Long-term outcomes of elderly patients with peritoneal metastases of colorectal origin after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) were reportedly safe for the elderly. However, long-term survival data in this subgroup of patients are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate the peri-operative and long-term outcomes of CRS + HIPEC in colorectal peritoneal metastases (CRC-PM) in patients ≥70 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed our combined institutional databases for patients who underwent CRS + HIPEC for CRC-PM. Clinical and pathological characteristics, as well as overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the groups. Tumor extent was measured by the peritoneal carcinomatosis index (PCI) and completeness of cytoreduction by the CCR score. Major morbidity was defined according to Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The dataset of 159 patients included 33 elderly and 126 non-elderly patients. Clinical characteristics between the groups differed only in medical comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index 10 vs. 7, P < 0.001) and delivery of post-HIPEC adjuvant treatment (12.5% vs. 43.8%, P = 0.004). Overall PCI and CCR0 rates were similar between the groups, as were length of stay and major morbidity and mortality rates. Long-term outcomes in the elderly group were lower than those of the non-elderly (median OS: 21.8 vs. 40.5 months, P < 0.001; median PFS: 6 vs. 8 months, P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: CRS + HIPEC in selected elderly patients can be safe in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, despite the same surgical extents and radicality, their long-term outcomes are inferior, possibly due to under-usage of systemic chemotherapy.

Feasibility of an Intraluminal Bypass Device in Low Colorectal Anastomosis: Preliminary Results in a Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: The Cologuard CG-100 is a novel intraluminal bypass device designed to reduce the clinical outcomes associated with low colorectal anastomotic leak. The device is inserted transanally, anchored to the colon above the anastomosis, and deployed intraluminally to cover the anastomosis from within. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and performance of the device in a porcine model. METHOD: Twelve pigs underwent low colorectal anastomosis with insertion of the Cologuard CG-100 device. Contrast material injection, abdominal X-ray, and histologic studies were used to evaluate sealing quality, device positioning, and tissue damage, respectively. The surgeons completed a usability and satisfaction questionnaire after completion of the procedure. RESULTS: Absolute sealing was observed in all 4 animals euthanized immediately after surgery. In the other 8 animals, the device was kept in situ for 10 days and then extracted. X-ray films with injection of contrast material through a designated injection tube before device removal showed that the sheath and ring were correctly placed. No leak was demonstrated. There were no device-related adverse events, and no critical histological abnormalities were noted in the bowel area that was compressed by the device. The device was found to be easy to insert, position, and extract. CONCLUSION: The Cologuard CG-100 device efficiently reduced contact between fecal content and low colorectal anastomosis in a porcine model and is easily deployed and extracted. It holds promise for possible clinical use pending further studies.

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with impaired renal function: impact on postoperative renal function compared with open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery has been associated with a perioperative decrease in renal function. As a result, an open approach may be preferred in patients with impaired renal function when prolonged laparoscopic procedures are anticipated. The aim of this study was to examine changes in renal function following colorectal operations and compare between the open and the laparoscopic approaches, in patients with preoperative impaired renal function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study. Records of all patients with impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] <60 mL/minute) who underwent elective colorectal resection between 2007 and 2011 were reviewed. The changes in eGFR were examined and compared between open and laparoscopic procedures. RESULTS: Ninety consecutive patients with impaired renal function who underwent elective colorectal surgery from 2007 to 2011 were identified. Forty-seven patients underwent laparoscopic surgery, and 43 had an open surgery; 23.2% of the patients who had open surgery and 21.7% of the patients who underwent a laparoscopic procedure demonstrated a decrease in eGFR at the time of discharge (P=not significant). The mean decrease in eGFR did not differ between the two groups (6.3 ± 6.8 mL/minute versus 4.04 ± 4.01 mL/minute; P=.34). None of the patients required dialysis. Postoperative complications were found to be a risk factor for a significant decrease in renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function may deteriorate in patients with chronic kidney disease who undergo elective colorectal surgery. No difference was noted in the incidence or severity of such deterioration between open and laparoscopic approaches. Postoperative complications are associated with deterioration in renal function regardless of the operative approach.

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.

