Is the writing on the wall? The relationship between the number of disease-modifying anti-inflammatory bowel disease drugs used and the risk of surgical resection.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying anti-inflammatory bowel disease drugs (DMAIDs) revolutionized the management of ulcerative colitis (UC). This study assessed the relationship between the number and timing of drugs used to treat UC and the risk of colectomy and postoperative complications. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of adult patients with UC treated with disease-modifying drugs between 2005 and 2020 in the MarketScan database. Landmark and time-varying regression analyses were used to analyze risk of surgical resection. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to determine risk of postoperative complications, emergency room visits, and readmissions. RESULTS: A total of 12,193 patients with UC and treated with disease-modifying drugs were identified. With a median follow-up time of 1.7 years, 23.8% used >1 drug, and 8.3% of patients required surgical resection. In landmark analyses, using 2 and ≥3 drugs before the landmark date was associated with higher incidence of surgery for each landmark than 1 drug. Multivariable Cox regression showed hazard ratio (95% CIs) of 4.22 (3.59-4.97), 11.7 (9.01-15.3), and 22.9 (15.0-34.9) for using 2, 3, and ≥4 drugs, respectively, compared with using 1 DMAID. That risk was constant overtime. The number of drugs used preoperatively was not associated with an increased postoperative risk of any complication, emergency room visits, or readmission. CONCLUSION: The use of multiple disease-modifying drugs in UC is associated with an increased risk of surgical resection with each additional drug. This provides important prognostic data and highlights the importance of patient counseling with minimal concern regarding risk of postoperative morbidity for additional drugs.

Increasing Adoption of Laparoscopy in Urgent and Emergent Colectomies for Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis.

INTRODUCTION: While minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches are commonly utilized in the elective surgical setting for pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC), their role in urgent and emergent disease is less clear. We aim to assess trends in the surgical approaches for pediatric UC patients requiring urgent and emergent colectomies and their associated outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective review of 81 pediatric UC patients identified in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric who underwent urgent or emergent colectomy (2012-2019). Trends in approach were assessed using linear regression. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were stratified by approach and compared using standard univariate statistics. Multivariable analysis was used to model the influence of covariates on postoperative length of stay. RESULTS: The proportion of MIS cases increased by 5.53% per year (P = 0.01) over the study interval. Sixty-three patients (77.8%) received MIS resections and 18 patients (22.2%) received open resections. Patients undergoing open colectomies were younger and had a higher proportion of preoperative conditions, most notably preoperative sepsis (27.8% versus 4.8%, P = 0.01), and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists [III-IV] classification (83.3% versus 58.8%, P = 0.004). Mean operative time was comparable (open, 173.6 versus MIS, 206.1 min). In the univariate analysis, open approach was associated with increased postoperative length of stay (13.1 versus 7.2 d, P = 0.002). However, after adjusting for confounders, there was no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a steady increase in the adoption of laparoscopy in urgent and emergent colectomy for pediatric UC. Short-term outcomes between approaches appear comparable.

Survival outcomes of anal adenocarcinoma versus rectal adenocarcinoma: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Anal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare malignancy with decreased survival compared to rectal adenocarcinoma (RA). However, AA continues to be treated with similar algorithms compared to rectal cancer with minimal data regarding the efficacy of these treatment algorithms. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients with non-metastatic AA at a single tertiary-care institution from 1995 to 2020. This cohort was matched 2:1 to a group of RA patients for comparison. The primary outcome of interest was overall survival rates. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with stages I-III AA were matched to a cohort of RA. There were no significant differences between the cohorts with regard to patient demographics, comorbidities, disease stage or histologic features. There were also no significant differences in treatment modalities between the two cohorts with a majority undergoing multimodal therapy with chemoradiation and surgery. All patients with AA demonstrated significantly worse survival than all patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (five-year survival 47.7% vs. 82.3%, respectively. p < 0.05). When looking at a sub-group of patients who underwent combination chemoradiation and surgery from each cohort, anal adenocarcinoma continued to exhibit lower overall survival (five-year survival 41.6% and 86.4%, respectively. p < 0.05). In a multi-variable model that adjusted for location, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage and treatment pathway, tumor location in the anal canal was an independent predictor of overall survival (Hazard ratio [HR] 2.7, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: AA has worse survival as compared to RA despite similar treatment. This study highlights the need to evaluate the current classification and treatment pathways to improve outcomes.

