Socioeconomic Disparities in Anal Cancer: Effect on Treatment Delay and Survival.

BACKGROUND: Socioeconomic inequities have implications for access to health care and may be associated with disparities in treatment and survival. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of socioeconomic inequities on time to treatment and survival of anal squamous-cell carcinoma. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study using a nationwide data set. SETTINGS: The patients were selected from the National Cancer Database and enrolled from 2004 to 2016. PATIENTS: We identified patients with stage I to III squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus who were treated with chemoradiation therapy. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Socioeconomic factors, including race, insurance status, median household income, and percentage of the population with no high school degrees, were included. The association of these factors with treatment delay and overall survival was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 24,143 patients who underwent treatment for grade I to III squamous-cell carcinoma of the anus were identified. The median age was 60 years, and 70% of patients were women. The median time to initiation of treatment was 33 days. Patients from zip codes with lower median income, patients with a higher percentage of no high school degree, and patients with other government insurance followed by Medicaid insurance had treatment initiated after 60 days from diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the late-treatment group had worse overall survival compared to the early treatment group (98 vs 125 months; p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: No detailed information is available about the chemoradiotherapy regimen, completion of treatment, recurrence, disease-free survival, and individual-level socioeconomic condition and risk factors. CONCLUSION: Patients from communities with lower median income, level of education, and enrolled in public insurance had longer time to treatment. Lower socioeconomic status was also associated with poorer overall survival. These results warrant further analysis and measures to improve access to care to address this disparity. See Video Abstract . DESIGUALDADES SOCIOECONMICAS EN CASOS DE CNCER ANAL EFECTOS EN EL RETRASO DEL TRATAMIENTO Y LA SOBREVIDA: ANTECEDENTES:Las desigualdades socio-económicas tienen implicaciones en el acceso a la atención médica y pueden estar asociadas con disparidades en el tratamiento y la sobrevida.OBJETIVO:Indagar el impacto de las desigualdades socio-económicas sobre el tiempo de retraso en el tratamiento y la sobrevida en casos de carcinoma a células escamosas del ano (CCEA).DISEÑO:Estudio retrospectivo utilizando un conjunto de datos a nivel nacional.AJUSTES:Todos aquellos pacientes inscritos entre 2004 a 2016 y que fueron seleccionados de la Base Nacional de Datos sobre el Cáncer.PACIENTES:Identificamos pacientes con CCEA en estadíos I-III y que fueron tratados con radio-quimioterápia.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron factores socio-económicos tales como la raza, el tipo de seguro de salud, el ingreso familiar medio y el porcentaje de personas sin bachillerato de secundaria (SBS). Se investigó la asociación entre estos factores con el retraso en iniciar el tratamiento y la sobrevida global.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron un total de 24.143 pacientes que recibieron tratamiento para CCEA estadíos I-III. La mediana de edad fue de 60 años donde 70% eran de sexo femenino. La mediana del tiempo transcurrido desde el diagnóstico hasta el inicio del tratamiento fue de 33 días. Los pacientes residentes en zonas de código postal con ingresos medios más bajos, con un mayor porcentaje de individuos SBS y los pacientes con otro tipo de seguro gubernamental de salud, seguidos del seguro tipo Medicaid iniciaron el tratamiento solamente después de 60 días al diagnóstico inicial de CCEA. El análisis de Kaplan-Meier de la sobrevida mostró que el grupo de tratamiento tardío tuvo una peor supervivencia general comparada con el grupo de tratamiento precoz o temprano (98 frente a 125 meses; p <0,001).LIMITACIONES:No se dispone de información detallada sobre el tipo de radio-quimioterapia utilizada, ni sobre la finalización del tratamiento o la recurrencia, tampoco acerca de la sobrevida libre de enfermedad ni sobre las condiciones socio-económicas o aquellos factores de riesgo a nivel individual.CONCLUSIÓN:Los pacientes de comunidades con ingresos medios más bajos, con un nivel de educación limitado e inscritos en un seguro público tardaron mucho más tiempo en recibir el tratamiento prescrito. El nivel socio-económico más bajo también se asoció con una sobrevida global más baja. Los presentes resultados justifican mayor análisis y medidas mas importantes para mejorar el acceso a la atención en salud y poder afrontar esta disparidad. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

Comparison of Perineal Closure Techniques after Abdominoperineal Resections for Carcinoma of the Anus.

