What are the outcomes in patients referred to a tertiary referral centre for Crohn's rectovaginal fistula surgery?

AIM: Rectovaginal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease are challenging to manage, and surgical treatment remains the best option for achieving permanent closure of the fistula. Biologicals are now used routinely for patients with Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical procedures used by us to treat rectovaginal fistula in patients with Crohn's disease in the era of biologicals. METHOD: Patients with Crohn's disease who underwent surgery for a rectovaginal fistula between 2010 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study and were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Collected variables included demographics, perioperative and operative variables and data regarding medications used. Success of the procedure was defined as no symptoms at least 6 months after definitive repair and/or stoma closure. RESULTS: Twenty patients (out of 80 referred for evaluation) underwent surgery with intent to close the fistula and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Mean age was 44 ± 12 years with a median follow-up duration of 33 months (range 6-130 months). Forty per cent of the patients had a history of at least two surgeries to close the fistula. The overall healing rate was 70% (14/20). The most performed procedure was a transanal rectal advancement flap (7/20), with a success rate of 85%. CONCLUSION: Rectovaginal fistula in Crohn's disease is difficult to cure; according to our results almost half of these patients have multiple surgeries due to recurrence. Multiple procedures may be offered for this challenging problem in motivated patients. Perioperative diversion should be strongly considered.

The Learning Curve for Advanced Endoscopy for Colorectal Lesions: A Surgeon's Experience at a High-Volume Center.

BACKGROUND: Advanced endoscopy can be used for the complete removal of large colorectal polyps. To date, few surgeons perform advanced endoscopy, and it is unknown how many procedures are needed to reach proficiency. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the learning curve for colorectal advanced endoscopy. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: We queried a prospectively maintained institutional database of advanced endoscopy performed by a high-volume colorectal surgeon between 2011 and 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Advanced endoscopy characteristics were compared for 6 chronological intervals. Primary end points were the rates of complications and polyp recurrence. Secondary end point was the change in polyp removal rate (mm/h) over time. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients underwent advanced endoscopy for a single colorectal polyp. The median polyp size was 30 (4-70) mm, 61.5% were located in the right colon, and 8.8% were malignant. The mean procedure time was 77 (range, 16-320) minutes. Immediate colon resection occurred in 25 patients because of suspicion of cancer or concern for perforation and was excluded from the learning curve analysis. The remaining 182 advanced endoscopy procedures were divided into intervals of 30 procedures. The median removal rate was highest in the last interval and in the endoscopy suite. A removal rate of 30 mm/h was achieved after performing 100 cases. The complication rate (bleeding or return to operating room) was 12.1% and was similar across intervals. The readmission rate was 11.5%, and 6.6% of 6-month follow-up colonoscopies showed polyp recurrence at the resection site. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective design and single surgeon. CONCLUSION: The learning curve for achieving proficiency with advanced endoscopy in the colon and rectum required a minimum of 100 cases with a low complication rate, low polyp recurrence rate, high en bloc resection rate, and a polyp removal rate of 30 mm/h. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C162 .LA CURVA DE APRENDIZAJE DE LA ENDOSCOPIA AVANZADA PARA LESIONES COLORRECTALES: LA EXPERIENCIA DE UN CIRUJANO EN UN CENTRO DE ALTO VOLUMENANTECEDENTES:La endoscopia avanzada se puede utilizar para la extirpación completa de pólipos colorrectales grandes. Hasta la fecha, pocos cirujanos realizan endoscopia avanzada y se desconoce cuántos procedimientos se necesitan para alcanzar la competencia.OBJETIVO:Determinar la curva de aprendizaje de la endoscopia colorrectal avanzada.DISEÑO:Retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Centro de referencia terciario.PACIENTES:Consultamos una base de datos institucional mantenida prospectivamente de endoscopia avanzada realizada por un cirujano colorrectal de alto volumen entre 2011 y 2018.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se compararon las características de la endoscopia avanzada en seis intervalos cronológicos. Los puntos finales primarios fueron las tasas de complicaciones y recurrencia de pólipos. El criterio de valoración secundario fue el cambio en la tasa de eliminación de pólipos (mm/h) a lo largo del tiempo.RESULTADOS:Un total de 207 pacientes se sometieron a una endoscopia avanzada por un solo pólipo colorrectal. La mediana del tamaño de los pólipos fue de 30 (4-70) mm, el 61,5% se ubicaron en el colon derecho y el 8,8% fueron malignos. El tiempo medio del procedimiento fue de 77 (rango: 16-320) minutos. La resección inmediata del colon ocurrió en 25 pacientes debido a la sospecha de cáncer o preocupación por la perforación y fueron excluidos del análisis de la curva de aprendizaje. Los restantes 182 procedimientos de endoscopia avanzada se dividieron en intervalos de 30 procedimientos. La mediana de la tasa de extirpación fue más alta en el último intervalo y en la sala de endoscopia. Se logró una tasa de extirpación de 30 mm/hr después de realizar 100 casos. La tasa de complicaciones (sangrado o retorno al quirófano) fue del 12,1% y fue similar en todos los intervalos. La tasa de reingreso fue del 11,5% y el 6,6% de las colonoscopias de seguimiento a los 6 meses mostraron recurrencia de pólipos en el sitio de la resección.LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo, cirujano único.CONCLUSIÓN:La curva de aprendizaje para lograr el dominio de la endoscopia avanzada en el colon y el recto requiere un mínimo de 100 casos con una baja tasa de complicaciones, baja tasa de recurrencia de pólipos, alta tasa de resección en bloque y una tasa de eliminación de pólipos de 30 mm/h. Consulte el Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C162 . (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia.Rojas-Khalil ).

