Robotic Resection of a Sciatic Notch Lipoma Using the DaVinci Surgical System: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Sciatic notch lipomas are rare benign fatty tumors that can cause significant morbidity due to compression of the sciatic nerve. Surgical excision is the gold standard treatment, but traditional open techniques are associated with significant risks and prolonged recovery times. Robotic surgery provides opportunity to improve on traditional laparoscopic techniques by allowing better visualization of and access to regions of complex anatomy, including the pelvis. The potential benefits of robotic resection include reduced blood loss, minimized tissue trauma, and shorter hospital stays. Building on robotic techniques previously described by our group, we present a video of a robotic resection of a sciatic notch lipoma using the DaVinci Surgical System.1,2 The patient consented to the procedure. The procedure begins with the patient in lithotomy position, followed by the establishment of the robotic trocar sites in the peritoneum, including the endoscope, Da Vinci, and assistant ports. The advanced visualization and precise maneuverability allow for careful dissection and identification of vital structures, including the L5 and S1 nerve roots, with minimal tissue manipulation. Subtotal resection of the lipoma was achieved resulting in decompression of the sciatic nerve with preservation of the surrounding structures. This video highlights the technical aspects of the procedure, emphasizing the advantages of robotic assistance, such as enhanced dexterity, precision, and visualization. This new technique offers a promising alternative to open surgery for the management of sciatic notch lipomas, potentially improving patient outcomes and overall surgical experience.

Safety and feasibility of establishing an adjuvant hepatic artery infusion program.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) is less frequently used in the adjuvant setting for resectable colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) due to concerns regarding toxicity. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of establishing an adjuvant HAI program. METHODS: Patients who underwent HAI pump placement between January 2019 and February 2023 for CRLM were identified. Complications and HAI delivery were compared between patients who received HAI in the unresectable and adjuvant settings. RESULTS: Of 51 patients, 23 received HAI for unresectable CRLM and 28 in the adjuvant setting. Patients with unresectable CRLM more commonly had bilobar disease (n = 23/23 vs n = 18/28, p < 0.01) and more preoperative liver metastases (median 10 [IQR 6-15] vs 4 [IQR 3-7], p < 0.01). Biliary sclerosis was the most common complication (n = 2/23 vs n = 4/28); however, there were no differences in postoperative or HAI-specific complications. In the most recent two years, 0 patients in the unresectable group vs 2 patients in the adjuvant group developed biliary sclerosis. All patients were initiated on HAI with no difference in treatment times or dose reductions. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant HAI is safe and feasible for patients with resectable CRLM. HAI programs can carefully consider including patients with resectable CRLM if managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team with quality assurance controls in place.

