The association of age with decline in renal function after low anterior resection and loop ileostomy for rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort prognostic factor study.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection (LAR) is often performed with diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) for anastomotic protection in patients with rectal cancer. We aim to analyze, if older patients are more prone to a decline in kidney function following creation and closure of DLI after LAR for rectal carcinoma versus younger patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study from a database including 151 patients undergoing LAR for rectal carcinoma with DLI was used. Patients were divided in two age groups (Group A: <65 years, n = 79; Group B: ≥65 years, n = 72). For 123 patients undergoing DLI reversal prognostic factors for an impairment of serum creatinine (SCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 3 months after DLI reversal was analyzed using a multivariate linear regression analysis. RESULTS: SCr before LAR(T0) was significant higher in Group B (P = 0.04). Accordingly, the eGFR at T0 in group B was significantly lower (P < 0.001). No patients need to undergo hemodialysis after LAR or DLI reversal. Age and SCr at T0were able to statistically significant predict an increase in SCr (P<0.001) and eGFR (P=0.001) three months after DLI reversal (The R² for the overall model was .82 (adjusted R² = .68). CONCLUSION: DLI creation may result in a reduction of eGFR in older patients 3 months after DLI closure. Apart from this, patients do not have a higher morbidity after creation and closure of DLI resulting from LAR regardless of their age.

Non-cross-linked biological mesh in complex abdominal wall hernia: a cohort study.

PURPOSE: Complex abdominal wall hernia repair (CAWHR) is a challenging procedure. Mesh prosthesis is indicated, but the use of synthetic mesh in a contaminated area may add to overall morbidity. Biological meshes may provide a solution, but little is known about long-term results. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction following Strattice™ (PADM) placement. METHODS: In this cohort study, all patients operated for CAWHR with PADM in three large community hospitals in Germany were included. Patients underwent abdominal examination, an ultrasound was performed, and patients completed quality-of-life questionnaires. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov under Identifier NCT02168231. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were assessed (14 male, age 67.5 years, follow-up 42.4 months). The most frequent postoperative complication was wound infection (39.1%). In no case, the PADM had to be removed. Four patients had passed away. During outpatient clinic visit, six out of 23 patients (26.1%) had a recurrence of hernia, one patient had undergone reoperation. Five patients (21.7%) had bulging of the abdominal wall. Quality-of-life questionnaires revealed that patients judged their scar with a median 3.5 out of 10 points (0 = best) and judged their restrictions during daily activities with a median of 0 out of 10.0 (0 = no restriction). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a high rate of wound infection, no biological mesh had to be removed. In some cases, therefore, the biological meshes provided a safe way out of desperate clinical situations. Both the recurrence rate and the amount of bulging are high (failure rate 47.8%). The reported quality of life is good after repair of these complex hernias.

Purse-string closure technique reduces the incidence of incisional hernias following the reversal of temporary ileostomy.

PURPOSE: The incidence of incisional hernia (IH) at ileostomy closure site has not been sufficiently evaluated. Temporary loop ileostomy is routinely used in patients after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. The goal of this study was to compare the IH rates of standard suture skin closure and purse-string skin closure techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing ileostomy reversal and follow-up CT scan at the University Hospital Frankfurt between January 2009 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed regarding IH and associated risk factors. Patients received either direct stitch skin closure (group DC) or purse-string skin closure (group PS). RESULTS: In total, 111 patients underwent ileostomy reversal in the aforementioned period. In 88 patients, a CT scan was performed 12-24 months after ileostomy reversal for cancer follow-up. Median follow-up was 12 months. Median time interval between ileostoma formation and closure was 12 (± 4 SD) weeks. In 19 of 88 patients (21.5%), an IH was detected. The incidence of IH detected by CT scan was significantly lower in the PS group (n = 7, 12.9%) compared to the DC group (n = 12, 35.2%, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study shows an advantage of the purse-string skin closure technique in ileostomy reversals. The use of this technique for skin closure following ileostomy reversals is recommended to reduce the IH rates. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

Influence of the recipient body mass index on the outcomes after kidney transplantation.

