A Rare Case of Sigmoid Colon Perforation in a Patient With Severe Acute Pancreatitis.

Severe acute pancreatitis can cause systemic inflammation and multiorgan failure. We present the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with necrotizing pancreatitis and subsequently developed a sigmoid colon perforation. The perforation presumably occurred because of extravasation of pancreatic enzymes into the abdominal cavity, resulting in colonic wall injury. Our case highlights the rare colonic complications of severe acute pancreatitis.

Can preoperative ureteral stent placement help in the intraoperative identification of iatrogenic ureteral injury?

BACKGROUND: The benefits of prophylactic ureteral stent placement during colorectal surgery remain controversial. This study aimed to determine the incidence of ureteral injury in colorectal operations, assess the complications associated with stent usage, and determine whether their use leads to earlier identification and treatment of injury. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing colorectal abdominal operations between 2015 and 2021. Variables were examined for possible association with ureteral stent placement. The primary study endpoint was ureteral injury identified within 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Of 6481 patients who underwent colorectal surgery, 970 (15%) underwent preoperative ureteral stent placement. The use of stents was significantly associated with a higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, wound classification, and longer duration of surgery. A ureteral injury was identified in 28 patients (0.4%). Of these patients, 13 had no stent, and 15 had preoperative stents placed. After propensity matching, stent use was associated with an increased risk of hematuria and urinary tract infection. Ureteral injury was identified intraoperatively in 14 of 28 patients (50.0%) and was not associated with ureteral stent use (P = .45). CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic ureteral injury was uncommon, whereas preoperative stent placement was relatively frequent. Earlier recognition of iatrogenic ureteral injury is not an expected advantage of preoperative ureteral stent placement.

Room for Improvement: The Impact of Guideline-Recommended Extended Thromboprophylaxis in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery for Colorectal and Anal Cancer at a Tertiary Referral Center.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism occurs in approximately 2% of patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic surgery for cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus and is considered preventable. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons recommends extended prophylaxis in high-risk patients, but there is low adherence to the guidelines. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the impact of venous thromboembolism risk-guided prophylaxis in patients undergoing elective abdominal and pelvic surgeries for colorectal and anal cancers from 2016 to 2021. DESIGN: This was a retrospective analysis. SETTING: The study was conducted at a multisite tertiary referral academic health care system. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent elective abdominal or pelvic surgery for colon, rectal, or anal cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Receipt of Caprini-guided venous thromboembolism prophylaxis, 90-day postoperative rate of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, venous thromboembolism, and bleeding events. RESULTS: A total of 3504 patients underwent elective operations, of whom 2224 (63%) received appropriate thromboprophylaxis in the inpatient setting. In the postdischarged cohort of 2769 patients, only 2% received appropriate thromboprophylaxis and no thromboembolic events were observed. In the group receiving inappropriate thromboprophylaxis, at 90 days postdischarge, the deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and venous thromboembolism rates were 0.60%, 0.40%, and 0.88%, respectively. Postoperative bleeding was not different between the 2 groups. LIMITATIONS: Limitations to our study include its retrospective nature, use of aggregated electronic medical records, and single health care system experience. CONCLUSION: Most patients in our health care system undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery for cancers of the colon, rectum, and anus were discharged without appropriate Caprini-guided venous thromboembolism prophylaxis. Risk-guided prophylaxis was associated with decreased rates of inhospital and postdischarge venous thromboembolism without increased bleeding complications. See Video Abstract . MARGEN DE MEJORA EL IMPACTO DE LA TROMBOPROFILAXIS RECOMENDADA POR LAS DIRECTRICES EN PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGA ABDOMINAL POR CNCER COLORRECTAL Y ANAL EN UN CENTRO DE REFERENCIA TERCIARIO: ANTECEDENTES:El tromboembolismo venoso ocurre en aproximadamente el 2% de los pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal y pélvica por cánceres de colon, recto y ano, y se considera prevenible. La Sociedad Estadounidense de Cirujanos de Colon y Recto recomienda una profilaxis prolongada en pacientes de alto riesgo, pero el cumplimiento de las directrices es bajo.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar el impacto de la profilaxis guiada por el riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV) en pacientes sometidos a cirugías abdominales y pélvicas electivas por cáncer colorrectal y anal entre 2016 y 2021.DISEÑO:Este fue un análisis retrospectivo.AJUSTE:El estudio se llevó a cabo en un sistema de salud académico de referencia terciaria de múltiples sitios.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal o pélvica electiva por cáncer de colon, recto o ano.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Recepción de profilaxis de tromboembolismo venoso guiada por Caprini, tasa postoperatoria de 90 días de trombosis venosa profunda, embolia pulmonar, tromboembolismo venoso y eventos de sangrado.RESULTADOS:Un total de 3.504 pacientes se sometieron a operaciones electivas, de los cuales 2.224 (63%) recibieron tromboprofilaxis adecuada en el ámbito hospitalario. En el cohorte de 2.769 pacientes después del alta, solo el 2% recibió tromboprofilaxis adecuada en la que no se observaron eventos tromboembólicos. En el grupo que recibió tromboprofilaxis inadecuada, a los 90 días después del alta, las tasas de trombosis venosa profunda, embolia pulmonar y tromboembolia venosa fueron del 0,60%, 0,40% y 0,88%, respectivamente. El sangrado posoperatorio no fue diferente entre los dos grupos.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones de nuestro estudio incluyen su naturaleza retrospectiva, el uso de registros médicos electrónicos agregados y la experiencia de un solo sistema de atención médica.CONCLUSIÓN:La mayoría de los pacientes en nuestro sistema de salud sometidos a cirugía abdominal o pélvica por cánceres de colon, recto y ano fueron dados de alta sin una profilaxis adecuada de TEV guiada por Caprini. La profilaxis guiada por el riesgo se asoció con menores tasas de tromboembolismo venoso hospitalario y dado de alta sin un aumento de las complicaciones de sangrado. (Traducción-Dr. Aurian Garcia Gonzalez ).