Prospective randomized comparison of three-dimensional (3D) versus conventional laparoscopy in total colectomy for ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: 3D laparoscopy has been proposed with the aim of improving the depth perception and overall operative performance. To aim of this study is to compare 3D laparoscopy with conventional 2D laparoscopy in terms of operative time and visual parameters. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, single-center trial designed to determine 10% reduction in the mean operative time. Ulcerative colitis patients >18 years of age who underwent laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy between 2015 and 2020 were included. Patients were randomized into 3D and 2D laparoscopy groups. Duration of operation and surgeons' evaluation of the visualization system were the primary outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-three subjects (26 in 2D, 27 in 3D group) were included in the analysis, with 56% being male. Mean age and body mass index were 40 (16.3) years and 23.5 (4.7) kg/m2 , respectively. Twenty-five subjects underwent single port laparoscopic surgery, of whom 13 were in 3D and 12 in 2D group. Mean operative time was 75.3 (30.8) versus 82.7 (38.6) minutes (P = 0.4) for 3D and 2D groups, respectively. Operative times spent for individual steps were comparable. Post-operative minor complications (8 in 3D versus 8 in 2D, P = 1) and median number of times for scope maintenance were also similar between the groups. 69% of the visual evaluation survey results favoured 3D over 2D (P = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional laparoscopy for total colectomy in ulcerative colitis patients is safe and feasible option providing better visualization with no difference in operative time.

Do surface morphology and pit pattern have a role in predicting cancer for colon polyps in North America?

BACKGROUND: The surface morphology of colorectal polyps is well correlated with submucosal invasion in Eastern Countries but not in North America. We aimed to investigate associations between the Paris classification, surface morphology, and Kudo pit pattern to submucosal invasion in advanced endoscopic resection techniques. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of consecutive advanced endoscopic procedures conducted by a single surgeon between August 2017 and October 2018. The data included patients' demographics, the endoscopic finding of polyps (Paris, Kudo, and surface morphology), and pathology results. RESULTS: The study consisted of 138 lesions, and the mean age was 67 ± 10 years. The most common polyp locations were cecum (n = 41, 30%) followed by ascending colon (n = 28, 20%), and sigmoid colon (n = 18, 13%).The median polyp size was 30 mm (25-40). The en-bloc resection rate was 96%, and 11 (8%) polyps had adenocarcinoma with submucosal invasion. Nine patients (6.5%) had late bleeding, and 3 (2.2%) perforation occurred. Polyps with pit pattern of Kudo IV (n = 4, 36.4%) and Kudo V (n = 6, 54.5%) were associated with submucosal invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Surface morphology and pit pattern can predict submucosal invasion in the North American patient population. Polyp morphology may aid polyp selection for advanced endoscopic interventions.

