European Society of Coloproctology Colorectal Robotic Surgery Training for the Trainers Course - the first pilot experience.

AIM: Currently, there is no established colorectal specific robotic surgery Train the Trainer (TTT) course. The aim was to develop and evaluate such a course which can then be further developed to be incorporated within the planned European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP)/European School of Coloproctology (ESC) robotic colorectal surgery training curriculum. METHOD: After identifying the need for such a course within a training programme, the course was developed by a subgroup of the ESCP/ESC. A scoping literature review was performed and the content and materials for the course were developed by a team consisting of two gastroenterologists with a combined experience of 30 years of facilitating TTT courses, a robotic surgeon and proctor with laparoscopic TTT faculty experience and experienced robotic and laparoscopic colorectal trainers. The course was evaluated by asking delegates to complete pre- and post-course questionnaires. RESULTS: There were eight delegates on the course from across Europe. Delegates increased their knowledge of each of the course learning objectives and identified learning points in order to change practice. The feedback from the delegates of the course was positive across several areas and all felt that they had achieved their own personal objectives in attending the course. CONCLUSION: This pilot robotic colorectal TTT course has achieved its aim and demonstrated many positives. There is a need for such a course and the evaluation processes have provided opportunities for reflection, which will allow the development/tailoring of future robotic colorectal TTT courses to help develop robotic training further.

European expert consensus on a structured approach to training robotic-assisted low anterior resection using performance metrics.

AIM: The aim was to develop and operationally define 'performance metrics' that characterize a reference approach to robotic-assisted low anterior resection (RA-LAR) and to obtain face and content validity through a consensus meeting. METHOD: Three senior colorectal surgeons with robotic experience and a senior behavioural scientist formed the Metrics Group. We used published guidelines, training materials, manufacturers' instructions and unedited videos of RA-LAR to deconstruct the operation into defined, measurable components - performance metrics (i.e. procedure phases, steps, errors and critical errors). The performance metrics were then subjected to detailed critique by 18 expert colorectal surgeons in a modified Delphi process. RESULTS: Performance metrics for RA-LAR had 15 procedure phases, 128 steps, 89 errors and 117 critical errors in women, 88 errors and 118 critical errors in men. After the modified Delphi process the final performance metrics consisted of 14 procedure phases, 129 steps, 88 errors and 115 critical errors in women, 87 errors and 116 critical errors in men. After discussion by the Delphi panel, all procedure phases received unanimous consensus apart from phase I (patient positioning and preparation, 83%) and phase IV (docking, 94%). CONCLUSION: A robotic rectal operation can be broken down into procedure phases, steps, with errors and critical errors, known as performance metrics. The face and content of these metrics have been validated by a large group of expert robotic colorectal surgeons from Europe. We consider the metrics essential for the development of a structured training curriculum and standardized procedural assessment for RA-LAR.

Training in colorectal surgery in Europe and 20 years of the European Board of Surgical Qualification coloproctology examination.

AIM: Training in colorectal surgery across Europe is not yet standardized. The European Board of Surgical Qualification (EBSQ) coloproctology examination has been held annually since 1998. The aims of this study were to illustrate the current situation of coloproctology specialization in Europe and to analyse the EBSQ examinations held over the last 20 years. METHOD: A survey, focused on current training and education in colorectal surgery in Europe, was conducted among all national representatives of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) in 2018. Candidate demographics (1998-2018) and the results of the EBSQ examination (2007-2018) were analysed. RESULTS: In Europe, there are currently 26 national colorectal societies, 27 national annual colorectal meetings, 16 national specialized training programmes and 13 national colorectal fellowships. Six countries have board certification in colorectal surgery and five a dedicated examination. During the last 20 years, 475 candidates from 29 countries, of whom 88 (19%) were women, passed the EBSQ examination. The pass rate was higher in younger applicants (< 42 years, P = 0.01). The success rate was higher for candidates with academic experience (more than five publications or presentations) and with an academic title (thesis) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgical training is still not standardized in Europe, although efforts have been made to recognize colorectal surgery as an independent speciality. The number of holders of the EBSQ Diploma has increased over the years, demonstrating the acceptance of the examination among European surgeons. Young candidates with an academic profile are the most successful.

