Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease-associated anorectal and fistula cancers: systematic review and expert consensus.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD)-associated anorectal and fistula cancers are rare but often devastating diagnoses. However, given the low incidence and consequent lack of data and clinical trials in the field, there is little to no guidance on screening and management of these cancers. To inform clinical practice, we developed consensus guidelines on PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers by multidisciplinary experts from the international TOpClass consortium. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review by standard methodology, using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool. We subsequently developed consensus statements using a Delphi consensus approach. RESULTS: Of 561 articles identified, 110 were eligible, and 76 articles were included. The overall quality of evidence was low. The TOpClass consortium reached consensus on six structured statements addressing screening, risk assessment, and management of PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers. Patients with longstanding (>10 years) PFCD should be considered at small but increased risk of developing perianal cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the anus(SCCA) and anorectal carcinoma. Risk factors for SCCA, notably human papilloma virus (HPV), should be considered. New, refractory, or progressive perianal symptoms should prompt evaluation for fistula cancer. There was no consensus on timing or frequency of screening in patients with asymptomatic perianal fistula. Multiple modalities may be required for diagnosis, including an exam under anesthesia (EUA) with biopsy. Multidisciplinary team efforts were deemed central to the management of fistula cancers. CONCLUSION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) clinicians should be aware of the risk of PFCD-associated anorectal and fistula cancers in all patients with PFCD. The TOpClass consortium consensus statements outlined herein offer guidance in managing this challenging scenario.

Protocol of the LATFIA trial (Laser Assisted Treatment of Fistula in Ano): a multicentre, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing fistula-tract laser closure (FiLaC™) with rectal advancement flap for high trans-sphincteric fistulas.

AIM: Anal fistula is one of the most common anal diseases, affecting between 1 and 3 per 10 000 people per year. Symptoms have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment, aiming to cure the fistula and preserve anal sphincter function. Rectal advancement flap (RAF) is currently the gold standard treatment but has recurrence rates varying between 20% and 50% and might lead to disturbance of continence. The aim of the trial described in this work is to discover if the minimally invasive fistula tract laser closure (FiLaC™) technique could achieve higher healing rates and a better functional outcome than RAF. METHOD: We will perform a randomized prospective multicentre noninferiority study of the treatment of high trans-sphincteric perianal fistulas, comparing FiLaC™ with RAF in terms of fistula healing, recurrence rate, functional outcome and quality of life. Primary and secondary fistula healing will be evaluated at 26 and 52 weeks' follow-up. Quality of life will be evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire, the Faecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale questionnaire and the Vaizey score at 3, 6, 12 and 26 weeks postoperatively. CONCLUSION: High trans-sphincteric fistulas have a potentially severe effect on a patient's quality of life. Classical treatment with RAF is a time-consuming invasive procedure. The LATFIA trial aims to compare FiLaC™ with the gold standard treatment with RAF. In case of noninferiority, FiLaC™ treatment could be standardized as a first line treatment for high trans-sphincteric fistulas. Better conservation of the patient's anal sphincter function could possibly be obtained. Likewise, we will report on the postoperative quality of life when applying these two techniques.

European Society of Coloproctology: Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of cryptoglandular anal fistula.

