Hamartomatous Polyps and Associated Syndromes.

Hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract can occur sporadically, however, for several hereditary syndromes, their presence is one of the major clinical features. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis syndrome, and the PTEN hamartoma syndromes are autosomal dominant inherited disorders that predispose to formation of such polyps, especially in the colon and rectum. These can lead to increased colorectal cancer risk and should be followed and managed appropriately. In this article, the three major hereditary hamartomatous syndromes are described, including presentation, colorectal surveillance, and management.

Smoking as dominant risk factor for anastomotic leak after left colon resection.

BACKGROUND: Some risk factors for anastomotic leak have been identified, but the effect of smoking is unknown. METHODS: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on clinical leak after left-sided anastomoses. Adult patients who underwent elective left colectomy between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 were included. Those with stomas and inflammatory bowel diseases were excluded. Primary outcome was anastomotic leak requiring percutaneous drainage or operative intervention within 30 days. RESULTS: There were 246 patients included; 56% were female. Most had a diagnosis of diverticular disease (53%) or cancer (37%). Anastomotic leak rate was 6.5% (n = 16). The rate in smokers was 17% versus 5% in nonsmokers (P = .01). Smokers had over 4 times greater chance of leak (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 13.5, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Smoking is a risk factor for leak after left colectomy. Consideration should be given to delaying elective left colectomy until smoking cessation is achieved.

Sexually transmitted and anorectal infectious diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are common and they can involve the anus and rectum in both men and women. In this article, the main bacterial and viral STDs that affect the anus and rectum are discussed, including their prevalence, presentation, and treatment.

Use and outcomes of emergent laparoscopic resection for acute diverticulitis.

BACKGROUND: The use and outcomes of laparoscopic sigmoid resection during emergency admissions for diverticulitis are unknown. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for colorectal resections performed for diverticulitis during emergent hospital admissions (2003-2007). Univariate and multivariate analyses including patient, hospital, and outcome variables were performed. RESULTS: A national estimate of 67,645 resections (4% laparoscopic) was evaluated. The rate of conversion to open operation was 55%. Ostomies were created in 66% of patients, 67% open and 41% laparoscopic. Laparoscopy was not a predictor of mortality (odds ratio [OR] =.70; confidence interval [CI], .32-1.53). Laparoscopy predicted routine discharge (OR = 1.31; CI, 1.06-1.63) and a decreased length of stay (absolute days = -.78; CI, -1.19 to -.37). There was no difference in the cost of hospitalization between the 2 groups (P = .45). CONCLUSIONS: In acute diverticulitis, urgent laparoscopic resection decreases the length of stay. However, it is associated with a high conversion rate, no cost savings, and no difference in mortality.

Effect of surgical approach on 30-day mortality and morbidity after elective colectomy: a NSQIP study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the laparoscopic approach and pre- and postoperative conditions as predictors of 30-day mortality and morbidity in elective colectomy. METHODS: Elective colectomies were identified in the 2005-2008 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model 30-day mortality and morbidity following elective colectomy. Propensity scores were calculated to decrease selection bias. RESULTS: During the period studied, 14,321 patients underwent open colectomy and 10,409 underwent laparoscopic colectomy. Factors that significantly influenced mortality included male gender [odds ratio (OR) 1.4, confidence interval (CI) 1.07-1.9]; age (OR 1.07, CI 1.05-1.08); comorbidities including dyspnea, ascites, congestive heart failure, dialysis, or disseminated cancer; and postoperative conditions including reintubation (OR 2.6, CI 1.6-4.0), renal failure (OR 3.8, CI 2.1-6.9), stroke (OR 6.44, CI 2.4-17.6), and septic shock (OR 13.1, CI 8.76-19.4). While laparoscopy was not independently associated with mortality, it was associated with decreased postoperative morbidity including reintubation (OR 0.74, CI 0.59-0.91), renal failure (OR 0.60, CI 0.4-0.91), septic shock (OR 0.74, CI 0.59-0.92), wound infection (OR 0.58, CI0.44-0.77), and pneumonia (OR 0.71, CI 0.59-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this analysis, laparoscopy was associated with a decrease in 30-day postoperative morbidity for colectomy. However, after adjusting for preoperative comorbidities and postoperative morbidities, laparoscopy did not independently influence mortality after colectomy.