Positive histological inflammatory margins are associated with increased risk for intra-abdominal septic complications in patients undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease.

BACKGROUND: Rates of postoperative complications are particularly high among patients with Crohn's disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether positive inflammatory histological margins, among other factors, pose a risk for intra-abdominal septic complications in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing ileocolic resection. DESIGN: A retrospective study of patient records, during 2000-2010, was conducted. SETTINGS: This investigation was performed at a single medical center. PATIENTS: Included were 166 individuals with Crohn's disease (85 males, mean age 35.6). INTERVENTION: Ileocolic resection with primary anastomosis was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcomes measured were postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (15%) developed intra-abdominal septic complications, including anastomotic leak, intra-abdominal abscesses and collections, and enterocutaneous fistulas. There were no postoperative deaths. Univariate analysis revealed that a long course of disease before surgery, an emergency surgery, steroid treatment of more than 3 months before surgery, additional sigmoidectomy, and positive surgical margins detected on histopathological examination were associated with intra-abdominal septic complications. In a multivariate analysis, only disease duration longer than 10 years (OR 4.575 (CI 1.592-13.142), p = 0.005), additional sigmoidectomy (OR 5.768 (CI 1.088-30.568), p = 0.04), and positive histological resection margins (OR 2.996 (CI 1.085-8.277), p = 0.03) were found to be independent risk factors. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the incomplete data regarding preoperative albumin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Positive histological margins, disease duration of more than 10 years, and added sigmoidectomy are independent risk factors that are associated with postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications in patients undergoing ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease. These risk factors should be considered when the need for a diverting stoma is questionable. A frozen section of the margins may assist in the decision as to a temporary ileostomy construction.

Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation in patients with Crohn's disease.

AIM: The outcome of Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation (DGHAL) was assessed in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) suffering from grade III haemorrhoids. METHOD: A retrospective study was carried out of patients with CD and symptomatic Grade III haemorrhoids treated by DGHAL. Perioperative and follow-up data were retrieved from our database of patients undergoing DGHAL. RESULTS: The study included seven men and six women. The mean age was 34 years old. All had CD without anorectal involvement. The median duration of haemorrhoidal symptoms was 6.3 years. There was no mortality, new incontinence, faecal impaction, urinary retention, abscess formation or persistent pain following the procedure. Mean pain score based on a visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased from 2.4 at 24 h postoperatively to 1.6 on the seventh postoperative day. All patients had completely recovered by the third postoperative day. At 18 months, three (77%) of the patients were asymptomatic and three had recurrent symptoms. CONCLUSION: Doppler-guided haemorrhoidal artery ligation is safe and effective in treating Grade III haemorrhoids in patients with CD without rectal involvement.

Impact of conversion on short and long-term outcome in laparoscopic resection of curable colorectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Long-term outcome of patients following conversion during laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer is not often reported. Recent data suggest a negative impact of conversion on long-term survival. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of conversion on the perioperative outcome and on long-term survival in patients who underwent laparoscopic resection for curable colorectal cancer. METHODS: Evaluation of our prospective in-hospital collected data of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for curable colorectal cancer over a 5-year period. Long-term data were collected from our outpatient's clinic data and personal contact when necessary. RESULTS: During the study period, 175 patients were operated on laparoscopically for curable colon cancer (stage I-III). Mean follow-up was 33±18 months with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. For various reasons, 25 patients (14.4%) had to be converted to open surgery. Short-term outcome revealed a trend towards longer operations, a higher rate of surgical complications, and a longer hospital stay in the converted group. Five-year, Kaplan-Meier, disease-free analysis was worse for converted patients. Overall survival did not differ between the 2 groups. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that conversion and AJCC stage were independent risk factors for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion in laparoscopic surgery for curable colorectal cancer is associated with a worse perioperative outcome and worse disease-free survival.

