Inflammatory bowel disease position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): Crohn's disease

To cut or not to cut? Extended mesenteric excision during intestinal resection does not impact the postoperative recurrence nor the postoperative complications in Crohn's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The mesentery might be involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). As a result of scarce and conflicting data, it is debatable whether removal during intestinal resections could influence postsurgical outcome. We aimed to investigate the association between the extent of mesenteric excision during intestinal resections and postoperative complications and recurrence.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic search in five databases on 29 July 2024 for studies reporting outcomes in patients with CD who underwent intestinal resections with extended mesenteric excision (EME) compared with limited mesenteric excision (LME). Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the random-effects model. We assessed the risk of bias using the ROBINS-I and RoB2 tool and evaluated the certainty of evidence according to the GRADE Working Group recommendations.

RESULTS

We retrieved data from six studies, covering 4590 patients. The pooled data showed no significant difference between EME and LME patients regarding surgical recurrence (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.02-3.73; p = 0.176), overall postoperative complications (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.33-1.82, p = 0.329), anastomotic leak (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.09-6.85, p = 0.722), surgical site infection (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.3-2.36, p = 0.539), reoperation rate (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.33-3.58, p = 0.783), or hospitalization (MD - 0.33 (95% CI - 1.8 to 1.15, p = 0.53). Individual studies reported similar results regarding 6 months follow-up endoscopic recurrence. The certainty of evidence was very low and low, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Extended mesenteric excision is not statistically associated with improved postoperative complications or postoperative recurrence. Results should be interpreted cautiously because of the small number of studies; hence, randomized, long-term, controlled trials are needed.

Outcomes of robotic surgery for inflammatory bowel disease using the Medtronic Hugo™ Robotic-Assisted Surgical platform: a single center experience

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to compare the perioperative outcomes of patients affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent surgery performed through laparoscopy or using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained database comparing laparoscopic vs. robotic-assisted surgery for IBD from 01/11/2017 to 15/04/2024. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon robotic-naïve with a large experience in laparoscopic surgery for IBD. The robotic procedures were performed using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS platform. Outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications, operative time, conversion rate, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and readmission rate.

RESULTS

Among 121 consecutive patients, 80 underwent laparoscopic (LG) and 41 robotic-assisted surgery (RG). Baseline, preoperative and disease-specific characteristics were comparable except for older age (50 [38-56] vs. 38 [28-54] years; p = 0.05) and higher albumin level (42 [40-44] vs. 40 [38-42] g/L, p = 0.006) in the RG. The intracorporeal anastomosis was more frequent in the RG (80% vs. 6%; p < 0.001) with longer operative time (240 vs. 205 min; p = 0.006), while the conversion rate was not different (5% vs. 10%, p = 0.49). Surgical procedure types were equally distributed between the two groups, and the rate of intra-abdominal septic complication (IASC) was comparable across the different procedures. Postoperative complications were similar, including the rate of IASC (5% vs. 5%, p = 1), postoperative ileus (5% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.71), bleeding (2% vs. 5%, p = 0.66), and Clavien-Dindo > 2 complications (7% vs. 6%; p = 1).

CONCLUSION

IBD surgery performed using the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS is safe and feasible, with similar postoperative outcomes when compared to the laparoscopic approach.

Oral Budesonide and low serum albumin levels at surgery are associated with a higher risk of postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications after primary ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease: A retrospective analysis of 853 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The terminal ileum is the most frequent site of Crohn's Disease (CD) that necessitates surgery. Of the postoperative complications (POCs) associated with ileocaecal resection for CD, intra-abdominal septic complications (IASCs) include anastomotic leak, abscesses, and entero-cutaneous fistula. We aimed to identify predictors of IASCs and severe POCs (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) after primary ileocaecal resection for CD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-centre cohort study including all consecutive primary ileocaecal resection for CD in a tertiary IBD centre between 2004 and 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 853 patients underwent primary ileocaecal resection for CD. 307 (36.6 %) patients were receiving antibiotics, 253 (29.8 %), systemic steroids, and 178 (21.0 %) oral budesonide at surgery. At 90 days, 260 (30.8 %) patients developed POCs, 62 (7.3 %) severe POCs, and 56 (6.6 %) IASCs. At multivariate analysis, severe POCs were associated with lower preoperative albumin levels (OR1.58, 95 %CI 1.02-2.50, p = 0.040) and a history of cardiovascular diseases (OR2.36, 95 %CI 1.08-7.84, p = 0.030). IASCs were associated with lower preoperative albumin levels (OR1.81, 95 %CI 1.15-2.94, p = 0.011) and oral budesonide (OR2.07, 95 %CI 1.12-3.83, p = 0.021) with a dose-dependent effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent association, dose-dependent effect, and biological plausibility of budesonide and IASCs suggest a robust causal effect. Oral budesonide should be carefully assessed before primary ileocaecal resection for CD.

