Real-time quantification of laser speckle contrast imaging during intestinal laparoscopic surgery: successful demonstration in a porcine intestinal ischemia model.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication following colorectal cancer surgery, impacting patient outcome and leads to increasing healthcare consumption as well as economic burden. Bowel perfusion is a significant modifiable factor for anastomotic healing and thus crucial for reducing AL. AIMS: The study aimed to calculate a cut-off value for quantified laser speckle perfusion units (LSPUs) in order to differentiate between ischemic and well-perfused tissue and to assess inter-observer reliability. METHODS: LSCI was performed using a porcine ischemic small bowel loop model with the PerfusiX-Imaging® system. An ischemic area, a well-perfused area, and watershed areas, were selected based on the LSCI colormap. Subsequently, local capillary lactate (LCL) levels were measured. A logarithmic curve estimation tested the correlation between LSPU and LCL levels. A cut-off value for LSPU and lactate was calculated, based on anatomically ischemic and well-perfused tissue. Inter-observer variability analysis was performed with 10 observers. RESULTS: Directly after ligation of the mesenteric arteries, differences in LSPU values between ischemic and well-perfused tissue were significant (p < 0.001) and increased significantly throughout all following measurements. LCL levels were significantly different (p < 0.001) at both 60 and 120 min. Logarithmic curve estimation showed an R2 value of 0.56 between LSPU and LCL values. A LSPU cut-off value was determined at 69, with a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.87. A LCL cut-off value of 3.8 mmol/L was found, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 1.0, respectively. There was no difference in assessment between experienced and unexperienced observers. Cohen's Kappa values were moderate to good (0.52-0.66). CONCLUSION: Real-time quantification of LSPUs may be a feasible intraoperative method to assess tissue perfusion and a cut-off value could be determined with high sensitivity and specificity. Inter-observer variability was moderate to good, irrespective of prior experience with the technique.

Systematic review: Patient-related, microbial, surgical, and histopathological risk factors for endoscopic post-operative recurrence in patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Risk stratification for endoscopic post-operative recurrence (ePOR) in Crohn's disease (CD) is required to identify patients who would benefit most from initiation of prophylactic medication and intensive monitoring of recurrence. AIMS: To assess the current evidence on patient-related, microbial, surgical and histopathological risk factors for ePOR in patients with CD after ileocolic (re-)resection. METHODS: Multiple online databases (Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) were searched up to March 2024. Studies with reported associations of patient-related, microbial, surgical and/or histopathological factors for ePOR (i.e., Rutgeerts' score ≥i2 or modified Rutgeerts' score ≥i2a) were included. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational cohort studies and case-control studies. RESULTS: In total, 47 studies were included (four RCTs, 29 cohort studies, 12 case-control studies, one cross-sectional study and one individual participant data meta-analysis) including 6006 patients (median sample size 87 patients [interquartile range 46-170]). Risk of bias assessment revealed a poor quality in 41% of the studies. An association was reported in multiple studies of ePOR with active smoking at and post-surgery, male sex and prior bowel resection. A heterogeneous association with ePOR was reported for other risk factors included in the current guidelines (penetrating disease, perianal disease, younger age, extensive small bowel disease and presence of granulomas in the resection specimen or myenteric plexitis in the resection margin), and other patient-related, microbial, surgical and histopathological factors. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for ePOR in international guidelines are not consistently reported as risk factors in current literature except for active smoking and prior bowel resection. To develop evidence-based, personalised strategies, large prospective studies are warranted to identify risk factors for ePOR. Validation studies of promising (bio)markers are also required.

