Ileocecal valve-preservation ileocecostomy (IVPI) in infants with extremely short distal ileum after primary stoma.

PURPOSE: Preserving the ileocecal valve (ICV) has shown significant benefits. We present our experience with 18 infants who underwent ileocecal valve-preservation ileocecostomy (IVPI) with an extremely short distal ileum after primary ileostomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on IVPI cases between 2014 and 2020. Medical records were reviewed, including birth weight, age, primary diseases, length of ileus stump, surgical time and procedure, time to enteral feeding, postoperative hospital stay, and complications. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (male: female = 12:6, median birth weight 1305 (750-4000) g, median gestational age 29 + 5 (27 + 6-39 + 6) weeks) were included in the analysis. Causes of surgery included necrotizing enterocolitis (13), ileocecal intestinal atresia (1), ileum volvulus (2), meconium peritonitis (1), and secondary intestinal fistula (1). The median corrected age of ileostomy closure was 3.2 months (2.0-8.0 months). The distance from the distal ileal stoma to the ICV ranged from 0.5 to 2 cm. The median length of the residual bowel was 90 cm (50-130 cm). ICV-plasty was performed in 3 cases due to secondary ICV occlusion or stenosis. All patients resumed feeding within 6 to 11 days after surgery. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 12 to 108 days (median: 16.5 days). Complications included incisional infections in 2 cases, anastomotic stricture and adhesive ileus in 1 case, nosocomial sepsis and septic shock in 1 case. All children showed normal growth and development during a 6-65 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: IVPI is safe and feasible for infants with an extremely short distal ileal stump. ICV-plasty could be applicable for cases with ileocecal occlusion/stenosis.

Giant Lipoma of the Bauhin's Valve.

Lipomas are benign tumors that can affect the digestive tract, everywhere from the hypopharynx to the rectum. Lipomas affecting the large intestine are the second most common benign tumor, after colon adenoma. We present the case of a 46-year-old patient who was initially hospitalized in the Gastroenterology Clinic with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding. The colonoscopy raised the suspicion of a malignant tumor of the transverse colon, but the computed tomography scan showed the existence of a lipoma that measured 16/11/12 cm that occupied the ascending and transverse colon, though the CT examination could not determinate the origin of the lipoma. After restoring the hydro-electrolytic and fluid balance of the patient, surgery was performed and a huge lipoma of the ileocecal valve was discovered. Extended right hemicolectomy was performed, with good subsequent postoperative recovery of the patient, who was discharged on the fifth day after the surgery. The peculiarity of this case is the huge size of the benign tumor. Lipomas with digestive system localization, although rare, must be considered in patients arriving at the Emergency Department with digestive hemorrhages, intussusception and even intestinal obstruction.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma relapse as Burkitt lymphoma leading to ileocecal intussusception in an adult patient-a case report.

Burkitt Lymphoma, an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is a rare cause of ileocolic intussusception in adult patients. We present the case of a 17-year-old male patient, with a history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in childhood, presenting with acute abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. CT and colonoscopy findings revealed ileocolic intussusception with a large ileocecal mass, leading to a diagnosis of Burkitt Lymphoma after histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This case highlights the rarity of Burkitt Lymphoma causing intussusception in adults, a condition more commonly seen in children. The case also underscores the importance of considering Burkitt Lymphoma in patients with a history of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with acute abdominal symptoms. He was successfully treated with surgery without any complications. On follow-ups, he is doing well.

Imaging diagnosis of a rare case of intermittent intestinal pneumatosis: A consequence of ileocecal valve clip dysfunction?

Pneumatosis intestinalis is a condition characterized by the presence of gas or air pockets within the walls of the intestines. It can occur in any section of the gastrointestinal tract but it is most commonly found in the colon. Etiology and pathogenesis of PI are not yet fully understood, but several potential factors have been suggested to play a pivotal role in the development of this pathologic condition. Pneumatosis intestinalis seems to arise from a complex interplay between various factors, such as the integrity of the intestinal lining, pressure within the portal vein, the composition of the microbiological flora in the gut. Pneumatosis intestinalis can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, such as bowel obstruction, intestinal ischemia, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain medications. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, and bloody stools. We present a case report of a 63-year-old male patient who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis with recurrent cholecystitis. Following the surgery, the patient experienced a rapid drop in hemoglobin levels, necessitating an urgency regimen laparoscopic abdominal exploration which revealed Meckel's diverticulitis with active bleeding leading to diverticulectomy. The next day, the patient developed a radiological condition characterized by the co-presence of intermittent pneumatosis intestinalis, Portal pneumatosis and intermittent small bowel obstruction.

