The Effect of Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises on Bowel Evacuation and Quality of Life in Following Intestinal Ostomy Closure: Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFMEs) on bowel evacuation problems and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following ostomy closure. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Forty individuals following ostomy closure consented to participate in the study; 6 participants (15%) did not complete the trial (2 died and 2 required a second ostomy) yielding a study sample of 34. Participants were randomly allocated to an Exercise Group (EG, n = 17) and Control Group (CG, n = 17). The mean age of the EG was 55.7 (SD 12.6) years, whereas the mean age of the CG was 62.0 (SD 12.1) years. The study setting was the surgery clinic of 4 hospitals in Ankara, Turkey. Data were collected between December 2018 and May 2020. METHODS: The study intervention, PFME training by a clinician, was administered to participants in the EG; CG participants received no information regarding PFME. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews on the day before discharge and by phone at the first, second, third, and sixth months after surgery. A questionnaire was used for data collection that queried a demographic and pertinent clinical questions, along with the Assessment Form for Bowel Evacuation Habits and Psychosocial Problems, Wexner Scale, and the Short Form (SF-36) Health-related Quality of Life Scale. Descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test, t-test, Pearson-χ2 test, Fisher's Exact test, Friedman test, and Cochran-Q test statistical analysis according to normal distribution were used in data evaluation. RESULTS: The number of defecations in the EG was statistically significantly lower than the CG at the second, third, and sixth months (P = .002, P = .002, P = .001, respectively). In addition, the number of individuals experiencing night defecation was statistically significantly less in the EG compared to the CG at the second-, third-, and sixth-month follow-ups (P = .001, P = .001, P = .028, respectively). HRQOL scores were also significantly higher in the EG. CONCLUSION: Pelvic floor exercises applied after ostomy closure are effective in reducing bowel evacuation and increasing quality of life. Given these findings, PFMEs are recommended for patients after ostomy closure.

Comparison of adjustment to a temporary or permanent ostomy using the OAI-23.

AIM: The aim of this work was to compare adjustment between those with a new temporary or permanent ostomy in a cohort of Australian adults. METHOD: This is a multicentre, longitudinal observational study. Ostomy adjustment was measured using the Ostomy Adjustment Inventory (OAI-23) at six possible time points ending at 9 months postsurgery or at the time of ostomy closure in those with a temporary stoma. The OAI-23 includes four domains: anger, acceptance, anxious preoccupation and social engagement. RESULTS: Eligibility criteria were met by 1230 patients, with 849 (69%) recruited and consented. Of these, 108 were excluded as their surgery did not result in the formation of an ostomy and a further 41 were excluded due to there being no data on ostomy type (temporary or permanent). This left a study population of 700, of whom 397 had a temporary and 303 a permanent ostomy. Only small differences were observed between the temporary and permanent ostomy groups at most time points within the four OAI-23 domains. There were no statistically significant differences found beyond 2 weeks postdischarge and the differences were of small size. While no difference was found between the groups in the domain of anxious preoccupation, both groups demonstrated an increase in anxious preoccupation over time. Neither group regained their presurgery confidence to attend social engagements. CONCLUSION: We found only minor differences in adjustment in those with a new temporary ostomy compared with a new permanent ostomy. Both groups demonstrated increasing anxious preoccupation and problems with social engagement. This suggests that access to education, training and support should be equitable between these two groups in clinical practice, and needs to incorporate a focus on psychological as well as physical outcomes.

Self-management goals of cancer survivors with an ostomy.

