Transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of short-term outcomes.

AIM: Restorative proctocolectomy with transabdominal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (abd-IPAA) has become the standard surgical treatment for medically refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it requires a technically difficult distal anorectal dissection and anastomosis due to the bony confines of the deep pelvis. To address these challenges, the transanal IPAA approach (ta-IPAA) was developed. This novel approach may offer increased visibility and range of motion compared with abd-IPAA, although its postoperative benefits remain unclear. The aim of this work was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare and inform the frequency of postoperative outcomes between ta-IPAA and abd-IPAA for patients with UC. METHOD: Several databases were searched from inception until May 2022 for studies reporting postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing ta-IPAA. Reviewers, working independently and in duplicate, evaluated studies for inclusion and graded the risk of bias. Odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD) and prevalence ratio (PR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: Ten retrospective studies comprising 284 patients with ta-IPAA were included. Total mesorectal excision was performed in 61.8% of cases and close rectal dissection in 27.9%. There was no difference in the odds of Clavien-Dindo (CD) I-II complications, CD III-IV and anastomotic leak (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.27-3.40; OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.65-2.16; OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.58-3.23; respectively) between ta-IPAA and abd-IPAA. The ta-IPAA pooled CD I-II complication rate was 18% (95% CI 5%-35%) and for CD III-IV 10% (95% CI 5%-17%), and the anastomotic leak rate was 6% (95% CI 2%-10%). There were no deaths reported. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis compared the novel ta-IPAA procedure with abd-IPAA and found no difference in postoperative outcomes. While the need for randomized controlled trails and comparison of functional outcomes between both approaches remains, this evidence should assist colorectal surgeons to decide if ta-IPAA is a viable alternative.

Initial Clinical Outcomes Using Umbilical Cord-Derived Tissue Grafts to Repair Anovaginal Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Perianal fistula is a debilitating disease and challenging condition to treat. Recently, the use of stem cells has been shown to improve healing of fistulas. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to examine the use of an umbilical cord-derived stem cell graft in a pilot study as a novel scaffold/stem inlay implanted into fistula repairs for anovaginal fistula to examine healing rates. DESIGN: This was a pilot study. SETTINGS: This study took place in a colorectal surgery practice. PATIENTS: Patients with anovaginal fistula consented to participate. Cryopreserved umbilical cord tissue graft with viable cells was incorporated as an inlay using a previously reported technique by the authors. Demographic data including history of previous repairs and IBD were included. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measures were safety and efficacy of novel stem cell graft in the treatment of anovaginal fistula. RESULTS: From September 2017 to September 2019, 15 patients underwent anovaginal fistula repair. Three of these patients underwent a second repair, for a total of 18 repairs. No patient was intentionally diverted, but 3 patients presented for repair with a preexisting stoma. The majority of repairs were previous repair failures (12; 67%), and 7 repairs were performed on 5 patients with IBD. Median follow-up was 30 (6-104) weeks. The safety profile for cryopreserved umbilical cord tissue graft was excellent as no adverse events occurred. Overall complete healing rate was 39%, and 12 (67%) repairs resulted in improvement of symptoms. LIMITATIONS: This was a small pilot study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest series using cryopreserved umbilical cord graft for anovaginal fistula repair. The use of umbilical cord was safe and effective at closing defects. Randomized studies are necessary to determine added benefits over current standard of care. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B896 . RESULTADOS CLNICOS INICIALES DEL USO DE INJERTOS DE TEJIDO DERIVADO DE PLACENTA PARA REPARACIN DE FSTULAS ANOVAGINALES: ANTECEDENTES:La fístula perianal es una enfermedad debilitante y una afección difícil de tratar. Recientemente, se ha demostrado que el uso de células madre mejora la curación de las fístulas.OBJETIVO:Deseamos examinar el uso de un injerto de células madre derivadas de cordón umbilical en un estudio piloto como una nueva matriz/injerto de células madre implantado en reparaciones de fístula para fístula anovaginal para examinar las tasas de curación.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio piloto.ESCENARIO:Este estudio se llevó a cabo en una clínica de cirugía colorrectal.PACIENTES:Se obtuvo consentimiento informado de pacientes con fístula anovaginal. El injerto de tejido de cordón umbilical criopreservado con células viables se incorporó como incrustación utilizando una técnica previamente informada por los autores. Se incluyeron datos demográficos que incluían antecedentes de reparaciones previas y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Todos los pacientes fueron seguidos durante un mínimo de 6 semanas.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las principales medidas fueron la seguridad y la eficacia del nuevo injerto de células madre en el tratamiento de la fístula anovaginal.RESULTADOS:Desde 9/2017-9/2019, 15 pacientes fueron sometidas a reparación de fístula anovaginal. Tres de estos pacientes fueron sometidos a una segunda reparación, para un total de 18 reparaciones. Ningún paciente fue derivado intencionalmente mientras que 3 pacientes se presentaron para reparación con un estoma preexistente. La mayoría de las reparaciones fueron fallas de reparaciones previas (12, 67%) y se realizaron siete reparaciones en 5 pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). La mediana de seguimiento fue de 30 semanas (6-104). El perfil de seguridad del injerto de tejido de cordón umbilical criopreservado fue excelente ya que no se produjeron efectos adversos. La tasa general de curación completa fue del 39% y 12 (67%) reparaciones dieron como resultado una mejoría de los síntomas.LIMITACIONES:Este fue un pequeño estudio piloto.CONCLUSIÓNES:Ésta es la serie más grande de utilización de injerto de cordón umbilical criopreservado para la reparación de una fístula anovaginal. La utilización del cordón umbilical resultó segura y eficaz para cerrar defectos. Se necesitan estudios aleatorizados para determinar los beneficios adicionales sobre el estándar de atención actual. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B896 . (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco ).

