Surgical prevalence and outcomes in ischemic colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This study reviews the literature to examine the proportion of patients requiring surgical management in ischemic colitis (IC) and identify surgical outcomes. METHOD: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was conducted in accordance with the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. English language studies and adult patients were included. Studies with fewer than 10 patients, and IC post aortic or cardiac surgery was excluded. We present our systematic review and meta-analysis with pooled proportions of right sided IC distribution and prevalence of surgical treatment. RESULTS: 23 studies with a total of 12,844 patients were included in the systematic review, with 19 studies and 12,420 patients included in the meta-analysis. Four studies were excluded from the meta-analysis due to only including specific cohorts of patients-two with cocaine induced colitis, one with phlebosclerotic colitis, and one with IC associated with acute myocardial infarction. The pooled proportion of right sided IC distribution was 15% (CI 14%-17%, p < 0.001), whilst the pooled proportion of surgical management of IC was 15% (CI 13%-16% p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prevalence of surgical management of IC is rare. Right sided IC is associated with higher mortality and higher rates of surgical management. Reporting of surgical outcomes is scant.

Surgical Outcomes in 62 Patients with Ulcerative Colitis: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study from Poland.

BACKGROUND Surgery continues to play an important role in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), which is one of the most common inflammatory diseases of the colon and rectum. This retrospective study from a single center in Poland aimed to evaluate surgical outcomes in 62 patients with ulcerative colitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study enrolled 62 patients (36 men [58.1%], 26 women [41.9%]), mean age 52.69±16.84 (range, 19-96) years who underwent surgical treatment of UC during the period 2001-2020. The mandatory inclusion criteria were patients with UC, who underwent total intra-abdominal colectomy (n=22, 46.8%), proctocolectomy (n=25, 53.2%), or left-sided hemicolectomy (n=8, 12.9%). The primary endpoint was postoperative death, and secondary endpoints were long hospitalization (>15 days), complications, and relaparotomy. RESULTS Postoperative mortality was observed in 8 (12.9%) patients. Older age and low albumin level were associated with longer hospitalization time (P=0.004 and P<0.001, respectively). High C-reactive protein (CRP) level (P=0.003), high CRP/albumin ratio (P=0.023), and malnourishment (P=0.026) were risk factors for complications. Malnutrition (P=0.026), older age (P=0.031), high CRP level (p<0.001), high CRP/albumin ratio (P=0.014), arterial hypertension (P=0.012), and urgent surgeries (P=0.021) were associated with higher risk of postoperative death. Patients who had undergone previous surgeries were more likely to need relaparotomy (P=0.022). CONCLUSIONS Preoperative nutritional status was an important factor associated with postoperative outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis. Correction of malnutrition seems to be a vital part of preoperative preparation.

Inferior mesenteric artery arteriovenous malformation, a rare cause of ischemic colitis: A case report.

RATIONALE: An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that connects the arteries and the veins. Because normal capillary bed is partially or completely absented in the AVM, the blood passes quickly from the arteries to the veins, which disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen supply to the surrounding tissues. This is called "steal phenomenon," and in the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) territory, this may lead to abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, portal hypertension, and even ischemic colitis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old man presented to our emergency department because of left side abdominal pain. DIAGNOSES: The abdominal computed tomography with contrast enhancement revealed a cluster of abnormal vascular lesions abutting the IMA with early opacification of the left colonic marginal vein. In addition, poor enhancement of segmental colonic wall was found from proximal descending colon to middle rectum. The diagnosis of AVM of the IMA and ischemic colitis was made. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent left hemicolectomy as well as the AVM resection. OUTCOMES: He was discharged uneventfully after the surgery without complications. LESSONS: IMA AVM carries the risk of ischemic colitis. computed tomography scan is helpful not only to the diagnosis of AVMs but also to exclude other lesions as well. Treatment options include endovascular embolization, surgical intervention, and a combination of both. Due to the complexity of this disease, treatment requires a case-specific multidisciplinary approach and a coordination of medical, radiological, and surgical staffs.

Pneumatosis intestinalis: a rare endoscopic feature of colonic ischemia.

A 71-year-old male was admitted on intensive care unit after endovascular aneurysm repair of ruptured infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. 2 weeks later, he had multiple episodes of bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed diffuse dusky mucosal coloration with loss of vasculature pattern, diseased haustrations, and diffuse areas of pneumatosis, suggestive of severe colonic ischemia.