OBJECTIVES: Ostomies due to cancer surgery impose complex and enduring care challenges that necessitate cancer survivors" self-management. The objective of this analysis is to evaluate ostomates' self- management goals using a qualitative approach. METHODS: A multi-site randomized controlled trial testing the Ostomy Self-Management Training program (OSMT) was delivered via telehealth to a group of cancer survivors with an ostomy randomized to either the OSMT program with goal setting or usual care (UC), without goal setting. Goals were classified by type and frequency according to a modified City of Hope Health-Related Quality of Life framework (physical, psychological, social, spiritual, ostomy-specific, and healthcare quality domains), using a directed and systematic content analysis approach. RESULTS: The 524 self-management goals analyzed by domain frequencies physical (29.4%), ostomy specific (29.0%) and social well-being (25.0%) were predominant. Managing other health issues (7.6%), psychological issues (6.0%), and spiritual well-being issues (3.0%) were next. Common self-management themes were ostomy care independence (87.5%), handling cancer-related issues (62.5%), achieving acceptance (56.2%), resuming physical activity (43.0%), and maintaining fluid/diet balance (43.0%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Goal-setting offers insights into self-management concerns of cancer survivors with ostomies. Results demonstrate the broad aspects of self-management ostomates face. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Self-management training with patient goal-setting may be used to help ostomates with cancer and their health care providers identify areas for needed education and support.

Ostomy closure rate during COVID-19 pandemic: an Italian multicentre observational study.

During the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most of the surgical procedures were performed for emergencies or oncologic reasons to the detriment of the remaining elective procedures for benign conditions. Ileostomy or colostomy creation are sequelae of oncologic or emergency colorectal surgery, but their closure does not fall within the definition of oncologic or emergency surgery. The aim of this retrospective multicentre observational study is to report the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the ostomy closure rate in Italy. Data regarding ileostomy and colostomy creation and closure from 24 Italian centres, during the study period (March 2020-February 2021) and during the control period (March 2019-February 2020) were collected. Three hospitals (12.5%) were COVID free. The number of colostomies and ileostomies created and closed in the same period was lower ( -18.8% and -30%, respectively) in the study period in comparison to the control period (p = 0.1915 and p = 0.0001, respectively), such as the ostomies closed in the analysed periods but created before (colostomy -36.2% and ileostomy -7.4%, p = 0.2211 and p = 0.1319, respectively). Overall, a 19.5% reduction in ostomies closed occurred in the study period. Based on the present study, a reduction in ostomy closure rate occurred in Italy between March 2020 and February 2021. During the pandemic, the need to change the clinical practice probably prolonged deterioration of quality of life in patients with ostomies, increasing number of stomas that will never be closed, and related management costs, even if these issues have not been investigated in this study.

Effectiveness of Semiocclusive Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose Fibers and Hydrocolloid Dressings for Irritant Peristomal Dermatitis: A Case Series.

ABSTRACT: The most common complication in individuals with ostomies is irritant contact dermatitis from the acidic stoma effluent coming into contact with the peristomal skin. Although protective powders are widely used for the treatment of peristomal skin, there is little scientific evidence to justify their use. The combined use of sodium carboxymethylcellulose cellulose fibers (SCCFs) together with a hydrocolloid dressing for fixation is an effective alternative in the management of these wounds. Here, the authors report a case series of three patients presenting at a stoma therapy clinic with peristomal skin lesions because of severe irritant contact dermatitis. Patients were men aged between 70 and 81 years, had been diagnosed with colon cancer (n = 2) or bladder cancer (n = 1), and had undergone a colostomy (n = 1), ileostomy (n = 1), or Bricker-type ureteroileostomy (n = 1). A semiocclusive care protocol was applied in a moist environment using SCCF and an extrathin hydrocolloid adhesive dressing, and the collection device was secured using adhesive resin and an ostomy belt. The combined use of SCCF and hydrocolloid dressings provided beneficial results to treat the dermatitis, with reduced discomfort after 7 days and lesions healing within 4 weeks.

Evaluation of the efficacy of perineal urethrostomy for patients with anterior urethral stricture: insights from surgical and patient-reported outcomes.

