Diverticulitis with abscess formation: Outcomes of non-operative management and nomogram for predicting emergency surgery: The Diplicab Study Collaborative Group.

BACKGROUND: To assess short- and long-term outcomes from non-surgical management of diverticulitis with abscess formation and to develop a nomogram to predict emergency surgery. METHODS: This nationwide retrospective cohort study was performed in 29 Spanish referral centers, including patients with a first episode of a diverticular abscess (modified Hinchey Ib-II) from 2015 to 2019. Emergency surgery, complications, and recurrent episodes were analyzed. Regression analysis was used to assess risk factors, and a nomogram for emergency surgery was designed. RESULTS: Overall, 1,395 patients were included (1,078 Hinchey Ib and 317 Hinchey II). Most (1,184, 84.9%) patients were treated with antibiotics without percutaneous drainage, and 194 (13.90%) patients required emergency surgery during admission. Percutaneous drainage (208 patients) was associated with a lower risk of emergency surgery in patients with abscesses of ≥5 cm (19.9% vs 29.3%, P = .035; odds ratio 0.59 [0.37-0.96]). The multivariate analysis showed that immunosuppression treatment, C-reactive protein (odds ratio: 1.003; 1.001-1.005), free pneumoperitoneum (odds ratio: 3.01; 2.04-4.44), Hinchey II (odds ratio: 2.15; 1.42-3.26), abscess size 3 to 4.9 cm (odds ratio: 1.87; 1.06-3.29), abscess size ≥5 cm (odds ratio: 3.62; 2.08-6.32), and use of morphine (odds ratio: 3.68; 2.29-5.92) were associated with emergency surgery. A nomogram was developed with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.85). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous drainage must be considered in abscesses ≥5 cm to reduce emergency surgery rates; however, there are insufficient data to recommend it in smaller abscesses. The use of the nomogram could help the surgeon develop a targeted approach.

Upfront surgery versus self-expanding metallic stent as bridge to surgery in left-sided colonic cancer obstruction: A multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: Oncological outcomes of self-expanding metallic stent used as a bridge to surgery in potential curative patients with left-sided colonic cancer obstruction remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate perioperative and mid-term oncological outcomes of 2 of the currently most commonly performed treatments in left-sided colonic cancer obstruction. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study including patients with left-sided colonic cancer obstruction treated with curative intent between 2013 and 2017. The presence of metastasis at diagnosis was an exclusion criterion. The primary outcome was to evaluate the noninferiority, in terms of overall survival, of bridge to surgery strategy compared with emergency colonic resection. The secondary outcomes were perioperative morbimortality, disease free survival, local recurrence, and distant recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 564 patients were included, 320 in the emergency colonic resection group and 244 in the bridge to surgery group. Twenty-seven patients of the bridge-to-surgery group needed urgent operation. Postoperative morbidity rates were statistically higher in the emergency colonic resection group (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.37 [0.24-0.55], P < .001). There was no difference in 90-day mortality between groups (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.85 [0.36-1.99], P = .702). The median follow-up was 3.80 years (2.29-4.92). The results show the noninferiority of bridge to surgery versus emergency colonic resection in terms of overall survival (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval) 0.78 [0.56-1.07], P = .127). There were no differences in disease free survival, distant recurrence, and local recurrence rates between bridge to surgery and emergency colonic resection groups. CONCLUSION: Self-expanding metallic stent as bridge to surgery might not lead to a negative impact on the long-term prognosis of the tumor compared with emergency colonic resection in expert hands and selected patients.

Is Metformin Associated With Improved Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer?