Detection of Ischemic Colitis on Routine Lower Endoscopy and Its Implications After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a known significant complication after repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). Lower endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) is a helpful adjunct to aid decision making for surgical exploration. We believe routine use of lower endoscopy after rAAA repair provides better patient care through expeditious diagnosis and surgical care. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of rAAA repairs from 2008 to 2019. All patients undergo screening lower endoscopy after rAAA repair at our institution. The incidence of IC, mortality, and diagnostic characteristics of routine lower endoscopy was analyzed. RESULTS: Of these, 182 patients underwent rAAA repair, among which 139 (76%) underwent routine lower endoscopy. Ischemic colitis of any grade was diagnosed in 25% of patients. The 30-day mortality was 11% compared to 19% in those without lower endoscopy. The presence of IC portended a 4-fold increase in mortality rate compared to those without (26% vs 6%, P = .005). Surgical exploration rate was 8% after routine lower endoscopy. Grade III ischemia on lower endoscopy had a sensitivity of 50% (95% CI 12-88) and specificity of 99% (95% CI 94-100) for transmural necrosis. DISCUSSION: We found increased incidence of IC and reliable diagnostic characteristics of routine lower endoscopy in predicting the presence of transmural colonic ischemia. There was decreased mortality with use of routine lower endoscopy but this was not statistically significant.

Laparoscopic versus open emergent colectomy for ischemic colitis: a propensity score-matched comparison.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic colectomy is rarely performed for ischemic colitis. The aim of this propensity score-matched study was to compare preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details and short-term outcomes for emergent laparoscopic colectomy versus the traditional open approach for patients with ischemic colitis. METHODS: Retrospective review of 96 patients who underwent emergent colectomy for ischemic colitis between January 2011 and December 2020 (39 via laparoscopy, 57 via laparotomy) was performed. We compared short-term outcomes after using a one-to-one ratio and nearest-neighbor propensity score matching to obtain similar preoperative and intraoperative parameters in each group. RESULTS: Patients in the open group experienced more surgical site complications (52.6% vs. 23.0%, p = 0.004), more intra-abdominal abscesses (47.3% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.003), longer need for ventilator support (20 days vs. 0 days, p < 0.001), more major complications (77.2% vs. 43.5%, p = 0.001), higher mortality (49.1% vs. 20.5%, p = 0.004), and longer hospital stay (32 days vs. 19 days, p = 0.001). After propensity score matching (31 patients in each group), patients undergoing open (vs. laparoscopy) had more surgical site complications (45.1% vs. 19.4%, p = 0.030) and required longer ventilator support (14 vs. 3 days, p = 0.039). After multivariate analysis, Charlson Comorbidity Index (p = 0.024), APACHE II score (p = 0.001), and Favier's classification (p = 0.023) were independent predictors of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic emergent colectomy for ischemic colitis is feasible and is associated with fewer surgical site complications and better respiratory function, compared to the open approach.

Acute right-sided ischemic colitis in a COVID-19 patient: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: In addition to attacking the respiratory system, the coronavirus disease may attack the gastrointestinal tract in various ways, one of which is by creating a coagulopathy that may lead to acute ischemia of the bowel, increasing morbidity and mortality rates in these patients. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of a white 72-year-old European male, who was admitted to the intensive care unit after developing COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome. On the third week, despite a favorable evolution of his respiratory symptoms, the patient became clinically septic; laboratory findings showed an augmentation of his D-dimer, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin levels. Imaging showed signs of ischemia of the right colon. The patient was taken to the operating room; only the right side of his colon was ischemic, with a well demarcated cut-off. A laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with a terminal ileostomy was performed. The patient was able to go home 2 weeks after surgery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Ischemic colitis is an uncommon pathology in the general population, and is rare in COVID-19 patients. Most cases of ischemic colitis in COVID-19 patients in the literature were limited to the left colon, with < 10 cases involving the right colon. Accurate and quick diagnosis with appropriate management is the key to avoid any mortality in those patients who are already weakened by the coronavirus.

Outcomes of patients with ischemic colitis causing severe hematochezia managed medically or surgically.

PURPOSE: To compare short- and long-term outcomes of hospitalized patients with ischemic colitis (IC) presenting with severe hematochezia and treated medically or colectomy and also those with inpatient vs. outpatient start of hematochezia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for IC patients hospitalized for severe hematochezia from two teaching hospitals was done from 1994 to 2020, with the diagnosis of IC made colonoscopically and confirmed histologically. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients initially all had medical management for IC. Seventy-two (74.2%) were stable and had no further bleeding; 17 (17.5%) had colon resection; and 8 were critically ill and not surgical candidates. Surgical patients and non-surgical candidate had higher comorbidity scores; received more red blood cell (RBC) transfusion (median (IQR) 5 (3-10) vs. 4.5 (3-6.5) vs. 1 (0-4) units, p < 0.001); had significantly longer hospital and ICU days; had higher severe complication rates (35.3% vs. 100%. vs. 5.6%, p < 0.001); and had higher 30-day all-cause mortality rates (23.5% vs. 87.5% vs. 0, p < 0.001). Inpatients developing IC hemorrhage had more RBC transfusions, more complications, longer hospital stays, and higher mortality than patients whose IC bleeding started as outpatients. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of IC patients hospitalized for severe hematochezia were successfully treated medically. Patients who were not surgical candidate had the highest rates of severe complications and mortality. Surgical patients and those who were not surgical candidate had worse outcomes than the medical group. Patients with inpatient start of bleeding from IC had significantly worse outcomes than those with outpatient start of bleeding.