BACKGROUND: Perineal reconstruction following salvage APR's for squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA) are scant with conflicting results from large and single center studies. We analyzed these techniques taking into account sociodemographic and oncologic variables. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study from 2016-2019 using a targeted ACS/NSQIP database stratified into primary closure (PC), abdominal myocutaneous (AM), lower extremity (LE), and omental pedicled (OP) flaps. We analyzed major and wound complications through univariate and multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 766 patients were analyzed, 512 (67%) had PC, 196 (25%) AM, 36 (5%) OP and 22 (3%) LE. Rates of chemotherapy and radiation within 90 days were similar between the groups. Having 2 or more additional organs resected was more common for the AM group (AM 4.1%, PC 1.6%, OP 3.3%, LE 0%). Overall, major complication rate was 41% (n = 324). Primary closure had 35.0%, OP 47.2%, AM 52.6%, and LE 45.5%. Wound complication rate was highest in AM with 11.7%, followed by OP 8.3%, PC 5.9%, and LE 0%. The multivariate regression analysis demonstrated none of the closure techniques to be associated with increasing or decreasing the probability of having a major or wound complication. Morbidity probability was the sole predictor of major complication (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.04-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: Myocutaneous and omental flaps are associated with comparable wound and major complications when taking into account the baseline, oncologic and perioperative variables that drive the clinical decision making when selecting a perineal reconstruction.

Outcomes of perineal wound closure techniques after abdominoperineal resections in rectal cancer: an NSQIP propensity score matched study.

Perineal defects following abdominoperineal resections (APRs) for rectal cancer may require myocutaneous or omental flaps depending upon anatomic, clinical and oncologic variables. However, studies comparing their efficacy have shown contradictory results. We aim to compare postoperative complication rates of APR closure techniques in rectal cancer using propensity score-matching. The American College of Surgeons Proctectomy Targeted Data File was queried from 2016 to 2019. The study population was defined using CPT and ICD-10 codes for patients with rectal cancer undergoing APR, stratified by repair technique. Perioperative demographic and oncologic variables were controlled for by propensity-score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed for wound and major complications (MCs). Of the 3291 patients included in the study, 85% underwent primary closure (PC), 8.3% rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap, 4.9% pedicled omental flap with PC, and 1.9% lower extremity (LE) flap repair. Primary closure rates were significantly higher for patients with stage T1 and T2 tumors (p < 0.001). RAM and LE flaps were most used with multi-organ resections, 24% and 25%, respectively (p < 0.001). Similarly, cases with T4 tumors used these flaps more frequently, 30% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001). After propensity score matching for comorbidities and oncologic variables, there was no significant difference in 30-day postoperative wound or MC rates between perineal closure techniques. The complication rates of the different closure techniques are comparable when tumor stage is considered. Therefore, tumor staging and concurrent procedures should guide clinical decision making regarding the appropriate use of each technique.

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

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

Leukocyte subtyping predicts for treatment failure and poor survival in anal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) generally carries a favorable prognosis, as most tumors are highly sensitive to standard of care chemoradiation. However, outcomes are poor for the 20-30% of patients who are refractory to this approach, and many will require additional invasive procedures with no guarantee of disease resolution. METHODS: To identify the patients who are unlikely to respond to the current standard of care chemoradiation protocol, we explored a variety of objective clinical findings as a potential predictor of treatment failure and/or mortality in a single center retrospective study of 42 patients with anal SCC. RESULTS: Patients with an increase in total peripheral white blood cells (WBC) and/or neutrophils (ANC) had comparatively poor clinical outcomes, with increased rates of death and treatment failure, respectively. Using pre-treatment biopsies from 27 patients, tumors with an inflamed, neutrophil dominant stroma also had poor therapeutic responses, as well as reduced overall and disease-specific survival. Following chemoradiation, we observed uniform reductions in nearly all peripheral blood leukocyte subtypes, and no association between peripheral white blood cells and/or neutrophils and clinical outcomes. Additionally, post-treatment biopsies were available from 13 patients. In post-treatment specimens, patients with an inflamed tumor stroma now demonstrated improved overall and disease-specific survival, particularly those with robust T-cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Combined, these results suggest that routinely performed leukocyte subtyping may have utility in risk stratifying patients for treatment failure in anal SCC. Specifically, pre-treatment patients with a high WBC, ANC, and/or a neutrophil-dense tumor stroma may be less likely to achieve complete response using the standard of care chemoradiation regimen, and may benefit from the addition of a subsequent line of therapy.