Elective and Emergent Surgery in the Ulcerative Colitis Patient.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) requires surgical management in 20 to 30% of patients. Indications for surgery include medically refractory disease, dysplasia, cancer, and other complications of UC. Appropriate patient selection for timing and staging of surgery is paramount for optimal outcomes. Restorative proctocolectomy is the preferred standard of care and can afford many patients with excellent quality of life. There have been significant shifts in the treatment of UC-associated dysplasia, with less patients requiring surgery and more entering surveillance programs. There is ongoing controversy surrounding the management of UC-associated colorectal cancer and the techniques that should be used. This article reviews the most recent literature on the indications for elective and emergent surgical intervention for UC and the considerations behind the surgical options.

Treatment Strategies in Crohn's-Associated Rectovaginal Fistula.

Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) is a rare, but dreaded complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that is exceedingly difficult to manage. Treatment algorithms range from observation and medical therapy to local surgical repair and proctectomy. The multitude of surgical options and lack of consensus between experts speak to the complexity and shortcomings encountered to correct this disease process surgically. The key to successful management of these fistulae therefore rests on a multidisciplinary approach between the patient, gastroenterologists, and surgeons, with open communication about expectations and goals of care. In this article, we review the management of CD-associated RVF with an emphasis on surgical technique.

Diverticular Colovaginal Fistulas: What Factors Contribute to Successful Surgical Management?

BACKGROUND: Diverticular disease is the leading cause of colovaginal fistulas. Surgery is challenging given the inflammatory process that makes dissection difficult. To date, studies are small and include fistula secondary to multiple etiologies. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to examine surgical outcomes of diverticular colovaginal fistulas and to identify variables associated with successful closure. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained clinical database. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Women with diverticular colovaginal fistulas, who underwent surgical repair with intent to close the fistula, were included. INTERVENTIONS: Repair of colovaginal fistula through minimally invasive or open techniques was involved. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful closure of fistula, defined as resolution of symptoms and no stoma, was measured. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients underwent surgical treatment of diverticular colovaginal fistula, 23 (44%) of whom underwent a minimally invasive approach (conversion rate of 22%). Ostomy construction and omental pedicle flaps were used in 28 (54%) and 38 patients (73%). Surgery was successful in 47 patients (90%). Accounting for secondary operations, ultimate success and failure rates were 49 (94.0%) and 3 (5.7%). There was no difference in postoperative morbidity between the 2 groups (5 patients with Clavien-Dindo III/IV complications in the success group versus 2 patients in the failure group; 10.6% vs 40.0%; p = 0.44). Failure to achieve fistula closure was not associated with perioperative variables, age, BMI, diabetes mellitus, ASA grade, steroid use, previous abdominal surgery or hysterectomy, use of omentoplasty, or ostomy. Patients who failed were more likely to be smokers (60.0% vs 12.8%; p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the retrospective design and lack of power. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery is effective in achieving successful closure of diverticular colovaginal fistula. Smokers should be encouraged to stop before embarking on an elective repair. Although the use of fecal diversion and omental pedicle flaps did not correlate with success, they should be used when clinically appropriate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A983. FÍSTULAS COLOVAGINALES DIVERTICULARES ¿QUÉ FACTORES CONTRIBUYEN AL ÉXITO DEL TRATAMIENTO QUIRÚRGICO?: La enfermedad diverticular es la causa principal de fístulas colovaginales. La cirugía es un reto dado el proceso inflamatorio que dificulta la disección. Hasta la fecha, los estudios son pequeños e incluyen fístulas secundarias a múltiples etiologías. OBJETIVO: 1) Examinar los resultados quirúrgicos de las fístulas colovaginales diverticulares; 2) Identificar variables asociadas a un cierre exitoso. DISEÑO:: Estudio retrospectivo de una base de datos clínicos prospectivamente mantenida. CONFIGURACIÓN:: Centro de referencia superior. PACIENTES: Mujeres con fístulas colovaginales diverticulares, que se sometieron a una reparación quirúrgica con la intención de cerrar la fístula. INTERVENCIONES: Reparación de la fístula colovaginal mediante técnicas mínimamente invasivas o abiertas. MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Cierre exitoso de la fístula definida como resolución de los síntomas y sin estoma. RESULTADOS: Cincuenta y dos pacientes se sometieron a tratamiento quirúrgico de la fístula colovaginal diverticular, 23 (44%) de los cuales se sometieron a un acceso mínimamente invasivo (tasa de conversión del 22%). La construcción de la ostomía y los pedículos omentales se utilizaron en 28 (54%) y 38 pacientes (73%), respectivamente. La cirugía fue exitosa en 47 pacientes (90%). Tomando en cuenta las operaciones secundarias, las tasas finales de éxito y fracaso fueron 49 (94.0%) y 3 (5.7%). No hubo diferencias en la morbilidad postoperatoria entre los dos grupos (5 pacientes con complicaciones de Clavien-Dindo III / IV en el grupo de éxito versus a 2 pacientes en el grupo de fracaso, 10.6% versus a 40.0%; p = 0.44). El fracaso para lograr el cierre de la fístula no se asoció con variables perioperatorios, edad, IMC, diabetes, grado ASA, uso de esteroides, cirugía abdominal previa o histerectomía, uso de omentoplastia u ostomía. Los pacientes que fracasaron eran más propensos a ser fumadores (60.0% versus a 12.8%; p = 0.03). LIMITACIONES: Las limitaciones incluyen el diseño retrospectivo y la falta de poder. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía es efectiva para lograr el cierre exitoso de la fístula colovaginal diverticular. Se debe aconsejar a los fumadores a parar de fumar antes de embarcarse en una reparación electiva. Mientras el uso de desviación fecal y pedículos omentales no se correlacionó con el éxito, deberían utilizarse cuando sea clínicamente apropiado. Consulte el Video del Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A983.