Management of Post-Operative Crohn's Disease: Knowns and Unknowns

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by relapsing-remission phases. CD often requires surgical intervention during its course, mainly ileo-cecal/ileo-colonic resection. However, surgery in CD is not curative and post-operative recurrence (POR) can happen. The management of CD after surgery presents challenges. Ensuring timely, effective, and safe therapy to prevent POR is essential but difficult, considering that approximately 20-30% of subjects may not experience endoscopic POR and that 40-50% will only exhibit intermediate lesions, which carry a low risk of mid- and long-term clinical and surgical POR. Currently, there are two accepted intervention strategies: early post-operative prophylactic therapy (systematically or based on the patient's risk of recurrence) or starting therapy after confirming endoscopic POR 6-12 months after surgery (endoscopy-driven prophylactic therapy). The risk of overtreatment lies in exposing patients to undesired adverse events, along with the costs associated with medications. Conversely, undertreatment may lead to missed opportunities to prevent bowel damage and the necessity for additional surgery. This article aims to perform a comprehensive review regarding the optimal strategy to reduce the risk of POR in CD patients and the current therapeutic options.

A new surgical technique: robotic intracorporeal Kono-S anastomosis in Crohn's - a safety and feasibility case series on short-term outcomes

AIM

The Kono-S anastomosis was introduced as a possible solution to the high surgical recurrence rates in Crohn's disease. However, this technique is known to be challenging, which is why it was originally performed in an extracorporeal setting. The aim of this case series was to assess safety, in terms of intra-/postoperative complications, and feasibility, in terms of successful performance of anastomosis, of a robot-assisted intracorporeal Kono-S anastomosis.

METHOD

This is a prospective single-centre consecutive case series. Patients were considered eligible if they were diagnosed with refractory Crohn's disease with significant bowel stenosis of the terminal ileum. All patients underwent robot-assisted intracorporeal Kono-S anastomosis. Perioperative care was provided according to the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® protocol. Follow-up for postoperative complications was 30 days.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were included, of whom 11 (55%) were men. The median age was 30 years [interquartile range (IQR) 22-51 years] and the median BMI was 25 kg/m2 (IQR 19-28 kg/m2). Intracorporeal Kono-S anastomosis was successfully performed in all cases. The median operating time was 155 min (IQR 144-176 min) and the median length of stay was 3 days (IQR 1-5 days). No conversions or 30-day mortality were observed. One patient experienced anastomotic leakage, which was treated with radiologically guided drainage. A total of three patients experienced postoperative complications in the first 30 days.

CONCLUSION

Performance of intracorporeal robot-assisted Kono-S anastomosis seems safe and feasible in this case series for Crohn's disease. Since this is a first case series, further research is required to confirm results in a larger population-based cohort.

Patient-reported outcome measures and surgery for Crohn's disease: systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease with up to 50 per cent of patients requiring surgery within 10 years of diagnosis. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are vital to monitor and assess patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This systematic review aims to evaluate PROMs within studies for perioperative Crohn's disease patients.

METHODS

Articles from MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare and CINAHL databases were searched to find studies relating to the assessment of HRQoL in perioperative Crohn's disease patients using PROMs and patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) from 1st January 2015 to 22nd October 2023. Bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I tool was used for non-randomized interventional studies and the Cochrane RoB2 tool was used for randomized trials.

RESULTS

1714 journal articles were filtered down to eight studies. Six studies focused on ileocaecal resection, one on perianal fistulas and one on the effects of cholecystectomy on patients with Crohn's disease. Within these articles, ten different PROM tools were identified (8 measures of HRQoL and 2 measures of functional outcome). Overall improvements in patient HRQoL pre- to postoperative for ileocaecal Crohn's disease were found in both paediatric and adult patients. Outcomes were comparable in patients in remission, with or without stoma, but were worse in patients with a stoma and active disease.

CONCLUSION

There are significant variations in how PROMs are used to evaluate perioperative Crohn's disease outcomes and a need for consensus on how tools are used. Routine assessments using an internationally accepted online platform can be used to monitor patients and support areas of treatment pathways that require further support to ensure high standards of care. They also enable future statistical comparisons in quantitative reviews and meta-analyses.

Short-Term Results of Operative Treatment of Primary Ileocecal Crohn's Disease: Retrospective, Comparative Analysis between Early (Luminal) and Complicated Disease

Early surgical treatment for patients with ileocecal Crohn's disease (CD) could be an alternative to biological therapy. The aim of this study is to compare operative outcomes following ileocecal resection for patients with luminal and complicated CD. Patients operated for primary ileocecal CD during 8 years in one tertiary-referral hospital were allocated into 2 groups: those operated for early (luminal) disease (ECD), and for complications of CD (CCD). A retrospective comparative analysis was performed. A total of 273 patients were included in the analysis, 85 (31%) of which were in the ECD group. No difference was found regarding time from diagnosis to surgery. Surgical procedures were longer in the CCD group, with lower rates of laparoscopic approach (93 vs. 99%, p = 0.035) and higher conversion rates (20 vs. 2%, p < 0.001). ECD had non-significant differences in terms of major postoperative complications (9.4 vs. 14.9%, p = 0.215), shorter hospital stays, and lower rates of anastomotic leakage (3.5 vs. 6.8%, p = 0.285). Conversely, the CCD group had higher reoperation and re-hospitalization rates. Adequate timing for the indication of surgery in primary ileocecal CD, including an early discussion considering both medical and surgical treatment as options, could positively influence operative outcomes.

Modified Primary Anastomosis Using an Intestinal Internal Drainage Tube for Crohn's Disease: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

Surgical treatment is an important part of the management of Crohn's disease (CD). However, the current recommended staged procedures require two operations, with long hospital stays and high costs, while traditional primary anastomosis has a high risk of complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of modified primary anastomosis using intestinal internal drainage tubes for CD.