Redo Continent Ileostomy in Patients With IBD: Valuable Lessons Learned Over 25 Years.

BACKGROUND: Patients with IBD with continent ileostomies may require revision surgeries. There remains a paucity of data regarding outcomes after redo continent ileostomy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate patient outcomes after redo continent ileostomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a high-volume, specialized colorectal surgery department. PATIENTS: We identified patients who underwent redo continent ileostomy (defined as neo-pouch construction or major operations changing the pouch configuration) for IBD between 1994 and 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes measured were patient demographics, short- and long-term outcomes, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 168 patients met inclusion criteria; 102 (61%) were female, the mean age was 51 years (±13.1), and the mean BMI was 24.4 (±3.9). The median time between primary and redo continent ileostomy was 16.8 years. One hundred twenty-two patients (73%) who underwent redo surgery had ulcerative colitis, 36 (21%) had Crohn's disease, and 10 (6%) had indeterminate colitis. Slipped nipple valve and valve stricture were the most common indications for redo continent ileostomy (86%). After a median follow-up of 4 years, 48 patients (29%) required a subsequent reoperation and 27 (16%) had pouch failure requiring pouch excision. The pouch survival rate was 89% at 3 years, 84% at 5 years, and 79% at 10 years. On univariate analysis, a shorter interval between the primary and redo continent ileostomy was associated with long-term pouch failure ( p = 0.003). Cox regression multivariate analysis confirmed that a shorter interval between surgeries was independently associated with pouch failure ( p = 0.014). The mean Cleveland Clinic Global Quality of Life score was 0.61 (± 0.23) among the 70 patients who responded to the questionnaire. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations were that this was a retrospective, single-center study and that it had a low response rate for the Global Quality of Life questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: Redo continent ileostomy surgery is associated with a long-term pouch retention rate of 79% and satisfactory quality of life. Therefore, redo surgery should be offered to patients who are motivated to keep their continent ileostomy. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C87 . REHACER LA ILEOSTOMA CONTINENTE EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL VALIOSAS LECCIONES APRENDIDAS DURANTE AOS: ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal con ileostomías continentes pueden requerir cirugías de revisión. Sigue habiendo escasez de datos con respecto a los resultados después de volver a realizar la ileostomía continente.OBJETIVO:Evaluar los resultados después de rehacer la ileostomía continente.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ESCENARIO:Departamento especializado en cirugía colorrectal de alto volumen.PACIENTES:Identificamos pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva ileostomía continente (definida como construcción de una nueva bolsa u operaciones mayores que cambian la configuración de la bolsa) por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal entre 1994 y 2020.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Datos demográficos de los pacientes, resultados a corto y largo plazo y calidad de vida.RESULTADOS:Un total de 168 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión; 102 (61%) eran mujeres, la edad media fue de 51 años (±13,1) y el IMC medio fue de 24,4 (±3,9). La mediana de tiempo entre la ileostomía primaria y la nueva ileostomía continente fue de 16,8 años. Ciento veintidós pacientes (73%) que se sometieron a una nueva cirugía tenían colitis ulcerosa, 36 (21%) tenían enfermedad de Crohn y 10 (6%) tenían colitis indeterminada. El deslizamiento de la válvula del pezón y la estenosis de la válvula fueron las indicaciones más comunes para rehacer la ileostomía continente (86%). Después de una mediana de seguimiento de 4 años, 48 (29%) pacientes requirieron una reintervención posterior y 27 (16%) tuvieron falla de la bolsa que requirió la escisión de la bolsa. La tasa de supervivencia de la bolsa fue del 89 % a los 3 años, del 84% a los 5 años y del 79% a los 10 años. En el análisis univariable, un intervalo de tiempo más corto entre la ileostomía continente primaria y la nueva se asoció con falla de la bolsa a largo plazo (p = 0,003). El análisis multivariable de regresión de Cox confirmó que el intervalo más corto entre cirugías se asoció de forma independiente con el fracaso de la bolsa (p = 0,014). La puntuación media de la Calidad de Vida Global fue de 0,61 (± 0,23) entre los 70 pacientes que respondieron al cuestionario.LIMITACIONES:Estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro. Baja tasa de respuesta al cuestionario de Calidad de Vida.CONCLUSIÓN:La cirugía de ileostomía continente se asocia con una tasa de retención de la bolsa a largo plazo del 79% y una calidad de vida satisfactoria. Por lo tanto, se debe ofrecer una nueva cirugía a los pacientes que están motivados para mantener su ileostomía continente. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C87 . (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio ).