Development and external validation of preoperative clinical prediction models for postoperative outcomes including preoperative aerobic fitness in patients approaching elective colorectal cancer surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative aerobic fitness is associated with postoperative outcomes after elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. This study aimed to develop and externally validate two clinical prediction models incorporating a practical test to assess preoperative aerobic fitness to distinguish between patients with and without an increased risk for 1) postoperative complications and 2) a prolonged time to in-hospital recovery of physical functioning after elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Models were developed using prospective data from 256 patients and externally validated using prospective data of 291 patients. Postoperative complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo. The modified Iowa level of assistance scale (mILAS) was used to determine time to postoperative in-hospital physical recovery. Aerobic fitness, age, sex, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, neoadjuvant treatment, surgical approach, tumour location, and preoperative haemoglobin level were potential predictors. Areas under the curve (AUC), calibration plots, and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests evaluated predictive performance. RESULTS: Aerobic fitness, sex, age, ASA, tumour location, and surgical approach were included in the final models. External validation of the model for complications and postoperative recovery presented moderate to fair discrimination (AUC 0.666 (0.598-0.733) and 0.722 (0.651-0.794), respectively) and good calibration. High sensitivity and high negative predictive values were observed in the lower predicted risk categories (<40 %). CONCLUSION: Both models identify patients with and without an increased risk of complications or a prolonged time to in-hospital physical recovery. They might be used for improving patient-tailored preoperative risk assessment and targeted and cost-effective application of prehabilitation interventions.

Prognostic Value of the Modified Rutgeerts Score for Long-Term Outcomes After Primary Ileocecal Resection in Crohn's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: The prognostic value of the modified Rutgeerts score (mRS) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) needs to be further elucidated. This study assessed the prognostic value of the mRS for long-term outcomes after primary ileocecal resection in patients with CD. METHODS: Patients with CD after primary ileocecal resection with an available mRS at first postoperative ileocolonoscopy (index mRS) were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was surgical recurrence. Secondary outcomes were clinical recurrence and progression to severe endoscopic recurrence (≥i3). Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between index mRS and outcomes. RESULTS: Six hundred fifty-two patients were included (mean follow-up: 6.4 years, SD: 4.6). Surgical recurrence rates were 7.7%, 5.3%, 12.9%, 19.1%, 28.8%, 47.8% for index mRS i0, i1, i2a, i2b, i3, and i4, respectively. Clinical recurrence occurred in 42.2% (i0), 53.7% (i1), 58.5% (i2a), 80.2% (i2b), 79.4% (i3), and 95.3% (i4) of patients. Progression to severe endoscopic recurrence occurred in 21.1% (i0), 33.9% (i1), 26.8% (i2a), and 33.3% (i2b) of patients. An index mRS of i2b (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.0; 1.5-5.6), i3 (aHR 4.0; 2.0-7.9) and i4 (aHR 8.0; 4.0-16.0) were associated with surgical recurrence. An index mRS of i1 (aHR 1.7; 1.2-2.4), i2a (aHR 1.7; 1.2-2.4), i2b (aHR 4.4; 3.2-6.0), i3 (aHR 3.6; 2.5-5.2), and i4 (aHR 7.3; 4.8-10.9) were associated with clinical recurrence. An index mRS of i1 (aHR 2.0; 1.1-3.7) or i2b (aHR 2.5; 1.4-4.6) was associated with progression to severe endoscopic recurrence. DISCUSSION: The increasing mRS corresponds closely with the risk of surgical and clinical recurrence. An index mRS ≥ i2b is associated with surgical recurrence, an index mRS ≥ i1 is associated with clinical recurrence, and i1 or i2b with progression to severe endoscopic recurrence. These results support tight monitoring of disease activity and treatment optimization in patients with ileal lesions and a more conservative management in patients with anastomotic lesions.

Visceral symptoms in patients with anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES): expression of viscerosomatic reflexes?