High Complication Rate After Early Ileostomy Closure: Early Termination of the Short Versus Long Interval to Loop Ileostomy Reversal After Pouch Surgery Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: In patients with ulcerative colitis who undergo IPAA, a diverting ileostomy is used to diminish the severity of anastomotic complications. Typically, the ileostomy is closed after an interval of 2 to 4 months. The safety of earlier closure of the ileostomy after pouch surgery is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes in patients randomly assigned to early (7-12 days) or late (≥8 weeks) ileostomy closure after ileal pouch construction. DESIGN: This was a multicenter, prospective randomized trial. SETTING: The study was conducted at colorectal surgical units at select United States hospitals. PATIENTS: Adults with ulcerative colitis who underwent 2- or 3-stage proctocolectomy with IPAA were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes included Comprehensive Complication Index at 30 days after ileostomy closure. The secondary outcomes included complications, severe complications, reoperations, and readmissions within 30 days of ileostomy closure. RESULTS: The trial was stopped after interim analysis because of a high rate of complications after early ileostomy closure. Among 36 patients analyzed, 1 patient (3%) had unplanned proctectomy with end-ileostomy. Of the remaining 35 patients, 28 patients (80%) were clinically eligible for early closure and underwent radiologic assessment. There were 3 radiologic failures. Of the 25 remaining patients, 22 patients (88%) were randomly assigned to early closure (n = 10) or late closure (n = 12), and 3 patients were excluded. Median Comprehensive Complication Index was 14.8 (0-54) and 0 (0-23) after early and late closure (p = 0.02). One or more complications occurred in 7 patients (70%) after early closure and in 2 patients (17%) after late closure (p = 0.01)' and complications were severe in 3 patients (30%) after early closure and 0 patients after late closure (p = 0.04). Reoperation was required in 1 patient (10%) and 0 patients (p = 0.26) after early closure and readmission was required in 7 patients (70%) and 1 patient (8%) after late closure (p = 0.003). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by early study closure and selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: Early closure of a diverting ileostomy in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent IPAA is associated with an unacceptably high rate of complications. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C68. ALTA TASA DE COMPLICACIONES DESPUS DEL CIERRE PRECOZ DE LA ILEOSTOMA TERMINACIN TEMPRANA DEL ENSAYO ALEATORIZADO DE INTERVALO CORTO VERSUS LARGO PARA LA REVERSIN DE LA ILEOSTOMA EN ASA DESPUS DE LA CIRUGA DE RESERVORIO ILEAL: ANTECEDENTES:En los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa que se someten a una anastomosis del reservorio ileoanal, se utiliza una ileostomía de derivación para disminuir la gravedad de las complicaciones de la anastomosis. Por lo general, la ileostomía se cierra después de un intervalo de 2 a 4 meses. Se desconoce la seguridad del cierre más temprano de la ileostomía después de la cirugía de reservorio.OBJETIVO:Comparar los resultados posoperatorios en pacientes asignados al azar al cierre temprano (7-12 días) o tardío (≥ 8 semanas) de la ileostomía después de la construcción de un reservorio ileal.DISEÑO:Este fue un ensayo aleatorizado prospectivo multicéntrico.ESCENARIO:El estudio se realizó en unidades quirúrgicas colorrectales en hospitales seleccionados de los Estados Unidos.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron adultos con colitis ulcerosa que se sometieron a proctocolectomía en 2 o 3 tiempos con anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los resultados primarios incluyeron el Índice Integral de Complicaciones a los 30 días después del cierre de la ileostomía. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron complicaciones, complicaciones graves, reoperaciones y readmisiones dentro de los 30 días posteriores al cierre de la ileostomía.RESULTADOS:El ensayo se detuvo después del análisis interino debido a una alta tasa de complicaciones después del cierre temprano de la ileostomía. Entre los 36 pacientes analizados, 1 (3%) tuvo una proctectomía no planificada con ileostomía terminal. De los 35 pacientes restantes, 28 (80%) fueron clínicamente elegibles para el cierre temprano y se sometieron a una evaluación radiológica. Hubo 3 fracasos radiológicos. De los 25 pacientes restantes, 22 (88 %) se asignaron al azar a cierre temprano (n = 10) o tardío (n = 12) y 3 fueron excluidos. La mediana del Índice Integral de Complicaciones fue de 14,8 (0-54) y 0 (0-23) después del cierre temprano y tardío (p = 0,02). Una o más complicaciones ocurrieron en 7 pacientes (70%) después del cierre temprano y 2 (17%) pacientes después del cierre tardío (p = 0,01) y fueron graves en 3 (30%) y 0 pacientes, respectivamente (p = 0,04). Requirieron reintervención en 1 (10%) y 0 (p = 0,26) y reingreso en 7 (70%) y 1 (8%) pacientes (p = 0,003).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por el cierre temprano del estudio; sesgo de selección.CONCLUSIONES:El cierre temprano de una ileostomía de derivación en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa con anastomosis de reservorio ileoanal se asocia con una tasa inaceptablemente alta de complicaciones. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C68. (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio).

Immunohistochemical analysis of Tn antigen expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma and precursor lesions.