Anti-platelet therapy: no association with increased blood loss in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: The effect of anti-platelet drugs on surgical blood loss and perioperative complications has not been studied in depth and the management of surgical patients taking anti-platelet medications is controversial. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of anti-platelet therapy on perioperative blood loss in patients undergoing appendectomy either laparoscopically or via open surgery. METHODS: We reviewed the files of all patients 40 years old who underwent open or laparoscopic appendectomies from 2007 to 2010. Excluded were patients with short hospitalization and no follow-up of hemoglobin level, patients on warfarin treatment and patients who underwent additional procedures. Estimation of blood loss was based on decrease in hemoglobin level from admission to discharge. Risk factors for blood loss, such as anti-platelet therapy, age, gender, surgical approach, surgical time, surgical findings and complications, were analyzed. RESULTS: The final cohort included 179 patients (mean age 61 +/- 14 years, range 40-93) of whom 65 were males. The mean perioperative hemoglobin decrease was 1.59 +/- 1.07 mg/dl (range 0-5 mg/dl). Thirty-nine patients received anti-platelet therapy prior to surgery and 140 did not. No significant differences in decrease of hemoglobin level were found between patients receiving anti-platelet therapy and those who were not (1.73 +/- 1.21 vs. 1.55 +/- 1.02 mg/dl, P = 0.3). In addition, no difference was found between patients on anti-platelettherapy operated laparoscopically and those operated in an open fashion (1.59 +/- 1.18 vs. 2.04 +/- 1.28 mg/ dl, P = 0.29). Five patients required blood transfusions, two of whom were on anti-platelet therapy. Blood loss was significantly greater in patients with a perforated appendicitis and in those with an operative time of more than one hour. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-platelet therapy does not pose a risk for increased blood loss following emergent appendectomy performed either laparoscopically or in an open fashion.

Current changes in the management and outcome of patients with curable colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Major changes in the evaluation and treatment of curable colorectal cancer (CRC) have emerged in the last two decades. These changes have led to better patient outcome overtime. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of these changes as reflected in the difference in long-term outcome of a consecutive group of recently laparoscopically operated curable CRC patients and a consecutive group of patients operated 20 years earlier in the same department. METHODS: Data of the new group were taken from our prospectively collected data of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery for CRC in recent years. Data regarding patients operated on 20 years ago were retrieved from previous prospectively collected data on the long-term survival of CRC patients operated in the same department. RESULTS: The recently operated group comprised 203 patients and the previous group 199 patients. Perioperative mortality was 0.5% in the new group versus 1.5% in the old group (not significant). There were more early-stage and more proximal tumors in the recently operated group. A Kaplan-Meier 5-year survival analysis revealed no difference between stage I patients of the two groups. However, there was a significant increase in 5-year survival in the new group for stage II (85% vs. 63%, P = 0.004) and for stage III patients (57% vs. 39%, P = 0.01). This trend was maintained after removing the rectal cancer patients from the calculated data. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated improved survival for stage II and ILL CRC patients overa 20-year period in the same medical center. This change most likely reflects advances both in imaging techniques leading to more accurate staging and in adjuvant treatments.

Insertion of removable self-expanding metal stents as a treatment for postoperative leaks and perforations of the esophagus and stomach.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal perforations and postoperative esophageal leaks are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality and pose a difficult therapeutic challenge. OBJECTIVES: Toevaluate the outcome ofremovableself-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) as a treatment for postoperative leaks and perforations of the esophagus and stomach. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all patients in one medical center who underwent temporary insertion of a covered plastic stent for postoperative leaks and perforations of the esophagus and stomach from June 2009 to February 2010. Data were retrieved from hospital and outpatient clinical data charts. Data included indication for insertion, post-insertion outcome including stent complications, and follow-up after stent removal. RESULTS: The indications for stent insertion were postoperative leak in four patients and postoperative esophagopleural fistula in one patient. Three of the patients had a leak at the gastroesophageal junction following laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. In all cases the stent insertion was completed successfully. In three patients the stent migrated distally. In two of these three it was repositioned or replaced endoscopically, and in the third it was excreted in the feces. Stents were removed electively after 6 to 7 weeks. All patients recovered fully and were discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: SEMS insertion may have an important role in the management of postoperative leaks and perforations of the esophagus and stomach and should be considered in such cases.

[Three hundred laparoscopic colorectal operations--safety, levels of difficulty and survival].

