Endoscopic management of low output recurrent colonic fistula or leak after anterior resection for rectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Colonic anastomotic leak and fistula following anterior resection surgery for rectal cancer are associated with high mortality rates. The incidence of occurrence varies from 2 to 25% and it is difficult to accurately calculate the incidence of fistula and leak post anterior resection, as most of them are asymptomatic. Endoscopic management of fistula and leak has become the first line of management after conservative management in many gastrointestinal surgical centers with the advantages of being less invasive, shorter length of post-operative hospital stay, effective and rapid recovery in comparison to revision surgery. Effective endoscopic management for colonic fistula or leak depends on the clinical status of the patient and fistula characters (time-to-occur and size and site of defect), and device availability. METHODS: This prospective randomized controlled clinical trial included all patients who developed the manifestations of low output recurrent colonic fistula or leak after colonic anterior resection for rectal cancer at Zagazig University Hospital between (December 2020 and August 2022). Sample size was 78 patients divided into two equal groups. Endoscopic group (EG): included 39 patients who underwent endoscopic management. Surgical group (SG): included 39 patients who underwent surgical management. RESULTS: The investigators randomized eligible 78 patients into two groups: 39 patients in SG and 39 patients in EG. The median size of the fistula or leak was nine (range: 7-14) mm in EG, versus ten (range: 7-12) mm in SG. Clipping and Endo-stitch device were used in 24 patients versus 15 patients, respectively, in EG while primary repair with ileostomy, and resection & anastomosis were used in 15 patients versus 24 patients, respectively, in SG. Recurrence, abdominal collection, and mortality were the post procedure's complications with incidence of occurrence of 10.3, 7.7 and 0%, respectively, in EG versus 20.5, 20.5 and 2.6%, respectively, in SG. Excellent, good, and poor were the parameters for quality of life with incidence of occurrence of 43.6, 54.6 and 0%, respectively, in EG versus 28.2, 33.3 and 38.5%, respectively, in SG. Median hospital stay was one (range: 1-2) day in endoscopic group, and seven (range: 6-8) days in SG. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic intervention may offer a successful modality in managing low output recurrent colonic fistula or leak after anterior resection for rectal cancer that did not respond to conservative measures in stable patients. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT05659446.

Short-term outcomes of laparoscopic-assisted colectomy versus open colectomy in patients with colonic carcinoma: a prospective randomized study

Introduction: The second most common cause of cancer-related mortality is colorectal cancer, and laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) has gained popularity among surgeons as an alternative to the conventional approach, which is open colecrtomy (OC). The differences between LAC and OC in terms of short-term outcomes have not been well documented, and the aim of the present work is to compare the short-term outcomes of both procedures. Materials and Methods: The present prospective study comprised 164 participants submitted to LAC (n = 82) and OC (n = 82) at the Helwan and Zagazig University hospitals between January 2018 and January 2022. We collected and analyzed demographic data, surgical data, and the short-term outcomes. Results: The LAC group had a significantly lower estimated amount of blood loss, shorter hospital stay, lower rates of incisional surgical site infection, and fewer cases of burst abdomen postoperatively, but with a considerably longer operative time (30.3 minutes) than the OC group. Conclusions: Our findings show that LAC is favorable option to OC, with superior outcomes. (AU)

Combined endoscopic and radiologic intervention for management of acute perforated peptic ulcer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Peptic ulcer perforation is a common life-threatening surgical emergency. Graham omental patch is performed for plugging of perforated peptic ulcer. Many endoscopic methods have been used to treat acute perforated peptic ulcer such as over the scope clips, standard endoscopic clips, endoscopic sewing and metallic stents. The main idea in endoscopic management of acute perforated peptic ulcer is early decontamination and decrease sepsis by interventional radiologic drainage. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. This study included patients who were developed acute perforated peptic ulcer manifestations and were admitted to our hospital between December 2019 and August 2021. Sample size was 100 patients divided into 2 equal groups. Endoscopic group (EG): included 50 patients who were subjected to endoscopic management. Surgical group (SG): included 50 patients who were subjected to surgical management. RESULTS: One hundred patients were randomized into 2 groups: SG (50) and EG (50). Median age of patients was 36 (range 27:54) and 47 (range 41:50) years-old in SG and EG, respectively. Males constituted 72% and 66% in SG and EG, respectively. Median length of postoperative hospital stay was 1 (range: 1-2) days in EG, while in SG was 7 (range 6-8) days. Postoperative complications in SG patients were 58% in form of fever, pneumonia, leak, abdominal abscess, renal failure and incisional hernia (11%, 5%, 5%, 3%, 2% and 3%, respectively). Postoperative complications in EG patients were 24% in form of fever, pneumonia, leak, abdominal abscess, renal failure and incisional hernia (10%, 0%, 2%, 0%, 0% and 0%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Combined endoscopic and interventional radiological drainage can effectively manage acute perforated peptic ulcer without the need for general anesthesia, with short operative time, in high risk surgical patients with low incidence of morbidity & mortality.

Autologous platelet-rich plasma vs conventional dressing in the management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes. Recently, considerable progress has been achieved in techniques that promote wound healing. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one such technique that is gaining popularity. Platelet-rich plasma is thought to stimulate wound healing by releasing growth factors essential for healing. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to study the efficacy of PRP in managing chronic DFUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients with chronic DFUs were equally divided into 2 groups. The first group was treated with activated PRP injection and gel on the surface of the ulcer, and the second group was treated with conventional dressing using normal saline to irrigate the wound, followed by coverage with petrolatum gauze and sterile dressing. RESULTS: Both methods of treatment improved healing, but there was a significant increase in healing rate among the PRP group compared with the conventional dressing group (31/36 patients [86.11%] vs 23/36 patients [63.89%]; P =.029). Additionally, the healing duration was shorter in the PRP group than in the conventional dressing group (10.90 weeks ± 3.40 standard deviation vs 13.48 weeks ± 3.37, respectively; P =.01). CONCLUSIONS: The use of autologous PRP results in a higher rate of wound healing in less time compared with conventional wound care in managing DFUs. Platelet-rich plasma is an effective and promising treatment for chronic DFUs; PRP enables healing in less time. This is expected to positively affect the individual's performance and minimize long-term health care expenditure on foot ulcers.

