The Impact of the Donor Card Holder Prioritization Program on Kidney Allocation in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Since 2014, as part of a priority program within the Israeli Transplant Law, additional points were given to waitlisted candidates with donor cards. We assessed the impact on deceased donor kidney allocation. METHODS: This study enrolled all patients older than 18 y who underwent deceased donor kidney transplantation (January 2016-December 2019). Data were obtained from the National HLA Tissue Laboratory registry at the Sheba Medical Center. Patients were grouped by donor card status (ADI group) (not signed, 0 points; relative signed, 0.1 points; patient signed, 2 points; and relative donated, 9 points). The primary outcome was waiting time until kidney transplantation with and without the additional score. RESULTS: Four hundred forty-four patients underwent kidney transplantation during the study period: 281 (63%) were donor card holders (DCH) and 163 (37%) were not DCH. DCH with extra points waited 68.0 (±47.0) mo on average, compared with 94.6 (±47.3) mo for not DCH ( P  < 0.001). Donor card signers had a shorter time until transplant in a multivariable model. Without extra points, 145 recipients (32.6%) would have missed organs allocated to higher-scored candidates. Allocation changes occurred in 1 patient because of an additional 0.1 points, in 103 candidates because of an additional 2 points, and in 41 candidates because of an additional 9 points. CONCLUSIONS: Additional DCH scores improved allocation and reduced waiting time for donor card signers and those with donating relatives. To enhance fairness, consideration should be given to reducing the score weight of this social criterion and raising scores for other factors, especially dialysis duration.

Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life in Non-Directed Versus Directed Kidney Donors: Implications for the Promotion of Non-Directed Donation.

Living kidney donation has increased significantly, but little is known about the post-donation health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of non-directed donors (NDs) vs. directed donors (DDs). We thus examined the outcomes of 112 living kidney donors (82 NDs, 30 DDs). For the primary outcomes-namely, the mean physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) questionnaire-scores were significantly higher for the NDs vs. the DDs (PCS: +2.69, MCS: +4.43). For secondary outcomes, NDs had shorter hospital stays (3.4 vs. 4.4 days), returned to physical activity earlier (45 vs. 60 days), exercised more before and after donation, and continued physical activity post-donation. Regression analyses revealed that donor type and white blood cell count were predictive of the PCS-12 score, and donor type was predictive of the MCS-12 score. Non-directed donation was predictive of a shorter hospital stay (by 0.78 days, p < 0.001) and the odds of having PCS-12 and MCS-12 scores above 50 were almost 10 and 16 times higher for NDs, respectively (p < 0.05). These findings indicate the safety and potential benefits of promoting non-directed donation. However, careful selection processes must be maintained to prevent harm and exploitation.

The Clinical Manifestation of Immunosuppressive Therapy as a Tool to Improve Immune Monitoring in Renal Transplant Recipients.

INTRODUCTION: Metrics for posttransplant immune monitoring to prevent over or under immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are lacking. METHODS: We surveyed 132 RTRs, 38 in the first year posttransplant and 94 >1-year posttransplant, to study the clinical expression of immunosuppressive therapy. A questionnaire administered to these RTRs was divided into physical (Q physical) and mental (Q mental) symptoms. RESULTS: In multivariable models for the association between the calculated Q physical and Q mental scores and different clinical and biochemical variables in the 38 RTRs who filled out the questionnaire 130 times during the first year posttransplant, it was found that mycophenolic acid (MPA) and prednisone use increased the mean Q physical score by 0.59 (95% CI: 0.21-0.98, p = 0.002) and 0.53 (95% CI: 0.26-0.81, p = 0.00), respectively, while MPA use increased the mean Q mental score by 0.72 (95% CI: 0.31-1.12, p = 0.001). Among the 94 RTRs who each completed the questionnaire only once, the odds for the mean Q mental score to be above the median value were more than 3 times higher for RTRs treated versus non-treated with MPA (OR 3.38, 95% CI: 1.1-10.3, p = 0.03). MPA-treated RTRs had higher mean scores for questions related to sleep disorders (1.83 ± 1.06 vs. 1.32 ± 0.67 for not treated, p = 0.037), to difficulty falling asleep (1.72 ± 1.11 vs. 1.16 ± 0.5, p = 0.02), and to depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION: We concluded that prednisone and MPA use are associated with an increased Q physical and Q mental scores in RTRs. Routine monitoring of physical and mental status of RTRs should be implemented to improve the diagnosis of overimmunosuppression. Dose reduction or discontinuation of MPA should be considered in RTRs who report sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety.

