Primary Tumor Resection Before Systemic Therapy in Patients With Colon Cancer and Unresectable Metastases: Combined Results of the SYNCHRONOUS and CCRe-IV Trials.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy is established as primary treatment in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer and unresectable metastases. Data from nonrandomized clinical trials have fueled persistent uncertainty if primary tumor resection (PTR) before chemotherapy prolongs survival. We investigated the prognostic value of PTR in patients with newly diagnosed stage IV colon cancer who were not amenable to curative treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients enrolled in the multicenter, randomized SYNCHRONOUS and CCRe-IV trials were included in the analysis. Patients with colon cancer with synchronous unresectable metastases were randomly assigned at 100 sites in Austria, Germany, and Spain to undergo PTR or up-front chemotherapy (No PTR group). The chemotherapy regimen was left at discretion of the local team. Patients with tumor-related symptoms, inability to tolerate surgery and/or systemic chemotherapy, and history of another cancer were excluded. The primary end point was overall survival (OS), and the analyses were performed with intention-to-treat. RESULTS: A total of 393 patients were randomly assigned to undergo PTR (n = 187) or no PTR (n = 206) between November 2011 and March 2017. Chemotherapy was not administered to 6.4% in the No PTR group and 24.1% in the PTR group. The median follow-up time was 36.7 months (95% CI, 36.6 to 37.3). The median OS was 16.7 months (95% CI, 13.2 to 19.2) in the PTR group and 18.6 months (95% CI, 16.2 to 22.3) in the No PTR group (P = .191). Comparable OS between the study groups was further confirmed on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 0.944 [95% CI, 0.738 to 1.209], P = .65) and across all subgroups. Patients with serious adverse events were more common in the No PTR group (10.2% v 18.0%; P = .027). CONCLUSION: Among patients with colon cancer and synchronous unresectable metastases, PTR before systemic chemotherapy was not associated with prolonged OS.

Combined endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery (CELS) can avoid segmental colectomy in endoscopically unremovable colonic polyps: a cohort study over 10 years.

BACKGROUND: Combined-Endoscopic-Laparoscopic-Surgery (CELS) was developed for benign colonic polyps, endoscopically unresectable, to avoid segmental colectomy. This observational study aims to compare surgical outcomes of endoscopically unresectable colonic polyps treated laparoscopically before and since the institutional introduction of CELS. Primary endpoint was postoperative morbidity and mortality; secondary endpoints were time of hospitalization and histopathological findings. METHODS: Charts of all patients with preoperative diagnosis of benign colonic tumors, treated laparoscopically at our institution from 1/2010 to 2/2020 were reviewed. Patients with polyps (1) affecting ileocecal valve, (2) occupying > 50% of the circumference, (3) ≥ 3 endoscopically unresectable polyps, (4) inflammatory bowel disease, (5) polyps within diverticular area post diverticulitis, (6) rectal polyps (7) foreseen impossibility of laparoscopy (8) preoperatively biopsy proven invasive adenocarcinoma were excluded. Group I consists of all patients potentially treatable by CELS but operated by laparoscopic colonic resection as CELS was not yet institutionally established. Group II includes all patients treated with CELS (since 11/2017). RESULTS: One hundred-fifteen consecutive patients were reviewed. Applying exclusion criteria, twenty-three patients form group I and twenty-three group II (female 30.4%, median age 68 years). Groups distributed homogenously for age, BMI (body mass index) and polyps´ localization with most polyps (60.4%) localized in right colon; group II patients had significantly higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Median operating time, hospital stay and morbidity were significantly less in group II. Postoperative morbidity occurred overall in 14 patients (30.4%), mostly Clavien-Dindo class I-II (26.1%) and significantly less in group II (p = 0.017), Clavien-Dindo III-IV distributed equally (one patient each group) without postoperative mortality. Definitive histopathology showed invasive adenocarcinoma in 8.3% without differences between groups. Two patients with invasive adenocarcinoma after CELS were advised for oncological resection. CONCLUSION: CELS is safe and efficient to treat complex, benign colonic polyps by a complete minimal invasive laparoscopic approach. CELS showed better surgical outcomes with less morbidity, no mortality and appropriate pathological results avoiding unnecessary laparoscopic surgery with intestinal anastomosis.