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy of perineal urethrostomy (PU) in patients with anterior urethral stricture. METHODS: Patients who underwent PU for anterior urethral stricture between 2013 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 56). Surgical success was defined as no need for additional intervention. Uroflowmetry and measurement of residual urine volume (PVR) were examined postoperatively, and the patients were asked to fill out sexual health inventory for men (SHIM) and the validated Urethral Stricture Surgery Patient-reported Outcome Measure questionnaires before and after PU. The overall patient satisfaction was also assessed. RESULTS: PU was successful in 92.9% of patients (n = 52), with a median follow-up of 34 months. Two of four were salvaged by re-do PU, and one was salvaged by forming a composite stoma using a penile skin graft. Thirty-nine patients (69.6%) filled out the questionnaires 6 months after surgery. The mean maximum flow rate, PVR, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)-total score, LUTS-specific quality of life, and EuroQol-visual analog scale scores improved significantly from 3.8 mL/s, 77.6 mL, 12.9, 2.6, and 53.6 at baseline to 17.6 mL/s, 21.3 mL, 4.1, 0.9, and 74.9 postoperatively (p = 0.003, p = 0.004, p = 0.005, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, respectively). The SHIM score did not change significantly (from 2.6 at baseline to 2.3 postoperatively; p = 0.59). As for patient satisfaction, 84.6% of patients (33/39) were "satisfied" (46.1%) or "very satisfied" (38.5%) with the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: PU had a high surgical success rate, and significantly improved patients' subjective symptoms and achieved a high level of satisfaction.

Thirty years of the health care service for ostomy patients in Juiz de Fora and surroundings.

OBJECTIVE: to establish the epidemiological profile of ostomized patients treated at the Health Care Service for Ostomy Patients in Juiz de Fora and region (SASPO/JF) and to quantify the pathologies that led to the stoma as well as the ostomy-related complications. METHOD: a retrospective study was carried out with the analysis of 496 medical records of patients registered at HCSOP/JF over 30 years and who remained in at the service in June 2018. The following variables were considered: age, sex, pathology that led to the stoma, type, time, location and complications of stomas. RESULTS: 53.43% were male patients and 46.57% female. The average age was 56.24 years among men and 58.40 years among women. Eight patients had two types of ostomies simultaneously and a total of 504 ostomies were as follows: 340 colostomies (67.46%), 117 ileostomies (23.21%) and 47 urostomies (9.33%). Additionally, 47.65% of the colostomies and 76.92% of the ileostomies were temporary, while all urostomies were permanent. In 70.24% of cases, the reason for making the stoma was malignancy. There were 277 stomas with one or more complications (54.96%). CONCLUSIONS: most of the ostomized patients were over 50 years old and the main diagnosis that led to the stoma was malignancy. Ileostomies had a higher percentage of complications than colostomies and urostomies and, for all types of stomas, the most frequent complication was dermatitis.

Extended Primary Anastomosis With Penile Plication (EPAPP): A Promising New Alternative to Perineal Urethrostomy for Reconstruction of Long Urethral Strictures.

OBJECTIVE: At present, excision and primary anastomosis (EPA) urethroplasty is a highly reliable method of reconstruction for short bulbar urethral strictures. Longer strictures are often managed with grafting techniques to ensure a tension-free repair. Here we report our initial experience with a new, extended anastomotic technique for long bulbar strictures that incorporates plication of the ventral corporal bodies to reduce the distance between the urethral ends and obviates the need for grafting. METHODS: We reviewed records for all urethroplasties performed by a single surgeon at our institution between January 2018 and February 2020. We identified a cohort of older patients with complex strictures who underwent Extended Primary Anastomosis with Penile Plication (EPAPP). Patient demographics, stricture characteristics, perioperative 75 parameters, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 346 urethroplasty records reviewed, 10 patients (2.9%) underwent EPAPP. Mean stricture length was 3.75 ± 1.4 cm. EPAPP patients were older than those repaired by other techniques (mean age 66.6 vs 55.6, P = .024), and most were not sexually active preoperatively. Postoperative voiding cystourethrogram confirmed urethral patency without extravasation in all patients. At a median follow up of 9.7 months (IQR 8.5-11.5) 8 patients remained asymptomatic after EPAPP alone and 2 patients required a single balloon dilation for stricture recurrence. CONCLUSION: EPAPP is a promising alternative option for the management of long bulbar strictures among appropriately selected patients.