The Impact of Obesity and Associated Comorbidities on the Outcomes after Renal Transplantation with a Living Donor vs. Deceased Donor Grafts.

Background: Obesity among kidney transplant (KT) recipients can lead to metabolic comorbidity-associated deaths. This study compares post-KT survival between obese and non-obese patients and outcomes of living donor (LD) and deceased donor (DD) grafts. Methods: Between January 2005−May 2019, 1403 KT recipients from a single center were included in the study, as well as 314 patients (22.4%) with obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), 137 DD transplants, and 177 LD transplants. Of the 1089 (77.6%) in the control group (BMI ≤ 30 kg/m2), 384 were DD transplants and 705 LD transplants. The Kaplan−Meier method was used for survival analysis and a Cox regression was used to identify risk factors for graft loss and mortality. Propensity score matching analysis adjusting for age, IHD, and T2DM was performed. Results: The study group had higher incidence of obesity related comorbidities, delayed graft function and primary non function (p < 0.001). One-, 5-and 10-year patient and graft survival were lower in the study group (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of graft survival according to type of graft shows a difference in the DD (p = 0.002) but not in the LD group (p = 0.220). However, mortality was higher in both groups (LD, p = 0.045; DD, p = 0.004). Risk factors for mortality were age, T2DM, IHD, and DD, and for graft failure: IHD, BMI, donor age, re-transplant, and DD. Propensity score analysis shows an odds ratio of 0.81 for graft failure and 0.93 for death in the study group (95% CI = 0.55, 1.21, p = 0.3 and CI = 0.59, 1.46, p = 0.7, respectively). Conclusions: Recipient age and metabolic comorbidities should be emphasized when evaluating patients with obesity. We suggest considering weight loss interventions using the new GLP-1 inhibitors and bariatric procedures in selected patients to prepare overweight patients for transplant.

BNT162b2 Third Booster Dose Significantly Increases the Humoral Response Assessed by Both RBD IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies in Renal Transplant Recipients.

Background: An impaired humoral response to full dose of BNT162b2 vaccine was observed in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Methods: To reveal predictors for humoral response to third vaccine, patients were stratified to positive (N = 85) and negative (N = 14) response groups based on receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG ≥1.1 and neutralizing antibodies (NA) ≥ 16 dilution versus RBD IgG <1.1 or NA < 16, respectively. NA were detected using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-virus. Results: Response rate increased from 32.3% (32/99) before the third dose to 85.9% (85/99) post-third vaccine with a significant rise in geometric mean titers (GMTs) for RBD IgG and NA [0.79 (95% CI 0.65-0.96) vs. 3.08 (95% CI 2.76-3.45), p < 0.001 and 17.46 (95% CI 12.38-24.62) vs. 362.2 (95% CI 220.7-594.6), p < 0.001 respective. 80.6% (54/67) seroconverted and 96.9% (31/32) remained positive following the vaccine with a significant increase in GMTs for RBD IgG and NA. Age, ESRD secondary to diabetic nephropathy (DN) and renal allograft function were independent predictors for antibody response in RTR. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) use and dose had no impact on humoral response following the third booster. AEs were recorded for 70.1% of RTR population. Systemic AEs were more common in recipients with a positive humoral response as opposed to non-responders (45.2% versus 15.4% respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion: 85.9% of RTR develop NA to BNT162b2 third vaccine, found effective in both negative and positive responders prior to the vaccine. Antigenic re-exposure overcame the suppressive effect of MPA on antibody response in RTR.