Permacol™ collagen paste for cryptoglandular and Crohn's anal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Permacol™ collagen paste, an acellular crosslinked porcine dermal collagen matrix suspension, is a new treatment option for anal fistula. Data remain limited, however, and as yet only the results of one case of Crohn's fistula treated with Permacol™ paste has been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the use of Permacol™ collagen paste in patients with cryptoglandular and Crohn's perianal fistulae. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on patients with anal fistula, treated with Permacol™ paste. Patients were followed at 1 week, 6 and 12 months, and on demand thereafter. The main focus was on fistula healing and postoperative continence. The former was defined as the absence of signs of recurrence on clinical examination, proctoscopy and rigid rectoscopy. Fecal incontinence was assessed before surgery and at each follow-up. RESULTS: Thirty patients (19 women, 11 men; mean age 46 years), 12 (40%) of whom had Crohn's disease were included. The average number of previous fistula operations was 6. All patients had ≥ 6 months of follow-up, and 24 patients (80%) had ≥ 12 months of follow-up. The healing rate in all patients was 57% (17 of 30 patients) at 6 months and 63% (15 of 24 patients) at 12 months. One patient reported a worsening of fecal incontinence at 12 months; 2 patients had adverse events (perianal pain: n = 1, fluid accumulation n = 1) requiring fistula drainage. Patient characteristics, healing, incontinence, and adverse events did not differ significantly between patients with and without Crohn's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that Permacol™ paste is a safe and moderately effective treatment for cryptoglandular and Crohn's fistulae.

Effectiveness of sacral nerve stimulation in fecal incontinence after multimodal oncologic treatment for pelvic malignancies: a multicenter study with 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an effective treatment for severe fecal incontinence (FI) after radiotherapy (RT)/chemoRT (CRT) in combination with pelvic surgery. METHODS: A multicenter study was conducted on patients with FI that developed after multimodal therapy for pelvic tumors and was refractory to non-operative management, who were treated with SNS between November 2009 and November 2012. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Cleveland Clinic FI score (CCFIS), FI episodes per week, FI Quality of Life (FIQoL), anorectal manometry and pudendal nerve terminal motor latency were evaluated before and after SNS. RESULTS: Eleven patients (seven females, mean age 67.3 ± 4.8 years) were evaluated in the study period. Multimodal treatments included surgery and CRT (four rectal, two cervical and one prostate cancers), surgery and RT (one cervical and two endometrial cancers) and CRT (one anal cancer). The mean radiation dose was 5.3 Gy, and mean interval between the end of RT and onset of FI was 43.7 ± 23 months. Before SNS, the mean CCFIS and the mean number of FI episodes per week were 15.7 ± 2.8 and 12.3 ± 4.2, respectively. At 12-month follow-up, mean CCFIS improved to 3.6 ± 1.8 (p = 0.003) and the mean number of FI episodes decreased to 2.0 ± 1.9 per week (p = 0.003). These results persisted at 24-month follow-up. Significant improvement was also observed for each of the four domains of FIQoL at 12- and 24-month follow-up. Anorectal manometry values did not change significantly at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: SNS is feasible and may be an effective therapeutic option for FI after multimodal treatment of pelvic malignancies.

Social media use in German visceral surgeons: a cross-sectional study of a national cohort.

AIM: Engagement in social media is increasing. Medical professionals have been adapting LinkedIn, a professional networking site, and Twitter, a microblogging service, for a number of uses. This development has been described for a number of medical specialties, but there remains a paucity of European data. A study was undertaken to measure the engagement and activity of German visceral surgeons on social media platforms. METHOD: Visceral surgeons were identified from 15 regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Vereinigungen) opt-in registers. A manual search was subsequently performed across key professional social media platforms. The presence of a profile and key markers of use were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 575 visceral surgeons were identified. 523 (93%) were men. 183 (31%) surgeons engaged in professional social media. 22 (3.8%) used Twitter, producing a mean of 16.43 tweets with a mean of 7.57 followers. 137 (24%) surgeons had a profile on LinkedIn with a mean of 46.36 connections. Female surgeons were less connected on LinkedIn (P < 0.005). 60 (10%) used Xing, with a mean of 27.95 connections. There were no significant differences in use of social media between surgeons from Eastern and Western Germany (P = 0.262) or male and female surgeons (P = 0.399). CONCLUSIONS: German visceral surgeons are less engaged and less active on social media than previously examined cohorts. Loco-regional, cultural, demographic and regulatory matters may have a significant influence on uptake. If this surgical cohort wishes to have a wider international presence then education on the potential benefits of these tools may be needed.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for obstructed defecation in patients with overt pelvic structural abnormalities-a Chinese pilot study.

