Myocutaneous flaps promote perineal healing in inflammatory bowel disease

Long-Term Complications of Proctectomy for Refractory Perianal Crohn's Disease: A Narrative Review

Despite a combination of medical and surgical treatments, many patients with perianal Crohn's disease (CD) continue to experience refractory disease, requiring proctectomy or proctocolectomy, with the creation of a permanent stoma. Although proctectomy is seen as an ultimate treatment aimed at effectively relieving debilitating symptoms and enhancing quality of life, many patients may still face long-term and chronic complications. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the main complications that patients undergoing proctectomy for CD may experience throughout their lives. Relevant publications addressing complications of proctectomy for refractory perianal CD were searched in the Medline/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and LILACS databases. The main long-term complications that patients encounter are related to impaired perineal wound healing, stoma-related issues, sexual and urinary dysfunction, small bowel obstructions, and CD recurrence. These complications negatively affect the quality of life and frequently necessitate further treatment. Patients should receive preoperative counselling regarding the implications of these particular issues, and regular follow-up must be guaranteed to identify any problems early, allowing for prompt treatment.

Persistent perineal sinus following proctocolectomy in the inflammatory bowel disease patient

Prolonged perineal wound healing following proctocolectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a frustrating result for the medical team and patients who were hoping for improved quality of life. Prolonged healing, which lasts more than 6 months following proctocolectomy, is termed persistent perineal sinus (PPS) and typically necessitates further surgical management. Healing of the PPS is difficult due to the resulting "dead space" following proctocolectomy, necessitating the need to fill the void with viable tissue in an area with anatomic constraints. Here we provide a narrative review and comprehensively address the incidence, pathogenesis, and clinical and operative management of a PPS in patients with IBD following proctocolectomy. Operative methods discussed include surgical debridement, flap closure of the perineum, omental flap closure, and gracilis muscle transposition. It is necessary to further investigate and establish a gold standard of care for these patients.

The Role of Autologous Flap Reconstruction in Patients with Crohn's Disease Undergoing Abdominoperineal Resection

BACKGROUND

Patients with symptomatic Crohn's disease who undergo abdominoperineal resection can experience impaired postoperative wound healing. This results in significant morbidity, burdensome dressing changes, and increased postoperative pain. When abdominoperineal resection is performed for oncological reasons, autologous flap reconstruction is occasionally performed to optimize wound healing and reconstruction outcomes. However, the role of flap reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection for Crohn's disease has not been established.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines the utility of flap reconstruction in patients with symptomatic Crohn's disease undergoing abdominoperineal resection. We hypothesize that patients with immediate flap reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection will demonstrate improved wound healing.

DESIGN

This study is a retrospective chart review.

SETTINGS

Eligible patients at our institution were identified from 2010 to 2018 by using a combination of Current Procedural Terminology, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes.

PATIENTS

Of 40 adult patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease, 20 underwent abdominoperineal resection only and 20 underwent abdominoperineal resection with flap reconstruction.

INTERVENTIONS

Immediate autologous flap reconstruction was performed after abdominoperineal resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcomes measured were the presence of postoperative perineal wounds and postoperative wound care burden.

RESULTS

Patients in the abdominoperineal resection with flap reconstruction group demonstrated significantly worse preoperative disease traits, including fistula burden, than patients in the abdominoperineal resection only group. A lower number of patients tended to be associated with a persistent perineal wound in the flap group at 30 days (abdominoperineal resection with flap reconstruction = 55% vs abdominoperineal resection only = 70%; p = 0.327) and at 6 months (abdominoperineal resection with flap reconstruction = 25% vs abdominoperineal resection only = 40%; p = 0.311) postoperatively. There was also a trend toward a lower incidence of complications in the flap group. Patients in the abdominoperineal resection with flap reconstruction group tended to experience lower postoperative pain than patients in the abdominoperineal resection only group.

LIMITATIONS

This retrospective cohort study was limited by its reliance on data in electronic medical records, and by its small sample size and the fact that it was a single-institution study.

CONCLUSIONS

In select patients who have severe perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease, there may be a benefit to immediate flap reconstruction after abdominoperineal resection to lower postoperative wound care burden without significant intraoperative or postoperative risk. In addition, flap reconstruction may lead to lower postoperative pain. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B416.