Gracilis Flap Repair for Reoperative Rectovaginal Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of recurrent rectovaginal fistulas is notoriously difficult. Placement of the gracilis muscle between the vagina and anus is an advanced technique used to close persistent fistulas. We have utilized this procedure for recalcitrant fistulas and hypothesized that a gracilis interposition would offer a good treatment option for patients with refractory rectovaginal fistulas, regardless of underlying etiology. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate healing rates of gracilis interposition in patients with refractory rectovaginal fistulas. DESIGN: Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of all adult female patients with a diagnosis of rectovaginal fistula between January 2009 and August 2020 was performed; those who underwent gracilis interposition for definitive fistula closure were included for analysis. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a colorectal surgery department at a tertiary center in the United States. PATIENTS: All patients were adult females with a diagnosis of a rectovaginal fistula who underwent gracilis interposition for definitive closure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, etiology of rectovaginal fistula, previous surgical intervention, presence of intestinal diversion, operative details, 30-day morbidity, recurrence of fistula, and time to recurrence. Fistula closure was defined as lack of clinical symptoms following stoma closure, negative fistula detection on gastrograffin enema' and absence of an internal opening at examination under anesthesia. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included who had a median age of 43 years (range, 19-64 years) and median body mass index of 31 kg/m 2 (range, 22-51). Median time between prior attempted surgical repair and gracilis surgery was 7 months (range, 3-17). The number of previously attempted repairs were 1-2 (n = 8), 3-4 (n = 9), and > 4 (n = 5). The most recent attempted surgical repair was rectal advancement flap (n = 7), transperineal +/- Martius flap (n = 4), episioproctotomy (n = 3), transvaginal repair (n = 2), and other (n = 6). All patients had fecal diversion at the time of gracilis surgery. Thirty-day postoperative surgical site infection at the graft/donor site was 32% (n = 7). At a median follow-up of 22 months (range 2-62), fistula closure was 59% (n = 13). Gracilis interposition was successful in all inflammatory bowel disease patients. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Gracilis interposition is an effective operative technique for reoperative rectovaginal fistula closure. Patients should be counseled regarding the possibility of graft/donor site infection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B763 . REPARACIN CON COLGAJO DE GRACILIS PARA LA FSTULA RECTOVAGINAL REOPERATORIA: ANTECEDENTES:El tratamiento quirúrgico de las fístulas rectovaginales recurrentes es muy difícil. La colocación del músculo gracilis entre la vagina y el ano es una técnica avanzada que se utiliza para cerrar las fístulas persistentes. Hemos utilizado este procedimiento para las fístulas recalcitrantes y planteamos la hipótesis de que una interposición del gracilis ofrecería una buena opción de tratamiento para pacientes con fístulas rectovaginales refractarias, independientemente de la etiología subyacente.OBJETIVO:Investigar las tasas de curación de la interposición del gracilis en pacientes con fístulas rectovaginales refractarias.DISEÑO:Tras la aprobación de la junta de revisión institucional, se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de todas las pacientes adultas con un diagnóstico de fístula rectovaginal entre enero de 2009 y agosto de 2020; los que se sometieron a interposición de gracilis para el cierre definitivo de la fístula se incluyeron para el análisis.AJUSTE:Departamento de cirugía colorrectal de un centro terciario en Estados Unidos.PACIENTES:Todas las pacientes adultas con diagnóstico de fístula rectovaginal que se sometieron a interposición de gracilis para cierre definitivo.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:datos demográficos del paciente, etiología de la fístula rectovaginal, intervención quirúrgica previa, presencia de derivación intestinal, detalles quirúrgicos, morbilidad a los 30 días, recurrencia de la fístula y tiempo hasta la recurrencia. El cierre de la fístula se definió como la ausencia de síntomas clínicos después del cierre del estoma, la detección negativa de la fístula en el enema de gastrograffin y la ausencia de una abertura interna en el examen bajo anestesia.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 22 pacientes que tenían una mediana de edad de 43 años (rango 19-64 años) y una mediana de índice de masa corporal de 31 kg / m2 (rango 22-51). La mediana de tiempo entre el intento previo de reparación quirúrgica y la cirugía del gracilis fue de 7 meses (rango 3-17). El número de reparaciones previamente intentadas fue: 1-2 (n = 8), 3-4 (n = 9), y >4 (n = 5). El intento de reparación quirúrgica más reciente fue el colgajo de avance rectal (n = 7), el colgajo transperineal +/- Martius (n = 4), la episioproctotomía (n = 3), la reparación transvaginal (n = 2) y otros (n = 6). Todos los pacientes tenían derivación fecal en el momento de la cirugía gracilis. La infección del sitio quirúrgico posoperatorio a los 30 días en el sitio del injerto / donante fue del 32% (n = 7). Con una mediana de seguimiento de 22 meses (rango 2-62), el cierre de la fístula fue del 59% (n = 13). La interposición de Gracilis fue exitosa en todos los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.LIMITACIONES:Carácter retrospectivo de los datos.CONCLUSIONES:La interposición de Gracilis es una técnica quirúrgica eficaz para el cierre reoperatorio de la fístula rectovaginal. Se debe asesorar a los pacientes sobre la posibilidad de infección del sitio del injerto / donante. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B763 . (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Effect of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Surgical Site Infections in High-Risk Reoperative Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal resections have relatively high rates of surgical site infections causing significant morbidity. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was introduced to improve wound healing of closed surgical incisions and to prevent surgical site infections. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of incisional NPWT on superficial surgical site infections in high-risk, open, reoperative colorectal surgery. DESIGN: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial conducted between July 2015-October 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to incisional negative pressure wound therapy or standard gauze dressing with a 1:1 ratio. A total of 298 patients were included. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at the colorectal surgery department of a tertiary-level hospital. PATIENTS: This study included patients older than 18 years who underwent elective reoperative open colorectal resections. Patients were excluded who had open surgery within the past 3 months, who had active surgical site infection, and who underwent laparoscopic procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was superficial surgical site infection within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were deep and organ-space surgical site infections within 7 days and 30 days, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were included in each arm. The mean age was 51 years, and 49.5% were women. Demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and preoperative albumin levels were comparable between the groups. Overall, most surgeries were performed for IBD, and 77% of the patients had an ostomy fashioned during the surgery. No significant difference was found between the groups in 30-day superficial surgical site infection rate (14.1% in control versus 9.4% in incisional negative pressure wound therapy; p = 0.28). Deep and organ-space surgical site infections rates at 7 and 30 days were also comparable between the groups. Postoperative length of stay and complication rates (Clavien-Dindo grade) were also comparable between the groups. LIMITATIONS: The patient population included in the trial consisted of a selected group of high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was not associated with reduced superficial surgical site infection or overall complication rates in patients undergoing high-risk reoperative colorectal resections. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B956 . EFECTO DE LA TERAPIA DE HERIDA INSICIONAL CON PRESIN NEGATIVA EN INFECCIONES DEL SITIO QUIRRGICO EN CIRUGA COLORRECTAL REOPERATORIA DE ALTO RIESGO UN ENSAYO CONTROLADO ALEATORIZADO: ANTECEDENTES:Las resecciones colorrectales tienen tasas relativamente altas de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico que causan una morbilidad significativa. La terapia de heridas incisionales con presión negativa se introdujo para mejorar la cicatrización de las heridas de incisiones quirúrgicas cerradas y para prevenir infecciones del sitio quirúrgico.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este ensayo controlado y aleatorizado fue investigar el efecto de la terapia de herida incisional con presión negativa en infecciones superficiales del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía colorrectal re operatoria, abierta y de alto riesgo.DISEÑO:Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado de un solo centro entre julio de 2015 y octubre de 2020. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir tratamiento para heridas incisionales con presión negativa o vendaje de gasa estándar en una proporción de 1:1. Se incluyeron un total de 298 pacientes.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el departamento de cirugía colorrectal de un hospital de tercer nivel.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que se fueron sometidos a resecciones colorrectales abiertas, re operatorias y electivas. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes que tuvieron cirugía abierta en los últimos 3 meses, con infección activa del sitio quirúrgico y que fueron sometidos a procedimientos laparoscópicos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue infección superficial del sitio quirúrgico dentro de los 30 días. Los resultados secundarios fueron infecciones del sitio quirúrgico profundas y del espacio orgánico dentro de los 7 y 30 días, las complicaciones posoperatorias y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 149 pacientes en cada brazo. La edad media fue de 51 años y el 49,5% fueron mujeres. La demografía, las comorbilidades preoperatorias y los niveles de albúmina preoperatoria fueron comparables entre los grupos. En general, la mayoría de las cirugías fueron realizadas por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y al 77 % de los pacientes se les confecciono una ostomía durante la cirugía. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en la tasa de infección del sitio quirúrgico superficial a los 30 días (14,1 % en el control frente a 9,4 % en el tratamiento de herida incisional con presión negativa, p = 0,28). Las tasas de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico profundas y del espacio orgánico a los 7 y 30 días también fueron comparables entre los grupos. La duración de la estancia postoperatoria y las tasas de complicaciones (Clavien-Dindo Graduacion) también fueron comparables entre los grupos.LIMITACIONES:La población de pacientes incluida en el ensayo consistió en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes de alto riesgo.CONCLUSIONES:Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B956 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Endoluminal Surgery Using a New Enabling Platform With Working Channels to Facilitate Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the Treatment of Complex Colorectal Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Although endoscopic submucosal dissection provides higher en-bloc resection rates for larger colorectal lesions, it has not been widely adopted because of technical difficulties. Here we present our initial experience with a novel device facilitating endoluminal surgery. IMPACT OF INNOVATION: The impact of innovation is the development of an endoluminal device increasing the utilization of the endoscopic submucosal dissection technique with higher success rates and lower complications. TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center experimental feasibility study involving 15 patients who had undergone endoscopic submucosal dissection between August 2019 and December 2020. The DiLumen C2 device was used selectively in patients with complex colorectal lesions. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Fifteen patients with complex colorectal lesions underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection with a mean age of 64.5 years. The mean lesion size was 40.7 mm. All patients except 1 had an R0 en-bloc endoscopic submucosal dissection resection. There were no procedural or postprocedural complications. The median length of stay was 1 day. CONCLUSION: We report the safety and feasibility of the novel endoscopic platform facilitating en-bloc resection of colorectal lesions. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: The study needs validation in larger comparative series of patients with longer follow-up.