Creating a Surgical Biobank: The Hershey Medical Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Tissue harvesting at the time of surgery offers surgeons and scientists a unique opportunity to discover and better understand disease pathophysiology. Tissue biobanking presents challenges in patient consents, specimen collection, preparation, and storage, but the potential for scientific discovery justifies the effort. Although the number of tissue biobanks is increasing worldwide, information regarding necessary infrastructure, process flow, and management of expected obstacles is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To provide a framework and motivation for clinician scientists intending to start an intestinal tissue biobank under their direction. DATA SOURCES: The Carlino Family Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases Biobank is housed at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. STUDY SELECTION: Review. INTERVENTION: Implementation of a surgical tissue biobank at a large tertiary care institution. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assess critical challenges and obstacles over the years as well as keys to the success of the program. RESULTS: Over 2 decades, the institutional biobank grew from an IBD biobank to one which now incorporates thousands of surgical specimens representing numerous colorectal diseases. This was done through a process of refinement focusing on patient recruitment and an efficient consenting and specimen management process. The biobank's success is further insured by institutional, external, and philanthropic support; scientific collaborations; and sharing of biological specimens with other groups of dedicated researchers. LIMITATIONS: This is a single-center experience in collecting surgically resected colorectal specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical specimen biobanks are essential in studying disease cause using genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomic technologies. Therefore, surgeons, clinicians, and scientists should build biobanks at their institutions to promote further scientific discovery and improve specimen diversity.

Can magnetic resonance imaging replace computed tomography scans in the evaluation of pediatric post-appendectomy abscess?

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography scans have been used when cross-axial imaging is required to evaluate pediatric post-appendectomy abscesses. To reduce a source of radiation exposure, our institution converted to using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to replace computed tomography scans in this clinical context. Our aim is to evaluate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging compared to computed tomography scans and associated clinical outcomes in this patient population. METHODS: A contrast-enhanced comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging protocol was implemented to evaluate a post-appendectomy abscess in 2018. A retrospective chart review was performed from 2015 to 2022 for pediatric patients (<18 years old) with prior appendectomy and subsequent cross-sectional imaging to evaluate for an intraabdominal abscess. Patient characteristics and clinical parameters between the 2 modalities were abstracted and compared using standard univariate statistics. RESULTS: There were a total of 72 post-appendectomy patients who received cross-axial imaging, which included 43 computed tomography scans and 29 magnetic resonance imaging during the study interval. Patient demographics were comparable between cohorts and rates of perforated appendicitis at the index operation (computed tomography: 79.1% vs magnetic resonance imaging: 86.2%). Missed abscess rate, abscess size, management technique, drainage culture results, readmission, and reoperation were similar between imaging modalities. Median request to scan time was longer for magnetic resonance imaging than computed tomography (191.5 vs 108 minutes, P = .04). The median duration of a comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging scan was 32 minutes (interquartile range 28-50.5 minutes). CONCLUSION: Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging provides an alternative cross-sectional imaging modality to computed tomography scans to evaluate pediatric post-appendectomy abscesses.