Long-Term Results of Kidney Transplantation in the Elderly: Comparison between Different Donor Settings.

With scarce organ supply, a selection of suitable elderly candidates for transplant is needed, as well as auditing the long-term outcomes after transplant. We conducted an observational cohort study among our patient cohort >60 years old with a long follow up. (1). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used our database to study the results after transplant for 593 patients >60 years old who underwent a transplant between 2000-2017. The outcome was compared between live donor (LD; n = 257) recipients, an old-to-old (OTO, n = 215) group using an extended criteria donor (ECD) kidney, and a young-to-old (YTO, n = 123) group using a standard-criteria donor. The Kaplan-Meir method was used to calculate the patient and graft survival and Cox regression analysis in order to find risk factors associated with death. (2). RESULTS: The 5- and 10-year patient survival was significantly better in the LD group (92.7% and 66.9%) compared with the OTO group (73.3% and 42.8%) and YTO group (70.9% and 40.6%) (p < 0.0001). The 5- and 10-year graft survival rates were 90.3% and 68.5% (LD), 61.7% and 30.9% (OTO), and 64.1% and 39.9%, respectively (YTO group; p < 0.0001 between the LD and the two DD groups). There was no difference in outcome between patients in their 60's and their 70's. Factors associated with mortality included: age (HR-1.060), DM (HR-1.773), IHD (HR-1.510), and LD/DD (HR-2.865). (3). CONCLUSIONS: Our 17-years of experience seems to justify the rational of an old-to-old allocation policy in the elderly population. Live-donor transplant should be encouraged whenever possible. Each individual decision of elderly candidates for transplant should be based on the patient's comorbidity and predicted life expectancy.

Humoral Response of Renal Transplant Recipients to the BNT162b2 SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Using Both RBD IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies.

BACKGROUND: Data about SARS-CoV-2 vaccines efficacy in renal transplant recipients (RTR) are lacking. METHODS: To reveal predictors for humoral response to BNT162b2 vaccine among RTR, patients were divided into positive (N = 42) and negative (N = 78) response groups based on receptor-binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin G (IgG) ≥1.1 and neutralizing antibodies (NA) ≥16 dilution versus RBD IgG <1.1 or NA <16, respectively. NA were detected using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudo-virus. RESULTS: NA were detected in only 42 of 120 (35%) of RTR versus 197 of 202 (97.5%) immunocompetent controls (P < 0.001). NA geometric mean titers in RTR were significantly lower versus the control group {83.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 50.5-138.8) versus 482 (95% CI, 411-566), P < 0.001}. In a multivariable analysis, mycophenolic acid (MPA) dose and hemoglobin level were found to be independent predictors for antibody response in RTR. A positive response rate of 27% versus 63% was observed in patients on and off MPA, respectively. An increase in MPA dose by 1 mg/kg weight reduced the odds for a positive response by 17% (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.75-0.92; P < 0.001). Geometric mean titers for RBD IgG were significantly reduced as MPA daily dose increased. Hemoglobin blood level <13 g/dL reduced the antibody response by 63% (P = 0.04). Pain at the injection site after the second vaccine dose was significantly higher in the responders versus nonresponders (20.5% versus 5.5%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Only 35% of RTR develop NA to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. MPA is a major suppressor of antibody response in RTR.