BACKGROUND: The Tn antigen (CD175) is an O-glycan expressed in various types of human adenocarcinomas, including colorectal cancer (CRC), though prior studies have relied heavily upon poorly characterized in-house generated antibodies and lectins. In this study, we explored Tn expression in CRC using ReBaGs6, a well-characterized recombinant murine antibody with high specificity for clustered Tn antigen. METHODS: Using well-defined monoclonal antibodies, expression patterns of Tn and sialylated Tn (STn) antigens were characterized by immunostaining in CRC, in matched peritumoral [transitional margin (TM)] mucosa, and in normal colonic mucosa distant from the tumor, as well as in adenomas. Vicia villosa agglutinin lectin was used to detect terminal GalNAc expression. Histo-scoring (H scoring) of staining was carried out, and pairwise comparisons of staining levels between tissue types were performed using paired samples Wilcoxon rank sum tests, with statistical significance set at 0.05. RESULTS: While minimal intracellular Tn staining was seen in normal mucosa, significantly higher expression was observed in both TM mucosa (p < 0.001) and adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001). This pattern was reflected to a lesser degree by STn expression in these tissue types. Interestingly, TM mucosa demonstrates a Tn expression level even higher than that of the adenocarcinoma itself (p = 0.019). Colorectal adenomas demonstrated greater Tn and STn expression relative to normal mucosa (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, CRC is characterized by alterations in Tn/STn antigen expression in neoplastic epithelium as well as peritumoral benign mucosa. Tn/STn antigens are seldom expressed in normal mucosa. This suggests that TM mucosa, in addition to CRC itself, represents a source of glycoproteins rich in Tn that may offer future biomarker targets.

Oncotype DX testing does not affect clinical practice in stage IIa colon cancer.

Although studies have demonstrated the 12-gene Oncotype DX Colon Recurrence Score's (RS) validity in predicting recurrence and influence on physician-patient decision-making, its discriminatory power and inability to predict response to treatment make its clinical impact uncertain. We sought to evaluate the influence of RS in the decision to offer adjuvant chemotherapy after resection of stage IIa colon cancer. A review of patients with stage IIa colon cancer who obtained the RS at a tertiary academic medical center was conducted. The main study outcome was decision to start adjuvant chemotherapy. The association between RS and the decision to obtain adjuvant chemotherapy was evaluated utilizing the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. 52 of 105 patients with stage IIa colon cancer underwent RS testing. Overall, seven of 52 patients (13%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. 34 (65%) patients obtained the RS test despite having multiple other recurrence risk factors. There were no significant associations between any patient/tumor characteristic and RS score (all p > 0.08) or starting adjuvant chemotherapy (all p > 0.15). On multivariable analysis, there was no significant effect of RS on the odds of undergoing chemotherapy (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.98-1.19; p = 0.14). There was no clear association between RS and starting adjuvant chemotherapy (AUC 0.64, 95% CI 0.36-0.91; p = 0.25). RS was not associated with the decision to start adjuvant chemotherapy. Given its lack of association with clinical decision-making and inability to predict clinical outcome, our data suggest the RS should not be obtained in patients with stage IIa colon cancer.

Patient's compliance is a contributor to failure of extended antithrombotic prophylaxis in colorectal surgery: prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolic events (VTE) continue to be a major source of morbidity following colorectal surgery. Selective extended VTE prophylaxis for high-risk patients is recommended; however, provider compliance is low. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the "global" extended use of enoxaparin in all colorectal patients is feasible and safe. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted at a tertiary care center. All Patients undergoing elective colorectal procedures from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018 were discharged on 30 days of enoxaparin. Safety of use and patient compliance were examined. RESULTS: Total of 270 patients received extended prophylaxis during the study period (100% of intended patients) with five VTE recorded (1.85%). There was no significant difference in rates of VTE or complications when compared to years of selective prophylaxis (1.26% for 2016, 2.32% for 2017). Only 64% of patients reported full compliance. CONCLUSION: Global use of extended enoxaparin prophylaxis is safe, but does not decrease rates of VTE when compared to selective use. Patient's non-adherence is likely a significant contributing factor.