Thirty years of the health care service for ostomy patients in Juiz de Fora and surroundings / Trinta anos do serviço de atenção à saúde da pessoa ostomizada de Juiz de Fora e região

ABSTRACT Objective: to establish the epidemiological profile of ostomized patients treated at the Health Care Service for Ostomy Patients in Juiz de Fora and region (SASPO/JF) and to quantify the pathologies that led to the stoma as well as the ostomy-related complications. Method: a retrospective study was carried out with the analysis of 496 medical records of patients registered at HCSOP/JF over 30 years and who remained in at the service in June 2018. The following variables were considered: age, sex, pathology that led to the stoma, type, time, location and complications of stomas. Results: 53.43% were male patients and 46.57% female. The average age was 56.24 years among men and 58.40 years among women. Eight patients had two types of ostomies simultaneously and a total of 504 ostomies were as follows: 340 colostomies (67.46%), 117 ileostomies (23.21%) and 47 urostomies (9.33%). Additionally, 47.65% of the colostomies and 76.92% of the ileostomies were temporary, while all urostomies were permanent. In 70.24% of cases, the reason for making the stoma was malignancy. There were 277 stomas with one or more complications (54.96%). Conclusions: most of the ostomized patients were over 50 years old and the main diagnosis that led to the stoma was malignancy. Ileostomies had a higher percentage of complications than colostomies and urostomies and, for all types of stomas, the most frequent complication was dermatitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: elaborar o perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes estomizados atendidos no Serviço de Atenção à Saúde da Pessoa Ostomizada de Juiz de Fora e região (SASPO/JF) e quantificar tanto as patologias que levaram à confecção, quanto as complicações presentes nas estomias. Método: realizado estudo retrospectivo com análise de 496 prontuários de pacientes cadastrados no SASPO/JF ao longo de 30 anos e que permaneciam em atendimento no serviço em junho de 2018. Foram consideradas as seguintes variáveis: idade, sexo, patologia que levou à confecção do estoma, tipo, caráter temporal, localização e complicações das estomias. Resultados: 53,43% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino e 46,57% do sexo feminino. A média de idade entre os homens foi de 56,24 anos e entre as mulheres foi de 58,40 anos. Oito pacientes apresentaram dois tipos de estomias simultaneamente e o total de 504 estomias foi distribuído da seguinte forma: 340 colostomias (67,46%), 117 ileostomias (23,21%) e 47 urostomias (9,33%). Além disso, 47,65% das colostomias e 76,92% das ileostomias foram temporárias, enquanto todas as urostomias foram permanentes. Em 70,24% dos casos, o motivo para confecção do estoma foi a neoplasia maligna. Foram encontrados 277 estomas com uma ou mais complicações (54,96%). Conclusão: as estomias predominaram em pacientes com mais de 50 anos e o principal diagnóstico que levou à confecção dos estomas foi a neoplasia maligna. As ileostomias apresentaram maior percentual de complicações do que as colostomias e urostomias e, para todos os tipos de estomas, a complicação mais frequente foi a dermatite.

When do defecation function and quality of life recover for patients with non-ostomy and ostomy surgery of rectal cancer?

