Long-term Outcomes of the Kono-S Anastomosis: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative recurrence remains a significant problem in Crohn's disease, and the mesentery is implicated in the pathophysiology. The Kono-S anastomosis was designed to exclude the mesentery from a wide anastomotic lumen, limit luminal distortion and fecal stasis, and preserve innervation and vascularization. OBJECTIVE: To review postoperative complications and long-term outcomes of the Kono-S anastomosis in a large series of consecutive unselected patients with Crohn's disease. DESIGN: Retrospective study of prospectively collected patients. SETTINGS: Four tertiary referral centers. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with Crohn's disease who underwent resection with Kono-S anastomosis between May 2010 and June 2022. INTERVENTIONS: Extracorporeal handsewn Kono-S anastomosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative outcomes and recurrence defined as endoscopic, clinical, laboratory, or surgical, including endoscopic, intervention. RESULTS: A total of 262 consecutive patients (53.4% male) were included. The mean duration of disease at surgery was 145.1 months. One hundred thirty-five patients (51.5%) had previous abdominal surgery for Crohn's disease. Forty-four patients (17%) were actively smoking and 150 (57.3%) were on biologic therapy. Anastomotic failure occurred in 4 (1.5%), with 2 patients requiring reoperation (0.7%). Sixteen patients had postoperative surgical site infection (6.1%). With a median follow-up of 49.4 months, 20 patients (7.6%) were found to have surgical recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, perianal disease (OR = 2.83, p = 0.001), urgent/emergent surgery (OR = 3.23, p = 0.007), and postoperative use of steroids (OR = 2.29, p = 0.025) were associated with increased risk of overall recurrence. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study and variability of perioperative medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed very low postoperative complication rates despite the complexity of the patient population. There was a low rate of surgical recurrence, likely due to the intrinsic advantages of the anastomotic configuration and the low rate of postoperative septic complications. In experienced hands, the Kono-S anastomosis is a safe technique with very promising short- and long-term results. Randomized controlled trials are underway to validate this study's findings. See Video Abstract . RESULTADO A LARGO PLAZO DE LA ANASTOMOSIS KONOS UN ESTUDIO MULTICNTRICO: ANTECEDENTES:La recurrencia posoperatoria sigue siendo un problema importante en la enfermedad de Crohn y el mesenterio está implicado en la fisiopatología. La anastomosis Kono-S fue diseñada para excluir el mesenterio de una anastomosis amplia, limitar la distorsión luminal y la estasis fecal y preservar la inervación y vascularización.OBJETIVO:Revisar las complicaciones posoperatorias y los resultados a largo plazo de la anastomosis Kono-S en una gran serie de pacientes consecutivos no seleccionados con enfermedad de Crohn.DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes recolectados prospectivamente.ESCENARIO:Cuatro centros de referencia terciarios.PACIENTES:Pacientes consecutivos con enfermedad de Crohn sometidos a resección con anastomosis Kono-S entre mayo de 2010 y junio de 2022.INTERVENCIONES:Anastomosis Kono-S extracorpórea manual.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Resultados posoperatorios y recurrencia definidos como endoscópicos, clínicos, de laboratorio o quirúrgicos, incluida la intervención endoscópica.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 262 pacientes consecutivos (53,4% varones). La duración media de la enfermedad al momento de la cirugía fue de 145,1 meses. Ciento treinta y cinco pacientes (51,5%) habían tenido cirugía abdominal previa por enfermedad de Crohn. Cuarenta y cuatro pacientes (17%) eran fumadores activos y 150 (57,3%) estaban en tratamiento biológico. Se produjo filtración anastomótica en 4 (1,5%) y 2 pacientes requirieron reoperación (0,7%). Dieciséis pacientes tuvieron infección postoperatoria del sitio quirúrgico (6,1%). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 49,4 meses, se encontró que 20 pacientes (7,6%) tuvieron recurrencia quirúrgica. En el análisis multivariado, la enfermedad perianal (OR = 2,83, p = 0,001), la cirugía urgente/emergente (OR = 3,23, p = 0,007), el uso postoperatorio de esteroides (OR = 2,29, p = 0,025) se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de recurrencia general.LIMITACIÓN:Estudio retrospectivo. Variabilidad del tratamiento médico perioperatorio.CONCLUSIONES:Nuestro estudio mostró tasas de complicaciones postoperatorias muy bajas a pesar de la complejidad de la población de pacientes. Hubo una baja tasa de recurrencia quirúrgica, probablemente debido a las ventajas intrínsecas de la configuración anastomótica y la baja tasa de complicaciones sépticas posoperatorias. En manos experimentadas, la anastomosis Kono-S es una técnica segura con resultados muy prometedores a corto y largo plazo. Se están realizando estudios randomizados controlados para validar nuestros hallazgos. (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio ).