Clinical Correlates of Cholestasis in Preterm Infants with Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Background: We sought to investigate the clinical determinants and outcomes of cholestasis in preterm infants with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (sNEC). Methods: Retrospective comparison of clinical information in preterm infants who developed cholestasis vs those who did not. Results: Sixty-two (62/91, 68.1%) infants with NEC developed cholestasis at any time following the onset of illness. Cholestasis was seen more frequently in those who had received ionotropic support at 24 hours following sNEC diagnosis (87.1% vs 58.6%; p = 0.002), had higher mean C-reactive protein levels 2 weeks after NEC diagnosis (p = 0.009), had blood culture-positive sepsis [25 (40.3%) vs 4 (13.8%); p = 0.011], received parenteral nutrition (PN) for longer durations (108.4 ± 56.63 days vs 97.56 ± 56.05 days; p = 0.007), had higher weight-for-length z scores at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age [-1.0 (-1.73, -0.12) vs -1.32 (-1.76, -0.76); p = 0.025], had a longer length of hospital stay (153.7 ± 77.57 days vs 112.51 ± 85.22 days; p = 0.024), had intestinal failure more often (61% vs 25.0%, p = 0.003), had more surgical complications (50% vs 27.6%; p = 0.044), and had >1 complication (21% vs 3.4%; p = 0.031). Using linear regression, the number of days after surgery when feeds could be started [OR 15.4; confidence interval (CI) 3.71, 27.13; p = 0.009] and the postoperative ileus duration (OR 11.9, CI 1.1, 22.8; p = 0.03) were independently associated with direct bilirubin between 2 and 5 mg/dL (mild-moderate cholestasis) at 2 months of age. The duration of PN was independently associated with direct bilirubin >5 mg/dL (severe cholestasis) at 2 months of age in these patients. Conclusion: Cholestasis was seen in 68% of infants following surgical NEC. The most likely contributive factors are intestinal failure and subsequent PN dependence for longer periods. Our data suggest that identification and prevention of risk factors such as sepsis and surgical complications and early feeds following NEC surgery may improve outcomes.

Automated Detection of Anatomical Landmarks During Colonoscopy Using a Deep Learning Model.

Background and aims: Identification and photo-documentation of the ileocecal valve (ICV) and appendiceal orifice (AO) confirm completeness of colonoscopy examinations. We aimed to develop and test a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) model that can automatically identify ICV and AO, and differentiate these landmarks from normal mucosa and colorectal polyps. Methods: We prospectively collected annotated full-length colonoscopy videos of 318 patients undergoing outpatient colonoscopies. We created three nonoverlapping training, validation, and test data sets with 25,444 unaltered frames extracted from the colonoscopy videos showing four landmarks/image classes (AO, ICV, normal mucosa, and polyps). A DCNN classification model was developed, validated, and tested in separate data sets of images containing the four different landmarks. Results: After training and validation, the DCNN model could identify both AO and ICV in 18 out of 21 patients (85.7%). The accuracy of the model for differentiating AO from normal mucosa, and ICV from normal mucosa were 86.4% (95% CI 84.1% to 88.5%), and 86.4% (95% CI 84.1% to 88.6%), respectively. Furthermore, the accuracy of the model for differentiating polyps from normal mucosa was 88.6% (95% CI 86.6% to 90.3%). Conclusion: This model offers a novel tool to assist endoscopists with automated identification of AO and ICV during colonoscopy. The model can reliably distinguish these anatomical landmarks from normal mucosa and colorectal polyps. It can be implemented into automated colonoscopy report generation, photo-documentation, and quality auditing solutions to improve colonoscopy reporting quality.