BACKGROUND: Efforts to determine whether metformin can increase the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer have increased in recent years. However, retrospective studies have yielded inconclusive results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare oncological outcomes and survival after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in patients with rectal cancer taking metformin versus in those not taking metformin. METHODS: This study analyzed 423 consecutive patients with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and curative surgery between January 2010 and May 2020; of these, 59 were taking metformin and 364 were not taking metformin. RESULTS: Patients taking metformin had a lower proportion of tumor regression (6.8% versus 22.0%, P = 0.012) as well as a lower proportion of patients achieving a pathological complete response (6.8% versus 20.6%, P = 0.011). In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of pathologic complete response were not taking metformin (OR: 5.26, 95% CI: 1.12-24.85, P= 0.035) and cT2 stage (OR: 3.49, 95% CI: 1.10-11.07, P= 0.034); the interval was also an independent predictor of tumor regression (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.06-2.96, P= 0.028). No differences were observed in survival between groups. CONCLUSION: Metformin was not associated with better tumor responses or survival after neoadjuvant treatment.

Randomized clinical trial comparing side to end vs end to end techniques for colorectal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome affects 60%-90% of patients with anastomoses after colorectal resection. Consensus regarding the best anastomosis is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes after end-to-end versus side-to-end anastomoses. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. SETTINGS: University hospital (April 2016-October 2017). PATIENTS: Patients aged ≥18 years with rectal or sigmoid adenocarcinoma. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to undergo mechanical end-to-end or side-to-end (n = 33) anastomosis after laparoscopic resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was to assess intestinal function (COREFO and LARS questionnaires) 12 months after surgery or ileostomy closure. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications and intestinal function and quality of life (SF-36® questionnaire) at different time points after surgery or ileostomy closure. RESULTS: No significant differences in intestinal function were observed between the two groups 12 months after surgery. Subanalysis of low-mid rectum tumors with end-to-end anastomosis yielded better function at 12 months. Postoperative complications did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.070), but reinterventions were more common in the side-to-end group (p = 0.040). Multivariate analysis found neoadjuvant treatment was independently associated with intestinal dysfunction at 12 months (ß = 0.41, p = 0.033, COREFO; ß = 0.41, p = 0.024, LARS). CONCLUSIONS: End-to-end anastomosis yielded low rates of severe complications and reintervention, as well as better intestinal function at 12 months in the subgroup with tumors in the low-mid rectum. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02746224.

Rehabilitación multimodal y cirugía intestinal por enfermedad de Crohn: Factores asociados a estancia hospitalaria prolongada / «Fast track» and intestinal surgery for Crohn’s disease: Factors associated with prolonged hospital stay

OBJETIVO: Los objetivos del trabajo fueron determinar los factores asociados a una estancia postoperatoria (EP) prolongada en pacientes con resección intestinal por enfermedad de Crohn (EC) con un protocolo de rehabilitación multimodal (RM). MÉTODOS: Se incluyó a los pacientes intervenidos entre enero de 2013 y diciembre de 2015 por EC. Para la RM se siguió un protocolo de 8 puntos. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, EP, ASA, localización y patrón de la EC, presencia de enfermedad perianal, índice de Harvey-Bradshaw, resección previa, tipo de cirugía actual (mínimamente invasiva vs. laparotomía) y Clavien-Dindo. Se realizó un estudio inferencial para identificar los factores asociados a una EP > de 6 días y un modelo logístico multivariante. RESULTADOS: Se intervino a 52 pacientes. La EP mediana fue de 8 días (RI: 5-11). En el análisis univariante, la localización (L1 vs. L2-3), el patrón (B2 vs. B3), la existencia de enfermedad perianal, la cirugía previa, el tipo de cirugía realizada, el Harvey-Bradshaw y el grado de Clavien-Dindo se asociaron todos ellos con una EP inferior o superior a 6 días. El modelo parsimonioso que mejor ajusta para predecir una EP >6 días es el que contiene la variable Harvey-Bradshaw (OR: 6,49; IC 95%: 1,46-28,8) y el tipo de cirugía efectuado (OR: 0,23; IC 95%: 0,05-0,95). CONCLUSIONES: La estancia prolongada tras cirugía resectiva por EC se relaciona más con el tipo o gravedad de la enfermedad y de cirugía realizada que con otras características del paciente. Los pacientes con EC requieren una buena coordinación entre prehabilitación, RM y transferencia de cuidados postoperatorios