Changing disposition patterns in the era of COVID-19 after colon resections: A National Surgical Quality Improvement Program colectomy study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted post-hospitalization care facilities in the United States and hindered their ability to accept new patients for various reasons. This study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on discharge disposition after colon surgery and associated postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Participant Use File and targeted colectomy. Patients were divided into the following 2 cohorts: (1) pre-pandemic (2017-2019) and (2) pandemic (2020). The primary outcomes included discharge disposition-post-hospitalization facility versus home. The secondary outcomes were rates of 30-day readmissions and other postoperative outcomes. The multivariable analysis assessed for confounders and effect modification on discharge to home. RESULTS: Discharge to posthospitalization facilities decreased by 30% in 2020 compared to 2017 to 2019 (7% vs 10%, P < .001). This occurred despite an increase in emergency cases (15% vs 13%, P < .001) and open surgical approach (32% vs 31%, P < .001) in 2020. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients in 2020 had 38% lower odds of going to post-hospitalization facilities (odds ratio 0.62, P < .001) after adjusting for surgical indications and underlying comorbidities. This decrease in patients going to a post-hospitalization facility was not associated with an increased length of stay or an increase in 30-day readmissions or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic, patients undergoing colonic resection were less likely to be discharged to a post-hospitalization facility. This shift was not associated with an increase in 30-day complications. This should prompt further research to assess the reproducibility of these associations, especially in a setting without a global pandemic.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy does not increase risk for anastomotic leak for simultaneous resection of primary colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis: A NSQIP-colectomy analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In patients with colon cancer with synchronous liver metastasis, treatment algorithms are complex and often require multidisciplinary evaluation. Neoadjuvant therapy is frequently utilized, but there is an unclear relationship with postoperative outcomes in patients with simultaneous resection. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and Targeted Colectomy databases. All patients with stage IV colon cancer undergoing simultaneous colectomy with synchronous liver metastasis resection or ablation between 2015 and 2019 were identified and categorized into subgroups based on receipt of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess for risk factors of anastomotic leaks and serious postoperative complications. RESULTS: We identified 1006 patients who underwent simultaneous colectomy and liver operations. Of those, 418 (41.6%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy within 90 days of surgery, while 588 (58.4%) had simultaneous upfront surgery. On multivariable logistic regression, neoadjuvant therapy was not associated with postoperative anastomotic leaks (odds ratio [OR]: 1.30; p = 0.39) or serious complications (OR: 1.04; p = 0.82). CONCLUSION: Neoadjuvant therapy does not increase postoperative complications in simultaneous colon and liver resections. These results may alleviate concerns regarding postoperative morbidity in the decision-making process of administering neoadjuvant therapy.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Right- Versus Left-Sided Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset colorectal cancers are increasing in incidence. Studies reported more left-sided cancers in patients aged <50 years. Some advocate for screening via flexible sigmoidoscopy at age 40 years. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics and outcomes in sporadic right- and left-sided early-onset colorectal cancers. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single, tertiary care institution. PATIENTS: This study included patients aged <50 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We analyzed patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients aged 20 to 49 years were identified from 2000 to 2018. The majority of patients were white (90%) and male (57%). The median age at diagnosis was 44 years, and 75% were diagnosed at age 40-49 years. There was a predominance of left-sided tumors (80%). The majority of patients presented with stage 3 (35%) and stage 4 (35%) disease. Right-sided tumors were more likely to have mucinous (24% vs 7.4%; p < 0.001) and signet-ring cell (4.4% vs 1.7%; p < 0.001) histology. There was no difference in age, sex, race, ethnicity, and stage at presentation. Right-sided tumors were associated with lower 5-year overall survival (44% vs 61%; p < 0.005) with the decrease in survival most prominent in right-sided stage 3 tumors (41% vs 72%; p < 0.0001) and in ages 40 to 49 years (43% vs 61%; p = 0.03). Sex, tumor location, increasing stage, and signet-ring cell histology were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. There was no difference in disease-free survival. LIMITATIONS: This study was a retrospective review at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of early-onset colorectal cancers arise from age 40 to 49 years with a left-sided predominance but higher mortality in right-sided tumors. These findings provide further evidence in favor of recommending earlier initial screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B892 . CARACTERSTICAS Y RESULTADOS DEL CNCER COLORRECTAL DE INICIO TEMPRANO DEL LADO DERECHO FRENTE AL IZQUIERDO: ANTECEDENTES:Los cánceres colorrectales de aparición temprana están aumentando en incidencia. Los estudios han informado una preponderancia de cánceres en el lado izquierdo en pacientes <50 años, lo que ha llevado a algunos a abogar por la detección con sigmoidoscopia flexible a los 40 años.OBJETIVO:El propósito de nuestro estudio fue investigar las características del tumor y los resultados de los pacientes en cánceres colorrectales esporádicos del lado derecho e izquierdo de aparición temprana.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Este estudio se realizó en una única institución de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Pacientes <50 años diagnosticados de cáncer colorrectal entre 2000 y 2018.RESULTADO PRINCIPAL:Analizamos los datos demográficos de los pacientes, las características del tumor, la supervivencia general y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron un total de 489 pacientes de entre 20 y 49 años entre 2000 y 2018. La mayoría de los pacientes eran blancos (90%) y varones (57%). La mediana de edad en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 44 años y el 75% se diagnosticó entre los 40 y los 49 años. Predominó los tumores del lado izquierdo (80%). La mayoría de los pacientes presentaban enfermedad en estadio 3 (35%) y estadio 4 (35%). Los tumores del lado derecho tenían más probabilidades de tener histología mucinosa (24% frente a 7,4%, p < 0,001) y de células en anillo de sello (4,4% frente a 1,7%, p < 0,001). No hubo diferencia en edad, sexo, raza, etnia, estadio AJCC en la presentación. Los tumores del lado derecho se asociaron con una menor supervivencia general a 5 años (44% frente al 61%, p < 0,005) con la disminución de la supervivencia más prominente en los tumores del lado derecho en estadio 3 (41% frente al 72%, p < 0,0001) y en edades 40-49 (43% vs 61%, p = 0.03). El sexo, la ubicación del tumor, el estadio AJCC en aumento y la histología de las células en anillo de sello fueron factores pronósticos independientes de la supervivencia general. No hubo diferencias significativas en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio fue una revisión retrospectiva en una sola institución.CONCLUSIONES:La mayoría de los cánceres colorrectales de aparición temprana surgen entre los 40 y los 49 años con un predominio en el lado izquierdo pero una mayor mortalidad en los tumores del lado derecho. Estos hallazgos proporcionan evidencia adicional a favor de recomendar una colonoscopia de detección inicial más temprana para el cáncer colorrectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B892 . (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Transcriptome Analyses Identify Deregulated MYC in Early Onset Colorectal Cancer.