A Novel Patient-like Swine Model of Perianal Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Perianal Crohn's disease is associated with poor outcomes and high medical costs. It is notoriously difficult to treat despite therapeutic advancements for luminal disease. A large animal model that mimics human perianal disease is needed to test innovative therapies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to create a swine model that replicates the inflammatory component and therapeutic challenges found in patients with perianal Crohn's disease. DESIGN: This was an animal preclinical study. SETTINGS: The experiments were performed at the animal laboratory at the Johns Hopkins University. PATIENTS: Four sus scrufus female pigs were included in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Four female pigs underwent creation of 3 surgical perianal fistulas each, 1 rectovaginal and 2 perianal. Size 24 French setons were placed to maintain patency of the fistula tracts for 4 weeks. After removal of the setons, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid was administered into the fistula tract to create and maintain local inflammation mimicking perianal Crohn's disease. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: An MRI was obtained to assess the fistulas and the pigs were euthanized to review histopathology. RESULTS: Three inflammatory chronic fistula tracts were successfully created in each pig as confirmed by MRI and examination under anesthesia. This is the first report of maintaining patent fistulas in swine 2 weeks after removal of setons. For the first time, we reported that 2 pigs developed branching fistulas and small abscesses reminiscent of human perianal Crohn's disease. The corresponding histopathologic examination found significant chronic active inflammation on standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. LIMITATIONS: The fistulas were surgically induced and did not occur naturally. CONCLUSIONS: A chronic perianal fistula model in pigs that strongly resembles human perianal Crohn's disease was successfully created. This model can be used to test novel therapeutics and techniques to pave the path for human trials. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B969 . UN NUEVO MODELO PORCINO SIMILAR A UN PACIENTE DE LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN PERIANAL ANTECEDENTES: La enfermedad de Crohn perianal se asocia con malos resultados y altos costos médicos. Es notoriamente difícil de tratar a pesar de los avances terapéuticos para la enfermedad luminal. Se precisa de un modelo animal grande que imite la enfermedad perianal humana para probar terapias innovadoras.OBJETIVO:Nuestro objetivo de este estudio fue crear un modelo porcino que replique el componente inflamatorio y los desafíos terapéuticos que se encuentran en los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn perianal.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio preclínico en animales.AJUSTES:Los experimentos se realizaron en el laboratorio de animales de la Universidad Johns Hopkins.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron en el estudio cuatro cerdas sus scrofa.INTERVENCIONES:Cuatro cerdas fueron sometidas a la creación de 3 fístulas perianales quirúrgicas cada una: 1 recto vaginal y 2 perianales. Se colocaron sedales de 24 French para mantener la permeabilidad de los trayectos fistulosos durante 4 semanas. Tras el retiro de los sedales, se administró ácido trinitrobenceno sulfónico en el trayecto de la fístula para crear y mantener la inflamación local simulando la enfermedad de Crohn perianal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Se obtuvo una resonancia magnética para evaluar las fístulas y los cerdos fueron sacrificados para revisar la histopatología.RESULTADOS:Se crearon de manera exitosa tres trayectos fistulosos inflamatorios crónicos en cada cerdo, confirmados por imágenes de resonancia magnética y examen bajo anestesia. Este es el primer informe de preservación de fístulas permeables en cerdos 2 semanas tras el retiro de los setones. Por primera vez, informamos que dos cerdos desarrollaron fístulas ramificadas y pequeños abscesos que recuerdan a la enfermedad de Crohn perianal humana. El examen histopatológico correspondiente encontró una significativa inflamación crónica activa en la tinción estándar de hematoxilina y eosina.LIMITACIONES:Las fístulas se indujeron quirúrgicamente y no se produjeron de forma natural.CONCLUSIONES:Se logro recrear con éxito un modelo de fístula perianal crónica en cerdos que se asemeja mucho a la enfermedad de Crohn perianal humana. Este modelo se puede utilizar para probar nuevas terapias y técnicas para allanar el camino para los ensayos en humanos. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B969 . (Traducción-Dr Osvaldo Gauto).