AIM: The primary aim of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Guideline Development Group (GDG) was to produce high-quality, evidence-based guidelines for the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula with input from a multidisciplinary group and using transparent, reproducible methodology. METHODS: Previously published methodology in guideline development by the ESCP has been replicated in this project. The guideline development process followed the requirements of the AGREE-S tool kit. Six phases can be identified in the methodology. Phase one sets the scope of the guideline, which addresses the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula in adult patients presenting to secondary care. The target population for this guideline are healthcare practitioners in secondary care and patients interested in understanding the clinical evidence available for various surgical interventions for anal fistula. Phase two involved formulation of the GDG. The GDG consisted of 21 coloproctologists, three research fellows, a radiologist and a methodologist. Stakeholders were chosen for their clinical and academic involvement in the management of anal fistula as well as being representative of the geographical variation among the ESCP membership. Five patients were recruited from patient groups to review the draft guideline. These patients attended two virtual meetings to discuss the evidence and suggest amendments. In phase three, patient/population, intervention, comparison and outcomes questions were formulated by the GDG. The GDG ratified 250 questions and chose 45 for inclusion in the guideline. In phase four, critical and important outcomes were confirmed for inclusion. Important outcomes were pain and wound healing. Critical outcomes were fistula healing, fistula recurrence and incontinence. These outcomes formed part of the inclusion criteria for the literature search. In phase five, a literature search was performed of MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews by eight teams of the GDG. Data were extracted and submitted for review by the GDG in a draft guideline. The most recent systematic reviews were prioritized for inclusion. Studies published since the most recent systematic review were included in our analysis by conducting a new meta-analysis using Review manager. In phase six, recommendations were formulated, using grading of recommendations, assessment, development, and evaluations, in three virtual meetings of the GDG. RESULTS: In seven sections covering the diagnostic and therapeutic management of perianal abscess and cryptoglandular anal fistula, there are 42 recommendations. CONCLUSION: This is an up-to-date international guideline on the management of cryptoglandular anal fistula using methodology prescribed by the AGREE enterprise.

Short-term outcomes of surgical treatment for primary ileocaecal Crohn's disease: Results of the Crohn's(urg) study, a multicentre, retrospective, comparative analysis between inflammatory and complicated phenotypes.

AIM: Recent evidence challenges the current standard of offering surgery to patients with ileocaecal Crohn's disease (CD) only when they present complications of the disease. The aim of this study was to compare short-term results of patients who underwent primary ileocaecal resection for either inflammatory (luminal disease, earlier in the disease course) or complicated phenotypes, hypothesizing that the latter would be associated with worse postoperative outcomes. METHOD: A retrospective, multicentre comparative analysis was performed including patients operated on for primary ileocaecal CD at 12 referral centres. Patients were divided into two groups according to indication of surgery for inflammatory (ICD) or complicated (CCD) phenotype. Short-term results were compared. RESULTS: A total of 2013 patients were included, with 291 (14.5%) in the ICD group. No differences were found between the groups in time from diagnosis to surgery. CCD patients had higher rates of low body mass index, anaemia (40.9% vs. 27%, p < 0.001) and low albumin (11.3% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001). CCD patients had longer operations, lower rates of laparoscopic approach (84.3% vs. 93.1%, p = 0.001) and higher conversion rates (9.3% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001). CCD patients had a longer hospital stay and higher postoperative complication rates (26.1% vs. 21.3%, p = 0.083). Anastomotic leakage and reoperations were also more frequent in this group. More patients in the CCD group required an extended bowel resection (14.1% vs. 8.3%, p: 0.017). In multivariate analysis, CCD was associated with prolonged surgery (OR 3.44, p = 0.001) and the requirement for multiple intraoperative procedures (OR 8.39, p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: Indication for surgery in patients who present with an inflammatory phenotype of CD was associated with better outcomes compared with patients operated on for complications of the disease. There was no difference between groups in time from diagnosis to surgery.

Quality indicators for ambulatory colectomy: literature search and expert consensus.

BACKGROUND: Care for patients undergoing elective colectomy has become increasingly standardized using Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERP). ERP, encorporating minimally invasive surgery (MIS), decreased postoperative morbidity and length of stay (LOS). However, disruptive changes are needed to safely introduce colectomy in an ambulatory or same-day discharge (SDD) setting. Few research groups showed the feasibility of ambulatory colectomy. So far, no minimum standards for the quality of care of this procedure have been defined. This study aims to identify quality indicators (QIs) that assess the quality of care for ambulatory colectomy. METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify recommendations for ambulatory colectomy. Based on that search, a set of QIs was identified and categorized into seven domains: preparation of the patient (pre-admission), anesthesia, surgery, in-hospital monitoring, home monitoring, feasibility, and clinical outcomes. This list was presented to a panel of international experts (surgeons and anesthesiologists) in a 1 round Delphi to assess the relevance of the proposed indicators. RESULTS: Based on the literature search (2010-2021), 3841 results were screened on title and abstract for relevant information. Nine papers were withheld to identify the first set of QIs (n = 155). After excluding duplicates and outdated QIs, this longlist was narrowed down to 88 indicators. Afterward, consensus was reached in a 1 round Delphi on a final list of 32 QIs, aiming to be a comprehensive set to evaluate the quality of ambulatory colectomy care. CONCLUSION: We propose a list of 32 QI to guide and evaluate the implementation of ambulatory colectomy.

