Factors predictive for a positive invasive mesenteric angiogram following a positive CT angiogram in patients with acute lower gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomographic mesenteric angiography (CTMA) is increasingly adopted in patients with massive lower gastrointestinal (LGI) bleeding. However, a positive computed tomography scan does not always translate to a positive invasive mesenteric angiography (MA) when performed. The aim of this study was to identify factors that could predict a positive invasive MA following a positive CTMA. METHODS: A review of all patients with LGI haemorrhage who had a positive CTMA followed by an invasive MA was performed. RESULTS: From July 2009 to October 2012, 33 positive CTMA scans from 30 patients were identified. Of the 33 bleeding points, 28 were in the colon, while 5 were in the small intestine. Diverticular disease accounted for 20 of the bleeding points. The median duration from the CTMA to the invasive MA was 165 (74-614) min. Of the 33 invasive MAs that were performed, only 14 demonstrated positive extravasation. Factors that were significant for a positive invasive MA included non-diverticular aetiology (odds ratio (OR), 6.75, 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.43-31.90, p = 0.029) and haemoglobin <100 g/l (OR, 14.44, 95 % CI, 1.56-133.6, p = 0.009). When the invasive MA procedure was performed within <150 min of the positive CTMA scan, it was 2.89 (95 % CI, 0.69-12.12) times more likely to be associated with a positive invasive MA. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-diverticular aetiologies and lower haemoglobin levels are associated with a positive invasive MA following a positive CTMA. It is prudent to consider performing the invasive MA within 150 min after a positive CTMA.

Does the body mass index impact lymph node yield for colorectal cancer resection, and does operative approach influence this: a review of bi-national colorectal cancer audit database.

BACKGROUND: Operating on an obese patient is technically more challenging. This study aimed to determine whether there was any correlation between lymph node (LN) harvesting and patient's BMI, and how the operative approach influences this. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the bi-national colorectal cancer audit (BCCA) database from 2008 to 2018 was performed. RESULTS: In the analysis of the correlation between operative approach and number of lymph nodes, data on 22 963 patients were analyzed. The operative approach did not lead to a significant difference in the number of lymph nodes yielded, except for proctocolectomy and low anterior resection where laparoscopic approach yielded greater lymph nodes than open approach. Linear regression of BMI and number of lymph nodes harvested for each operation based on 3986 patients showed that BMI largely does not impact the lymph node yield. The exception was open left hemicolectomy/sigmoid colectomy and laparoscopic high anterior resection, where a unit increase in BMI led to a reduction in the number of lymph nodes harvested. However, the regression coefficient and reduction in number of lymph nodes were low (r2  = 0.11, r2  = 0.0108 and 0.41, 0.18 lymph nodes). CONCLUSION: In colorectal cancer operations, the number of lymph nodes removed is largely not impacted by the patient's body mass index, regardless of which operative approach is taken.

Triple-Staple Technique Effectively Reduces Operating Time for Rectal Anastomosis.

PURPOSE: Stapled anastomotic techniques to the distal rectum have gained widespread acceptance due to their procedural advantages. Various modifications in the stapling techniques have evolved since their inception. The triple-staple technique utilizing stapled closure of both the proximal colon and distal rectal stump provides a rapid and secure colorectal anastomosis. The aims of this study were to determine the safety and efficacy of the triple-staple technique and to compare the clinical outcomes with a historical control group for which the conventional double-staple technique had been performed. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients operated on by a single surgeon were included in the study; 50 patients who underwent a double-staple (DSA) procedure and 50 patients undergoing triple-staple anastomosis (TSA). RESULTS: The most common indication for surgery in both groups was rectal cancer followed by diverticular disease and distal sigmoid cancer. There was no significant difference in number of patients requiring loop ileostomy formation in the groups (TSA, 56.0% vs. DSA, 68.0%; P = 0.621). The mean operating time for the TSA group was significantly shorter compared to that of the DSA group (TSA, 242.8 minutes vs. DSA, 306.1 minutes; P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in complication rate (TSA, 40% vs. DSA, 50%; P = 0.315) or length of hospital stay between the two groups (TSA, 11.3 days vs. DSA, 13.0 days; P = 0.246). Postoperative complications included anastomotic leak, prolonged ileus, bleeding, wound infection, and pelvic collection. CONCLUSION: The triple-staple technique is a safe alternative to double-staple anastomosis after anterior resection and effectively shortens operating time.

Current practices and barriers to referral for cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC among colorectal surgeons: A binational survey.

