or active sepsis underwent surgery. Sex, seton usage, infliximab, previous fistula surgery, history of segmental resection and smoking were examined as risk factors for recurrence. Continence was assessed by Vaizey scale and a colorectal Functional outcome questionnaire. Results were compared with institutional data for cryptoglandular fistulas. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included, with a median follow-up of 79 (range 13-140) months. Twenty-four patients were treated with a seton, 28 by fistulotomy and nine by mucosal advancement. For low fistulas, fistulotomy was used more frequently than the seton, whereas seton drainage was used for most higher fistulas. Recurrence occurred in five of 28 and five of nine patients after fistulotomy and advancement respectively. Soiling was reported by half of the patients treated by seton versus two-thirds and three-quarters of those treated by fistulotomy and advancement respectively. Functional outcomes were worse for all patient groups than for cryptoglandular fistulas. No risk factor was significant. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcome for high or complex Crohn's fistula in ano remains disappointing, and recurrence is unpredictable.

The Dutch multicenter experience of the endo-sponge treatment for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is a feared complication following colorectal surgery and is associated with early and long-term morbidity and mortality. The presacral cavity as the result of leakage can be treated with an endo-sponge (B-Braun Medical). The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of endo-sponge treatment of the presacral cavity as the result of anastomotic leakage in the Netherlands. METHODS: Between July 2006 and April 2008, 16 patients (M/F = 9:7) with median age 64 years (range 19-78 years) who underwent surgery for rectal cancer (n = 13) or ulcerative colitis (n = 3) were treated with the endo-sponge treatment after anastomotic leakage. RESULTS: Of the 16 patients, eight patients started with the endo-sponge treatment within 6 weeks after the initial surgery. In these patients the endo-sponge was placed after a median of 24 days (range 13-39 days) following surgery. In the remaining eight patients the endo-sponge treatment was started later than 6 weeks after the initial surgery. In this group there was a median of 74 days (range 43-1,602 days) between surgery and the start of endo-sponge placement. There was closure in six out of eight patients (75%) in the group that started with the endo-sponge treatment within 6 weeks of surgery compared with three out of eight patients (38%) in the group that started later (p = 0.315). Closure was achieved in a median of 40 (range 28-90) days with a median number of 13 sponge replacements (range 8-17). CONCLUSIONS: Endo-sponge placement can be helpful in the treatment for anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery and might prevent a chronic presacral sinus. However, it is not yet clear if this new treatment modality results in quicker healing.

Staple line failure using the Proximate 100 mm linear cutter.

PURPOSE: An incomplete linear staple line that was discovered during the stapling of an ileal pouch alerted us to evaluate potential usage concerns with linear cutters. This study was designed to assess the integrity of the staple line of three different sizes of linear staplers. METHODS: In an animal model three different lengths of linear cutters (Proximate, Ethicon Endo-Surgery) were used to cross-staple and transect the large bowel of one pig to check for the integrity of the proximal end of the staple line. RESULTS: Cross-stapling and transecting across the pig's large bowel demonstrated that if the tissue is advanced up to the highest number on the scale of the 100 mm stapling device, insufficient overlap between the proximal end of the staple line and the proximal end of the cut line occur. CONCLUSIONS: Although a more than 100 mm staple line is delivered, the 100 mm cutter may not produce a double-staggered row of staples at the most proximal end of the staple line if the tissue is advanced past the 9.5 cm mark. Ethicon Endo-Surgery has agreed to add indicator markers to the scale label on the instrument to provide the user with additional guidance for tissue placement.

Endo-sponge treatment of anastomotic leakage after ileo-anal pouch anastomosis: report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: The endo-sponge was used in two patients in the treatment of anastomotic leakage following ileo-anal J-pouch reconstruction. Recently, local vacuum sponge treatment has shown to be effective to treat contained anastomotic leakage after low anterior anastomosis in rectal cancer patients. METHOD: Two patients (male, 18 years; female, 40 years) who underwent restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis developed localized anastomotic leakage without general peritonitis. This was endoscopically managed by transanal placement of an endo-sponge (B. Braun Medical B.V., Melsungen, Germany) after a diverting ileostomy was performed. RESULTS: The sponge was frequently replaced until resolution of the sinus was achieved in 35 and 56 days. CONCLUSION: Vacuum endo-sponge treatment can help anastomotic leakage after ileo-anal pouch surgery.

[Perianal fistulas: developments in the classification and diagnostic techniques, and a new treatment strategy]. / Perianale fistels: veranderde inzichten met betreklking tot classificatie en diagnostiek, en een nieuwe behandelstrategie.