Post-operative and oncological 3-year follow-up outcomes in stage 2 colonic cancer in the emergency and elective setting: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Stage 2 colonic cancer comprises a heterogeneous group of patients with a spectrum of disease, from invasion of the sub-serosa to tumour perforation into visceral peritoneum/adjacent organs. This study evaluates the post-operative outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with both emergency and elective presentations of stage 2 colonic cancer treated with curative intent. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of adult patients (emergency and elective) who underwent curative surgery for stage 2 colonic cancer in a single tertiary referral centre between 2007 and 2016 was conducted. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors. Measured variables included demographics, complications, histology, disease-free survival and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: A total of 428 patients with stage 2 colonic cancer received curative surgical resection, and negative resection margins were achieved in all cases: T3 group (stage 2A): 316 (73.8%); T4a group (stage 2B): 78 patients (18.2%); and T4b group (stage 2C): 34 (8%). There were 187 (45.7%) post-operative complications, 32 (7.5%) anastomotic leaks and eight (1.9%) 30-day mortalities. Eighty patients (19.3%) died during the follow-up. During the follow-up period, 45 patients developed recurrence (all distant). Multivariate analysis identified age >70 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists grades III-IV and male gender as factors associated with poor OS, while recurrence was higher in those aged over 70 years and with stages 2B-2C disease. CONCLUSION: Surgical morbidity in patients with stage 2 colonic cancer who have undergone curative surgery is high. Older and more co-morbid patients have poorer OS. Stages 2B and 2C colon cancer patients have worse prognosis than those with stage 2A regarding recurrence. Future larger data sets are required to determine the role of transmural spread as a prognostic factor.

Emergency surgery for obstructing and perforated colon cancer: patterns of recurrence and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence, patterns and prognostic factors of recurrence in patients with complicated colon cancer who had emergency surgery within 24 h of admission. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was performed on patients with obstructing or perforated colon cancer having resection with curative intent between 1996 and 2014 at a single center. Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained database. Patients who had rectal cancer, iatrogenic endoscopic perforation, stage IV disease, palliative surgery, a colonic stent or decompressive colostomy were excluded. RESULTS: The study included 393 patients. Obstruction was observed in 320 patients (81.4%) and perforation in 73 (18.6%). Hartmann's procedure was more frequently performed by general surgeons (7.5% vs 23.3%; p = 0.023). 30-day postoperative mortality was 13.5% (53/393), including 47 (14.7%) obstructed and 6 (8.2%) perforated patients. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III-IV) occurred in 87 patients (22.1%), including 68 (21.2%) of obstructed and 19 (26.0%) of perforated patients. Anastomotic dehiscence was diagnosed in 52 of 329 (15.8%) patients with primary anastomosis and was higher in the obstructing group than in the perforated group (17.4% vs 7.6%). There was a significantly higher anastomotic dehiscence rate after procedures performed by general surgeons when compared with those performed by colorectal surgeons (10.3% vs 21.3%; p = 0.005; OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.4-5.9). With a median follow-up of 6 years, the recurrence rate was 30.1% (67.4% distant, 22.8% local, 9.8% both). Overall and cancer-related survivals were 68.7% and 77.8%, respectively. The presence of positive nodes, male gender, anastomotic dehiscence and diffuse peritonitis were independent predictors for local recurrence while type of surgeon (general) was an independent factor for distant recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender, diffuse peritonitis, positive lymph nodes, type of surgeon and postoperative anastomotic dehiscence significantly influence recurrence of colorectal cancer in this series.