EL ROL DE LA RECONSTRUCCIN CON COLGAJO AUTLOGO EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN SOMETIDOS A RESECCIN ABDOMINOPERINEAL

ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn sintomática que se someten a una resección abdominoperineal pueden experimentar una curación posoperatoria deficiente de la herida. Esto da como resultado una morbilidad significativa, cambios de apósito molestos y un aumento del dolor posoperatorio. Cuando se realiza una resección abdominoperineal por razones oncológicas, ocasionalmente se realiza una reconstrucción con colgajo autólogo para optimizar los resultados de la curación y reconstrucción de la herida. Sin embargo, no se ha establecido la función de la reconstrucción con colgajo después de la resección abdominoperineal para la enfermedad de Crohn.OBJETIVO:Este estudio examina la utilidad de la reconstrucción con colgajo en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn sintomática sometidos a resección abdominoperineal. Presumimos que los pacientes con reconstrucción inmediata con colgajo después de la resección abdominoperineal demostrarán una mejor curación de la herida.DISEÑO:Revisión retrospectiva de expedientes.MARCO:Los pacientes elegibles en nuestra institución se identificaron entre 2010 y 2018 mediante una combinación de los códigos de Terminología actual de procedimientos, Clasificación internacional de enfermedades 9 y Clasificación internacional de enfermedades 10.PACIENTES:Cuarenta pacientes adultos diagnosticados con enfermedad de Crohn que se someten a resección abdominoperineal solamente (APR-solo = 20) y resección abdominoperineal con reconstrucción con colgajo (APR-colgajo = 20).INTERVENCIÓN (ES):Reconstrucción inmediata con colgajo autólogo después de la resección abdominoperineal.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES:Presencia de herida perineal posoperatoria y carga de cuidado de la herida posoperatoria.RESULTADOS:Los pacientes del grupo APR-colgajo demostraron rasgos de enfermedad preoperatoria significativamente peores, incluida la carga de la fístula, en comparación con los pacientes del grupo APR-solo. Un número menor de pacientes tendió a asociarse con una herida perineal persistente en el grupo de colgajo a los 30 días (APR-colgajo = 55% vs APR-solo = 70%; p = 0.327) y 6 meses (APR-colgajo = 25% vs APR-solo = 40%; p = 0.311) postoperatoriamente. También hubo una tendencia hacia una menor incidencia de complicaciones en el grupo APR-colgajo. Los pacientes del grupo APR-colgajo tendieron a experimentar menos dolor posoperatorio en comparación con el grupo APR-solo.LIMITACIONES:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo basado en datos de historias clínicas electrónicas. Tamaño de muestra pequeño y estudio de una sola institución.CONCLUSIONES:En pacientes seleccionados que tienen enfermedad de Crohn fistulizante perianal grave, la reconstrucción inmediata del colgajo después de la resección abdominoperineal puede beneficiar a reducir la carga posoperatoria del cuidado de la herida sin riesgo intraoperatorio o posoperatorio significativo. Además, la reconstrucción con colgajo puede resultar un dolor posoperatorio menor. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B416.

Modern Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease: A Review

Perianal Crohn's disease (CD) is a complex manifestation of CD that affects approximately 10% of patients. The spectrum of disease is quite variable, ranging from relatively mild disease to severe, aggressive manifestations that result in frequent hospitalizations, multiple surgeries, and poor quality of life. Despite significant recent advances in surgical and medical management, treatment remains challenging and frequently requires a multidisciplinary medical-surgical approach. The goal of this article is to review the current literature regarding the work-up, treatment, and future directions of therapy. Crucial features of effective management include the precise identification of manifestations, control of sepsis, limiting rectal inflammation, frequently with use of antitumor necrosis factor agents, and avoidance of extensive surgery.

Persistent Mesorectal Inflammatory Activity is Associated With Complications After Proctectomy in Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Rectal resection in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is frequently complicated by disturbed perineal wound healing. Close rectal dissection, where the mesorectum remains in situ, is hypothesized to reduce complications by minimizing dead space, compared to total mesorectal excision. The aim of this study was to analyse post-operative outcomes of both techniques. In addition, immune activity in mesorectal tissue was assessed.