Postoperative Complications Are Associated With an Early and Increased Rate of Disease Recurrence After Surgery for Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Several potential risk factors for Crohn's disease recurrence after surgery have been identified, including age at diagnosis, disease phenotype, and smoking. Despite the clinical relevance, few studies investigated the role of postoperative complications as a possible risk factor for disease recurrence. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between postoperative complications and recurrence in Crohn's disease patients after primary ileocolic resection. DESIGN: This was a retrospective case-control study. SETTING: This study was conducted at 2 tertiary academic centers. PATIENTS: We included 262 patients undergoing primary ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease between January 2008 and December 2018 and allocated the patients into recurrent (145) and nonrecurrent (117) groups according to endoscopic findings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative complications were assessed as possible risk factors for endoscopic recurrence after surgery by univariable and multivariable analyses. The effect of postoperative complications on endoscopic and clinical recurrence was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: On binary logistic regression analysis, smoking (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.02-3.32; p = 0.04), penetrating phenotype (OR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.58-6.22; p < 0.01), perianal disease (OR = 4.03; 95% CI, 1.75-9.25; p = 0.001), and postoperative complications (OR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.19-4.17; p = 0.01) were found to be independent risk factors for endoscopic recurrence. Postoperative complications (HR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02-2.05; p = 0.03) and penetrating disease (HR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.24-2.40; p = 0.001) significantly reduced the time to endoscopic recurrence; postoperative complications (HR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.02-2.88; p = 0.04) and penetrating disease (HR = 207.10; 95% CI, 88.41-542.370; p < 0.0001) significantly shortened the time to clinical recurrence. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative complications are independent risk factors for endoscopic recurrence after primary surgery for Crohn's disease, affecting the rate and timing of endoscopic and clinical disease recurrence. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C48 . LAS COMPLICACIONES POSOPERATORIAS ESTN ASOCIADAS CON UNA TASA TEMPRANA Y AUMENTADA DE RECURRENCIA DE LA ENFERMEDAD DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA PARA LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN: ANTECEDENTES: Se han identificado varios factores de riesgo potenciales para la recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn después de la cirugía, incluida la edad en el momento del diagnóstico, el fenotipo de la enfermedad y el tabaquismo. A pesar de la relevancia clínica, pocos estudios investigaron el papel de las complicaciones postoperatorias como posible factor de riesgo para la recurrencia de la enfermedad.OBJETIVO: Investigar la asociación entre las complicaciones postoperatorias y la recurrencia en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn después de la resección ileocólica primaria.DISEÑO: Este fue un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles.AJUSTE: Este estudio se realizó en dos centros académicos terciarios.PACIENTES: Incluimos 262 pacientes sometidos a resección ileocólica primaria por enfermedad de Crohn entre Enero de 2008 y Diciembre de 2018 y los asignamos en grupos recurrentes (145) y no recurrentes (117) según los hallazgos endoscópicos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: Las complicaciones posoperatorias se evaluaron como posibles factores de riesgo de recurrencia endoscópica después de la cirugía mediante análisis univariable y multivariable. El efecto de las complicaciones posoperatorias sobre la recurrencia endoscópica y clínica se evaluó mediante análisis de regresión de Kaplan-Meier y Cox.RESULTADOS: En el análisis, tabaquismo (OR = 1,84; IC 95%: 1,02-3,32; p = 0,04), fenotipo penetrante (OR = 3,14; IC 95%: 1,58-6,22; p < 0,01), enfermedad perianal (OR = 4,03; IC 95%: 1,75-9,25; p = 0,001) y las complicaciones postoperatorias (OR = 2,23; IC 95%: 1,19-4,17; p = 0,01) fueron factores de riesgo independientes para la recurrencia endoscópica. Las complicaciones posoperatorias (HR = 1,45; IC 95%: 1,02-2,05; p = 0,03) y la enfermedad penetrante (HR = 1,73; IC 95%: 1,24-2,40; p = 0,001) redujeron significativamente el tiempo hasta la recurrencia endoscópica; las complicaciones posoperatorias (HR= 1,6; IC 95%: 1,02-2,88; p = 0,04) y la enfermedad penetrante (HR = 207,10; IC 95%: 88,41-542,37; p < 0,0001) acortaron significativamente el tiempo hasta la recurrencia clínica.LIMITACIONES: Este estudio estuvo limitado por su diseño retrospectivo.CONCLUSIONES: Las complicaciones postoperatorias son factores de riesgo independientes para la recurrencia endoscópica después de la cirugía primaria para la enfermedad de Crohn, lo que afecta la tasa y el momento de la recurrencia endoscópica y clínica de la enfermedad. Consulte el Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C48 . (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Laparoscopic Oblique Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous Flap Harvest for Perineal Reconstruction After Abdominoperineal Resection.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of perineal defects after abdominoperineal resection or salvage surgery for either locally advanced rectal cancer or anal carcinoma can be challenging. Myocutaneous flap reconstruction has proven to reduce perineal morbidity and abscess formation in the pelvis; however, it is associated with significant donor-site morbidity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a laparoscopic oblique rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap harvesting for perineal reconstruction. This technical note aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: Introduction of a laparoscopic technique in harvesting of this flap can potentially further reduce morbidity associated with this flap creation by minimizing abdominal wall trauma and obviating the need for laparotomy for tunneling of the flap intra-abdominally. TECHNOLOGY, MATERIALS, AND METHODS: This report describes a technique using a 6-port laparoscopy, in which the harvesting of the myocutaneous flap was performed after a standardized abdominoperineal resection. The flap itself is passed through the rectus sheath toward the pelvis with the help of a retractor. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Two patients successfully underwent a laparoscopic oblique rectus abdominis flap reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS: This report describes our initial experience with laparoscopic harvesting of an oblique rectus abdominis flap for perineal reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection. We believe the technique is easy and reproducible for laparoscopic surgeons and can reduce donor-site morbidity. However, further studies will be needed to confirm this observation.

