Impact of Tailored-Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Versus Conventional Care in Patients of Gastro-Duodenal Perforation: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial.

BACKGROUND: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program established improved clinical outcomes in elective surgery; however, its role in emergencies is uncertain. This study was designed to assess the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a tailored-ERAS (t-ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing modified Graham's patch closure for gastro-duodenal perforation. METHODS: A single-centre, prospective, parallel-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted from February 2021 to December 2021. Patients with gastroduodenal perforation undergoing modified Graham's patch were randomly assigned to either conventional care or the t-ERAS pathway. Patients with refractory septic shock, psychiatric or neurological disorders, pregnancy, multiple perforations, sealed-off perforations, and perforation sizes greater than 1.5 cm were excluded. The primary outcome was to compare the length of hospitalization (LOH). Functional recovery parameters and morbidity were compared in secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients each were included in conventional care and the t-ERAS group. In the t-ERAS group, LOH was significantly shorter (6.3 SD2.15 days versus 9.56 SD4.33 days, p = 0.001). Patients in the t-ERAS group had significantly early functional recovery (days) with time to first bowel sound (1.8 SD0.41; p 0.002), first flatus (2.52 SD0.65; p = 0.026), first stool (3.04 SD0.68; p < 0.001), first liquid diet (2.24 SD0.60; p = 0.002), and duration of ileus (2.64 SD0.86; p = 0.038). There was no significant difference in morbidity such as post-operative nausea and vomiting, SSI, or pulmonary complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Tailored ERAS pathways are safe and effective in reducing the LOH and promoting early functional recovery in patients undergoing emergency closure of gastro-duodenal perforation.

Modified Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocol Versus Non-ERAS Protocol in Patients Undergoing Emergency Laparotomy for Acute Intestinal Obstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal approach with promising results in improving patient outcome. Only recently, is evidence emerging highlighting how similar principles of care can be applied to patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 at PGIMER Chandigarh, which is a leading tertiary care hospital in northern India. 60 patients with acute intestinal obstruction requiring emergency laparotomy were randomized and assigned to ERAS or Non-ERAS group. ERAS protocol with some modifications was applied. Primary endpoints were post-operative hospital stay. Secondary end points were morbidity, 30-day readmission and mortality rate. Data analysis was done using SPSS 22.0. Independent t test or Mann-Whitney test and Chi-square or Fisher-exact test were used for analysis. RESULTS: A significant 3-day reduction in hospital stay was observed in ERAS compared to non-ERAS group (median (interquartile range) 5.50 (4.75-8.25) vs 8.0 (6.0-11.0) p = 0.003) with no difference in 30-day readmission rate, mortality rate and complication rate (according to Clavien-Dindo classification). ERAS group was associated with early recovery of gastrointestinal functions including time to first passage of flatus (p < 0.001), stools (p = 0.014), early ambulation (p < 0.001), time to first fluid diet (p < 0.001), solid diet (p = 0.001) and reduced nasogastric tube reinsertion rates (p = 0.01) despite its early removal. CONCLUSION: ERAS with some modifications can be applied in patients with intestinal obstruction. Thus, we can expedite post-operative recovery and early regain of gastrointestinal function with decreased hospital stay, comparable morbidity and mortality. Further studies are needed to assess ERAS role in emergency gastrointestinal surgeries. Trial registration Ctri.gov Identifier: CTRI/2022/04/042156.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: A prospective comparative analysis in preoperative evaluation of benign biliary stricture.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Accurate anatomical delineation is the key before definitive repair for benign biliary stricture (BBS). The role of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) as a road map is less studied in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). METHODS: A prospective observational study, performed between July 2012 and December 2013. All patients of post-cholecystectomy BBS were evaluated with MRCP and PTC prior to definitive repair. Findings of MRCP and PTC were compared with intraoperative details. RESULTS: Thirty patients with BBS were included in the study. MRCP was performed in all but PTC was amenable in 28 of 30 (93.3%) patients. PTC was comparable to MRCP in diagnosing stricture type (96.4% vs 89.3%), intrahepatic stones (75% vs 75%), and biliary anomalies (95.6% vs 100%). Additionally, PTC revealed internal biliary fistula in 4 (85.7% vs 61.4%; P value 0.04). PTC-related minor complications were noted in 2 (7.1%) patients. CONCLUSION: PTC is comparable to MRCP in diagnosing the stricture type, intrahepatic biliary stones, and biliary anomalies. Though comparable to MRCP, the authors could not reveal any additional information that could change the course of management in BBS.