Impact of Patient-Reported Penicillin Allergy on Antibiotic Prophylaxis and Surgical Site Infection Among Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections are a major preventable source of morbidity, mortality, and increased health care expenditures after colorectal surgery. Patients with penicillin allergy may not receive the recommended preoperative antibiotics, putting them at increased risk for surgical site infections. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of patient-reported penicillin allergy on preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and surgical site infection rates among patients undergoing major colon and rectal procedures. DESIGN: This is a retrospective observational study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in Dallas. PATIENTS: Adults undergoing colectomy or proctectomy between July 2012 and July 2019 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were preoperative antibiotic choice and surgical site infection. RESULTS: Among 2198 patients included in the study, 12.26% (n = 307) reported a penicillin allergy. Patients with penicillin allergy were more likely to be white (82%) and female (54%; p < 0.01). The most common type of allergic reaction reported was rash (36.5%), whereas 7.2% of patients reported anaphylaxis. Patients with self-reported penicillin allergy were less likely to receive beta-lactam antibiotics than patients who did not report a penicillin allergy (79.8% vs 96.7%, p < 0.001). Overall, 143 (6.5%) patients had surgical site infections. On multivariable logistic regression, there was no difference in rates of surgical site infection between patients with penicillin allergy vs those without penicillin allergy (adjusted OR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.71-1.82). LIMITATIONS: A limitation of this study was its retrospective study design. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported penicillin allergy among patients undergoing colorectal surgery is common; however, only a small number of these patients report any serious adverse reactions. Patients with self-reported penicillin allergy are less likely to receive beta-lactam antibiotics and more likely to receive non-beta-lactam antibiotics. However, this does not affect the rate of surgical site infection among these patients, and these patients can be safely prescribed non-beta-lactam antibiotics without negatively impacting surgical site infection rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B838 .IMPACTO DE LA ALERGIA A LA PENICILINA INFORMADA POR EL PACIENTE EN LA PROFILAXIS ANTIBIÓTICA Y LA INFECCIÓN DEL SITIO OPERATORIO ENTRE PACIENTES DE CIRUGÍA COLORECTAL. ANTECEDENTES: Las infecciones del sitio operatorio son una de las principales fuentes prevenibles de morbilidad, mortalidad y aumento del gasto sanitario después de cirugía colorrectal. Es posible que los pacientes con alergia a la penicilina no reciban los antibióticos preoperatorios recomendados, lo que los pone en mayor riesgo de infecciones en el sitio operatorio. OBJETIVO: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el impacto de la alergia a la penicilina informada por el paciente sobre la profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria y las tasas de infección del sitio operatorio entre pacientes sometidos a procedimientos mayores de colon y recto. DISEO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. AJUSTE: Hospital universitario terciario en Dallas. PACIENTES: Adultos sometidos a colectomía o proctectomía entre julio de 2012 a julio de 2019. PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE DESENLACE: Elección de antibióticos preoperatorios e infección del sitio operatorio. RESULTADOS: Entre los 2198 pacientes incluidos en el estudio, el 12,26% (n = 307) informó alergia a la penicilina. Los pacientes con alergia a la penicilina tenían más probabilidades de ser blancos (82%) y mujeres (54%) ( p < 0,01). El tipo más común de reacción alérgica notificada fue erupción cutánea (36,5%), mientras que el 7,2% de los pacientes notificó anafilaxia. Los pacientes con alergia a la penicilina autoinformada tenían menos probabilidades de recibir antibióticos betalactámicos en comparación con los pacientes que no informaron alergia a la penicilina (79,8% frente a 96,7%, p < 0,001). En general, hubo 143 (6,5%) pacientes con infecciones del sitio operatorio. En la regresión logística multivariable no hubo diferencias en las tasas de infección del sitio operatorio entre los pacientes con alergia a la penicilina frente a los que no tenían alergia a la penicilina (razón de probabilidades ajustada 1,14; intervalo de confianza del 95%, 0,71-1,82). LIMITACIONES: Diseño de estudio retrospectivo. CONCLUSIONES: La alergia a la penicilina autoinformada entre los pacientes de cirugía colorrectal es común, sin embargo, solo un pequeño número de estos pacientes informan reacciones adversas graves. Los pacientes con alergia a la penicilina autoinformada tienen menos probabilidades de recibir antibióticos betalactámicos y más probabilidades de recibir antibióticos no betalactámicos. Sin embargo, esto no afecta la tasa de infección del sitio quirúrgico entre estos pacientes y se les puede recetar de forma segura con antibióticos no betalactámicos sin afectar negativamente las tasas de infección del sitio quirúrgico. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B838 . (Traducción-Dr. Juan Carlos Reyes ).