METHODS

In this study, emergency and nonemergency CD patients were included separately. Then, the patients were divided into three subgroups: patients with intestinal internal drainage tubes (modified primary anastomosis), staged procedures, and traditional primary anastomosis. The main outcomes were the number of hospitalizations, length and cost of the first hospital stay, length and cost of total hospital stays, and complications.

RESULTS

The outcomes of the three subgroups of emergency CD patients were not significantly different. For nonemergency CD patients, patients with intestinal internal drainage tubes had shorter total hospital stays and fewer hospitalizations compared with the staged procedures subgroup, while no significant differences in any outcomes were observed between the modified and traditional primary anastomosis subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

For emergency CD patients, no significant advantage in terms of the main outcomes was observed for modified primary anastomosis. For nonemergency CD patients, modified primary anastomosis reduced the length of total hospital stays and hospitalizations compared with staged procedures. The placement of intestinal internal drainage tubes allows some patients who cannot undergo primary anastomosis to undergo it, which is a modification of traditional primary anastomosis.

Segmental Versus Total Colectomy for Crohn's Disease in the Biologic Era: Results From The SCOTCH International, Multicentric Study

BACKGROUND

The extent of resection in colonic Crohn's disease [cCD] is still a topic of debate, depending on the number of locations, the risk of recurrence and permanent stoma, and the role of medical therapy.

METHODS

The Segmental COlecTomy for CroHn's disease [SCOTCH] international study is a retrospective analysis on six tertiary centre prospective databases, comprising all consecutive, unselected patients operated on between 2000 and 2019 with segmental colectomy [SC] or total colectomy [TC] for cCD. The primary aim was long-term surgical recurrence. Secondary aims were perioperative complications, stoma formation and predictors of recurrence.

RESULTS

Among 687 patients, SC was performed in 285 [41.5%] and TC in 402 [58.5%]. Mean age at diagnosis and surgery, disease duration, and follow-up were 30 ± 15.8, 40.4 ± 15.4, 10.4 ± 8.6 and 7.1 ± 5.2 years respectively. Isolated cCD, inflammatory pattern, perianal CD, younger age, longer disease duration and preoperative maximal therapy were more frequent in TC, while SC presented more small bowel locations and perforating disease, required fewer 90-day re-admissions, and fewer temporary and definitive stomas. Morbidity and mortality were similar. The 15-year surgical recurrence was 44% in TC and 27% in SC [p = 0.006]. In patients with one to three diseased segments, recurrence risk was related to the omission of biological therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 5.6), the number of segments [HR 2.5], perianal disease [HR 1.9] and paediatric diagnosis [HR 2.8].

CONCLUSION

When technically feasible, SC is safe and reduces temporary and permanent stoma. Young age, number of locations and perianal disease adversely affect, but postoperative biological therapy significantly reduces, the long-term surgical recurrence.

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Benefit from Enhanced Recovery After Surgery [ERAS] Protocol: A Systematic Review with Practical Implications

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery [ERAS] is widely adopted in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, with demonstrated benefits. Few studies have assessed the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of ERAS in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD]. The aim of this study was to investigate the current adoption and outcomes of ERAS in IBD.

METHODS

This PRISMA-compliant systematic review of the literature included all articles reporting on adult patients with IBD who underwent colorectal surgery within an ERAS pathway. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched. Endpoints included ERAS adoption, perioperative outcomes, and ERAS items more consistently reported, with associated evidence levels [EL] [PROSPERO CRD42021238653].

RESULTS

Out of 217 studies, 16 totalling 2347 patients were included. The median number of patients treated was 50.5. Malnutrition and anaemia optimisation were only included as ERAS items in six and four articles, respectively. Most of the studies included the following items: drinking clear fluids until 2 h before the surgery, fluid restriction, nausea prophylaxis, early feeding, and early mobilisation. Only two studies included postoperative stoma-team and IBD-team evaluation before discharge. Highest EL were observed for ileocaecal Crohn's disease resection [EL2]. Median in-hospital stay was 5.2 [2.9-10.7] days. Surgical site infections and anastomotic leaks ranged between 3.1-23.5% and 0-3.4%, respectively. Complications occurred in 5.7-48%, and mortality did not exceed 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence on ERAS in IBD is lacking, but this group of patients might benefit from consistent adoption of the pathway. Future studies should define if IBD-specific ERAS pathways and selection criteria are needed.

Has the Removing of the Mesentery during Ileo-Colic Resection an Impact on Post-Operative Complications and Recurrence in Crohn's Disease? Results from the Resection of the Mesentery Study (Remedy)

Some evidence suggests a reduction in clinical and surgical recurrence after mesenteric resection in Crohn's Disease (CD). The aim of the REsection of the MEsentery StuDY (Remedy) was to assess whether mesenteric removal during surgery for ileocolic CD has an impact in terms of postoperative complications, endoscopic and ultrasonographic recurrences, and long-term surgical recurrence. Among the 326 patients undergoing primary resection between 2009 and 2019 in two referral centers, in 204 (62%) the mesentery was resected (Group A) and in 122 (38%) it was retained (Group B). Median follow-up was 4.7 ± 3 years. Groups were similar in the peri-operative course. Endoscopic and ultrasonographic recurrences were 44.6% and 40.4% in Group A, and 46.7% and 41.2% in Group B, respectively, without statistically significant differences. The five-year time-to-event estimates, compared with the Log-rank test, were 3% and 4% for normal or thickened mesentery (p = 0.6), 2.8% and 4% for resection or sparing of the mesentery (p = 0.6), and 1.7% and 5.4% in patients treated with biological or immunosuppressants versus other adjuvant therapy (p = 0.02). In Cox's model, perforating behavior was a risk factor, and biological or immunosuppressant adjuvant therapy protective for surgical recurrence. The resection of the mesentery does not seem to reduce endoscopic and ultrasonographic recurrences, and the five-year recurrence rate.