Radiological and clinical findings of idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of mesenteric veins (IMHMV) is an uncommon cause of ischemic bowel disease resulting from the proliferation of smooth muscles in the venous intima. Delayed diagnosis could only be made following the surgical resection due to lack of imaging data, which may lead to bowel severe bleeding, perforation, necrosis, infection, or shock. In previous reports, few cases have provided the detailed pre-operative radiological characteristics of IMHMV. Herein, we are the first to provide the complete clinical course and comprehensive pre-operative radiological data of a 21-year-old female diagnosed with IMHMV. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 21-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed tenderness localized to the left lower abdomen. The patient had no prior history of similar symptoms. A computed tomography scan was performed and showed diffuse wall thickening from the rectum to sigmoid colon with poor mural enhancement, multiple ulcers, fat stranding, and free fluid. The arterial phase images demonstrated many tortuous pericolic arteries and submucosal pseudoaneurysm. INTERVENTION: Conservative treatment including empirical antibiotics, Mesalazine, and methylprednisolone sodium succinate were administrated to relief the symptoms. However, the diarrhea and abdominal pain worsened. An emergency surgery was arranged and total proctocolectomy with ileal pouchanal anastomosis with ileostomy was performed. DIAGNOSIS: Macroscopic and histopathological examinations of the excised specimen showed ischemic colitis. Elastica van Gieson staining revealed extensive myointimal hyperplasia and confirmed the diagnosis of IMHMV. OUTCOMES: During the 2-year follow-up period, no additional medical management was needed. The patient was well and surveillance colonoscopy showed normal colon and anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative computed tomography with imaging features including pronounced continuous concentric thickening colonic wall with poor enhancement and enlarged tortuous pericolic arteries could specifically facilitate the speedy diagnosis of IMHMV.

Ischemic colitis with non-gangrenous, stenotic evolution following hemorrhagic shock A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Ischemic colitis (IC) accounts for more of the half of total diagnosis of gastrointestinal ischemia. It is a challenging condition due to non-specificity of the symptoms at onset, inconstant behaviour and a wide range of clinical gravity with a different therapeutic approach. A classification of IC into gangrenous, stricturing and transient forms can be considered. CASE REPORT: In the presented case, due to hypovolemic hemorrhagic shock, the patient developed a progressive IC without gangrene but slowly evolving in multiple colonic strictures with general serious clinical condition. Endoscopy was used to confirm diagnosis and to tempt a pneumatic stricture dilation which resulted ineffective. A diverting stoma was required and an elective subtotal colectomy was carried out after resolution of the acute phase. CONCLUSIONS: IC may present with a large spectrum of clinical conditions. In acute shocked patients it must be always considered when a complicated abdominal picture is present. Immediate surgery is not always required considering the spontaneous resolutions of the milder forms. Strictures are the most frequent evolution following the intermediate nongangrenous presentation and initially they can be treated conservatively with postponed tailored resection after the healing of the diffuse mucosal injuries. KEY WORDS: Ischemic, colitis, Shock, Stricture.

[Ischemic Colitis after Closure of Temporary Ileostomy for Low Anterior Resection of Rectal Cancer in a Dialysis Patient-A Case Report].

Dialysis patients are at increased risk of ischemic colitis and are likely to develop irreversible ischemic colitis. We report a rare case of ischemic colitis after the closure of a temporary ileostomy for low anterior resection(LAR)of rectal cancer in a dialysis patient. A 77-year-old man undergoing maintenance dialysis was diagnosed as having colorectal cancer with a type 2 tumor at the anastomosis site of high anterior resection performed for sigmoid colon cancer 14 years ago. After undergoing excision which included the anastomosis site of the previous operation, LAR with anastomosis in the transverse colon and rectum and temporary ileostomy were performed. Seven months later, closure of the temporary ileostomy was performed, which resulted in ileus and septic shock. Computed tomography(CT)revealed inflammation in the colon on the oral side of the anastomosis, which was diagnosed as ischemic colitis. Ischemic colitis did not improve with conservative treatment, and fever reoccurred at each maintenance dialysis session. Therefore, ileostomy was performed again, but multiple organ failure due to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy(DIC)progressed and he died. It is considered that Hartmann's operation should be selected for dialysis patients with serious underlying diseases, and if ischemic colitis is observed after closure of the stoma temporary colostomy in such patients, the lesion site of ischemic colitis should be excised promptly and colostomy should be performed again.

