Management of acute and chronic pelvic sepsis after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer-a 10-year experience of a national referral centre.

AIM: Uncontrolled pelvic sepsis following rectal cancer surgery may lead to dramatic consequences with significant impact on patients' quality of life. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to evaluate management of pelvic sepsis after total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer at a national referral centre. METHOD: Referred patients with acute or chronic pelvic sepsis after sphincter preserving rectal cancer resection, with the year of referral between 2010 and 2014 (A) or between 2015 and 2020 (B), were included. The main outcome was control of pelvic sepsis at the end of follow-up, with healed anastomosis with restored faecal stream (RFS) as co-primary outcome. RESULTS: In total 136 patients were included: 49 in group A and 87 in group B. After a median follow-up of 82 months (interquartile range 35-100) in group A and 42 months (interquartile range 22-60) in group B, control of pelvic sepsis was achieved in all patients who received endoscopic vacuum assisted surgical closure (7/7 and 2/2), in 91% (19/21) and 89% (31/35) of patients who received redo anastomosis (P = 1.000) and in 100% (18/18) and 95% (41/43) of patients who received intersphincteric resection (P = 1.000), respectively. Restorative procedures resulted in a healed anastomosis with RFS in 61% (17/28) of patients in group A and 68% (25/37) of patients in group B (P = 0.567). CONCLUSION: High rates of success can be achieved with surgical salvage of pelvic sepsis in a dedicated tertiary referral centre, without significant differences over time. In well selected and motivated patients a healed anastomosis with RFS can be achieved in the majority.

Bladder Repair With Irrigation and Debridement and Open Reduction Internal Fixation of the Anterior Pelvic Ring Is Safe and Decreases Risk of Infection in Pelvic Ring Injuries With Extraperitoneal Bladder Ruptures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of infection in nonoperative versus operative management of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures in patients with pelvic ring injuries. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of 2 prospectively collected trauma registries. SETTING: Two Level 1 trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with operative pelvic ring injuries, 68 (6%) had extraperitoneal bladder ruptures. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The primary outcome was the incidence and associated risk factors of deep pelvic infection requiring return to OR for surgical debridement. Secondary outcomes included quality of reduction, other complications, and radiographic union. Comparisons were made based on the status of any associated bladder injury. RESULTS: Of 1127 patients with operative pelvic ring injuries, 68 patients had extraperitoneal bladder ruptures, 55 had bladder repair and 13 did not. Of those 13 without repair, none had ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring. Patients without bladder repair had an increased odds of infection 17-fold compared to patients who did have a repair performed (OR 16.9, 95% CI 1.75 - 164, P = 0.01). Other associated factors for deep pelvic infection included use of suprapubic catheter ( p < 0.02) and a closed reduction of the anterior ring ( p < 0.01). Patients undergoing anterior ring ORIF and bladder repair had improved reductions and no increased infection risk. CONCLUSIONS: Operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures decreases risk of infection in patients with pelvic ring injuries. Additionally, ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring does not increase the risk of infection and results in better reductions compared to closed reduction. Treatment algorithms for these combined injuries should consider recommending early bladder repair and anterior pelvic ORIF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Artifact Elimination in the Diagnosis of Female Pelvic Abscess under Phase Correction Algorithm.

In order to explore the effect of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on phase correction algorithm in diagnosing female pelvic abscess, firstly, the effect of phase correction algorithm on eliminating MRI image motion artifacts was studied, then it was applied to 71 female pelvic cases admitted to our hospital in the diagnosis of abscess patients with magnetic resonance imaging technology, and the results were compared with the results of multislice spiral CT and laparoscopy to explore the accuracy of MRI and CT. It was found that the results of MRI examination were close to those of laparoscopy, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05); the results of CT examination and laparoscopy were significantly different, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05); in addition, the results of CT examination, the number of bacterial cysts (43 cases) and tuberculous cysts (12 cases), were significantly lower than the results of MRI (50 cases, 18 cases), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The size of the mass shown by the MRI examination (4.1 cm × 4.2 cm × 3.9 cm～13.9 cm × 9.5 cm × 8.7 cm) was larger than the size of the mass revealed by the CT examination (5.2 cm × 4.3 cm × 4.1 cm～15.5 cm × 10.1 cm × 9.6 cm), the difference between the two was statistically significant (P < 0.05), and it was closer to the results of laparoscopic pathology (4.1 cm × 4.3 cm × 3.9 cm～14.1 cm × 9.3 cmP < 0.058.7 cm). In short, the phase correction algorithm could eliminate the motion artifacts of MRI images. In the imaging diagnosis of female pelvic abscess, the MRI diagnosis based on the phase correction algorithm is more ideal than the diagnosis of multislice spiral CT. It can be used as a reference basis for clinical disease treatment.