Prevalence and significance of mesentery thickening and lymph nodes enlargement in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Mesentery thickening and enlarged lymphnodes are typical findings of Crohn's disease (CD), but their role is unknown. Aim of the present study was to evaluate their prevalence and significance on postoperative complications and long-term surgical recurrence after CD surgery.

METHODS

1272 consecutive, unselected patients were retrospectively reviewed, divided into 4 groups based on the presence or absence of a thickened mesentery and enlarged lymphnodes, and stratified for primary or recurrent surgical procedure. In all patients but those treated with strictureplasty the mesentery and lymphnodes were removed. Patients' characteristics, peri-operative findings, and long-term recurrence were compared by univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Thickened mesentery and enlarged lymphnodes were not present in all cases, were typical of ileal location and penetrating behaviour, had a constant decrease over recurrences, were independent of either pre-operative medical therapy or surgical approach, did not increase the duration of surgery and complications, presented similar 20-years recurrence rate to normal mesentery and lymphnodes. Lymphopathy was associated to a worst nutritional status during disease recurrences. At multivariate analysis, age, location, and behaviour, but not mesenteric characteristics, were related to an increased risk of surgical recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides new information on mesentery and lymphnodes in CD patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the appropriate surgical approach.

Post-operative morbidity in Crohn's disease: what is the impact of patient-, disease- and surgery-related factors?

PURPOSE

Over 50% of patients suffering from Crohn's disease (CD) require surgery in their lifetime. Predictors/risk factors of post-operative morbidity and mortality in CD are poorly investigated. We aimed to assess the risk factors of post-operative morbidity/mortality in CD.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study in which all CD patients operated and followed up at our tertiary Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre from 2014 to 2019 were enrolled. For each patient, we evaluated patient-dependent, disease-dependent and surgery-dependent variables. All patients underwent small bowel and/or colic resections.

RESULTS

Of the 165 operated patients, forty-two (25.5%) developed post-operative complications (major complication rate = 9.8%) including wound infection (12.1%), respiratory complications (4.8%), prolonged ileum (4.2%), anastomotic leak (3.6%), urinary infections (3%), abdominal abscess (2.4%), anastomotic bleeding (3.6%), abdominal bleeding (1.2%) and obstruction (0.6%). Two subjects (1.2%) required re-operation within 30 days, and one died. A surgery duration < 141 min was predictive of a better post-operative outcome (sensitivity 80.9%, specificity 43.1%, PPV 32.7%, NPV 86.9%). The multivariable analysis showed stricturing/fistulizing behaviour (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6-6.4, p = 0.02), need for total parenteral nutrition (OR 4.1, 95% CI 2.4-9.2, p = 0.01), pre-operative bowel cleansing (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.41-0.83, p = 0.01) and surgery duration < 141 min (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.08-0.7, p = 0.03) as the only risk factors associated with post-operative morbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

About 25% of CD patients develop post-operative complications. Several patient-related, disease-related and surgery-related factors should be considered risk factors for post-operative morbidity. The recognition of these factors, as well as a multidisciplinary approach to the pre-operative management of CD, could reduce post-operative complications.

Incisional hernia repair by synthetic mesh prosthesis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a comparative analysis

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a high-life time risk undergoing abdominal surgery and are prone to develop incisional hernias (IH) in the postoperative course. Therefore, we investigated the role of IBD as perioperative risk factor in open ventral hernia repair (OVHR) as well as the impact of IBD on hernia recurrence during postoperative follow-up.

Methods

The postoperative course of 223 patients (Non-IBD (n = 199) and IBD (n = 34)) who underwent OVHR were compared by means of extensive group comparisons and binary logistic regressions. Hernia recurrence was investigated in the IBD group according to the Kaplan–Meier method and risk factors for recurrence determined by Cox regressions.

Results

General complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo I) occurred in 30.9% (72/233) and major complications (≥ Clavien-Dindo IIIb) in 7.7% (18/233) of the overall cohort with IBD being the single independent risk-factor for major complications (OR = 4.2, p = 0.007). Further, IBD patients displayed a recurrence rate of 26.5% (9/34) after a median follow-up of 36 months. Multivariable analysis revealed higher rates of recurrence in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC, 8/15, HR = 11.7) compared to patients with Crohn’s disease (CD, 1/19, HR = 1.0, p = 0.021).

Conclusion

IBD is a significant risk factor for major postoperative morbidity after OVHR. In addition, individuals with IBD show high rates of hernia recurrence over time with UC patients being more prone to recurrence than patients with CD.

Mesenteric closure with polymer-ligating clips after right colectomy with complete mesocolic excision for cancer and mesentery-based ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease

Mesenteric closure following right colectomy remains controversial and, following the advent of laparoscopic surgery, many surgeons do not routinely close the mesentery after colorectal resection. Nevertheless, especially after the introduction of operations such as right colectomy with complete mesocolic excision and ileocolic resections with extensive mesentery removal for Crohn's disease, the wide mesenteric defect resulting from the dissections can certainly expose the patients to complications such as internal hernias or volvuli. In general, mesenteric closure requires intracorporeal suturing. We describe a simple technique for the closure of the mesentery after surgical resection using polymer-ligating clips. This novel technique seems to minimize the time, effort and risk inherent to the procedure, even after large mesenteric excisions.

