Less is more-the best test for anastomotic leaks in rectal cancer patients prior to ileostomy reversal

Current approach to loop ileostomy closure: a nationwide survey on behalf of the Italian Society of ColoRectal Surgery (SICCR)

Compared to standardized minimally invasive colorectal procedures, there is considerable perioperative heterogeneity in loop ileostomy reversal. This study aimed to investigate the current perioperative practice and technical variations of loop ileostomy reversal following rectal cancer surgery. A nationwide online survey was conducted among members of the Italian Society of ColoRectal Surgery (SICCR). A link to the questionnaire was sent via mail. The survey consisted of 31 questions concerning the main procedural steps and application of the ERAS protocol after loop ileostomy reversal. Overall, 219 participants completed the survey. One respondent in four used a combination of water-soluble contrast studies (WSCS) and digital rectal examination to assess the integrity of the anastomosis before ileostomy closure. Conversely, 17.8% of them used either only WSCS or only endoscopy. Surgeons routinely perform hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses in 45.2% and 54.8% of the cases, respectively. Side-to-side antiperistaltic stapled anastomosis was the most performed anastomosis (36%). Most surgeons declared that they have never used prostheses for abdominal wall closure (64%), whereas 35% preferred retromuscular mesh placement in selected cases only. Forty-six respondents (66.7%) reported using interrupted stitches for skin closure, while 65 (29.7%) a purse-string suture. Furthermore, skin approximation at the stoma site using open methods was significantly more common among surgeons with greater experience in ileostomy reversal (p = 0.031). Overall, a good compliance with the ERAS protocol was found. However, colorectal surgeons were significantly more likely to follow the ERAS pathway than general surgeons (p < 0.05). Surgeons use different anastomotic techniques for ileostomy reversal after rectal cancer surgery. Based on current evidence, purse-string skin closure and ERAS pathway should be implemented, while the role of mesh prophylactic strategy needs to be explored further.

Impact of the laparoscopic approach, early closure and preoperative stimulation on outcomes of ileostomy closure after rectal resection

AIM

To evaluate the clinical outcome of early closure of a protective ileostomy and preoperative stimulation of the efferent limb in a cohort of patients with rectal cancer treated surgically, primarily using the laparoscopic approach.

METHODS

We performed an observational retrospective cohort study in a prospectively recorded series of patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery with a protective loop ileostomy between 2017 and 2022. Ileostomy closure was programmed for within 3 months after surgery. All patients underwent stimulation of the efferent limb. Primary outcomes were morbidity and mortality, length of stay (LOS), and re-admission.

RESULTS

Between 2017 and 2022, 108 patients underwent resection for rectal cancer and protective ileostomy. The laparoscopic approach was performed in 84.3% of patients (n = 91). Permanent ileostomy was performed in 5 patients (4.6%). Ileostomy closure was thus performed in 95.4% of patients (n = 103). Median time to closure was 74.5 days (range 57-113). In 63.1% (n = 65) of patients, reconstructive surgery was performed within 90 days. Prior to closure, efferent limb stimulation was performed in 77.8% (n = 84) of patients. Global morbidity was 26.2% (n = 27) (85.19%, n = 23 Clavien-Dindo I and 7.41%, n = 2 Clavien-Dindo II). The main causes of morbidity were postoperative ileus (10.7%, n = 11) and rectal bleeding (8.7%, n = 9). Anastomosis leakage occurred in 2 patients. Median hospital stay was 6 days (5-7). Readmission was needed in 6.8% (n = 7) of patients.

CONCLUSION

A previous laparoscopic approach, early closure and stimulation of the efferent limb could be a useful strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality of temporary ileostomy closure.

Purse-string versus linear closure of the skin wound following stoma reversal: A meta-analysis with RCT and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Linear closure (LC) following stoma reversal is associated with a high risk of surgical site infection (SSI). Purse-string closure and LC were both positive for the closure of the skin wound following stoma reversal, and it was not yet possible to distinguish which one was more beneficial to the patient's prognosis.

METHODS

We conducted a search in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library and conducted a randomized controlled experiment from the inception of each database to July 2024. Among them, the SSI within 30 days, operation time, hospitalization time, incisional hernia, and wound healing time were all outcome indicators.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis (506 patients in the purse-string closure group and 489 patients in the LC group). The pooled data showed that the SSI rate was significantly lower in the purse-string closure group than in the LC group (odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.24; P < .00001; I2 = 0%). The differences in operative time, hospitalization time, incision hernia, and wound healing time were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Overall, purse-string closure had a significantly lower SSI rate following stoma reversal than LC.

Considerations in case of suspected anastomotic leakage in the lower GI tract

Colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) remains a feared complication after colorectal surgery and requires prompt detection and proper treatment. With the upswing of fast-track recovery programs in recent years this challenge has increased, as clinical features may only arise after discharge. Therefore, identification of the best diagnostic tools is of utmost importance, also since early treatment is associated with high success rates. Diagnostic tools range from general screening tools to invasive procedures to assess the severity of the leak. Laboratory tests, in particular the inflammation biomarkers C-reactive protein and procalcitonin, have a significant role in the detection of CAL after colorectal surgery. As these biomarkers are unspecific for CAL, additional imaging should be performed when blood levels are elevated. The golden standard for the detection of AL after colonic resections is a computed tomography (CT-scan). If tolerated, a contrast medium should be administered rectally to enhance diagnostic accuracy. When suspicion of CAL remains high despite negative previous tests, further endoscopy examination should be conducted. However, endoscopic examinations become more suitable for the early diagnostic work-up after rectal resections. This review aims to provide an overview of current diagnostics for the screening and assessment of the severity of CAL after colorectal surgery.

Early diverting stoma closure is feasible and safe: results from a before-and-after study on the implementation of an early closure protocol at a tertiary referral center

BACKGROUND

Evidence on early closure (EC) of defunctioning stoma (DS) after colorectal surgery shows a favorable effect when patients are carefully selected. Therefore, a clinical pathway adapted to the implementation of an EC strategy was developed in our center. The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of time until DS closure and DS-related morbidity before and after the implementation of an EC protocol (ECP).

METHODS

This study is a before-and-after comparative analysis. Patients were divided into two cohorts according to the observational period: patients from the period before the ECP implementation (January 2015-December 2019) [Period 1] and those from the period after that (January 2020-December 2022) [Period 2]. All consecutive patients subjected to elective DS closure within both periods were eligible. Early closure was defined as the reversal within 30 days from DS creation. Patients excluded from EC or those not closed within 30 days since primary surgery were analyzed as late closure (LC). Baseline characteristics and DS-related morbidity were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients were analyzed. Median time with DS was shorter in patients after ECP implementation [42 (21-193) days versus 233 (137-382) days, p < 0.001]. This reduction in time to closure did not impact the DS closure morbidity and resulted in less DS morbidity (68.8% versus 49.2%, p = 0.017) and fewer stoma nurse visits (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSIONS

The ECP was able to significantly reduce intervals to restoration of bowel continuity in patients with DS, which in turn resulted in a direct impact on the reduction of DS morbidity without negatively affecting DS closure morbidity.