Utilization of laparoscopic colectomy in the United States before and after the clinical outcomes of surgical therapy study group trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utilization of laparoscopic colectomy (LC) in the United States before and after prospective data supported its use for the treatment of colon cancer. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2001-2003 [before Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy (COST)] and 2005-2007 (after COST) was queried for elective colectomies for both benign and malignant disease. The COST trial was published in 2004; therefore, 2004 data were excluded. Univariate analyses including patient-specific, hospital-specific, and outcome variables were performed. Multivariate logistic regression models and subset analyses were used to evaluate these variables and operative approach by time frame. RESULTS: The query yielded 741,817 elective colectomies (684,969 open and 56,848 laparoscopic). The percentage of elective colectomies performed laparoscopically has increased over time. Laparoscopic colectomy for benign disease increased from 6.2% in 2001-2003 to 11.8% in 2005-2007, while those for colon cancer have increased by a larger percentage, 2.3% to 8.9%. In a multivariate model of patients with colon cancer, the odds ratio (OR) for having a laparoscopic approach after COST was 4.55 (confidence interval 3.81-5.44) compared with before COST. In contrast, for benign disease, the OR was 2.10 (confidence interval 1.79-2.46). Factors predictive of having a laparoscopic approach for cancer have changed very little over time: Patients are more likely to be male, insured, live in areas with the highest incomes, and undergo resection at urban teaching hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Within 3 years after publication of the COST trial, the use of laparoscopic resection for colon cancer approached that of benign disease. However, almost 90% of cases are still performed open and utilization remains influenced by socioeconomic factors.

Specialized practice reduces inpatient mortality, length of stay, and cost in the care of colorectal patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether specialized surgeon practice improves clinical outcomes for major inpatient adult colorectal resections. DESIGN: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried for elective colorectal resections performed from 2001 through 2007. Specialization was determined by first identifying surgeons' procedures as either colorectal or noncolorectal. Surgeons were then stratified as either a specialized surgeon, if colorectal cases comprised more than 75% of their caseload, or a nonspecialized surgeon if colorectal cases comprised less than 75%. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The data points collected for these cases were: cost, length of stay, mortality, demographics, comorbidities, acuity of admission, hospital region, hospital location and teaching status, and primary payer information. Cost and length of stay were analyzed using a linear regression model with a log transformation for length of stay. A logistic regression analysis was performed for mortality. These models were adjusted for all other covariates including surgeon volume. RESULTS: A total of 13,925 surgeons performing 115,540 procedures were analyzed. Specialized surgeons comprised 4.6% of surgeons and performed 17.0% of resections. In multivariate analysis, specialized surgeons had a lower risk of mortality (OR 0.72; CI 0.57-0.90, P = .0044), decreased length of stay (absolute difference in days 0.23; CI 0.11-0.49, P = .0022), and similar hospital cost (absolute cost difference $420 less; CI $238 more to $1079 less, P = .211) compared with nonspecialized surgeons. Although cost was not significant at a 75% specialization cutoff, a relationship exists between lower hospitalization cost and increased surgeon specialization even when controlled for surgeon volume. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical specialization leads to reductions in mortality, hospital days, and cost for inpatient colorectal care.

Dramatic decreases in mortality from laparoscopic colon resections based on data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the mortality rate and associated factors for laparoscopic and open colectomy as derived from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. PATIENTS: Between 2002 and 2007, the Nationwide Inpatient Sample estimated 1,314,696 patients underwent colectomy in the United States. Most (n = 1,231,184) were open, but 83,512 were laparoscopic. Patients who underwent a laparoscopic procedure that was converted to open were analyzed within the laparoscopic group on an intention-to-treat basis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mortality rate. Using a logistic regression model, patient and institutional characteristics were analyzed and evaluated for significant associations with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: In a multivariate analysis, significant predictors of increased mortality included older age, male sex, lower socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and emergency or transfer admission. Additionally, a laparoscopic approach was an independent predictor of decreased mortality when compared with open colectomy (relative risk, 0.51; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Even when controlling for comorbidities, socioeconomic status, practice setting, and admission type, laparoscopy is an independent predictor of decreased mortality for colon resection.

Predicting malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm: a single-center review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) in our institution and the selection for resection. Recent publications, including those from the International Consensus Guidelines and the Mayo Clinic, set forth criteria for resection. However, these criteria differ in the definition of main duct IPMN, which is an indication to resect. METHODS: Sixty patients from a single institution were retrospectively reviewed between 2000 and 2009. RESULTS: Thirteen percent of patients had high-grade dysplasia, and 22% had invasive cancer. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with a lower risk of carcinoma were female sex (P = .039) and size <3 cm (P = .024). Patients were retrospectively evaluated with Mayo and International Consensus Guidelines. Eight patients had a diagnosis that would have changed from main duct to branch duct if the International Consensus Guidelines were used. Of these 8, there were 2 cancers. If the International Consensus Guidelines were applied instead of the Mayo, both cancers would have been resected, but 2 patients without cancer would have been spared an operation. CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-two percent of resected patients had invasive cancer, and they had significantly worse survival (37 vs 85 months, P = .032). In our patient group, application of the International Consensus Guidelines identified all malignant IPMN and would have prevented 2 nontherapeutic resections when compared with the Mayo criteria.