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer (RC) surgery often results in permanent colostomy, seriously limiting the quality of life (QOL) in patients in terms of bowel function. This study aimed to examine defecation function and QOL in RC patients who underwent non-ostomy or ostomy surgery, at different time-points after surgery. METHODS: In total, 82 patients who underwent an ostomy and 141 who did not undergo an ostomy for the treatment of RC at our colorectal surgery department between January 2013 and January 2015 were enrolled. Surgical methods, tumor distance from the anal margin (TD), anastomosis distance from the anal margin (AD) and complications were compered between the non-ostomy and ostomy surgery groups. QOL was compared between the two groups at years 2, 3, and 4 after surgery. The Wexner score and the validated cancer-specific European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-CR30) questionnaire scores were assessed for all patients in January 2017. SPSS 21.0 was utilized for all data analyses. RESULTS: Surgical methods, TD, and AD significantly differed between the non-ostomy and ostomy surgery groups (all P < .001). However, no differences were found in the number of complications between the groups (P = .483). For the 192 patients undergoing Dixon surgery, role function (RF), global QOL (GQOL), sleep disturbance, and the incidence of constipation showed significant differences between the two groups (P = .012, P = .025, P = .036, and P = .015, respectively). In the 31 cases of permanent ostomy, we observed significant differences in GQOL scores, dyspnea incidence, and financial difficulties across the different years (P = .002, P = .036, and P < .01, respectively). Across all 223 cases, there were significant differences in social function and GQOL scores in the second year after surgery (P = .014 and P < .001, respectively). However, no differences were observed in the other indices across the three time-points. CONCLUSIONS: RC patients undergoing ostomy surgery, especially those with low and super-low RC, revealed poorer defecation function and QOL in the present study. However, 2 years after surgery, most of the defecation and QOL indicators showed recovery.

Management of Complicated Ostomy Dehiscence: A Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Stoma creation is a common procedure in colorectal surgery. Despite improved surgical techniques, ostomy-related wound complications may prolong the recovery period and impair health-related quality of life. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), autolytic debridement agents, and silver dressings are often used for managing complex wound infection and dehiscence. These applications have the potential to increase patient comfort and accelerate recovery. CASE: We report our experience in a 66 year old female who had a wound dehiscence involving the ostomy after robotic abdominoperineal resection. Her medical history was significant for a rectovaginal fistula which occurred after a low anterior resection for rectal cancer 5 years ago. Interventions for treatment of the dehiscence were use of NPWT, autolytic debriding agent, and silver dressing. CONCLUSION: Combined use of these interventions for dehiscence of an ostomy can minimize patient discomfort and accelerate wound healing.

Validation and Clinical Experience With a Turkish Language Version of the Pittman Ostomy Complication and Severity Index.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the content validity and interrater reliability of a Turkish language version of the Pittman Ostomy Complication and Severity Index (OCSI). DESIGN: Psychometric evaluation of instrument. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 90 individuals living with an ostomy for 2 to 6 months. Their mean age was 59.48 years (SD 13.292); 52.2% were female. Almost two-thirds (73.3%, n = 66) had experienced at least 1 ostomy complication. The study was conducted in the Wound and Stoma Therapy Unit of the Dokuz Eylül University Hospital General Surgery Clinic and Polyclinic in Izmir, Turkey. METHODS: A Turkish language version of the OCSI was created using a translation, back-translation technique. The instrument's content validity was analyzed by 26 experts. Interrater reliability test was evaluated using Cohen's κ and intraclass correlation coefficients. Data were collected between January 15, 2017 and July 30, 2017 through face-to-face interviews conducted in our Wound and Stoma Therapy Unit. RESULTS: The overall content validity index was 0.95. Cohen's κ coefficient varied from 0.70 and 1.0 for all items. The Pearson correlation coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient were 0.982 (P = .000) and 0.986 (P = .000), respectively, indicating good internal consistency. The most prevalent complications were leakage (41.1%), peristomal moisture-associated skin damage (42.2%), and stomal retraction (27.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that the Turkish language version of the Pittman OCSI is a reliable and valid instrument for assessment of presence and severity of early postoperative complications in individuals with an ostomy. We found the instrument parsimonious, easy-to-use, and clinically practical. It can be used to determine appropriate interventions to prevent or treat complications and evaluate the effects of nursing interventions designed to improve outcomes for patients with ostomies.

