Sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis for perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis: To divert or not to divert-A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The role of proximal diversion in patients undergoing sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis for diverticulitis with generalized peritonitis is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis and sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis with a proximal diversion in perforated diverticulitis with diffuse peritonitis. METHOD: A systematic literature search on sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis and sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis with proximal diversion for diverticulitis with diffuse peritonitis was conducted in the Medline and EMBASE databases. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies reporting the primary outcome of interest (30-day mortality) were included. Secondary outcomes were major morbidity, anastomotic leak, reoperation, stoma nonreversal rates, and length of hospital stay. A meta-analysis of proportions and linear regression models were used to assess the effect of each procedure on the different outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies involving 544 patients (sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis: 287 versus sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis with proximal diversion: 257) were included. Thirty-day mortality (odds ratio 1.12, 95% confidence interval 0.53-2.40, P = .76), major morbidity (odds ratio 1.40, 95% confidence interval 0.80-2.44, P = .24), anastomotic leak (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval 0.099-1.20, P = .10), reoperation (odds ratio 0.49, 95% confidence interval 0.17-1.46, P = .20), and length of stay (sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis: 12.1 vs resection and primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy: 15 days, P = .44) were similar between groups. The risk of definitive stoma was significantly lower after sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis (odds ratio 0.05, 95% confidence interval 0.006-0.35, P = .003). CONCLUSION: Sigmoid resection and primary anastomosis with or without proximal diversion have similar postoperative outcomes in selected patients with diverticulitis and diffuse peritonitis. However, further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Consecutive Laparoscopic Colorectal Resections in a Single Workday by the Same Surgeon: Efficient or Risky?

Background: As laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCS) continues increasing worldwide, surgeons may need to perform more than one LCS per day to accommodate this higher demand. We aimed to determine the safety of performing consecutive LCSs by the same surgeon in a single workday. Materials and Methods: Consecutive LCSs performed by the same surgeon from 2006 to 2019 were included. The sample was divided into two groups: patients who underwent the first (G1) and those who underwent the second and the third (G2) colorectal resections in a single workday. LCSs were stratified into level I (low complexity), level II (medium complexity), and level III (high complexity). Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. Results: From a total of 1433 LCSs, 142 (10%) were included in G1 and 158 (11%) in G2. There was a higher rate of complexity level III LCS (G1: 23% versus G2: 6%, P < .0001) and a longer operative time (G1: 160 minutes versus G2: 139 minutes, P = .002) in G1. There were no differences in anastomotic leak, overall morbidity, or mortality rates. Mean length of hospital stay and readmission rates were similar between groups. Conclusion: Multiple consecutive laparoscopic colorectal resections can be safely performed by the same surgeon in a single workday. This efficient strategy should be encouraged at high-volume centers with experienced colorectal surgeons.

"Relaparoscopy" to treat early complications following colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has shown clear benefits that could also be useful in the emergency setting such as early reoperations after colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic reintervention ("relaparoscopy") (RL) to manage postoperative complications after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study based on a prospectively collected database from 2000 to 2019. Patients who required a reoperation after undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included. According to the approach used at the reoperation, the cohort was divided in laparoscopy (RL) and laparotomy (LPM). Demographics, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients underwent a reoperation after a laparoscopic colorectal surgery: 124 (78%) had RL and 35 (22%) LPM. Demographics were similar in both groups. Patients who underwent left colectomy were more frequently reoperated by laparoscopy (RL: 42.7% vs. LPM: 22.8%, p: 0.03). The most common finding at the reoperation was anastomotic leakage, which was treated more often by RL (RL: 67.7% vs. LPM: 25.7%, p: 0.0001), and the most common strategy was drainage and loop ileostomy (RL: 65.8% vs. LPM: 17.6%, p: 0.00001). Conversion was necessary in 12 patients (9.6%). Overall morbidity rate was 52.2%. Patients in the RL group had less postoperative severe complications (RL: 12.1% vs. LPM: 22.8, p: 0.01). Mortality rate was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Relaparoscopy is feasible and safe for treating early postoperative complications, particularly anastomotic leakage after left colectomy.

Laparoscopic resection and primary anastomosis for perforated diverticulitis: with or without loop ileostomy?