Unexpected Etiology of Intussusception in an Adolescent Patient.

Intussusception is a common cause of acute and subacute small bowel obstruction in children, young, and older patients; however, despite increasing awareness of the condition and the number of patients diagnosed with it across all ages, its clinical and diagnostic approach remains challenging. A 17-year-old girl attended our gastroenterology outpatient department complaining of a 6-month history of recurrent right iliac fossa pain associated with nausea and vomiting at times with no past medical history of note. Initial blood tests revealed a slightly raised CRP (9.1 mg/L) and a significantly elevated fecal calprotectin (>1000 µg/g). Computed axial tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed ileocecal intussusception with no evidence of small or large bowel obstruction. On subsequent colonoscopy a 5-cm mass protruding through the ileocecal valve was identified and multiple biopsies were taken for histological analysis, which confirmed a diagnosis of Burkitt's lymphoma. The lesion was surgically resected and plans for adjuvant chemotherapy were discussed. The learning lessons to take from this case are to widen the list of differential diagnoses of unexplained recurrent abdominal pain to include intussusception and to actively rule it out with an appropriate diagnostic approach that addresses its potential malignant etiology across all ages.

Laparoscopic Deloyers Procedure as a Salvage Technique for Colorectal Anastomosis: An Alternative to Total Colectomy

Introduction: The Deloyers procedure is a valuable technique used in reconstructing bowel transit following an extended left colectomy, a Hartmann-type colostomy, or repeated colon resections. It enables the creation of a tension-free colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. Case presentation: A 60-year-old female patient presented for consultation regarding the closure of a colostomy. Her medical history included segmental colectomy of the sigmoid and descending colon, resulting in a Hartmann-type colostomy due to complicated diverticulitis. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery, during which a segment of the transverse colon with a short mesocolon was identified. Due to the complete release of the colon, a colorectal anastomosis could not be performed. As an alternative to preserving the ileocecal valve and achieving a tension-free colorectal anastomosis, the patient underwent the Deloyers procedure. Discussion: The Deloyers procedure involves tension-free anastomosis between the right colon and the rectum or anus. It includes complete mobilization and a 180° counterclockwise rotation of the hepatic angle and the right colon. The right and middle colic vessels are divided, while preserving the ileocolic pedicle and the ileocecal valve, thus avoiding the need for total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, which may yield unsatisfactory functional outcomes. Conclusion: The Deloyers procedure represents a viable alternative to ileorectal or ileoanal anastomosis, offering satisfactory functional outcomes.

Introducción: el procedimiento de Deloyers es una técnica útil en la reconstrucción del tránsito intestinal posterior a una colectomía izquierda ampliada, colostomía tipo Hartmann o resecciones colónicas iterativas, pues asegura una anastomosis colorrectal o coloanal sin tensión. Presentación del caso: una mujer de 60 años acudió a consulta para el cierre de una colostomía, con antecedente de colectomía segmentaria del sigmoides y colon descendente derivada con colostomía tipo Hartmann por diverticulitis complicada. Fue llevada a cirugía laparoscópica, en la que se encontró un segmento de colon transverso con meso corto y al liberarse completamente no se logró realizar la anastomosis colorrectal, por lo que se decidió realizar el procedimiento de Deloyers como alternativa para conservar la válvula ileocecal y obtener la anastomosis colorrectal libre de tensión. Discusión: el procedimiento de Deloyers consiste en la unión del colon derecho y recto o ano libre de tensión después de realizar la movilización completa y rotación de 180° en sentido antihorario del ángulo hepático y el colon derecho, en el que se seccionan los vasos cólicos derecho y medio, con preservación del pedículo ileocólico y la válvula ileocecal, para evitar la necesidad de una colectomía total y una anastomosis ileorrectal, para la cual los resultados funcionales pueden ser insatisfactorios. Conclusión: el procedimiento de Deloyers es una alternativa viable a la anastomosis ileorrectal o ileoanal con resultados funcionales satisfactorios.

Ileocecal valve that cannot be intubated in Crohn's disease: is this a sign of poor prognosis?

