Use of Botulinum Toxin Injections for the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: Results From an American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Survey.

BACKGROUND: Chronic anal fissure (CAF) is commonly treated by colorectal surgeons. Pharmacological treatment is considered first-line therapy. An alternative treatment modality is chemical sphincterotomy with injection of botulinum toxin (BT). However, there is a lack of a consensus on the BT administration procedure among colorectal surgeons. METHODS: A national survey approved by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) Executive Council was sent to all members. An eight-question survey was sent via ASCRS email correspondence between December 2019 and February 2020. Questions were derived from available meta-analyses and expert opinions on BT use in CAF patients and included topics such as BT dose, injection technique, and concomitant therapies. The survey was voluntary and anonymous, and all ASCRS members were eligible to complete it. Responses were recorded and analyzed via an online survey platform. RESULTS: 216 ASCRS members responded to the survey and 90% inject 50-100U of BT. Most procedures are performed under MAC anesthesia (56%). A majority of respondents (64%) inject into the internal sphincter and a majority (53%) inject into 4 quadrants in the anal canal circumference. Some respondents perform concomitant manual dilatation (34%) or fissurectomy (38%). Concomitant topical muscle relaxing agents are not used uniformly among respondents. DISCUSSION: Injection of BT for CAF is used commonly by colorectal surgeons. There is consensus on BT dosage, administration site, technique, and the use of monitored anesthesia care.

Correlation of Tumor Response Between Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Review.

BACKGROUND: The National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer recommends a pelvic MRI to assess the response to neoadjuvant therapy for advanced rectal cancers. However, there is no single restaging modality that can identify all patients with complete tumor response. At our institution, we perform both a pelvic MRI and a flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) after neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical resection. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to elucidate the correlation of tumor response between FS and MRI in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer. DESIGN: Single institution from 2010 to 2019. Retrospective cohort study comparing local tumor response on FS to MRI utilizing final pathology as the gold standard for comparison. PATIENTS: Patients with confirmed locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma (stage II or III) who underwent neoadjuvant therapy prior to surgical intervention and underwent flexible endoscopy and a standardized rectal cancer protocol MRI to evaluate tumor response. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients were evaluated. Seven (14%) patients had a complete pathological response. MRI adequately reported 1 (14%), while FS found 4 (57.14%) out of the 7 complete responders. Nevertheless, this did not reach statistical significance (P = .06). On logistic regression analysis, flexible sigmoidoscopy had a 5.5 higher likelihood to report an accurate complete response (OR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.02-29.64; P = .047). CONCLUSIONS: Flexible sigmoidoscopy should be used in conjunction with MRI in the work up of patients who have received neoadjuvant therapy for advanced rectal cancer prior to surgical resection.

Disparities in Screening for Colorectal Cancer Based on Limited Language Proficiency.

BACKGROUND: This study analyzes the association between limited language proficiency and screening for colorectal cancer. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study from the 2015 sample of the National Health Interview Survey database utilizing univariate and multivariate regression analysis. The study population includes subjects between 50 and 75 years of age. The main outcome analyzed was rates of screening colonoscopies between limited English-language proficiency (LEP) subjects and those fluent in English. Secondary outcomes included analysis of baseline, socioeconomic, access to health care variables, and other modalities for colorectal cancer screening between the groups. RESULTS: Incidence of limited language proficiency was 4.8% (n = 1978, count = 4 453 599). They reported lower rates of screening colonoscopies (61% vs 34%, P < .001), less physician recommendation for a colonoscopy (87 vs 60%, P < .001), fewer polyps removed in the previous 3 years (24% vs 9.1%; P < .001), and fewer fecal occult blood samples overall (P < .001). Additionally, Hispanic non-LEP subjects have higher rates of colonoscopies compared to those with language barriers (50% vs 33%, P < .001). On multivariate analysis, LEP was associated with a lower likelihood to have a screening colonoscopy (OR .67 95% CI .49-.91). A second regression model with "Spanish language" and "other language" variables included, associated Spanish speakers with a lower likelihood for a screening colonoscopy (OR .71 95% CI .52-.97) when controlling for baseline, socioeconomic, and access to health care covariates. DISCUSSION: Patients with limited English-language proficiency are associated with lower rates of screening for colorectal cancer, in particular the Spanish speaking subgroup.