Evaluation of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction in the treatment of high transsphincteric perianal fistula

Background: High perianal fistula treatment remains challenging, mainly due to the variability in success and recurrence rates as well as continence impairment risks. So far, no procedure can be considered the gold standard for surgical treatment. Yet, strong efforts to identify effective and complication-free surgical options are ongoing. Fistulotomy can be considered the best perianal fistula treatment option, providing a perfect surgical field view, allowing direct access to the source of chronic inflammation. Controversy exists concerning the risk of continence impairment associated with fistulotomy. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction regaring fistula recurrence, incontinence, and patient satisfaction. Methods: This interventional study was performed at the General Surgery Department of Zagazig University Hospital during the period from July 2018 to December 2019 on 24 patients with a clinical diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistula-in-ano. The fistulous tract was laid open over the probe placed in the tract. After the fistula tract had been laid open, the tract was curetted and examined for secondary extensions. Then, suturing muscles to muscles, including the internal and external sphincters, by transverse mattress sutures. Results: Our study showed that 2 patients develop incontinence to flatus ~ 8.3%.and only one patient develop incontinence to loose stool, 4.2%. Complete healing was achieved in 83% and recurrence was 16.6%. Conclusion: Fistulotomy with immediate sphincteric reconstruction is considered to be an effective option in the management of high perianal fistula, with low morbidity and high healing rate with acceptable continence state. (AU)

Surgery for Complicated Stomal Prolapse: Is the Altemeier Technique an Option? A Report of Three Cases / Cirurgia para prolapso de estoma complicado: A técnica de Altemeier é uma opção? Um relato de três casos

Abstract Introduction The incidence of stomal prolapse ranges from 2% to 22%. The risk factors include colostomy, the short length of the stoma, obesity, emergency surgery, and the improper (or even absence of) marking of the preoperative site for the stoma. Complicated stomal prolapse associated with severe mucosal irritation, ischemic changes, or bleeding requires surgical intervention. Objective To describe the use of the Altemeier technique in the management of cases of complicated prolapsed stoma after failure of the local medical measures and manual reduction. Methods Case series of three patients with past history of abdominoperineal resection of rectal cancer and permanent end colostomy presented with irreducible prolapse of the stoma. After the failure of the local measures and manual reduction, urgent surgical intervention using the modified Altemeier technique was necessary. Results The modified Altemeier technique is simple, presents low risk of operative and postoperative complications, besides enabling an early recovery, with a lower risk of recurrence during the first 6 months after the repair. Conclusion Themodified Altemeier technique may be a valid therapeutic modality in the setting of complicated prolapsed stoma.

Resumo Introdução A incidência de prolapso de estoma varia de 2 a 22%. Os fatores de risco incluem colostomia, comprimento curto do estoma, obesidade, cirurgias de emergência, e marcação não adequada (ou atémesmo ausente) do sítio pré-operatório para o estoma. Prolapso de estoma complicado e associado a irritação grave de mucosa, alterações isquêmicas, ou sangramento requer intervenção cirúrgica. Objetivo Descrever o uso da técnica de Altemeier para o manejo de prolapso de estoma complicado após fracasso das medidas médicas locais e da redução manual. Métodos Série de casos de três pacientes com histórico de ressecção abdominoperineal de câncer retal e colostomia terminal permanente apresentaram prolapso irredutível do estoma. Com o fracasso das medidas locais e da redução manual, fezse necessária intervenção cirúrgica de emergência usando a técnica de Altemeier modificada. Resultados A técnica de Altemeier modificada é simples e apresenta risco baixo de complicações operatórias e pós-operatórias, além de possibilitar uma recuperação precoce, com menor risco de recorrência durante os 6 primeiros meses após o reparo. Conclusão A técnica de Altemeier modificada pode ser uma modalidade terapêutica válida em casos de prolapso de estoma complicado.

Adherence to the evidence-based guidelines in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is considered one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders; the annual worldwide incidence for AP is 4.9-73.4 cases / 100,000 people and the total mortality rate is 4-8%, increasing to 33% in patients with infected necrosis. This study aims to assess the outcome of providing standardized evidence-based care to patients with acute biliary pancreatitis. METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with acute biliary pancreatitis, were enrolled in this study and managed according to the Japanese guidelines, 2015 with a complementary scope on other recent guidelines. RESULTS: Out of 30 patients in the study, 60% were females. Twenty-five cases were presented in the early phase of the disease while the rest presented in the late phase. Gallstones were the commonest cause (80%). The complications encountered were a systemic complication in one case, organ failure in three cases, and the local complications in the form of fluid collections in (43.3%) of cases.Out of 30 patients, 6 patients had an intervention. The main approach was minimally invasive techniques (4 cases), Open approach was performed in 2 cases. The total mortality rate was 10%. Most mild cases were discharged within one week from admission. Cases readmitted with recurrent attacks of acute pancreatitis were 3 cases, one male and 2 females. CONCLUSION: By applying guidelines in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis, we can reduce disease-related morbidity and mortality. Besides, we can reduce the costs of medical services with the proper investment of healthcare resources.