Open vs Minimally Invasive Approach for Emergent Colectomy in Perforated Diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, perforated diverticulitis has been managed with an open approach, with a Hartmann procedure or a colectomy with primary anastomosis. Minimally invasive surgery is associated with postoperative advantages in the elective setting and may show a benefit in the emergent setting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative outcomes of open vs minimally invasive approaches for emergent perforated diverticulitis. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted colectomy database using propensity score matching. SETTINGS: Interventions were performed in hospitals participating in the national database. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent emergent colectomy from 2012 to 2017 were included. Procedures were divided into Hartmann procedure and primary anastomosis. Open vs minimally invasive groups were defined by intention to treat. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes measures included length of stay and overall morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Of 130,616 patients, 7105 met inclusion criteria (4486 Hartmann procedure and 2619 primary anastomosis). A total of 1989 open Hartmann procedure cases were matched to 663 minimally invasive cases. The minimally invasive group underwent longer operations and had lower rates of respiratory failure. There were no differences in overall complications, mortality, length of stay, or home discharge. In the primary anastomosis group, 1027 cases were matched 1:1. The minimally invasive approach was associated with longer operative times, but reduced wound dehiscence, sepsis, bleeding, overall complications, and length of stay. No difference was detected in anastomotic leak, mortality, reoperation, or readmission rates. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include retrospective nature, data loss, nonuniformity, selection bias, and coding errors. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent minimally invasive primary anastomosis results in a shorter length of stay and decreased 30-day morbidity in comparison with open primary anastomosis for perforated diverticulitis. Emergent open and minimally invasive Hartmann procedures for perforated diverticulitis have comparable outcomes, perhaps because of a 40% conversion rate. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B421. ABORDAJE ABIERTO VERSUS MNIMAMENTE INVASIVO PARA COLECTOMA DE EMERGENCIA EN DIVERTICULITIS PERFORADA: ANTECEDENTES:Tradicionalmente, la diverticulitis perforada se ha tratado con un abordaje abierto, con un procedimiento de Hartmann o una colectomía con anastomosis primaria. La cirugía mínimamente invasiva se asocia con ventajas posoperatorias en el escenario electivo y puede mostrar beneficio en el escenario emergente.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los resultados posoperatorios del abordaje abierto versus el mínimamente invasivo para la diverticulitis perforada emergente.DISEÑO:Ésta fue una revisión retrospectiva de la base de datos de colectomía dirigida del Programa Nacional de Mejoramiento de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Americano de Cirujanos utilizando el pareamiento por puntaje de propensión.ESCENARIO:Las intervenciones se realizaron en los hospitales participantes en la base de datos nacional.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes que fueron sometidos a colectomía emergente de 2012 a 2017. Los procedimientos se dividieron en procedimiento de Hartmann y anastomosis primaria. Los grupos abierto versus mínimamente invasivo se definieron por intención de tratar.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las medidas de resultado incluyeron la duración de la estancia, la morbilidad general y la mortalidad.RESULTADOS:De 130,616 pacientes, 7,105 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión (4,486 procedimiento de Hartmann y 2,619 anastomosis primaria). 1,989 casos abiertos de procedimientos de Hartmann se emparejaron con 663 casos mínimamente invasivos. El grupo mínimamente invasivo se sometió a operaciones más prolongadas y tuvo tasas más bajas de insuficiencia respiratoria. No hubo diferencias en las complicaciones generales, la mortalidad, la duración de la estancia o el alta domiciliaria. En el grupo de anastomosis primaria, 1,027 casos se emparejaron 1: 1. El abordaje mínimamente invasivo se asoció con tiempos quirúrgicos más prolongados, pero también con tasas reducidas de dehiscencia de herida, sepsis, sangrado, complicaciones generales y la duración de la estancia. No se detectaron diferencias en las tasas de fuga anastomótica, mortalidad, reintervención o reingreso.LIMITACIONES:Las limitaciones incluyen la naturaleza retrospectiva, pérdida de datos, falta de uniformidad, sesgo de selección y errores de codificación.CONCLUSIONES:La anastomosis primaria mínimamente invasiva emergente resulta en una estancia más corta y una disminución de la morbilidad a los 30 días en comparación con la anastomosis primaria abierta para la diverticulitis perforada. El procedimiento de Hartmann abierto y mínimamente invasivo de emergencia para la diverticulitis perforada tiene resultados comparables, quizás debido a una tasa de conversión del 40%. Consulte el Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B421.