Preclinical evaluation of the versius surgical system, a new robot-assisted surgical device for use in minimal access general and colorectal procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of a new robot-assisted surgical system (the Versius Surgical System, CMR Surgical, Cambridge, UK) for use in minimal access general and colorectal surgery, in a preclinical setting. Robot-assisted laparoscopy has been developed to overcome some of the important limitations of conventional laparoscopy. The new system is designed to assist surgeons in performing minimal access surgery and overcome some of the challenges associated with currently available surgical robots. METHODS: Cadaveric sessions were conducted to evaluate the ability of the system to provide adequate surgical access and reach required to complete a range of general and colorectal procedures. Port and bedside unit positions were recorded, and surgical access and reach were evaluated by the lead surgeon using a visual analogue scale. A live animal (porcine) model was used to assess the surgical device's safety in performing cholecystectomy or small bowel enterotomy. RESULTS: Nine types of procedure were performed in cadavers by nine lead surgeons; 35/38 procedures were completed successfully. The positioning of ports and bedside units reflected the lead surgeons' preferred laparoscopic set-up and enabled good surgical access and reach. Cholecystectomy (n = 6) and small bowel enterotomy (n = 5) procedures performed in pigs were all completed successfully by two surgeons. There were no device-related intra-operative complications. CONCLUSIONS: This preclinical study of a new robot-assisted surgical system for minimal access general and colorectal surgery demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of the system in cadaver and porcine models. Further studies are required to assess its clinical utility.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocols. Does Frailty Play a Role?

INTRODUCTION: The 5-modified frailty index (mFI) is a valid predictor of 30-day mortality after surgery. With the wide implementation of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols in colorectal patients, the predictive power of frailty and its contribution to morbidity and length of stay (LOS) can be underestimated. METHODS: We reviewed all colectomy patients undergoing ERAS protocol at a single, tertiary care institution from January 2016-January 2019. The 5-mFI score was calculated based on the presence of 5 comorbidities: Congestive heart failure (CHF), diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, functional status, and hypertension (HTN). Multivariate analysis was used to assess the impact of 5-mFI score on morbidity, emergency department (ED) visits, readmissions, and LOS. RESULTS: 360 patients were evaluated including 163 elderly patients. Frailer patients had a higher rate of ED visits (P = .024), readmissions (P = .029), and LOS (P < .001). Patients with CHF had a higher chance of prolonged LOS, whereas patients with HTN had a higher chance of ED. Elderly patients with an mFI score of 3 and 4 were likely to have longer LOS (P = .01, P = .07, respectively). Elderly patients with an mFI score of 4 were 15 times more likely to visit ED and 22 times more likely to be readmitted than patients with an mFI score of 0. DISCUSSION: An increase in 5-mFI for elderly patients undergoing colorectal procedures increases ED visits or readmissions, and it correlates to a higher LOS, especially in elderly patients. This instrument should be used in the assessment of frail, elderly patients undergoing colorectal procedures.

Protocol-Based Intravenous Fluid Hydration for Newly Created Ileostomies Decreases Readmissions Secondary to Dehydration.

BACKGROUND: Newly created ileostomies often result in patient readmission due to dehydration secondary to high ostomy output. Implementation of a mandatory home intravenous hydration protocol can avoid this. We aim to evaluate the impact of mandatory home intravenous hydration for patients with newly created ileostomies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients at a single, tertiary care center who underwent ileostomy creation during a period of sporadic home intravenous hydration (February 2011-December 2013) and mandatory protocol hydration (March 2016-December 2018) were reviewed for incidence of dehydration, readmissions, and emergency department visits. RESULTS: 241 patients were evaluated. 119 were in the "sporadic" group and 122 were in the "protocol" group. Operative approach differed among both groups, with hydration protocol patients undergoing 15% less open procedures and 4.9% more hand-assisted laparoscopic procedures (P = .0017). Prior to protocol implementation, 23.5% of patients were sent home with intravenous hydration. Length of hospital stay after index ileostomy creation was shorter for "protocol" patients by 3.3 days (P < .0001). 15.1% of "sporadic" patients experienced dehydration as compared to 7.4% of "protocol" patients (P = .0283). Following protocol implementation, the number of patients readmitted due to dehydration increased from 13 to 14 (P = .01). DISCUSSION: Standardized, mandatory at-home intravenous hydration following ileostomy creation leads to a significant reduction in postoperative incidence of dehydration and dehydration-associated readmissions. This protocol should be followed for all patients with newly created ileostomies, so long as adequate home health nursing support and active surveillance are available.