AIM: As laparoscopic ventral rectopexy (LVR) gained increasing popularity in the past decade, studies from non-western area remain rare. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LVR for obstructed defecation (OD) in Chinese patients with overt pelvic structural abnormalities. METHODS: A series of 19 consecutive patients is presented undergoing LVR for OD. All patients showed various forms of pelvic structural abnormalities which were verified by dynamic defecography exam. Data was prospectively recorded and the functional outcomes were evaluated using the Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score (CCCS) and Patients Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life Score (PAC-QoL). RESULTS: Pelvic structural abnormalities of the 19 patients included external rectal prolapse (ER) in 10.5% (2/19), high grade internal rectal prolapse (IR) in 57.8% (11/19), rectocele in 52.6% (10/19), enterocele in 15.7% (3/19), cystocele/vaginal prolapse in 15.7 (3/19), descending perineum (DP) in 63.5% (12/19). 89.4% patients (17/19) showed at least two co-existed abnormalities and 15.7% (3/19) showed multicompartmental abnormalities. The mean follow-up was 9 months (range 1-18). No mesh-related complication was observed. At last available follow-up (LAFU), improvement of OD symptom was observed in 15 (78.9%) patients, the mean scores of CCCS decreased from 17 to 10 (p < 0.05), all four subsets of PAC-QoL scores improved, and three of them (physical discomfort, worries and concerns, satisfaction) showed statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ventral rectopexy appears to be a safe and effective procedure for obstructed defecation in Chinese patients with overt pelvic structural abnormalities in short-term follow-up.

Prognosis of patients with colonic carcinoma before, during and after implementation of complete mesocolic excision.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of complete mesocolic excision (CME) for colonic cancer was accompanied by other important changes, including more patients with early diagnosis by screening and the introduction of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage III disease. The contribution of CME remains unclear. METHODS: In this observational study, data from patients with stage I-III colonic carcinoma were analysed by comparing five time intervals: 1978-1984 (pre-CME), 1985-1994 (CME development), 1995-2002 (CME implementation), 2003-2009 (CME) and 2010-2014 (CME), with a special focus on indicators of process and outcome quality. RESULTS: During the observed periods, the median age of patients increased (from 65 to 67 years), there were more right-sided carcinomas (from 17·0 to 32·4 per cent), more stage I disease (from 14·0 to 27·7 per cent) and fewer patients with regional lymph node metastases (from 42·7 to 32·0 per cent). The proportion of patients with pN0 disease and at least 12 examined regional lymph nodes increased (from 84·8 to 100 per cent) as did the R0 resection rate (from 97·0 to 100 per cent). Overall morbidity increased, whereas the in-hospital mortality rate was stable (range 1·8-3·7 per cent). Use of adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colonic carcinoma increased from 0 to 79 per cent. The improvement in outcome quality was more evident in stage III than in stage I-II tumours. In stage III, the 5-year locoregional recurrence rate decreased from 14·8 to 4·1 per cent (P = 0·046) and the 5-year cancer-related survival rate increased from 61·7 to 80·9 per cent (P = 0·010). CONCLUSION: With CME, the quality indicators of process and outcome quality improved, especially in stage III colonic carcinoma. Adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III and multidisciplinary approaches in patients with metachronous distant metastases contributed to further outcome improvement.

Sacral neuromodulation for persistent faecal incontinence after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for high-grade internal rectal prolapse.

AIM: Internal rectal prolapse is recognized as an aetiological factor in faecal incontinence. Patients found to have a high-grade internal rectal prolapse on routine proctography are offered a laparoscopic ventral rectopexy after failed maximum medical therapy. Despite adequate anatomical repair, faecal incontinence persists in a number of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of sacral neuromodulation in this group of patients. METHOD: Between August 2009 and January 2012, 52 patients who underwent a laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for faecal incontinence associated with high-grade internal rectal prolapse had persistent symptoms of faecal incontinence and were offered sacral neuromodulation. Symptoms were evaluated before and after the procedure using the Fecal Incontinence Severity Index (FISI) and the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: Temporary test stimulation was successful in 47 (94%) of the patients who then underwent implantation of a permanent pulse generator. The median FISI score 1 year after sacral neuromodulation was lower than the median score before [34 (28-59) vs. 19 (0-49); P < 0.01], indicating a significant improvement in faecal continence. Quality of life (GIQLI) was significantly better after starting sacral neuromodulation [78 (31-107) vs. 96 (55-129); P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Patients may benefit from sacral neuromodulation for persisting faecal incontinence after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy.

Sacral malformations: use of imaging to optimise sacral nerve stimulation.