Actinomicosis pélvica invasiva: un desafío para el ginecólogo / Invasive pelvic actinomycosis: a challenge for the gynecologist

Resumen La actinomicosis pélvica es una infección bacteriana supurativa crónica, producida por especies de Actinomyces, principalmente Actinomyces israelii, que afecta el aparato genital interno y las estructuras vecinas, asociada al uso prolongado de dispositivo intrauterino sin control en casi la totalidad de los casos descritos en mujeres. La actinomicosis pélvica suele presentarse como un absceso tubo-ovárico y con menor frecuencia como una actinomicosis pélvica invasiva (API). La API se propaga por contigüidad desde el aparato genital hacia las vísceras adyacentes, originando un tumor pélvico difuso, de consistencia leñosa, pseudotumoral, que a menudo se confunde con una neoplasia pélvica. La API representa un gran desafío para el ginecólogo por las dificultades en su diagnóstico y manejo. Se presentan dos casos de API y se revisan los procedimientos diagnósticos y terapéuticos recomendados actualmente para el enfrentamiento de esta patología.

Abstract Pelvic actinomycosis (PA) is a chronic suppurative bacterial infection, produced by Actinomyces, mainly Actinomyces israelii. It affects the internal genital tract, adjacent structures and is associated with a prolonged intrauterine device use with an inadequate control in almost all described cases in women. Pelvic actinomycosis usually presents as a tube ovarian abscess and less frequently as invasive pelvic actinomycosis (IPA). The IPA spreads contiguously from the genital tract to adjacent viscera, causing a diffuse, woody, pseudotumoral pelvic tumor that is frequently confused with a pelvic neoplasm. The IPA represents a great challenge for the gynecologist due to the difficulties in the diagnosis and management of this disease. Two cases of IPA are presented and the currently recommended diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for dealing with this pathology are reviewed.

Safety of Transrectal or Transvaginal Drainage of Pelvic Abscesses / Segurança da drenagem transretal ou transvaginal de abscessos pélvicos

Abstract Objective The literature on the safety and long-term sequelae of transrectal and transvaginal drainage of pelvic abscesses is limited. We evaluated the outcomes and safety of pelvic abscess drainage by interventional radiology at our institution. Methods After obtaining institutional review board approval, we retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of transrectal and transvaginal pelvic abscesses drainage using computed tomography, endorectal ultrasound, and or fluoroscopy. Results The study included 26 patients, with an age range of 24 to 88 years old, out of whom 53.8% were men. A total of 46.1% of the participants were African Americans and 26.9% were Caucasians. The average body mass index was 28.4 (range: 15.6 to 41.9). The most common etiology was penetrating abdominal injury (27%), followed by appendectomy (23%), diverticular disease (11.5%), anastomotic leak (11.5%), and disorders of gynecological causes (11.5%). The mean abscess diameter was 6.3 cm (range: 3.3 to 10.0 cm). Transrectal drainage was performed in all except one patient who had a transvaginal drainage. Transrectal ultrasound was used for drainage in 92.3% cases, and fluoroscopy was used as an additional imaging modality in 75% of the cases. An 8- or 10-Fr pigtail catheter was used in>80% of the patients. Drains were removed between 2 and 7 days in 92.3% of the cases. The average follow-up was 30.4 months (range: 1 to 107 months), and no long-term complications were reported. Only one patient required subsequent operative intervention for an anastomotic leak. Conclusions Pelvic abscess drainage by transrectal route using radiological guidance is a safe and effective procedure.