Feasibility assessment of outpatient colorectal resections at a tertiary referral center.

PURPOSE: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, particularly when paired with advanced laparoscopy, have reduced recovery time following colorectal procedures. The aim of this study was to determine if length of stay (LOS) could be reduced to an overnight observation stay (< 24 h) with comparable perioperative morbidity. The secondary aim was to establish predictive factors contributing to early discharge. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of all colectomies at a tertiary care center between January 2016 and January 2019. Inclusion criteria included all colorectal resections with varying surgical approaches. Patients underwent a standardized ERAS protocol. A logistical regression model was conducted for predictive factors. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty patients were included (55.3% female). Of these, 78 (21.7%) patients were discharged within < 24 h and 112 (31.1%) were discharged within 24-48 h. The remainder comprised the > 48 h group. Age differed significantly between the < 24 h and 24-48 h groups (p < 0.0001). Patients discharged within 24 h were younger (59.4 ± 12.3 years), had a lower CCI score (3.1; p = 0.0026), and lower ASA class (p < 0.0001). Emergency department visits (p = 0.3329) and readmissions (p = 0.6453) prior to POD 30 remained comparable among all groups. Younger age, low ASA, and minimally invasive surgical approach all contributed to ultra-fast discharge. CONCLUSION: ERAS protocols may allow for discharge within 24 h following a major colorectal resection, all with low perioperative morbidity and mortality. The predictive factors for discharge within 24 h include a low ASA (I or II), and a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Robotic Combined Anterior & Posterior Repair of a Rectal Prolapse, Rectocele, and Sigmoidocele with a Mesh.

Rectal prolapse (RP) is often seen in patients over the age of fifty, particularly women. These patients frequently suffer from other concomitant pathologies like rectocele, sigmoidocele, cystocele, or even enterocele. Rectopexy with a mesh has been an established treatment for rectal prolapse. The utilization of the robotic system allows for a successful repair within a confined pelvic space, especially for precise suture placement when working with the mesh. A 77-year-old female presented with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) symptoms found to be caused by a progressive rectal prolapse. Her pre-operative ODS score was 9/20. Pelvic floor evaluation revealed concomitant rectocele and sigmoidocele. The patient was offered a robotic-assisted rectopexy with mesh placement to address the three concomitant pathologies. During the procedure, a posterior mesorectal mobilization with autonomic nerves preservation was performed to address the posterior leading edge of the prolapse. Subsequently, the vagina was separated from the anterior portion of the rectum and dissected down to the levator ani muscles and the perineal body. This allowed for the affixation of a polypropylene mesh to the anterior portion of the rectum. Anterior suspension of the mobilized rectum with the mesh addressed all three pathologies. No recurrence or complications occurred at two-year follow up. The patients ODS score decreased to 1/20.

Rectal Cancer Complete Response Outcomes in a Community-Based Hospital Comparable with Large Cancer Centers When Multidisciplinary Approach to Rectal Cancer Is Used.

Achievement of pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer correlates with improved prognosis relative to non-pCR counterparts. Such correlations are not well established in the context of a community-based hospital. This study aims to examine pCR rates, recurrences, and survival data for locally advanced rectal cancer patients in community settings. A single-center retrospective chart review was performed at a community-based hospital. Study population consisted of 119 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by surgical resection. Patients with a history of metastasis, inflammatory bowel disease, hereditary cancer syndromes, concurrent or prior malignancy, and emergent surgery were excluded. Twenty-four patients (20.2%) achieved pCR. Across both groups, all demographics and perioperative characteristics were comparable. The five-year survival was 73.7 per cent in the non-pCR group and 95.8 per cent in the pCR group (P = 0.0243). At five years, 27.7 per cent of the non-pCR group had a recurrence, as compared with none in the pCR group (P = 0.0018). Based on our study, we believe that a multidisciplinary approach to rectal cancer used at a community-based hospital can achieve oncological outcomes and survival benefits similar to those of larger academic tertiary care institutions.