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with a prolonged postoperative stay (PS) in patients operated on with bowel resection for Crohn's disease (CD) included in an enhanced recovery program (ERP). METHODS: We included patients operated on for CD between January 2013 and December 2015. ERP was organized following an 8-point protocol. Variables studied were: age, sex, PS, ASA, location and type of CD, presence of perianal disease, Harvey-Bradshaw index, previous resection, type of surgery (minimally invasive vs. laparotomy) and Clavien Dindo. An inferential study was performed to identify factors related with a PS > 6 days and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were operated on. The median PS was 8 days (IR: 5-11). In the univariate analysis, location (L1 vs. L2-3), type (B2 vs. B3), presence of perianal disease, prior surgery, type of surgery performed, Harvey-Bradshaw index and Clavien-Dindo were associated with a PS > or< than 6 days. The model that best adjusts to predict a PS > 6 days contained the variable Harvey-Bradshaw (OR: 6,49; 95% CI: 1,46-28,8) and the type of surgery (OR: 0,23; 95%CI: 0,05-0,95). CONCLUSION: A prolonged postoperative stay after bowel resection for CD is more related to the type or severity of the disease and the type of surgery performed, than with other patient factors. Patients with CD need good coordination between prehabilitation, ERP and postoperative management

«Fast track¼ and intestinal surgery for Crohn's disease: Factors associated with prolonged hospital stay. / Rehabilitación multimodal y cirugía intestinal por enfermedad de Crohn: Factores asociados a estancia hospitalaria prolongada.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with a prolonged postoperative stay (PS) in patients operated on with bowel resection for Crohn's disease (CD) included in an enhanced recovery program (ERP). METHODS: We included patients operated on for CD between January 2013 and December 2015. ERP was organized following an 8-point protocol. Variables studied were: age, sex, PS, ASA, location and type of CD, presence of perianal disease, Harvey-Bradshaw index, previous resection, type of surgery (minimally invasive vs. laparotomy) and Clavien Dindo. An inferential study was performed to identify factors related with a PS> 6 days and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were operated on. The median PS was 8 days (IR: 5-11). In the univariate analysis, location (L1 vs. L2-3), type (B2 vs. B3), presence of perianal disease, prior surgery, type of surgery performed, Harvey-Bradshaw index and Clavien-Dindo were associated with a PS>or< than 6 days. The model that best adjusts to predict a PS> 6days contained the variable Harvey-Bradshaw (OR: 6,49; 95% CI: 1,46-28,8) and the type of surgery (OR: 0,23; 95%CI: 0,05-0,95). CONCLUSION: A prolonged postoperative stay after bowel resection for CD is more related to the type or severity of the disease and the type of surgery performed, than with other patient factors. Patients with CD need good coordination between prehabilitation, ERP and postoperative management.

Incidencia y caracterización del síndrome de resección anterior de recto mediante la utilización de la escala LARS (low anterior resection score) / Incidence and characterization of the anterior resection syndrome through the use of the LARS scale (low anterior resection score)