Resumo Objetivo A literatura sobre a segurança e as sequelas no longo prazo da drenagem transretal e transvaginal do abscesso pélvico é limitada. Avaliamos os resultados e a segurança da drenagem do abscesso pélvico por radiologia intervencionista em nossa instituição. Métodos Após obter a aprovação do conselho de revisão institucional, avaliamos retrospectivamente os resultados da drenagem de abscessos pélvicos transretais e transvaginais por meio de tomografia computadorizada, ultrassom endorretal, e/ou fluoroscopia. Resultados Participaram do estudo 26 pacientes, com faixa etária de 24 a 88 anos, dos quais 53,8% eram homens. Um total de 46,1% eram afro-descendentes, e 26,9% eram brancos. O índice de massa corporal médio foi de 28,4 (gama: 15,6 a 41,9). A etiologia mais comum foi lesão abdominal penetrante (27%), seguida de apendicectomia (23%), doença diverticular (11,5%), fístula anastomótica (11,5%) e distúrbios de causas ginecológicas (11,5%). O diâmetro médio do abscesso foi de 6,3 cm(gama: 3,3 a 10,0 cm). A drenagem transretal foi realizada em todos os pacientes, com exceção de uma, que foi submetida a uma drenagem transvaginal. A ultrassonografia transretal foi utilizada para drenagem em 92,3% dos casos, e a fluoroscopia como modalidade adicional de imagem, em 75% dos casos. Um catéter duplo J de 8 ou 10 Fr foi usado em>80% dos pacientes. Os drenos foram retirados entre 2 e 7 dias em 92,3% dos casos. O acompanhamentomédio foi de 30,4meses (gama: 1 a 107 meses), e nenhuma complicação de longo prazo foi relatada. Apenas um paciente necessitou de intervenção cirúrgica subsequente para um vazamento anastomótico. Conclusão A drenagem do abscesso pélvico por via transretal com orientação radiológica é um procedimento seguro e eficaz.

Rare case of perforated appendicitis presenting as persistent perineal discharge following laparoscopic abdominoperinal excision of rectum (APER).

Abdominoperineal excision of rectum (APER) is one of the widely used surgical procedures to treat low rectal cancer, benign conditions like Crohn's proctitis with anal involvement and as a salvage procedure for anal cancer. Perineal wound infection is a well-recognised complication following such major surgery. Occurrence of appendicitis in a few weeks' time following such a major surgery is uncommon. However, here we present a rare case report of perforated appendicitis presenting as persistent perineal discharge in an elderly man, following laparoscopic APER for a low rectal tumour. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a rare clinical presentation of appendicitis is reported in the history of medical literature. Through this case report, we aim to highlight the importance of considering such an uncommon presentation in patients with perineal discharge, following APER.

[Analysis of the effect of transgluteal percutaneous drainage in the treatment of deep pelvic abscess].

Objective: To investigate the safety and feasibility of transgluteal percutaneous drainage using double catheterization cannula in the treatment of deep pelvic abscess. Methods: A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients who underwent transgluteal percutaneous drainage using double catheterization cannula with deep pelvic abscesses admitted to the Jinling Hospital from May 2017 to September 2020 was conducted. Seven patients were enrolled, including 5 males and 2 females, who aged 26-74 (median 53.0) years old, and all of them had digestive fistula. One male patient was punctured again due to the tube falling off, and a total of 7 patients underwent 8 times of transgluteal percutaneous drainage, all under the guidance of CT. The puncture and drainage steps of the double catheterization cannula group are as follows: (1) Locate the puncture point under CT in the lateral position; (2) Place the trocar into the abscess cavity; (3) Confirm that the trocar is located in the abscess cavity under CT; (4) Pull out the inner core and insert into the double catheterization cannula through the operating hole; (5) Confirmthat the double catheterization cannula is located in the abscess cavity under CT; (6) The double catheterization cannula is properly fixed to prevent it from falling off. The white blood cells, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) of all patients before the drainage and 1 days, 3 days, and 5 days after the drainage were collected, as well as the bacterial culture results of the drainage fluid. The changes of various infection biomarkers before and after the drainage were compared. Results: All 7 patients were cured. No complications such as hemorrhage and severe pain were observed. The average time with drainage tube was 60.8 (18-126) days. Five patients finally underwent gastrointestinal reconstruction surgery due to gastrointestinal fistula. The median serum interleukin-6 of patients before drainage, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days after drainage were 181.6 (113.0, 405.4) µg/L, 122.2 (55.8, 226.0) µg/L, 59.2 (29.0,203.5) µg/L and 64.1 (30.0,88.4) µg/L, respectively.The level of serum interleukin-6 at 3 days and 5 days after drainage was significantly lower than before drainage (F=3.586, P=0.026). Although the white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin decreased gradually after drainage compared with before drainage, the difference was not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusion: Transgluteal percutaneous drainage with double catheterization cannula is simple and effective, and can be used for the treatment of deep pelvic abscess.