PURPOSE: The relationship between the body mass index (BMI) of kidney transplant recipients and outcomes after kidney transplantation (KT) is not fully understood and remains controversial. We studied the influence of BMI on clinically relevant outcomes in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: In this retrospective single-centre study, all patients who underwent kidney transplantation at our institution between January 2007 and December 2012 were included. Demographic data and BMI were correlated with the clinical course of the disease, rejection rates, delayed graft function rates, and graft and patient survival. RESULTS: During the study period, 384 single KTs (130 women and 254 men) were performed. Seventeen percent of the transplants were transplanted within the Eurotransplant Senior Programme (ESP). Most of the transplants were performed using organs that were obtained from donors after brain death (DBD), and living donor kidney transplants were performed in 22.4% of all transplants. The median BMI of the recipients was 25.9 kg/m2. Additionally, 13.5% of the recipients had a BMI of 30-34.9 kg/m2 and 3.9% had a BMI >35 kg/m2. A BMI >30 kg/m2 was significantly associated with primary non-function of the kidney (p = 0.047), delayed graft function (p = 0.008), and a higher rate of loss of graft function (p = 0.015). The glomerular filtration rate 12 months after KT was significantly lower in recipients with a BMI >30 kg/m2. Multivariate analysis revealed that recipient BMI, among other factors, was an independent risk factor for delayed graft function and graft survival. Patients with a BMI >30 kg/m2 had an almost four times higher risk for surgical site infection than did recipients with a lower BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Increased BMI at kidney transplantation is a predictor of adverse outcomes, including delayed graft function. These findings demonstrate the importance of the careful selection of patients and pre-transplant weight reduction, although the role of weight reduction for improving graft function is not clear.

[Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell Time for Wound Treatment - Results of an Expert Consensus Conference]. / Einsatz der Vakuuminstillationstherapie für die Wundbehandlung ­ Ergebnis einer Expertenkonsensuskonferenz.

Rinsing wounds with wound cleansing solutions has long been a recognised cornerstone in wound management as a means of removing cell debris and surface pathogens in wound exudates. In combination with surgical debridement and topical negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), this can facilitate the intended progression from the inflammatory to the proliferative phase of wound healing. Procedures of topical negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and a defined exposure/dwell-time of topical solutions under cyclic compression and decompression with foam dressings (NPWTi-d) can remove cellular remnants and debris that may inhibit the healing process. At the same time, it can aid in reducing the bacterial load in contaminated or infected wounds. Since this newer technique is now commercially available and increasingly widespread, recommendations for the proper use and clinical indications were developed by a panel of interdisciplinary experts in the course of a consensus meeting. Although the level of evidence from expert opinions is low, general guidelines for a safe and effective use of NPWTi-d can be worked out that can be of assistance to the clinician. The consensus recommendations derived from this meeting include the objectives of the treatment, the administration modalities of NPWTi-d, the indications for various wounds, including their contraindications, therapy settings, as well as the use of topical instillation solutions, volume and duration (dwell time) based on current scientific data, optimal treatment duration and future developments of the NPWTi-d.

[Anastomotic Leakage in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Surgical Versus Nonoperative Management]. / Gastrointestinale Anastomoseninsuffizienz: operatives vs. konservatives Vorgehen.

Most procedures in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery require reconstruction with an anastomosis. Depending on the location within the GI tract, the perfusion and comorbidities of the patients there is a risk for anastomotic leakage. In case of peritonitis with sepsis usually a surgical treatment is required. A stable patient can be treated nonoperatively. In the following overview different treatment options of anastomotic leakage after surgery of the GI tract are described. In case of a leakage of an esophagojejunal or esophagogastric anastomosis after resection of the esophagus or stomach endoscopic treatment can be successful using either clip or stent or negative pressure therapy (NPT). After surgery of the rectum the use of endoluminal NPT has shown good results in case of anastomotic leakage. Nonoperative management of anastomotic leakage can be successful in a stable patient and requires intensive cooperation in an interdisciplinary team with experts in surgery, endoscopy, radiology and intensive care.