A Breakthrough Improvement Collaborative Significantly Reduces Hospital Stay After Elective Colectomy for Cancer Across a Healthcare System.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study aimed to assess (1) the effect of an improvement collaborative on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol adherence after elective colectomy and (2) the association between adherence and patient outcomes. BACKGROUND: ERAS pathways provide a framework to standardize care processes and improve postoperative outcomes in patients after colon surgery. Despite growing evidence of its effectiveness, adherence to these guidelines remains a challenge. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter collaborative was initiated throughout 11 hospitals in Flanders, Belgium. A structured audit tool was used to study patient outcomes and adherence to 12 ERAS components, defined by the collaborative. Three retrospective audits (based on patient record analysis) were conducted in 2017, 2019, and 2021, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 740 patients were included (45.4% female; mean±SD age, 71±12 years). The overall adherence increased from 42.8% in 2017 to 58.4% in 2019 and 69.2% in 2021. Compared with low adherence, length of stay was increasingly reduced by 1.3 days for medium [95% confidence interval (95% CI): -2.5; 0.0], 3.6 days for high (95% CI: -4.9; -2.2), and up to 4.4 days for very high adherence (95% CI: -6.1; -2.7). Corresponding odds ratios for postoperative complications were 0.62 (95% CI: 0.33; 1.17), 0.19 (95% CI: 0.09; 0.43), and 0.14 (95% CI: 0.05; 0.39), respectively. No increase in 30-day readmissions was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A peer-constructed improvement collaborative effectively increases adherence to an ERAS protocol in individual hospitals. Across time, length of stay and postoperative complications decreased significantly, and a dose-response relationship was observed.