What Is the Best Surgical Treatment of Pouch-Vaginal Fistulas?

BACKGROUND: Pouch-vaginal fistula is a debilitating condition with no single best surgical treatment described. Closure of these fistulas can be incredibly difficult, and transanal, transabdominal, and transvaginal approaches have been reported with varying success rates. Recurrence is a major problem and could eventually result in repeat redo pouch or permanent diversion. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate healing rates for procedures done for pouch-vaginal fistula closure. DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database complemented by chart review. SETTINGS: This study reports data of a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent surgery for pouch-vaginal fistula from 2010 to 2017 were identified. Patients who underwent surgery with intent to close the fistula were included, and patients who had inadequate follow-up to verify fistula status were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Patients included underwent surgery to close pouch-vaginal fistula. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Success of the surgery was the main outcome measure. Success was defined as procedures with no reported recurrence of fistula on last follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 70 patients underwent surgery with an intent to close the pouch-vaginal fistula, 65 of whom had undergone index IPAA for ulcerative colitis, but 13 of these patients later had the diagnosis changed to Crohn's disease. Thirty-nine patients (56%) had a fistula originating from anal transition zone to dentate line to the vagina (not at the pouch anastomosis). In the total group of 70 patients, our successful closure rate was 39 (56%) of 70. Procedures with the highest success rates were perineal ileal pouch advancement flap and redo IPAA (61% and 69%). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature and small number of cases are the limitations of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Although numerous procedures may be used in an attempt to close pouch-vaginal fistula, pouch advancement and redo pouch were the most successful in closing the fistula. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A841.

Competition as a Means for Improving Academic Scores and Attendance at Education Conference.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of competition on education conference attendance rate with a secondary goal of increased performance on in-service examination performance within a single academic general surgery residency. DESIGN: By using a competition-based model of learning, we aimed to increase the overall resident attendance to weekly education conference as well as performance on in-service examination. Residents were given weekly reading assignments which were supplemented with lectures from faculty with expert knowledge of a given topic on a weekly basis. The ability of the surgical resident to apply this knowledge in a board-style exam was then tested on a weekly by administering a 10-question quiz. SETTING: The program was implemented at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, an academic surgical residency program. RESULTS: The competition-based model of learning had improved conference attendance rates from 52% to 90% Overall quiz participation rates were 90.3% (SEM = 6.32%). Of the 5 distinct postgraduate levels performing on the weekly quizzes, the postgraduate year (PGY) 3 class performed best with the highest scores through 8 weeks. The next highest scoring class was the PGY 4 class. Overall average scores were 76% (standard deviation 10%). American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination scores did not significantly change between the observed years. Overall the average percentile for 2016 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination was 55.3 compared to 2017's 47.4 (p = 0.0906). CONCLUSIONS: After adding competition to our weekly education conference, we were able to improve our overall education conference attendance. Although this change did not have any objective changes measured on in-service examination results, we feel the increase in attendance and participation within education conference can only serve to benefit the surgical trainee. The establishment of this program has increased resident academic expectations, and a formalized guest-attending lecture schedule only drives conference participation higher. The establishment of weekly quizzes for and by residents allows the student to be more involved in their own education, and that of their peers.