Cisternostomy: A Timely Intervention in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injuries: Rationale, Indications, and Prospects.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a major public health concern worldwide, with no significant change in its epidemiology over the last 30 years. After TBI, the primary injury induces irreversible brain damage, which is untreatable. The subsequent secondary injury plays a critical role in the clinical prognosis because without effective treatment it will provide additional tissue damage. The resulting scenario is the rise in intracranial pressure (ICP) with the development of progressive neurological deficits. Current optimal management is based on a progressive, target-driven approach combining both medical and surgical treatment strategies among which is decompressive hemicraniectomy. With the advent of technology, research in the glymphatic pathways, and advances in microscopic surgery, a novel surgical technique-the cisternostomy-has emerged that holds promise in managing rising ICP in TBI-affected patients. In this article we describe the rationale for cisternostomy, an emerging microneurosurgical approach for the management of moderate to severe TBI.

Damage control surgery for perforated diverticulitis with diffuse peritonitis: saves lives and reduces ostomy.

Introduction: Over the last decade, damage control surgery (DCS) has been emerging as a feasible alternative for the management of patients with abdominal infection and sepsis. So far, there is no consensus about the role of DCS for acute perforated diverticulitis. In this study, we present the outcome of a multi-institutional series of patients presenting with Hinchey's grade III and IV diverticulitis managed by DCS. Methods: All the participating centers were tertiary referral hospitals. A total of 34 patients with perforated diverticulitis treated with DCS during the period 2011-2017 were included in the study. During the first laparotomy, a limited resection of the diseased segment was performed followed by lavage and use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). After 24/48 h of resuscitation, patients returned to the operating room for a second look. Mortality, morbidity, and restoration of bowel continuity were the primary outcomes of the study. Results: There were 15 males (44%) and 19 females (56%) with a mean age of 66.9 years (SD ± 12.7). Mean BMI was 28.42 kg/m2 (SD ± 3.33). Thirteen cases (38%) were Wasvary's modified Hinchey's stage III, and 21 cases (62%) Hinchey's stage IV. Mean Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI) was 25.12 (SD ± 6.28). In 22 patients (65%), ASA score was ≥ grade III. Twenty-four patients (71%) had restoration of bowel continuity, while 10 (29%) patients had an end colostomy (Hartmann's procedure). Three of these patients received a temporary loop ileostomy. One patient had an anastomotic leak. Mortality rate was 12%. Mean length of hospital stay was 21.9 days. At multivariate analysis, male gender (p = 0.010) and MPI (p = 0.034) correlated with a high percentage of Hartmann's procedures. Conclusion: DCS is a feasible procedure for patients with generalized peritonitis secondary to perforated diverticulitis, and it appears to be related to a higher rate of bowel reconstruction. Due to the open abdomen, stay in ICU with prolonged mechanical ventilation is required, but these aggressive measures may be needed by most patients undergoing surgery for perforated diverticulitis, whatever the procedure is done.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes after bowel surgery and ostomy formation at the time of debulking surgery for advanced-stage epithelial ovarian carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on clinical outcomes of patients with advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer who require ostomy formation at the time of either primary cytoreductive surgery or interval cytoreductive surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate patients undergoing bowel surgery and ostomy formation after primary or interval surgery. METHODS: Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIC-IV epithelial ovarian cancer who underwent cytoreductive surgery between January 2010 and December 2014 were identified retrospectively. Patients with non-epithelial histology, low-grade serous histology or incomplete medical records were excluded. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Age, stage, co-morbidity index, pre-operative CA125, pre-operative albumin, and Aletti surgical complexity score were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to assess independent associations with ostomy formation. RESULTS: A total of 554 patients were included in the study. Of these, 261 (47%) underwent primary cytoreduction and 293 (53%) underwent interval cytoreduction. Patients undergoing primary surgery were more likely to undergo bowel resection, compared with interval surgery patients (37.2% vs 14%, p<0.001). Of the 139 (25.1%) patients who underwent bowel surgery, 25 (18%) underwent ostomy formation (11 ileostomies and 14 colostomies). Rates of ostomy formation were similar between the groups (6.1% primary vs 3.1% interval, p=0.10). Patients undergoing ostomy formation were more likely to have longer mean operative time (335 vs 229 min, p<0.001) and undergo small and large bowel resections at the time of cytoreductive surgery (44% vs 14%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a high surgical complexity score was associated with ostomy formation. Of the patients who underwent ostomy formation, 13 (43.3%) underwent stoma reversal including 11 ileostomies and two colostomies. Median time to ostomy reversal was 7 months. CONCLUSION: Bowel surgery is more common among patients undergoing primary surgery as compared with interval surgery, but this does not result in an increased risk of ostomy formation.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Bleb Needle Revision With and Without 5-Fluorouracil for Failing Trabeculectomy Bleb.

