Usefulness of the one-step technique in functional end-to-end anastomosis for colonic surgery: results of a prospective multicentre cohort study from the Japanese KYCC group.

BACKGROUND: Although functional end-to-end anastomosis (FEEA) using a stapler in the colorectal field has been recognised worldwide, the technique varies by surgeon, and the safety of anastomosis using different techniques is unknown. METHODS: This multicentre prospective observational cohort study was conducted by the KYCC Study Group in Yokohama, Japan, and included patients who underwent colonic resection at seven centres between April 2020 and March 2022. This study compared the incidence of surgery-related abdominal complications (SAC: anastomotic leakage [AL], anastomotic bleeding, intra-abdominal abscess, enteritis, ileus, surgical site infection, and other abdominal complications) between two different methods of FEEA (one-step [OS] method: simultaneous anastomosis and bowel resection; two-step [TS] method: anastomosis after bowel resection). Complications of Clavien-Dindo classification grade 2 or higher were assessed. RESULTS: Among 293 eligible cases, the OS and TS methods were used in 194 (66.2%) and 99 (33.8%) patients, respectively. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The OS method used fewer staplers (three vs. four staplers, p < 0.00001). There were no significant differences in SAC rate between the OS (19.1%) and the TS (16.2%) groups (p = 0.44). The OS group had four cases (2.1%) of AL (two patients; grade 3, two patients; grade 2) while the TS group had one case (1.0%) of grade 2 AL (p = 0.67). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (odds ratio [OR] 3.95; p < 0.00001), an open surgical approach (OR 2.36; p = 0.03), and longer operative duration (OR,2.79; p = 0.002) were independent predictors of complications, whereas the OS method was not an independent predictor (OR 1.17; p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: The OS and the TS technique for stapled colonic anastomosis in a FEEA had a similar postoperative complication rate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000039902 (registration date 23 March 2020).

Robotic approach to colonic resection: For some or for all patients?

The robotic approach is rapidly gaining momentum in colorectal surgery. Its benefits in pelvic surgery have been extensively discussed and are well established amongst those who perform minimally invasive surgery. However, the same cannot be said for the robotic approach for colonic resection, where its role is still debated. Here we aim to provide an extensive debate between selective and absolute use of the robotic approach for colonic resection by combining the thoughts of experts in the field of robotic and minimally invasive colorectal surgery, dissecting all key aspects for a critical view on this exciting new paradigm in colorectal surgery.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage in colonic procedures within an ERAS-protocol. A retrospective cohort study from the Swedish part of the international ERAS-database.

BACKGROUND: Research on anastomotic leakage (AL) in colonic procedures within an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol has not yet been conducted. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for AL after colonic surgery. METHODS: The study included all consecutively recorded patients operated with colonic resection surgery in the Swedish part of the international ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS) between September 2009 and June 2022. The cohort was analyzed and evaluated regarding risk factors for AL. RESULTS: Altogether 10,632 patients were included, 10,219 were without AL and 413 (3.9%) were with AL. After adjusted analysis, male sex (4.6% AL), OR: 1.49; 95% CI (1.16-1.90), obesity (4.8% AL), OR: 1.62; 95% CI (1.18-2.24), previous surgery (4.4% AL), OR: 1.45; 95% CI (1.14-1.86), open surgery (4.4% AL), OR: 1.36; 95% CI (1.02-1.83), anastomosis between small bowel and rectum (13.1% AL), OR: 3.97; 95% CI (2.23-7.10), stapled anastomosis (5.3% AL), OR: 2.46; 95% CI (1.79-3.38), inhalation anesthesia (4.2% AL), OR: 1.80; 95% CI (1.26-2.57), and conversion to open surgery (5.5% AL), OR 1.49; 95% CI (1.02-2.19) were significant risk factors for AL. Although pre and intraoperative compliance to the ERAS-protocol was similar, excess of fluids day 0 was an independent predictor for AL. CONCLUSION: Male sex, obesity, previous surgery, open surgery, stapled anastomotic technique, anastomosis between small bowel and rectum, inhalation anesthesia, conversion to open surgery, and among ERAS interventions, excess of fluids day 0, were significant risk factors for AL.