Risk Factors Associated With Postoperative Mortality Among COVID-19 Positive Patients: Results of 3027 Operations and Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictors of postoperative mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-positive patients. BACKGROUND: COVID-19-positive patients have more postoperative complications. Studies investigating the risk factors for postoperative mortality in COVID-19-positive patients are limited. METHODS: COVID-19-positive patients who underwent surgeries/procedures in Cleveland Clinic between January 2020 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. The primary outcome was postoperative/procedural 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, intensive care unit admission, and 30-day readmission. RESULTS: A total of 2543 patients who underwent 3027 surgeries/procedures were included. Total 48.5% of the patients were male. The mean age was 57.8 (18.3) years. A total of 71.2% had at least 1 comorbidity. Total 78.7% of the cases were elective. The median operative time was 94 (47.0-162) minutes and mean length of stay was 6.43 (13.4) days. Postoperative/procedural mortality rate was 4.01%. Increased age [odds ratio (OR): 1.66, 95% CI, 1.4-1.98; P <0.001], being a current smoker [2.76, (1.3-5.82); P =0.008], presence of comorbidity [3.22, (1.03-10.03); P =0.043], emergency [6.35, (3.39-11.89); P <0.001] and urgent versus [1.78, (1.12-2.84); P =0.015] elective surgery, admission through the emergency department [15.97, (2.00-127.31); P =0.009], or inpatient service [32.28, (7.75-134.46); P <0.001] versus outpatients were associated with mortality in the multivariable analysis. Among all specialties, thoracic surgery [3.76, (1.66-8.53); P =0.002] had the highest association with mortality. Total 17.5% of the patients required intensive care unit admission with increased body mass index being a predictor [1.03, (1.01-1.05); P =0.005]. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19-positive patients have higher risk of postintervention mortality. Risk factors should be carefully evaluated before intervention. Further studies are needed to understand the impact of pandemic on long-term surgical/procedural outcomes.

A Comparison of Perineal Myocutaneous Flaps Following Abdominoperineal Excision of the Rectum for Anorectal Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Flap-based reconstruction following abdominoperineal resection has been used to address the resultant soft tissue defect and reduce postoperative wound complications. Vertical rectus abdominis myocutaneous flaps have been the traditional choice, but locoregional flaps have attracted attention in minimally invasive resection because they avoid additional abdominal dissection. However, few data exist comparing flap types. OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes for different types of perineal reconstruction in patients undergoing abdominoperineal resection exclusively for anorectal pathology. DESIGN: This was a retrospective comparative study. SETTING: This study was conducted at a large, tertiary referral institution. PATIENTS: Following Institutional Review Board approval, prospectively maintained clinical and financial databases were interrogated and cross-referenced for patients undergoing proctectomy or abdominoperineal resection with flap reconstruction from 2007 to 2018. Patients with primary gynecological or urological pathology were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was flap complication rate. Secondary outcomes included perineal hernia rate, donor site complications, emergency department consult after discharge, readmission <90 days, and length of stay. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. RESULTS: A total of 135 patients (79 female, median age 58 years) were included: 68 rectus, 52 gluteal, and 15 gracilis flap reconstructions. Median follow-up was 46 months. Rates of both major and minor flap complications were similar for rectus and gluteal flaps, even when controlling for differences between groups via multivariate analysis ( p > 0.9), including extent of resection and use of mesh. For all flaps, American Society of Anesthesiology score ≥3 was the only independent predictor of major, but not minor, flap complications. For rectus and gluteal flaps, smoking, female sex, and American Society of Anesthesiology score ≥3 were independent predictors of major flap complications ( p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature and potential selection bias associated with flap choice; it was also impossible to quantify defect size. CONCLUSION: Gluteal flaps have similar complication rates to rectus flaps and may be considered for patients who are otherwise suitable for minimally invasive abdominoperineal resection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B866 .Una comparación de los colgajos miocutáneos perineales después de la escisión abdominoperineal del recto para patología anorectal. ANTECEDENTES: La reconstrucción con colgajo después de la resección abdominoperineal se ha utilizado para abordar el defecto de tejido blando resultante y reducir las complicaciones postoperatorias de la herida. Los colgajos miocutáneos verticales del recto abdominal han sido la elección tradicional, pero los colgajos locorregionales han atraído la atención en la resección mínimamente invasiva porque evitan la disección abdominal adicional. Sin embargo, existen pocos datos que comparen los tipos de colgajos.