METHODS

Perineal complications and healing were retrospectively assessed in a series of 74 IBD patients undergoing proctectomy using close rectal dissection or total mesorectal excision. The mesorectums of 15 patients were analysed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. Based on the clinical and in vitro findings, a novel surgical approach for Crohn's disease patients with disturbed perineal healing after proctectomy was developed.

RESULTS

In Crohn's disease, perineal complications were more frequent after close rectal dissection than after total mesorectal excision [59.5% vs 17.6%; p = 0.007] with lower healing rates [51.4% vs 88.2%; p = 0.014]. No differences were observed in ulcerative colitis. The mesorectal tissue in Crohn's disease contained enhanced numbers of tumour necrosis factor α-producing CD14+ macrophages, with less expression of the wound-healing marker CD206. Based on these findings, mesorectal excision with omentoplasty was performed in eight patients with perineal complications after close rectal dissection, resulting in complete perineal wound closure in six. Pro-inflammatory characteristics remained present in the mesorectum after close rectal dissection in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In Crohn's disease, close rectal dissection resulted in more perineal complications, associated with a pro-inflammatory immune status of the mesorectal tissue. Excision of this pro-inflammatory mesenteric tissue resulted in improved perineal healing rates.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology.

METHODS

Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Interdisciplinary Management of Perianal Crohn's Disease

Perianal disease is a common manifestation of Crohn disease (CD) that results in significant morbidity and decreased quality of life. Despite several medical and surgical options, complex perianal CD remains difficult to treat. Before the advent of biologic therapy, antibiotics were the mainstay of medical treatment. Infliximab remains the most well-studied medical therapy for perianal disease. Surgical interventions are limited by the risk of nonhealing wounds and potential incontinence. When treatment options fail, fecal diversion or proctectomy may be necessary. Stem cell therapies may offer improved results and seem to be safe, but are not yet widely used.

Karydakis flap for post-proctectomy perineal sinus: A case series and review

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Persistent perineal sinus is a troublesome and common complication post-proctectomy.

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Treatment can be simple and ineffective or complex but relatively successful.

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Karydakis procedure is a treatment for pilonidal sinus and has never been reported to be used to treat persistent perineal sinus.

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Two cases, both suffered from Crohn’s disease and persistent perineal sinus, had complete healing with no short term recurrence after Karydakis procedure.

Introduction

Persistent perineal sinus (PPS) may occur in up to 38% of patients undergoing proctectomy. The available therapeutic options range from simple but ineffective to relatively successful but complex. The Karydakis procedure is a straightforward day-case operation, commonly performed by general surgeons in the treatment of pilonidal disease, a not dissimilar pathology to PPS. This report is the first in the literature describing the use of Karydakis procedure in patients who developed PPS after proctectomy for Crohn’s disease.

Presentation of case

Two patients, both of whom suffered from Crohn’s disease and a PPS, underwent a Karydakis procedure as first-line treatment for PPS. Case 1 had a relatively superficial PPS while Case 2 had a deeper, more complex and longstanding PPS. Both patients had no post-operative complications and were discharged on the same day. They achieved complete healing in eight weeks and eight months respectively. The follow up range was 8–16 months.

Discussion

Various techniques, including complex myocutaneous flap reconstruction, have been described in the literature to treat PPS. In contrast to these complex techniques, Karydakis operation is a simple day case procedure that was successful in treating PPS in our patients. While there is robust data regarding low recurrence rates following a Karydakis flap for pilonidal disease, there is no existing data for the indication outlined in this report.

Conclusion

While it requires further assessment, the Karydakis operation has potential as a simple, safe and effective first-line treatment in selected patients with PPS while not precluding more complex operative options in the future.

The success of rectus and gracilis muscle flaps in the treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis and persistent perineal sinus: a systematic review

AIM

Chronic pelvic sepsis is a challenging problem, which may require muscle flaps to fill the pelvic cavity. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the relative success of rectus and gracilis flaps used for this purpose.

METHOD

A systematic review was conducted to identify papers that reported the outcome of rectus or gracilis myocutaneous flaps in the treatment of persistent perineal sinuses or chronic pelvic sepsis. Reports of muscle flaps used for reconstruction or treatment of fistula in the absence of chronic sepsis were excluded. A successful outcome was defined as complete perineal healing within 12 months of surgery.

RESULTS

The review identified 19 studies reporting the outcome of 73 rectus and 87 gracilis flaps. Their respective success was 84% and 64%. Heterogeneity of the underlying cases did not allow for direct comparison of the flaps. Full healing of the flaps was generally achieved within 3 months. Donor site morbidity was minimal.