BACKGROUND: Evidence is growing about the benefits of laparoscopic resection with primary anastomosis (RPA) in perforated diverticulitis. However, the role of a diverting ileostomy in this setting is unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of laparoscopic RPA with or without a proximal diversion in Hinchey III diverticulitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for perforated Hinchey III diverticulitis during the period 2000-2019. The sample was divided into two groups: RPA without diversion (G1) and RPA with protective ileostomy (G2). Primary outcomes of interest were 30-day overall morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay (LOS), and urgent reoperation rates. Secondary outcomes of interest included operative time, readmission, and anastomotic leak rates. RESULTS: Laparoscopic RPA was performed in 94 patients: 76 without diversion (G1) and 18 with proximal loop ileostomy (G2). Mortality (G1: 1.3% vs. G2: 0%, p = 0.6), urgent reoperation (G1: 7.9% vs. G2: 5.6%, p = 0.73), and anastomotic leak rates (G1: 5.3% vs. G2: 0%, p = 0.32) were comparable between groups. Higher overall morbidity (G1: 27.6% vs. G2: 55.6%, p = 0.02) and readmission rates (G1: 1.3% vs. G2: 11.1%, p = 0.03), and longer LOS (G1: 6.3 vs. G2: 9.2 days, p = 0.02) and operative time (G1: 182.4 vs. G2: 230.2 min, p = 0.003) were found in patients with proximal diversion. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic RPA had favorable outcomes in selected patients with Hinchey III diverticulitis. The addition of a proximal ileostomy resulted in increased morbidity, readmissions, and length of stay. Further investigation is needed to establish which patients might benefit from proximal diversion.

Impacto de la subespecialización en los resultados de la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis perforada Hinchey III / Outcomes of emergent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for Hinchey III diverticulitis: Does specialization matter?

Introducción: La sigmoidectomía por diverticulitis perforada es una cirugía de urgencia comúnmente realizada por cirujanos generales. Está descripta la correlación positiva entre el volumen del cirujano y los mejores resultados postoperatorios. Sin embargo, existe escasa evidencia de la influencia de la especialización en cirugía colorrectal sobre los resultados de la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis perforada. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la especialización en cirugía colorrectal en los resultados postoperatorios de la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis Hinchey III. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una base de datos cargada de forma prospectiva. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis perforada Hinchey III. La muestra fue dividida en dos grupos: pacientes operados por un cirujano colorrectal (CC) y aquellos operados por un cirujano general (CG). Las variables demográficas, operatorias y postoperatorias fueron comparadas entre los grupos. El objetivo primario fue determinar si existían diferencias en la proporción de anastomosis primaria, morbilidad y mortalidad a 30 días entre los grupos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes en el análisis; 58 operados por CC y 43 por CG. Los pacientes operados por CC presentaron una mayor proporción de anastomosis primaria (CC: 98,3% vs. CG: 67,4%, p<0,001). Los CG realizaron más estomas (CC: 13,8% vs. CG: 46,5%, p<0,001), presentaron un mayor índice de conversión (CC: 20,6% vs. CG: 39,5%, p=0,03) y una mayor estadía hospitalaria (CC: 6,2 vs. CG: 10,8 días, p<0,001). La morbilidad global (CC: 34,4% vs. CG: 46,5%, p=0.22), dehiscencia anastomótica (CC: 3,5% vs. CG: 6,8%, p=0.48) y la mortalidad (CC: 1,7% vs. CG: 9,3 %, p=0,08) fueron similares entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: La sigmoidectomía laparoscópica de urgencia realizada por CG presenta similar morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria que la realizada por CC. Sin embargo, la participación del especialista se asoció a una mayor frecuencia de anastomosis primarias, menos estomas y una estadía hospitalaria más corta.