The aim of surgical treatment of perianal fistulas is to treat the patient's symptoms, with low recurrence rates and risk of incontinence. In recent years there have been developments regarding the classification and diagnosis ofperianal fistulas. MRI is the most appropriate diagnostic tool. In the hands of an experienced operator anal endosonography is a suitable, less expensive and readily-available alternative. As a result of developments in fistula surgery it is now more practical to classify perianal fistulas as low or high fistulas, as this has implications for the further treatment. Low perianal fistulas are defined as fistulas of which the fistula tract is located in the lower third of the external anal sphincter. High fistulas are fistulas in which the fistula tract runs through the upper two-thirds of the external sphincter muscle. Low perianal fistulas can be treated safely by fistulotomy. At present, rectal advancement is the gold standard for the surgical treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistulas. The anal fistula plug might be an alternative for the treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistulas.

Laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefits of a laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2006, ten patients who had laparoscopic colorectal resection and later developed anastomotic leakage had a laparoscopic reintervention. A second group included 15 patients who had relaparotomy after primary open surgery. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The median time from first operation to reintervention was 6 days in both groups. There were no conversions. The intensive care stay was shorter in the laparoscopic group (1 versus 3 days; P = 0.002). Resumption of a normal diet (median 3 versus 6 days; P = 0.031) and first stoma output (2 versus 3 days; P = 0.041) occurred earlier in the laparoscopic group. The postoperative 30-day morbidity rate was lower (four of ten patients versus 12 of 15; P = 0.087) and hospital stay was shorter (median 9 versus 13 days; P = 0.058) in the laparoscopic group. No patient developed incisional hernia in the laparoscopic group compared with five of 15 in the open group (P = 0.061). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that laparoscopic reintervention for anastomotic leakage after primary laparoscopic surgery is associated with less morbidity, faster recovery and fewer abdominal wall complications than relaparotomy.

Body image, cosmesis, quality of life, and functional outcome of hand-assisted laparoscopic versus open restorative proctocolectomy: long-term results of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare quality of life (QOL), functional outcome, body image, and cosmesis after hand-assisted laparoscopic (LRP) versus open restorative proctocolectomy (ORP). The potential long-term advantages of LRP over ORP remain to be determined. The most likely advantage of LRP is the superior cosmetic result. It is, however, unclear whether the size and location of incisions affect body image and QOL. METHODS: In a previously conducted randomized trial comparing LRP with ORP, 60 patients were prospectively evaluated. The primary end points were body image and cosmesis. The secondary end points were morbidity, QOL, and functional outcome. A body image questionnaire was used to evaluate body image and cosmesis. The Short Form-36 Health Survey and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Inventory were used to assess QOL. Body image and QOL also were assessed preoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients completed the QOL and functional outcome questionnaires. There were no differences in functional outcome, morbidity, or QOL between LRP and ORP. At a median of 2.7 years after surgery, 46 patients returned the questionnaires regarding body image, cosmesis, and morbidity. The body image and cosmesis scores of female patients were significantly higher in the LRP group than in the ORP group (body image, 17.4 vs 14.9; cosmesis, 19.1 vs 13.0, respectively). The female patients in the ORP group had significantly lower body image scores than the male patients (14.9 vs 18.3). CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to show that ORP has a negative impact on body image and cosmesis as compared with LRP. Functional outcome, QOL, and morbidity are similar for the two approaches. The advantages of a long-lasting improved body image and cosmesis for this relatively young patient population may compensate for the longer operating times and higher costs, particularly for women.

Chemokine receptor CXCR3 expression in inflammatory bowel disease.

CD4+ T lymphocytes in the lamina propria (LP) of the gut play a central role in the immune response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CXCR3 is a chemokine receptor expressed on activated T lymphocytes, and a key component for the recruitment of T helper (Th1) effector cells to the site of inflammation. To determine if CXCR3 is involved in localization of T cells to the gut in IBD patients, we investigated the expression of CXCR3 on CD4+ T lymphocytes in the LP and in the submucosa of resection specimens from 51 IBD patients and 15 control patients. Positive cells were microscopically scored using a semiquantitative analysis on a five-point scale. We found that CD4+ T cells, CXCR3+ cells, and CD4+CXCR3+ T cells in the LP were slightly increased in both IBD groups compared with control non-IBD specimens. In addition, CD4+ and CXCR3+ cells in the submucosa were significant increased in the CD group compared with the control group. CD4+ and CXCR3+ expression was not statistically different between CD and UC. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentage of CXCR3+ cells within the CD4+ T-cell population isolated from biopsy specimens and peripheral blood from IBD patients and control patients. There was no difference in the percentage of CD4+CXCR3+ cells between the different groups in the gut as well as in the circulation. These results suggest that CD4+CXCR3+ T cells migrate to the normal and inflamed intestinal mucosa, indicating a role in maintaining normal gut homeostasis. The selective expression of CXCR3+ cells in the submucosa of CD patients might also indicate that these cells play a role in inflammation.