Small Bowel Crohn's Disease Recurrence is Common After Total Proctocolectomy for Crohn's Colitis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical intervention for Crohn's disease involving the colon is often a total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy. There are limited data regarding postoperative small bowel recurrence rates in the recent era. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of small bowel Crohn's disease recurrence following total proctocolectomy and secondarily define risk factors for disease recurrence. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at four hospitals within a single healthcare system. PATIENTS: Patients were those with Crohn's disease undergoing total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy between 2009-2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures were clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and/or surgical Crohn's disease recurrence. RESULTS: In total, 193 patients were included with a median follow-up of 1.8 years (IQR 0.4-4.6). Overall, 74.6% (n = 144) of patients had been previously exposed to biologic therapy, and 51.3% (n = 99) had a history of small bowel Crohn's disease. Postoperatively, 14.5% (n = 28) of patients received biologic therapy. Crohn's disease recurrence occurred in 23.3% (n = 45) of patients with an estimated median 5-year recurrence rate of 40.8% (95% CI' 30.2-51.4). Surgical recurrence occurred in 8.8% (n = 17) of patients with an estimated median 5-year recurrence rate of 16.9% (95% CI' 8.5-25.3). On multivariable analysis, prior small bowel surgery for Crohn's disease (HR 2.61; 95% CI' 1.42-4.81) and Crohn's diagnosis at age <18 years (HR 2.56; 95% CI' 1.40-4.71) were associated with Crohn's recurrence. In patients without prior small bowel Crohn's disease, 14.9% (n = 14) had Crohn's recurrence with an estimated 5-year overall recurrence rate of 31.1% (95% CI' 13.3-45.3) and 5-year surgical recurrence rate of 5.7% (95% CI' 0.0-12.0). LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective design and lack of consistent follow-up on all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Greater than one third of patients who underwent total proctocolectomy for Crohn's disease were estimated to have small bowel Crohn's recurrence at 5 years after surgery. Patients with a history of small bowel surgery for Crohn's and diagnosis at any early age may benefit from more intensive postoperative surveillance and consideration for early medical prophylaxis. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B762. RECURRENCIA FRECUENTE DE LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN DEL INTESTINO DELGADO DESPUS DE LA PROCTOCOLECTOMA TOTAL POR COLITIS DE CROHN: ANTECEDENTES:La cirugia para la enfermedad de Crohn que involucra el colon es a menudo una proctocolectomía total con ileostomía terminal. Hay datos limitados con respecto a las tasas de recurrencia posoperatoria de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado en la actualidad.OBJETIVO:Buscamos determinar la tasa de recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado después de la proctocolectomía total y, en segundo lugar, definir los factores de riesgo de recurrencia de la enfermedad.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO:Cuatro hospitales de un mismo sistema sanitario.PACIENTES:Pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn sometidos a proctocolectomía total con ileostomía terminal entre 2009-2019.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Recurrencia clínica, endoscópica, radiográfica y / o quirúrgica de la enfermedad de Crohn.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 193 pacientes con un seguimiento promedio de 1,8 años (IQR 0,4-4,6). El 74,6% (n = 144) de los pacientes habían recibido previamente terapia biológica y el 51,3% (n = 99) tenían antecedentes de enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado. Después de la operación, el 14,5% (n = 28) de los pacientes recibieron terapia biológica. La recurrencia de la enfermedad de Crohn ocurrió en el 23,3% (n = 45) de los pacientes con una tasa de recurrencia media estimada a los 5 años del 40,8% (IC del 95%: 30,2-51,4). La recidiva quirúrgica se produjo en el 8,8% (n = 17) de los pacientes con una tasa de recidiva media estimada a los 5 años del 16,9% (IC del 95%: 8,5-25,3). En el análisis multivariable, la cirugía previa del intestino delgado para la enfermedad de Crohn (HR 2,61, IC del 95%: 1,42-4,81) y el diagnóstico de Crohn a la edad <18 (HR 2,56, IC del 95%: 1,40-4,71) se asociaron con la recurrencia de Crohn. En pacientes sin enfermedad previa de Crohn del intestino delgado, el 14,9% (n = 14) tuvo recurrencia de Crohn con una tasa de recurrencia general estimada a 5 años del 31,1% (IC del 95%: 13,3-45,3) y una tasa de recurrencia quirúrgica a 5 años del 5,7% (IC del 95%: 0,0-12,0).LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo, falta de seguimiento constante de todos los pacientes.CONCLUSIONES:Se estimó que más de un tercio de los pacientes que se sometieron a proctocolectomía total tenían recurrencia de Crohn del intestino delgado a los 5 años después de la cirugía. Los pacientes con antecedentes de cirugía por enfermedad de Crohn del intestino delgado y diagnóstico a una edad temprana pueden beneficiarse de una vigilancia posoperatoria más intensiva y la consideración de una profilaxis médica temprana. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B762. (Traducción- Dr. Ingrid Melo).