Early persistent hyperparathyroidism post-renal transplantation as a predictor of worse graft function and mortality after transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Persistent hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is frequently seen after transplantation contributing to post-transplant complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single center analysis to explore the relationship of early pHPT and long-term allograft outcome. Patients were divided into high (N = 153) and low (N = 252) PTH groups based on serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level 3 months post-transplant (PTH ≥ 150 and < 150 pg/mL, respectively). RESULTS: High PTH was found to be an independent predictor for reduced kidney allograft function up to 3 years post-transplant. eGFR decreased by 11.4 mL/min (P < .001) and the odds of having an eGFR < 60 mL/min 3 years post-transplant were sixfold higher (P < .01) in the high compared to the low PTH group. Subgroup analysis based on eGFR 1 year post-transplant, presence of slow graft function (SGF), and transplant type revealed similar results. High PTH three months post-transplant was also independently associated with an increased risk for overall mortality and for death with a functioning graft (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: pHPT three months post-renal transplantation is an independent predictor for a worse allograft function up to 3 years post-transplant and a risk factor for mortality. This relationship remains statistically significant after accounting for baseline allograft function, presence of SGF and serum mineral levels abnormalities.

Inhibition of TNFα in peritoneal fluids of patients following colorectal resection attenuates the postoperative stress-related increase in colon cancer cell migration: A prospective, in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical trauma in patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection generates local and systemic inflammatory responses that can affect oncological outcomes. Post-operative peritoneal fluids of patients undergoing colorectal surgery increase the pro-malignant effect of cancer cells in vitro with correlation to elevated TNFα in these fluids. This study evaluated whether inhibiting TNFα in patients' postoperative fluid biopsies would attenuate this effect. METHODS: Peritoneal fluids from 53 patients undergoing colorectal surgery were sampled before and daily after surgery via intra-abdominal drains. Fluid biopsies were evaluated for their impact on the migration capacity of colon cancer cells and for cytokine levels. TNFα was inhibited using infliximab and cell migration was reevaluated. RESULTS: Colon cancer migration capacity was increased in postoperative fluid biopsies from all patients (P < 0.005) and was elevated compared to pre-resection levels. Infliximab attenuated this effect in >90%, decreasing migration capacity by 30% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of TNFα in postoperative peritoneal fluids attenuates the increase in cancer cell migration capacity generated following colorectal resection. These findings correlate with other studies suggesting that attenuation of the post-operative inflammatory response may have oncological benefit. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate the effect of peri-operative TNFα inhibition in clinical settings.

A surgical solution to regain bowel continuity following an extended left colectomy-reviving and extending the indication for a "Flip-Flop" procedure.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Extended left hemicolectomy might be necessary for several indications. Once the resection is completed, it would be difficult or impossible to anastomose the transverse colon to the rectum due to the difficulty in mobilizing the transverse colon to reach for a tension-free rectal anastomosis. The aim of this report is to present the "Flip-Flop" technique to overcome this challenging situation. The procedure is based on a surgical technique published in the early 1960s to avoid permanent stoma after proctectomy and consists of changing the location of the right colon to reach the rectum. METHODS: Clinical parameters, surgical aspects, and postoperative outcome of patients that underwent the flip-flop procedure following an extended left colectomy in our medical service was reviewed. RESULTS: Three patients underwent a flip-flop procedure after an extended left colectomy performed for various reasons. The surgical technique is detailed in a step by step manner. Patients had uneventful postoperative recovery with an adequate functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that this approach should be revived and be considered also in cases when the full length of the rectum is preserved to avoid ileo-rectal anastomosis or a high-tension colocolonic anastomosis. Popularization of this surgical solution among surgeons is highly important.

Significant elevation of carcinoembryonic antigen levels in abdominal drains after colorectal surgery may indicate early anastomotic dehiscence.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery is a severe complication leading to major postoperative morbidity and mortality. Leaks typically present on the 5th to 6th postoperative days; however, early anastomotic dehiscence occurs occasionally. This study evaluated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in abdominal drains after colorectal resection to assess its potential as an early marker to predict anastomotic leaks. METHODS: This prospective study included 105 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Fluids from the patients' abdominal drain system were sampled daily for up to 3 days after surgery and evaluated for CEA levels. RESULTS: Early anastomotic dehiscence occurred in 3 patients (2.8%) and was associated with a significant elevation of CEA in drain fluids (above 1,000 ng/mL). However, in patients who developed late leaks (7 patients, 6.7%) no significant elevation of CEA was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Significant elevation of CEA levels in abdominal drains in the early postoperative period may indicate early anastomotic dehiscence.