Experience with 10 years of a robotic surgery program at an Academic Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined robotic surgery from a programmatic standpoint, yet this is how hospitals evaluate return on investment clinically and fiscally. This study examines the 10-year experience of a robotic program at a single academic institution. STUDY DESIGN: All robotic operations performed at our institution from August 2005 to December 2016 were reviewed. Data were collected from the robotic system and hospital databases. RESULTS: A total of 3485 robotic operations were performed. Yearly case volume nearly quadrupled. There have been 37 robotic-trained surgeons in 5 specialties performing 53 different operations. Rate of conversion to open was 4.2%. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class increased over time, with ASA class 3 increasing from 20% of patients to 45% of patients. Average case time in 2005 was 453 min, but decreased by 46% to 246 min by 2007, then remained relatively stable (range 226-247). Operating efficiency improved, with room time and case time decreasing by 9% in the past 4 years. Average cost for robotic supplies was $1519 per case. Additional costs per case related to equipment and contracts totaled an average of $11,822. Average length of stay (LOS) for robotic cases was 3.3 days, compared to 3.0 days for laparoscopic and 7.0 for open. Cost per day for admission after robotic surgery was 1.7 times greater than the cost of open or laparoscopic surgery. Total admission costs of robotic operations were 1.5 times those of laparoscopic surgery, but less than open operations. Readmissions following robotic cases were lower than open (15% v 26%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Over 10 years, the use of robotic technology has grown significantly at our institution, with good fiscal and clinical outcomes. Operating room costs are high; however, efficiency has improved, LOS is shorter, admission costs are lower than open operations, and readmission rates are lower.

Multiquadrant surgery in the robotic era: a technical description and outcomes for da Vinci Xi robotic subtotal colectomy and total proctocolectomy.