The meteorological influence on seasonal alterations in the course of acute appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Several diseases, including acute appendicitis (AA), have been known to undergo seasonal variations. Changes in the incidence and course of AA are attributed to seasonal weather differences, but this connection remains unproven. METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center analysis, we analyzed daily meteorological data over an 8-year period. A connection of day-by-day meteorological data with 680 consecutive appendectomies was performed. Patients' characteristics, intraoperative findings, and outcome parameters were analyzed. Seasons were classified meteorologically as 3-month periods (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). RESULTS: Nonambient temperature (unusual warm or cold weather) is correlated with a higher rate of complicated (gangrenous or perforated) AA (P = 0.018). In summer and winter, days with nonambient temperatures were more frequent (P < 0.0001). A higher rate of complicated AA was seen during summer and winter (P = 0.009). In addition, patients operated on in summer and accordingly after warm days suffer more complications (P < 0.0001), especially more superficial surgical site infections (P < 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The concordant observation of more complicated AA and complications after AA with meteorological data and calendric seasonal variations makes it most likely that temperature is a cofactor in complicated AA and contributes to the seasonal variations in AA. Although an increase in the microbiome of the skin during warm seasons might explain the increase in surgical site infection, the functional connection between warmer temperatures and AA complications remains unclear.

Impact of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Postoperative Morbidity after Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Potential disadvantages of neoadjuvant chemotherapy include increased surgical complications, leading to increased postoperative morbidity. METHODS: We retrospectively studied medical records of 135 patients with resectable cancer of the stomach who underwent gastrectomy between 2002 and 2009. The impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative morbidity was investigated. We compared demographic, clinical and operative data, morbidity and mortality from 105 patients who received surgical treatment immediately after diagnosis (SURG group), versus 30 patients who first received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CHEMO group). RESULTS: Demographic, clinical and surgical procedure parameters did not differ significantly between both groups. Postoperative morbidity was 46.7% in CHEMO- and 41.9% in SURG-patients (p = 0.680). There were eight cases of death, 2/30 (6.7%) in CHEMO and 6/105 (5.7%) in the SURG group (p = 1). The overall complications according to Clavien-classification did not differ significantly (p = 0.455). The wound infection rate (23.3 vs. 3.8%; p = 0.002) and insufficiency of the duodenal stump (13.3 vs. 1.9%; p = 0.022) were significantly higher in the CHEMO group. CONCLUSION: This study showed no significant impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on postoperative morbidity after gastrectomy using the Clavien-classification. Only an increase in wound infections in CHEMO compared with the SURG group were noted. Therefore, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be considered safe and feasible.

The clinical relevance of the Fong and the Nordlinger scores in the era of effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastasis.

PURPOSE: The clinical risk scores (CRSs) of Fong and Nordlinger are used to predict the outcome of patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). This study investigated whether CRSs could predict the overall survival of patients with CRLM treated with or without neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to resection. METHODS: Patients with CRLM undergoing liver resection were analyzed retrospectively. The primary outcome measure was overall survival with vs. without neoadjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: Between August 2002 and October 2011, 300 patients underwent liver resection for CRLMs at a large university hospital in Germany. Group A comprised 117 patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and group B comprised 71 patients who did not. The Fong score predicted overall survival for patients who did not receive chemotherapy (p = 0.02), but not for those treated with chemotherapy (p = 0.69). The Nordlinger score was not predictive for either of the groups (p = 0.71 vs. p = 0.08 for groups A and B, respectively). Subgroup analysis of the Nordlinger score identified better overall survival in the high-risk group treated with chemotherapy (p = 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified a resection margin of <1 cm [OR 0.622 (95% CI: 0.17-2.31); p = 0.044], age >60 years [OR 0.535 (95% CI: 0.16-1.77); p = 0.022] and number of metastases >4 [OR 0.189 (95% CI: 0.06-0.61); p = 0.018] as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. CONCLUSION: Thus, CRSs were not reliable prognostic tools for patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before liver resection in this analysis.

The use of purse-string skin closure in loop ileostomy reversals leads to lower wound infection rates--a single high-volume centre experience.