CONCLUSION

The surgical treatment of chronic pelvic sepsis should be tailored to the individual, but the rectus flap has a reasonable success rate with little morbidity.

Healing under pressure: hyperbaric oxygen and myocutaneous flap repair for extreme persistent perineal sinus after proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

Persistent perineal sinus (PPS) following proctectomy for inflammatory bowel disease affects about 50% of patients. Up to 33% of cases of PPS remain unhealed at 12 months and the most refractory cases are unhealed at 24 months despite optimal conventional therapy. Reports of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for chronic wounds and Crohn's perianal disease led us to explore perioperative HBOT with rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap repair in a highly selected group of patients with extreme PPS who had failed all other interventions.

METHOD

Patients with extreme PPS received preoperative HBOT (a 90-min session at 2.2-2.4 atmospheres, five times per week for 5-6 weeks, for a total of up to 30 sessions), before abdominoperineal PPS excision and perineal reconstruction with vertical or transverse RAM flap repair within 2-4 weeks of completing HBOT. Postoperative HBOT (10 further 90-min sessions) was administered within 2 weeks where practicable.

RESULTS

Between 2007 and 2011, four patients with extreme PPS underwent RAM flap repair with preoperative HBOT; two also received postoperative HBOT. The median (range) duration of PPS before HBOT was 88.5 (23-156) months. All patients had previously failed multiple (5 to > 35) surgical procedures. Complete healing occurred in all patients at a median (range) follow-up of 2.5 (2-3) months. There were no further hospital admissions for PPS at a median (range) follow-up of 35 (8-64) months.

CONCLUSION

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with PPS excision and perineal reconstruction with a RAM flap led to complete perineal healing in four patients with extreme PPS and appears a safe and effective extension to the therapeutic pathway for exceptionally treatment-refractory PPS.

Perianal Crohn’s disease: Is there something new?

Perianal lesions are common in patients with Crohn’s disease, and display aggressive behavior in some cases. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for the optimal management of perianal lesions. Treatment of perianal Crohn’s disease includes medical and/or surgical options. Recent discoveries in the pathogenesis of this disease have led to advances in medical and surgical therapy with good results. Perianal lesions in Crohn’s disease remain a challenging aspect for both gastroenterologists and surgeons and lead to a greatly impaired quality of life for all patients affected by this disease. A multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to obtain the best results.

Gracilis muscle transposition for complex fistula and persistent nonhealing sinus in perianal Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Complex fistulas and persistent perineal sinuses as a result of perianal Crohn's disease remain a major therapeutic challenge. A muscle transposition may promote wound healing by filling the perineal cavity and increasing tissue oxygenation. We aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the treatment at our institution over 8 years.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent gracilis muscle transposition for complex perianal Crohn's disease between 1999 and 2007. Data collected included patients' demographic data, previous treatments (medical and surgical), and outcome of the operation. A structured telephone interview was conducted to evaluate medium- to long-term outcomes of the treatment.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (8 men and 10 women, median age 33 years, range 17-59 years) underwent a gracilis muscle transposition between 1999 and 2007. Fourteen patients had a complex fistula, and 4 patients had a persistent nonhealing perineal sinus. Gracilis muscle transposition healed the perineum of 11 patients (61%) at a median follow-up of 10 months (range 1-88 months). The success rate for complex fistulas was 64% and that for persistent nonhealing perineal sinuses was 50%. Eight graft site infections and delayed healing were noted. There were no donor-site problems or major complication. Healing was maintained in 8 of 9 patients who were available for medium- to long-term follow-up (median 64 months, range 23-123 months), with high patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Gracilis transposition is a viable option as a treatment for complex perianal Crohn's disease. Efficacy was maintained in nearly 90% of patients in the medium to long term.