Functional outcomes of transanal versus transabdominal restorative proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in ulcerative colitis-a monocentric retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) ensures satisfactory gastro-intestinal function and quality of life (QoL) in patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). The transanal approach to proctectomy and IPAA (Ta-IPAA) has been developed to address the technical shortfalls of the traditional transabdominal approach (Tabd-IPAA). Ta-IPAA has proven to be safe but there is lack of reported functional outcomes. Aim of this study is to compare functional outcomes and QoL after Ta- or Tabd-IPAA for UC. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of consecutive UC patients who underwent IPAA between 2011 and 2017, operated according to a modified 2- or 3-stage approach. Close rectal dissection was performed in Ta-IPAA as opposed to total mesorectal excision in Tabd-IPAA. A propensity score weighting was performed. Functional outcomes were assessed using the pouch functional score (PFS) and the Öresland score (OS). The global quality of life scale (GQOL) was used for patients' perspective on QoL. Follow-up was scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients were included: 38 patients had Ta-IPAA. At 12 months follow-up, mean OS and PFS were 4.6 (CI 3.2-6.0) vs 6.2 (CI 5.0-7.3), p = 0.025 and 6.1 (CI 3.5-8.8) vs 7.4 (CI 5.4-9.5), p = 0.32, for Ta and Tabd-IPAA, respectively. Mean GQOL for Ta-IPAA was 82.5 (CI 74.8-90.1) vs 75.5 (69.4-81.7) for Tabd-IPAA (p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: At 12 months postoperatively, pouch function and QoL of Ta-IPAA are probably as good as those of Tabd-IPAA. Limitations include retrospectivity, differences in the surgical technique, and lack of validated scores for QoL.

Transanal Minimally Invasive Proctectomy With Two-Stage Turnbull-Cutait Pull-Through Coloanal Anastomosis for Iatrogenic Rectourethral Fistulas.

INTRODUCTION: Rectourethral fistula is an uncommon pathology, usually iatrogenic, occurring as a complication of surgical or ablative treatments for prostate or rectal cancer. Among other surgical techniques, restorative ultralow rectal anterior resection may be an option of last resort to achieve fistula closure avoiding the need for a permanent stoma. This article aims to describe a transanal minimally invasive-assisted Turnbull-Cutait technique for radiated rectourethral fistulas with a complementary video. TECHNIQUE: Turnbull-Cutait pull-through with delayed coloanal anastomosis technique with a proctectomy by transanal minimally invasive surgery and loop ileostomy was performed in 3 patients who developed delayed rectourethral fistula after prostate cancer treatment. Ileostomy was reversed after fistula closure confirmation. RESULTS: The first patient had brachytherapy with no surgery. The second patient had radical prostatectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy, developing the fistula after a pelvic abscess drained transrectally. The third patient underwent prostatectomy and brachytherapy, developing the fistula after transanal endoscopic microsurgery resection of a rectal villous polyp. Surgical intervention and postoperative recovery was uneventful. Fistula closure was confirmed in the 3 cases, and all ileostomies were closed without further recurrence at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Transanal minimally invasive proctectomy-assisted Turnbull-Cutait procedure for the treatment of rectourethral fistula is a new combination of already existing techniques, enabling the creation of safe colorectal anastomosis in high-risk cases. Given the difficulty obtaining healing with sphincter preservation in cases of postradiation rectourethral fistula, this technique aids in fistula closure and restoration of the intestinal continuity, and potentially represents an added resource in the surgical armamentarium for this challenging pathology.

Positioning strictureplasty in the treatment of extensive Crohn's disease ileitis: a comparative study with ileocecal resection.