Surgical management of complex ileocolonic Crohn's disease: a survey of IBD colorectal surgeons to assess variability in operative strategy

INTRODUCTION

To explore the reported variability in the surgical management of ileocolonic Crohn' s disease and identify areas of standard practice, we present this study which aims to assess how different colorectal surgeons with a subspecialty interest in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery may act in different clinical scenarios of ileocolonic Crohn's disease.

METHODS

Anonymous videos demonstrating the small bowel walkthrough and anonymised patients' clinical data, imaging and pathological findings were distributed to the surgeons using an electronic tool. Surgeons answered on operative strategy, bowel resections, management of small bowel mesentery, type of anastomosis and use of stomas.

RESULTS

Eight small bowel walkthrough videos were registered and 12 assessors completed the survey with a questionnaire completion rate of 87.5%. There was 87.7% agreement in the need to perform an ileocolonic resection. However, the agreement for the need to perform associated surgical procedures such as strictureplasties or further bowel resections was only 57.4%. When an anastomosis was fashioned, the side to side configuration was the most commonly used. The preferred management of the mesentery was dissection close to the bowel.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision on the main procedure to be performed had a high agreement amongst the different assessors, but the treatment of multifocal disease was highly controversial, with low agreement on the need for associated procedures to treat internal fistulae and the use of strictureplasties. At the same time, there was significant heterogeneity in the decision on when to anastomose and when to fashion an ileostomy.

Feasibility and outcomes of ERAS protocol in elective cT4 colorectal cancer patients: results from a single-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Programs of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery reduces morbidity and shorten recovery in patients undergoing colorectal resections for cancer. Patients presenting with more advanced disease such as T4 cancers are frequently excluded from undergoing ERAS programs due to the difficulty in applying established protocols. The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate the possibility of applying a validated ERAS protocol in patients undergoing colorectal resection for T4 colon and rectal cancer and to evaluate the short-term outcome.

METHODS

Single-center, retrospective cohort study. All patients with a clinical diagnosis of stage T4 colorectal cancer undergoing surgery between November 2016 and January 2020 were treated following the institutional fast track protocol without exclusion. Short-term postoperative outcomes were compared to those of a control group treated with conventional care and that underwent surgical resection for T4 colorectal cancer at the same institution from January 2010 to October 2016. Data from both groups were collected retrospectively from a prospectively maintained database.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were diagnosed with T4 cancer, 49 patients were included in the ERAS cohort and 33 in the historical conventional care cohort. Both, the mean time of tolerance to solid food diet and postoperative length of stay were significantly shorter in the ERAS group than in the control group (3.14 ± 1.76 vs 4.8 ± 1.52; p < 0.0001 and 6.93 ± 3.76 vs 9.50 ± 4.83; p = 0.0084 respectively). No differences in perioperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this cohort study from a single-center registry support the thesis that the adoption of the ERAS protocol is effective and applicable in patients with colorectal cancer clinically staged T4, reducing significantly their length of stay and time of tolerance to solid food diet, without affecting surgical postoperative outcomes.

[Economic burden and factors associated with Crohn's disease]

OBJECTIVE

To study the economic burden of Crohn's disease and its related factors, and to provide opinions for reducing personal burden and improving reimbursement policy.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional method, a self-created questionnaire based on the basic principles of health services research was used to survey Crohn's disease patients served by the Shanghai volunteer service foundation platform. Information collected included basic characteristics, therapy, and medical costs related to Crohn's disease in the past 12 months. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the composition of inpatient and outpatient costs of Crohn's disease for treatment of the disease in the past year. Further, a logarithm-linear model was constructed to analyse the factors associated with the financial burden of Crohn's disease.

RESULTS

In the study, 820 questionnaires were distributed and 799 questionnaires were returned, of which 797 were valid. There were 528 (66.25%) males and 269 (33.75%) females. The mean age of the patients was (34.02±11.49) years, with a concentration between 18-39 years (510 cases, 63.99%) and a mean disease duration of (5.58±5.13) years. 10.7% of the patients did not receive continuous treatment, and the average annual treatment cost for the patients with continuous treatment was 54 246 Yuan, of which 30 279 Yuan (55.8%) was paid by the individuals and 23 966 Yuan (44.2%) was paid by the insurance. The personal financial burden was close to the national per capita disposable income in 2020, which was 32 189 Yuan (94.1%), exceeding the annual cost for type 2 diabetes in China in 2016, 8 245 Yuan. In terms of the distribution of outpatient and inpatient services, the average annual cost of inpatient services was 31 092 Yuan, of which 14 673 Yuan (48.5%) was paid out of pocket by the individuals and 16 418 Yuan (51.5%) was paid by the insurance; the average annual cost of outpatient services was 23 154 Yuan, of which 15 606 Yuan (65.1%) was paid out of po-cket by the individuals and 7 548 Yuan (34.9%) was paid by the insurance. The personal burden of outpatient care was higher than of inpatient care. The regression results of the logarithm-linear model showed that the total annual treatment cost was related to the duration of illness (β=0.03, P < 0.01), having complications (β=-0.68, P < 0.01), receiving surgical treatment (β=0.52, P < 0.01), using immunosuppressive drugs (β=0.51, P < 0.01), annual outpatient visits (β=0.02, P < 0.05), and number of hospitalizations per year (β=0.08, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The annual financial burden for patients with Crohn's disease is heavy and rises significantly with the duration of illness, exceeding that of chronic diseases such as diabetes. The personal financial burden is close to the national per capita disposable income, and the medical security department should develop policies to reduce the financial burden. The inclusion of Crohn's disease as a special outpatient disease is a possible measure that could be considered in response to the fact that the outpatient personal financial burden is heavier than the inpatient's.