Effect of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Surgical Site Infections in High-Risk Reoperative Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal resections have relatively high rates of surgical site infections causing significant morbidity. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was introduced to improve wound healing of closed surgical incisions and to prevent surgical site infections. OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of incisional NPWT on superficial surgical site infections in high-risk, open, reoperative colorectal surgery. DESIGN: This was a single-center randomized controlled trial conducted between July 2015-October 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to incisional negative pressure wound therapy or standard gauze dressing with a 1:1 ratio. A total of 298 patients were included. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at the colorectal surgery department of a tertiary-level hospital. PATIENTS: This study included patients older than 18 years who underwent elective reoperative open colorectal resections. Patients were excluded who had open surgery within the past 3 months, who had active surgical site infection, and who underwent laparoscopic procedures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was superficial surgical site infection within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were deep and organ-space surgical site infections within 7 days and 30 days, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were included in each arm. The mean age was 51 years, and 49.5% were women. Demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and preoperative albumin levels were comparable between the groups. Overall, most surgeries were performed for IBD, and 77% of the patients had an ostomy fashioned during the surgery. No significant difference was found between the groups in 30-day superficial surgical site infection rate (14.1% in control versus 9.4% in incisional negative pressure wound therapy; p = 0.28). Deep and organ-space surgical site infections rates at 7 and 30 days were also comparable between the groups. Postoperative length of stay and complication rates (Clavien-Dindo grade) were also comparable between the groups. LIMITATIONS: The patient population included in the trial consisted of a selected group of high-risk patients. CONCLUSIONS: Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was not associated with reduced superficial surgical site infection or overall complication rates in patients undergoing high-risk reoperative colorectal resections. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B956 . EFECTO DE LA TERAPIA DE HERIDA INSICIONAL CON PRESIN NEGATIVA EN INFECCIONES DEL SITIO QUIRRGICO EN CIRUGA COLORRECTAL REOPERATORIA DE ALTO RIESGO UN ENSAYO CONTROLADO ALEATORIZADO: ANTECEDENTES:Las resecciones colorrectales tienen tasas relativamente altas de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico que causan una morbilidad significativa. La terapia de heridas incisionales con presión negativa se introdujo para mejorar la cicatrización de las heridas de incisiones quirúrgicas cerradas y para prevenir infecciones del sitio quirúrgico.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este ensayo controlado y aleatorizado fue investigar el efecto de la terapia de herida incisional con presión negativa en infecciones superficiales del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía colorrectal re operatoria, abierta y de alto riesgo.DISEÑO:Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado de un solo centro entre julio de 2015 y octubre de 2020. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir tratamiento para heridas incisionales con presión negativa o vendaje de gasa estándar en una proporción de 1:1. Se incluyeron un total de 298 pacientes.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el departamento de cirugía colorrectal de un hospital de tercer nivel.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que se fueron sometidos a resecciones colorrectales abiertas, re operatorias y electivas. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes que tuvieron cirugía abierta en los últimos 3 meses, con infección activa del sitio quirúrgico y que fueron sometidos a procedimientos laparoscópicos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue infección superficial del sitio quirúrgico dentro de los 30 días. Los resultados secundarios fueron infecciones del sitio quirúrgico profundas y del espacio orgánico dentro de los 7 y 30 días, las complicaciones posoperatorias y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 149 pacientes en cada brazo. La edad media fue de 51 años y el 49,5% fueron mujeres. La demografía, las comorbilidades preoperatorias y los niveles de albúmina preoperatoria fueron comparables entre los grupos. En general, la mayoría de las cirugías fueron realizadas por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y al 77 % de los pacientes se les confecciono una ostomía durante la cirugía. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en la tasa de infección del sitio quirúrgico superficial a los 30 días (14,1 % en el control frente a 9,4 % en el tratamiento de herida incisional con presión negativa, p = 0,28). Las tasas de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico profundas y del espacio orgánico a los 7 y 30 días también fueron comparables entre los grupos. La duración de la estancia postoperatoria y las tasas de complicaciones (Clavien-Dindo Graduacion) también fueron comparables entre los grupos.LIMITACIONES:La población de pacientes incluida en el ensayo consistió en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes de alto riesgo.CONCLUSIONES:Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B956 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Surgery for young onset diverticulitis: is it curative?