S128: Active post discharge surveillance program as a part of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocol decreases emergency department visits and readmissions in colorectal patients.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs aim to standardize perioperative care to reduce morbidity and cost. Our study examined an Active Post-Discharge Surveillance (APDS) program in reducing avoidable readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits in postoperative colorectal ERAS patients. METHODS: Colectomy (right, subtotal and total) and low anterior resection cases performed at a tertiary care hospital between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. ED visits, 30-day readmissions, and patients' APDS participation were assessed. Our APDS followed a modern text messaging paradigm offered to all patients free-of-charge. RESULTS: Of 236 patients that underwent colectomy, 123 utilized APDS and 113 did not. Overall, both non-surveillance (NS) and active surveillance (AS) groups had similar preoperative characteristics. Length of hospital stay at index surgery was longer in the NS compared to AS group, 4.7 ± 2.6 vs. 2.6 ± 2.8 days, respectively (p < 0.001). In the NS group, 16 patients visited the ED, of which 14 (14/16, 87.5%) were ultimately readmitted. One patient was directly readmitted from the surgeon's office, resulting in a total of 15 (15/113, 13.3%) total patients readmitted by postoperative day (POD) 30. In the AS group, 9 patients visited the ED, of which 7 (7/9, 77.8%) were ultimately readmitted. One patient was directly readmitted, resulting in a total of 8 (8/123, 6.5%) total patients readmitted by POD 30. AS patients had significantly lower odds of visiting the ED when compared to NS patients (OR: 0.356; 95% CI: 0.138-0.919; p = 0.0328). Similarly, AS patients had significantly lower odds of readmission when compared to NS patients (OR: 0.343; 95% CI: 0.132-0.892; p = 0.0283). CONCLUSIONS: APDS allows many postoperative issues to be resolved in outpatient settings without ER visits or readmission. This indicates APDS is a valuable ERAS adjunct by establishing a cost-effective and convenient communication line between patients and their surgical team.

Rectal Dissection Simulator for da Vinci Surgery: Details of Simulator Manufacturing With Evidence of Construct, Face, and Content Validity.

BACKGROUND: Apprenticeship in training new surgical skills is problematic, because it involves human subjects. To date there are limited inanimate trainers for rectal surgery. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to present manufacturing details accompanied by evidence of construct, face, and content validity for a robotic rectal dissection simulation. DESIGN: Residents versus experts were recruited and tested on performing simulated total mesorectal excision. Time for each dissection was recorded. Effectiveness of retraction to achieve adequate exposure was scored on a dichotomous yes-or-no scale. Number of critical errors was counted. Dissection quality was tested using a visual 7-point Likert scale. The times and scores were then compared to assess construct validity. Two scorer results were used to show interobserver agreement. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was administered to each participant inquiring about basic demographics, surgical experience, and opinion of the simulator. Survey data relevant to the determination of face validity (realism and ease of use) and content validity (appropriateness and usefulness) were then analyzed. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single teaching institution. SUBJECTS: Residents and trained surgeons were included. INTERVENTION: The study intervention included total mesorectal excision on an inanimate model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Metrics confirming or refuting that the model can distinguish between novices and experts were measured. RESULTS: A total of 19 residents and 9 experts were recruited. The residents versus experts comparison featured average completion times of 31.3 versus 10.3 minutes, percentage achieving adequate exposure of 5.3% versus 88.9%, number of errors of 31.9 versus 3.9, and dissection quality scores of 1.8 versus 5.2. Interobserver correlations of R = 0.977 or better confirmed interobserver agreement. Overall average scores were 4.2 of 5.0 for face validation and 4.5 of 5.0 for content validation. LIMITATIONS: The use of a da Vinci microblade instead of hook electrocautery was a study limitation. CONCLUSIONS: The pelvic model showed evidence of construct validity, because all of the measured performance indicators accurately differentiated the 2 groups studied. Furthermore, study participants provided evidence for the simulator's face and content validity. These results justify proceeding to the next stage of validation, which consists of evaluating predictive and concurrent validity. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A551.

