Impact of the local care environment and social characteristics on aggregated hospital fatality rate from COVID-19 in France: a nationwide observational study.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate possible differences in the aggregated hospital fatality rate from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in France at the early phase of the outbreak and to determine whether factors related to population or healthcare supply before the pandemic could be associated with outcome differences. STUDY DESIGN: This is a nationwide observational study including all French hospitals from January 24, 2020, to April 11, 2020. METHODS: We analyzed the aggregated hospital fatality rate. A Poisson regression was performed to investigate associations between characteristics pertaining to populational health, socio-economic context and local healthcare supply at baseline, and the chosen outcome. RESULTS: On April 11, 2020, a total number of 30,960 patients were hospitalized among the 3046 French healthcare facilities, including 6832 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 8581 deaths due to COVID-19 had been recorded, with a median mortality rate per 10,000 people per department of 0.53 (interquartile range: 0.29-1.90). There were significant variations between the 95 French departments even after adjusting for outbreak inception (P < 0.001). After multivariable analysis, four factors were independently associated with a significantly higher aggregated hospital fatality rate: a higher ICU capacity at baseline (estimate = 1.47; P = 0.00791), a lower density of general practitioners (estimate = 0.95; P = 0.0205), a lower fraction of activity from the for-profit private sector (estimate = 0.99; P < 0.001), and the ratio of people older than 75 years (estimate = 0.91; P = 0.0023). CONCLUSIONS: The aggregated hospital fatality rate from COVID-19 in France seems to vary among geographic areas, with some factors pertaining to local healthcare supply being associated with the outcome.

Online training on how to diagnose anoperineal lesions of Crohn's disease: Do pictures matter? A nationwide randomized study.

Any gastroenterologist must be trained to properly diagnose anoperineal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease (APLOC). The aim of this study was to establish whether adding pictures would improve teaching effectiveness of the diagnosis of APLOC to French gastroenterology trainees. METHOD: Trainees were asked to answer a first web-based survey consisting of evaluating 12 pictures of APLOC with a closed answer questionnaire. They were then randomized in 2 groups. Group A received an online teaching with typical pictures and APLOC definitions and group B definitions only. Trainees were asked again seven days later to answer a second survey with 12 other pictures of APLOC and 14 experts also answered this survey. Diagnostic scores were expressed in %. The primary endpoint was the comparison of the score of survey 2 between the two groups of trainees. Secondary endpoints were to compare results of survey 2 between trainees of both groups and experts, and assess diagnosis of each lesion. RESULTS: Two hundred fourty eight trainees among 465 answered survey 1, and 195 survey 2. The diagnostic score was 71.9% for groups A and B and 74.6% for experts (differences NS). After training diagnosis of ulceration was 72% for group A and 72.9% for group B, fistulae 85.2% versus 85.8%, erythema 44.1% vs. 55.6%, anoperineal scars 67.5% vs. 65.6%, and abscess 100% (differences NS). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the two teaching methods. Further research should be performed aiming at improving teaching material and quotation baremes.

Anoperineal lesions in Crohn's disease: French recommendations for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Anoperineal lesion (APL) occurrence is a significant event in the evolution of Crohn's disease (CD). Management should involve a multidisciplinary approach combining the knowledge of the gastroenterologist, the colorectal surgeon and the radiologist who have appropriate experience in this area. Given the low level of evidence of available medical and surgical strategies, the aim of this work was to establish a French expert consensus on management of anal Crohn's disease. These recommendations were led under the aegis of the Société Nationale Française de Colo-Proctologie (SNFCP). They report a consensus on the management of perianal Crohn's disease lesions, including fistulas, ulceration and anorectal stenosis and propose an appropriate treatment strategy, as well as sphincter-preserving and multidisciplinary management. METHODOLOGY: A panel of French gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons with expertise in inflammatory bowel diseases reviewed the literature in order to provide practical management pathways for perianal CD. Analysis of the literature was made according to the recommendations of the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) to establish a level of proof for each publication and then to propose a rank of recommendation. When lack of factual data precluded ranking according to the HAS, proposals based on expert opinion were written. Therefore, once all the authors agreed on a consensual statement, it was then submitted to all the members of the SNFCP. As initial literature review stopped in December 2014, more recent European or international guidelines have been published since and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: MRI is recommended for complex secondary lesions, particularly after failure of previous medical and/or surgical treatments. For severe anal ulceration in Crohn's disease, maximal medical treatment with anti-TNF agent is recommended. After prolonged drainage of simple anal fistula by a flexible elastic loop or loosely tied seton, and after obtaining luminal and perineal remission by immunosuppressive therapy and/or anti-TNF agents, the surgical treatment options to be discussed are simple seton removal or injection of the fistula tract with biological glue. After prolonged loose-seton drainage of the complex anal fistula in Crohn's disease, and after obtaining luminal and perineal remission with anti-TNF ± immunosuppressive therapy, surgical treatment options are simple removal of seton and rectal advancement flap. Colostomy is indicated as a last option for severe APL, possibly associated with a proctectomy if there is refractory rectal involvement after failure of other medical and surgical treatments. The evaluation of anorectal stenosis of Crohn's disease (ARSCD) requires a physical examination, sometimes under anesthesia, plus endoscopy with biopsies and MRI to describe the stenosis itself, to identify associated inflammatory, infectious or dysplastic lesions, and to search for injury or fibrosis of the sphincter. Therapeutic strategy for ARSCD requires medical-surgical cooperation.