Assessing risk of recurrent small bowel obstruction after non-operative management in patients with history of intra-abdominal surgery: a population-based comprehensive analysis in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Despite a significant 30% ten-year readmission rate for SBO patients, investigations into recurrent risk factors after non-operative management are scarce. The study aims to generate a risk factor scoring system, the 'Small Bowel Obstruction Recurrence Score' (SBORS), predicting 6-month recurrence of small bowel obstruction (SBO) after successful non-surgical management in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients aged ≥ 18 with a history of intra-abdominal surgery and diagnosed with SBO (ICD-9 code: 560, 568) and were successful treated non-surgically between 2004 and 2008. Participants were divided into model-derivation (80%) and validation (20%) group. RESULTS: We analyzed 23,901 patients and developed the SBORS based on factors including the length of hospital stay > 4 days, previous operations > once, hemiplegia, extra-abdominal and intra-abdominal malignancy, esophagogastric surgery and intestino-colonic surgery. Scores > 2 indicated higher rates and risks of recurrence within 6 months (12.96% vs. 7.27%, OR 1.898, p < 0.001 in model-derivation group, 12.60% vs. 7.05%, OR 1.901, p < 0.001 in validation group) with a significantly increased risk of mortality and operative events for recurrent episodes. The SBORS model demonstrated good calibration and acceptable discrimination, with an area under curve values of 0.607 and 0.599 for the score generation and validation group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We established the effective 'SBORS' to predict 6-month SBO recurrence risk in patients who have history of intra-abdominal surgery and have been successfully managed non-surgically for the initial obstruction event. Those with scores > 2 face higher recurrence rates and operative risks after successful non-surgical management.

Resultados del cumplimiento del programa de recuperación multimodal posoperatoria en pacientes operados del colon

Introducción: Los programas de recuperación posoperatoria representan un nuevo paradigma de cuidados perioperatorios para la recuperación posquirúrgica precoz de los pacientes y con calidad. Objetivo: Evaluar el cumplimiento de las medidas implementadas como parte del programa y su impacto sobre la evolución de los pacientes operados del colon en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo de una serie de 204 pacientes adultos operados del colon entre septiembre de 2017 y septiembre de 2022, a los cuales se le aplicaron las acciones correspondientes al programa de recuperación posoperatoria institucional. Se estudiaron las variables estadía posoperatoria, complicaciones, reingresos, reoperaciones, restablecimiento de la función gastrointestinal y mortalidad. Se aplicaron los porcentajes para las variables cualitativas y la media con su desviación estándar para las cuantitativas, así como la prueba de ji al cuadrado ((2) o la t de Student en las comparaciones (nivel de significación 0,05). Resultados: El cumplimiento general de las acciones del programa fue de 74 %. Los pacientes con 70 % o más de cumplimiento tuvieron menor estadía, menos complicaciones y mejor recuperación del tracto gastrointestinal. Las complicaciones predominaron en los pacientes con menor complimiento. Conclusiones: El cumplimiento de las acciones previstas como parte del programa de recuperación posoperatoria impacta favorablemente sobre los resultados posoperatorios de los pacientes que reciben resecciones del colon. Cuando este es superior al 70 % se asocia a recuperación más rápida de la función gastrointestinal, reducción de complicaciones y de la estadía posoperatoria de los pacientes.