BACKGROUND: In Crohn's disease (CD), the inability to intubate the ileocecal valve during colonoscopy may be associated with a poor disease prognosis. In this study, we aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of CD patients with and without ileocecal valve intubation during colonoscopy to assess its value as a prognostic parameter. METHODS: This retrospective study involved CD patients with isolated ileal involvement who underwent colonoscopy between 1993 and 2022. We compared the basic characteristics and long-term clinical outcomes of two groups of patients: those with intubated and non-intubated ileocecal valves during colonoscopy. RESULTS: Of the 155 participants, 97 (62.5%) patients' ileum could be intubated and 58 (37.5%) could not be intubated. The non-intubated group was younger at diagnosis (39 years versus 30.5 years, p = 0.002), but other baseline characteristics such as sex, smoking status, disease duration, perianal disease, and upper gastrointestinal involvements were similar. The non-intubated group had higher rates of steroid dependence (67.2% versus 46.4%; p = 0.012), biologic treatment (89.7% versus 58.8%; p < 0.001), CD-related hospitalization (81% versus 24.7%; p < 0.001), and major abdominal surgery (58.6% versus 15.5%; p < 0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, the positive predictors of successful ileum intubation were inflammatory type CD (OR: 14.821), high serum albumin level (OR: 5.919), and older age (OR: 1.069), while the negative predictors were stenosing (OR: 0.262) and penetrating (OR: 0.247) CD behavior. CONCLUSIONS: In Crohn's disease patients with isolated ileal involvement, ileocecal valve cannot be intubated during colonoscopy may indicate the severity of the disease.

Are large ileocecal valve lesions amenable with advanced endoscopic management to avoid bowel resection?

INTRODUCTION: Mucosal lesions located at the ileocecal valve may be challenging for endoscopic intervention because of angulated anatomy and a thinner wall with narrower lumen when compared to other locations of the bowel. This study aimed to evaluate the management and outcomes of ileocecal valve lesions treated endoscopically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with mucosal neoplasms involving the ileocecal valve managed with advanced endoscopy at a quaternary care hospital between 2011 and 2021 were included from a prospectively collected database. Patient demographics, lesion characteristics, complications, and outcomes are reported. RESULTS: From 1005 lesions, 80 patients (8%) underwent resection for neoplasms involving ileocecal valve by ESD (n = 38), hybrid ESD (n = 38), EMR (n = 2), and CELS (n = 2). The median age of the study group was 63(37-84) years, and 50% of patients were female. The median lesion size was 34 mm (5-75). The mean procedure time was 66 ± 44 min(range:18-200). The dissection was completed as piecemeal in 41(51%) patients and 35(44%) had en-bloc dissection. Seven(8%) endoscopic interventions required conversion to laparoscopic surgery due to inability to lift the mucosa(n = 4) and perforation(n = 3). No immediate bleeding occurred in the study group. Five patients had late rectal bleeding and two were admitted with post-polypectomy pain within 30 days of intervention. Pathology revealed 4(5%) adenocarcinomas, 33(41.2%) tubular adenomas, 30(37.8%) tubulovillous adenomas, and 5(6.2%) sessile serrated adenomas. Sixty-seven (84.5%) patients completed at least one follow-up colonoscopy and were followed for a median of 11(0-64) months. Six (8.9%) patients had recurrence and were managed with subsequent endoscopic removal. CONCLUSION: Advanced endoscopy can be safely and effectively performed for the management of ileocecal valve polyps with low complication and acceptable recurrence rates. Advanced endoscopy promises an alternative approach to oncologic ileocecal resection while attaining organ preservation. Our study demonstrates the impact of advanced endoscopy for the treatment of mucosal neoplasms involving ileocecal valve.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for tumors involving the ileocecal valve with extension into the terminal ileum: a multicenter study from the Hiroshima GI Endoscopy Research Group.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for tumors extending into the terminal ileum remain obscure. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ESD for tumors involving the ileocecal valve (ICV) with extension into the terminal ileum. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients (40 men; mean age, 67 years) with 68 tumors involving the ICV that were resected by ESD between December 2013 and December 2018 were included and classified into Group A (21 tumors with extension into the terminal ileum) and Group B (47 tumors without extension). ESD outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: The clinical features of the patients and tumors were not significantly different between the groups. There were no significant differences in en bloc resection rate (95% and 94%, respectively; p = 0.79), R0 resection rate (90% and 89%, respectively; p = 0.89), procedure time (95 ± 54 min and 94 ± 69 min, respectively; p = 0.64), postoperative bleeding rate (5% and 3%, respectively; p = 0.79), intraoperative perforation rate (0% and 4%, respectively; p = 0.34), delayed perforation rate (0% and 0%, respectively), or postoperative symptomatic stenosis rate (0% and 0%, respectively) between Groups A and B. No specific factors related to the outcomes of ESD were found by subgroup analysis according to the dominance and degree of circumference of the ICV. Local recurrence was observed in 1 patient in Group A who was retreated using ESD. CONCLUSIONS: ESD for tumors involving the ICV with extension into the terminal ileum is safe and effective.