Evaluation of a Minimally Invasive Bipolar Coagulation System for the Treatment of Grade I and II Internal Hemorrhoids.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoids are common and affect mainly the young and middle-aged populations. Current guidelines recommend treating grade I and II hemorrhoids with office-based procedures. These therapies usually require multiple applications. Hemorrhoid energy therapy treats the hemorrhoids at 1 treatment session. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of hemorrhoid energy therapy. DESIGN: This was a prospective pilot study evaluating patients with symptomatic grade I and II internal hemorrhoids. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary academic center. PATIENTS: Patients over the age of 18 years with chronic, symptomatic grade I and II internal hemorrhoids who failed 2 weeks of conservative therapy were enrolled between July 2015 and January 2019. Exclusion criteria included patients with grade III or IV internal hemorrhoids, external hemorrhoids, nonhemorrhoidal GI bleeding, active proctitis, and IBD. INTERVENTIONS: Hemorrhoid energy therapy was administered in clinic, and 2 postprocedure visits were completed. A pretreatment hemorrhoid symptom score was obtained from each patient. A visual analog score was assessed posttreatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was to evaluate the effect of hemorrhoid energy therapy on hemorrhoid symptoms and its safety. The secondary end point was evaluation of postprocedural pain. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were enrolled. The mean duration of hemorrhoid symptoms was 3.3 ± 6.4 years, and rectal bleeding and hemorrhoidal prolapse were the most common symptoms. After the procedure, patient hemorrhoid symptom scores decreased from mean 5.5 to 1.4. The mean immediate postprocedural visual analog score was 2.4 ± 2.1 and decreased to <1.0 after 14 days. LIMITATIONS: The limitations include lack of comparative groups, single-center design, and small cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The application of hemorrhoid energy therapy in the treatment of grade I and II internal hemorrhoids is safe and results in reduction of symptoms, low rate of short-term complications, and minimal pain. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B491. EVALUACIÓN DE UN SISTEMA DE COAGULACIÓN BIPOLAR MÍNI-INVASIVA PARA EL TRATAMIENTO DE HEMORROIDES INTERNAS GRADOS I Y II: La enfermedad hemorroidal es muy común y afecta principalmente poblaciones jóvenes y de mediana edad. Las guías actuales recomiendan tratar las hemorroides de grado I y II con procedimientos en el consultorio. Estos tratamientos suelen requerir múltiples aplicaciones. La aplicación de energía para tratar las hemorroides requiere de una sola sesión.Evaluar la seguridad y eficacia del tratamiento hemorroidal con una fuente de energía.Estudio piloto prospectivo que evalúa los pacientes con hemorroides internas de grado I y II sintomáticas.El estudio se realizó en un centro académico terciario.Entre julio de 2015 y enero de 2019 se inscribieron pacientes mayores de 18 años con hemorroides intomáticas internas crónicas grado I y II que fracasaron luego de 2 semanas de tratameinto conservador. Los criterios de exclusión incluyeron pacientes con hemorroides internas de grado III o IV, hemorroides externas, sangrado de orígen gastrointestinal no hemorroidal, proctitis activa y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.Se realizó la aplicación de energía sobre las hemorroides en el consultorio y se completó el procedimiento con dos visitas posteriores. Se obtuvo una puntuación analógica de síntomas hemorroidarios en cada paciente antes del tratamiento. Se evaluó la puntuación analógica visual luego del procedimiento.El principal criterio final fué evaluar el efecto de la terapia energética hemorroidaria con relación a los síntomas y la seguridad del dispositivo. El segundo criterio final fué el evaluar el dolor posoperatorio.Se registraron un total de 35 pacientes. La duración media de los síntomas hemorroidarios fué de 3,3 ± 6,4 años, el sangrado rectal y el prolapso hemorroidal fueron los síntomas más frecuentes. Después del procedimiento, las puntuaciones de los síntomas hemorroidarios disminuyeron en una media de 5,5 a 1,4. La puntuación analógica visual media inmediatamente posterior al procedimiento fue de 2,4 ± 2,1 y disminuyó a <1 después de 14 días.Las limitaciones incluyen la falta de grupos comparativos, el diseño de un solo centro y una pequeña cohorte de pacientes.La aplicación de energía como tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal interna grado I y II es segura y da como resultados la reducción de los síntomas, una baja tasa de complicaciones a corto plazo y mínimo dolor. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B491. (Traducción-Dr Xavier Delgadillo).