BACKGROUND: Common colorectal procedures that require access to all quadrants of the abdomen are subtotal colectomy (STC) and total proctocolectomy (TPC). These are frequently performed with a surgical robot, but multiquadrant operations have unique challenges during robot-assisted surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent robotic STC or TPC with the da Vinci Xi surgical robot at our institution from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019 were identified by diagnosis and procedure codes. A technical description is provided for the techniques utilized at our institution. Outcomes included operative times (OT), supply cost and length of stay. Associated morbidity and mortality was also analyzed. RESULTS: From a review of our institution's robotic surgery data, 37 cases were identified that utilized the described technique. Of these cases, 21 were robotic STC and 16 were TPC. Total mean OT was 276.86 min (SD ± 119.49). Mean OT was further analyzed by year, which demonstrated an overall decrease in OT from 350.91 min (SD ± 46.38) in 2016 to 221.43 min (SD ± 16.46) in 2018 (p = 0.008). A total of 21 cases were performed prior to 2018. Overall OT for STC was 222.81 min (SD ± 14.54) compared to overall TPC OT 347.81 min (SD ± 34.35). Median length of stay was 5 days [25th and 75th percentiles 4, 6, respectively]. There was no 30-day mortality and only one return to operating room for mesenteric bleeding. There was a low risk of mortality associated with this technique. CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides the largest cohort of patients assessed who have undergone multiquadrant robotic STC or TPC. The study provides a detailed description of the technique utilized at our institution. There was no associated 30-day mortality and a low risk of morbidity. The data suggest that the learning curve for improved operative time is between 15 and 20 cases.

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) to Perform Clinical Research in Colon and Rectal Surgery.

The American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) is probably the most well-known surgical database in North American and worldwide. This clinical database was first proposed by Dr. Clifford Ko, a colorectal surgeon, to the ACS, and NSQIP first started collecting data ca. 2005 with the intent of comparing hospitals (benchmarking) and for hospital-level quality improvement projects. Since then, its popularity has grown from just a few participating hospitals in the United States to more than 708 participating hospitals worldwide, and collaboration allows regional or disease-specific data sharing. Importantly, from a methodological perspective, as the number of hospitals has grown so has the hospital heterogeneity and thus generalizability of the results and conclusions of the individual studies. In this article, we will first briefly present the structure of the database (aka the Participant User File) and other important methodological considerations specific to performing clinical research. We will then briefly review and summarize the approximately 60 published colectomy articles and 30 published articles on proctectomy. We will conclude with future directions relevant to colorectal clinical research.

Ketamine intolerance in patients on enhanced recovery after surgery protocols undergoing colorectal operations.

BACKGROUND: Ketamine is used in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols because of its beneficial antihyperalgesic and antitolerance effects. However, adverse effects such as hallucinations, sedation, and diplopia could limit ketamine's utility. The main objective of this study was to identify rates of ketamine side effects in postoperative patients after colorectal surgery and, secondarily, to compare short-term outcomes between patients receiving ketamine analgesia and controls. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational cohort study. Subjects were adults who underwent ERAS protocol-guided colorectal surgery at a large, integrated health system. Patients were grouped into ketamine-receiving and preketamine cohorts. Patients receiving ketamine were divided into tolerant and intolerant groups. Propensity score-adjusted models tested multivariate associations of ketamine tolerance/intolerance vs control group. RESULTS: A total of 732 patients underwent colorectal surgery within the ERAS program before ketamine's introduction (control). After ketamine's introduction, 467 patients received the medication. Intolerance was seen in 29% of ketamine recipients, and the most common side effect was diplopia. Demographics and surgical variables did not differ between cohorts. Multivariate models revealed no significant differences in hospital stays. Pain scores in the first 24 hours after surgery were slightly higher in patients receiving ketamine. Opiate consumption after surgery was lower for both ketamine tolerant and ketamine intolerant cohorts than for controls. CONCLUSION: Rates of ketamine intolerance are high, which can limit its use and potential effectiveness. Ketamine analgesia significantly reduced opiate consumption without increasing hospital stays after colorectal surgery, regardless of whether it was tolerated.