INTRODUCTION: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has gained traction for the management of peritoneal metastases. The number of specialist units globally offering CRS/HIPEC is increasing. The aim of this survey was to assess current practices and barriers to referral for CRS/HIPEC among colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was emailed to members of the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ). The survey contained 3 sections: namely; demographics, referral patterns and clinical scenarios. Questions on referral patterns included number of peritoneal metastases patients seen per year and referred to a CRS/HIPEC unit, awareness of such a unit and distance from principle place of practice. Different pathologies referred were also explored, as well as investigations performed. Barriers to referral were also surveyed. RESULTS: The response rate was 28% (83/296). Twenty-five percent received CRS training. Most surgeons (95%) were aware of a CRS/HIPEC unit and had referred to one previously. Thirty-nine percent would refer all patients. Provision of good service and/or relationship with CRS/HIPEC specialist were the main reasons for referring to the nearest unit, followed by accessibility. Major factors preventing referral included extent of peritoneal disease (48%), patient characteristics and comorbidities (44%) and lack of evidence (20%). The most common pathologies referred included colorectal and appendiceal peritoneal metastases and pseudomyxoma peritonei. CONCLUSION: Colorectal specialist awareness of CRS/HIPEC units and accessibility is high. Strategies to improve referring physician/surgeon knowledge on patient selection and indications for CRS/HIPEC should be investigated and instituted to ensure all appropriate patients are referred to specialist units for discussion of suitability.

The Benefits of Colorectal Surgery Surveys in Australia and New Zealand.

PURPOSE: Pertaining to the Colorectal Surgery Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ) Executive and Research Support Committee, this study aimed to assess the usefulness and outcomes of surveys sent out by the society to its members. METHODS: From 2009 to 2017, CSSANZ members received 38 surveys, most of which were distributed from within the society, and a few of which originated from other affiliated groups. Surveys were categorised by type, topics, times required for completion, delivery method, response rates, and advancement to publication. RESULTS: Of 38 surveys, 20 (53%) were published and 18 remain unpublished. Four surveys were distributed annually on average, with 2.2 published annually on average, with a mean impact factor of 2.41 ± 1.55. Mean time to publication was 31 ± 17 months. Surveys contributed to 13 publications (34%). The most common survey topics were rectal cancer decisionmaking, in 6 publications (16%), preoperative assessment of colorectal patients, in 5 publications (13%), and anal physiology: continence and defaecation, in 4 publications (11%). Publication of surveys was not related to the number of surveys distributed per year, the number of questions per survey, or the time required by respondents to complete the surveys. CONCLUSION: Most of the CSSANZ-distributed surveys resulted in publications, and one third of the surveys contributed to higher degrees obtained by investigators. These surveys aid research into areas that are otherwise difficult to assess, often indicating areas for future research.

Treatment of hemorrhoids: A survey of surgical practice in Australia and New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhoidal disease is the most common anorectal disorder. Hemorrhoids can be classified as external or internal, according to their relation to the dentate line. External hemorrhoids originate below the dentate line and are managed conservatively unless the patient cannot keep the perianal region clean, or they cause significant discomfort. Internal hemorrhoids originate above the dentate line and can be managed according to the graded degree of prolapse, as described by Goligher. Generally, low-grade internal hemorrhoids are effectively treated conservatively, by non-operative measures, while high-grade internal hemorrhoids warrant procedural intervention. AIM: To determine the application of clinical practice guidelines for the current management of hemorrhoids and colorectal surgeon consensus in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to 206 colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand using 17 guideline-based hypothetical clinical scenarios. RESULTS: There were 82 respondents (40%) to 17 guideline-based scenarios. Nine (53%) reached consensus, of which only 1 (6%) disagreed with the guidelines. This was based on low quality evidence for the management of acutely thrombosed external hemorrhoids. There were 8 scenarios which showed community equipoise (47%) and they were equally divided for agreeing or disagreeing with the guidelines. These topics were based on low and moderate levels of evidence. They included the initial management of grade I internal hemorrhoids, grade III internal hemorrhoids when initial management had failed and the patient had recognised risks factors for septic complications; and finally, the decision-making when considering patient preferences, including a prompt return to work, or minimal post-operative pain. CONCLUSION: Although there are areas of consensus in the management of hemorrhoids, there are many areas of community equipoise which would benefit from further research.

Hidradenoma papilliferum: an unusual benign perianal tumour.

Hidradenoma papilliferum is an uncommon benign tumour that is located in the anogenital region of middle-aged women. They are usually only diagnosed after excision and are thought to arise from anogenital mammary-like glands. We present the case of a young woman who noticed a slow growing perianal lump which caused minimal symptoms.

Effects of Intraoperative Insufflation With Warmed, Humidified CO2 during Abdominal Surgery: A Review.

PURPOSE: During a laparotomy, the peritoneum is exposed to the cold, dry ambient air of the operating room (20°C, 0%-5% relative humidity). The aim of this review is to determine whether the use of humidified and/or warmed CO2 in the intraperitoneal environment during open or laparoscopic operations influences postoperative outcomes. METHODS: A review was performed in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Embase databases were searched for articles published between 1980 and 2016 (October). Comparative studies on humans or nonhuman animals that involved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective cohort studies were included. Both laparotomy and laparoscopic studies were included. The primary outcomes identified were peritoneal inflammation, core body temperature, and postoperative pain. RESULTS: The literature search identified 37 articles for analysis, including 30 RCTs, 7 prospective cohort studies, 23 human studies, and 14 animal studies. Four studies found that compared with warmed/humidified CO2, cold, dry CO2 resulted in significant peritoneal injury, with greater lymphocytic infiltration, higher proinflammatory cytokine levels and peritoneal adhesion formation. Seven of 15 human RCTs reported a significantly higher core body temperature in the warmed, humidified CO2 group than in the cold, dry CO2 group. Seven human RCTs found lower postoperative pain with the use of humidified, warmed CO2. CONCLUSION: While evidence supporting the benefits of using humidified and warmed CO2 can be found in the literature, a large human RCT is required to validate these findings.