PURPOSE: Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment (ACNES) is characterized by neuropathic pain in a predictable, circumscript abdominal area. The diagnostic delay is long, with half of ACNES-affected individuals reporting nausea, bloating, or loss of appetite mimicking visceral disease. The aim of this study was to describe these phenomena and to determine whether treatment could successfully reverse the visceral symptoms. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted between July 2017 and December 2020 at SolviMáx, Center of Excellence for Chronic Abdominal Wall and Groin Pain, Máxima Medical Center, Eindhoven. Adult patients who fulfilled published criteria for ACNES and reported at least one visceral symptom at intake were eligible for the study. A self-developed Visceral Complaints ACNES Score (VICAS) questionnaire that scores several visceral symptoms (minimum 1 point, maximum 9 points) was completed before and after therapy. The success of treatment was defined as at least 50% reduction in pain. RESULTS: Data from 100 selected patients (86 females) aged 39 ± 5 years were available for analysis. Frequently reported symptoms were abdominal bloating (78%), nausea (66%) and altered defecation (50%). Successful treatment significantly reduced the number of visceral symptoms, with a VICAS before of 3 (range 1-8) and after of 1 (range 0-6) (p < 0.001). A low baseline VICAS was associated with successful treatment outcome (OR 0.738, 95% CI 0.546-0.999). CONCLUSION: Patients with ACNES may report a variety of visceral symptoms. Successful treatment substantially reduces these visceral symptoms in selected patients.

Impact of timing of primary ileocecal resection on prognosis in patients with Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: The advantage of early ileocecal resection after Crohn's disease diagnosis is a matter of debate. This study aims to assess the timing of ileocecal resection on prognosis, after correction for possible confounders. METHODS: Patients with Crohn's disease with primary ileocecal resection between 2000 and 2019 were included in a retrospective multicentre cohort. The primary endpoint was endoscopic recurrence (Rutgeerts score ≥i2b) within 18 months. Secondary endpoints were escalation of inflammatory bowel disease medication within 18 months and re-resection during follow-up. The association between timing of ileocecal resection and these endpoints was investigated using multivariable proportional hazard models, corrected for covariates including Montreal classification, postoperative prophylaxis, smoking, indication for surgery, medication before ileocecal resection, perianal fistulas, surgical approach, histology, length of resected segment and calendar year. RESULTS: In 822 patients ileocecal resection was performed after a median of 3.1 years (i.q.r. 0.7-8.0) after Crohn's disease diagnosis. The lowest incidence of endoscopic recurrence, escalation of inflammatory bowel disease medication and re-resection was observed for patients undergoing ileocecal resection shortly after diagnosis (0-1 months). After correction for covariates, patients with ileocecal resection at 0, 4 and 12 months after diagnosis had a cumulative incidence of 35 per cent, 48 per cent and 39 per cent for endoscopic recurrence, 20 per cent, 29 per cent and 28 per cent for escalation of inflammatory bowel disease medication and 20 per cent, 30 per cent and 34 per cent for re-resection, respectively. In the multivariable model ileocolonic disease (HR 1.39 (95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 1.86)), microscopic inflammation of proximal and distal resection margins (HR 2.20 (95 per cent c.i. 1.21 to 3.87)) and postoperative prophylactic biological and immunomodulator (HR 0.16 (95 per cent c.i. 0.05 to 0.43)) were associated with endoscopic recurrence. CONCLUSION: The timing of ileocecal resection was not associated with a change of disease course; in the multivariable model, the postoperative recurrence was not affected by timing of ileocecal resection.

Predictive Genetic Biomarkers for the Development of Peritoneal Metastases in Colorectal Cancer.

Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cause of cancer-related mortality, of which peritoneal metastases (PMs) have the worse outcome. Metastasis-specific markers may help predict the spread of tumor cells and select patients for preventive strategies. This exploratory pilot study aimed to gain more insight into genetic alterations in primary CRC tumors, which might be a predictive factor for the development of PM. Forty patients with T3 stage CRC were retrospectively divided in three groups: without metachronous metastases during 5-year follow-up (M0, n = 20), with metachronous liver metastases (LM, n = 10) and with metachronous PM (PM, n = 10). Patients with synchronous metastases were excluded. Primary formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples were analyzed via comprehensive genome sequencing (TSO500 analysis) to identify DNA alterations and RNA fusion transcripts in 523 genes and 55 genes, respectively. Thirty-eight samples were included for final analysis. Four M0 tumors and one PM tumor were microsatellite instable. BRAF mutations were uniquely identified in three microsatellite-stable (MSS) PM tumors (37.5%, p = 0.010). RNA analysis showed an additional FAM198A-RAF1 fusion in one PM sample. BRAF p.V600E mutations were only present in PM patients with MSS tumors. Greater attention should be paid to BRAF-mutated tumors in relation to the development of metachronous PM.

Simultaneous, Multi-Channel, Near-Infrared Fluorescence Visualization of Mesenteric Lymph Nodes Using Indocyanine Green and Methylene Blue: A Demonstration in a Porcine Model.

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) image-guided surgery is a useful tool that can help reduce perioperative complications and improve tissue recognition. Indocyanine green (ICG) dye is the most frequently used in clinical studies. ICG NIRF imaging has been used for lymph node identification. However, there are still many challenges in lymph node identification by ICG. There is increasing evidence that methylene blue (MB), another clinically applicable fluorescent dye, can also be useful in the intraoperative fluorescence-guided identification of structures and tissues. We hypothesized that MB NIRF imaging could be used for lymph node identification. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative lymph node fluorescence detection using intravenously (IV) administered MB and compare it to ICG via a camera that has two dedicated near-infrared (NIR) channels. Three pigs were used in this study. ICG (0.2 mg/kg) was administered via a peripheral venous catheter followed by immediate administration of MB (0.25 mg/kg). NIRF images were acquired as video recordings at different time points (every 10 min) over an hour using the QUEST SPECTRUM® 3 system (Quest Medical Imaging, Middenmeer, The Netherlands), which has two dedicated NIR channels for simultaneous intraoperative fluorescence guidance. The 800 nm channel was used to capture ICG fluorescence and the 700 nm channel was used for MB. The target (lymph nodes and small bowel) and the background (vessels-free field of the mesentery) were highlighted as the regions of interest (ROIs), and corresponding fluorescence intensities (FI) from these ROIs were measured. The target-to-background ratio (TBR) was then computed as the mean FI of the target minus the mean FI of the background divided by the mean FI of the background. In all included animals, a clear identification of lymph nodes was achieved at all time points. The mean TBR of ICG in lymph nodes and small bowel was 4.57 ± 1.00 and 4.37 ± 1.70, respectively for the overall experimental time. Regarding MB, the mean TBR in lymph nodes and small bowel was 4.60 ± 0.92 and 3.27 ± 0.62, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U test of the lymph node TBR/small bowel TBR showed that the TBR ratio of MB was statistically significantly higher than ICG. The fluorescence optical imaging technology used allows for double-wavelength assessment. This feasibility study proves that lymph nodes can be discriminated using two different fluorophores (MB and ICG) with different wavelengths. The results suggest that MB has a promising potential to be used to detect lymphatic tissue during image-guided surgery. Further preclinical trials are needed before clinical translation.