Despite a global decrease in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, the prevalence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC), or those occurring in individuals before the age of 50, has steadily increased over the past several decades. When compared to later onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) in individuals over 50, our understanding of the genetic and molecular underpinnings of EOCRCs is limited. Here, we conducted transcriptomic analyses of patient-matched normal colonic segments and tumors to identify gene expression programs involved in carcinogenesis. Amongst differentially expressed genes, we found increased expression of the c-MYC proto-oncogene (MYC) and its downstream targets in tumor samples. We identified tumors with high and low differential MYC expression and found patients with high-MYC tumors were older and overweight or obese. We also detected elevated expression of the PVT1 long-non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in most tumors and found gains in copy number for both MYC and PVT1 gene loci in 35% of tumors evaluated. Our transcriptome analyses indicate that EOCRC can be sub-classified into groups based on differential MYC expression and suggest that deregulated MYC contributes to CRCs that develop in younger patients.

Intraoperative Techniques for Gaining Ileoanal Pouch Reach.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis allows for reestablishing gastrointestinal continuity in patients after proctocolectomy. The technical elements of pouch creation and gaining reach into the pelvis are demanding and require a variety of surgical maneuvers to achieve a tension-free anastomosis. We present a brief review of the literature discussing various approaches aimed at improving ileal pouch reach into the low pelvis. Although these techniques are used with different frequencies, they serve as important adjuncts to the gastrointestinal surgeons' armamentarium.