Management of nonhealing perineal wounds

The manifestations of perianal Crohn's disease vary from primary lesions such as skin tags and fissures, to diffuse septic destruction of tissue and sphincter muscle. These manifestations are often persistent and refractory to surgical treatment; however, a more disappointing scenario is when the treatment itself results in a chronic wound. The ideal approach for management involves basic surgical principles, careful patient selection, and realistic expectations. Choice of appropriate procedure, effective elimination of sepsis, thorough evaluation to rule out concomitant systemic disease, and appropriate use of fecal diversion are each an important principle. If proctectomy is necessary, several strategies such as intersphincteric dissection, avoidance of fecal contamination, and appropriate wound closure, are effective in diminishing the postoperative morbidity of an unhealed perineal wound. When an unhealed perineal wound develops in a patient with Crohn's disease, the initial management is conservative. When surgical treatment is necessary, success depends on careful patient selection, optimizing the patient's condition, elimination of sepsis, and choice of an effective technique for healing.

Diagnosis and management of fistulizing Crohn's disease

The transmural inflammation characteristic of Crohn's disease predisposes patients to the formation of fistulas. Up to 50% of patients with Crohn's disease are affected by fistulas, which is a major problem given the considerable morbidity associated with this complication. Appropriate treatment of fistulas requires knowledge of specific pharmacological and surgical therapies. Treatment options depend on the severity of symptoms, fistula location, the number and complexity of fistula tracts, and the presence of rectal complications. Internal fistulas, such as ileoileal or ileocecal fistulas, are mostly asymptomatic and do not require intervention. By contrast, perianal fistulas can be painful and abscesses may develop that require surgical drainage with or without seton placement, transient ileostomy, or in severe cases, proctectomy. This Review describes the epidemiology and pathology of fistulizing Crohn's disease. Particular focus is given to external and perianal fistulas, for which treatment options are well established. Available therapeutic options, including novel therapies, are discussed. Wherever possible, practical and evidence-based treatment regimens for Crohn's disease-associated fistulas are provided.

Persistent perineal sinus after ileoanal pouch excision in inflammatory bowel diseases: incidence, risk factors, and clinical course

PURPOSE

This study was designed to determine the incidence of persistent perineal sinus after pouch excision in inflammatory bowel disease, risk factors, and long-term clinical course.

METHODS

The study included 35 consecutive patients who underwent pouch excision at St. Mark's Hospital, London, between 1996 and 2006. Incidence of persistent perineal sinus and its long-term clinical course were reported. Sixteen variables were analyzed to determine their association with persistent perineal sinus.

RESULTS

There were 17 men and 18 women with median age of 37 (range, 20-57) years. The final diagnosis was ulcerative colitis in 28 and Crohn's disease in 7 patients. The indications for pouch excision included pelvic or perineal sepsis in 60 percent, pouchitis in 23 percent, and poor pouch function in 17 percent. Persistent perineal sinus was diagnosed in 14 patients (40 percent). Pouch excision for fistula or abscess in the pelvis or perineum (odds ratio, 8; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.4-45.5) was an independent predictor for persistent perineal sinus. Twenty-six procedures were performed in patients with persistent perineal sinus and resulted in healing in 64 percent. Curettage was the most common procedure used.

CONCLUSIONS

Pouch excision for pelvic or perineal sepsis was an independent predictor for persistent perineal sinus.

Myocutaneous flaps and proctocolectomy in severe perianal Crohn's disease--a single stage procedure

BACKGROUND

Complex perianal wounds can be extremely difficult to treat and primary closure of these defects can be a challenge even for experienced surgeons. So far, myocutaneous flaps for wound closure after removal of malignant tumors are a well-accepted option, but there are only a few reports focusing on the primary closure of the perineal wound after proctocolectomy for Crohn's disease. We describe our experience with wide excision of the diseased perineum using a combined abdominoperineal two-team approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed proctocolectomy with permanent ileostomy in five patients with longstanding extensive Crohn's disease. All five patients had fistulizing perineal Crohn's disease combined with Crohn's colitis. Each patient received at least one flap for primary wound closure, either a rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap or a gracilis flap.

RESULTS

Indication for surgical intervention included anal or bowel stenosis, septic condition, fecal incontinence, or a combination of these features. One patient had a simultaneous adenocarcinoma of the sigmoid colon. Five patients underwent a total of seven flaps. Three months after surgery, complete healing was achieved in all patients; one patient suffered recurrence in the region of his right thigh. Mean follow up was 19.6 months (range-12-43 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Myocutaneous flaps are a promising therapeutic option in patients with chronic perianal disease. With the transposition of well-vascularized tissue into the perineal defect, complete healing and control of sepsis can be achieved in the majority of patients.