Local parastomal hernia repair with biological mesh is safe and effective.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, morbidity and safety of local parastomal hernia repair using biological mesh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed for parastomal hernia repairs. All patients who underwent local parastomal hernia repair with biological mesh between July 2006 and July 2015 were included in the study. Non-local (laparoscopic or midline incision) procedures were excluded. The type of repair, incision used, mesh placement and morbidity were analyzed. Time to recurrence was measured as an independent variable. RESULTS: 58 procedures with a median follow up of 3.8 years were analyzed. The majority (91%) of repairs were performed on an elective basis. Underlay technique was used in 24 patients (39%), overlay in 4 (7%) and both overlay and underlay (sandwich technique) in 33 (54%) of the cases. Overall, 11 patients (18.1%) experienced recurrence. Recurrence occurred in 8 patients in the underlay group (33%), 1 in the overlay group (25%), with 2 recurrences identified in the sandwich technique group (6%; p = 0.02). There was one occurrence of 30-day morbidity in our study population (0.016%). No difference was observed for recurrence or morbidity according to the type of biologic mesh used (human, bovine, or porcine). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that local parastomal hernia repairs are associated with moderate recurrence rates, very low morbidity and consistent with the current literature. The sandwich technique was found to have a significantly lower recurrence rate compared to underlay or overlay techniques. Keyhole incisions were associated with less recurrence than traditional circular incisions. Our findings further reveal biologic mesh type was not associated with any difference in outcomes. Local parastomal hernia repair with biologic mesh is a safe procedure with very low morbidity and acceptable recurrence rate, especially using the sandwich repair technique.

The Impact of Obesity on the Perioperative, Clinicopathologic, and Oncologic Outcomes of Robot Assisted Total Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer.

PURPOSE: To analyze the feasibility and outcomes of robotic rectal cancer surgery in obese patients. METHODS: From 2005 to 2012, 101 consecutive rectal cancers operated robotically were enrolled in a prospective database. Patients were stratified into obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2) groups. Operative, perioperative parameters, and pathologic outcomes were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, while statistical significance was defined as a p value ≤ .05. RESULTS: There were 33 obese patients (mean BMI 33.8 kg/m2). Patients were comparable regarding gender, T stage, and type of operation. Operative time and blood loss were higher in the obese group; only operative time was statistically significant. The conversion rate, length of stay, and anastomotic leak rates were similar. Circumferential margin positivity and lymph node yield were comparable. Disease free and overall survivals at 3 years were 75.8% versus 80.9% and 84.8% versus 92.6%, respectively for obese and non-obese subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic surgery for curative treatment of rectal cancer in the obese is safe and feasible. BMI does not influence conversion rates, length of stay, postoperative complications, and quality of the specimen or survival when the robotic platform is used.

Sphincter-Sparing Anal Fistula Repair: Are We Getting Better?

BACKGROUND: Sphincter-sparing repairs are commonly used to treat anal fistulas with significant muscle involvement. OBJECTIVE: The current study evaluates the trends and efficacy of sphincter-sparing repairs and determines risk factors for fistula recurrence. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective review was performed at 3 university-affiliated teaching hospitals. PATIENTS: All 462 patients with cryptoglandular anal fistulas who underwent 573 sphincter-sparing repairs between 2005 and 2015 were included. Patients with Crohn's disease were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the rate of fistula healing defined as cessation of drainage with closure of the external opening. Risk factors for nonhealing were also analyzed. RESULTS: Five hundred three sphincter-sparing repairs were analyzed, whereas 70 were lost to follow-up. Two hundred twenty sphincter-sparing repairs (44%) resulted in healing, 283 (56%) resulted in nonhealing with a median follow-up of 9 (range, 1-125) months. The median time to fistula recurrence was 3 (range, 0-75) months with 79% and 91% of recurrences noted within 6 and 12 months. Patients treated with a dermal advancement flap, rectal advancement flap, or ligation of the intersphincteric tract procedure were less likely to have a recurrence than patients treated with a fistula plug or fibrin glue (p < 0.001). Over time, there was a significantly increased use of the ligation of the intersphincteric tract procedure (p < 0.001) and a significantly decreased use of fistula plugs and fibrin glue (p < 0.001); healing rates improved accordingly. There were no significant differences in healing rates with respect to patient demographics, comorbidities, or fistula characteristics. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS: Healing rates following sphincter-sparing repairs of cryptoglandular anal fistulas are modest, but have improved over time with the use of better surgical techniques. In this study, ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract and flaps were superior to fistula plugs and fibrin glue; the former procedures are therefore favored. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A391.