Early intra-abdominal hypertension: A reliable bedside prognostic marker for severe acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is commonly associated with intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). This acute increase of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may be attributed to early organ dysfunction, leading to an increased morbidity and mortality. To assess the incidence of raised IAH and its correlation with other prognostic indicators and various outcomes in SAP. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a prospective observational study in patients of SAP between July 2009 and December 2010. All patients of SAP who were admitted to the hospital within 2 weeks of onset of pain were included in the study. A total of 35 patients with SAP were included in the study. Among these, 25 (71.4%) were males. All our patients had raised IAP; however, IAH was present in 51.4% (18/35). Patients with IAH were found to have a higher APACHE II score (88.9 vs 5.9%; P < 0.001), infectious complications (72.2 vs 5.9%; P < 0.001), circulatory failure (88.9 vs 0%; P < 0.001), and respiratory failure (100 vs 41.2%; P < 0.001). All the eight (22.8%) patients who succumbed to sepsis had IAH. Patients with IAH were found to have a significantly longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay (17.72 vs 12.29 days) and in-hospital stay (24.89 vs 12.29 days). CONCLUSION: IAH is a good negative prognostic marker in SAP, seen in up to 51.4%. IAH was found to have a significant negative impact on the outcome in terms of increased mortality, morbidity, in-hospital stay, and ICU stay among the patients of SAP.

Malignant colo-duodenal fistula: management based on proposed classification.

Duodenal involvement in colonic malignancy is a rare event and poses challenge to surgeons as it may entail major resection in a malnourished patient. Nine patients with malignant colo-duodenal fistula were reviewed retrospectively. Depending on the pattern of duodenal involvement, it was classified as-type I involving lateral duodenal wall less than half circumference; type II involving more than half circumference away from papilla; type III involving more than half circumference close to papilla. Type I was managed with sleeve resection, type II with segmental and type III with pancreaticoduodenectomy. Median age was 47 years, with male to female ratio of 2:1. Eight patients had anemia and seven had hypoproteinemia. Tumor was located in right colon in eight patients and distal transverse colon in one. Diagnosis of fistula was established by CT abdomen in seven (78%), foregut endoscopy in three and intraoperatively in two patients. Two patients had metastatic disease. Elective resection was done in seven while two required emergence surgery. Five patients underwent sleeve resection of the duodenum, two underwent segmental resection and two required pancreaticoduodenectomy. All patients had negative resection margin. One patient died. Median survival was 14 months in eight survivors. Duodenal resection in malignant colo-duodenal fistula should be tailored based on the extent and pattern of duodenal involvement. Negative margin can be achieved even with sleeve resection. En bloc pancreaticoduodenectomy is sometimes required due to extensive involvement. Resection with negative margin can achieve good survival.

Tracheoesophageal fistula in adults due to corrosive ingestion: challenges in management.

Esophagorespiratory fistula in adults as a result of corrosive ingestion is a rare occurrence and is a difficult problem to manage. Three young (15-19 years) patients (2F, 1M) out of 115 (incidence 2.6%) of corrosive ingestion who had tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) were reviewed retrospectively. After initial management, enteral route of nutrition was established. Based on the extent of concomitant esophageal stricture, the fistulae were classified as: type I (short) and type II (long segment). Fistula was repaired through thoracotomy and formation of a neomembranous trachea. Esophageal stricture could be managed either short-segment resection (type I) or resection and replacement (type II). The etiology was aluminum phosphide in two and caustic soda in one. All the patients were operated beyond 9 weeks of ingestion. Tracheal defect was 5, 9 and 30 mm. Fistula could be repaired by neomembranous trachea in all the patients and defect reinforced with pleural flap in two and intercostal muscle flap in one patient. Two patients required colon interposition, while one could be managed with short-segment resection. All the patients are well at follow-up. TEF due to corrosive ingestion is a rare entity in adults. Formation of a neomembranous trachea is feasible in all patients. Management of esophageal stricture depends upon the pattern of involvement of the esophagus.