PURPOSE: Wound infections affect not only the individual patient but lead to an increase in medical costs. After ileostomy reversal, surgical site infections are a common problem. The objective of the study was to compare the infection rates of purse-string and conventional skin closure techniques in a high volume setting. METHODS: Patients undergoing ileostomy reversal at the Goethe University Hospital between January 2009 and August 2012 were retrospectively analysed regarding surgical site infections and associated risk factors. Patients received either conventional skin closure (running, interrupted or stapled suturing; group C) or subcuticular purse-string suture (group PS). RESULTS: In total, 114 patients have been analysed. Conventional wound closure was performed in 81 patients and 33 patients received purse-string skin closure. The groups did not differ regarding age, gender, indication for ileostomy, previous chemotherapy, and operation time. Median hospital stay was 7 days (3-34) in group PS and 8 (3-53) in group C (p = 0.15). Wound infections only occurred in groups C (n = 10, 12 %) compared to group PS (n = 0; 0 %; p = 0.034), and the wound closure technique was the only significant factor associated with surgical site infection. Surgery performed by a resident under supervision was not a risk factor for complications compared to the procedure done by a senior surgeon (p = 0.73). CONCLUSION: This study reveals an advantage of the purse-string skin closure technique in ileostomy reversals analysing a large cohort of patients. Therefore, we recommend the use of the purse-string skin closure in ileostomy reversals as one way to lower wound infection rates.

Neoadjuvant short- or long-term radio(chemo)therapy for rectal cancer: how and who should be treated?

There are two general approaches to preoperative radiotherapy (RT) in rectal cancer: short-course (25 Gy in 5 fractions) radiation with immediate surgery and long-course 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT; 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) with surgery scheduled 6-8 weeks thereafter. While it is clear that downsizing and downstaging effects are more pronounced with long-course CRT and delayed surgery, a Polish randomized trial and, more recently, an Australian phase III trial demonstrated no significant differences in long-term oncologic outcomes and late toxicity rates between either preoperative concept. Ongoing studies currently address short-course preoperative RT with a longer interval to surgery (Stockholm III trial), and short-course RT with sequential combination chemotherapy in patients with synchronous distant metastasis. With respect to the long-course CRT approach, newer-generation chemotherapeutics as well as molecularly targeted agents have been tested within phase I-III studies, both as induction/adjuvant chemotherapy as well as during concomitant CRT. Evidently, the monolithic approaches to either apply the same schedule of preoperative 5-FU-based CRT to all patients with TNM stage II/III rectal cancer or to give preoperative short-course RT for all patients with resectable rectal cancer irrespective of tumor stage and location need to be questioned. The inclusion of different multimodal treatments into the surgical oncological concept, adapted to tumor location, stage, and individual patient risk factors and preferences is upcoming. Clearly, future developments will aim at identifying and selecting patients for ideal treatment alternatives.

Benefit of a clipping device in use in intestinal bleeding and intestinal leakage.

BACKGROUND: The over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system was first used to close the access route in natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and is increasingly used for other indications. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the use of the OTSC in intestinal bleeding and in closure of GI tract leaks. DESIGN: Analysis of a consecutive series of patients. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Nineteen patients (group A: closure of GI leak site, n = 12; group B: complex GI bleeding, n = 7) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. We analyzed outcome and follow-up (6-68 weeks; group A: mean 37 weeks, standard deviation 24) in terms of treatment success (closure of the GI tract leak/durable hemostasis). INTERVENTION: Endoscopic application of OTSCs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Resolution of leaks, closure of fistula (group A), or stopping bleeding (group B). RESULTS: In group A, durable closure was achieved in 8 of 12 patients. Sealing a postoperative/postinterventional leak was successful in 6 patients and failed in 3. A gastrocutaneous fistula was primarily closed successfully in 2 patients, but recurred in 1 of these patients. A gastric wall dehiscence in necrotizing pancreatitis was successfully closed in another patient. Group B patients had previous endoscopic treatment failure in 4 of 7 patients (through-the-scope clips, injection of Suprarenin or fibrin glue, others) and were deemed not treatable by through-the-scope clips in 3 of 7 patients. The primary success rate was 100% (7 of 7 patients); durable hemostasis was achieved in 4 of 7 patients, whereas surgery or angiography was necessary in the remaining patients. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Leaks and fistulae are reliably closed with OTSCs in tissue flexible enough to be sucked into the attached cap (eg, in lesions caused <1 week before). GI bleeding may be stopped by OTSCs with reliable transient hemostasis, but durable hemostasis is less frequent.