Postcolectomy Peritoneal Environment Increases Colon Cancer Cell Migration Capacity.

Background. Clinical data and animal models support an association between postoperative inflammatory response and the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence. Our aim was to evaluate postoperative peritoneal inflammation and its impact on cultured colon cancer cells' migration capacity. Methods. 23 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection with uneventful recovery were prospectively enrolled. Patients were operated on for both malignant and benign etiologies. Peritoneal fluids collected at surgery initiation and after surgery were evaluated for their effect on migration potential of human colon cancer cells using an in vitro scratch assay and on TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 levels using bead-based fluorokine-linked multianalyte profiling. Results. Postoperative peritoneal fluid from all patients increased the migration capacity of colon cancer cells compared to preoperative levels. This effect was significant during the first two postoperative days and decreased thereafter. The increase in colon cancer cell migration capacity correlated with increased levels of peritoneal TNF-α and IL-10. Conclusion. In this pilot study, we have demonstrated that the intraperitoneal environment following colorectal resection significantly enhances colon cancer cells migration capacity. This effect is associated with postoperative intra-abdominal cytokines level. A larger scale study in colorectal cancer patients is needed in order to correlate these findings with perioperative parameters and clinical outcome.

[LAPAROSCOPIC APPROACH AND SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN RESECTION OF A LARGE EPIPHRENIC ESOPHAGEAL DIVERTICULUM].

Epiphrenic diverticulum of the esophagus is an uncommon finding. Small diverticula are usually asymptomatic in nature. Large diverticula may present with dysphagia, chest or upper abdominal discomfort, vomiting, irritating cough or halitosis. There are a few different surgical approaches to epiphrenic diverticulum resection. It can be performed with an abdominal or a thoracic approach and in an open or a laparoscopic manner. In this case report we present a 70 years old male patient with a giant epiphrenic diverticulum and dysphagia. The patient was operated upon via a laparoscopic abdominal approach with intra-operative endoscopic assistance and underwent a diverticulum resection. We present a review of the different kinds of esophageal diverticula, the mechanism of their formation, and the surgical considerations associated with choosing the appropriate surgical approach.

Effect of sleeve gastrectomy on thyroid hormone levels.

BACKGROUND: Weight loss in morbidly obese patients is associated with changes in thyroid function. Studies have demonstrated equivalent changes following bariatric surgery. Changes in thyroid function were reported following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). No data exists on changes in thyroid function following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). The aim of the current study is to evaluate changes in thyroid function following LSG in patients with normal thyroid function. METHODS: Data were retrieved from a prospectively collected database of patients who underwent LSG for morbid obesity. Euthyroid patients were evaluated for changes in TSH and free thyroxine (FT4), 6-12 months after surgery. Correlation between changes in thyroid hormone levels, excess weight loss (EWL), and baseline TSH were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were included in the study. Mean BMI decreased from 42.4 to 32.5 kg/m(2) (P < 0.0001). Mean TSH levels decreased from 2.45 ± 0.17 mU/L at baseline to 1.82 ± 0.18 mU/L (P < 0.0001), whereas mean FT4 levels remained the same after surgery (13.27 ± 0.45 pmol/L compared to 12.96 ± 0.42 pmol/L, P = NS). TSH decrease was directly related to baseline TSH but did not correlate with EWL. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate changes in thyroid hormone levels following LSG for morbid obesity. TSH decrease and steady levels of FT4 are expected following LSG. These findings are comparable to reported changes following LRYGB. TSH decrease was not associated with EWL. Further studies are required to elucidate the exact mechanism of this effect.