PRéCIS:: Bleb needle revision with and without 5-FU showed similar success rates over the course of a long-term follow-up. A greater total number of needle revisions was identified as a risk factor for procedural failure. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of bleb needle revision with adjunctive 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) subconjunctival injection in large-scaled patients with failing trabeculectomy bleb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on a total of 113 eyes of 106 subjects who had undergone trabeculectomy followed by needle revision and been followed up for at least 6 months. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to whether they had also undergone concurrent adjunctive 5-FU subconjunctival injection. Two definitions of failure were derived irrespective of IOP-lowering medication use and were assessed at each follow-up visit: (1) IOP>21 mm Hg or >85% of preoperative IOP or reoperation for glaucoma, (2) IOP>18 mm Hg or >80% of preoperative IOP or reoperation for glaucoma. RESULTS: A total of 78 eyes of 73 subjects underwent the simple needle revision procedure and 35 eyes of 33 subjects underwent needle revision with subconjunctival 5-FU injection. There was no significant adverse event for either group and no significant IOP difference in any of the observational periods between them (P=0.867). There was also no statistically significant difference in the total number of IOP-lowering medications between the groups (P=0.199). The success rate at 24 months after the first needle revision was 45.6% (95% CI: 33.7, 56.7) in simple revision group and 44.6% (95% CI: 27.7, 60.2) in 5-FU needle revision group by failure 1, 36.3% (95% CI: 25.4, 47.2) and 32.9% (95% CI: 18.0, 48.6) by failure 2, respectively. A greater total number of needle revisions was the significant risk factors for needle revision failure (HR=2.25 and P=0.001 according to failure 2). CONCLUSIONS: Bleb needle revision with 5-FU subconjunctival injection is a safe procedure for failing trabeculectomy bleb. Bleb needle revision with and without 5-FU were equally likely to succeed.

Analysis of over 2 decades of colon injuries identifies optimal method of diversion: Does an end justify the means?