Colorectal surgeon consensus with diverticulitis clinical practice guidelines.

AIM: To determine the application of clinical practice guidelines for the current management of diverticulitis and colorectal surgeon specialist consensus in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: A survey was distributed to 205 colorectal surgeons in Australia and New Zealand, using 22 hypothetical clinical scenarios. RESULTS: The response rate was 102 (50%). For 19 guideline-based scenarios, only 11 (58%) reached consensus (defined as > 70% majority opinion) and agreed with guidelines; while 3 (16%) reached consensus and did not agree with guidelines. The remaining 5 (26%) scenarios showed community equipoise (defined as less than/equal to 70% majority opinion). These included diagnostic imaging where CT scan was contraindicated, management options in the failure of conservative therapy for complicated diverticulitis, surgical management of Hinchey grade 3, proximal extent of resection in sigmoid diverticulitis and use of oral mechanical bowel preparation and antibiotics for an elective colectomy. The consensus areas not agreeing with guidelines were management of simple diverticulitis, management following the failure of conservative therapy in uncomplicated diverticulitis and follow-up after an episode of complicated diverticulitis. Fifty-percent of rural/regional based surgeons would perform an urgent sigmoid colectomy in failed conservative therapy of diverticulitis compared to only 8% of surgeons city-based (Fisher's exact test P = 0.016). In right-sided complicated diverticulitis, a greater number of those in practice for more than ten years would perform an ileocecal resection and ileocolic anastomosis (79% vs 41%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: While there are areas of consensus in diverticulitis management, there are areas of community equipoise for future research, potentially in the form of RCTs.

How to decide on stent insertion or surgery in colorectal obstruction?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in western society and malignant obstruction of the colon accounts for 8%-29% of all large bowel obstructions. Conventional treatment of these patients with malignant obstruction requiring urgent surgery is associated with a greater physiological insult on already nutritionally replete patients. Of late the utility of colonic stents has offered an option in the management of these patients in both the palliative and bridge to surgery setting. This has been the subject of many reviews which highlight its efficacy, particulary in reducing ostomy rates, allowing quicker return to oral diet, minimising extended post-operative recovery as well as some quality of life benefits. The uncertainity in managing patients with malignant colonic obstructions has lead to a more cautious use of stenting technology as community equipoise exists. Decision making analysis has demonstrated that surgeons' favored the use of stents in the palliative setting preferentially when compared to the curative setting where surgery was preferred. We aim to review the literature regarding the use of stent or surgery in colorectal obstruction, and then provide a discourse with regards to the approach in synthesising the data and applying it when deciding the appropriate application of stent or surgery in colorectal obstruction.

Making decisions using radiology in lower GI hemorrhage.

Acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a common diagnosis in current practice that may warrant hospitalization and invasive management. There is a shift in the paradigm in the management of this condition away from traditional extensive operative intervention to minimally invasive radiological techniques. These newer modalities offer an opportunity to provide more accurate information on location of bleeding and subsequent management. The increased ease of access to interventional radiology units in major teaching hospitals represents an opportunity to adopt its use in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding. Further, with technological improvements, it is becoming an increasingly favoured option. Traditional endoscopic techniques have been fraught with poor vision in the acute setting, requiring the colon to be purged to aide in better visualization. The use of these newer technologies have been the subject of many reviews which highlight their efficacy in providing a road map to the bleeding site and eventual intervention. We aim to review the literature regarding the use of radiology in the management of LGIB, to provide surgeons with a discourse with regards to the approach in synthesizing the data and applying it when deciding its use.

The safety and efficacy of mesenteric embolization in the management of acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Mesenteric embolization is an integral part in the management of acute lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. The aim of this study was to highlight our experience after adopting mesenteric embolization in the management of acute lower GI hemorrhage. METHODS: A retrospective review of all cases of mesenteric embolization for acute lower GI bleeding from October 2007 to August 2012 was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients with a median age of 73 years (range, 31 to 86 years) formed the study group. More than half (n = 16, 59.3%) of the patients were on either antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy. The underlying etiology included diverticular disease (n = 9), neoplasms (n = 5) and postprocedural complications (n = 6). The colon was the most common bleeding site and was seen in 21 patients (left, 10; right, 11). The median hemoglobin prior to the embolization was 8.6 g/dL (6.1 to 12.6 g/dL). A 100% technical success rate with immediate cessation of hemorrhage at the end of the session was achieved. There were three clinical failures (11.1%) in our series. Two patients re-bled, and both underwent a successful repeat embolization. The only patient who developed an infarcted bowel following embolization underwent an emergency operation and died one week later. There were no factors that predicted clinical failure. CONCLUSION: Mesenteric embolization for acute lower GI bleeding can be safely performed and is associated with a high clinical success rate in most patients. A repeat embolization can be considered in selected cases, but postembolization ischemia is associated with bad outcomes.