Simultaneous fluorescence imaging of bowel perfusion and ureter delineation using methylene blue: a demonstration in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) with preoperative optical dye administration is a promising technique for quick and easy intraoperative visualization of the ureter and for an improved, real-time assessment of intestinal perfusion. During colorectal surgery, there is a need for simultaneous non-invasive ureteral imaging and bowel perfusion assessment, using one single camera system. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of simultaneous intestinal perfusion and ureteral imaging using a single commercially available NIRF imaging system. METHODS: Six Landrace pigs underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia in this experiment. An intravenous (IV) dose of 0.2 mg/kg indocyanine green (ICG) was given to assess bowel perfusion. Two pairs received a methylene blue (MB) iv injection of 0.75, 0.50 or 0.25 mg/kg respectively to investigate ureteral visualization. Quest Spectrum Fluorescence Camera (Quest Medical Imaging, Middenmeer, The Netherlands) was used for NIRF imaging. RESULTS: Ureter visualization and bowel perfusion under NIRF imaging was achieved in all animals. All ureters were visible after five to ten minutes and remained clearly visible until the end of every experiment (120-420 min). A mixed model analysis did not show any significant differences neither between the three groups nor over time. Importantly, we demonstrated that bowel perfusion could be visualized with methylene blue (MB) as well. We observed no interference between ICG and MB and a faster washout of MB. CONCLUSION: We successfully demonstrated simultaneous fluorescence angiography with ICG and ureteral imaging with MB in the same surgical procedure, with the same commercially available NIRF imaging equipment. More importantly, we showed that the use MB is adequate for bowel perfusion assessment and ureter visualization with this NIRF imaging system. Besides, MB showed an earlier washout time, which can be clinical beneficial as a repeated dye injection may be necessary during a surgical procedure.

Research highlight: surgical outcomes of gluteal VY plasty after extensive abdominoperineal resection or total pelvic exenteration.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a suitable alternative technique for reconstruction of the pelvic floor after extensive resection. To review our outcomes of gluteal VY plasty in the reconstruction of the pelvic floor after extensive abdominoperineal resection (conventional or extralevator abdominoperineal resection, total pelvic exenteration, or salvage surgery). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: An academic hospital and tertiary referral centre for the treatment of locally advanced or locally recurrent rectal cancer, and salvage surgery in The Netherlands. PATIENTS: Forty-one consecutive patients who underwent a pelvic floor reconstruction with gluteal VY plasty at Maastricht University Medical Centre between January 2017 and February 2021 were included. The minimum duration of follow-up was 2 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perineal herniation is the primary outcome measure. Furthermore, the occurrence of minor and major postoperative complications and long-term outcomes were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (85.4%) developed one or more complications of whom twenty-one patients experienced minor complications and fourteen patients developed major complications. Fifty-seven percent of complications was not related to the VY reconstruction. Six patients (14.6%) recovered without any postoperative complications during follow-up. Three patients developed a perineal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: A gluteal VY plasty is a suitable technique for reconstruction of the pelvic floor after extensive perineal resections resulting in a low perineal hernia rate, albeit the complication rate remains high in this challenging group of patients.

Temporary diverting stoma in therapy-refractory luminal colonic Crohn's disease: an alternative to immediate colorectal resection?

AIM: Creation of a diverting stoma in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) can counteract luminal inflammation. The clinical utility of a diverting stoma with the prospect of restoration of gastrointestinal continuity warrants further investigation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term effects of creation of a diverting stoma on the disease course in patients with luminal colonic CD. METHOD: In this retrospective, multicentre cohort study we investigated the disease course of patients who received a diverting stoma in the biological era. Clinical characteristics, medication use and surgical course were assessed at the time of creation of the diverting stoma and during follow-up. The primary outcome was the rate of successful and lasting reestablishment of gastrointestinal continuity. RESULTS: Thirty six patients with refractory luminal CD from four institutions underwent creation of a diverting stoma. Of the overall cohort, 20 (56%) patients had their gastrointestinal continuity reestablished after initial stoma creation and 14 (39%) who had their stoma reversed remained stoma-free during a median of 3.3 years follow-up (interquartile range 2.1-6.1 years). Absence of stoma reversal was associated with the presence of proctitis (p = 0.02). Colorectal resection after creation of a diverting stoma was performed in 28 (78%) patients, with 7 (19%) having a less extensive resection and 6 (17%) having a more extensive resection compared with the surgical plan before stoma creation. CONCLUSION: A diverting stoma could potentially be an alternative to immediate definitive stoma placement in specific populations consisting of patients with luminal colonic CD, especially in the absence of proctitis.

Retreatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in combination with an immunomodulator for recurrence of Crohn's disease after ileocecal resection results in prolonged continuation as compared to anti-tumor necrosis factor monotherapy.

BACKGROUND: A considerable proportion of Crohn's disease patients that undergo ileocecal resection (ICR) have failed anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy preoperatively. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of retreatment of anti-TNF therapy in patients with postoperative recurrence. METHODS: A real-world cohort study was performed on Crohn's disease patients who underwent primary ICR after anti-TNF therapy failure, and who were retreated with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative symptomatic Crohn's disease. The primary outcome was treatment failure (the need for (re)introduction of corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biologicals or the need for re-resection). Sub-analyses were performed on the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (primary non-response, secondary loss of response, intolerance), indication for ICR (refractory, stricturing, penetrating disease), combination therapy with immunomodulators, retreatment with the same anti-TNF agent and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents. RESULTS: In total, 66 of 364 patients retreated with anti-TNF therapy following ICR. Cumulative rates of treatment failure at 1 and 2 years were 28% and 47%. Treatment failure rate at 2 years was significantly lower in patients receiving combination therapy as compared to anti-TNF monotherapy (30% vs. 49%, P = 0.02). No difference in treatment failure was found with regards to the nature of preoperative anti-TNF failure (P = 0.76), indication for ICR (P = 0.88) switch of anti-TNF agent (P = 0.55) agent, and preoperative exposure to 1 vs. >1 anti-TNF agents (P = 0.88). CONCLUSION: Retreatment with anti-TNF therapy for postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence is a valid strategy after preoperative failure. Combination therapy is associated with a lower rate of treatment failure.

International survey among surgeons on the perioperative management of rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several pivotal studies and international guidelines on the perioperative management of rectal cancer have been published. However, little is known about the current state of perioperative management of rectal cancer patients in clinical practice worldwide. METHODS: An online survey including 13 questions focusing on key topics related to the perioperative management of patients with rectal cancer was conducted among colorectal surgeons registered within the database of the Research Institute Against Digestive Cancer (IRCAD). RESULTS: A total of 535 respondents from 89 countries participated in the survey. Most surgeons worked in the European region (40.9%). Two hundred and fifty-four respondents (47.5%) performed less than 25% of surgical procedures laparoscopically. The most commonly used definition of the upper limit of the rectum was a fixed distance from the anal verge (23.4%). Magnetic resonance imaging was used to define the upper limit of the rectum by 258 respondents (48.2%). During total mesorectal excision (TME), 301 respondents (56.3%) used a high-tie technique. The most commonly constructed anastomosis was an end-to-end anastomosis (68.2%) with the majority of surgeons performing a leak test intraoperatively (88.9%). A total of 355 respondents (66.4%) constructed a diverting ostomy, and the majority of these surgeons constructed an enterostomy (82%). A total of 208 respondents (39.3%) closed a stoma within 8 weeks. Lastly, 135 respondents (25.2%) introduced a solid diet on postoperative day 1. CONCLUSION: There is considerable heterogeneity in the perioperative management of rectal cancer patients worldwide with several discrepancies between current international practice and recommendations from international guidelines. To achieve worldwide standardization in rectal cancer care, further research is needed to elucidate the cause of this heterogeneity and find ways of improved implementation of best practice recommendations.

Prophylactic Medication for the Prevention of Endoscopic Recurrence in Crohn's Disease: a Prospective Study Based on Clinical Risk Stratification.