PURPOSE: The optimal surgical approach to extensive Crohn's disease (CD) terminal ileitis is debated. To date, no studies have directly compared the short- and long-term outcomes of modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty over the valve (mSSIS) to traditional ileocecal resection. METHODS: A retrospective, observational, comparative study was conducted in consecutive CD patients operated for extensive involvement of the terminal ileum (≥ 20 cm). Ninety-day postoperative morbidity was assessed using the comprehensive complication index (CCI). Surgical recurrence was defined as the need for any surgical intervention related to CD during the follow-up period. Endoscopic remission was defined as ≤ i2a, according to the modified Rutgeerts score. Deep remission was defined as the combination of endoscopic remission and absence of clinical symptoms. Perioperative factors related to clinical recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were included (47 (54%) ileocecal resection and 40 (46%) mSSIS). Median follow-up was 56 (IQR 34.7-94.4) and 72 (IQR 48.3-87.2) months for resection and mSSIS, respectively (p < 0.001). No mortality occurred. Mean CCI was 9.1 vs 8.5 for ileocecal resection and mSSIS, respectively (p = 0.48). Throughout the follow-up, 8 patients in the resection group (17%) and 5 patients in the mSSIS group (12.5%) experienced surgical recurrence (p = 0.393). Thirty-seven (92.5%) of patients kept the mSSIS. No difference in deep remission was observed (41% vs 22.5%, p = 0.34). CONCLUSIONS: Modified SSIS seems to be non-inferior in terms of safety, recurrence, and durability to traditional resections with the advantage of mitigating the risk of a short bowel syndrome. Larger prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Do older patients (> 80 years) also benefit from ERAS after colorectal resection? A safety and feasibility study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of a standard Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program following colorectal resection in a geriatric population, aged 80 years and older. METHODS: In this single-center before-after cohort study all patients aged 80 years and older were included after colorectal resection. Patients were divided in a pre-ERAS and an ERAS group, according to the type of perioperative care. Data were prospectively collected and analysed retrospectively. The primary outcome was short-term complication rate. Secondary outcome parameters were length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality and readmission rate. RESULTS: Over 4 years, 219 patients were included. Of those, 151 underwent colonic and 68 rectal resection, following the ERAS protocol perioperatively in 45 and 21 cases. There were no differences in complication rate, 30-day mortality or readmission rate in the pre-ERAS versus ERAS groups. LOS after colonic resection was reduced by 2.5 days in the ERAS group (p = 0.020). Laparoscopy was found to be an independent variable of LOS (p < 0.001, p = 0.009) and complication rate (p = 0.011, p < 0.001) for colonic and rectal surgery respectively. DISCUSSION: A standard ERAS protocol is safe and feasible in older patients undergoing colorectal resection. Colon resection was related with shorter LOS without increasing morbidity, readmission rate nor 30-day mortality. No adverse outcome after rectal resection was found either. Laparoscopy was associated with lower complication rate and shorter LOS. CONCLUSION: A laparoscopic approach within an ERAS protocol should be considered for colorectal resection in every patient regardless of age.

Readmission after rectal resection in the ERAS-era: is a loop ileostomy the Achilles heel?

BACKGROUND: Rectal resection surgery is often followed by a loop ileostomy creation. Despite improvements in surgical technique and development of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, the readmission-rate after rectal resection is still estimated to be around 30%. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for readmission after rectal resection surgery. This study also investigated whether elderly patients (≥ 65 years old) dispose of a distinct patient profile and associated risk factors for readmission. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from patients who consecutively underwent rectal resection for cancer within an ERAS protocol between 2011 and 2016. The primary study endpoint was 90-day readmission. Patients with and without readmission within 90 days were compared. Additional subgroup analysis was performed in patients ≥ 65 years old. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients were included, and 25% (n = 85) were readmitted. Main reasons for readmission were acute renal insufficiency (24%), small bowel obstruction (20%), anastomotic leakage (15%) and high output stoma (11%). In multivariate logistic regression, elevated initial creatinine level (cut-off values: 0.67-1.17 mg/dl) (OR 1.95, p = 0.041) and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (OR 2.63, p = 0.031) were significantly associated with readmission. For ileostomy related problems, elevated initial creatinine level (OR 2.76, p = 0.021) was identified to be significant. CONCLUSION: Recovery after rectal resection within an ERAS protocol is hampered by the presence of a loop ileostomy. ERAS protocols should include stoma education and high output stoma prevention.

Risk factors for surgical site infection after colorectal resection: a prospective single centre study. An analysis on 287 consecutive elective and urgent procedures within an institutional quality improvement project.