INTRODUCTION: The accumulated data in recent years on the safety of laparoscopy in colorectal cancer patients encourage more surgeons to use this approach for different colorectal pathologies. However, laparoscopic colorectal surgery consists of different heterogeneous complex procedures that necessitate extensive experience and laparoscopic surgical skills PURPOSE: To evaluate safety, levels of difficulty and oncological outcome in a consecutive series of patients that underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery during a 5-year period. METHODS: Evaluation of our prospective collected data of patients that underwent laparoscopic colorectal surgery during a 5-year period by our surgical team. RESULTS: A total of 300 patients were operated on electively for different indications during this time period. Indications for surgery included cancer (58%), benign polyps (16%), Crohn's disease (6%), diverticular disease (10%) and others (10%). Operations for diverticular disease were associated with higher conversion rates and operative times. The mortality rate was 0.3% (one patient). There were 4.6% major surgical complications that necessitated a second operation and another 4.6% moderate surgical complications that were treated conservatively. Wound infection occurred in 7.2% of all patients. The conversion rate was 14.3%. A total of 171 patients underwent operations for curable colorectal cancer. In this group, the mean number of harvested nodes was 16 and 2-year disease-free survival was 87%. Stage I patients had no recurrent disease during follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery is safe. Immediate oncological results and 2-year survival in colorectal cancer patients, as demonstrated in our study, are adequate and comparable to the open approach. The authors believe that adequate results in laparoscopic colorectal operations can be achieved by a dedicated laparoscopic colorectal team.

Effects of 5-FU on DNA synthesis and cytotoxicity of human lymphocytes induced by IL-2, TGF-beta3 and PGE2.

BACKGROUND: Low 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) concentrations cause a significant increase in DNA synthesis in mitogen-activated human lymphocytes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We explored 2.5 microM 5-FU-induced DNA synthesis by testing 5-FU activity in hypoxanthine-aminopterin-thymidine (HAT)-containing medium, and its effect on thymidylate synthase (TS) activity and CD25 expression in interleukin (IL)-2-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the combined effects with prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta3. RESULTS: The co-stimulatory effect of 2.5 microM 5-FU on DNA synthesis was abrogated in HAT-cultured medium. 5-FU substantially reduced TS activity by 50% in IL-2-activated PBMCs. 5-FU combined with TGF-beta3 and PGE(2) did not alter their inhibitory effects on IL-2-activated natural killer cell cytotoxicity, but substantially affected increased DNA synthesis of cells cultured in IL-2 and co-cultured with 10 ng/ml TGF-beta3 and 10 microM PGE(2). CONCLUSION: Low 5-FU concentrations increase DNA synthesis in lymphocytes and exert a co-stimulatory activity on TGF-beta3 and PGE(2) modulation of IL-2-activated lymphocytes.

[Initial experience with collagen plug for the treatment of complex anal fistula].

INTRODUCTION: Anorectal fistulas are a communication between the anal canal or the rectum to the perineum, which are generally formed by an infectious process of the submucosal glands. Surgery is the treatment of choice for these fistulas with preservation of the anal sphincters function, and hence continence, mandatory. Recently, however, some articles published suggested that the use of anal fistula plugs, instead of surgery, leads to better results. This study was designed to evaluate the use of anal fistula plugs in patients with trans-sphincteric anal fistulas. METHODS: A series of 10 consecutive patients were treated in our proctology department for complex fistulas with anal fistula plugs and were evaluated with subsequent follow-up. During the operation the fistula tract was identified and the plug was inserted and fixed by internal and external sutures. RESULTS: Ten patients, with a median age 40.8 years were included. There were 6 males and 4 females. At median length of follow-up of 12 months [range: 8 to 16 months] 5 of the 10 fistulas had healed (50%). CONCLUSION: The anal fistula plug is successful in the treatment of anorectal fistulas. Due to its low morbidity rate the insertion of anal fistula plugs should be considered instead of surgery.