Dysbiosis and reduced small intestinal function are required to induce intestinal insufficiency in mice.

Extensive bowel resection can lead to short bowel syndrome and intestinal failure. Resection-induced dysbiosis may be related to the specific anatomic site of resection and influences the disease progression. Although patients with end-jejunostomy are at high risk for intestinal failure, preservation of the ileocecal valve and colon counteracts this risk. The present study investigated the role of the cecum in maintaining microbial homeostasis after different types of small bowel resection. Male C57BL6/J mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine-xylazine and received extended ileocecal resection (extended ICR), limited ileocecal resection (limited ICR), or mid-small bowel resection (SBR). Stool samples were collected before surgery and between postoperative days 2-7, for 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Only extended ICR, but neither limited ICR nor SBR, induced intestinal insufficiency. α-Diversity was reduced in both ICR variants but not after SBR. All resections resulted in an increase in Proteobacteria. Pathobionts, such as Clostridia, Shigella, and Enterococcus, increased after SBR while Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae decreased. Limited ICR resulted in an increase of members of the Clostridium sensu stricto group, Terrisporobacter and Enterococcus and a decrease of Muribaculaceae. The increase of Enterococcus was even more pronounced after extended ICR while Muribaculaceae and Akkermansia were dramatically reduced. Both ICR variants caused a decrease in steroid biosynthesis and glycosaminoglycan degradation-associated pathways, suggesting altered bile acid transformation and mucus utilization.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Resection-induced dysbiosis affects disease progression in patients with short bowel syndrome. Severe dysbiosis occurs after removal of the ileocecal valve, even in the absence of short bowel conditions, and is associated with the loss of Muribaculaceae and Akkermansia and an increase of Clostridium and Enterococcus. The preservation of the cecum should be considered in surgical therapy, and dysbiosis should be targeted based on its specific anatomical signature to improve postoperative bacterial colonization.

Ileal perforation secondary to bowel obstruction caused by foreign body bezoar: A case report.

Introduction and importance: Foreign body bezoar is a relatively uncommon variant of bezoars leading to intestinal obstruction and perforation. These are caused by the ingestion of indigestible materials that gradually grow in size. Case presentation: Following is the case of a young female patient with abdominal pain and distension which was associated with nausea, vomiting, and obstipation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed dilated jejunal and ileal loops, and a tubular hypodense structure on terminal ileum. During surgery, we discovered intraluminal foreign bodies and ileal perforation proximal to the ileocecal valve. The findings were suggestive of obstruction and perforation of terminal ileum secondary to foreign body obstruction. The patient was managed successfully with ileocolic resection and anastomosis. Discussion: Patients with bezoars can remain asymptomatic or present with features of bowel obstruction. These are usually discovered while performing radiological imaging for the evaluation of symptoms. Though mild to moderate cases of bezoars resolve with the treatment by chemical dissolution, surgeries should be performed in patients with foreign body bezoars and in whom complications have arose. Conclusion: Ingested foreign body could lead to formation of a bezoar which may cause obstruction and perforation-the sequelae must be kept in mind while managing a patient.