Introduction: Post-operative Recovery multimodal programs represent a new paradigm of perioperative care for early and quality postoperative recovery. Objective: To evaluate compliance with the measures implemented as part of the ERAS program and their impact on the evolution of colon patients in the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital. Methods: Observational, descriptive and prospective study of a series of 204 adult patients operated on the colon between September 2017 and September 2022, to which the actions corresponding to the institutional postoperative recovery program were applied. The variables post-operative stay, complications, readmissions, reoperations, restoration of gastrointestinal function and mortality were studied. As summary measures, percentages were applied for qualitative variables, and the mean with its standard deviation for quantitative variables, as well as the Chi square test ((2) or Student's t in comparisons, (significance level 0.05). Results: Overall compliance with the program was 74 per cent. Patients with 70% or more compliance had a shorter stay, fewer complications and better recovery of the gastrointestinal tract. Complications predominated in patients with lower complication. Conclusions: Compliance with the actions planned as part of the post-operative recovery program had a positive impact on the post-operative outcomes of patients receiving resections of the colon. When this was greater than 70% it was associated with faster recovery of gastrointestinal function, reduction of complications and postoperative stay of patients.

Colonic Anastomoses Reinforced With Ethyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Compared With Polydioxanone Sutures Alone in Fecal Peritonitis: An Experimental Study in Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: The use of tissue adhesives has been proposed as an anastomosis reinforcement; however, their efficacy has not been evaluated in a contaminated environment. The objective of this study was to determine if the use of sutures reinforced with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate for colonic anastomoses in the presence of fecal peritonitis, in a murine animal model, decreases the frequency of dehiscence. METHODS: Wistar rats were used. Fecal peritonitis was established until reaching 18 hours of evolution. Then, resection and anastomosis of the colon were performed with only polydioxanone (PDS) sutures in the control group and reinforcement with ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the experimental group. The dehiscence frequency and burst pressure were evaluated six days after the anastomosis was performed. RESULTS: We included 30 Wistar rats, all males, with a median age of five months and an average weight of 350.43 g. Anastomotic dehiscence was observed in 53.33% of the control group, in contrast with 13.33% of the experimental group (p = 0.020). There was no significant difference in burst pressure between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The use of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate, in an experimental murine animal model, as reinforcement in colonic anastomoses in the presence of fecal peritonitis decreases the frequency of anastomotic dehiscence, although it does not increase resistance to burst pressure.

Adult Hirschprung's disease diagnosed postoperatively: A case report.

Background: Hirschprung's Disease (HD) is a congenital disease where the ganglion cells that innervate the colon fail to migrate. Most cases are diagnosed during childhood, however, in rare cases it can go unnoticed until adulthood. Case presentation: We present a case of a 40-year-old-man who had been managing his chronic constipation with an atypical diet, until he was diagnosed with HD following an emergent abdominal surgery due to unresolved constipation. His diagnosis was delayed mainly out of fear of medical procedures. The surgery was later complicated and followed by a second and a final third and definitive surgery, suitable for the diagnosis of HD. Conclusion: HD should be included in the differential diagnosis of constipation even in this age. Also, patient awareness should be increased to ensure better quality of life.

Laparoscopic Reintervention for Intraperitoneal Leaks After Colonic Surgery: Do We Need a Routine Stoma?

INTRODUCTION: No universal consensus exists on the management of intraperitoneal anastomosis leakage after colonic surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic reintervention without stoma creation for intraperitoneal leaks after colonic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single tertiary center study conducted from January 2010 to December 2020. 54 patients with intraperitoneal leakage were divided into 2 groups according to whether they received a stoma (n = 37) or not (n = 17) during laparoscopic reintervention. Short term outcome was analyzed. RESULTS: Patients in the no stoma group had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (P = .009), lower Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (5 vs. 10; P < .001) compared with the stoma group. Intensive care unit admission (43.2% vs. 5.8%; P = .006) and major complications (35.1% vs. 5.8%; P = .015) occurred more in the stoma group compared to the no stoma group. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, initial surgical procedure (P = .001) and APACHE II score (P = .039) were significant predictors of no stoma. The APACHE II score(P = .035) was an independent predictor of major complications. Finally, Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that the cutoff value of APACHE II score for no stoma was 7.5. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, APACHE II score was an independent predictor of stoma formation and the cutoff value of APACHE II score for no stoma was 7.5. Our results need to be confirmed by larger and randomized studies. In particular, a specific APACHE II threshold to omit a stoma in this setting remains to be determined.