AIM: To determine the incidence and to investigate risk factors for surgical site infections (SSIs) in a cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. MATERIAL & METHODS: Data from all consecutive patients operated at our department in an elective or in an urgent setting over a 4-month period were prospectively collected and analysed. The updated Centres for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines were used to define and to score SSIs during weekly meetings. Multivariate analysis was performed considering a list of 20 potential perioperative risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 287 patients (mean age 56.9 ± 16.8 years, 51.2% male) were included. Thirty-five patients (12.2%) developed SSI. Independent risk factors for SSI were BMI <20 kg/m2 (OR 3.70; p = .022), cancer (OR 0.33; p = .046), respiratory comorbidity (OR 3.15; p = .035), presence of a preoperative stoma (OR 3.74; p = .003), and operative time ≥3 hours (OR 2.93; p = .014). CONCLUSION: Identified incidence and risk factors for the development of SSI after colorectal surgery were consistent with those already reported in the literature. The possibility to develop a validated prediction model for SSIs warrants further investigation, in order to target specific preventive measures on high-risk population.

Surgical Management of an Ileal J-Pouch-Anal Anastomosis Volvulus.

BACKGROUND: A restorative proctocolectomy with an IPAA is the surgical treatment of choice for medically refractory ulcerative colitis. Until now, a pouch volvulus has been considered a rare complication, only described in case reports and small case series. The aim of this technical note was to develop a standardized approach to allow a minimally invasive treatment. TECHNIQUE: First, an endoscopic decompression of the pouch is attempted. Subsequently, an exploratory laparoscopy is performed. If the endoscopic decompression was successful, a complete laparoscopic reduction is feasible. Once the integrity of the pouch is confirmed, a bilateral pouchopexy is performed, using multifilament interrupted sutures. Finally, the pouch patency is tested by pouchoscopy. RESULTS: Between December 2010 and December 2018, 151 minimally invasive restorative proctocolectomies with an IPAA were performed. Eighty-nine IPAAs were constructed with the mesentery positioned anteriorly, 35 posteriorly, and 27 on the right side. Three patients were diagnosed with an IPAA volvulus. All 3 of the patients were in the anterior group (3.4%) compared with 0 patients in the nonanterior group. One patient (33%) was treated laparoscopically, after a successful endoscopic reduction. In the other 2 cases, conversion to a laparotomy was needed because an endoscopic decompression could not be achieved. CONCLUSION: An endoscopic decompression was required to allow a laparoscopic treatment, and a bilateral pouchopexy was needed to avoid recurrence. This standardized approach might be a good treatment option, and we are awaiting additional follow-up to determine its long-term durability. In addition to the already described risk factors (minimally invasive technique, female sex, and low BMI), an anterior positioning of the pouch mesentery might be a potential risk factor as well for pouch volvulus. However, these observations should be carefully interpreted, considering the small number of cases.

Preoperative risk factors for prolonged postoperative ileus after colorectal resection.

PURPOSE: Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) after colorectal resection significantly impacts patients' recovery and hospital stay. Because treatment options for PPOI are limited, it is necessary to focus on prevention strategies. The aim of this study is to investigate risk factors associated with PPOI in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. METHODS: Data from all consecutive patients who underwent colorectal resection in our department were retrospectively analyzed from a prospective database over a 9-month period. PPOI was defined as the necessity to insert a nasogastric tube in a patient who experienced nausea and two episodes of vomiting with absence of bowel function. Multivariable analysis was performed considering a prespecified list of 16 potential preoperative risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 523 patients (mean age 59 years; 52.2% males) were included, and 83 patients (15.9%) developed PPOI. Statistically significant independent predictors of PPOI were male sex (OR 2.07; P = 0.0034), open resection (OR 4.47; P < 0.0001), conversion to laparotomy (OR 4.83; P = 0.0015), splenic flexure mobilization (OR 1.72; P = 0.063), and rectal resection (OR 2.72; P = 0.0047). Discriminative ability of this prediction model was 0.72. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic strategies aimed to prevent PPOI after colorectal resection should focus on patients with increased risk. Patients and medical staff can be informed of the higher PPOI risk, so that early treatment can be started.