Delayed postoperative emptying after esophageal resection is dependent on the size of the gastric substitute.

BACKGROUND: Delayed emptying of the gastric substitute is a common problem after resection and reconstruction of the esophagus. The occurrence of postoperative delayed gastric emptying in patients undergoing resection and reconstruction of the esophagus was studied with regard to the type and size of gastric substitute and the execution of a pyloroplasty. STUDY DESIGN: From 1983 to 1994, one hundred fifty-five patients underwent resection of the esophagus, with a hospital mortality rate of 7 percent. The inability to resume a diet of solid food within one week after a normal esophagography was defined as delayed gastric emptying. One hundred forty patients were studied; group 1, substitution with whole stomach with (1a, n = 9) and without (1b, n = 31) pyloroplasty; group 2, substitution with distal two-thirds stomach with (2a, n = 20) or without (2b, n = 45) pyloroplasty; and group 3, tubulized stomach without pyloroplasty (n = 35). RESULTS: Delayed gastric emptying was seen in 38 percent (15 of 40) of patients in group 1 (1a, 44 percent; 1b, 37 percent), in 14 percent (nine of 65) of patients in group 2 (1a, 10 percent; 2b, 15 percent), and in 3 percent (one of 35) of patients in group 3. The differences between patients in group 1 and group 2, and between patients in group 1 and group 3 were significantly different (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The type of gastric remnant used for reconstruction is an important determinant of postoperative gastric emptying. Pyloroplasty does not prevent delayed gastric emptying after esophageal substitution.

Correlation between early recurrence and reoperation after ileocolonic resection in Crohn's disease: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: The medical and surgical treatment of patients with Crohn's disease is directed at reducing symptoms and postponing recurrence. In the determination of high-risk groups for surgical recurrence after ileocolonic resection, the role of early endoscopic evaluation is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: We investigated the relationship between early recurrence detected endoscopically and recurrence detected by operation in a prospective study of 60 patients, who underwent ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease. RESULTS: Recurrence detected endoscopically was found in 44 patients (73 percent) according to definition I (presence of any lesion detected endoscopically that was compatible with Crohn's disease) and in 21 patients (35 percent) according to definition II (five or more aphthous lesions present in the neoterminal ileum or at the anastomotic site, or 25 percent or more of the intestinal circumference inflamed). Recurrence detected surgically was found in 14 patients (23 percent). No correlation between early recurrence detected endoscopically and recurrence detected surgically was evident. CONCLUSIONS: Early recurrence detected endoscopically did not predict recurrence detected surgically.

Cumulative risk of developing polyps or malignancy at the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Restorative proctocolectomy with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is performed in an increasing number of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Two techniques are currently used to construct an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: (1) a double-stapled anastomosis between the pouch and the anal canal and (2) mucosectomy with a hand-sewn ileoanal anastomosis at the dentate line. Although this procedure is thought to abolish the risk of colorectal adenoma, an increasing number of case reports have been published concerning the development of adenoma at the anastomotic site. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall cumulative risk of developing adenomatous polyps after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and to compare the cumulative risk after either anastomotic technique. A total of 126 consecutive FAP patients undergoing a restorative proctocolectomy were identified from polyposis registries in The Netherlands, Denmark, Italy, Germany, and New York. Life-table analysis was used to calculate the cumulative risk of developing polyps in 97 patients with at least 1 year of endoscopic follow-up (median 66 months, range 12 to 188 months). A double-stapled anastomosis was used in 35 patients, whereas in 62 patients a hand-sewn anastomosis with a mucosectomy was performed. In 13 patients polyps developed at the anastomotic site, four with severe and four with moderate dysplasia. None of the patients developed a carcinoma at the anastomotic site. The cumulative risk of developing a polyp at the anastomotic site was 8% (95% confidence interval 2% to 14%) at 3.5 years and 18% (95% confidence interval 8% to 28%) at 7 years, respectively. The risk of developing a polyp at the anastomotic site within 7 years was 31% for patients with a double-stapled vs. 10% for patients with a hand-sewn anastomosis with mucosectomy (P = 0.03 [log-rank test]). Because FAP patients undergoing a restorative proctocolectomy with either a double-stapled or hand-sewn anastomosis have a substantial risk of developing adenomatous polyps at the anastomotic site, lifelong endoscopic surveillance is mandatory in both groups.