Laparoscopic redo anastomosis for management of intraperitoneal anastomotic leakage after colonic surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is still no consensus on the management of intraperitoneal anastomotic leakage after colonic surgery. Among of various treatment strategies, laparoscopic redo anastomosis for intraperitoneal leakage has rarely been reported in the literature and is condemned by some. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic redo anastomosis for intraperitoneal anastomotic leakage. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of laparoscopic redo anastomosis for intraperitoneal anastomotic leakage after colonic surgery from January 2013 to May 2020. An accompanying video demonstrates the technique. RESULTS: Fifteen consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic redo anastomosis for management of leakage after colonic surgery; two patients required conversion to open repair. A protective stoma was created in three patients during the second operation. There was no re-leakage nor mortality in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic redo anastomosis was feasible and safe for the management of intraperitoneal anastomotic leakage after colonic surgery. Considering the advantages of re-do laparoscopy, this procedure should be part of every surgeon's armamentarium to deal with anastomotic leakage and represents a logical alternative to the "Diversion and Drainage" technique.

Risk Nomogram Does Not Predict Anastomotic Leakage After Colon Surgery Accurately: Results of the Multi-center LekCheck Study.

PURPOSE: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication after colorectal surgery. Preoperatively identifying high-risk patients can help to reduce the incidence of this complication. For this reason, AL risk nomograms have been developed. The objective of this study was to test the AL risk nomogram developed by Frasson, et al. for validity and to identify risk-factors for AL. METHODS: From the international multi-center LekCheck study database, patients who underwent colonic surgery with the formation of an anastomosis were included. Data were prospectively collected between 2016 and 2019 at 14 hospitals. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUROC) were performed. RESULTS: A total of 643 patients were included. The median age was 70 years and 51% were male. The majority underwent surgery for malignancies (80.7%). The overall AL rate was 9.2%. The risk nomogram was not predictive for AL in the population tested (AUROC 0.572). Low preoperative haemoglobin (p = 0.006), intraoperative hypothermia (p = 0.02), contamination of the operative field (p = 0.004), and use of epidural analgesia (p = 0.02) were independent risk-factors for AL. CONCLUSION: The AL risk nomogram could not be validated using the international LekCheck study database. In the future, intraoperative predictive factors for AL, as identified in this study, should also be included in AL risk predictors.

Intestinal dehiscence and mortality in cats undergoing gastrointestinal surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors for both gastrointestinal (GI) incisional dehiscence and mortality in a large cohort of cats undergoing GI surgery. We hypothesized that cats with preoperative septic peritonitis (PSP), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis would have higher GI dehiscence and mortality rates than unaffected cats. METHODS: A medical records search identified cats with surgically created, full-thickness incisions into their stomach, small intestines or large intestines. Preoperative data, including signalment, clinical signs, comorbidities, surgical history, current medications, presenting physical examination findings, complete blood counts and serum biochemistry values, were collected. It was determined whether or not cats had PSP, SIRS or sepsis at admission. Intraoperative data, final diagnosis and postoperative variables such as vital parameters, bloodwork and (if applicable) the development of GI dehiscence or mortality were noted. Postoperative follow-up of at least 10 days was obtained in survivors. RESULTS: In total, 126 cats were included. One cat developed GI dehiscence following complete resection of a jejunal adenocarcinoma. Twenty-three cats (18.2%) died within 10 days of surgery. Cats with PSP (P = 0.0462) or that developed hypothermia 25-72 h postoperatively (P = 0.0055) had higher odds of mortality in multivariate analysis. Cats with PSP had 6.7-times higher odds of mortality than cats not diagnosed with PSP. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In cats receiving GI surgery, the incidence of GI incisional dehiscence was <1%. Cats with PSP had a higher likelihood of mortality. SIRS was a common finding in cats with septic peritonitis, but was not associated with mortality. Postoperative mortality during the home recovery period might be significant in cats. Future studies evaluating postoperative mortality in cats should consider extending the research period beyond the date of discharge.

Regional techniques for pain management following laparoscopic elective colonic resection: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Pain management is an integral part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) following laparoscopic colonic resection. A variety of regional and neuraxial techniques were proposed, but their efficacy is still controversial. This systematic review evaluates published evidence on analgesic techniques and their impact on postoperative analgesia and recovery for laparoscopic colonic surgery patients. METHODS: We conducted bibliographic research on May 10, 2021, through PubMed, Cochrane database, and Google scholar. We retained meta-analysis and randomized clinical trials. We graded the strength of clinical data and subsequent recommendations according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included. Thoracic epidural analgesia improved postoperative analgesia and bowel function following laparoscopic colectomy. However, it lengthens the hospital stay. Transversus abdominis plane block was as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia concerning pain control but with better postoperative recovery and lower length of hospital stay. Moreover, Lidocaine intravenous infusion improved postoperative pain management and recovery; Quadratus lumborum block provided similar postoperative analgesia and recovery. Finally, wound infiltration reduced postoperative pain without improving recovery of bowel function, and it could be proposed as an alternative to thoracic epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: Several analgesic techniques have been investigated. We found that abdominal wall blocks were as effective as thoracic epidural analgesia for pain management but with lower hospital stay and better recovery. We registered this review on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021279228).

Is an enhanced recovery program (ERP) after rectal surgery as feasible as after colonic surgery? A multicentre Francophone study of 870 rectal resections.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced recovery program (ERP) is well-established in colorectal surgery. Rectal surgery (RS) is known to be associated with high morbidity and prolonged hospital stay, which might explain why ERPs are less applied in this specific group of patients. The aim of this large-scale study was to assess the feasibility of an ERP in RS compared with colonic surgery. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of a prospective database including 3740 patients eligible for colorectal resection from February 2014 to January 2017 in 75 European Francophone centres. Patients were divided into two groups (colon group C vs. rectum group R). The main endpoint was compliance with ERP components. A subgroup analysis was performed in patients for whom a defunctioning stoma (DS) was required after RS. RESULTS: A total of 3740 patients were included. There were 2870 patients in group C and 870 patients in group R. The overall compliance rate for ERPs was 81.71% in group C and 79.09% in group R. Patients were significantly less mobilized within 24 h in group R. Specific recommendations for RS concerning bowel preparation and abdominal drainage were significantly less implemented. Overall morbidity was significantly higher in group R. Mean length of stay (LOS) was significantly shorter in group C. In the sub-group analysis, a DS was significantly associated with fewer compliance with early mobilization and early feeding, leading to significantly longer LOS (group R). CONCLUSION: ERP is safe and effective in RS, despite the well-known higher morbidity and LOS compared with colonic surgery. DS could be a limiting factor in ERP implementation after RS.

A rare cause of the abdominal pain in a 48-year-old woman with a history of prior colon surgery.

Fecal retention in the blind loop of end to side colonic anastomosis can lead to fecaloma without significant colonic distension. Imaging study and colonoscopy examination can assist in making a definite diagnosis. Revision surgery is the last choice when colonoscopic extraction fails.

A Modified Side-to-Side Anastomosis Using a Circular Stapler Reduces Anastomotic Leakage in Colonic Surgery.

Background. Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the serious complications after colonic surgery. Method. A prospective interventional study to assess a modified technique of creating the ileocolic, colic-colic, and colorectal side-to-side anastomoses using a circular stapler. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this technique in the reduction of AL. Computed tomography scan was performed when AL was clinically suspected. Result. One hundred and forty-five patients who underwent colonic resection between January 2015 and August 2018 were included. One patient underwent surgery for severe inflammatory bowel disease, and the others underwent surgery for colonic cancer. The procedures were open surgeries, including right hemicolectomy (n = 79 [54.5%]), left hemicolectomy (n = 29 [20%]), sigmoidectomy (n = 30 [20.7%]), and transverse colectomy (n = 7 [4.8%]). In 23 patients with ascending colonic obstruction, emergency right colectomy with primary anastomosis was performed. Two surgeons performed the operations (52.4% and 47.6%, respectively), and intraoperative blood loss was 50 to 100 mL. The operative time was 160 to 240 minutes. There was no mortality postoperatively, and 26 (17.9%) patients developed complications. One patient who underwent transverse colonic cancer resection developed a clinical AL (0.7%). After ileostomy, the patient was discharged with no other serious complication. The median of postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range = 5-18 days). Conclusion. This modified technique is a safe and efficient method for anastomotic configuration in colonic surgery.

A Novel 450 nm Semiconductor Blue Laser System for Application in Colon Endoscopic Surgery: An Ex Vivo Study of Laser-Tissue Interactions.

Objective: Our study aimed to detect whether 450 nm blue laser can be applied effectively and safely in endosocopic submucosal dissection (ESD) system for surgery in colonic tissue. Background data: Semiconductor blue laser has been applied in surgery due to its excellent cutting property, however, whether blue laser can be applied in colonic surgery has not been reported. Materials and methods: Porcine colon tissues were vaporized by 450 nm blue semiconductor laser at 10-25 W and at working distances from 0.5 to 3 mm, with a three-dimensional scanning system. Moreover, we designed an ESD model and applied blue laser at 10 W on porcine colonic tissues with this system. Dimensions of the vaporized tissues and coagulation zones were assessed under microscopy. Results: Since the thickness of colonic wall is no more than 1 mm, first we determined the cutting property and safety of blue laser on porcine colon tissue and found that blue laser at 10 W made lesions shallower than 1 mm and the depth of vaporization can be controlled effectively within muscularis mucosa and submucosa. Moreover, a large scale of porcine colonic tissue was vaporized precisely by blue laser at power of 10 W with the ESD system ex vivo. Conclusions: Our results indicate that 450 nm blue laser at 10 W can be well controlled for laser-tissue interaction with excellent cutting efficiency and less thermal damage in adjacent tissues especially side of the submucosa. Therefore, 450 nm semiconductor blue laser could be a safe alternative approach for colonic surgery.

A rare case of acute abdomen in the adult: The intestinal duplication cyst. case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Duplications of the gastrointestinal tract are rare congenital anomalies that can occur anywhere throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The reported incidence is 1/4500, and more than 80% occurs before the age of two as an acute abdomen or bowel obstruction. The most common site is Ileum (60%), while the colonic localisation is reported between 4 and 18%. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE: Herein we report the case of a 35-year-old man, presented at the Emergency Department with fever and localised abdominal pain in the right iliac fossa. Preoperative abdominal ultrasound and CT scan showed a cystic mass of 44 × 43 × 70 mm adjoining the posterior wall of the right colon. He underwent explorative laparoscopy, laparotomy conversion, right hemicolectomy with an intra-operative diagnosis of colonic duplication cyst, confirmed by histology. DISCUSSION: The review of the literature showed as the intestinal duplication cysts are rare congenital anomalies. The clinical presentation is variable and depends on the site and the related complications. A surgical approach based on the resection of the involved bowel tract is the treatment associated with the best long-term outcomes. CONCLUSION: It is important to include intestinal duplication in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, to ensure the best therapeutic strategy.

Comparison of Surveillance of Surgical Site Infections by a National Surveillance Program and by Institutional Audit.