Clinical benefit, price and approval characteristics of FDA-approved new drugs for treating advanced solid cancer, 2000-2015.

Background: Prices of anti-cancer drugs are skyrocking. We aimed to assess the clinical benefit of new drugs for treating advanced solid tumors at the time of their approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to search for a relation between price and clinical benefit of drugs. Materials and methods: We included all new molecular entities and new biologics for treating advanced solid cancer that were approved by the FDA between 2000 and 2015. The clinical benefit of drugs was graded based on FDA medical review of pivotal clinical trials using the 2016-updated of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Value Framework (ASCO-VF) and the European Society for Medical Oncology Magnitude of Clinical Benefit Scale (ESMO-MCBS). Characteristics of drugs and approvals were obtained from publicly available FDA documents and price was evaluated according to US Medicare, US Veterans Health Administration and United Kingdom market systems. Results: The FDA approved 51 new drugs for advanced solid cancer from 2000 to 2015; we could evaluate the value of 37 drugs (73%). By the ESMO-MCBS, five drugs (14%) were grade one (the lowest), nine (24%) grade two, 10 (27%) grade three, 11 (30%) grade four and two (5%) grade five (the highest). Thus, 13 drugs (35%) showed a meaningful clinical benefit (scale levels 4 and 5). By the ASCO-VF which had a range of 3.4-67, the median drug value was 37 (interquartile range 20-52). We found no relationship between clinical benefit and drug price (P = 0.9). No characteristic of drugs and of approval was significantly associated with clinical benefit. Conclusion: Many recently FDA-approved new cancer drugs did not have high clinical benefit as measured by current scales. We found no relation between the price of drugs and benefit to society and patients.

Horseshoe tract of anal fistula: bad luck or an avoidable extension? Lessons from 82 cases.

AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of horseshoe tract formation in anal fistula. METHOD: We retrospectively analysed the data from all consecutive patients who underwent surgery for an anal fistula from November 2004 to March 2011. A horseshoe tract was defined as a circumferential extension connecting both sides of the anorectum. RESULTS: During the period of analysis, 1876 patients were operated on for a fistula. Of these, 82 (4.4%) had a horseshoe extension. The majority (72%) were male and the median age was 46 (17-84) years. The primary tract was high transsphincteric in 90% of cases and the primary opening was posterior in 65% of cases. The location of the horseshoe extension was posterior in 66% of cases with spread in the deep perianal space in 62%. In all, 71% were cryptoglandular and 24% were seen in Crohn's disease (20). Of the 62 non-Crohn's patients previous treatment was common and included surgery (42), antibiotics alone (41) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (21). CONCLUSION: Horseshoe extension in anal fistula is uncommon. With Crohn's disease excepted, the majority had had previous treatment.

Endorectal advancement flap with muscular plication: a modified technique for rectovaginal fistula repair.

AIM: Endorectal advancement flap is the most used treatment for acquired rectovaginal fistula but is liable to failure. We describe our experience with a modified technique. METHOD: Patients were included who had an acquired rectovaginal fistula. Exclusions included patients with Crohn's disease with proctitis, malignant or radiation-related fistula, stricture of the anorectum or those with an external sphincter defect. Surgery included closure of the internal opening with a figure-of-eight reabsorbable suture, plication of the anorectal muscular layer and mucosal flap advancement. Total parenteral nutrition was administered postoperatively for seven days. RESULTS: Between March 2003 and July 2008, 23 consecutive women (mean age 45.5 [28-78] years) were treated. The cause of fistulation included obstetric injury (n = 5), cryptoglandular disease (n = 11) and Crohn's disease (n = 7). Thirteen (57%) patients had a previous failed repair. At a mean follow-up of 14 (2-67) months, success was achieved in 65% (15/23) of patients. The mean Wexner incontinence scores pre- and postoperatively were 1.3 (0-15) and 0.6 (0-6), respectively. CONCLUSION: The success rate was promising with no deterioration of anal continence.

Cryptoglandular anal fistula.