Impact of resection versus no resection of the primary tumor on survival in patients with colorectal cancer and synchronous unresectable metastases: protocol for a randomized multicenter study (CR4).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and synchronous unresectable metastases (stage IV) can benefit from resection of the primary tumor in terms of an improvement in cancer-specific survival. METHODS: Stage IV colorectal cancer patients are eligible for inclusion in a randomized multicenter study carried out in 22 hospitals throughout Spain. Exclusion criteria are rectal tumors below 12 cm from the anal verge or locally advanced tumors, multiple bone or central nervous system metastases, and history of another primary cancer. The parallel design of the trial includes an arm of systemic chemotherapy alone versus an arm of resection of the primary tumor plus systemic chemotherapy after surgery. The primary endpoint of the study is cancer-specific survival that is assessed with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Secondary endpoints are postoperative morbidity and mortality associated with resection of the primary tumor, complications and need of surgery in patients treated with systemic chemotherapy only, safety of systemic chemotherapy in both treatment strategies, and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Confirmation of a survival benefit of surgical resection of the primary tumor in stage IV colorectal cancer patients not amenable to curative therapy is very relevant from a clinical and societal perspective, particularly considering the increase in the incidence and prevalence of colorectal cancer in developed countries. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02015923.

A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Gastrografin in Prolonged Postoperative Ileus After Elective Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus is a common problem with significant clinical and economic consequences. We hypothesized that Gastrografin may have therapeutic utility by accelerating the recovery of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. The aim of this trial was to study the impact of oral Gastrografin administration on postoperative prolonged ileus (PPI) after elective colorectal surgery. METHODS: The main endpoint of this randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was time of resolution of PPI. The secondary endpoints were overall hospital length of stay, time to start oral intake, time to first passage of flatus or stools, time of need of nasogastric tube, and need of parenteral nutrition. Included criteria were patients older than 18 years, operated for colonic neoplasia, inflammatory bowel disease, or diverticular disease. There were two treatments: Gastrografin administration and placebo. The sample size was calculated taking into account the average length of postoperative ileus after colorectal resection until tolerance to oral intake. Statistical analysis showed that 29 subjects in each group were needed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients per group were randomized. Groups were comparable for age, gender, ASA Physical Status Classification System, stoma construction, and surgical technique. No statistical differences were observed in mean time to resolution between the two groups, 9.1 days (CI 95%, 6.51-11.68) in Gastrografin group versus 10.3 days (CI 6.96-10.29) in Placebo group (P = 0.878). Even if not statistically significant, time of resolution of PPI, overall length of stay, time of need of nasogastric tube, and time to tolerance of oral intake were shorter in the G group. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrografin does not accelerate significantly the recovery of prolonged postoperative ileus after elective colorectal resection when compared with placebo. However, it seems to clinically improve all the analyzed variables.

Long-term evolution of acute colonic diverticulitis after successful medical treatment.

BACKGROUND: The evidence is sparse concerning the natural history of acute diverticulitis after successful conservative management. This observational study aimed to evaluate the rate, severity, and need of surgery for recurrence after a first episode of acute diverticulitis successfully managed conservatively. METHODS: All patients admitted for acute diverticulitis between 1994 and 2011 were considered for inclusion in the study. Severity of the first episode, demographic data, comorbidities, management, recurrence, and elective or emergency surgery during the follow-up period were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: The study included 560 patients. The mean follow-up period was of 67.2 ± 44.4 months. Severe diverticulitis was diagnosed in 22.3 % of the cases. Recurrence was observed in 14.8 % of the patients, and the rate of severe recurrence was 3.4 %. Most of the recurrences occurred during the first year of follow-up evaluation. Chronic corticoid therapy (P = 0.043) and the presence of more than one abscess (P < 0.001) were significantly related to recurrence. In the event of a mild recurrence, the first episode was either mild or severe (P = 0.172). In the case of severe recurrence, most patients presented with a previous severe diverticulitis (P < 0.001). During the follow-up period, 6.8 % of the patients needed an elective operation, and 1.4 % of them underwent emergency surgery. CONCLUSION: The rate of severe recurrence after successful nonoperative management of acute diverticulitis was low, and emergency surgery was rare. Prophylactic surgery, even in cases of recovered severe diverticulitis, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Strict follow-up assessment during the first year is advised.