PURPOSE: Previously considered a disease of old age, diverticular disease is increasingly prevalent in younger populations. Guidelines on surgical resection have shifted from recommending resection for all young onset patients to an individualized approach. Therefore, we aim to determine demographics and outcomes including radiographic and surgical recurrence rates in patients < 40 years old undergoing resection for diverticular disease. METHODS: A retrospective, single center study was performed. All patients ≤ 39 years undergoing operative intervention for left-sided diverticular disease between Jan 2010 and July 2017 were included. Recurrence was determined by individual review of imaging and operative reports. RESULTS: Overall, 147 (n = 107/72.8% male, mean age = 34.93 ± 4.12 years) patients were included. The majority were ASA 1 or 2 (n = 41/27.9% and n = 82/55.8%). The most common surgical indication was uncomplicated diverticulitis (n = 77, 52.4%) followed by perforation (n = 26/17.7%). The majority (n = 108/73.5%) of cases were elective. Seventy-nine (57.3%) of all cases were performed laparoscopically. Primary anastomosis without diversion was the most common surgical outcome (n = 108/73.5%). Median length of stay was 5 (4, 7) days. There was no mortality. There were three (2.0%) intraoperative and 38 (25.9%) postoperative complications. The most common complication was anastomotic leak (n = 6/4.1%). The majority (n = 5) of leaks occurred after elective surgery. Two neoplastic lesions (1.3% of cohort) were found (1 adenoma with low-grade dysplasia/1 polyp cancer). Over a mean follow-up of 96 (74, 123) months, only 2 (1.3%) patients experienced a surgical or radiological recurrence. CONCLUSION: Both neoplasia and recurrence after resection for diverticular disease in young onset patients are rare. Leaks after primary anastomosis even in the elective setting warrant careful consideration of a defunctioning ileostomy.

The use of laparoscopy for T4a and T4b colon cancer: are we playing with fire?

BACKGROUND: The laparoscopic approach for colon cancer has become widely accepted. However, its safety for T4 tumors, and particularly for T4b tumors when local invasion to adjacent structures occurs, remains controversial. This study aimed to compare short and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic vs. open resection for T4a and T4b colon cancers. METHODS: A prospectively maintained, single-institution database was queried to identify patients with pathological stage T4a and T4b colon adenocarcinomas electively operated on between 2000 and 2012. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of laparoscopy. Patient characteristics, perioperative, and oncologic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen patients [41 laparoscopic (L), 78 open surgeries (O)] met the inclusion criteria. No difference was observed in age, gender, BMI, ASA, and procedure between groups. Tumors treated by L were smaller than O (p = 0.003). No difference was observed in morbidity, mortality, reoperation, or readmission between the groups. Length of hospital stay was shorter in L than O (6 vs. 9 days, p = 0.005). Conversion to open was necessary in 22% of all T4 tumors laparoscopic cases. However, when tumors were subdivided by pT4 classification, conversion was necessary for 4 of 34 (12%) pT4a patients vs. 5 of 7 (71%) pT4b patients (p = 0.003). In the pT4b cohort (n = 37), more tumors were treated by the open approach (30 vs. 7). For pT4b tumors, the R0 resection rate was 94% (86% in L vs. 97% in O, p = 0.249). The use of laparoscopy did not impact overall survival, disease-free survival, cancer-specific survival, or tumor recurrence overall in all T4 or T4a and T4b tumors. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic surgery can be safely performed in pT4 tumors with similar oncologic outcomes as compared to open surgery. However, for pT4b tumors, the conversion rate is very high. The open approach may be preferable.