INTRODUCTION: The success of sacral nerve stimulation, a common treatment for pelvic floor disorders, depends on correct placement of the electrodes through the sacral foramina. When the bony anatomy and topography of the sacrum and sacral spinal nerves are intact, this is easily achieved; where sacral anomalies exist, it can be challenging. A better understanding of common sacral malformations can improve the success of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) electrode placement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed 998 consecutive MRI scans performed to investigate low back pain in patients who had undergone CT and/or X-ray. RESULTS: Congenital sacral malformations were found in 24.1%, the most common being sacral meningeal cysts (16%) and spina bifida occulta (9.9%). Others were lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (2.5%), anterior occult meningocele (0.5%), partial sacral agenesis (0.2%) and vertebral dysplasia of S1 (0.2%). CONCLUSION: This radiologic review uncovered a high incidence of sacral malformations, and most were asymptomatic. All surgeons who perform SNS should have a basic understanding of sacral malformations, their incidence and effect on foraminal anatomy. Imaging will aid procedural planning.

Long-term outcomes of sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) has proven short- to medium-term effectiveness for the treatment of faecal incontinence (FI); fewer long-term outcomes have been presented and usually in small series. Here, the long-term effectiveness of SNS was evaluated in a large European cohort of patients with a minimum of 5 years' follow-up. METHODS: Prospectively registered data from patients with FI who had received SNS for at least 5 years from ten European centres were collated by survey. Daily stool diaries, and Cleveland Clinic and St Mark's incontinence scores were evaluated at baseline, after implantation and at the last follow-up. SNS was considered successful when at least 50 per cent symptom improvement was maintained at last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 407 patients underwent temporary stimulation, of whom 272 (66·8 per cent) had an impulse generator implanted; 228 (56·0 per cent) were available for long-term follow-up at a median of 84 (i.q.r. 70-113) months. Significant reductions in the number of FI episodes per week (from median 7 to 0·25) and summative symptom scores (median Cleveland Clinic score from 16 to 7, St Mark's score from 19 to 6) were recorded after implantation (all P < 0·001) and maintained in long-term follow-up. In per-protocol analysis, long-term success was maintained in 71·3 per cent of patients and full continence was achieved in 50·0 per cent; respective values based on intention-to-treat analysis were 47·7 and 33·4 per cent. Predictive analyses determined no significant association between pretreatment variables and successful outcomes. Risk of long-term failure correlated with minor symptom score improvement during the temporary test phase. CONCLUSION: SNS remains an effective treatment for FI in the long term for approximately half of the patients starting therapy.

Systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of neuromodulation in the treatment of faecal incontinence.

BACKGROUND: Over the past 18 years neuromodulation therapies have gained support as treatments for faecal incontinence (FI); sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is the most established of these. A systematic review was performed of current evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of neuromodulation treatments for FI. METHODS: The review adhered to the PRISMA framework. A comprehensive search of the literature included PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews. Methodological quality assessment and data extraction were completed in a systematic fashion. RESULTS: For SNS, 321 citations were identified initially, of which 61 studies were eligible for inclusion. Of studies on other neuromodulation techniques, 11 were eligible for review: seven on percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and four on transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS). On intention-to-treat, the median (range) success rates for SNS were 63 (33-66), 58 (52-81) and 54 (50-58) per cent in the short, medium and long terms respectively. The success rate for PTNS was 59 per cent at the longest reported follow-up of 12 months. SNS, PTNS and TTNS techniques also resulted in improvements in Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score and quality-of-life measures. Despite significant use of neuromodulation in treatment of FI, there is still no consensus on outcome reporting in terms of measures used, aetiologies assessed, length of follow-up or assessment standards. CONCLUSION: Emerging data for SNS suggest maintenance of its initial therapeutic effect into the long term. The clinical effectiveness of PTNS is comparable to that of SNS at 12 months, although there is no evidence to support its continued effectiveness after this period. PTNS may be a useful treatment before SNS. The clinical effectiveness of TTNS is still uncertain owing to the paucity of available evidence. A consensus to standardize the use of outcome measures is recommended in order that further reports can be compared meaningfully.

[Rectal prolapse. Abdominal or local approach]. / Rektumprolaps. Abdominelles oder lokales Vorgehen.

Surgical treatment of rectal prolapse aims to correct morphology and restore function. Many techniques are available, but none can be considered a gold standard. Abdominal approaches differ with regard to abdominal access, extent of rectal mobilisation, technique of rectal pexy, and concomitant sigmoid resection. Local (perineal/transanal) procedures plicate or resect the rectum. The choice of operative approach is based on the patient's condition and expected outcome of the procedure, e.g. recurrence rate, morbidity, and function. Abdominal operations are favored in fit patients, while local procedures are considered for the elderly and frail. This review compares differences in the most common techniques, focussing on recurrence, morbidity, and functional outcome.