SICCR Current status of Crohn’s disease surgery collaborative, Celentano V, Pellino G, Rottoli M, Poggioli G, Sica G, Giglio MC, Campanelli M, Coco C, Rizzo G, Sionne F, Colombo F, Sampietro G, Lamperti G, Foschi D, Ficari F, Vacca L, Cricchio M, Giudici F, Selvaggi L, Sciaudone G, Peltrini R, Manfreda A, Bucci L, Galleano R, Ghazouani O, Zorcolo L, Deidda S, Restivo A, Braini A, Di Candido F, Sacchi M, Carvello M, Martorana S, Bordignon G, Angriman I, Variola A, Barugola G, Di Ruscio M, Tanzanu M, Geccherle A, Tropeano FP, Luglio G, Sasia D, Migliore M, Giuffrida MC, Marrano E, Moretto G, Impellizzeri H, Gallo G, Vescio G, Sammarco G, Terrosu G, Calini G, Bondurri A, Maffioli A, Zaffaroni G, Resegotti A, Mistrangelo M, Allaix ME, Botti F, Prati M, Boni L, Perotti S, Mineccia M, Giuliani A, Romano L, Graziano GMP, Pugliese L, Pietrabissa A, Delaini GG, Spinelli A, Selvaggi F. Surgical treatment of colonic Crohn's disease: a national snapshot study

AIM

The different surgical options for patients with colonic Crohn's disease (CD) include segmental colectomy, subtotal colectomy or proctocolectomy with end ileostomy. We present a national, multicentre study, promoted by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery with the aim to collect benchmark data and national variations on multidisciplinary management and postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing surgery for colonic CD.

METHODS

All adult patients having elective surgery for colonic CD from June 2018 to May 2019 were eligible for participation in this retrospective study. The primary outcome measure was postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-two patients were included: 55 subtotal colectomy, 30 segmental colectomy, 25 proctectomy and 12 proctocolectomy. Eighty-six patients (70.4%) were discussed at the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) prior to surgery. This ranged from 76.6% for segmental colectomy to 60% for subtotal colectomy, 66.6% for proctocolectomy and 48% for proctectomy. The proportion of patients counselled by a stoma nurse preoperatively was 50%. Laparoscopy was associated with reduced postoperative morbidity (p = 0.017) and shorter length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), whilst pre-operative anti-TNF was associated with Dindo-Clavien ≥ 3 complications (p = 0.023) and longer in-hospital stay (p = 0.007). The main procedure performed (segmental colectomy, subtotal colectomy, proctocolectomy or proctectomy) was not associated with postoperative morbidity (p = 0.626).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for colonic CD has a high rate of postoperative complications. Almost a third of the patients were not preoperatively discussed at the IBD MDT, whilst the use of minimally invasive surgery for surgical treatment of colonic CD ranges from 40 to 66%.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) for the treatment of ileocolonic Crohn's disease: a propensity score-matched analysis

INTRODUCTION

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) aims to minimize the surgical access trauma by reducing the number of abdominal incisions to a single site, potentially offering better cosmetic results and decreased postoperative pain. In this study, we compare the results of SILS ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease (CD) to conventional laparoscopy and open surgery using a propensity score-matched analysis in a retrospective national multicentre study.

METHODS

All consecutive patients undergoing elective SILS ileocaecal or redo ileocolic resection for primary and recurrent CD from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019 were included. Patients were matched 1:1:1 with laparoscopy and open surgery according to perianal disease, recurrent disease, penetrating phenotype of CD, history of previous abdominal surgery, preoperative medical treatment with steroids and anti-TNF. Postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery was the primary endpoint.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included in each group, for a total of 174 patients. The conversion rate for SILS and laparoscopy was 10.3% and 12%, respectively, with no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications (13.8% and 12%, p = 0.77), whilst open surgery demonstrated a worse morbidity profile, with a complication rate of 25.9% (p < 0.0001). Median length of hospital stay following SILS ileocolic resection was 5 days, significantly shorter compared to 7 days for laparoscopy and 9 for open surgery (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

SILS ileocolonic resection for CD demonstrated a comparable morbidity profile compared to laparoscopy in selected patients, with a reduced length of postoperative hospital stay.