Laparoscopic converted to open colectomy: predictors and outcomes from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: Early in their learning curve, surgeons need to appropriately select patients to avoid conversion from laparoscopic to an open colectomy. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, laparoscopic and laparoscopic converted to open colectomies performed between 2002 and 2007 were compared. We evaluated patient and institutional characteristics to find significant predictors and outcomes of conversion. RESULTS: Between 2002 and 2007, the rate of conversion was high, ranging from 35.7% to 38.0%. Multivariate predictors of conversion included obesity, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, constipation, metastatic disease, nonelective admission, left or transverse colectomy, intraoperative complication, lower socioeconomic status, uninsured status, and rural hospital location. A colectomy for benign colon polyps was less likely to be converted. Conversion to an open colectomy did not increase inpatient mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of conversion from open to laparoscopic colectomy were found from a national database reflecting all US laparoscopic colectomies. Conversion did not increase inpatient mortality.

Endoscopic ultrasound may be unnecessary in the preoperative evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

OBJECTIVES: Several imaging modalities are commonly performed during work-up of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), but guidelines do not suggest any one technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate tumour and duct measurements by computed tomography (CT) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and their ability to predict high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and cancer within pancreatic IPMN. METHODS: Patients with IPMN who underwent preoperative CT and EUS between 2001 and 2009 were selected. Data were gathered retrospectively from medical records. RESULTS: The study group was comprised of 52 patients, 33% (17/52) of whom had HGD or cancer. On fine needle aspirate (FNA), neither carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) >200 nor cytological analysis correlated with malignancy. In multivariate analysis, duct size ≥ 1.0 cm (P= 0.034) was a significant predictor of HGD or cancer, and diameter on CT scan (P= 0.056) approached significance. Lesion diameter of ≥ 2.5 cm on CT scan identified malignancy in 71% (12/17) of patients (P= 0.037). When analysed, all patients with HGD or cancer had a lesion diameter ≥ 2.5 cm and/or a duct diameter ≥ 1.0 cm by CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: The use of radiographic criteria on CT including lesion size ≥ 2.5 cm and/or pancreatic duct diameter ≥ 1.0 cm appears to reliably identify patients with either HGD or invasive cancer. High-resolution CT scanning may obviate the need for EUS and FNA in patients with suspected IPMN.

Laparoscopic proctectomy after neoadjuvant therapy: safety and long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: The oncologic value of laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma is uncertain. Long-term data, particularly in tumors at higher risk of recurrence, is lacking. This study evaluated short- and long-term outcomes in patients who underwent laparoscopic proctectomy for locally advanced cancer (transmural and/or node positive) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 50 consecutive patients with transmural and/or node-positive rectal cancer, from a single surgeon's practice, from 2001 to 2009. All patients were treated with neoadjuvant CRT. All cases were started laparoscopic or hand-assist. RESULTS: Of 50 patients, 58% were men, mean age was 60.9 years, and mean body mass index (BMI) was 26.3. The average distance of the tumor from the anal verge was 5.7 cm. All patients completed CRT, and the subsequent mean time to operation was 7.8 weeks. The conversion to open rate was 26%. Thirty-day mortality was 2%. Twenty-two percent had a complete response to CRT. Two patients had positive margins: one developed distant recurrence only, and the other died 2 years later without evidence of local recurrence. The average distal margin was 3.26 cm. The average lymph nodes resected was 11.9. Seven patients had an ileus that delayed discharge and one had a pelvic abscess. Median length of stay was 6 days. Three patients were readmitted within 30 days; all for dehydration. Mean follow-up was 2.72 years. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5-year local recurrence rate was 9.6%, and the distant recurrence rate was 31%. Five-year disease-specific survival was 80% and overall survival was 68%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy can safely undergo laparoscopic proctectomy with a low rate of complications. Oncologic outcomes, including 5-year disease-free survival and local recurrence rates, are comparable to published reports of open proctectomy.

Ethnicity influences lymph node resection in colon cancer.

The purpose of this study is to determine the association between ethnicity and lymph node retrieval after colon cancer resection. Using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, patients who underwent colon cancer resection from 2000-2003 were evaluated. Subjects were classified as having <12 (N = 20,605) or ≥12 (N = 12,358) lymph nodes examined. Multivariate models were used to analyze the relationship between lymph nodes resected and independent variables. Out of a total of 32,936 patients, 62.5% had fewer than 12 lymph nodes resected. In multivariate analysis, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with a significantly lower chance of having ≥12 lymph nodes than the Caucasian population (OR = 0.61; CI, 0.50-0.74). Despite this, there was no understaging: the proportion of stage II and III diagnoses was the same. Both groups received the same rate of cancer-directed surgery and survival was equivalent. During this study period, a majority of colon cancer resections were inadequate based on the current standard of ≥12 nodes. Hispanic patients were less likely to have an adequate node resection when compared to Caucasians. Despite fewer lymph nodes harvested, they had equivalent staging and survival. These results suggest that ethnicity influences the lymph node count.