Ileocecal valve-sparing surgery for duplication cysts in the terminal ileum: two case reports and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Duplication cysts close to the ileocecal valve are usually treated with ileocecal resection. However, loss of the ileocecal valve will lead to problems, especially in infants. Mucosectomy of the cyst would be a better alternative that preserves the ileocecal valve. We report two cases of duplication cyst in the terminal ileum successfully treated with mucosectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1. A 3-month-old boy with bilious emesis and abdominal distention was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of small bowel obstruction caused by an abdominal cyst. Computed tomography revealed a cystic mass compressing the terminal ileum and causing mechanical small bowel obstruction. His general condition deteriorated quickly; emergency laparotomy was performed. Although the small intestines were dilated and partially twisted, there was no necrosis. Following intestinal decompression, a cystic mass adjacent to the terminal ileum was confirmed on the mesenteric side. Cyst mucosectomy was performed to preserve the ileocecal valve. CASE 2: A 5-month-old boy with sudden onset of hematochezia was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of intussusception. Following unsuccessful contrast enemas, emergency surgery was performed. A cystic mass adjacent to the terminal ileum was confirmed; there was no intussusception. Cyst mucosectomy was performed. Both patients had an uneventful postoperative course. CONCLUSIONS: Cyst mucosectomy, which preserves the ileocecal valve, is safe and effective for treating duplication cysts in the terminal ileum.

Feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection for cecal tumors involving the ileocecal valve or appendiceal orifice.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic resection of the ileocecal valve lesions (ICVL) and peri-appendiceal orifice lesions (PAOL), is challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for ICVLs and PAOLs compared with other cecal lesions (OCEL). METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study conducted at a cancer center hospital and two community hospitals. Non-pedunculated cecal lesions that were intended to be treated by ESD followed by at least one surveillance colonoscopy were included. The main outcome was curative resection defined as en-bloc resection and R0 resection without risk factors of metastases. The secondary outcome was co lon preservation. RESULTS: A total of 206 patients with 206 cecal lesions, including 37 ICVL, 27 PAOL, and 142 OCEL, who were to be treated with ESD were included in this study. Curative resection rates were 75.7% for ICVL, 70.4% for PAOL, and 77.5% for OCEL (P = 0.67). In the multivariate analysis of predictors of curative resection, tumor size (<40 mm) (odds ratio [OR] 2.40; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.14-5.04; P = 0.02) and a negative non-lifting sign (OR 6.12; 95% CI, 2.55-14.60; P < 0.01) were significant. Colon preservation was achieved for 91.9% of the ICVL, 92.6% of the PAOL, and 90.8% of the OCEL (P = 0.947). CONCLUSIONS: Based on curative resection and colon preservation rates, ESD was found to be feasible for ICVL and PAOL. Large tumor size (≥ 40 mm) and positive non-lifting signs were significant factors for non-curative resection.

Combination of rubber band traction and partial injection for effective under-gel endoscopic mucosal resection of an ileocecal valve lesion.

Video 1A 25-mm protruding polyp was detected on the proximal lip of the ileocecal valve, extending into the terminal ileum. The tumor was treated effectively with under-gel EMR and a combination of the double-clip and rubber band traction method and partial submucosal injection.

Anastomosis near to the ileocecal valve in neonates with focal intestinal perforation, is it safe.

BACKGROUND: Anastomosis near the ileocecal valve (ICV) are controversial due to the increased pressure on the suture; in this situation, the valve could be removed at a first stage or at the moment of stoma closure. However, preservation of the ICV has proved important benefits in the long term. The aim of this study is to evaluate its feasibility in neonates with focal intestinal perforation (FIP). METHODS: Retrospective study (2010-2019) of neonates with FIP who underwent intestinal resection and primary anastomosis. Patients were divided into group A (anastomosis less than 5 cm from ICV) and group B (more than 5 cm). RESULTS: Forty patients were treated. Patients ostomized or with resection of ICV were excluded. Finally, 24 patients (birth weight 1043 ± 594 g (520-3000), age 8.8 ± 7.8 days (2-39)) were included for analysis. Patent ductus arteriosus was present in 75%. There were 6 patients in group A (25%) and 18 in group B (75%). Groups were comparable in terms of gestational age, birth weight, and age at the time of surgery (p > .05). There were no cases of dehiscence nor stenosis of the anastomosis. There were no differences in reoperation rate, infectious complications, time to enteral feeding, days of parenteral nutrition, hospital stay nor survival (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Ileo-ileal anastomosis closer to the ileocecal junction, in neonates with focal intestinal perforation, is an effective and safe option which also allows the preservation of the ICV avoiding the complications derived from its absence in a group of patients with high morbidity.