Right colon, left colon, and rectal cancer have different oncologic and quality of life outcomes.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer patients are commonly considered a single entity in outcomes studies. This is particularly true for quality of life (QOL) studies. This study aims to compare oncologic and QOL outcomes between right colon, left colon, and rectal cancer in patients operated on in a single high-volume institution. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients with pathological stages I-III colorectal adenocarcinoma electively operated on with curative intent between 2000 and 2010. Patient characteristics, perioperative and oncologic outcomes, and QOL were compared according to cancer location. RESULTS: Two-thousand sixty-five (606 right colon cancer [RCC], 366 left colon cancer [LCC], and 1093 rectal cancer [RC]) patients met the inclusion criteria. LCC had better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in the non-adjusted analysis (p < 0.001) and better OS in multivariate analysis adjusted by age, gender, ASA, chemotherapy, and pathological stage (p = 0.024). Although RCC had worse OS and DFS in non-adjusted survival analysis than LCC and RC, when adjusted for the factors above, RCC had better survival outcomes than RC, but not LCC. COX regression analysis showed age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.016), ASA (p < 0.001), pathological stage (p < 0.001), adjuvant chemotherapy (p = 0.043), and cancer location (p = 0.024) were independently associated with OS. Age (p < 0.001), gender (p = 0.030), ASA (p = 0.004), and pathological stage (p < 0.001) were independently associated with DFS. Patients with RC reported more sexual dysfunction and work restrictions than colon cancers (p = 0.015 and p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In an adjusted multivariate analysis, colon cancers demonstrated better survival outcomes when compared to rectal cancers.

Laparoscopic surgery for complex Crohn's disease: perioperative and long-term results from a propensity matched cohort.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic surgery for complicated Crohn's (CD) is often technically challenging. Previous studies are limited by the comparison of heterogeneous cohorts of patients undergoing laparoscopic vs open surgery. We aimed to compare perioperative and long-term outcomes of matched patients undergoing laparoscopic and open colonic and ileocolonic resection. Primary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, and complications. Long-term outcomes were subsequent intraabdominal CD surgery, incisional hernia repair, and stoma reversal rates. METHODS: Laparoscopic and open CD patients were 1:1 propensity score matched on age, body mass index, sex, indication, ASA grade, prior abdominal surgery, and postoperative Crohn's medication use based on the laparoscopic approach. RESULTS: A total of 906 patients underwent surgery for complex CD. After propensity matching, 386 were analyzed (193 open/193 lap, 51.3% male, mean age 33.9 + / - 12.6). Mean follow-up was 9.8 (range 7.9-12.1) years. Length of stay [(LOS) 6 (4, 8) vs 8 (5, 11) days, p < 0.001] and operative time [154 (110, 216) vs 176 (126, 239) min, p = 0.03] were shorter in the laparoscopic group. There was no difference in other complications or mortality. After adjusting for postoperative medications, no association was found between operative approach and subsequent intra-abdominal operation or incisional hernia repair. Laparoscopic patients were less likely to have postoperative sepsis [OR 0.40 (0.18, 0.91), p = 0.03]. CONCLUSION: In the setting of complicated Crohn's, in matched cohorts, laparoscopic surgery is associated with reduced operative times and LOS. Mortality, reoperation, and symptomatic hernia rates were equivalent to open surgery. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery are less likely to experience postoperative sepsis.

Factors Influencing the Aesthetic Outcome and Quality of Life After Breast Reconstruction: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The most important purpose of reconstruction is to increase or restore the patient's quality of life (QOL). The purpose of our study was to evaluate the QOL and aesthetic outcomes of patients after autologous versus implant-based breast reconstruction. METHODS: Patients who underwent breast reconstruction between 2009 and 2011 were included. The Breast-Q, a validated breast reconstruction QOL questionnaire, was used along with postoperative photographs panel analyses using a multiparameter breast-specific aesthetic outcome scale and retrospective evaluation of demographic and treatment data. RESULTS: Of 820 patients, 261 complete questionnaires were evaluated. On the multivariable linear regression, the "satisfaction with breasts" was positively influenced by autologous and bilateral reconstructions, whereas radiation therapy (RTx), the time between the reconstruction and the questionnaire, and the number of surgeries due to complications were negative factors (adjusted R = 0.183; P < 0.001). The same factors influenced the "satisfaction with the outcomes." The mean "overall breast appearance" was also positively influenced by autologous and bilateral reconstructions, and RTx and the total number of surgeries were negative predictive factors (adjusted R = 0.311, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The aesthetic result and QOL after breast reconstruction for breast cancer treatment are positively influenced by the use of autologous tissue and bilaterality. Factors that negatively influenced the aesthetic result and the QOL include use of RTx, a higher number of surgeries needed for the reconstruction, reoperations due to complications, higher body mass index, and a longer time elapsed between reconstruction and the questionnaire.