Anastomosis configuration and technique following ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease: a multicentre study

A limited ileocaecal resection is the most frequently performed procedure for ileocaecal CD and different anastomotic configurations and techniques have been described. This manuscript audited the different anastomotic techniques used in a national study and evaluated their influence on postoperative outcomes following ileocaecal resection for primary CD. This is a retrospective, multicentre, observational study promoted by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), including all adults undergoing elective ileocaecal resection for primary CD from June 2018 May 2019. Postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery was the primary endpoint. Postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and anastomotic leak rate were the secondary outcomes. 427 patients were included. The side to side anastomosis was the chosen configuration in 380 patients (89%). The stapled anastomotic (n = 286; 67%), techniques were preferred to hand-sewn (n = 141; 33%). Postoperative morbidity was 20.3% and anastomotic leak 3.7%. Anastomotic leak was independent of the type of anastomosis performed, while was associated with an ASA grade ≥ 3, presence of perianal disease and ileocolonic localization of disease. Four predictors of LOS were identified after multivariate analysis. The laparoscopic approach was the only associated with a reduced LOS (p = 0.017), while age, ASA grade ≥ 3 or administration of preoperative TPN were associated with increased LOS. The side to side was the most commonly used anastomotic configuration for ileocolic reconstruction following primary CD resection. There was no difference in postoperative morbidity according to anastomotic technique and configuration. Anastomotic leak was associated with ASA grade ≥ 3, a penetrating phenotype of disease and ileo-colonic distribution of CD.

SICCR Current Status of Crohn’s Disease Surgery Collaborative. National variations in perioperative assessment and surgical management of Crohn's disease: a multicentre study

AIM

Crohn's disease (CD) requires a multidisciplinary approach and surgery should be undertaken by dedicated colorectal surgeons with audited outcomes. We present a national, multicentre study, with the aim to collect benchmark data on key performance indicators in CD surgery, to highlight areas where standards of CD surgery excel and to facilitate targeted quality improvement where indicated.

METHODS

All patients undergoing ileocaecal or redo ileocolic resection in the participating centres for primary and recurrent CD from June 2018 to May 2019 were included. The main objective was to collect national data on hospital volume and practice variations. Postoperative morbidity was the primary outcome. Laparoscopic surgery and stoma rate were the secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

In all, 715 patients were included: 457 primary CD and 258 recurrent CD with a postoperative morbidity of 21.6% and 34.7%, respectively. Laparoscopy was used in 83.8% of primary CD compared to 31% of recurrent CD. Twenty-five hospitals participated and the total number of patients per hospital ranged from 2 to 169. Hospitals performing more than 10 primary CD procedures per year showed a higher adoption of laparoscopy and bowel sparing surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

There is significant heterogeneity in the number of CD surgeries performed per year nationally in Italy. Our data suggest that high-volume hospitals perform more complex procedures, with a higher adoption of bowel sparing surgery. The rate of laparoscopy in high-volume hospitals is higher for primary CD but not for recurrent CD compared with low-volume hospitals.

The Role of Active Inflammation and Surgical Therapy in Crohn's Disease Recurrence

An altered balance between effector and regulatory factors is supposed to sustain the tissue-damaging immune response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Several studies demonstrate that severe active inflammation is a strong predictor for surgical complications and recurrence. Indeed, bowel resection in Crohn's disease (CD) patients has a high surgical recurrence rate. In this review, we examined the IBD inflammatory pathways, the current surgical treatments, and the almost inevitable recurrence. The question that might arise is if the cure of intestinal CD is to be found in the surgical approach. A selective search of two databases (PubMed and the Cochrane Library) has been carried out without considering a specific time horizon as inclusion criteria. The scope of this literature review was investigating on the role of inflammation in the management of CD. The following key words have been used to develop the query string: (i) inflammation; (ii) Crohn's disease; (iii) surgery; and (iv) postsurgical recurrence.

The Role of Inflammation in Crohn's Disease Recurrence after Surgical Treatment

Introduction

Postoperative recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease (CD) is virtually inevitable, and its mechanism is poorly known.

Aim

To review the numerous factors involved in CD postoperative recurrence (POR) pathogenesis, focusing on single immune system components as well as the immune system as a whole and highlighting the clinical significance in terms of preventive strategies and future perspectives.

Methods

A systematic literature search on CD POR, followed by a review of the main findings.

Results

The immune system plays a pivotal role in CD POR, with many different factors involved. Memory T-lymphocytes retained in mesenteric lymph nodes seem to represent the main driving force. New pathophysiology-based preventive strategies in the medical and surgical fields may help reduce POR rates. In particular, surgical strategies have already been developed and are currently under investigation.

Conclusions

POR is a complex phenomenon, whose driving mechanisms are gradually being unraveled. New preventive strategies addressing these mechanisms seem promising.

Pathophysiology of Crohn's disease inflammation and recurrence

Chron's Disease is a chronic inflammatory intestinal disease, first described at the beginning of the last century. The disease is characterized by the alternation of periods of flares and remissions influenced by a complex pathogenesis in which inflammation plays a key role. Crohn's disease evolution is mediated by a complex alteration of the inflammatory response which is characterized by alterations of the innate immunity of the intestinal mucosa barrier together with a remodeling of the extracellular matrix through the expression of metalloproteins and increased adhesion molecules expression, such as MAcCAM-1. This reshaped microenvironment enhances leucocytes migration in the sites of inflammation, promoting a TH1 response, through the production of cytokines such as IL-12 and TNF-α. IL-12 itself and IL-23 have been targeted for the medical treatment of CD. Giving the limited success of medical therapies, the treatment of the disease is invariably surgical. This review will highlight the role of inflammation in CD and describe the surgical approaches for the prevention of the almost inevitable recurrence.