Predictors of mortality following emergency open colectomy for ischemic colitis: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic colitis (IC) is a severe emergency in gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of the present study was to identify the predictors of postoperative mortality after emergent open colectomy for IC treatment. Additionally, we compared postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing emergent colectomy due to aortic surgery-related IC (AS-IC group) vs. other IC etiologies (Other-IC group). METHODS: We analyzed records of consecutive patients who underwent emergency open colectomy for IC between 2008 and 2019. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical and operative parameters associated with postoperative mortality. The AS-IC and Other-IC groups were compared for mortality, morbidity, ICU stay, hospital stay, and survival. RESULTS: During the study period, 94 patients (mean age, 67.4 ± 13.7 years) underwent emergent open colectomy for IC. In the majority of cases, IC involved the entire colon (53.2%) and vasopressor agents were required preoperatively (63.8%) and/or intraoperatively (78.8%). Thirty-four patients underwent surgery due to AS-IC, whereas 60 due to Other-IC causes. In the AS-IC group, 9 patients had undergone endovascular aortic repair and 25 open aortic surgery; 61.8% of patients needed aortic surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA). Overall, 66 patients (70.2%) died within 90 days from surgery. The AS-IC and Other-IC groups showed similar operative outcomes and postoperative complication rates. However, the duration of the ICU stay (19 days vs. 11 days; p = 0.003) and of the total hospital stay (22 days vs. 16 days; p = 0.016) was significantly longer for the AS-IC group than for the Other-IC group. The rate of intestinal continuity restoration at 1 year after surgery was higher for the Other-IC group than for the AS-IC group (58.8% vs. 22.2%; p = 0.05). In the multivariate model, preoperative increased lactate levels, a delay between signs/symptoms' onset and surgery > 12 h, and the occurrence of postoperative acute kidney injury were statistically associated with postoperative mortality. Neither IC etiology (aortic surgery vs. other etiology) nor ruptured AAA was associated with postoperative mortality. CONCLUSION: Emergency open colectomy for IC is associated with high postoperative mortality, which appears to be unrelated to the IC etiology. Preoperative lactate levels, > 12-h delay to surgery, and postoperative acute kidney injury are independent predictors of postoperative mortality.

Surgical approach for acute ischemic colitis after scuba diving: A case report.

The clinical manifestations that may occur due to decompression during scuba diving vary widely, but only mild symptoms have been reported mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, ischemic colitis caused by air embolism is rare. We report a case of full-thickness ischemic colitis treated with failed conservative treatment but successfully treated surgically. The case that was presented here suggests that decompression after scuba diving may cause severe symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract and may require a surgical approach. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms and the patient's condition, but surgical approaches should be considered.

Young-Onset Ischemic Colitis: A Condition of Elusive Etiology Frequently Associated With Immune Dysregulation.

Ischemic colitis (IC) associates with older age, hypertension, and heart disease, among others. Young-onset IC is rare. We aimed to delineate clinical characteristics of young patients (<40 years) with IC. Cases from 1984 to 2017 were re-reviewed. Of the 60 cases available, 52% (n = 31) had histologic features of IC. Fifty-five percent were female with a mean age of 32 (range = 14-40) years. Fifty-eight percent (n = 18) were resections. The most common presentations were diarrhea and abdominal pain. Three teenagers had IC associated with prior surgery, volvulus, and constipation. In the 21- to 40-year group, 43% (n = 12) lacked clinical associations. A second subset (n = 6, 21%) had histories of immune dysregulation (lupus, dermatomyositis, vasculitis) and poorly controlled HIV/AIDS (n = 5, 18%). Smoking and cocaine were endorsed by 1 and 2 patients, respectively. One patient had premature atherosclerosis while another had HMG Co-A lyase deficiency. Vasculitis was identified in 22% of the resections and in none of the biopsies. Nineteen percent of patients died (n = 6) from complications of IC, all treated surgically, including 1 patient previously misdiagnosed as ulcerative colitis; 2 patients died of unrelated causes. While rare before 20 years of age, IC in teenagers relates to mechanical issues and is rare in children. Associations in young adults include immune dysregulation, cocaine and cigarette use, and premature atherosclerosis. Our retrospective cohort had a surgical mortality rate within the range reported by others, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis in young individuals.