INTRODUCCIÓN: Recientemente se ha validado una escala internacional de puntuación (LARS) que cuantifica el síndrome de resección anterior (SRA). El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la incidencia y gravedad del SRA utilizando el LARS y su relación con variables seleccionadas. MÉTODOS: A todos los pacientes con resección anterior por cáncer de recto operados entre octubre de 2007 y febrero de 2014, con intención curativa y con más de un año de funcionalidad, se les envió el cuestionario LARS. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad, sexo, tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía, tipo de resección, vía quirúrgica, tipo de anastomosis, realización de estoma derivativo, complicación postoperatoria y régimen de radioterapia. RESULTADOS: De 195 pacientes, 136 (70%) respondieron (132 adecuadamente). El 47% de los pacientes presentaba un LARS mayor y el 34% no desarrolló SRA cuantificable. Se relacionó un LARS mayor con peor calidad de vida (p = 0,002). En el análisis univariante, la escisión mesorrectal total (ETM), la radioterapia larga y el estoma derivativo se asociaron a un LARS mayor, y la utilización de un reservorio, a uno menor. En el análisis multivariante solo el tipo de resección (p < 0,001) y la utilización de reservorio (p = 0,002) fueron factores individuales relacionados con el LARS. CONCLUSIONES: La mitad de los pacientes operados presentaron un LARS mayor y solo un tercio no presentó un SRA cuantificable. La percepción global de la calidad de vida fue significativamente peor en los pacientes con LARS mayor. La ausencia de recto (ETM) y la forma de reconstrucción anastomótica fueron los principales factores asociados a la puntuación LARS

INTRODUCTION: Recently a score (LARS) has been internationally validates that quantifies the anterior resection syndrome (ARS). The objective of this study is to know the incidence and severity of the ARS using LARS and its correlation with selected variables or risk factors. METHODS: All operated patients with anterior resection for rectal cancer between October 2007 and February 2014, with curative intention and at least one year of functionality, were sent a LARS questionnaire. The variables studied were: Age sex, time elapsed since surgery, type of surgical approach, type of anastomosis, derivative ileostomy, postoperative pelvic complication, and radiotherapy regimen. RESULTS: Out of 195 patients, 136 (70%) responded, and 132 responded properly. A total of 47% of the patients presented «severe» LARS and 34% did not develop quantifiable ARS. Quality of life was worse in the highest LARS scores (P=.002). In the univariate analysis, total mesorectal excision, long radiotherapy regimen and derivative stoma were associated to «severe» LARS and the use of a reservoir was associated with minor LARS. In multivariate analysis only the type of resection (P<.001) and the use of a reservoir (P=.002) were individual factors related to LARS. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the operated patients presented high LARS score and only a third did not provide a quantifiable ARS. The overall perception of quality of life was significantly worse in patients with more severe LARS. The absence of the rectum (total mesorectal excision) and the type of anastomosis were the main factors associated with the LARS score

Incidence and characterization of the anterior resection syndrome through the use of the LARS scale (low anterior resection score).

INTRODUCTION: Recently a score (LARS) has been internationally validates that quantifies the anterior resection syndrome (ARS). The objective of this study is to know the incidence and severity of the ARS using LARS and its correlation with selected variables or risk factors. METHODS: All operated patients with anterior resection for rectal cancer between October 2007 and February 2014, with curative intention and at least one year of functionality, were sent a LARS questionnaire. The variables studied were: Age sex, time elapsed since surgery, type of surgical approach, type of anastomosis, derivative ileostomy, postoperative pelvic complication, and radiotherapy regimen. RESULTS: Out of 195 patients, 136 (70%) responded, and 132 responded properly. A total of 47% of the patients presented "severe" LARS and 34% did not develop quantifiable ARS. Quality of life was worse in the highest LARS scores (P=.002). In the univariate analysis, total mesorectal excision, long radiotherapy regimen and derivative stoma were associated to "severe" LARS and the use of a reservoir was associated with minor LARS. In multivariate analysis only the type of resection (P<.001) and the use of a reservoir (P=.002) were individual factors related to LARS. CONCLUSIONS: Half of the operated patients presented high LARS score and only a third did not provide a quantifiable ARS. The overall perception of quality of life was significantly worse in patients with more severe LARS. The absence of the rectum (total mesorectal excision) and the type of anastomosis were the main factors associated with the LARS score.