Postoperative complications in patients with rectal cancer are associated with delays in chemotherapy that lead to worse disease-free and overall survival.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for delays in chemotherapy after rectal cancer surgery and evaluate the effects of delayed therapy on long-term outcomes. We also sought to clarify what time frame should be used to define delayed adjuvant chemotherapy. BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications have been found to influence the timing of chemotherapy in patients with colon cancer. Delays in chemotherapy have been shown to be associated with worse overall and disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer, although the timing of delay has not been agreed upon in the literature. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained rectal cancer database. Univariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for delayed chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to compare overall and disease-free survival in patients based on complications and timing of chemotherapy. SETTINGS: This study was performed at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, between 1995 and 2012. PATIENTS: Patients with rectal cancer who underwent proctectomy with curative intent were included in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Timing of chemotherapy, 30-day complications, and 30-day readmissions were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Postoperative complications and 30-day readmissions were associated with delays in chemotherapy ≥8 weeks after surgery. Patients who received chemotherapy ≥8 weeks postoperatively were found to have worse local and distant recurrence rates and worse overall survival in comparison with patients who received chemotherapy within 8 weeks of surgery. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and that it was performed at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: We found complications and readmissions to be risk factors for delayed chemotherapy. Patients who received therapy ≥8 weeks postoperatively had worse disease-free and overall survival.

Autologous Fat Grafting: an Emerging Treatment Option for Complex Anal Fistulas.

BACKGROUND: Autologous fat grafting (AFG) has shown promise in the treatment of complex wounds, with trials reporting good healing rates and safety profile. We aim to investigate the role of AFG in managing complex anorectal fistulas. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained IRB-approved database. We examined the rates of symptom improvement, clinical closure of fistula tracts, recurrence, complications, and worsening fecal incontinence. Perianal disease activity index (PDAI) was obtained for patients undergoing combination of AFG and fistula plug treatment. RESULTS: In total, 52 unique patients underwent 81 procedures, of which Crohn's was present in 34 (65.4%) patients. The majority of patients previously underwent more common treatments such as endorectal advancement flap or ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract. Fat-harvesting sites and processing technique were selected by the plastic surgeons based on availability of trunk fat deposits. When analyzing patients by their last procedure, 41 (80.4%) experienced symptom improvement, and 29 (64.4%) experienced clinical closure of all fistula tracts. Recurrence rate was 40.4%, and complication rate was 15.4% (7 postoperative abscesses requiring I&D and 1 bleeding episode ligated at bedside). The abdomen was the most common site of lipoaspirate harvest at 63%, but extremities were occasionally used. There were no statistically significant differences in outcomes when comparing single graft treatment to multiple treatments, Crohn's and non-Crohn's, different methods of fat preparation, and diversion. CONCLUSION: AFG is a versatile procedure that can be done in conjunction with other therapies and does not interfere with future treatments if recurrence occurs. It is a promising and affordable method to safely address complex fistulas.

Postoperative Outcomes in Vedolizumab-Treated Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Operations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: Vedolizumab is now widely available for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). We sought to quantify the rates of postoperative complications with preoperative vedolizumab compared with anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy. Methods: A multicenter retrospective review of adult inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients who underwent an abdominal operation between May 20, 2014, and December 31, 2015, was performed. The study cohort was comprised of patients who had received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of their abdominal operation, and the control cohort was IBD patients who had received anti-TNF therapy. Results: A total of 146 patients received vedolizumab within 12 weeks before an abdominal operation (64% female; n = 93; median age, 33 years; range, 15-74 years), and 289 patients received anti-TNF therapy (49% female; n = 142; median age, 36 years; range, 17-73 years). Vedolizumab-treated patients were younger (P = 0.015) and were more likely to have taken corticosteroids (P < 0.01) within the 12 weeks before surgery. Vedolizumab-treated patients had a significantly increased risk of any postoperative surgical site infection (SSI; P < 0.01), superficial SSI (P < 0.01), deep space SSI (P = 0.39), and mucocutaneous separation of the diverting stoma (P < 0.00) as compared with patients taking anti-TNF therapy. On multivariate analysis, after adjusting for body mass index, steroids at the time of operation, and institution, exposure to vedolizumab remained a significant predictor of postoperative SSI (P < 0.01). Conclusions: We observed that vedolizumab-treated patients were at significantly increased risk of postoperative SSIs after a major abdominal operation, as compared with anti-TNF-treated patients.