Abnormal menstruation after radical trachelectomy and its effects on fertility.

AIM: To evaluate and identify the risk factors for abnormal menstruation after radical trachelectomy. METHODS: This study included 58 patients who underwent radical trachelectomy at our hospital between April 2005 and January 2018. Patients were divided into groups of those with no change in postoperative menstruation (regular [R] group; n = 46) and those with abnormal menstruation such as amenorrhea or hypomenorrhea (irregular [I] group; n = 12). The perioperative characteristics and fertility of the groups were compared retrospectively. The data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test for univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis for multivariate analysis, with the level of statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Based on Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics staging, 54 patients had stage IB1, 2 had stage IB2 and 2 had stage IIA1 cervical cancer. Eight patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Pretreatment tumor size, residual uterine cavity length and neoadjuvant and postoperative chemotherapy use were not significantly different between the groups. Abnormal menstruation was significantly more common in patients with postoperative pelvic infection (R group, 13.0%; I group, 58.3%) and cervical stenosis (R group, 15.2%; I group, 58.3%). CONCLUSION: To maintain healthy menstruation even after radical trachelectomy, it is important to prevent postoperative pelvic infection and cervical stenosis.

Postoperative Steroid Taper Is Associated With Pelvic Sepsis After Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that postoperative oral steroid taper after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease would not be associated with pelvic septic complications. BACKGROUND: Recent data has emphasized the possible association between biologic medication use and pelvic sepsis following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. Limited contemporary data exist examining the effects of steroid use on these complications. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease at a single institution from January 2009 to December 2013 were included. Factors associated with anastomotic leak and pelvic sepsis were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 686 patients were included (mean age 39.5 years, 59% males). Postoperative oral steroid taper was associated with both anastomotic leak and pelvic sepsis on univariate analysis. Stress dose intravenous steroid use was not associated with complications. Multivariate analysis indicated total proctocolectomy (odds ratio [OR] 2.2; confidence interval [CI] 1.01-4.7, P = 0.047), and postoperative oral steroid taper (OR 2.3; CI 1.06-5.1; P = 0.035) as independent factors significantly associated with pelvic sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged postoperative oral steroid taper after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis should be avoided. If preoperative steroid weaning is not possible before a planned total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, patients should undergo an initial total abdominal colectomy.

Pelvic abscess: A late complication of abdominal trachelectomy for cervical cancer.

AIM: Only a few reports of pelvic abscess as a late complication of trachelectomy have been published to date. To evaluate the cases of pelvic abscess as a late complication of abdominal trachelectomy for cervical cancer. METHODS: In June 2005, we began a clinical trial of abdominal trachelectomy at our institution. Written informed consent was obtained from all patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent trachelectomy and extracted the data of patients who experienced pelvic abscess as a late complication. RESULTS: From June 2005 to September 2017, we performed 181 trachelectomies at our institution. In total, 15 pelvic abscesses occurred in 12 of these patients more than 1 month after trachelectomy. The median postoperative period before the onset of pelvic abscess was 51 months (range, 1-104 months). Among the 15 cases, abscess formed in the uterine adnexa in 12, in a pelvic lymphocyst in two, and in the uterus in one. Abscess drainage was performed in six cases. Three patients underwent laparotomy with salpingo-oophorectomy. CONCLUSION: It is possible that not only surgical removal of the uterine cervix but also the use of nonabsorbable suture in cervical cerclage and placement of an intrauterine device triggered post-trachelectomy infection. Pelvic abscess can occur as a late complication of abdominal trachelectomy.