Exenteración pélvica total en el tratamiento de las neoplasias avanzadas, primarias o recurrentes, de vísceras pélvicas / Total pelvic exenteration for the treatment of advanced primary or recurrent pelvic neoplasia

INTRODUCCIÓN: La resección completa con márgenes libres en los tumores viscerales pélvicos localmente avanzados, primarios o recurrentes, requiere ocasionalmente de una exenteración pélvica total (EPT). MÉTODOS: Revisamos los resultados obtenidos con la EPT en 34 pacientes consecutivos operados entre junio de 2006 y diciembre de 2013. RESULTADOS: La mediana de edad fue de 62 (40-82) años; 24 (70%) eran varones. El origen tumoral más frecuente fue el avanzado y primitivo de recto (TAPR), con 19 casos (55,9%) y el tipo de exenteración, la supraelevadora (61,8%). Se logró una resección R0 en 24 (70,6%) pacientes y en 16 (85%) de los TAPR. Quince (79%) pacientes con TAPR tenían pT4, y 4 (20%) pN+. La continuidad intestinal y urinaria se realizó con 2 estomas en 17 casos (50%), Bricker y anastomosis colorrectal en 11 (32,3%) y colostomía húmeda double barreled en 6 (17,6%). No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria; 23 (67,5%) pacientes tuvieron complicaciones y 5 (14,6%) requirieron una reoperación en el postoperatorio. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 23 (13-45) meses. La supervivencia global (SG) y libre de enfermedad (SLE) a los 2 años fueron del 67% y 58% respectivamente, y la mediana de SG y SLE fue de 59 meses (IC 95%: 26 a 110) y de 39 meses (IC 95%: 14 a 64), respectivamente. La SLE de las R0 fue significativamente mejor (p = 0,003) que las R1. CONCLUSIONES: La EPT es un procedimiento potencialmente curativo para las neoplasias viscerales avanzadas de la pelvis, con una morbimortalidad similar a otras cirugías exeréticas mayores

INTRODUCTION: Complete resection with clear margins in locally advanced pelvic visceral tumors, primary or recurrent, occasionally requires total pelvic exenteration (TPE). METHODS: We reviewed the results of EFA in 34 consecutive patients operated on between June 2006 and December 2013.ResultsMedian age was 62 (40-82) years; 24 (70%) were male. The tumor origin most frequent was advanced primary rectal tumor (APRT), with 19 cases (55.9%) and most common type of exenteration was supraelevator (61.8%). R0 resection was achieved in 24 (70.6%) patients and in 16 (85%) of the APRT. Fifteen (79%) patients had pT4 APRT, and 4 (20%) pN +. Reconstruction of the bowel and bladder was performed with two stomas in 17 cases (50%), colorectal anastomosis and Bricker in 11 (32.3%) and wet double barreled colostomy in 6 (17.6%). There was no postoperative mortality; 23 (67,5%) patients had complications, and 5 (14.6%) required a postoperative reoperation to solve them. Median follow-up was 23 (13-45) months. Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) at 2 years were 67% and 58% respectively, and the median OS and DFS was 59 months (95% CI 26-110) and 39 months (95% CI 14-64), respectively. The DFS of R0 was significantly better (p = 0.003) than R1. CONCLUSIONS: TPE is a potentially curative procedure for advanced pelvic visceral malignancies with similar morbi-mortality than other extended excisional surgery

Total pelvic exenteration for the treatment of advanced primary or recurrent pelvic neoplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Complete resection with clear margins in locally advanced pelvic visceral tumors, primary or recurrent, occasionally requires total pelvic exenteration (TPE). METHODS: We reviewed the results of EFA in 34 consecutive patients operated on between June 2006 and December 2013. RESULTS: Median age was 62 (40-82) years; 24 (70%) were male. The tumor origin most frequent was advanced primary rectal tumor (APRT), with 19 cases (55.9%) and most common type of exenteration was supraelevator (61.8%). R0 resection was achieved in 24 (70.6%) patients and in 16 (85%) of the APRT. Fifteen (79%) patients had pT4 APRT, and 4 (20%) pN +. Reconstruction of the bowel and bladder was performed with two stomas in 17 cases (50%), colorectal anastomosis and Bricker in 11 (32.3%) and wet double barreled colostomy in 6 (17.6%). There was no postoperative mortality; 23 (67,5%) patients had complications, and 5 (14.6%) required a postoperative reoperation to solve them. Median follow-up was 23 (13-45) months. Overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) at 2 years were 67% and 58% respectively, and the median OS and DFS was 59 months (95% CI 26-110) and 39 months (95% CI 14-64), respectively. The DFS of R0 was significantly better (p=0.003) than R1. CONCLUSIONS: TPE is a potentially curative procedure for advanced pelvic visceral malignancies with similar morbi-mortality than other extended excisional surgery.