Sequential Approach for a Critical-View COlectomy (SACCO): A Laparoscopic Technique to Reduce Operative Time and Complications in IBD Acute Severe Colitis

Acute severe colitis is the major indication for surgery in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and in particular, in ulcerative colitis (UC). A laparoscopic approach for abdominal colectomy is recommended, due to better perioperative and long-term outcomes. However, costs, time-spending, and outcomes are still a topic of improvement. We designed a standardized 10-steps, sequential approach to laparoscopic colectomy, based on the philosophy of the "critical view of safety", with the aim to improve perioperative outcomes (operative duration, estimated blood loss, complications, readmissions, reoperations, and length of postoperative stay). We performed a retrospective cohort study using data from a prospectively maintained clinical database. We included all the consecutive, unselected patients undergoing laparoscopic subtotal colectomy (SCo) for IBD between 2008 and 2019 in a tertiary IBD Italian Centre. Starting from 2015, we regularly adopted the novel Sequential Approach for a Critical-View Colectomy (SACCo) technique. We included 59 (40.6%) patients treated with different laparoscopic approaches, and 86 patients (59.4%) operated on by the SACCo procedure. The mean operating time was significantly shorter for the SACCo group (144 vs. 224 min; p < 0.0001). The SACCo technique presented a trend to fewer major complications (6.8% vs. 8.3%), less readmissions (2.3% vs. 13.5%; p = 0.01), and shorter postoperative hospital stay (7.2 vs. 8.8 days; p = 0.003). Laparoscopic SACCo-technique is a safe and reproducible surgical approach for acute severe colitis and may improve the outcomes of this demanding procedure.

Preoperative assessment of skeletal muscle mass during magnetic resonance enterography in patients with Crohn's disease

Measurement of the psoas muscle area has been applied to estimate lean muscle mass as a surrogate marker of sarcopenia, but there is a paucity of evidence regarding the influence of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes following inflammatory bowel disease surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between MRI enterography defined sarcopenia and postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective ileocaecal resection for Crohn’s disease. To obtain cross sectional area measurement of the psoas muscle, the freehand area tool was used to trace the margin of each psoas muscle at the level of L4, with the sum recorded as Total Psoas Area (TPA). The total cross sectional muscle area of the abdominal wall was recorded as Skeletal Muscle Area (SMA), while myosteatosis was measured by normalising the psoas muscle intensity with the mean intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid. The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day postoperative complications in patients in the lowest quartile of TPA and SMA. 31 patients were included and ten patients (32.25%) developed postoperative complications within 30 days of surgery. The cut-off values for the lowest quartile for TPA were 11.93 cm² in men and 9.77 cm² in women, including a total of 8 patients (25.8%) with 5 patients in this group (62.5%) developing postoperative complications and 3 patients (37.5%) Clavien-Dindo class ≥ 3 complications. The cut-off values for the lowest quartile for SMA were 73.49 cm² in men and 65.85 cm² in women, with 4 patients out of 8 (50%) developing postoperative complications. Psoas muscle cross sectional area and skeletal mass area can be estimated on Magnetic Resonance Enterography as surrogate markers of sarcopenia with high inter-observer agreement.

Inflammatory bowel disease position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): Crohn's disease

The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) promoted the project reported here, which consists of a position statement of Italian colorectal surgeons to address the surgical aspects of Crohn's disease management. Members of the society were invited to express their opinions on several items proposed by the writing committee, based on evidence available in the literature. The results are presented, focusing on relevant points. The present paper is not an alternative to available guidelines; rather, it offers a snapshot of the attitudes of SICCR surgeons about the surgical treatment of Crohn's disease. The committee was able to identify some points of major disagreement and suggested strategies to improve quality of available data and acceptance of guidelines.

Inflammatory bowel disease position statement of the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR): ulcerative colitis

The Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR) promoted the project reported here, which consists of a Position Statement of Italian colorectal surgeons to address the surgical aspects of ulcerative colitis management. Members of the society were invited to express their opinions on several items proposed by the writing committee, based on evidence available in the literature. The results are presented, focusing on relevant points. The present paper is not an alternative to available guidelines; rather, it offers a snapshot of the attitudes of SICCR surgeons about the surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis. The committee was able to identify some points of major disagreement and suggested strategies to improve the quality of available data and acceptance of guidelines.

Feasibility of intraoperative ultrasound of the small bowel during Crohn's disease surgery

BACKGROUND

Intraoperative assessment of the extent and location of Crohn's disease is not standardised and relies on a mixture of surgeons' experience, tactile feedback and macroscopic appearance. To overcome this variability, we developed a protocol for full intraoperative ultrasound scan of the small bowel and we here report the results of "Assessing the Feasibility and Safety of Using Intraoperative Ultrasound in Ileocolic Crohn's Disease-The IUSS CROHN Study".

METHODS

This is a prospective single centre observational study with enrolment of all patients undergoing elective surgery for terminal ileal Crohn's disease from January 2019 to March 2020. Patients underwent laparoscopic ileocolic resection, according to a standardised technique. Ultrasound intraoperative quantitative assessment was performed according to the METRIC (MREnterography or ulTRasound in Crohn's disease) scoring guide.

RESULTS

Intraoperative ultrasound was successfully performed in 6 patients from the ileocaecal valve to the proximal jejunum. The median time required was 23.5 min (range 17-37 min) as compared to 6.5 min (5-12 min) required for the macroscopic evaluation performed by the surgeon. In 3 patients, intraoperative ultrasound identified more disease than surgical evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

This feasibility study demonstrated the safety of intraoperative ultrasound and allowed the development of a standardised protocol for intraoperative ultrasound and the data collection required to inform a randomised multicentre study.