Surgical Repair of Postoperative Perineal Hernia: A Case for the Perineal Approach.

BACKGROUND: Perineal hernia is a well-known, rare complication following abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer. Due to its rarity, the literature on its surgical repair is comprised of case reports and small case series, and not one surgical approach has been established as superior. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the repair methods used at our institution and their outcomes. We hypothesized that a perineal approach would have a similar recurrence rate to a transabdominal repair with shorter hospital length of stay. DESIGN: This study was a retrospective case series. SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a large, single institution setting. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent surgical repair for perineal hernia from January 2009 to December 2019 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were perineal hernia recurrence, surgical approach to repair, and length of stay. RESULTS: We identified 36 patients who underwent surgical repair of perineal hernia at our institution. Twenty patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Most patients (29) had previously undergone abdominoperineal resection; 5 were robotic, 15 were laparoscopic, 1 was robotic converted to open, and 8 were open. Patients were repaired through a perineal approach (22) or transabdominally (14). The median length of stay was 4 days (1-12) after a perineal approach and 8 days (3-18) after a transabdominal approach. At a median follow-up of 12.7 months (1-72), there were 4 recurrences after perineal repair and 3 recurrences after transabdominal repair. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small sample size (36), the retrospective and nonrandomized nature of the case series, and a lack of routine postoperative imaging. A median follow-up length of 12.7 months may not be adequate to detect all recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: This case series supports the perineal approach for surgical repair; it should be the first approach considered, as it is less invasive and may be associated with shorter length of stay compared to an open transabdominal approach. Male gender and neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be possible risk factors for the development of perineal hernia after abdominoperineal resection. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B856. REPARACIN QUIRRGICA DE HERNIA PERINEAL POSOPERATORIA UN CASO PARA EL ABORDAJE PERINEAL: ANTECEDENTES:La hernia perineal es una complicación rara y bien conocida después de la resección abdominoperineal por cáncer de recto. Debido a su rareza, la literatura sobre su reparación quirúrgica se compone de informes de casos y pequeñas series de casos, y ningún abordaje quirúrgico se ha establecido como superior.OBJETIVO:El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar los métodos de reparación utilizados en nuestra institución y sus resultados. Presumimos que un abordaje perineal tendría una tasa de recurrencia similar a una reparación transabdominal, con una estancia hospitalaria más corta.DISEÑO:Ésta es una serie de casos retrospectiva.AJUSTES:El escenario fue una gran institución única.PACIENTES:Los pacientes que se sometieron a reparación quirúrgica por hernia perineal desde enero del 2009 hasta diciembre del 2019 se incluyeron en la revisión.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los resultados primarios fueron la recurrencia de la hernia perineal, el abordaje quirúrgico para la reparación y la duración de la estadía.RESULTADOS:Identificamos 36 pacientes que fueron sometidos a reparación quirúrgica de hernia perineal en nuestra institución. La mayoría de los pacientes recibieron quimiorradioterapia neoadyuvante (n = 20). La mayoría de los pacientes (n = 29) se habrían sometido previamente a una resección abdominoperineal (n = 5 robótica, n = 15 laparoscópica, n = 1 robótica convertida a abierta, n = 8 abierta). Los pacientes fueron reparados mediante un abordaje perineal (n = 22) o transabdominal (n = 14). La mediana de la estancia hospitalaria fue de 4 días (rango, 1-12) después de un abordaje perineal y de 8 días (rango 3-18) después de un abordaje transabdominal. En una mediana de seguimiento de 12,7 meses (rango, 1-72) hubo 4 recurrencias después de la reparación perineal y 3 recurrencias después de la transabdominal.LIMITACIONES:El tamaño de la muestra pequeño (n = 36), la naturaleza retrospectiva y no aleatorizada de la serie de casos, la falta de imágenes posoperatorias de rutina, la mediana de seguimiento de 12,7 meses puede no ser adecuada para detectar todas las recurrencias.CONCLUSIONES:Esta serie de casos apoya el abordaje perineal para la reparación quirúrgica; debe ser el primer abordaje considerado, ya que es menos invasivo y puede estar asociado con una estadía más corta en comparación con el abordaje transabdominal abierto. El sexo masculino y la quimioterapia neoadyuvante podrían ser posibles factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de hernia perineal después de la resección abdominoperineal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B856. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

Can Enteric Fistulae in Patients with Crohn's Disease Occur in Isolation: Findings from 500 Consecutive Operative Cases.