Vedolizumab does not increase perioperative surgical complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, cohort study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biologics are increasingly used to manage ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). However, even with earlier usage of biologic therapy, a significant proportion of patients will require surgery. Vedolizumab is an anti-integrin antibody that is increasingly used given that it is more gut selective and associated with fewer side effects. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of vedolizumab compared to anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy on the perioperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients treated for IBD at a tertiary care center between 2013 and 2017. Rates of 30- and 90-day complications for patients on vedolizumab were compared to patients on anti-TNF regimens. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-nine patients met inclusion criteria with 87 (43%) patients undergoing surgery for CD, 111 (55.8%) for UC and 1 (0.5%) for indeterminate colitis. Thirty-eight patients received preoperative vedolizumab and 94 received anti-TNF. There were more males and lower body mass index in the anti-TNF group. There was no significant difference in overall rate of complications at 30 or 90 days. There was a trend for lower leak rate vedolizumab group (0% for vedolizumab vs. 2.1% for anti-TNF at 30 days, P= 1.00; 0% for vedolizumab vs. 1.1% for anti-TNF at 90 days, P= 1.00). Multivariate analysis showed low albumin ( < 3.6 g/dL) at the time of surgery to be a significant risk factor for overall and infectious complications at 90 days (odds ratio, 3.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-8.79; P= 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative vedolizumab does not increase rates of perioperative complications in IBD surgery when compared to anti-TNF medications.

Delivery of ERAS Care in an Academic Hospital: An Analysis of Pathway Deviations and Obstacles to Adherence.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) pathways in colorectal surgery improve outcomes and reduce disparities, but pathway adherence rates are variable. Sustainability of adherence following initial implementation, particularly in academic settings with trainee involvement, is underexplored. This study measures and describes ERAS adherence for 163 consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resection in an academic colorectal surgery department with a well-established ERAS pathway. Providers, including residents and nursing staff, were surveyed regarding pathway knowledge and obstacles to adherence. Adherence was higher preoperatively (80%) and intraoperatively (93%) than postoperatively (61%). Opioid-sparing analgesia and bowel motility agents were underdosed on up to 63% of hospital days, without clinical rationale in ≥50% of cases. Providers cited peer teaching (71%) as the primary source of pathway knowledge and identified individual surgeon preferences as an obstacle to adherence. Formalized ERAS pathway education, communication, and coordination among attending physicians are needed to reduce provider-driven deviation in an academic setting.

Effectiveness of the Ileostomy Pathway in Reducing Readmissions for Dehydration: Does It Stand the Test of Time?