The Relationship Between Clavien-Dindo Morbidity Classification and Oncologic Outcomes After Colorectal Cancer Resection.

BACKGROUND: Limited data on the relationship between postoperative complications (POCs) after colorectal cancer resection and oncologic outcomes are available. We hypothesized that the increased severity of POCs is associated with progressively worse oncologic outcomes. METHODS: Patients with pathological stages I-III colorectal adenocarcinoma undergoing elective curative resection in a single institution between 2000 and 2012 were identified from a prospectively collected database. The severity of POCs was determined using the Clavien-Dindo classification, and oncologic outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Of 2266 patients, 669 (30%) had at least one POC. POCs were not associated with pathologic stage (p = 0.58) or use of adjuvant therapy (p = 0.19). With a mean follow-up of 5.3 years, POCs were associated with decreased 5-year overall survival (OS) (60% vs. 77%, p < 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS) (53% vs. 70%, p < 0.001), cancer-specific survival (CSS) (81% vs. 87%, p < 0.001), and increased overall recurrence rates (19% vs. 15%, p = 0.008). Increasing Clavien-Dindo scores from I to IV was significantly associated with progressively decreasing OS (71, 64, 60, 22%, p < 0.001), DFS (65, 58, 51, 19%, p < 0.001), CSS (88, 77, 79, 74%, p < 0.001), and increasing recurrence rates (12, 20, 26, 18%, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis confirmed POCs as an independent factor associated with decreased OS [hazard ratio (HR) 0.63, 95% CI 0.52-0.76], DFS (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54-0.76), CSS (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56-0.97), and increased recurrence rates (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02-1.80). CONCLUSIONS: POCs are associated with adverse oncologic outcomes, with increasing effect with higher Clavien-Dindo score. Efforts to reduce both the incidence and severity of complications should result in improved oncologic outcomes.

Modified Pfannenstiel Open Approach as an Alternative to Laparoscopic Total Proctocolectomy and IPAA: Comparison of Short- and Long-term Outcomes and Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: A laparoscopic approach to total proctocolectomy with IPAA has been suggested to have better short-term outcomes and cosmesis, whereas open surgery by midline incision may result in shorter operative times. We hypothesized that a modified Pfannenstiel open approach would combine the advantages of both techniques. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of open total proctocolectomy with IPAA using a modified Pfannenstiel incision versus those following the laparoscopic approach. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study comparing patients submitted to open IPAA using modified Pfannenstiel incision versus laparoscopy from 1998 to 2014. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Among 1275 patients, 119 patients underwent the laparoscopic approach and 33 underwent the modified Pfannenstiel approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated, and quality-of-life questionnaires were assessed. RESULTS: Patients who underwent the modified Pfannenstiel approach were younger, more often women, and had lower BMI and ASA classification compared with those who underwent laparoscopy. Surgical time was lower in Pfannenstiel, and no difference was observed in length of hospital stay. No difference was observed in postoperative complications, pouch failure rate, or quality of life. Patients were then matched 1:1 by diagnosis, sex, age (±5 y) and BMI (±5 kg/m). The Pfannenstiel approach still had a shorter surgical time. No difference was observed in the length of hospital stay, complications, pouch failure, or quality of life. In long-term follow-up, pouchitis symptoms occurred more frequently in Pfannenstiel (mean follow-up = 7.3 y), and seepage was more frequently observed in the laparoscopy group (mean follow-up = 4.2 y). These differences were not observed in matched patients. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective design and inherent selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Pfannenstiel approach provides equivalent short- and long-term outcomes and similar quality of life compared with laparoscopy but with a significantly shorter operative time. The modified Pfannenstiel approach to total proctocolectomy with IPAA may be the most efficient method in selected patients. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A562.

The Disproportionate Effect of Perioperative Complications on Mortality within 1 Year After Colorectal Cancer Resection in Octogenarians.