BACKGROUND OR PURPOSE: Enteric Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by transmural inflammation resulting in inflammatory, stricturing, or penetrating phenotypes. However, data regarding the relationship between stricturing and penetrating behavior is lacking. The incidence of penetrating CD in the absence of a stricture is unclear. The aim of this study is to assess if enteric fistulae in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery for symptomatic CD occur in isolation. METHODS: Resection or repair of enteric CD fistulae performed in a quaternary care referral center (2009-2017) was analyzed. Fistulae associated with pelvic or continent pouch, rectal stump, or ano-vagina were excluded. Fistulae were stratified based on origin, tract, target, and relationship to stricture. Strictures were stratified as inflammatory or fibrostenotic. RESULTS: Five hundred consecutive operative reports were reviewed. A total of 490 fistulae were evaluated. Two hundred ninety-nine fistulae were in patients undergoing index surgery. Incidence of CD fistulae not associated with stricture was 14.9% in total, but only 8% in the index surgery cohort. The majority of fistulae originated from the ileum (95%). CD fistulae originating from the stomach or duodenum were not identified in the index cohort. Fistulae within an inflammatory stricture were likely to include an intra-abdominal abscess (p < 0.001). Fistulae associated with a fibrostenotic stricture were more likely to originate proximal to the stricture (p < 0.001). The incidence of fistula-associated adenocarcinoma was 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic CD fistulae in the absence of stricture are uncommon. Caution should be exercised when making a diagnosis of CD in the presence of enteric fistulae, but an absence of stricture, particularly in patients with prior abdominal surgery.

Advanced age alone should not preclude surveillance colonoscopy in the octogenarian and older population.

BACKGROUND: Although the risk of colorectal cancer increases with advancing age, there remains a lack of guidelines for surveillance colonoscopy in the octogenarian and older population. Our objective is to document the diagnostic yield of surveillance colonoscopies, and to analyze adenoma characteristics, complications, and short-term survival in asymptomatic octogenarian and older patients undergoing adenoma surveillance colonoscopy. METHODS: Surveillance colonoscopies performed at a tertiary level hospital colorectal surgery department between January 2010 and September 2018 were queried from a prospectively maintained institutional colonoscopy database. Patients 80 years old or older undergoing routine surveillance colonoscopy after having had an adenoma or advanced adenoma diagnosed on a prior exam were included in the study. RESULTS: 604 patients were included in the study with a median age of 82 and 43% were female. Median follow-up was 52 months (range 2-110), with 511(85%) patients alive at their last available follow-up. Overall, 292 patients had at least one had adenomatous lesion and 105 (17.4%) patients had advanced adenomas. Increasing age was not associated with increased rate of sessile serrated lesions (p = 0.2) however, there was an association between increasing age and advanced adenoma rates (p = 0.01). Advanced adenomas were more commonly found to be right-sided (p = 0.02). Four asymptomatic patients were diagnosed with cancer at surveillance (0.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients 80 years of age or older with a previous history of colorectal adenoma(s) may have a high risk of future advanced lesions and can be considered to undergo surveillance colonoscopy.

Does time of day matter for colonoscopy quality? A review of over 13,000 screening colonoscopies in a colorectal surgery unit.

BACKGROUND: There exists conflicting data in the literature with regard to adequate adenoma detection rate (ADR) as well as other quality metrics during colonoscopy based on the time of day that the procedure is performed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of time of day on quality metrics in patients undergoing screening colonoscopy. METHODS: Screening colonoscopies performed between January 2010 and September 2018 by twenty-eight colorectal surgeons were queried from a prospectively maintained database. Quality parameters examined included adenoma detection rate (ADR), gender-specific ADR, withdrawal time, total examination time, cecal intubation rate, bowel preparation quality, and intra-procedural complications. Colonoscopies were compared between morning (07:30-11:59 AM) and afternoon (12:00-17:00 PM) groups. RESULTS: There were 13,809 endoscopic screening examinations performed in asymptomatic patients older than 45 years. Patients had a mean age of 59.8 years, and 48.5% were female. A total of 8868 (64%) of the scopes were performed in the morning and 4941 (36%) were performed in the afternoon. Median endoscopist volume was 189 [54, 701] and included only surgeons who performed both afternoon and morning colonoscopies. There was no difference in both ADR and bowel preparation quality between the two groups. Both groups exceeded all national quality benchmarks, with the morning group having significantly shorter examination times. CONCLUSIONS: In our practice, colonoscopies meet and exceed all national quality benchmarks, independent of the time of day they are performed.

Colectomy for polyps is associated with high risk for complications and low risk for malignancy: Time for endoluminal surgery?

BACKGROUND: Colectomy for nonmalignant polyps (NMP) is common in the United States. We aimed to study the rate of colectomies performed for NMP and postoperative outcomes. We hypothesized that the annual colectomy rate for NMP is high despite the rare occurrence of invasive cancer found on final pathology. METHODS: We analyzed data from the ACS-NSQIP participant user file, colectomy module, from 2013 to 2019. Patients who underwent elective colectomy with a diagnosis of either NMP or colon cancer were included. Patient demographics, comorbidities, colectomy rates and trends over the study period, as well as 30-day postoperative complications and mortality rate were assessed. RESULTS: 67,921 colectomies were performed for the diagnosis of cancer or NMP [14,726 (19%) only NMP]. The postoperative overall morbidity was 21% and mortality was 0.5% (1% for patients older than 70). Only 489 (3.3%) of colectomies performed for NMP had cancer on final pathology. The percentage of colectomies performed for NMP decreased from 22% to 16% over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Colon resections for NMP are still common and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a low incidence of invasive cancer on final pathology. Advanced endoscopic interventions for NMP should be considered whenever possible and appropriate.

Pushing the Envelope in Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: Is It Feasible and Safe in Scarred Lesions?