Uterine retroversion and gluteal transposition flap for postoperative perineal evisceration after extralevator abdominoperineal resection.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is the most common histological subtype of malignant tumor affecting the anal canal. Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is the first-line treatment in nearly all cases, ensuring complete clinical response in up to 80% of patients. Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is typically reserved as salvage therapy in those patients with persistent or recurrent tumor after CRT. In locally advanced tumors, an extralevator abdominoperineal excision (ELAPE), which entails excision of the anal canal and levator muscles, might be indicated to obtain negative resection margins. In this setting, the combination of highly irradiated tissue and large surgical defect increases the risk of developing postoperative perineal wound complications. One of the most dreadful complications is perineal evisceration (PE), which requires immediate surgical treatment to avoid irreversibile organ damage. Different techniques have been described to prevent perineal complications after ELAPE, although none of them have reached consensus. In this technical note, we present a case of PE after ELAPE performed for a recurrent ASCC. Perineal evisceration was approached by combining a uterine retroversion with a gluteal transposition flap to obtain wound healing and reinforcement of the pelvic floor at once, when a mesh placement is not recommended.

Digital postoperative follow-up after colorectal resection: a multi-center preliminary qualitative study on a patient reporting and monitoring application.

The development of minimally invasive colorectal surgery in the last decades led to a decrease in length of hospital stay. However, readmission and postoperative complications were still observed. Several studies have shown that close postoperative follow-up is required to decrease postoperative morbidity through patient education and by detecting early signs of complications. To help in this task, multiple monitoring programs have been set up to follow patients at home, allowing detection of several complications at an early stage. To evaluate acceptance, satisfaction, usability, compliance and safety of a mobile application following postoperative colorectal patients during the first 15 days post-discharge from hospital. A mobile application enabling the communication between the patient and medical staff during the recovery phase was developed and tested in four hospitals. Patients who underwent a colorectal resection were included in this prospective qualitative study. Questionnaires to assess satisfaction and usability were handed out to patients at the end of the test period. Overall, 118 patients (52% females, median age 52.5 years) were included. Median adherence-rate during 15 days was 89.6%. Satisfaction-rate for the application was 76% and usability was high. Overall, 1220 notifications were collected, of which 722 were orange, 466 red and 32 purple, colours used to rate the severeness of complaints. We analyzed the most common notifications, showing trends in different subgroups of the study with higher risks of complications (pain (409 notifications), abnormal stools (196 notifications), and wound problems (118 notifications)). A mobile application could be used to follow patients at home after colorectal resection. Future studies should evaluate whether these applications can detect complications and prevent readmission.

Fibrostricturing Crohn's disease is marked by an increase in active eosinophils in the deeper layers.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 50% of Crohn's disease (CD) patients develop intestinal strictures necessitating surgery. The immune cell distribution in these strictures remains uncharacterized. We aimed to identify the immune cells in intestinal strictures of CD patients. METHODS: During ileocolonic resections, transmural sections of terminal ileum were sampled from 25 CD patients and 10 non-inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) controls. Macroscopically, unaffected, fibrostenotic and inflamed ileum was collected and analysed for immune cell distribution (flow cytometry) and protein expression. Collagen deposition was assessed via a Masson's Trichrome staining. Eosinophil and fibroblast co-localization was assessed through immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The Masson's Trichrome staining confirmed augmented collagen deposition in both the fibrotic as the inflamed region, though with a significant increased collagen deposition in fibrotic compared to inflamed tissue. Distinct Th1, Th2, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells and monocytes were identified in fibrotic and inflamed CD ileum compared to unaffected ileum of CD patients as non-IBD controls. Only minor differences were observed between fibrotic and inflamed tissue, with more active eosinophils in fibrotic deeper layers and increased Eosinophil Cationic Protein (ECP) protein expression in inflamed deeper layers. Lastly, no differences in eosinophil and fibroblast co-localization was observed between the different regions. CONCLUSION: This study characterized immune cell distribution and protein expression in fibrotic and inflamed ileal tissue of CD patients. Immunologic, proteomic and histological data suggest inflammation and fibrosis are intertwined, with large overlap between both tissue types. However strikingly, we did identify an increased presence of active eosinophils only in the fibrotic deeper layers, suggesting their potential role in fibrosis development.