INTRODUCTION: Conflicting evidence exists regarding the definitive management of destructive colon injuries. Although diversion with an end ostomy can theoretically decrease initial complications, it mandates a more extensive reversal procedure. Conversely, anastomosis with proximal loop ostomy diversion, while simplifying the reversal, increases the number of suture lines and potential initial morbidity. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of diversion technique on morbidity and mortality in patients with destructive colon injuries. METHODS: Consecutive patients with destructive colon injuries managed with diversion from 1996 to 2016 were stratified by demographics, severity of shock and injury, operative management, and timing of reversal. Outcomes, including ostomy complications (obstruction, ischemia, readmission) and reversal complications (obstruction, abscess, suture line failure, fascial dehiscence), were compared between patients managed with a loop versus end colostomy. Patients with rectal injuries and who died within 24 hours were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were identified: 80 with end colostomy and 35 with loop ostomy. Ostomy complications occurred in 22 patients (19%), and 11 patients (10%) suffered reversal complications. There was no difference in ostomy-related (2.9% vs. 3.8%, p = 0.99) mortality. For patients without a planned ventral hernia (PVH), there was no difference in ostomy complications between patients managed with a loop versus end colostomy (12% vs. 18%, p = 0.72). However, patients managed with a loop ostomy had a shorter reversal operative time (95 vs. 245 minutes, p = 0.002) and reversal length of stay (6 vs. 10, p = 0.03) with fewer reversal complications (0% vs. 36%, p = 0.02). For patients with a PVH, there was no difference in outcomes between patients managed with a loop versus end colostomy. CONCLUSION: For patients without PVH, anastomosis with proximal loop ostomy reduced reversal-related complications, operative time, LOS, and hospital charges without compromising initial morbidity. Therefore, loop ostomy should be the preferred method of diversion, if required, following destructive colon injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

Primary versus secondary anastomosis in intestinal atresia.

PURPOSE: Neonates with intestinal atresia (IA) undergo either primary anastomosis (PA) or ostomy creation with secondary anastomosis (SA). Our purpose was to compare outcomes for PA and SA and to assess factors influencing procedure selection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates with IA between 2009 and 2015. Patient characteristics, operative details, and outcomes were collected. Surgeon-level preferences (defined as performing >50% PA or SA) were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 92 IA patients, 70 (76.1%) underwent PA and 22 (23.9%) underwent SA. Neonates with PA had shorter hospitalizations (27 days vs. 95 days, p < 0.001), shorter total parenteral nutrition duration (19 days vs. 74.5 days, p < 0.001), and fewer readmissions (33.3% vs. 63.2%, p = 0.024). On multivariable regression analysis, higher Apgar scores (Odds Ratio (OR) 4.16, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.20-14.29) and uncomplicated atresia (OR 3.97, 95% CI 1.37-11.48) were associated with PA. At the surgeon-level, utilization of PA varied from 43.5% to 100%. Surgeon preference is not influenced by the demographic, presentation, or surgical findings of this patient population. CONCLUSIONS: PA has better outcomes than SA. Though procedural selection is influenced by the clinical status of the neonate, however surgeon preference plays a significant role in this clinical decision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Treatment Study.

Outcomes of Ostomy Location in Children: Placement of the Ostomy at the Umbilicus.

PURPOSE: Neonatal exploratory laparotomies are often performed with a transumbilical incision in our institution, so umbilical ostomy placement has become more common. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the outcomes of neonates with ostomy placement at the umbilicus in comparison to more traditional stoma locations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of neonates that underwent an exploratory laparotomy with ostomy creation between January 2010 and September 2015. Demographics, presentation, feedings, ostomy position, postoperative complications, and outcomes were collected. Comparative analysis was performed in STATA with P-value <.05 determined as significant. Results reported as means ± standard deviation and medians with interquartile ranges. RESULTS: Fifty-four children were included, 37% (n = 20) had stomas at the umbilicus. Most common other stoma location was the right lower quadrant (63%, n = 34). Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was the most common indication for surgery in both groups. Days to stoma output were similar between the two groups, [3 (1, 6) versus 2 (1, 5), P = .96]. Days to initiation of feeds were delayed in the umbilical ostomy group [15 (9.5, 23.5) versus 6 (4, 10), P = .02]. Comparing only NEC patients, initiation of feeds was similar [22 (14, 56) versus 15.5 (8, 43), P = .73]. Umbilical ostomies had an increase in prolapse/peristomal hernias (7 versus 3, P = .01), but no patients required operative revision. CONCLUSION: Umbilical ostomies had similar time to stoma function compared to other sites, but a delay in initiation of oral feeds likely secondary to a higher percentage of patients with NEC.