Contrast radiography before diverting stoma closure in rectal cancer is not necessary on a routine basis. / El estudio radiológico con contraste antes del cierre del estoma derivativo en el cáncer de recto no es necesario de forma rutinaria.

INTRODUCTION: Diverting stomata are recommended in patients with low anterior resection and risk factors in order to reduce the severity of anastomotic leaks. Usually, a radiology study is performed prior to the closure of the stoma to detect subclinical leaks. The aim of the present study is to assess the clinical utility of the radiology study. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of patients undergoing anterior rectal resection for rectal cancer and those who underwent stoma closure without contrast enema. This study was carried out after a retrospective review of radiology study results prior to the closure of the stoma in patients operated from 2007 to 2011. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients met the study criteria. Thirteen patients (15.1%) presented pelvic sepsis. Contrast enema before stoma closure was pathological in 8 patients (9.3%). Five out of the 13 patients with pelvic sepsis had a pathological radiological study, compared to only 3 out of the 73 patients without intra-abdominal complications after rectal resection (38.5% vs. 4.1%; P=.001). Based on these results, we conducted a prospective study omitting the contrast enema in patients with no postoperative complications. Thirty-eight patients had their stoma closed without a prior radiology study. None of the patients presented pelvic sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Radiology studies of the colorectal anastomosis before reconstruction can safely be omitted in patients without pelvic sepsis after the previous rectal resection.

Open pelvic fracture: the killing fracture?

BACKGROUND: Open pelvic fractures are rare but represent a serious clinical problem with high mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of open pelvic fractures in our clinic and to compare the results from our patient group with those of closed fractures and with the literature from the past decade. METHODS: Data of patients older than 16 years of age who were admitted to our hospital with a pelvic fracture between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2014, were analyzed. The collected data were patient demographics, mechanism of injury, RTS, ISS, transfusion requirement during the first 24 h, Gustilo-Anderson and Faringer classification, number and type of interventions complications, mortality, and length of stay. RESULTS: Twenty-four of 492 patients (5% of all pelvic fracture patients) had an open fracture. Their mean age was 36 years, the mean ISS was 31, and the mean number of transfused packed red blood cells was 5.5. These numbers were all significantly higher than in the patients with a closed fracture, although they were comparable to other studies with open fractures. The mortality was 4% in the open group versus 14% in the closed group (p = 0.23). The reported mortality in the literature ranges between 4 and 45%. CONCLUSION: Open pelvic fractures are relatively rare but are a cause of significant morbidity. In this series, we treated patients with open pelvic fractures successfully, with a survival rate of 96%. There was no significant difference in survival rate between open and closed pelvic fractures. Compared with other studies, the mortality in our study was relatively low.

Resectability and Vascular Management of Retroperitoneal Gynecological Malignancies: A Large Single-institution Case-Series.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To report on morbidity and oncological outcomes in a consecutive series of gynecological malignancies involving the vascular district. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated a consecutive series between 1/2015 and 1/2017 with suspicious gynecological malignancies involving the vascular district. Peri-operative data and survival rates were computed. RESULTS: Eight-hundred-four women with gynecological malignancies were admitted for major oncologic surgery during the study period, and among them, 50 cases (6.2%) showed vascular involvement. Twenty-seven and 23 patients were submitted to minor and major vascular procedures, respectively. R0 resection was achieved in 44 patients. There were no perioperative mortalities. Major postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients (12.0%). The 2-year disease free survival (DFS) was 67% if R0 resection was achieved. In patients with positive pathological margins (n=2), the 2-year DFS was 33%. CONCLUSION: Vascular procedures can be safely performed with a proper pre-operative planning and may not be an impediment to major gynecological oncological surgery.