Cerebral representation of the anorectum using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Anorectal continence depends not only on the organs of continence but also on cerebral control. There are relatively few data regarding cerebral processing of anorectal continence. METHODS: Thirteen healthy subjects underwent rectal distension to cause urge increasing to discomfort during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In addition, a painful heat stimulus was applied to the skin of the anterior abdominal wall in the dermatome corresponding to the rectum. Voluntary contraction of the anal sphincter was also performed. Subjective rating of stimulus intensity was recorded. Evaluation of the data used a general linear model with Brain Voyager(trade mark). RESULTS: Subjective sensation of discomfort increased during repeated rectal distension and caused activation in the anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, thalamus and secondary somatosensory cortex seen on fMRI. Perception of rectal urge and discomfort activated the same cerebral regions with differing intensity. Application of a painful thermal stimulus in the corresponding dermatome showed a modification of the response. Voluntary contraction of the anal sphincter led to activation of the motor cortex and increased activity in the supplementary motor cortex and the insula. CONCLUSION: Cerebral representation of the anorectum as mapped by fMRI is intricate and reflects the complexity of the continence mechanism.

Sacral nerve stimulation for faecal incontinence in patients with previous partial spinal injury including disc prolapse.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the use of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) to treat faecal incontinence in patients with partial spinal injury. METHODS: Patients selected for SNS had experienced more than one episode of faecal incontinence per week to liquid or solid stool for more than 1 year and had failed maximal conservative treatment. All patients had an intact external anal sphincter. RESULTS: Temporary SNS was performed in 13 patients (median age 58.5 (range 39-73) years). The spinal insults were disc prolapse (six), trauma (four), spinal stenosis (one) or occurred during neurosurgery (two). Twelve patients (eight women and four men) had successful temporary stimulation and proceeded to permanent implantation. The median follow-up time was 12 (range 6-24) months. The mean(s.d.) number of episodes of incontinence decreased from 9.33(7.64) per week at baseline to 2.39(3.69) at last follow-up (P = 0.012). The number of days per week with incontinence and staining decreased significantly (both P < 0.001). Ability to defer defaecation improved from a median of not being able to defer (range 0-1 min) to being able to defer for 5-15 (range 0 to over 15) min (P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: SNS can benefit patients with faecal incontinence following partial spinal injury.

[Inspection jejunostomy after complex reconstruction of the central bile duct. Indication, description, and personal experience]. / Das Inspektionsstoma nach komplexen Rekonstruktionen an den zentralen Gallengängen. Indikationen, Beschreibung der Operationsmethode und Erfahrungsbericht.

INTRODUCTION: A modified Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy that allows postoperative endoscopic access was first described in 1984. We report our experience with this operative procedure. METHODS: After complicated bile duct resection, reconstruction was performed as a modified Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, with the 20 cm afferent limb brought up as in terminal jejunostomy in the right upper abdominal quadrant. Postoperative follow-up consisted of endoscopic and radiologic control of the biliary tree every 3 months for 1 year; ileostomy resection was performed 1 year later if the postoperative course was undisturbed. RESULTS: From March 1995 to February 2002, we performed this operation in 17 patients (mean age 56 years). The endoscopic and radiologic (cholangiography) diagnostic procedures--every 3 months postoperatively--were uneventful. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy described here permits good control and intervention in complicated surgery for bile duct lesions, tumor resection with unclear resectional margins, and recurrent intrahepatic stone formation.

Functional outcome after intersphincteric resection of the rectum with coloanal anastomosis in low rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Anterior rectal resection with partial removal of the internal sphincter is an option for low rectal cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome after this intersphincteric rectal resection. METHODS: Anal continence was evaluated by anorectal manometry and a standardized questionnaire (Wexner Score) in 33 patients 28+/-15 weeks and 100+/-45 weeks, respectively, after intersphincteric resection. Nineteen of the 33 patients were reconstructed with a straight anastomosis; 12 received a colonic J-pouch. RESULTS: Post-operatively, 25.8% of the patients were incontinent to solid stool and 54.8% were incontinent to liquid stool at least once a week. Mean and maximum resting tone (24+/-10 and 40+/-13 mmHg), maximum tolerable volume (77+/-28 ml) and rectal compliance (1.4+/-1.2 ml/mmHg) were reduced in anorectal manometry. Squeeze pressures remained unchanged. Only the maximum tolerable volume correlated significantly with the continence score (r=-0.45, p<0.05). The Wexner score and maximum tolerable volume were significantly better after colonic J-pouch reconstruction than after straight anastomosis (9.9+/-4.5 vs 13.4+/-4.0, p<0.05, 65+/-20 ml vs 100+/-27 ml, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Intersphincteric resection of the rectum leads to impaired post-operative continence. The functional outcome is improved with a colonic J-pouch.