Increased serum levels of C-reactive protein precede anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a severe complication following colorectal surgery. C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered to be an indicator of postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2002 and August 2005 342 colorectal resections with primary anastomosis were performed at the Department of General and Vascular Surgery. Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt. For this retrospective study serum CRP was measured daily until postoperative day 7, and in cases of AL it was excluded from statistical analysis beginning with the day on which the AL was diagnosed. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 342 (7.6%) patients developed AL at a mean of 8.7 days postoperatively. The in-hospital mortality was 3.5% for all patients and was significantly higher in the AL group (11.5 versus 2.8%). The CRP level in the two groups showed a peak on day 2.5 and day 2.2, respectively. In case of postoperative AL the CRP level did not show a marked decline during the next few days. Compared to the cases where AL did not develop, there was a significantly higher increase in CRP from the preoperative level to the levels measured on postoperative day 3, 5, 6 and 7. Higher CRP levels were observed in patients experiencing pneumonia or urinary tract infection, but the decrease of CRP values was not as slow as in cases of AL. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows serum CRP level to be a relevant marker in detecting postoperative complications in colorectal surgery. Prolonged elevation and a missing decline in CRP level precede the occurrence of AL.

Outcomes of a new slowly resorbable biosynthetic mesh (Phasix™) in potentially contaminated incisional hernias: A prospective, multi-center, single-arm trial.

BACKGROUND: Resorbable biomaterials have been developed to reduce the amount of foreign material remaining in the body after hernia repair over the long-term. However, on the short-term, these resorbable materials should render acceptable results with regard to complications, infections, and reoperations to be considered for repair. Additionally, the rate of resorption should not be any faster than collagen deposition and maturation; leading to early hernia recurrence. Therefore, the objective of this study was to collect data on the short-term performance of a new resorbable biosynthetic mesh (Phasix™) in patients requiring Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) Grade 3 midline incisional hernia repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, multi-center, single-arm trial was conducted at surgical departments in 15 hospitals across Europe. Patients aged ≥18, scheduled to undergo elective Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 hernia repair of a hernia larger than 10 cm2 were included. Hernia repair was performed with Phasix™ Mesh in sublay position when achievable. The primary outcome was the rate of surgical site occurrence (SSO), including infections, that required intervention until 3 months after repair. RESULTS: In total, 84 patients were treated with Phasix™ Mesh. Twenty-two patients (26.2%) developed 32 surgical site occurrences. These included 11 surgical site infections, 9 wound dehiscences, 7 seromas, 2 hematomas, 2 skin necroses, and 1 fistula. No significant differences in surgical site occurrence development were found between groups repaired with or without component separation technique, and between clean-contaminated or contaminated wound sites. At three months, there were no hernia recurrences. CONCLUSION: Phasix™ Mesh demonstrated acceptable postoperative surgical site occurrence rates in patients with a Ventral Hernia Working Group Grade 3 hernia. Longer follow-up is needed to evaluate the recurrence rate and the effects on quality of life. This study is ongoing through 24 months of follow-up.

Identification of factors predictive of postoperative morbidity and short-term mortality in older patients after colorectal carcinoma resection: A single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of age on patient outcome after colorectal carcinoma (CRC) resection in patients over 65 years of age. METHODS: This study included patients aged 65 years and older who underwent CRC resection between 2003 and 2013 at a single-center institution. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (65-74 years old) and Group B (≥75 years old). RESULTS: Multivariable logistic analysis of 415 patients revealed serum albumin levels on the third postoperative day (POD) (Odds Ratio (OR), 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21-0.94; P = 0.03) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.00-1.01; P = 0.04) in patients with colon cancer as predictive factors for morbidity. In addition, the multivariable logistic analysis revealed serum albumin levels (OR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.08-0.87; P = 0.03) in patients with rectal cancer as predictive factors for morbidity. The multivariate Cox Proportional Hazards Model identified re-intervention for colon cancer (Hazard Ratio (HR), 4.57; 95% CI, 1.36-15.4 P = 0.01) and for rectal cancer (HR, 11.8; 95% CI, 1.08-129 P = 0.04) as a predictive factor for 30-day mortality. Serum albumin level on the third POD was predictive of 30-day mortality (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13-0.71; P = 0.01) and of 1-year mortality (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17-0.66; P < 0.01) in patients with colon cancer. CONCLUSION: Age is not predictive of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients with CRC. Serum albumin levels on the third POD can predict morbidity and mortality for colon and rectal carcinoma in older patients undergoing colorectal resections.