Delorme's Procedure for Complete Rectal Prolapse: A Study of Recurrence Patterns in the Long Term.

Introduction. The objective of this study was to determine the recurrence rate and associated risk factors of full-thickness rectal prolapse in the long term after Delorme's procedure. Patients and Methods. The study involved adult patients with rectal prolapse treated with Delorme's surgery between 2000 and 2012 and followed up prospectively in an outpatient unit. We assessed epidemiological data, Wexner constipation and incontinence score, recurrence patterns, and risk factors. Data were analyzed by univariate and multivariate studies and follow-up was performed according to Kaplan-Meier technique. The primary outcome was recurrence. Results. A total of 42 patients, where 71.4% (n = 30) were women, with a median age of 76 years (IQR 66 to 86), underwent Delorme's surgery. The median follow-up was 85 months (IQR 28 to 132). There was no mortality, and morbidity was 9.5%. Recurrence occurred in five patients (12%) within 14 months after surgery. Actuarial recurrence at five years was 9.9%. According to the univariate analysis, constipation and concomitant pelvic floor repair were the only factors found to be associated with recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed no statistically significant differences among variables studied. Kaplan-Meier estimate revealed that constipation was associated with a higher risk of recurrence (log-rank test, p = 0.006). Conclusions. Delorme's procedure is a safe technique with an actuarial recurrence at five years of 9.9%. The outcomes obtained in this study support the performance of concomitant postanal repair and levatorplasty to reduce recurrences. Also, severe constipation is associated with a higher recurrence rate.

Preventing complications in colorectal anastomosis: results of a randomized controlled trial using bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement for circular stapler.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic complications, including leaks, stenoses, and bleeding, cause considerable mortality and morbidity after colorectal surgery. OBJETIVE: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement in reducing colorectal anastomotic complications. DESIGN: This was a prospective randomized clinical study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a university hospital within a specialized colorectal unit. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing left colon resection for a benign or malignant condition were eligible. A total of 302 patients participated, including 154 control subjects and 148 with reinforcement. INTERVENTION: Patients were prospectively randomly assigned to reinforcement of circular stapled anastomosis with a bioabsorbable device versus stapled circular anastomosis without reinforcement. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was the rate of pooled incidences of anastomotic complications (leakage, bleeding, or stenosis). Secondary outcomes were the rate of reoperations and the length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed that there were no significant differences in the pooled incidences of anastomotic complications (p = 0.821). Regarding individual complications, we did not observe statistical differences between groups, including leakage (6.6% vs 4.8%; p = 0.518), hemorrhage (1.4% vs 1.3%; p = 0.431), or stenosis (2.9% vs 6.8%; p = 0.128). Again, no significant differences were observed in length of stay (7 days; p = 0.242) or rate of reoperation (7.3% vs 9.6%; p = 0.490). A patient (0.3%) in the control group died. LIMITATIONS: Sample size calculation was performed including all 3 of the complications, which may render it underpowered to detect differences regarding a specific complication. Anastomoses located within 5 cm from the anal verge were excluded from the study. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show that bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement in a colorectal anastomosis >5 cm from the anal verge does not reduce the rate of pooled anastomotic complications (ie, leaks, bleeding, or stenosis).