DElayed COloRectal cancer care during COVID-19 Pandemic (DECOR-19): Global perspective from an international survey.

BACKGROUND: The widespread nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been unprecedented. We sought to analyze its global impact with a survey on colorectal cancer care during the pandemic. METHODS: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on preoperative assessment, elective surgery, and postoperative management of colorectal cancer patients was explored by a 35-item survey, which was distributed worldwide to members of surgical societies with an interest in colorectal cancer care. Respondents were divided into 2 comparator groups: (1) "delay" group: colorectal cancer care affected by the pandemic and (2) "no delay" group: unaltered colorectal cancer practice. RESULTS: A total of 1,051 respondents from 84 countries completed the survey. No substantial differences in demographics were found between the delay (745, 70.9%) and no delay (306, 29.1%) groups. Suspension of multidisciplinary team meetings, staff members quarantined or relocated to coronavirus disease 2019 units, units fully dedicated to coronavirus disease 2019 care, and personal protective equipment not readily available were factors significantly associated to delays in endoscopy, radiology, surgery, histopathology, and prolonged chemoradiation therapy-to-surgery intervals. In the delay group, 48.9% of respondents reported a change in the initial surgical plan, and 26.3% reported a shift from elective to urgent operations. Recovery of colorectal cancer care was associated with the status of the outbreak. Practicing in coronavirus disease-free units, no change in operative slots and staff members not relocated to coronavirus disease 2019 units were statistically associated with unaltered colorectal cancer care in the no delay group, while the geographic distribution was not. CONCLUSION: Global changes in diagnostic and therapeutic colorectal cancer practices were evident. Changes were associated with differences in health care delivery systems, hospital's preparedness, resource availability, and local coronavirus disease 2019 prevalence rather than geographic factors. Strategic planning is required to optimize colorectal cancer care.

International Consensus Definition of Low Anterior Resection Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome is pragmatically defined as disordered bowel function after rectal resection leading to a detriment in quality of life. This broad characterization does not allow for precise estimates of prevalence. The low anterior resection syndrome score was designed as a simple tool for clinical evaluation of low anterior resection syndrome. Although the low anterior resection syndrome score has good clinical utility, it may not capture all important aspects that patients may experience. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this collaboration was to develop an international consensus definition of low anterior resection syndrome that encompasses all aspects of the condition and is informed by all stakeholders. DESIGN: This international patient-provider initiative used an online Delphi survey, regional patient consultation meetings, and an international consensus meeting. PARTICIPANTS: Three expert groups participated: patients, surgeons, and other health professionals from 5 regions (Australasia, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain and Ireland, and North America) and in 3 languages (English, Spanish, and Danish). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcome measured was the priorities for the definition of low anterior resection syndrome. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-five participants (156 patients) registered. The response rates for successive rounds of the Delphi survey were 86%, 96%, and 99%. Eighteen priorities emerged from the Delphi survey. Patient consultation and consensus meetings refined these priorities to 8 symptoms and 8 consequences that capture essential aspects of the syndrome. LIMITATIONS: Sampling bias may have been present, in particular, in the patient panel because social media was used extensively in recruitment. There was also dominance of the surgical panel at the final consensus meeting despite attempts to mitigate this. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first definition of low anterior resection syndrome developed with direct input from a large international patient panel. The involvement of patients in all phases has ensured that the definition presented encompasses the vital aspects of the patient experience of low anterior resection syndrome. The novel separation of symptoms and consequences may enable greater sensitivity to detect changes in low anterior resection syndrome over time and with intervention.