BACKGROUND: To prevent recurrence after ileocolonic resection [ICR] in Crohn's disease [CD], postoperative prophylaxis based on risk stratification is recommended in international guidelines. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative CD recurrence after implementation of a clinical management algorithm and to determine the predictive value of clinical and histological risk factors [RFs]. METHODS: In this multicentre, prospective cohort study, CD patients [≥16 years] scheduled for ICR were included. The algorithm advised no postoperative medication for low-risk patients, and treatment with prophylaxis [immunosuppressant/biological] for high-risk patients [≥1 RF: active smoking, penetrating disease, prior ICR]. Clinical and histological RFs [active inflammation, granulomas, plexitis in resection margins] for endoscopic recurrence [Rutgeerts' score ≥i2b at 6 months] were assessed using logistic regression and ROC curves based on predicted probabilities. RESULTS: In total, 213 CD patients after ICR were included [age 34.5 years; 65% women] (93 [44%] low-risk; 120 [56%] high-risk: 45 [38%] smoking; 51 [43%] penetrating disease; 51 [43%] prior ICR). Adherence to the algorithm was 82% in low-risk [no prophylaxis] and 51% in high-risk patients [prophylaxis]. Endoscopic recurrence was higher in patients treated without prophylaxis than with prophylaxis in both low [45% vs 16%, p = 0.012] and high-risk patients [49% vs 26%, p = 0.019]. Clinical risk stratification including the prescription of prophylaxis corresponded to an area under the curve [AUC] of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.79). Clinical RFs combined with histological RFs increased the AUC to 0.73 [95% CI 0.64-0.81]. CONCLUSION: Adherence to this management algorithm is 65%. Prophylactic medication after ICR prevents endoscopic recurrence in low- and high-risk patients. Clinical risk stratification has an acceptable predictive value, but further refinement is needed.

Experimental evaluation of laparoscopic laser speckle contrast imaging to visualize perfusion deficits during intestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia at the site of an intestinal anastomosis is one of the most important risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL). Consequently, adequate intestinal microperfusion is essential for optimal tissue oxygenation and anastomotic healing. As visual inspection of tissue viability does not guarantee an adequate objective evaluation of intestinal microperfusion, surgeons are in dire need of supportive tools to decrease anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery. METHODS: In this feasibility study, laparoscopic laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) was used to evaluate intestinal microperfusion in an experimental ischemic bowel loop model. Both large and small ischemic loops were created from the small intestine of a pig; each loop was divided into 5 regions of interest (ROI) with varying levels of ischemia. Speckle contrast and local capillary lactate (LCL) was measured in all ROIs. RESULTS: Both real-time visualization of intestinal microperfusion and induced perfusion deficits was achieved in all bowel loops. As a result, the emergence of regions of intestinal ischemia could be predicted directly after iatrogenic perfusion limitation, whereas without LSCI signs of decreased intestinal viability could only be seen after 30 minutes. Additionally, a significant relation was found between LCL and LSCI. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, LSCI can achieve real-time intraoperative visualization of intestinal microperfusion deficits, allowing for accurate prediction of long-term postoperative ischemic complications. With this revealing capacity, LSCI could potentially facilitate surgical decision-making when constructing intestinal anastomoses in order to mitigate ischemia-related complications such as AL.

Prehabilitation prior to intestinal resection in Crohn's disease patients: An opinion review.

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are at a considerable risk for intestinal surgery. Approximately 25% of patients with CD will undergo an intestinal resection within 10 years of diagnosis. Postoperative complications after CD surgery have been reported in 20%-47% of the patients. Both general and CD-related risk factors are associated with postoperative complications, and comprise non-modifiable (e.g., age) and potentially modifiable risk factors (e.g., malnutrition). Prehabilitation focuses on the preoperative period with strategies designed to optimize modifiable risk factors concerning the physical and mental condition of the individual patient. The aim of prehabilitation is to enhance postoperative recovery and return to or even improve preoperative functional capacity. Preoperative improvement of nutritional status, physical fitness, cessation of smoking, psychological support, and critical revision of preoperative use of CD medication are important strategies. Studies of the effect on postoperative outcome in CD patients are scarce, and guidelines lack recommendations on tailored management. In this opinion review, we review the current evidence on the impact of screening and management of nutritional status, physical fitness, CD medication and laboratory values on the postoperative course following an intestinal resection in CD patients. In addition, we aim to provide guidance for individualized multimodal prehabilitation in clinical practice concerning these modifiable factors.