Characteristics and Endoscopic Classification of Ulcerative Lesions Affecting the Ileocecal Valve.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to propose an endoscopic classification system for ulcerative lesions on the ileocecal valve and investigate its relevance to the underlying etiology. METHODS: Among the 60,325 patients who underwent colonoscopy at our hospital from January 2006 to December 2018, patients with ulcerative lesions on the ileocecal valve were included. The following data were obtained using the hospital's medical records: sex, age, clinical diagnosis, laboratory data, and endoscopic and histological findings. Patients who have ulcerative colitis and who were not evaluated by histological examination were excluded. Ulcerative lesions on the ileocecal valve were classified into 3 groups according to their endoscopic appearance: small shallow ulcerative lesions without edematous change (group A), lateral spreading shallow ulcerative lesions with edematous change (group B), and deep deformed ulcerative lesions (group C). The association between this endoscopic classification and its clinical diagnosis, clinical course, and the interobserver reliability were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 72 patients who were eligible for analysis, 18 were assigned to group A, 9 to group B, and 45 to group C. Infectious enteritis was mainly assigned to group A (group A, 12; group B, none; and group C, 6; p < 0.0001), inflammatory bowel disease was mainly assigned to group C (group A, none; group B, 5; and group C, 35; p < 0.0001), and malignant tumor was assigned to group C only. Interobserver reliability was extremely high among the 3 examining doctors (kappa value 0.7-0.8). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic classification was divided into 3 groups for ulcerative lesions on the ileocecal valve, and this system could be beneficial for presuming their clinical diagnoses.

The Importance of the ileocecal valve and colon in achieving intestinal independence in infants with short bowel syndrome.

PURPOSE: Infants with short bowel syndrome (SBS) wean from parenteral nutrition (PN) support at variable rates. Small bowel length is a predictor, but the importance of the ileocecal valve (ICV) and colon are unclear. We aim to determine if the ICV and/or colon predict enteral autonomy. METHODS: Infants from a single intestinal rehabilitation program were retrospectively reviewed. Etiology of SBS, intestinal anatomy, and duration of nutritional support were collected for three years. The primary outcome was time to full enteral nutrition. ANCOVA and Cox proportional hazards model were used, with p < 0.05 significant. RESULTS: 55 infants with SBS were included. After accounting for the effect of small bowel, PN duration was shorter for infants with the ICV compared to those without (mean 218 vs. 538 days, p = 0.003), and had a more significant effect on infants with ≤50% of small bowel. Increased small bowel length was a positive predictor of weaning. Patients with ≤50% of colon spent less time on PN with the ICV, compared to without (mean 220 vs 715 days, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Preservation of the ICV was associated with shorter duration of PN support, while colon was not. Small bowel length is a positive predictor of enteral autonomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III retrospective comparative study TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective review.

Missing PEG tube found at the ileocecal valve.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes are indicated in cases of oropharyngeal or esophageal dysphagia to allow alimentation. Complications are superficial and minor, however obstruction in the setting of PEG migration has been noted. Most obstructions remain proximal, localized to the pyloric or pre-pyloric region, though distal migration to the large intestine, including the cecum, have been noted. Here we present a case of an elderly gentleman with advanced dementia complicated by oropharyngeal dysphagia who presented in the context of a missing PEG tube without adjunctive symptoms. Initial imaging and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy were unremarkable and a repeat PEG tube was placed. Thereafter, repeat imaging demonstrated an oval-shaped foreign object within the right lower quadrant concerning for a migrated original PEG tube, which was confirmed by Computed Tomography with migration to the ileocecal valve. Colonoscopy was subsequently performed with PEG tube retrieval. This case highlights the need to maintain a high index of suspicion for distal PEG tube migration even in the absence of overt symptomatology to prevent further complications such as small or large bowel obstruction.