BACKGROUND: The ileostomy pathway, introduced in 2011, has proved to be successful in eliminating hospital readmissions for high-output ileostomy or dehydration in the following period of 7 months in a single institution. However, it is unclear whether this short-term success, immediately after the initiation of the program, can be sustainable in the long term. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and the durability of the ileostomy pathway in reducing readmissions for dehydration over a longer period of time. DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of the patients who entered into the ileostomy pathway, since its introduction on March 1, 2011, until January 31, 2015. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a tertiary academic center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing colorectal surgery with the creation of a new end or loop ileostomy were included. INTERVENTION: The long-term sustainability of the ileostomy pathway was assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was readmission within 30 days after discharge for a high-output ileostomy or dehydration. RESULTS: A total of 393 patients (male n = 195, female n = 198, median age 52 (18-87) years) were included: 161 prepathway and 232 on-pathway. Overall 30-day postdischarge readmission rates decreased from 35.4% to 25.9% (p = 0.04). Readmissions due to high output and/or dehydration dropped from 15.5% to 3.9% (p < 0.001). Readmissions due to small-bowel obstructions dropped from 9.9% to 4.3%, (p = 0.03). LIMITATIONS: The possible limitations of the study included a nonrandomized comparison of the patient groups and those patients who were possibly admitted to different institutions. CONCLUSIONS: The present ileostomy pathway decreases readmissions for high-output ileostomy and dehydration in patients with new ileostomies and is durable in the long term. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B233. EFICACIA DE VÍA DE ILEOSTOMÍA PARA REDUCIR LOS REINGRESOS POR DESHIDRATACIÓN: ¿RESISTE LA PRUEBA DEL TIEMPO?: La vía de ileostomía, introducida en 2011, ha demostrado ser exitosa en la eliminación de reingresos hospitalarios por ileostomía de alto rendimiento o deshidratación, por un período de 7 meses, en una sola institución. Sin embargo, no se ha aclarado si el éxito es a corto plazo, inmediatamente después del inicio del programa, y de que pueda ser sostenible a largo plazo.El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la eficacia y la durabilidad de la vía de ileostomía, para disminuir los reingresos por deshidratación, durante un período de tiempo más largo.Esta fue una revisión retrospectiva de pacientes que ingresaron a la vía de ileostomía, desde su introducción el 1 de marzo de 2011 hasta el 31 de enero de 2015.Este estudio se realizó en un centro académico terciario.Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal con la creación de una nueva ileostomía de extremo o asa.Evaluar la sostenibilidad de la vía de ileostomía a largo plazo.El punto final primario fue el reingreso dentro de los 30 días posteriores al alta, por una ileostomía de alto gasto o deshidratación.Se incluyeron un total de 393 pacientes (hombres n = 195, mujeres n = 198, edad media 52 [18-87] años), 161 antes de la vía y 232 en la vía. En general, las tasas de reingreso después del alta a 30 días, disminuyeron de 35.4% a 25.9% (p = 0.04). Los reingresos por alto rendimiento y / o deshidratación, disminuyeron del 15.5% al 3.9% (p < 0.001). Los reingresos debidos a obstrucciones del intestino delgado, disminuyeron del 9.9% al 4.3% (p = 0.03).Las posibles limitaciones del estudio incluyeron una comparación no aleatoria de los grupos de pacientes, y de aquellos pacientes que posiblemente fueron admitidos en diferentes instituciones.La vía de ileostomía disminuye los reingresos por ileostomía de alto gasto y deshidratación, en nuevos pacientes con ileostomía, y es duradera a largo plazo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B233.

Rate of urinary retention after ileostomy takedown in men and role of routine placement of urinary catheter.

Ileostomy takedown has been proposed as one of the procedures where the placement of the catheters can be avoided, however, the rate of UR after ileostomy takedown is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the rate of UR after ileostomy takedown and the potential benefit of perioperative Tamsulosin. Retrospective cohort study of men undergoing ileostomy takedown after pelvic colorectal surgery between January 2009 and December 2016. A total of 100 patients were identified. The rate of UR after ileostomy takedown was high at 26%. There were no instances of urinary tract infection, however, most instances of UR were in patients who did not have catheter in surgery (96% vs. 4%, p = 0.044). Perioperative use of tamsulosin did not result in significant decrease in urinary retention. Rates of urinary retention after ileostomy takedown are high. Although not placing the catheter may be protective against urinary tract infections, patients should be counseled about the possibility of UR after ileostomy takedown.

Correction to: Surgeon-delivered laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane blocks are non-inferior to anesthesia-delivered ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks: a blinded, randomized non-inferiority trial.

The following text should have been included in the Acknowledgments.

Rectal eversion: safe and effective way to achieve low transaction in minimally invasive Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis surgery, short- and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis remains a gold standard in restoring continence in patient with ulcerative colitis. Achieving low transection can be challenging and may require mucosectomy with a hand-sewn anastomosis. Rectal eversion (RE) technique provides a safe and effective alternative for both open and minimally invasive approaches. The purpose of this study is to evaluate short- and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent RE when compared to those who underwent conventional trans-abdominal transection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective review performed at tertiary care center. Patients undergoing proctectomy and pouch surgery by either standard approach or with RE from November 2004 to January 2017 were evaluated. Demographics, post-operative complications, as well as 1- and 3-year functional outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Total of 176 underwent proctocolectomy with creation of a J pouch and 88 (50%) had the RE technique utilized. The RE group had a higher rate of corticosteroid use at the time of surgery 59.1 versus 39.8% (p = 0.0156), but otherwise groups were statistically similar. 20 cases (26.1%) of RE group and 54 (61%) of conventional group cases were accomplished in minimally invasive fashion. There was no difference in the rates of 30- and 90-day complications. Functional outcomes data were available for up to 78.4% of patient with trans-abdominal approach and 64.7% in RE group. At 1 and 3 years after surgery, there was no difference in the number of bowel movements, fecal incontinence, or nocturnal bowel movements. The rates of returning to ileostomy or pouch revision were the same. CONCLUSION: RE technique is safe and effective way to achieve a low transaction in J pouch surgery. The technique provides similar functional outcomes at 1 and 3 years after surgery and can be particularly useful in minimally invasive approaches.