Laparoscopic surgery for colorectal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Size, location, and type of colonic polyps may prevent colonoscopic polypectomy. Laparoscopic colectomy may serve as an optimal alternative in these patients. We assessed the perioperative outcome and the risk for cancer in patients operated on laparoscopically for colonic polyps not amenable to colonoscopic resection. METHODS: An evaluation was conducted of our prospective accumulated data of a consecutive series of patients operated on for colonic polyps. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients underwent laparoscopic resection for colonic polyps during a 6-year period. This group comprised 18% of all our laparoscopic colorectal procedures. Forty-six percent were males, mean age was 71. Most of the polyps (66%) were located on the right side. No deaths occurred. Conversion was necessary in 3 patients (4.6%). Significant complications occurred in 3 patients (4.6%). Nine patients (14%) were found to have malignancy. Three of them had lymph-node involvement. No difference existed in polyp size between malignant and nonmalignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic colectomy for endoscopic nonresectable colonic polyps is a safe, simple procedure as reflected by the low rate of conversions and complications. However, invasive cancer may be found in the final pathology following surgery. This mandates a strict adherence to surgical oncological principles. Polyp size cannot predict the risk of malignancy.

Extraluminal appendicolith: an indication for interval appendectomy with intraoperative localization and removal of that potential cause of intra-abdominal abscess.

Appendicoliths are formed by calcium salts and fecal debris layered and lodged within the appendix. They are detected on unenhanced X-rays in <10% of patients with appendicitis. When an appendicolith is found extraluminally, it is pathognomonic for perforation of the appendix. Moreover, retained appendicoliths are likely to be infected and to be the source of a postoperative intraperitoneal abscess, whereupon the only definitive treatment is surgical excision. In this paper, we describe an asymptomatic patient with evidence of an extraluminal appendicolith on computed tomography following successful conservative treatment for a periappendicular abscess. She underwent a laparoscopic interval appendectomy that included the removal of an extraluminal appendicolith and was released home on the following day. We advocate this approach in order to prevent the possible formation of an intra-abdominal abscess caused by an infected nidus.

[Obstructed defecation syndrome].

Constipation has always been a common problem but recently it appears to be on the rise in the western world. Its prevalence in the general population is estimated at around 20% with reports suggesting significantly higher levels in the elderly, especially above the age of 65. There have also been reports of females being affected more then males, Higgins et al reporting a male to female ratio of 1: 2.2. Constipation can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary constipation is either due to prolonged transient time through the colon (colonic inertia) or a disturbance in defecation with normal transient time. Secondary constipation is either due to medications or other medical diseases for example hypothyroidism, diabetes or Parkinson's disease. In the past several years advances have been made in understanding the physiological and pathophysiological processes of normal and abnormal defecation. This has led to the understanding of transient time, sensation and pressure build-up in the rectum and anus as well as the key role of synchronization between contraction and relaxation of the involved muscles and sphincters. Disturbance in any one of the above mentioned processes can lead to constipation. The obstructed defecation syndrome has been shown to be the result of an abnormal function of the muscles involved in defecation or an anatomical abnormality of the pelvic organs. Obstructed defecation syndrome is estimated to be prevalent in 7% of the adult population and is judged to be the cause of one third of all cases of constipation. Due to the fact that surgery is an emerging treatment of choice for these patients suffering from obstructed defecation syndrome, it is highly important that we should not only be able to diagnose the cause of constipation in patients but accurately identify those suffering specifically from obstructed defecation syndrome. Therefore, this paper reviews the definitions, symptoms, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatments of obstructed defecation syndrome.

[Anal mucinous adenocarcinoma arising in long standing fistula-in-ano].

Perianal mucinous adenocarcinoma is an unusual but well described malignancy constituting approximately 3 to 11% of all anal carcinoma. The pathology is thought to develop from one of three types, the distal part of the rectum, the mucin-secreting columnar epithelium of the anal glands, and from chronic fistula-in-ano. The association of carcinoma with anal fistula may manifest itself in several ways: a fistula may be associated with cancer elsewhere in the colon; cancer may present as a fistula; or cancer may develop in anal fistula. Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the anus supervening on a long-standing chronic anal fistula is an extremely rare disease with less then 150 cases reported in the literature, mainly single patient reports. The key to long-term survival seems to be a high index of suspicion in those patients with longstanding perianal fistula. Chemotherapy in combination with external beam radiation followed by abdomino-perineal resection seems to be the most appropriate therapy.

Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy in peritoneal carcinomatosis.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is an advanced form of cancer with poor prognosis that in the past was treated mainly palliatively. Today, the definitive approach to peritoneal surface malignancy involves peritonectomy, visceral resection and perioperative intra-abdominal hyperthermic chemotherapy. The anticipated results range from at least palliative to as far as intent to cure. Proper patient selection is mandatory. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy can extend survival, and with minor complications only, in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. METHODS: Twenty-two IPHP procedures were performed in 17 patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis in our institution between 1998 and 2007: 6 had pseudomyxoma peritonei, 5 had colorectal carcinoma, 3 had ovarian cancer and 3 had mesotheliomas. All patients underwent cytoreductive surgery, leaving only residual metastasis < 1 cm in size. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy was administered through four large catheters (2F) using a closed system of two pumps, a heat exchanger and two filters. After the patient's abdominal temperature reached 41 degrees C, 30-60 mg mitomycin C was circulated intraperitoneally for 1 hour. RESULTS: The patients had a variety of anastomoses. None demonstrated anastomotic leak and none experienced major complications. Six patients had minor complications (pleural effusion, leukopenia, fever, prolonged paralytic ileus, sepsis), two of which may be attributed to chemotherapy toxicity (leukopenia). There was no perioperative mortality. Some patients have survived more than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: IPHP is a safe treatment modality for patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. It has an acceptable complications rate and ensures a marked improvement in survival and in the quality of life in selected patients.

Learning curve in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: our first 100 patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent data confirming the oncologic safety of laparoscopic colectomy for cancer as well as its potential benefits will likely motivate more surgeons to perform laparoscopic colorectal surgery. OBJECTIVES: To assess factors related to the learning curve of laparoscopic colorectal surgery, such as the number of operations performed, the type of procedures, major complications, and oncologic resections. METHODS: We evaluated the data of our first 100 elective laparoscopic colorectal operations performed during a 2 year period and compared the first 50 cases with the following 50. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 66 years and 49% were males. Indications included cancer, polyps, diverticular disease, Crohn's disease, and others, in 50%, 23%, 13%, 7% and 7% respectively. Mean operative time was 170 minutes. One patient died (massive pulmonary embolism). Significant surgical complications occurred in 10 patients (10%). Hospital stay averaged 8 days. Comparison of the first 50 procedures with the next 50 revealed a significant decrease in major surgical complications (20% vs. 0%). Mean operative time decreased from 180 to 160 minutes and hospital stay from 8.6 to 7.2 days. There was no difference in conversion rate and mean number of harvested nodes in both groups. Residents performed 8% of the operations in the first 50 cases compared with 20% in the second 50 cases. Right colectomies had shorter operative times and fewer conversions. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant decrease in major complications after the first 50 laparoscopic colorectal procedures. Adequate oncologic resections may be achieved early in the learning curve. Right colectomies are less difficult to perform and are recommended as initial procedures.

Multilocular flank abscess due to stone migration following laparoscopic cholecystectomy with spillage of gallstones.

We report a case of a patient who presented with a large flank abscess 18 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient underwent repeated percutaneous drainage but the abscess recurred. Further evaluation with ultrasound revealed subcutaneous tracks from the flank leading to the abdominal cavity and suspected stones in one of the tracks. Laparoscopy revealed dense adhesions at the level of the right gutter leading to a retroperitoneal track heading over to the flank. The tracks were partially opened, debrided, and two gallstones were retrieved from one of the retroperitoneal tracks. The patient's recovery was uneventful. This case demonstrates the potential migration of dropped gallstones to extraperitoneal sites leading to infectious complications. Careful dissection of the gallbladder with an attempt not to rupture it is important in order to prevent this complication. Once rupture does occur, efforts should be made to retrieve dropped stones from the peritoneal cavity. Patients presenting with intra- or extraperitoneal abscesses following laparoscopic cholecystectomy and no obvious source of infection should be evaluated for dropped stones.