Dermal angiosarcoma of the breast: a complication of primary radiotherapy?

A 70-year-old female developed recurrent disease following radiotherapy for primary inoperable breast cancer 5.5 years previously. Salvage mastectomy was performed. Pathology revealed recurrent breast cancer, along with a second primary malignancy, a dermal angiosarcoma. Radical excision of recurrent angiosarcoma failed. Irradiation combined with hyperthermia showed good palliation. The angiosarcoma's possible relation to the initial radiotherapy is discussed.

Leiomyosarcoma of large and small veins: clinical findings and results of treatment in six patients.

Vascular leiomyosarcomas are rare malignant tumours originating from the media of the vessel wall. Six patients (five women and one man, aged 44-66 years) have been treated for a vascular leiomyosarcoma located in the inferior vena cava (three patients), the suprarenal, the external iliac and an antecubital vein. In four patients, the tumour was large and extended beyond the vessel wall giving rise to a retroperitoneal mass. In two patients the tumour was confined to the inner wall of respectively a large and small vein, occluding the lumen; the former was in the inferior vena cava and the latter in an antecubital vein. Block resection was performed in all patients. The tumours showed mitotic indices ranging from 6-32 mitoses/10 high power fields. The five patients with retroperitoneal tumours received additional radiotherapy varying from 50.00-70.00 Gy, on the basis of either macroscopic residual tumour or indefinite radicality. One of these five patients developed distant metastases within 2.5 years without local recurrence, the other four had no evidence of recurrence at follow-up, 3-7 years (mean 4.2 years) after surgery. The results illustrate the role of adjuvant radiotherapy in the control of local recurrence, when resection in this type of tumour proves to be either non-radical or totally radical.

Intestinal obstruction in patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

A retrospective analysis of the management of intestinal obstruction in 31 patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma is described. Between 1981 and 1992 31 patients developed intestinal obstruction after their initial treatment. Nineteen patients underwent surgery, while the remaining 12 were treated conservatively. Careful evaluation with contrast studies of both the small intestine and colon is recommended to improve the prediction of site(s) of obstruction, and may reduce the number of unsuccessful operative procedures. Fifteen of the surgically treated patients survived for a period of 60 days or more. The majority, 13, were discharged to their homes after an average hospital stay of 24 days. Major postoperative complications occurred in three of the 19 patients. There was no surgical-related mortality. Two patients died within 30 days postoperatively (urosepsis and advanced tumor). While the median survival in the 19 surgical treated patients was 109 days (range 15-775), the conservatively treated 12 patients survived for a mean of 37 days (range 6-260). Surgical management of intestinal obstruction in selected cases is feasible and improves quality of life substantially.

Long-term follow-up after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis in familial adenomatous polyposis coli. Is there still a place for the procedure?

Forty-four patients with familial adenomatous polyposis coli treated with colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis were studied. Mean age at operation was 27 years. The mean follow-up period was 10 years (median 8 years). Three patients (7%) developed rectal cancer 1, 4, and 24 years after the initial operation, respectively. Proctectomy with ileostomy was performed in one patient, and 7 patients underwent a conversion to an ileoanal procedure for an increasing number of rectal polyps in the rectum stump. Although frequent bowel actions and episodes of diarrhea were common findings in patients after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, almost all patients (96%) were more or less satisfied with their quality of life after the procedure. On the basis of our results and the results reported in the literature, colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is still the operation of choice in selected patients with familial adenomatous polyposis coli. An initial ileal pouch - anal anastomosis, or a conversion to such a procedure after colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis is indicated, depending on the number and size of rectal polyps.

[Ileo-anal anastomosis with ileum reservoir]. / De ileo-anale anastomose met ileumreservoir.

Ileo-anal anastomosis with an ileal pouch is a reasonable alternative for patients with ulcerative colitis and adenomatous polyposis coli. The type of the reservoir, the length of the rectal cuff and the level of the anastomosis are still topics of discussion. This operation was performed in 41 patients. A modified J-reservoir (B-reservoir) was constructed in 34 patients in an attempt to improve the function of the neorectum. Twenty patients underwent inter-sphincteric freeing of the rectum and subsequent resection without leaving a rectal cuff. Although this procedure is associated with a considerable morbidity, the ultimate result is satisfactory.