Surgeon-delivered laparoscopic transversus abdominis plane blocks are non-inferior to anesthesia-delivered ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane blocks: a blinded, randomized non-inferiority trial.

BACKGROUND: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is an important non-narcotic adjunct for post-operative pain control in abdominal surgery. Surgeons can use laparoscopic guidance for TAP block placement (LTAP), however, direct comparisons to conventional ultrasound-guided TAP (UTAPs) have been lacking. The aim of this study is to determine if surgeon placed LTAPs were non-inferior to anesthesia placed UTAPs for post-operative pain control in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, patient and observer blinded parallel-arm non-inferiority trial conducted at a single tertiary academic center between 2016 and 2018 on adult patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Narcotic consumption and pain scores were compared for LTAP vs. UTAP for 48 h post-operatively. RESULTS: 60 patients completed the trial (31 UTAP, 29 LTAP) of which 25 patients were female (15 UTAP, 10 LTAP) and the mean ages (SD) were 60.0 (13.6) and 61.5 (14.3) in the UTAP and LTAP groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in post-operative narcotic consumption between UTAP and LTAP at the time of PACU discharge (median [IQR] milligrams of morphine, 1.8 [0-4.5] UTAP vs. 0 [0-8.7] LTAP P = .32), 6 h post-operatively (5.4 [1.8-17.1] UTAP vs. 3.6 [0-12.6] LTAP P = .28), at 12 h post-operatively (9.0 [3.6-29.4] UTAP vs. 7.2 [0.9-22.5] LTAP P = .51), at 24 h post-operatively (9.0 [3.6-29.4] UTAP vs. 7.2 [0.9-22.5] LTAP P = .63), and 48 h post-operatively (39.9 [7.5-70.2] UTAP vs. 22.2 [7.5-63.8] LTAP P = .41). Patient-reported pain scores as well as pre-, intra-, and post-operative course were similar between groups. Non-inferiority criteria were met at all post-op time points up to and including 24 h but not at 48 h. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeon-delivered LTAPs are safe, effective, and non-inferior to anesthesia-administered UTAPs in the immediate post-operative period. TRIAL REGISTRY: The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT03577912.

Rectal-prolapse repair in men is safe, but outcomes are not well understood.

INTRODUCTION: Rectal prolapse is a condition that occurs infrequently in men and there is little literature guiding treatment in this population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical approach and outcomes of rectal-prolapse repair in men. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter review was conducted of consecutive men who underwent rectal-prolapse repair between 2004 and 2014. Surgical approaches and outcomes, including erectile function and fecal continence, were evaluated. RESULTS: During the study period, 58 men underwent rectal-prolapse repair and the mean age of repair was 52.7 ± 24.1 years. The mean follow-up was 13.2 months (range, 0.5-117 months). The majority of patients underwent endoscopic evaluation (78%), but few patients underwent anal manometry (16%), defecography (9%) or ultrasound (3%). Ten patients (17%) underwent biofeedback/pelvic-floor physical therapy prior to repair. Nineteen patients (33%) underwent a perineal approach (most were perineal proctosigmoidectomy). Thirty-nine patients (67%) underwent repair using an abdominal approach (all were suture rectopexy) and, of these, 77% were completed using a minimally invasive technique. The overall complication rate was 26% including urinary retention (16%), which was more common in patients undergoing the perineal approach (32% vs. 8%, P = 0.028), urinary-tract infection (7%) and wound infection (3%). The overall recurrence rate was 9%, with no difference between abdominal and perineal approaches. Information on sexual function was missing in the majority of patients  both before and after surgery (76% and 78%, respectively). CONCLUSION:  Rectal-prolapse repair in men is safe and has a low recurrence rate; however, sexual function was poorly recorded across all institutions. Further studies are needed to evaluate to best approach to and functional outcomes of rectal-prolapse repair in men.