Current management of acute malignant large bowel obstruction: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The management of colonic obstruction has changed in recent years. In distal obstruction, optimal treatment remains controversial, particularly after the appearance and use of colonic endoluminal stents. The purpose of this study was to review the current treatment of acute malignant large bowel obstruction according to the level of evidence of the available literature. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar for articles published through January 2013 to identify studies of large bowel obstruction and colorectal cancer. Included studies were randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials, reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. RESULTS: After a literature search of 1,768 titles and abstracts, 218 were selected for full-text assessment; 59 studies were ultimately included. Twenty-five studies of the diagnosis and treatment of obstruction and 34 studies of the use of stents were assessed. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the various alternatives and the lack of high-grade evidence, the treatment of distal colonic obstruction should be individually tailored to each patient.

Long-term functional results from a randomized clinical study of transverse coloplasty compared with colon J-pouch after low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The colonic pouch is considered as an alternative to the standard straight low anastomosis after resection for rectal cancer. The aim of this prospective randomized trial was to compare short- and long-term functional results of colonic J-pouch (CJP) and transverse coloplasty (TCP) after low anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: Between 2000 and 2005, patients with mid or low rectal cancer scheduled for an elective sphincter-preserving resection were eligible. The primary end point was to compare bowel functional results 6 months and 3 years after ileostomy closure. Fecal incontinence score and a questionnaire that included items for clinical evaluation of bowel function were used. RESULTS: One-hundred six patients were randomized; 54 patients were allocated to the CJP group and 52 in the TCP group. There were no differences between the 2 groups in terms of demographic and clinical data. Overall, postoperative complication rate was 19.8% without differences between the groups. Two patients (1.9%; one in each group) presented with anastomotic dehiscence. Long-term incomplete evacuation rates were 29.2% in the CPT group and 33.3% in the CJP group, without substantial differences. Overall, short- and long-term functional outcomes of both procedures were comparable. No differences were observed in terms of fecal incontinence or in all the items included in the questionnaire. CONCLUSION: TCP reconstruction after rectal cancer resection and coloanal anastomosis is functionally similar to CJP both in short- and long-term outcomes. The TCP technique does not seem to improve significantly the incomplete defecation symptom respect to CJP. REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT01396928; http://register.clinicaltrial.gov.

[Post-surgical complications and mortality after two-stage coloanal anastomosis using the Turnbull-Cutait procedure]. / Complicaciones y mortalidad postoperatorias tras anastomosis coloanal en dos tiempos según técnica de Turnbull-Cutait.

INTRODUCTION: As colo-anal anastomoses continue to have a high risk of post-surgical dehiscence it is recommended to combine this with a protective stoma. The main purpose of this study was to determine the post-operative morbidity and mortality rate in patients operated on using the Turnbull-Cutait (T-C) technique with delayed colo-anal anastomosis without a protective ileostomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational study was conducted on 17 patients. The surgical indication was classified as "primary" (group I), and "secondary" (group II) when rescue was performed due to complications in the short to long-term after rectal resection. The surgical technique consisted of two stages: 1) low anterior resection, circumferential mucosectomy from the pectinate line, pulling the colon through the anal canal; 2) resection of the pull-through segment and colo-anal anastomosis between the fifth and tenth day. Demographic data, associated comorbidities, and ASA score were recorded, as well as post-surgical complications, post-surgical mortality, and technical failure (defined as performing a definitive stoma). RESULTS: The review consisted of 13 patients in group I and 4 in group II. Twelve patients were operated on due to rectal cancer, one patient due to a recto-vesico-vaginal fistula, two due to rescue of early complications (from the Emergency Department), and two were operated due to chronic complications after rectal resection. Six patients (35.3%) had one or more complications, three of them required new surgery. There were no postoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The T-C could be a first option in cancer of the rectum, with no need for a protective ileostomy. It could be an alternative in urgent re-interventions of patients who have rectal surgery complications.

Recurrence and virulence of colonic diverticulitis in immunocompromised patients.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the probability of recurrence and the virulence of colonic diverticulitis correlated with immunocompromised status. METHODS: Nine hundred thirty-one patients admitted in a single tertiary referral university hospital over a 14-year period were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1, 166 immunosuppressed patients, and group 2, 765 nonimmunosuppressed patients. The variables studied were sex, age, American Society of Anesthesiologist status, reasons of immunosuppression (eg, chronic use of corticosteroids, transplant recipients, and diseases affecting the immune system), severity of the diverticulitis episode, recurrence, emergency and elective surgery, and morbidity and mortality rates. RESULTS: Two hundred thirteen patients underwent an emergency operation during the first hospitalization and 26 patients in further episodes. One hundred thirty-six patients developed 1 or more recurrent episodes of diverticulitis. The overall recurrence rate was similar in both groups. Patients in group 1 with a severe first episode presented significantly higher rates of recurrence and severity without needing more emergency surgery. Mortality after emergency surgery was 33.3% in group 1 and 15.9% in group 2 (P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: After successful medical treatment of acute diverticulitis, patients with immunosuppression need not be advised to have an elective sigmoidectomy.

Complicaciones y mortalidad postoperatorias tras anastomosis coloanal en dos tiempos según técnica de Turnbull-Cutait / Post-surgical complications and mortality after two-stage coloanal anastomosis using the Turnbull-Cutait procedure

Introducción Las anastomosis coloanales siguen presentando un alto riesgo de dehiscencia postoperatoria razón por la que se recomienda la asociación de un estoma de protección. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la tasa de morbimortalidad postoperatoria en pacientes intervenidos según técnica de Turnbull-Cutait (T-C) con anastomosis coloanal diferida sin ileostomía de protección. Material y Método Estudio observacional sobre 17 pacientes. La indicación quirúrgica fue clasificada como «primaria» (grupo I) y «secundaria» (grupo II) cuando se realizó de rescate por complicaciones a corto o largo plazo de resección de recto. La técnica quirúrgica consta de dos tiempos: 1) resección anterior baja, mucosectomía circunferencial desde la línea pectínea, exteriorización del colon por canal anal; 2) sección del segmento exteriorizado y anastomosis coloanal entre el quinto y el décimo día. Se registraron datos demográficos, comorbilidades asociadas, ASA score, complicaciones postoperatorias, mortalidad postoperatoria y fracaso de la técnica, definido como la realización de un estoma definitivo. Resultados Se revisó a 13 pacientes en el grupo I y a 4 en el grupo II. Doce pacientes intervenidos por neoplasia de recto, una paciente por fístula recto-vesico-vaginal, 2 por rescate de complicaciones precoces (de urgencias) y 2 fueron operados por complicaciones crónicas tras resección de recto. Seis pacientes (35,3%) presentaron una o más complicaciones postoperatorias, tres de ellos requirieron reintervención. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. Conclusiones La técnica de T-C puede constituir una opción primaria en cáncer de recto sin necesidad de ileostomía de protección. Puede también ser una alternativa en re-intervenciones urgentes de pacientes que presenten complicaciones de cirugía de recto (AU)

Introduction As colo-anal anastomoses continue to have a high risk of post-surgical dehiscence it is recommended to combine this with a protective stoma. The main purpose of this study was to determine the post-operative morbidity and mortality rate in patients operated on using the Turnbull-Cutait (T-C) technique with delayed colo-anal anastomosis without a protective ileostomy. Material and methods An observational study was conducted on 17 patients. The surgical indication was classified as "primary" (group I), and "secondary" (group II) when rescue was performed due to complications in the short to long-term after rectal resection. The surgical technique consisted of two stages: 1) low anterior resection, circumferential mucosectomy from the pectinate line, pulling the colon through the anal canal; 2) resection of the pull-through segment and colo-anal anastomosis between the fifth and tenth day. Demographic data, associated comorbidities, and ASA score were recorded, as well as post-surgical complications, post-surgical mortality, and technical failure (defined as performing a definitive stoma). Results The review consisted of 13 patients in group I and 4 in group II. Twelve patients were operated on due to rectal cancer, one patient due to a recto-vesico-vaginal fistula, two due to rescue of early complications (from the Emergency Department), and two were operated due to chronic complications after rectal resection. Six patients (35.3%) had one or more complications, three of them required new surgery. There were no postoperative deaths. Conclusions The T-C could be a first option in cancer of the rectum, with no need for a protective ileostomy. It could be an alternative in urgent re-interventions of patients who have rectal surgery complications (AU)

Management of colorectal anastomotic leakage: differences between salvage and anastomotic takedown.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the morbidity associated with 2 strategies of treatment of colorectal anastomotic leakage: surgical drainage of anastomosis with loop ileostomy versus anastomotic takedown. METHODS: An observational study of patients operated on for ileocolic or colorectal anastomotic leakage between 2001 and 2009. Patients were classified into 2 groups: group 1, salvage of the anastomosis, and group 2, anastomotic takedown. Mortality and morbidity were assessed. Morbidity and mortality of bowel restoration were also evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included into group 1 and 54 into group 2. Mortality was 15% for group 1 and 37% for group 2 (P = .022). The rate of patients suitable for stoma reversal was 91% for loop ileostomy and 38% for end stoma (P < .001). Morbidity was 18% after loop ileostomy closure and 71% after end stoma reversal (P = .021). Hospitalization was 10 days and 21 days, respectively (P = .009). There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage of anastomosis with loop ileostomy is an effective strategy to control peritoneal sepsis for colorectal anastomotic leakage.

Risk factors for prolonged postoperative ileus after colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze factors contributing to prolonged postoperative ileus (POI) after elective bowel resection in patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients operated on for colorectal cancer during 2006-2009. Patients with abdominal procedures and bowel resection without anastomotic leakage were included. Prolonged POI was defined as no flatus by postoperative day (POD) 6, with or without intolerance to oral intake by POD 6. Variables studied included demographics, prior medical conditions, details of the surgical procedure, and hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 773 patients met the inclusion criteria. POI occurred in 15.9%. The mean hospital stay was 11 days without POI and 20 days for POI patients (P < 0.001). Factors associated with POI in the univariate analysis were ASA III-IV (P < 0.005), male sex (P < 0.004), smoking (P < 0.015), chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) (P < 0.002), rectal cancer (P < 0.02), and ileostomy (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed male sex [odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-3.5]; COPD (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.25-31.0), and ileostomy (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.23-3.07) as risk factors for POI. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of POI seems increased in patients with preoperative COPD and patients with an ileostomy, especially in men. Consideration of these factors could be important for the prevention and treatment of POI.

Complicaciones del tratamiento de la oclusión del colon distal con prótesis endoluminales / Complications of distal intestinal occlusion treatment with endoluminal implants

Introducción La elevada morbimortalidad de la cirugía de urgencias, ha favorecido la utilización de prótesis endoluminales metálicas autoexpandibles (stents) en el manejo de la oclusión de colon. El objetivo del estudio fue revisar los resultados en el manejo en una Unidad de Cirugía Colorectal del tratamiento de la oclusión de colon, en aquellos pacientes a los que se les colocó un stent y la relación entre quimioterapia y complicaciones. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes tratados con un stent entre 2004 y 2010, en un hospital universitario. Resultados Fueron tratados 93 pacientes, 77 se consideraron paliativos por neoplasia de colon estadio IV con metástasis irresecables, compresión extrínseca o infiltración de neoplasia extracólica irresecable o por un performance status > 2. Otras indicaciones fueron 7 pacientes ASA IV con insuficiencia renal aguda, 6 por enfermedad benigna y 3 por otras causas. La mortalidad global fue del 17,2%.Los éxitos técnico y clínico del procedimiento fueron del 93,5% y del 78,5% respectivamente. La oclusión tardía fue del 19,3% y la perforación del 6,4%. Migración y hemorragia digestiva 2,1% cada una y el tenesmo del 1,1%. No observamos diferencias significativas entre complicaciones y tratamiento con quimioterapia. Conclusiones Los stents como tratamiento definitivo en pacientes paliativos con y sin quimioterapia son una alternativa terapéutica no exenta de complicaciones. Creemos que en pacientes con factores de riesgo de mortalidad y pacientes con tumores con metástasis irresecables podría ser el tratamiento inicial de elección (AU)