A Retrospective, Observational Study of Enteral Nutrition in Patients with Enteroatmospheric Fistulas.

Enteroatmospheric fistulas (EAFs) represent a challenging problem in patients with an open abdomen (OA). A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the effects of enteral alimentation on wound status and management and nutrition. All patients with an EAF in an OA treated between October 2012 and December 2014 at a university hospital in Germany were included without criteria for exclusions. Demographic and morbidity-related data collected included age, gender, surgeries, OA grading, body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and serum creatinin. Underlying diseases and time between the index operation and the formation of the OA and EAFs were analyzed in relation to the initiation of enteral nutrition (EN), which can aggravate and contaminate the OA due to intestinal secretions necessary for digestion. The OA was described in size and area of the fascia defect and classified according to the Björck Scale. The number and location of the fistulas and the duration of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) were documented. Outcome parameters included fistula volume, wound management (eg, dressing change frequency, need for wound revision), feeding tolerance, systemic impact of nutrition, nutrition status at discharge, and mortality. Data were analyzed using primary descriptive statistics. The Mann-Whitney test was used to evaluate changes in fistula volume and BMI; categorical data were compared using Fisher's exact test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Ten (10) patients (8 women, median age of participants 55.4 [range 44-71] years) were treated during the study time period. Seven (7) patients had the first fistula orifice in the upper jejunum (UJF); 8 had more than 1 fistula. EN was initiated with high caloric liquid nutrition and gradually increased to a 25 kcal/kg/day liquid or solid nutrition. All patients were provided NPWT at 75 mm Hg to 100 mm Hg. EN was not followed by a significant increase of median daily fistula volume (1880 mL versus 2520 mL, P = 0.25) or the need for more frequent changes of NPWT dressings (days between changes 2.6 versus 2.9, P = 0.19). In 9 patients, the severity of wound complications such as inflammation or skin erosion decreased both in frequency and magnitude (eg, affected area). All patients achieved a sufficient oral intake, but only 3 were discharged from the hospital without parenteral nutrition. In this study, EN did not cause additional problems in wound management but did not provide sufficient alimentation in patients with a UJF. Prospective studies are needed to clarify associations between EN, nutrition, and wound management.

Prevention of Incisional Hernias with Biological Mesh: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic mesh-augmented reinforcement during closure of abdominal wall incisions has been proposed in patients with increased risk for development of incisional hernias (IHs). As part of the BioMesh consensus project, a systematic literature review has been performed to detect those studies where MAR was performed with a non-permanent absorbable mesh (biological or biosynthetic). METHODS: A computerized search was performed within 12 databases (Embase, Medline, Web-of-Science, Scopus, Cochrane, CINAHL, Pubmed publisher, Lilacs, Scielo, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Google Scholar) with appropriate search terms. Qualitative evaluation was performed using the MINORS score for cohort studies and the Jadad score for randomized clinical trials (RCTs). RESULTS: For midline laparotomy incisions and stoma reversal wounds, two RCTs, two case-control studies, and two case series were identified. The studies were very heterogeneous in terms of mesh configuration (cross linked versus non-cross linked), mesh position (intraperitoneal versus retro-muscular versus onlay), surgical indication (gastric bypass versus aortic aneurysm), outcome results (effective versus non-effective). After qualitative assessment, we have to conclude that the level of evidence on the efficacy and safety of biological meshes for prevention of IHs is very low. No comparative studies were found comparing biological mesh with synthetic non-absorbable meshes for the prevention of IHs. CONCLUSION: There is no evidence supporting the use of non-permanent absorbable mesh (biological or biosynthetic) for prevention of IHs when closing a laparotomy in high-risk patients or in stoma reversal wounds. There is no evidence that a non-permanent absorbable mesh should be preferred to synthetic non-absorbable mesh, both in clean or clean-contaminated surgery.