Background: Sigmoid resection for perforated diverticulitis is one of the most common emergency surgeries and often performed by general surgeons. Relationship between high-volume surgeons and improved postoperative outcomes is well established. However, the influence of colorectal specialization on outcomes after emergency laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis is not well described. Aim: Evaluate the impact of colorectal surgery training on the outcomes after emergency laparoscopic sigmoid resection for Hinchey III diverticulitis. Design: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected database.Method: Patients undergoing emergent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for perforated (Hinchey III) diverticulitis were identified and stratified by involvement of colorectal or general surgeon. This study was conducted from 2000 to 2018 at a teaching hospital. Primary outcome measures were primary anastomosis, postoperative morbidity and mortality.Results: A total of 101 patients were identified; 58 by colorectal and 43 by general surgeons. Patients in the colorectal surgeon group had higher rates of primary anastomosis (CS: 98, 2% vs. GS: 67, 4%, p<0.001). General surgeons performed more ostomies (CS: 13, 8% vs. GS: 46, 5%, p<0.001), had a higher conversion rate (CS: 20, 6% vs. GS: 39, 5%, p=0.03) and longer mean length of hospital stay (CS: 6, 2 vs. GS: 10, 8 days, p<0.001). Overall morbidity (CS: 34, 4% vs. GS: 46, 5%, p=0.22), anastomotic leak rate (CC: 3,5% vs. CG: 6,8%, p=0.48) and mortality (CS: 1, 7% vs. GS: 9,3 %, p=0.08) were similar between groups. Conclusion: Emergency laparoscopic sigmoid resection by general surgeons wasn ́t associated with higher rates of postoperative morbidity, anastomotic leakage or mortality. However, patients operated by colorectal surgeons had higher rates of primary anastomosis, lower rates of ostomy, conversion and shorter length of hospital stay.

Postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal surgery with anastomotic leak before and after hospital discharge.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is the most feared complication after colorectal surgery and time to diagnosis is variable. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patient who had an AL during or after hospital discharge. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resections without proximal diversion during the period 2008-2018 was conducted. The sample was divided into two groups: patients who had AL during hospitalization (G1) and those who had AL after hospital discharge (G2). Demographics, operative variables and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. A total of 853 patients were included; AL was diagnosed in 60 (7%) patients and was more frequent during initial hospitalization than after hospital discharge (G1: 49 (82%) vs. G2: 11 (18%), p < 0.001). Demographics were similar between groups. Most patients were treated with laparoscopic lavage and diverting ileostomy in both groups (G1: 92% vs. G2: 82%, p = 0.30). Severity of peritonitis at reoperation and length of hospital stay after AL were similar between groups (G1: 11 vs. G2: 9 days, p = 0.54). Overall postoperative morbidity (G1: 57% vs. G2: 36%, p = 0.31), mortality (G1: 10% vs. G2: 27%, p = 0.15) and intestinal reconstruction rate (G1: 92% vs. G2: 100%, p = 1) were similar between groups. Outpatient onset of anastomotic leak did not increase the severity of peritonitis, had no impact on the type of treatment performed, and showed similar postoperative morbidity and mortality as compared to those having AL during hospitalization.

Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic sigmoid resection without diversion in perforated diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic primary anastomosis (PA) without diversion for diverticulitis has historically been confined to the elective setting. Hartmann's procedure is associated with high morbidity rates that might be reduced with less invasive and one-step approaches. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of laparoscopic PA without diversion in Hinchey III perforated diverticulitis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of all patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease during the period 2000-2018. The sample was divided in two groups: elective laparoscopic sigmoid resection for recurrent diverticulitis (G1) and emergent laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for Hinchey III diverticulitis (G2). Demographics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 415 patients underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease. PA without diversion was performed in 351 patients; 278 (79.2%) belonged to G1 (recurrent diverticulitis) and 73 (20.8%) to G2 (perforated diverticulitis). Median age, gender, and BMI score were similar in both groups. Patients with ASA III score were more frequent in G2 (p: 0.02). Conversion rate (G1: 4% vs. G2: 18%, p < 0.001), operative time (G1: 157 min vs. G2: 183 min, p < 0.001), and median length of hospital stay (G1: 3 days vs. G2: 5 days, p < 0.001) were significantly higher in G2. Overall postoperative morbidity (G1: 22.3% vs. G2: 28.7%, p = 0.27) and anastomotic leak rate (G1: 5.7% vs. G2: 5.4%, p = 0.92) were similar between groups. There was no mortality in G1 and one patient (1.3%) died in G2 (p = 0.21). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sigmoid resection without diversion is feasible and safe in patients with perforated diverticulitis. In centers with vast experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, patients undergoing this procedure have similar morbidity and mortality to those undergoing elective sigmoidectomy.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Risk Factors for Postoperative Intraabdominal Abscess.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) has obtained wide acceptance over the last two decades. However, some studies suggest that there is an increased rate of intraabdominal abscess (IAA) when is compared with open appendectomy. Since postoperative IAA is associated with high morbidity, identifying predictive factors of this complication may help to prevent it. The aim of this study was to identify preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for IAA after LA. METHODS: From January 2005 to June 2015, all charts of consecutive patients underwent to LA were revised. Demographics, clinical and intraoperative variables were analyzed. Independent risk factors for postoperative IAA were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1300 LA were performed. The mean age was 34.7 (14-94) years. Two hundred and twenty-five patients (17.3%) had complicated appendicitis with perforation and peritonitis. The conversion rate was 2.3% (30 cases). The average hospital stay was 1.6 (0-27) days. There were 30 (2.3%) postoperative IAA. In the multivariate analysis, body mass index (BMI) >30 (p 0.01), leukocytosis >20,000/mm3 (p 0.02), perforated appendicitis (p < 0.001) and operative time >90 min (p 0.04) were associated with the development of postoperative IAA. There was no mortality in the series. CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity, leukocytosis >20,000/mm3, perforated appendicitis and surgical time longer than 90 min have a higher chance of having a postoperative IAA. A close postoperative follow-up would be necessary in these situations in order to prevent and identify IAA after LA.

Laparoscopic approach in complicated diverticular disease.

AIM: To analyze the results of laparoscopic colectomy in complicated diverticular disease. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at an academic teaching hospital. Data were collected from a database established earlier, which comprise of all patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy for diverticular disease between 2000 and 2013. The series was divided into two groups that were compared: Patients with complicated disease (abscess, perforation, fistula, or stenosis) (G1) and patients undergoing surgery for recurrent diverticulitis (G2). Recurrent diverticulitis was defined as two or more episodes of diverticulitis regardless of patient age. Data regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, prior abdominal operations, history of acute diverticulitis, classification of acute diverticulitis at index admission and intra and postoperative variables were extracted. Univariate analysis was performed in both groups. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty patients were included: 28% (72 patients) belonged to G1 and 72% (188 patients) to G2. The mean age was 57 (27-89) years. The average number of episodes of diverticulitis before surgery was 2.1 (r 0-10); 43 patients had no previous inflammatory pathology. There were significant differences between the two groups with respect to conversion rate and hospital stay (G1 18% vs G2 3.2%, P = 0.001; G1: 4.7 d vs G2 3.3 d, P < 0.001). The anastomotic dehiscence rate was 2.3%, with no statistical difference between the groups (G1 2.7% vs G2 2.1%, P = 0.5). There were no differences in demographic data (body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiology and previous abdominal surgery), operative time and intraoperative and postoperative complications between the groups. The mortality rate was 0.38% (1 patient), represented by a death secondary to septic shock in G2. CONCLUSION: The results support that the laparoscopic approach in any kind of complicated diverticular disease can be performed with low morbidity and acceptable conversion rates when compared with patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for recurrent diverticulitis.

Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair after colorectal surgery. Is it possible to maintain a mini-invasive approach?

Several benefits have been described in laparoscopic surgery. However, there is a lack of evidence concerning laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS). We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and the results of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair after LCRS. Between May 2001 and March 2014, all charts of consecutive patients who underwent LCRS and developed an incisional hernia were evaluated. Patients with parastomal hernias or those with less than 6 months of follow-up were excluded. Patients were assigned to laparoscopic repair group (LR) and open repair group (OR). Demographics, surgical factors, and 30-day postoperative complications were analyzed. The incisional ventral hernia rate was 7 % (90/1290), and 82 incisional hernia repairs were performed. In 49 patients (60 %) an open approach was performed, and there were 33 laparoscopic repairs (2 converted due to small bowel injury). Mean age was 62 years. Average body mass index was 27.4 ± 5.2 kg/m2. The mean defect size was 56 (4-527) cm2, and there were no differences between the groups (LR: 49 cm2 vs OR: 63 cm2; p = NS). Average operative time was 107 (45-240) minutes (LR: 93 min vs OR: 116 min, p = 0.02). OR showed a higher rate of postoperative complications (OR: 51 % vs LR: 18 %, p = 0.003) and increased hospital stay (OR: 2.77 ± 4 days vs LR: 0.7 ± 0.4 days; p = 0.02). The recurrence rate was 15 % (12 patients, 6 each group; p = NS) after a follow-up of 48 (r: 6-141) months. Laparoscopic approach for incisional hernia repair after LCRS seems to be safe and feasible. Patients who received laparoscopic approach showed significantly less postoperative complications and shorter hospital staying. These observations suggest that mini-invasive surgery may be the initial approach in patients who develop an incisional hernia after LCRS.

Incisional hernia after laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Is there any factor associated?

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic approach is related to, among others, educing abdominal wall complications such as incisional hernia (IH). However, there are scarce data concerning laparoscopic colorectal surgery (LCRS). The aim of this study was to evaluate related factors and incidence of IH following this approach. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent colorectal surgery with laparoscopic approach in a single center was performed. Patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months, and also converted to open surgery were included. Uni- and multi-variate analyses were performed using the following variables: age; gender; type of surgery (left, right, total, or segmental colectomy); comorbidities [diabetes and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD)]; previous surgery; colorectal disease (benign and malignant); operative time; surgical site infection (SSI); and body mass index (BMI). Midline incisions (right colectomy) and off-midline incisions (left colectomies and rectal resections) were also compared. RESULTS: During a period of 12 years, 1051 laparoscopic colorectal surgeries were performed. The incidence of IH was 6% (n = 63). Univariate analysis showed that BMI > 30 kg/m(2) [p < 0.01, OR: 2.3 (1.3-4.7)], SSI [p < 0.01, OR: 6.5 (3.4-12.5)], operative time >180 min [p < 0.01, OR: 2.1 (1.2-3.6)] and conversion to open surgery (p = 0.01, OR: 2.4 [1.1-5.0]) were related to incisional hernias. BMI and SSI have a statistically significant relation with the incidence of IH in multivariate analysis (p < 0.01). No statistical difference between right and left colectomy was observed (6.6 vs. 6.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The incidence of IH after LCRS seems to be acceptable. BMI over 30 kg/m(2) and SSI are strongly associated to this complication.

Uso de prótesis biológica para el tratamiento de fístulas perianales complejas

Antecedentes: El tratamiento de la fístula anal compleja es controvertido. El empleo de tratamientos poco invasivos alternativos a la cirugía convencional disminuye el riesgo de complicaciones y secuelas. Objetivos: Evaluar la factibilidad del procedimiento y los resultados iniciales del uso de una prótesis biológica de origen porcino (PBP) en el tratamiento de la fístula anal compleja. Material y Método: Entre septiembre de 2006 y abril de 2007 se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo del uso de PBP en pacientes con fístulas complejas. Se excluyeron los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal, fístulas simples superficiales o con procesos supurativos agudos. Todos los pacientes fueron estudiados previamente a la intervención quirúrgica mediante examen proctológico, ecografía endorrectal y manometría. El seguimiento posoperatorio temprano se hizo en el consultorio a los siete y a los quince días de la intervención y posteriormente cada treinta días. Para la evaluación de la incontinencia fecal se utilizó la escala de incontinencia de Jorge y Wexner. Resultados: Se evaluaron 13 pacientes. Siete hombres y seis mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 57 ± 16 años. Los tipos de fístulas a reparar fueron transesfinteriana en 12 (92%) casos y en herradura el restante. La longitud del trayecto fue en promedio 5.1 ± 1.2 cm. El grado de incontinencia prequirúrgica fue 7 ± 1.2 y posquirúrgica de cero. Un paciente presentó más de un trayecto. Tres (23%) fueron tratados con sedal 19 semanas antes del implante. No se registraron complicaciones durante la intervención. La morbilidad fue del 23%. Tres pacientes expulsaron espontáneamente la prótesis. No se registraron recidivas ni incontinencia en los pacientes en que la prótesis permaneció implantada. El éxito en el cierre del trayecto fue del 76.9% (10 pacientes). Conclusión: Los resultados iniciales permiten concluir que el tratamiento con PBP es seguro y eficaz, constituyendo una alternativa válida para el tratamiento de las fístulas complejas.

Background: The treatment of complex anal fístulas is controversial. Using low-invasive treatments as an alternative to conventional surgery reduces the risk of complications and sequels. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of the procedure and the initial results of using porcine biological prosthe-ses (PBP) for treating complex anal fístulas. Materials and Method: An observational prospective study on the use of PBP in patients with complex anal fístulas was carried out between September 2006 and April 2007. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, simple fístulas or acute suppurative processes were excluded. Before surgical intervention, all patients were subjected to a proctological examination, endorectal ultrasound and manometry. Early postoperative follow-up was performed 7 and 15 days after surgery, and from then on patients were evaluated every 30 days. The Jorge and Wexner incontinence scale was used to assess fecal continence. Results: A total of 13 patients were evaluated, seven men and six women. The average age was 57 ± 16 years. The repaired fístulas were transsphincteric in 12 cases (92 %) and 1 patient had horseshoe fístula. The mean length of the fistulous tract was 5.1 ± 1.2 cm. The incontinence score previous surgery was 7 ± 1.2, and postsurgical incontinence was zero. One patient presented more than one fistulous tract. Three patients (23%) were treated with setons 19 weeks before the PBP surgery. No complications were registered during surgery and the morbility rate was of 23%. The prosthesis was spontaneously expelled in three patients. No cases of relapse or incontinence were registered among the patients in which (whom ?) the prosthesis remained implanted. The percent of success in closing the fistulous tract was 76.9% (10 patients). ]Conclusion: These initial results allow us to conclude that treatment with PBP is safe and efficient, and is therefore a valid alternative for the treatment of complex fístulas.

Procedimiento para prolapso y hemorroides como cirugía ambulatoria / Procedure for hemorrhoids and mucosal prolapse as a day surgery

Introducción: Estudios prospectivos randomizados demostraron que la técnica "Procedimiento para Prolapso y Hemorroides" (PPH) es eficaz. Si bien esta cirugía reduce el dolor postoperatorio pocas publicaciones la incluyen como procedimiento ambulatorio. El objetivo de este trabajo es evaluar la factibilidad, la seguridad y los resultados del uso de PPH en forma ambulatoria para el tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal. Diseño: Observacional retrospectivo. Pacientes y métodos: Se analizó una base de datos completada en forma prospectiva que incluía todos los pacientes operados de hemorroides con técnica PPH entre mayo del 2005 y mayo del 2009 bajo anestesia general con alta programada el mismo día del procedimiento. Resultados: En este período de 4 años de 74 pacientes operados con técnica PPH, 63 ingresaron bajo Cirugía Mayor Ambulatoria (85,1 por ciento). 41 pacientes (65 por ciento) fueron de sexo masculino. La edad promedio fue de 55 (28-79) años. El tiempo quirúrgico promedio fue 48,1 (20-120) minutos. 53 pacientes (84 por ciento) cumplieron con éxito el régimen ambulatorio, con internación promedio de 5,2 (2.2-9.2) horas. 10 pacientes (16 por ciento) debieron pernoctar en el hospital por diferentes causas: 4 por dolor intenso, 2 por vómitos, 1 por retención aguda de orina, 1 por hipotensión, 1 por eritema perianal y 1 por sangrado postoperatorio que requirió reoperación. 7 pacientes (11 por ciento) presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias tempranas (entre día 1 y 28 postoperatorio): 3 hematoma perianal, 1 trombosis externa, 1 fisura anal, 1 tenesmo rectal por edema de sutura y 1 dehiscencia de la hemorroideopexia. Con un seguimiento postoperatorio promedio de 24 (12 a 14) meses se han registrado 2 estenosis (3,1 por ciento) que se resolvieron con dilataciones y 7 recidivas (11.1 por ciento) que se resolvieron 6 con bandas elástica y 1 con PPH...

Background: Stapled haemorrhoidopexy has been shown in randomized controlled trials to be associated with less postoperative pain and an earlier return to normal activities. Given the decreased postoperative pain and no need for wound care, stapled haemorrhoidectomy should be feasible as a day surgery procedure. The objective of this study is to assess the safety, feasibility and results of stapled haemorrhoidopexy as day surgery procedure. Study design: Descriptive retrospective evaluation. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective study based on a prospective collected database. All consecutive patients with haemorrhoids who underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy as day surgical procedure between May 2005 and May 2009 were included. Pre and perioperative parameters, early and late postoperative complications and long term results were analyzed. Results: In this period, PPH was performed in 74 patients. Of these, 63 (85 per cent) patients were considered appropriate candidates for day case surgery. 41 (65 per cent) were men and average age was 55 (28-79) years. Average operative time was 48 (20-120) minutes. 53 patients (84 per cent) successfully underwent stapled haemorrhoidopexy on a day case basis and the average hospital stay was 5.2 (2.2-9.2) hours. Ten patients (16 per cent) did not complete successfully the day case surgery and require staying at the hospital. Indications for admission were acute postoperative complications were as follow: four for analgesia, two for vomits, one for urinary retention, one for hypotension, one for perianal erythema and one for early postoperative bleeding who need reoperation. 7 patients (11 per cent) had early postoperative complications (1-28 days after surgery): 3 perianal hematoma, 1 thrombosis of the external haemorrhoidal plexus, 1 anal fissure, 1 tenesmus and 1 anastomotic dehiscence...

Laparoscopic approach to colonic perforation due to colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic perforation due to colonoscopy is the most serious complication of this procedure. Usually, resolution of this event requires segmental resection. The laparoscopic approach could be an option to minimize the outcome of this complication. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of the laparoscopic approach in treating colonic perforations due to colonoscopy. METHODS: Between July 1997 and November 2008 data were collected retrospectively on all patients who underwent colonoscopy and had a perforation caused by the procedure. Patients with other complications after colonoscopy as well as other colonic perforations were excluded. According to the method employed for the approach, the series was divided in two groups: those treated by the laparoscopic approach (group I; GI) and those treated via laparotomy (group II; GII). Morbidity and recovery parameters were compared between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test and the chi square test. RESULTS: A total of 14,713 colonoscopies were performed during the study period. Of these, 10,299 (73 %) were diagnostics and 4,414 (27%) were therapeutics. There were 20 (0.13%) iatrogenic perforations (GI = 14 versus GII = 6). The mean age of the patients was 62 +/- 12.1 years. There were no differences in patient demographics, co-morbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades between the groups. Seventeen patients had segmental colectomy with primary anastomosis (GI: 13 versus GII: 4). One patient in each group had simple suture with diverting ileostomy, and one patient from GII underwent a Hartmann's procedure. Patients from GI had a shorter hospital stay (GI: 4.2 +/- 2.06 days versus GII 11.5 +/- 8.8 days; P = 0.007) and there were no differences in complication rate compared with GII (GI: 3 versus GII: 5; P = 0.058). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colectomy is effective in resolving colonic perforation due to colonoscopy, and it might offer benefits over the open approach.

Patients with less than three episodes of diverticulitis may benefit from elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to asses the predictive factors of postoperative complications in patients who underwent a laparoscopic elective approach for recurrent diverticulitis and to determine the relationship between the number of acute episodes and surgical morbidity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients with colonic diverticular disease treated by an elective laparoscopic approach between July 2000 and November 2007. The variables studied were age, sex, BMI, ASA, number of previous acute episodes, local severity, abdominal surgery history, comorbidity, and laparoscopic training of the surgeon. Logistic regression analysis was used to establish significant results. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients were analyzed; 87 (63.5%) were men with a mean age of 56.7 (range, 27-89) years. Intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in 2.9% (n = 4) and 12.4% (n = 17) of the patients respectively. Conversion rate was 9.4% (n = 13). Local severity (odds ratio (OR), 16.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.1-64.5, p = 0.00007), history of abdominal surgery (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, 0.8-11.5; p = 0.02), and the training of the operating surgeon (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.02-22.7; p = 0.001) were significant risk factors related to surgery conversion. A history of three or more acute episodes was significantly associated with a high severity of local process and was a risk factor related to conversion (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 0.5-12.3; p = 0.22). The severity of the local process seems to be a risk factor for perioperative complications. A significant association (chi2, 4.45; p = 0.03) between conversion and postoperative complications also was observed (OR: 3.79, 95% CI, 1.02-14.07; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: A history of three or more acute episodes of diverticulitis with conservative treatment is associated with a high severity of the local process during laparoscopic sigmoidectomy and increases the rate of conversion and perioperative complications.