BACKGROUND: Reported incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) after colonic surgery varies widely. These variations depend not only on patient- and surgery-related parameters but are influenced by type and quality of follow-up. The aim of the study was to compare SSI assessed by two independent prospective surveillance systems, a national surveillance program based on recommendations of the National Healthcare Safety Network (Swissnoso) versus an international audit system, the ERAS® Interactive Audit System (EIAS; Encare, Stockholm, Sweden). METHODS: Comparative study of a consecutive cohort of colonic resections at a single institution from September 2015 to March 2017. Independent prospective SSI monitoring was available from Swissnoso and EIAS. Inter-observer reliability was calculated using Cohen k. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EIAS in assessing SSI was compared with Swissnoso, considered as gold standard. RESULTS: The final sample included 143 patients. Of these, 136 (95.1%) were classified into the same category by both systems, identifying 17 patients (12.5%) with SSI and 119 patients (87.5%) without SSI, respectively. Discrepant results were found for the remaining seven patients (4.9%) with four SSI categorization according to Swissnoso but not EIAS, and three SSI categorization in EIAS but not in Swissnoso; all miscategorized patients presented superficial SSI. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EIAS for SSI recording was 81%, 97.5%, and 95.1%, respectively. Inter-observer agreement was high (Cohen k value of 0.801, p < 0.001). Case-by-case analysis of discrepant findings revealed mainly discrepant interpretation of clinical symptoms and erroneous labeling of non-procedure-related infections. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical site infection recording by two independent systems showed high concordance and good inter-rater reliability.

Outcomes of first-line endoscopic management for patients with sigmoid volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Sigmoid volvulus is a common cause of colonic obstruction in old and frail patients. Its standard management includes the endoscopic detorsion of the colonic loop, followed by an elective sigmoidectomy to prevent recurrence. However, these patients are often poor candidates for surgery. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare death rate between elective sigmoidectomy and conservative management following endoscopic detorsion for sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: The medical records of 83 patients undergoing endoscopic detorsion of a sigmoid volvulus from 2008 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups: 'elective surgery' and 'no surgery'. RESULTS: Patients in the 'no surgery' group (n = 42) were older and had more loss of autonomy than in the 'elective surgery' group. Volvulus endoscopic detorsion was successful in 96% of patients with no complications. The median follow-up was 13 months (1 day-67 months). The death rate was 62% in the 'no surgery' group versus 32% in the 'elective surgery' group (p = 0.02). In the 'no surgery' group, 23/42 of patients had volvulus recurrence. No recurrence occurred after surgery. CONCLUSION: Elective surgery must be planned as soon as possible after the first episode of sigmoid volvulus. In frail patients, other options must be developed.

No benefit of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks over wound infiltration with local anaesthetic in elective laparoscopic colonic surgery: results of a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Advances in laparoscopic techniques combined with enhanced recovery pathways have led to faster recuperation and discharge after colorectal surgery. Peripheral nerve blockade using transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks reduce opioid requirements and provide better analgesia for laparoscopic colectomies than do inactive controls. This double-blind randomized study was performed to compare TAP blocks using bupivacaine with standardized wound infiltration with local anaesthetic (LA). METHOD: Seventy-one patients were randomized to receive either TAP block or wound infiltration. The TAP blocks were performed by experienced anaesthetists who used ultrasound guidance to deliver 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine post-induction into the transverse abdominis plane. In the control group, 40 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was injected around the trocar and the extraction site by the surgeon. Both groups received patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with intravenous morphine. Patients and nursing staff assessed pain scores 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after surgery. The primary outcome was overall morphine use in the first 48 h. RESULTS: Of the 71 patients, 20 underwent a right hemicolectomy and 51 a high anterior resection. The modified intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences in overall morphine use [47.3 (36.2-58.5) mg vs 46.7 (36.2-57.3) mg; mean (95% CI), P = 0.8663] in the first 48 h. Pain scores were similar at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. No differences were found regarding time to mobilization, resumption of diet and length of hospital stay. CONCLUSION: In elective laparoscopic colectomies, standardized wound infiltration with LA has the same analgesic effect as TAP blocks post-induction using bupivacaine at 48 h.