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is an established advanced polypectomy technique to manage large colorectal polyps. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who had endoscopic submucosal dissection in the setting of significant scarring attributed to a previous intervention to determine whether this is safe and feasible. DESIGN: The study used a prospectively maintained database. SETTINGS: A scarred lesion was defined as a nonlifting polyp with a history of previous attempted removal with endoscopic mucosal resection, snare, or biopsy where there was no suspicion of malignancy. PATIENTS: All consecutive patients in the previous 14 months were included. INTERVENTION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection was the study intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day morbidity and mortality, readmission, length of stay, and recurrence were measured. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients had endoscopic submucosal dissection over a 14-month period with a median polyp size of 31.5 mm (range, 20-45 mm). Eleven patients (12%) were confirmed as having significant scar. There were significantly more previous endoscopic mucosal resections in the scarred group (scarred: 63.6% vs nonscarred: 2.5%; p < 0.001). Significantly more of the scarred patients had their endoscopic submucosal dissection in the operating room versus the endoscopy suite (scarred: 82.0% vs nonscarred: 17.5%; p < 0.001). The 30-day morbidity rate was 18.7%. There were no mortalities. There was no difference in 30-day morbidity between scarred and nonscarred lesions (scarred: 9% vs nonscarred: 20%; p = 0.4). There were more day-case procedures in the nonscarred group (nonscarred: 93.7% vs scarred: 36.4%; p < 0.001). There was no malignancy on final pathology in the scarred group. There was no difference in readmission rate between the scarred and nonscarred lesions. The overall follow-up colonoscopy rate was 53%, and there were no polyp recurrences identified. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its small sample size, single institute, surgeon experience, and short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Not only is endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients who have scarred lesions technically feasible and safe, it avoids a bowel resection in the majority of patients who have exhausted other advanced endoscopy techniques. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B427. EMPUJAR EL SOBRE EN LA DISECCIN ENDOSCPICA SUBMUCOSA ES FACTIBLE Y SEGURO EN LESIONES CICATRIZADAS: ANTECEDENTES:La disección endoscópica submucosa es una técnica de polipectomía avanzada establecida para tratar pólipos colorrectales grandes.OBJETIVO:Evaluar a pacientes que se sometieron a disección submucosa endoscópica en el contexto de cicatrices significativas debido a una intervención previa para determinar si esto es seguro y factible.DISEÑO:Base de datos mantenida prospectivamente.AJUSTE:Una lesión cicatrizada se definió como un pólipo que no se levanta con antecedentes de intento de extirpación previa con resección endoscópica de la mucosa, lazo o biopsia, donde no había sospecha de malignidad.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes consecutivos en los últimos 14 meses.INTERVENCIÓN:Disección submucosa endoscópica.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES:Morbilidad y mortalidad a 30 días, reingreso, duración de la estadía, recurrencia.RESULTADOS:Noventa y un pacientes tuvieron disección submucosa endoscópica durante un período de 14 meses con tamaño de pólipo mediana de 31,5 mm (rango, 20 - 45 mm). Se confirmó que once pacientes (12%) tenían una cicatriz significativa. Hubo significativamente más resecciones de mucosa endoscópica previas en el grupo con cicatrices (con cicatrices: 63,6% vs. sin cicatrices: 2,5%, p <0,001). Significativamente más de los pacientes con cicatrices tuvieron su disección submucosa endoscópica en el quirófano en comparación con la sala de endoscopia (con cicatrices: 82% vs. sin cicatrices: 17.5%, p <0.001). La tasa de morbilidad a 30 días fue del 18,7%. No hubo muertes. No hubo diferencia en la morbilidad a 30 días entre las lesiones cicatrizadas y no cicatrizadas (cicatrizadas: 9% frente a no cicatrizadas: 20%, p = 0,4). Hubo más procedimientos ambulatorios en el grupo sin cicatrices (sin cicatrices: 93,7% frente a cicatrices: 36,36%, p <0,001). No hubo malignidad en la patología final en el grupo con cicatrices. No hubo diferencia en la tasa de reingreso entre las lesiones cicatrizadas y no cicatrizadas. La tasa general de colonoscopia de seguimiento fue del 53% y no se identificaron recurrencias de pólipos.LIMITACIONES:Tamaño de muestra pequeño, experiencia de un solo instituto y cirujanos y seguimiento corto.CONCLUSIÓN:La disección endoscópica submucosa en pacientes con lesiones cicatrizadas no solo es técnicamente factible y segura, sino que evita una resección intestinal en la mayoría de los pacientes que han agotado otras técnicas endoscópicas avanzadas. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B427.

Surgical intervention for mechanical large bowel obstruction at a tertiary hospital: Which patients receive a stoma and how often are they reversed?

BACKGROUND: The surgical management of large bowel obstruction (LBO) is heterogeneous and influenced by multiple variables. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the surgical interventions and outcomes of patients necessitating surgery for LBO. METHODS: Patients with LBO between 2000 and 2017 were included. Main outcomes measures are intraoperative findings, operative management, post-operative outcomes and stoma closure rates. RESULTS: 133 patients were included with predominately left-sided obstruction (82%). The most common etiology was colorectal cancer (44%) followed by extrinsic malignant compression (29%). The most common operation performed was fecal diversion without resection (46%). This group had significantly more stage 4 carcinoma, carcinomatosis and had the lowest stoma closure rate (16%). Eighty-six percent of the operated patients underwent fecal diversion, of these, 27% had stoma reversal at 6 months. Patients that had a resection and anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy were most likely to undergo stoma reversal (p = 0.005) and had the lowest number of patients with stage-IV carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: In this single institution analysis, the management of LBO entails high operative and stoma rates, with less than 30% of patient undergoing stoma closure. Resection, anastomosis and DLI had the highest chance of stoma reversal.