Introduction: The high morbidity and mortality of emergency surgery, has led to the use of endoluminal self-expanding metal implants (stents) in the management of intestinalocclusion. The purpose of this study was to review the results of the management of intestinalocclusion treatment in a Colorectal Surgery Unit in those patients who had a stent implant, and the relationship between chemotherapy and complications. Material and methods: A retrospective study was carried out on patients treated with a stent in a university hospital between 2004 and 2010.Results: A total of 93 patients were treated, of which 77 were considered palliative for a stage IV neoplasm of the colon with non-resectable metastases or due to a performance status > 2.Other indications were 7 ASA IV patients with acute renal failure, 6 with benign disease, and3 due to other causes. The technical and clinical success of the procedure was 93.5% and 78.5%, respectively. Delayed occlusion was 19.3% and perforation 6.4%. There was migration (2.1%) and intestinal bleeding (2.1%) and 1.1% with tenesmus. No significant differences were seen between complications and chemotherapy. The overall mortality was 17.2%.Conclusions: Stents, as a definitive treatment option in palliative patients with and without chemotherapy, is an alternative treatment that is not exempt from complications. We believe that in patients with mortality risk factors and patients with tumours with non resectable metastases it could be the initial treatment of choice (AU)

[Complications of distal intestinal occlusion treatment with endoluminal implants]. / Complicaciones del tratamiento de la oclusión del colon distal con prótesis endoluminales.

INTRODUCTION: The high morbidity and mortality of emergency surgery, has led to the use of endoluminal self-expanding metal implants (stents) in the management of intestinal occlusion. The purpose of this study was to review the results of the management of intestinal occlusion treatment in a Colorectal Surgery Unit in those patients who had a stent implant, and the relationship between chemotherapy and complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out on patients treated with a stent in a university hospital between 2004 and 2010. RESULTS: A total of 93 patients were treated, of which 77 were considered palliative for a stage IV neoplasm of the colon with non-resectable metastases or due to a performance status > 2. Other indications were 7 ASA IV patients with acute renal failure, 6 with benign disease, and 3 due to other causes. The technical and clinical success of the procedure was 93.5% and 78.5%, respectively. Delayed occlusion was 19.3% and perforation 6.4%. There was migration (2.1%) and intestinal bleeding (2.1%) and 1.1% with tenesmus. No significant differences were seen between complications and chemotherapy. The overall mortality was 17.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Stents, as a definitive treatment option in palliative patients with and without chemotherapy, is an alternative treatment that is not exempt from complications. We believe that in patients with mortality risk factors and patients with tumours with non-resectable metastases it could be the initial treatment of choice.

Generalized peritonitis due to perforated diverticulitis: Hartmann's procedure or primary anastomosis?

PURPOSE: Hartmann's procedure (HP) still remains the most frequently performed procedure for diffuse peritonitis due to perforated diverticulitis. The aims of this study were to assess the feasibility and safety of resection with primary anastomosis (RPA) in patients with purulent or fecal diverticular peritonitis and review morbidity and mortality after single stage procedure and Hartmann in our experience. METHODS: From January 1995 through December 2008, patients operated for generalized diverticular peritonitis were studied. Patients were classified into two main groups: RPA and HP. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients underwent emergency surgery for diverticulitis complicated with purulent or diffuse fecal peritonitis. Sixty (69%) had undergone HP while RPA was performed in 27 patients (31%). At the multivariate analysis, RPA was associated with less post-operative complications (P < 0.05). Three out of the 27 patients with RPA (11.1%) developed a clinical anastomotic leakage and needed re-operation. CONCLUSIONS: RPA can be safely performed without adding morbidity and mortality in cases of diffuse diverticular peritonitis. HP should be reserved only for hemodynamically unstable or high-risk patients. Specialization in colorectal surgery improves mortality and raises the percentage of one-stage procedures.