Preoperative Vaginal Metronidazole Decreases the Risk of Pelvic Infections After Radical Robotic Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Risk factors and infection rates of radical robotic procedures have yet to be described in gynecology. A practice improvement strategy using a solitary dose of vaginal metronidazole the night before surgery was initiated to determine if it decreased the risk of pelvic infection. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of robotic radical hysterectomies for gynecologic malignancy at our institution from April 2010 through April 2016 was performed. Demographic data, operative data, and data on use of metronidazole before surgery were collected. χ Statistical analysis, Student t test, and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze the data. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients met the inclusion criteria, and 46 patients received vaginal metronidazole. Demographic and clinical factors were similar between the 2 groups. The pelvic infection rate was significantly higher in nonusers at 13% (6/46) compared with users at 0% (0/42) (P ≤ 0.05). The genitourinary infection rate was also significantly higher in nonusers at 20% as compared with users at 2.2% (P = 0.02). Operative risk factors found to be associated with pelvic infection included hospital length of stay, blood loss, and metronidazole use. Multivariate regression analysis determined that only vaginal metronidazole had a clinically significant reduction of pelvic and genitourinary infection. DISCUSSION: A single dose of preoperative vaginal metronidazole reduces the risk of pelvic and genitourinary infection after robotic radical hysterectomy.

Low Hartmann's procedure or intersphincteric proctectomy for distal rectal cancer: a retrospective comparative cohort study.

PURPOSE: Two non-restorative options for low rectal cancer not invading the sphincter are the low Hartmann's procedure (LH) or intersphincteric proctectomy (IP). The aim of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity with emphasis on pelvic abscesses after LH and IP. METHODS: All patients that had LH or IP for low rectal cancer were included in three centres between 2008 and 2014 in this retrospective cohort study. Follow-up was performed for at least 12 months. RESULTS: A total of 52 patients were included: 40 LH and 12 IP. Median follow-up was 29 months (IQR 23). There were no differences between groups in gender, age and ASA classification. Seven patients in the LH group (18%) and four patients in the IP group (33%) developed a complication within 30-day postoperative with a Clavien-Dindo classification grade III or higher (P = 0.253). Four out of 40 patients (10%) in the LH group and two out of 12 patients (17%) in the IP group developed a pelvic abscess (P = 0.612). Reinterventions were performed in 11 (28%) patients in the LH group and five (42%) patients in the IP group (P = 0.478), with a total number of reinterventions of 13 and 20, respectively. Six and 15 interventions were related to pelvic abscesses, respectively. CONCLUSION: Pelvic abscesses seem to occur in a similar rate after both LH and IP. Previous reports from the literature suggesting that IP might be associated with less infectious pelvic complications compared to LH are not supported by this study, although numbers are small.

Hysterectomy for benign conditions: Complications relative to surgical approach and other variables that lead to post-operative readmission within 90 days of surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To examine variables associated with hysterectomy-related complications, relative to surgical approach and other variables, that lead to readmission within 90 days of surgery. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study for which data were extracted from electronic health records. Data were extracted of all patients (n = 3106) who underwent hysterectomies at 10 Kaiser Permanente Southern California medical centers between June 2010 and September 2011. Patients who were pregnant or had a cancer diagnosis were excluded from the study. To identify univariate associations between examined variables and procedure type, chi-square tests for categorical variables and t-tests or analysis of variance for continuous variables were used. Generalized estimating equations methods were used to test associations between independent variables and primary outcomes of interest. Statistical significance was determined using a p-value <.05. RESULTS: Of 3106 patients, 109 experienced 168 post-operative complications. The most common post-operative complications were related to pelvic abscesses, bowel obstruction, or severe ileus, and the vaginal cuff. Pelvic abscesses were most frequent among total laparoscopic hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy cases (p = .002), and vaginal cuff complications were most frequent among total laparoscopic hysterectomy cases (p = .015). Patients who underwent total vaginal hysterectomy (odds ratio = 2.13, confidence interval = 1.15-3.92), laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (odds ratio = 3.11, confidence interval = 1.13-8.57), and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (odds ratio = 5.60, confidence interval = 2.90-10.79) experienced increased occurrence of post-operative complications resulting in readmission. Other variables associated with an increased risk for readmission included high estimated blood loss (201-300 mL and 301+ mL, relative to 0-50 mL; odds ratio = 2.28, confidence interval = 1.24-4.18 and odds ratio = 2.63, confidence interval = 1.67-4.14) and long length of stay of 3 days or more (relative to 0 days; odds ratio = 2.93, confidence interval = 1.28-6.69). Pelvic specimen weight in the 151-300 g and 501+ g ranges appeared protective (odds ratio = 0.40, confidence interval = 0.25-0.64 and odds ratio = 0.54, confidence interval = 0.33-0.90). In a sub-analysis of 1294 patients, 74 hospital operative complications directly related to hysterectomy were identified among 59 patients. The most common hospital operative complications were excessive bleeding associated with surgery or injury to nearby structures. Among the sub-sample of 1294 patients, those with hospital operative complications were more likely to experience post-operative complications that lead to readmission (odds ratio = 3.82, confidence interval = 1.55-9.43, p = .004). CONCLUSION: The observed increased risk of complications among patients of Black race, who underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy or total laparoscopic hysterectomy, who experienced more than 300 mL surgical blood loss, who suffered hospital operative complications, and those whose hospitalization was 3 days or greater, offers an opportunity for higher scrutiny and preventive measures during usual hysterectomy care to prevent later readmission.