PURPOSE: Risks and benefits of colorectal cancer resection in octogenarians are not clearly defined. This study aimed to assess the relationship between morbidity and mortality within 1 year after colorectal cancer resection in octogenarians compared with other age groups. METHODS: A single-institution, prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients with sporadic, pathological stages I-III colorectal adenocarcinoma, electively undergoing radical resection with curative intent between 2000 and 2012. Patients were divided into three age groups: 'octogenarians' if ≥80 years of age; 'intermediate' if ≥65 and <80 years of age; and 'younger' if <65 years of age. RESULTS: Overall, 2485 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria-326 in the octogenarian age group, 949 in the intermediate age group, and 1210 in the younger age group. Postoperative morbidity disproportionally increased 1-year mortality in octogenarians when compared with the younger age group (37 vs. 6.5 %; p < 0.001). Anastomotic leak, abdominopelvic abscess, reoperation, and readmission rates were comparable among different age groups, but were associated with a disproportionate risk of 1-year mortality in octogenarians (67, 43, 33, and 41 %, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that older age and postoperative complications were the only two independent variables associated with 30- and 90-day mortality. Besides these, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and pathological stage III were additional independent variables associated with 1-year mortality. An interaction test confirmed that age and postoperative complications were independent variables, with additive effect on 30-day, 90-day, and 1-year mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Age plays an important and independent role in affecting mortality when complications occur following surgery for colorectal cancer. The full magnitude of postoperative risks should be taken into consideration when discussing colorectal cancer surgery in octogenarians.

NPTX2 is associated with neoadjuvant therapy response in rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) is recommended for locally advanced rectal cancer. Tumor response varies from pathologic complete response (pCR) to no tumor regression. The mechanisms behind CRT resistance remain undefined. In our previously generated complementary DNA microarrays of pretreatment biopsies from rectal cancer patients, neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2) expression discriminated patients with pCR from those with residual tumor. As tumor response is prognostic for survival, we sought to evaluate the clinical relevance of NPTX2 in rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate NPTX2 messenger RNA expression in individual rectal cancers before CRT. Tumors with NPTX2 expression <50% of normal rectum were defined as NPTX2-low and those with >50% were defined as NPTX2-high. NPTX2 levels were compared to response to therapy and oncologic outcomes using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square, and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) tests, as appropriate. RESULTS: Rectal cancers from 40 patients were included. The mean patient age was 56.8 years, and 30% were female. pCR was achieved in eight of 40 patients (20%). In these patients, messenger RNA NPTX2 levels were significantly decreased compared to those with residual cancer (fold change 30.4, P = 0.017). Patients with NPTX2-low tumors (n = 13) achieved improved response to treatment (P = 0.012 versus NPXT2-high tumors), with 38.5% and 46.1% of patients achieving complete or moderate response, respectively. Of patients with NPTX2-high tumors (n = 27), 11.1% and 18.5% achieved complete or moderate response, respectively. No recurrence or death was recorded in patients with NPTX2-low tumors, reflecting more favorable disease-free survival (P = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased NPTX2 expression in rectal adenocarcinomas is associated with improved response to CRT and improved prognosis. Further studies to validate these results and elucidate the biological role of NPTX2 in rectal cancer are needed.

Complications Following Abdominal-Based Free Flap Breast Reconstruction: Is a 30 days Complication Rate Representative?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze timing and frequency of complications following free tissue autologous reconstruction in a single tertiary care institution. METHODS: From August 2012 to December 2013, all patients operated on for abdominal-based free flap breast reconstruction at a single institution were included. Complications were identified and risk factors associated with them were analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: The total number of patients was 130 with a total of 191 flaps (69 for unilateral and 61 for bilateral reconstructions). Mean surgery time was 570.5 min (±151.24). Fifty-nine of the reconstructed breasts (30.8 %) had early complications. Reoperations due to complications were required in 16 (8.3 %) of the breasts during the first 30 days with seven patients requiring multiple reoperations. Twenty-eight patients required reoperations after 30 days, the most frequent reason being delayed wound healing and abdominal hernia. The most significant complication was a case of disseminated infection with loss of skin coverage of the breasts. Early complications and donor-site complications were higher in active smokers (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with a BMI < 25 had fewer total early complications (p = 0.05), as well as fewer complications on the breast area (p = 0.02). A longer time in the operating room was associated with an increase in late complications (p = 0.018). Bilateral/unilateral operation, immediate/delayed surgery, radiotherapy, age, hypertension, diabetes, and surgery time were not associated with early complications, late complications, or reoperations (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Active smoking was found to be a significant risk factor for early complications, reoperations, and donor-site complications. Patients with a normal BMI had fewer early complications, reoperations at 30 days, and complications on the breast area. As a significant number of complications occurred beyond the standard 30-day reporting period, it is important to consider reoperations during an extended period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .