Robotic sectionectomy versus robotic hemihepatectomy for anatomic liver resection: a comparative analysis of perioperative outcomes.

Sectionectomy is a parenchma-sparing alternative to (extended) right or left hemihepatectomy. However, the effectiveness and safety of robotic sectionectomy (RS) versus robotic (extended) hemihepatectomy (RH) for the treatment of liver tumors remains unclear. We reviewed our prospective database for consecutive patients who had undergone robotic hepatectomies between March 2021 and July 2023 and included all patients with RS and RH. Demographic data, perioperative outcomes and long-term outcomes were analyzed and compared between both groups. Thirty patients met our inclusion criteria, of whom 16 patients underwent RS as opposed to 14 patients who underwent RH. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the study groups. The duration of Pringle maneuver was significantly longer in the RS group, while the remaining operative details were comparable. There were no significant differences in posthepatectomy outcomes between the study groups. All patients had negative resection margins. RS is a safe and effective parenchyma-sparing treatment modality.

Robotic or laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy after open hepatectomy: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Repeat hepatectomies are technically complex procedures. The evidence of robotic or laparoscopic (= minimally invasive) repeat hepatectomies (MIRH) after previous open hepatectomy is poor. Therefore, we compared postoperative outcomes of MIRH vs open repeat hepatectomies (ORH) in patients with liver tumors after previous open liver resections. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent repeat hepatectomies after open liver resections were identified from a prospective database between April 2018 and May 2023. Postoperative complications were graded in line with the Clavien-Dindo classification. We stratified patients by intention to treat into MIRH or ORH and compared outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to define variables associated with the utilization of a minimally invasive approach. RESULTS: Among 46 patients included, 20 (43%) underwent MIRH and 26 (57%) ORH. Twenty-seven patients had advanced or expert repeat hepatectomies (59%) according to the IWATE criteria. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the study groups. The use of a minimally invasive approach was not dependent on preoperative or intraoperative variables. All patients had negative resection margins on final histology. MIRH was associated with less blood loss (450 ml, IQR (interquartile range): 200-600 vs 600 ml, IQR: 400-1500 ml, P = 0.032), and shorter length of stay (5 days, IQR: 4-7 vs 7 days, IQR: 5-9 days, P = 0.041). Postoperative complications were similar between the groups (P = 0.298). CONCLUSIONS: MIRH is feasible after previous open hepatectomy and a safe alternative approach to ORH. (German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00032183).

Development and Validation of a Model for Postpancreatectomy Hemorrhage Risk.

Importance: Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) due to postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a life-threatening complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. However, there is no prediction tool for early identification of patients at high risk of late PPH. Objective: To develop and validate a prediction model for PPH. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective prognostic study included consecutive patients with clinically relevant POPF who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy from January 1, 2009, to May 20, 2023, at the University Hospital Mannheim (derivation cohort), and from January 1, 2012, to May 31, 2022, at the University Hospital Dresden (validation cohort). Data analysis was performed from May 30 to July 29, 2023. Exposure: Clinical and radiologic features of PPH. Main Outcomes and Measures: Accuracy of a predictive risk score of PPH. A multivariate prediction model-the hemorrhage risk score (HRS)-was established in the derivation cohort (n = 139) and validated in the validation cohort (n = 154). Results: A total of 293 patients (187 [64%] men; median age, 69 [IQR, 60-76] years) were included. The HRS comprised 4 variables with associations: sentinel bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 35.10; 95% CI, 5.58-221.00; P < .001), drain fluid culture positive for Candida species (OR, 14.40; 95% CI, 2.24-92.20; P < .001), and radiologic proof of rim enhancement of (OR, 12.00; 95% CI, 2.08-69.50; P = .006) or gas within (OR, 12.10; 95% CI, 2.22-65.50; P = .004) a peripancreatic fluid collection. Two risk categories were identified with patients at low risk (0-1 points) and high risk (≥2 points) to develop PPH. Patients with PPH were predicted accurately in the derivation cohort (C index, 0.97) and validation cohort (C index 0.83). The need for more invasive PPH management (74% vs 34%; P < .001) and severe complications (49% vs 23%; P < .001) were more frequent in high-risk patients compared with low-risk patients. Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective prognostic study, a robust prediction model for PPH was developed and validated. This tool may facilitate early identification of patients at high risk for PPH.

Development of a conceptual framework to detect perioperative symptom burden following abdominal surgery for cancer.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal surgery for gastrointestinal malignancies has a significant impact on patients' health-related quality of life. However, there is so far no patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) in the immediate postoperative period to detect the perioperative symptom burden and patients' needs which may precede occult and severe complications. The aim of the study was to create a conceptual framework for the development of a PROM to measure perioperative symptom burden in abdominal cancer patients. METHODS: This mixed method study was performed between March 2021, and July 2021 as part of a multiphase approach to develop a new PROM. A systematic review of the literature was performed health domains were identified. The relevance of the health domains was assessed in a two-round Delphi study with clinical experts. Qualitative interviews were performed in patients who underwent abdominal surgery for cancer. RESULTS: The systematic literature review yielded 12 different PROM with 168 items and 55 health domains. The most common health domains involved the "digestive system" and "pain". In total, 30 patients (median age 66 years, 20 men [60%]) were included for qualitative patient interviews. Of 16 health domains identified by the Delphi study, a total 15 health domains were confirmed during patients' interviews. The final conceptual framework included 20 health domains. CONCLUSION: This study provides the essential groundwork to develop and validate a new PROM for the immediate postoperative period of patients undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer.

Prognostic value of disease-free interval in colorectal cancer: Is it time?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have outlined that the onset of synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases is associated with poor overall survival (OS) compared to patients with metachronous disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of disease-free interval with newly diagnosed CRC scheduled for primary tumor resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary CRC resection over an 18-year period were identified from a prospective database at a tertiary-care hospital. In this observational study, the cohort was stratified for the onset of metastases, i.e. synchronous, early-onset and late-onset metachronous disease. The OS was compared using Kaplan-Meier estimators and stratified Cox hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 360 patients, 204 (57%) had synchronous, 61 (17%) had early metachronous, and 95 (26%) had late metachronous metastases, respectively. The onset of synchronous metastases was not associated with worse OS compared to early and late metachronous disease. ASA level > II (P = 0.011), right-sided compared to left-sided cancer (P = 0.032) or rectal cancer (P < 0.001), and high-grade tumors (P = 0.022) were identified as independent predictors of poor OS, whereas the only favorable prognostic factor was surgical resection of metastases (P = 0.047). Additionally, ASA level < III (P = 0.003) and low-grade tumors (P = 0.032) were found to predict resection of metastases. CONCLUSION: Individual patients' and tumor characteristics rather than the timing of metastases are associated with OS in newly diagnosed CRC. These data support curative treatment strategies even in patients with synchronous metastases.

Minimally invasive mesohepatectomy for centrally located liver lesions-a case series.

BACKGROUND: Resection of centrally located liver lesions remains a technically demanding procedure. To date, there are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive mesohepatectomy for benign and malignant lesions. It was therefore the objective of this study to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive mesohepatectomy for liver tumors at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent a minimally invasive anatomic mesohepatectomy using a Glissonean pedicle approach from April 2018 to November 2021 were identified from a prospective database. Demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics for continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of ten patients were included, of whom five patients had hepatocellular carcinoma, one patient had cholangiocarcinoma, three patients had colorectal liver metastases, and one patient had a hydatid cyst. Two and eight patients underwent robotic-assisted and laparoscopic resections, respectively. The median operative time was 393 min (interquartile range (IQR) 298-573 min). Conversion to laparotomy was required in one case. The median lesion size was 60 mm and all cases had negative resection margins on final histopathological analysis. The median total blood loss was 550 ml (IQR 413-850 ml). One patient had a grade III complication. The median length of stay was 7 days (IQR 5-12 days). Time-to-functional recovery was achieved after a median of 2 days (IQR 1-4 days). There were no readmissions within 90 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive mesohepatectomy is a feasible and safe approach in selected patients with benign and malignant liver lesions.

Patient-Tailored Approach for Enhanced Recovery after Surgery.

Background: Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS®) is increasingly finding its way into clinical practice. ERAS® protocols have not been universally adopted, and they have often been criticized for being difficult to implement. So, the question for more tailor-made approaches arises. Methods: We conducted a literature search on March 16, 2022, using the following search string, which was modified to fit the input of each of the queried databases: ("ERAS®" or "enhanced recovery after surgery" or "fast recovery" or "fast track") and ("tailored" or "individual"). Results: Despite the massive increase in general hits on the subject, stratification according to phenotypic characteristics such as age or a classification according to disease patterns in the sense of specific guidelines is still fundamentally apparent. Evidence suggests that generic protocols can be followed by almost all patients. Prehabilitation, in particular, can be used as an adaptive tool. Conclusion: ERAS® works only in the totality of its tools and can be followed by almost all patients. Prehabilitation is more adaptive and can also increase adherence to ERAS® protocols. A tailored program outside of disease-specific pathways does not seem to be useful.

[Definition and treatment of superior mesenteric artery revascularization and dissection-associated diarrhea (SMARD syndrome) in Germany]. / Definition und Behandlung der A.-mesenterica-superior-Revaskularisations- und -Dissektions-assoziierten Diarrhö (SMARD-Syndrom) in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is exposed and dissected during pancreatic resections (PR) and mesenteric vascular surgery (MVS). The resulting damage of the surrounding extrinsic and intrinsic vegetative nerve plexus can lead to a temporary or treatment refractory diarrhea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide an overview of the current status of SMA revascularization and dissection-associated diarrhea (SMARD syndrome) in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a selective literature search (SLS) on the frequency of newly developed postoperative diarrhea after PR and MVS, an online survey was initiated. RESULTS: The SLS (n = 4) confirmed that newly developed postoperative diarrhea is a frequent complication after preparation for revascularization (RV) or dissection (DIS) of the SMA (incidence approximately 62%). Treatment refractive courses were relatively uncommon with 14%. Out of 159 centers 54 took part in the survey and 63% stated that they carried out an SMA RV/DIS during PR or MVS. The average PR per center was 47 in 2018 and 49 in 2019. The average MVS was 5 per center in both years and on average 3 patients suffered from SMARD syndrome. CONCLUSION: This survey recorded the current status of the SMARD syndrome in Germany for the first time. So far there are no recommendations for the treatment of such a diarrhea. The results show that initially a symptomatic treatment should be carried out. Due to the complexity of the pathophysiology, causal treatment approaches have not yet been developed.

Impact of intraoperative margin clearance on survival following pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The use of intraoperative margin revision to achieve margin clearance in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer is controversial. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the evidence of intraoperative margin revisions of the pancreatic neck and its impact on overall survival (OS). Nine studies with 4501 patients were included. Patient cohort was stratified in an R0R0-group (negative margin on frozen and permanent section), R1R0-group (revised positive margin on frozen section which turned negative on permanent section), and R1R1-group (positive margin on frozen and permanent section despite margin revision). OS was higher in the R1R0-group (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.96, P = 0.01) compared to the R1R1-group but lower compared to the R0R0-group (HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.05-1.37, P = 0.008), respectively. Subgroup analyses on the use of different margin clearance definitions confirmed an OS benefit in the R1R0-group compared to the R1R1-group (HR 0.81; 95% CI 0.65-0.99, P = 0.04). In conclusion, intraoperative margin clearance of the pancreatic neck margin is associated with improved OS while residual tumor indicates aggressive tumor biology. Consensus definitions on margin terminologies, clearance, and surgical techniques are required.

Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: A Matched-Pair Survival Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the impact of obesity on postoperative outcomes and overall survival in patients with PDAC remains a controversial topic. METHODS: Patients who underwent pancreatic surgery for PDAC between 1997 and 2018 were included in this study. Matched pairs (1:1) were generated according to age, gender and American Society of Anesthesiologists status. Obesity was defined according to the WHO definition as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. The primary endpoint was the difference in overall survival between patients with and without obesity. RESULTS: Out of 553 patients, a total of 76 fully matched pairs were generated. Obese patients had a mean BMI-level of 33 compared to 25 kg/m2 in patients without obesity (p = 0.001). The frequency of arterial hypertension (p = 0.002), intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.039), and perineural invasion (p = 0.033) were also higher in obese patients. Clinically relevant postoperative complications (p = 0.163) and overall survival rates (p = 0.885) were comparable in both study groups. Grade II and III obesity resulted in an impaired overall survival, although this was not statistically significant. Subgroup survival analyses revealed no significant differences for completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and curative-intent surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity did not affect overall survival and postoperative complications in these patients with PDAC. Therefore, pancreatic surgery should not be withheld from obese patients.

Cholangitis following biliary-enteric anastomosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cholangitis is a serious biliary complication following biliary-enteric anastomosis (BEA). However, the rate of cholangitis in the postoperative period and its associated risk factors are inconclusive. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the onset and risk factors of cholangitis after biliary-enteric reconstruction in literature. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched systematically to identify studies reporting about cholangitis following biliary-enteric anastomosis. Meta-analyses were performed for risk factors using random effects model with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95 %CI) as effect measures. Study quality was assessed by the MINORS (methodological index for non-randomized studies) criteria. RESULTS: 28 studies involving 6904 patients were included in the study. The pooled rate for postoperative cholangitis (POC) was 10% (95 %CI: 8 %-13%) with studies reporting about an early- and late-onset of cholangitis. Male sex (OR 2.08; 95 %CI: 1.33-3.24; P = 0.001), postoperative hepatolithiasis (OR 137.19; 95 %CI: 29.00-648.97; P < 0.001) and postoperative anastomotic stricture (OR 178.29; 95 %CI: 68.64-463.11; P < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of a late-onset of POC with a pooled rate of 8% (95 %CI: 6 %-11%) after a median time interval of 12 months. The quality of the included studies was low to moderate. CONCLUSION: Cholangitis is a frequent complication after BEA. Consensus definition and prospective trials are required to assess optimal therapeutic strategies. We proposed a standardized definition and grading of POC to enable comparisons between future studies.

Clinical Pathways for Oncological Gastrectomy: Are They a Suitable Instrument for Process Standardization to Improve Process and Outcome Quality for Patients Undergoing Gastrectomy? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: Oncological gastrectomy requires complex multidisciplinary management. Clinical pathways (CPs) can potentially facilitate this task, but evidence related to their use in managing oncological gastrectomy is limited. This study evaluated the effect of a CP for oncological gastrectomy on process and outcome quality. (2) Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing oncological gastrectomy before (n = 64) or after (n = 62) the introduction of a CP were evaluated. Assessed parameters included catheter and drain management, postoperative mobilization, resumption of diet and length of stay. Morbidity, mortality, reoperation and readmission rates were used as indicators of outcome quality. (3) Results: Enteral nutrition was initiated significantly earlier after CP implementation (5.0 vs. 7.0 days, p < 0.0001). Readmission was more frequent before CP implementation (7.8% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.05). Incentive spirometer usage increased following CP implementation (100% vs. 90.6%, p = 0.11). Mortality, morbidity and reoperation rates remained unchanged. (4) Conclusions: After implementation of an oncological gastrectomy CP, process quality improved, while indicators of outcome quality such as mortality and reoperation rates remained unchanged. CPs are a promising tool to standardize perioperative care for oncological gastrectomy.

Acute Appendicitis in Childhood and Adulthood.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common cause of the acute abdomen, with an incidence of 1 per 1000 persons per year. It is one of the main differential diagnoses of unclear abdominal conditions. METHODS: This review is based on pertinent publications that were retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: In addition to the medical history, physical examination and laboratory tests, abdominal ultrasonography should be performed to establish the diagnosis (and sometimes computed tomography [CT] or magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], if ultrasonography is insufficient). Before any treatment is provided, appendicitis is classified as either uncomplicated or complicated. In both types of appendicitis, the decision to treat surgically or conservatively must be based on the overall clinical picture and the patient's risk factors. Appendectomy is the treatment of choice for acute appendicitis in all age groups. In Germany, appendectomy is mainly performed laparoscopically in patients with low morbidity. Uncomplicated appendicitis can, alternatively, be treated conservatively under certain circumstances. A meta-analysis of five randomized, controlled trials has revealed that ca. 37% of adult patients treated conservatively undergo appendectomy within one year. Complicated appendicitis is a serious disease; it can also potentially be treated conservatively (with antibiotics, with or without placement of a drain) as an alternative to surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: Conservative treatment is being performed more frequently, but the current state of the evidence does not justify a change of the standard therapy from surgery to conservative treatment.

Influence of Clinical pathways on treatment and outcome quality for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy? A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic surgery demands complex multidisciplinary management. Clinical pathways (CPs) are a tool to facilitate this task, but evidence for their utility in pancreatic surgery is scarce. This study evaluated the effect of CPs on quality of care for pancreatoduodenectomy. METHODS: Data of all consecutive patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy before (n = 147) or after (n = 148) CP introduction were evaluated regarding catheter and drain management, postoperative mobilization, pancreatic enzyme substitution, resumption of diet and length of stay. Outcome quality was assessed using glycaemia management, morbidity, mortality, reoperation and readmission rates. RESULTS: Catheters and abdominal drainages were removed significantly earlier in patients treated with CP (p < 0.0001). First intake of liquids, nutritional supplement and solids was significantly earlier in the CP group (p < 0.0001). Exocrine insufficiency was significantly less common after CP implementation (47.3% vs. 69.7%, p < 0.0001). The number of patients receiving intraoperative transfusion dropped significantly after CP implementation (p = 0.0005) and transfusion rate was more frequent in the pre-CP group (p = 0.05). The median number of days with maximum pain level >3 was significantly higher in the CP group (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in mortality, morbidity, reoperation and readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS: Following implementation of a CP for pancreatoduodenectomy, several indicators of process and outcome quality improved, while others such as mortality and reoperation rates remained unchanged. CPs are a promising tool to improve quality of care in pancreatic surgery.

Clinical Pathways For Pancreatic Surgery: Are They A Suitable Instrument For Process Standardization To Improve Process And Outcome Quality Of Patients Undergoing Distal And Total Pancreatectomy? - A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic surgery demands complex multidisciplinary management, which is often cumbersome to implement. Clinical pathways (CPs) are a tool to facilitate this task, but evidence for their utility in pancreatic surgery is scarce. This study evaluated if CPs are a suitable tool for process standardization in order to improve process and outcome quality in patients undergoing distal and total pancreatectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of consecutive patients who underwent distal or total pancreatectomy before (n=67) or after (n=61) CP introduction were evaluated regarding catheter management, postoperative mobilization, pancreatic enzyme substitution, resumption of diet and length of stay. Outcome quality was assessed using glycaemia management, morbidity, mortality, reoperation and readmission rates. RESULTS: The usage of incentive spirometers for pneumonia prophylaxis increased. The median number of days with hyperglycemia decreased significantly from 2.5 to 0. For distal pancreatectomy, the incidence of postoperative diabetes dropped from 27.9% to 7.1% (p=0.012). The incidence of postoperative exocrine pancreatic insufficiency decreased from 37.2% to 11.9% (p=0.007). There was no significant difference in mortality, morbidity, reoperation and readmission rates between groups. CONCLUSION: Following implementation of a pancreatic surgery CP, several indicators of process and outcome quality improved, while others such as mortality and reoperation rates remained unchanged. CPs are a promising tool to improve quality of care in pancreatic surgery.

The Clavien-Dindo Classification in Pancreatic Surgery: A Clinical and Economic Validation.

Background/Aims: In 2004 P. A. Clavien and D. Dindo published the well-known grading system of postoperative complications. It is established in several surgical disciplines. The aim of this study was to assess its validity in pancreatic surgery. The impact of complication grade on economic resources was investigated as well. Methods: From a prospective database, we retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent pancreatic resection between January 2009 and December 2014 at our department. 309 patients received pancreatic head resection (pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) or Kausch-Whipple), total pancreatectomy or left resection. We performed a univariate analysis of the correlation between the Clavien-Dindo classification-grade (CDC-grade) with length of postoperative stay (LOS) and DRG-related (diagnosis related groups) remuneration using Kruskal-Wallis test. Furthermore, we performed a subgroup analysis (chi-square test and Fishers-test) of demographic, clinical, and perioperative data. Results: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p = 0.0014), operation time (p = 0.0229) and intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.0016) showed significant correlation with CDC-grade. Increasing LOS and DRG-related remuneration correlated significantly with increasing CDC-grade (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The CDC-grading system shows high correlation to clinical outcome and case-related remuneration in pancreatic surgery. Therefore, it is a valid tool for evaluation and comparison of surgical techniques and surgical centers.

Early postoperative pancreatitis following pancreaticoduodenectomy: what is clinically relevant postoperative pancreatitis?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Postoperative pancreatitis (POP) has recently been shown to be the cause of pancreatic fistula (POPF) following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of the present study was to document the perioperative outcome associated with POP and determine potential risk factors for POP. METHODS: Patients undergoing PD between 2009 and 2015 were identified from the prospective data base at a single center. The previous suggested definition of POP by Connor was used. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and by the grading proposed for POP. Risk factors for POP were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 190 patients, a total of 100 patients (53%) developed POP of whom 22 (12%) and 13 (7%) had grade B and grade C complications, respectively. Elevated serum CRP-levels on postoperative day (POD) 2 and elevated serum lipase on POD 1 were associated with onset of cr-POP. CONCLUSION: The proposed definition of POP constitutes a valuable tool to assess a serious pancreatic-surgery associated complication. Routine serum CRP and serum lipase levels on the first two postoperative days enable sufficient discrimination of clinically relevant POP.

Management of retrorectal supralevator abscess-results of a large cohort.

PURPOSE: Proximal intersphincteric fistulas with proximal extension causing supralevatoric, retrorectal abscesses are a rare disease. There is only very limited experience, with small groups, and the limited published literature confirms the complexity of diagnostics and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate transrectal internal abscess drainage as planned definitive treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively studied medical records of all patients with the diagnosis of retrorectal abscesses that underwent transrectal internal abscess drainage in the Department of Colo-proctology of the University Medical Centre Mannheim (2003-2012). RESULTS: One hundred nine patients were operated on retrorectal abscesses, 70 (64.2%) men and 39 (35.8%) women. Mean age was 45.3 years (18-81). In 96 cases (88.1%), only a transrectal internal abscess drainage was performed as planned definitive treatment. Primary healing occurred in 60 patients (62.5%). A second transrectal internal drainage procedure was necessary in 27 cases (28.1%) to assure complete internal drainage. All secondary procedures led to subsequent healing. A combined surgical treatment due to coexisting fistula tracts to the perianal skin or additional ischioanal abscesses was required in 13 patients (11.9%), and an additional seton placement was performed. Nine patients (9.4%) underwent one or more reoperations due to previously unidentified complex coexisting fistulas. Most of these patients were immunosuppressed due to Crohn's disease. Internal drainage alone was successful in 90.6% with an overall healing rate of 94.5% for the entire population of complex fistulas. CONCLUSIONS: Transrectal internal abscess drainage is a safe and highly successful procedure for treatment of retrorectal abscess, with very low risk of postoperative fecal incontinence. Inflammatory bowel disease and immunosuppressives have a negative impact on the healing process.