A retrospective cohort study of hemostatic agent use during hysterectomy and risk of post-operative complications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the use of intraoperative hemostatic agents was a risk factor for post-operative adverse events within 30 days of patients undergoing hysterectomy. METHOD: A population-based retrospective cohort study included data from patients undergoing hysterectomy for any indication between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2014, at 52 hospitals in Michigan, USA. Any individuals with missing covariate data were excluded, and multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-matching were used to estimate the rate of post-operative adverse events associated with intra-operative hemostatic agents independent of demographic and surgical factors. RESULTS: There were 17 960 surgical procedures included in the analysis, with 4659 (25.9%) that included the use of hemostatic agents. Hemostatic agent use was associated with an increase in predicted hospital re-admissions (P=0.007). Among all hysterectomy approaches, and after adjusting for demographic and surgical factors, hemostatic agent use during robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with an increased predicted rate of blood transfusions (P=0.019), an increased predicted rate of pelvic abscess diagnoses (P=0.001), an increased predicted rate of hospital re-admission (P=0.001), and an increased predicted rate of re-operation (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: Hemostatic agents should be used carefully owing to associations with increased post-operative re-admissions and re-operations when used during hysterectomy.

Delayed Coloanal Anastomosis for rectovaginal fistula after colorectal resection for deep endometriosis.

AIM: The deep infiltrating endometriosis, defined as a subperitoneal infiltration of endometrial implants of ≥ 5 mm involving not only the colorectal tract but also rectovaginal septum, vagina and bladder often requires a challenging surgery. Endometriosis nodes of the rectovaginal septum, if symptomatic, need a resection of the involved colorectal tract with colorectal or coloanal anastomosis. Unfortunately in these cases is not uncommon the possibility of a postoperative rectovaginal fistula (RVF), caused by the weakness of the septum that must be skeletonized to completely remove the endometriosis nodes. Here we present a case of anastomotic leakage with high RVF after colorectal resection and low colorectal anastomosis for deep endometriosis in which, for a chronic pelvic sepsis and a high risk of failure of a new immediate coloanal anastomosis, a Turnbull-Cutait pull-through with delayed coloanal anastomosis (DCAA) has been performed. CASE REPORT: A now 34 years old woman was admitted to our Clinic because of a RVF due to recto-sigmoid resection with colorectal anastomosis for endometriosis. An evaluation in anesthesia confirmed the RVF. In this case we avoided an immediate new colorectal anastomosis for the high risk of a recurrent anastomotic leakage and performed a DCAA. RESULTS: The outcome of the two-steps operation has been satisfactory both for the healing of the RVF and for the functional results bringing the young patient to a completely restored social, sexual and working life. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion Turnbull-Cutait pull-through with delayed coloanal anastomosis is a good choice in patients with RVF in which a new colorectal or coloanal anastomosis can bring to a recurrent leakage. KEY WORDS: Delayed coloanal anastomosis, Deep endometriosis, Rectovaginal fistula.