The patient perspective on the preoperative colorectal cancer care pathway and preparedness for surgery and postoperative recovery-a qualitative interview study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore colorectal cancer (CRC) patients' perspectives and experiences regarding the preoperative surgical care pathway and their subsequent preparedness for surgery and postoperative recovery. METHODS: CRC patients were recruited using purposive sampling and were interviewed three times (preoperatively, and 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively) using semistructured telephone interviews. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed independently by two researchers using thematic analysis with open coding. RESULTS: Data saturation was achieved after including 18 patients. Preoperative factors that contributed to a feeling of preparedness for surgery and recovery were patient-centred- and professional healthcare organization, sincere and personal guidance, and thorough information provision. Postoperatively, patients with complications or physical complaints experienced unmet information needs regarding the impact of complications and what to expect from postoperative recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative period is a vital period to prepare patients for surgery and recovery in which patients most value personalized information, personal guidance and professionalism. According to CRC patients, the feeling of preparedness for surgery and recovery can be improved by continually providing dosed information. This information should provide the patient with patient-tailored perspectives regarding the impact of (potential) complications and what to expect during recovery.

Quality and clinical generalizability of feasibility outcomes in exercise prehabilitation before colorectal cancer surgery - A systematic review.

Suboptimal quality of feasibility assessments might partially explain inconsistencies observed in the effectiveness of exercise prehabilitation before colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. This systematic review aimed to assess the reporting quality and clinical generalizability of feasibility outcomes in feasibility studies addressing exercise prehabilitation before CRC surgery. PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL were searched to identify all feasibility studies focussing on exercise prehabilitation in CRC surgery. Reporting quality was assessed using the Thabane et al. checklist and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials extension for feasibility studies. Clinical generalizability was evaluated by appraising patient participation in all steps of the study and intervention. Twelve studies were included. The main feasibility outcome in all studies was adherence to the intervention by the study sample. Based on adherence, 10 studies (83%) concluded exercise prehabilitation to be feasible. Six studies (50%) reported all details to assess patient participation showing retention rates between 18.4% and 58.2%, which was caused by non-participation and drop-out. Three feasibility studies (25%) discussed patient-reported barriers to participation and five additional studies (41%) described potential selection bias. Four studies (33%) reported lessons learned to solve issues hampering feasibility and clinical generalizability. Results suggest that true feasibility of exercise prehabilitation before CRC surgery remains questionable due to poor reporting quality, insufficient clarity regarding the representativeness of the study sample for the target population, and limited attention for clinical generalizability. Feasibility of exercise prehabilitation might be improved by offering supervised community- or home-based interventions tailored to the physical and mental abilities of the patient.

Aerobic fitness and muscle density play a vital role in postoperative complications in colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the association of preoperative aerobic fitness and body composition variables with a patient's resilience to the development and impact of postoperative complications after elective colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery. METHODS: Preoperative aerobic fitness was assessed by steep ramp test performance. Preoperative body composition was assessed by muscle mass and density determined from preoperative computed tomography scan analysis at the L3-level. Complication development and severity was graded according to Clavien-Dindo. Complication impact was assessed by the time to recovery of physical functioning after complications. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities and tumour location was performed. RESULTS: Of 238 included patients, 96 (40.3%) developed postoperative complications. Better preoperative aerobic fitness decreased the likelihood to develop complications, independent of muscle mass (odds ratio [OR]: 0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.85) or muscle density (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.89). A prolonged time to recovery following complications was associated with lower preoperative muscle density (OR: 4.14, 95% CI: 1.28-13.41), independent of aerobic fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Lower aerobic fitness increases the risk of complication development, while low muscle density seems associated with a prolonged recovery from complications. Aerobic fitness and muscle density could be valuable additives to preoperative risk assessment.