International consensus definition of low anterior resection syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) is pragmatically defined as disordered bowel function after rectal resection leading to a detriment in quality of life. This broad characterization does not allow for precise estimates of prevalence. The LARS score was designed as a simple tool for clinical evaluation of LARS. Although the LARS score has good clinical utility, it may not capture all important aspects that patients may experience. The aim of this collaboration was to develop an international consensus definition of LARS that encompasses all aspects of the condition and is informed by all stakeholders. METHODS: This international patient-provider initiative used an online Delphi survey, regional patient consultation meetings and an international consensus meeting. Three expert groups participated: patients, surgeons and other health professionals from five regions (Australasia, Denmark, Spain, Great Britain and Ireland, and North America) and in three languages (English, Spanish and Danish). The primary outcome measured was the priorities for the definition of LARS. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-five participants (156 patients) registered. The response rates for successive rounds of the Delphi survey were 86%, 96% and 99%. Eighteen priorities emerged from the Delphi survey. Patient consultation and consensus meetings refined these priorities to eight symptoms and eight consequences that capture essential aspects of the syndrome. Sampling bias may have been present, in particular, in the patient panel because social media was used extensively in recruitment. There was also dominance of the surgical panel at the final consensus meeting despite attempts to mitigate this. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first definition of LARS developed with direct input from a large international patient panel. The involvement of patients in all phases has ensured that the definition presented encompasses the vital aspects of the patient experience of LARS. The novel separation of symptoms and consequences may enable greater sensitivity to detect changes in LARS over time and with intervention.

Findings on Colonoscopy after Diverticulitis: A Multicenter Review.

Diverticular disease is a common problem where patients with diverticulosis have a 1-4 per cent risk of acute diverticulitis. Current guidelines recommend a colonoscopy after.the resolution of acute diverticulitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of significant findings on colonoscopy after an episode of diverticulitis. This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent colonoscopy after an episode of diverticulitis between November 2005 and August 2017 at three major teaching hospitals. Advanced adenomas were defined as adenomas ≥1 cm, serrated adenomas, and tubulovillous or villous adenomas. A total of 584 patients (298 males; 51%) underwent colonoscopy for a history of diverticulitis after resolution of acute symptoms. Colonoscopy was complete in 488 patients (84%). Among these 488 patients, 446 had diverticular disease, 31 had advanced adenomas, and four had adenocarcinomas. Colonoscopies were incomplete in 96 patients (16%). Forty-six of those patients underwent surgery. The overall incidence of advanced adenomas and adenocarcinomas was 32 (5.4%) and nine (1.5%), respectively. In our study, the prevalence of advanced adenomas and adenocarcinomas was relatively high compared with the average risk individuals. Our findings support that patients after an episode of diverticulitis should continue to get a colonoscopy.

Acute diverticulitis in renal transplant patients: should we treat them differently?

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines suggest that transplant patients with acute diverticulitis should be managed aggressively with early operative intervention to reduce morbidity and mortality. This study compared the treatment choices and clinical outcomes between renal transplant patients and immunocompetent patients with acute diverticulitis. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients who were admitted with acute diverticulitis between 2002 and 2015 at a single academic institution. Patient demographics, comorbidities, physiologic and radiologic disease severity, management, and disease-specific outcomes were recorded and compared between renal transplant patients and immunocompetent patients. Predictors of complications also were analyzed. RESULTS: In the study, 20 renal transplant patients and 134 immunocompetent patients were admitted for acute diverticulitis and were followed for a median time of 36 and 40 months, respectively. Patient demographics were similar between the groups. Transplant patients had significantly more comorbidities. Overall, there were no differences in physiologic disease severity or rates of elective or urgent operation, ostomy, permanent ostomy, duration of stay, 30-day readmission, disease recurrence or disease-specific complications, organ failure, or death. Among patients with complicated disease, renal transplant patients were significantly more likely to undergo an urgent operation and had more complications. On multivariate analysis, undergoing operative therapy remained the sole predictor of complications. CONCLUSION: Nonoperative management of renal transplant patients who present with uncomplicated diverticulitis is safe as outcomes are similar to immunocompetent patients. However, the optimal management of renal transplant patients with complicated diverticulitis remains unclear as both treatment choices and complication rates differed from immunocompetent patients.

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

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