Fistula arising from the glands of the anal crypts is the most common form of anoperineal sepsis. It is characterized by a primary internal orifice in the anal canal, a fistulous tract, and an abscess and/or secondary perineal orifice with purulent discharge. Antibiotics are not curative. The treatment of an abscess is urgent and consists, whenever possible, of incision and drainage under local anesthesia. Definitive treatment of the fistulous tract can await a second stage. The primary aim is to control infection without sacrificing anal continence. Fistulotomy is the basis for all treatments but the specific technique depends on the height of the fistula in relation to the sphincteric mechanism. Overall results of fistulotomy are excellent but there is some risk of anal incontinence. This explains the growing interest in sphincter sparing techniques such as the mucosal advancement flap, the injection of fibrin glue, and the plug procedure. However, results of these procedures are not yet good enough and leave much room for improvement.

Seton drainage and fibrin glue injection for complex anal fistulas.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fibrin glue in the treatment of complex anal fistula. METHOD: Thirty consecutive patients with a complex anal fistula underwent glue instillation after an 8 week period of seton drainage. Cure was defined as complete closure of any secondary opening, absence of fistula seepage, and no abscess formation. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients (15 males) was 40.5 (range, 22.8-69.1) years. The mean duration of follow-up was 11.7 (range, 0.2-33.5) months. Complete closure of the fistula was achieved in 17 patients at 1 month but in two patients a delayed abscess occurred. At the end of follow-up, 15 (50%) patients were considered to have been cured. The success rate was no different in cases of Crohn's disease or when postoperative antibiotic therapy was given. There was, however, a significant difference in success following regional vs general anaesthesia (68.4 vs 18.2% success, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue cured 50% of our first 30 patients, and regional anaesthesia was predictive of success.

[The future of gastrointestinal surgery in France: national survey of 929 medical students and results of professional choices after the 2008 national ranking exam]. / Avenir de la chirurgie viscérale en France : sondage sur 929 étudiants et résultats des choix des futurs internes après l'examen classant national 2008.

STUDY AIM: In view of the crisis anticipated in French surgery, this study sought to analyze the choices of specialties of interns who passed the most recent national ranking exam (NRE), as well as the plans for specialization of medical students and to determine the factors influencing these choices. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data about the specialty choices of students classified in the 2008 NRE were analyzed. In addition, at the beginning of the 2008 to 2009 academic year, French medical students were asked to complete a questionnaire that asked about their year of medical school, their sex, their professional plans, and the reasons for the choice. RESULTS: Analysis of the choices of the 5102 students who passed the NRE showed that medical (p<0.001) and anesthesia-resuscitation (p=0.04) specialties were more highly sought than surgical specialties. Surgery was chosen by 14 to 19% of the students among the first 100, 500, and 2500 students. The mean NRE ranking for future gastrointestinal surgeons was 1390, placing this specialty sixth. In all, 929 students (638 women, 69%) completed the questionnaire: 353 (38%) wanted to specialize in a medical field and 191 (21%) in a surgical field. This distribution was influenced by sex: 41.3% of the men and 22.9% of women planned to become surgeons (p<0.0001). Of the students planning to enter surgical fields, 54 wanted to become gastrointestinal surgeons (5.8% overall). The principal reasons for not choosing surgery were lack of interest (n=331, 73%) and too much work (n=109, 24%). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that there is currently a lack of interest in gastrointestinal surgery, based largely on negative presumptions, especially about its workload.

Computed virtual chromoendoscopy system (FICE): a new tool for upper endoscopy?

OBJECTIVES: A newly developed computed virtual chromoendoscopy system, Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE) technology, decomposes images by wavelength, then directly produces reconstructed images with enhanced mucosal surface contrast. The aims of the present study were to determine the quality of information provided by computed virtual chromoendoscopy for detecting gastrointestinal polyps and to identify the best channel setting for imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one upper endoscopy procedures were performed in 31 patients using Fujinon 1.3-million-pixel endoscopes with zoom. A polyp was diagnosed in 45% of the patients. Six experienced endoscopists, who had never used the computed virtual chromoendoscopy system before, analysed the 31 endoscopy reports. Each endoscopy report included 11 images (one conventional image and one image for each FICE channel). The endoscopists used a 10-cm analog visual scale to determine the three best FICE channels, and to evaluate the quality and pit pattern of the chromoendoscopy images. RESULTS: Channel 4 (red: 520; green: 500; blue: 405) was considered the best channel in 39.7% of the reports (p<0.0001) and was among the best three in 77%. For 94.1% of the reports, the best FICE channel image was considered superior to the conventional image (p<0.0001). Median pit pattern score was 9.43 for computed virtual chromoendoscopy and 7.08 for conventional endoscopy (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Fuji Intelligent Color Enhancement (FICE) channel 4 images were significantly better than conventional images. Computed virtual chromoendoscopy enabled better analysis of the pit pattern and the normal-pathological mucosal junction. Computed virtual chromoendoscopy can be used to identify gastroduodenal polyps and to assist in complete polypectomy.