Evaluation of peritoneal CEA levels following colorectal cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal carcinoembryonic antigen (pCEA) levels in the early postoperative period following a curative resection of colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been previously studied. METHODS: Postoperative peritoneal fluids of 36 CRC patients followed by 24 benign colonic disease patients were evaluated for CEA levels and tumor cell presence. Serum CEA levels were also evaluated prior and after surgery. RESULTS: Although high postoperative pCEA levels were observed in some benign patients, more CRC patients exhibited significant elevation of postoperative pCEA (>5 ng/ml) compared to benign patients (50% vs. 23%, P = 0.039). Postoperative median pCEA levels of CRC patients were significantly higher compared to benign patients (5.4 vs. 2 ng/ml, P = 0.011). Specifically, pCEA levels in CRC patients were significantly elevated when measured during the first 24 hr after surgery. Postoperative pCEA levels were associated with colon tumor location compared to rectal location. However, no correlation was found with known risk factors for cancer recurrence or with serum CEA levels. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative pCEA levels may be significantly elevated following a curative resection for CRC. Its significance within patient's prognostic evaluation remains to be studied. Inclusion of patient's follow-up data may reveal the significance of elevated pCEA levels following CRC resection.

Predictive factors for perioperative blood transfusions in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Allogeneic perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) has been associated with higher rates of postoperative complications in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and increased tumor recurrence in cancer patients. Our aim is to evaluate possible predictive factors for PBT, specifically, in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery, in order to identify patients who could benefit from alternatives to allogenic PBT such as erythropoietin administration, autologous blood transfusion, and possibly preoperative blood transfusion. METHODS: Five hundred patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery between the years 2003 and 2011 were reviewed. Patient demographics and clinicopathologic variables were collected prospectively. Other clinical data were collected directly from the computerized records of the in-hospital blood bank. PBT was defined as transfusion of allogenic red blood cells during the day of operation or within the postoperative hospitalization. The associations between PBT and patient variables were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Of the 500 patients, 134 patients (26.8 %) received PBT. Multivariate analysis revealed four preoperative variables as significant risk factors for PBT: preoperative hemoglobin (P = 0.001), lower rectal surgery (P = 0.009), Charlson comorbidity score (P = 0.001), and malignancy (P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative Charlson score, hemoglobin level, carcinoma, and lower rectum pathologies were found to be independent risk factors for PBT in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Evaluation of these risk factors prior to surgery may be helpful in selecting the patients who could benefit from possible alternatives to perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion and help constitute guidelines for a more responsible use of these alternatives.

Grading of complications and risk factor evaluation in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: A grading system for postoperative complications is important for quality control and comparison among investigations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate complications associated with laparoscopic colorectal surgery according to a standardized grading system, and to examine risk factors associated with different complication grades. METHODS: Data of all patients who underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery at two medical centers between September 2003 and January 2011 were collected prospectively. Complications were graded retrospectively into five categories based on a previously proposed grading system for colorectal operations. Age, gender, BMI, Charlson comorbidity score, indication for surgery, pathology site, conversion rate, learning curve, operative times, previous abdominal surgery, concurrent surgical procedures performed, and length of hospital stay were evaluated as risk factors and outcome measures for complications. RESULTS: A total of 501 patients were included in the study. Of them, 30.5 % suffered at least one complication and 6.5 % more than one. Complications that were mainly medical or surgical site infections requiring minor intervention (grades 1 and 2) occurred in 22.9 % of patients. Surgical complications requiring invasive interference (grades 3 and 4) occurred in 7.4 % of patients and mortality (grade 5) occurred in 0.2 % (1 patient). Length of hospital stay was directly related to complication grade. Average hospital stay was 6.8 ± 3.5, 10.5 ± 5.1, and 20.2 ± 12.3 days for patients with no complications, grade 1-2 complications, and grade 3-4 complications, respectively (p < 0.01). Minor complications (grades 1-2) were associated with conversion (p < 0.01), high Charlson score (p = 0.004), and additional surgical procedures (p = 0.04). Major complications (grades 3-4) were associated solely with conversion (p < 0.01) and rectal pathology (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the use of a uniform grading system for complications in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Conversion was found to be associated with all grades of complications.