Surgery in the age of biologics.

Since the introduction of the first anti-tumor necrosis factor antibodies in the late 1990s, biologic therapy has revolutionized the medical treatment of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, surgery continues to play a significant role in treating IBD patients. Rates of intestinal resection in patients with Crohn's disease or colectomy in ulcerative colitis are reducing but not substantially over the long term. An increasing variety of biologic medications are now available to treat IBD patients in various clinical situations. Consequently, a number of questions persist about how biologic medications affect the need for surgery and overall course in IBD patients. Given the trend for earlier and more frequent use of biologic medications in IBD patients, a working knowledge of the effects of these medications on surgical decision-making and outcomes is essential for the practicing colorectal surgeon and gastroenterologist. This review seeks to summarize the relevant literature surrounding biologic use and IBD surgery with a focus on the effect of biologics on the frequency, type and complications of surgery in this 'age of biologics'.

Structured versus narrative reporting of pelvic MRI in perianal fistulizing disease: impact on clarity, completeness, and surgical planning.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clarity, completeness, and impact on surgical planning of MRI reporting of perianal fistulizing disease using a structured disease-specific template versus narrative reporting for planning of disease treatment by colorectal surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this HIPAA-compliant, IRB-approved study with waiver of informed consent, a structured reporting template for perianal fistulizing disease MRIs was developed based on collaboration between colorectal surgeons and abdominal radiologists. The study population included 45 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic MRI for perianal fistulizing disease prior to implementation of structured reporting, and 60 consecutive patients who underwent pelvic MRI for perianal fistulizing disease after implementation of structured reporting. Objective evaluation of the reports for the presence of 12 key features was performed, as also subjective evaluation regarding the clarity and completeness of reports, and impact on surgical planning. RESULTS: Significantly more key features were absent in narrative reports [mean: 6.3 ± 1.8 (range 3-11)] than in structured reports [mean: 0.3 ± 0.9 (range 1-5)] (p ≤ 0.001). The use of structured reporting also increased the percentage of completeness (72.5-88.3% for surgeon 1, and 61.2-81.3% for surgeon 2; p = 0.05 and 0.03, respectively), helpfulness in surgical planning (7.1 ± 1.5-7.6 ± 1.5 for surgeon 1, and 5.8 ± 1.4-7.1 ± 1.1 for surgeon 2; p = 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively), and clarity (7.6 ± 1.3-8.3 ± 1.1 for surgeon 1, and 5.2 ± 1.4-7.1 ± 1.3 for surgeon 2; p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively) of the reports. CONCLUSION: Structured MRI reports in patients with perianal fistulizing disease miss fewer key features than narrative reports. Moreover, structured reports were described as more complete and clear, and more helpful for treatment planning.

Synchronous granular cell tumors of the pancreas and cecum.

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare and typically benign. Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific imaging characteristics and symptomatology. Herein, we report a combination of pancreatic/cecal GCTs in a 43-year-old man. Contrast enhanced MDCT demonstrated a 1.5 cm well-defined homogeneous intraluminal cecal mass and a 1.6 cm slightly hypervascular pancreatic body mass. On MRI, the pancreatic mass showed increased enhancement on post-gadolinium delayed sequences. Diagnosis was confirmed by excisional pathology (S100 and CD68, PAS-D positive). Radiologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons should ponder the possibility of GCTs in the differential diagnosis of any small, pancreatic or cecal well-defined tumor.