Intraoperative endoscopy with immediate suture reinforcement of the defect in colorectal anastomosis: a pilot study

Mitigating 'inevitable' anastomotic leaks in left-sided colorectal surgery: a combined strategy using indocyanine green fluorescence, intraoperative colonscopy and patient risk profiling

This study aimed to identify patient-specific risk factors and intraoperative findings obtained from indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) and intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC), using a structured endoscopic grading scale, to guide surgical decisions and minimize the risk of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery. One hundred-eleven patients undergoing elective left-sided colorectal resections were evaluated intraoperatively using both ICG-FA and IOC, with anastomoses classified by a new endoscopic grading scale (Grades 1-5). Anastomoses classified as suboptimal (grade > 3) were taken down and reconstructed or repaired. The primary aim of the study was to determine the rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) using this integrated strategy and subsequently to identify patient-specific risk factors associated with AL. Among 111 patients, 102 patients (91.8%) at the IOC were classified as Grade 1, 4 patients (3.6%) as Grade 2, 4 patients (3.6%) as Grade 3, and 1 patient (0.9%) as Grade 4. The overall AL rate was 10.8% (12 patients). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, only anastomotic level ≤ 12 cm emerged as an independent risk factor of AL (OR 0.064, 95% CI 0.008-0.517, p = 0.010). Among patients who developed an AL, 3 (25%) required surgical intervention, the others were managed endoscopically or conservatively. An integrated approach involving ICG-FA and IOC may aid to construct a technically optimal colorectal anastomosis. Nevertheless, anastomotic leakage can still occur due to factors unrelated to intraoperative technique, particularly low anastomosis height. These factors should prompt routine consideration of protective loop ileostomy and pelvic drainage to mitigate AL clinical consequences.

Feasibility of Intraoperative Proctosigmoidoscopy After Discoid Bowel Resection for Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Pilot Multicenter Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Although surgery is the gold standard treatment for pain refractory to medical management or partial occlusion owing to rectosigmoid endometriosis, surgical resection can be associated with major perioperative complications. From general surgery experience, intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy has shown encouraging results as a feasible, safe, and effective technique in reducing the risk of complications related to intestinal anastomosis after segmental resection. Unfortunately, there are no studies evaluating its role after discoid resection for rectosigmoid endometriosis.

DESIGN

A pilot, multicentric, observational, prospective, cohort study.

SETTING

Two academic hospitals, from March 1 to December 31, 2022.

PATIENTS

We enrolled all consecutive fertile-age patients affected by symptomatic endometriosis scheduled for laparoscopic discoid bowel resection. Inclusion criteria were (1) age between 18 and 50 years, (2) diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis performed by transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging, and (3) women scheduled for laparoscopic discoid bowel resection of endometriosis at low risk of segmental resection.

INTERVENTIONS

During data analysis, enrolled patients were divided into 2 study groups for comparisons based on whether or not the intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy was performed upon surgeons' discretion after discoid resection for treating endometriosis, in addition to standard integrity tests. Primary outcome was the rate of intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy success. Secondary study outcomes were the differences between the intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy group and the nonintraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy group in (1) mean of total operative time and (2) rate of perioperative complications.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled and equally distributed in the 2 groups. The rate of intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy success was 86%. No significant difference was reported between the 2 groups in terms of total operative time (p = .1) and intraoperative and postoperative complications (p = .5 and p = 1, respectively), with no surgical complication related to intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative proctosigmoidoscopy seems as a feasible and non-time-consuming intraoperative procedure in women undergone discoid resection for rectosigmoid endometriosis. Larger studies with longer follow-up period are necessary to confirm our findings and assess clinical benefits over standard procedure.

A comparison of the postoperative outcomes between intraoperative leak testing and no intraoperative leak testing for gastric cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL) is a serious complication of gastric cancer surgery. Although perioperative management has made considerable progress, anastomotic leakage (AL) cannot always be avoided. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether intraoperative leak testing (IOLT) can reduce the incidence of PAL and other postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials to assess the application of IOLT in gastric cancer surgery. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer surgery. Studies comparing the postoperative outcomes of IOLT and no intraoperative leak testing (NIOLT) were included. Quality assessment, heterogeneity, risk of bias, and the level of evidence of the included studies were evaluated. PAL, anastomotic-related complications, 30-day mortality, and reoperation rates were compared between the IOLT and NIOLT group.

RESULTS

Our literature search returned 721 results, from which six trials (a total of 1,666 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was low. The primary outcome was PAL. IOLT reduced the incidence of PAL [2.09% vs 6.68%; (RR = 0.31, 95% Cl 0.19-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Anastomotic-related complications, which included bleeding, leakage, and stricture, were significantly higher in the NIOLT group than in the IOLT group [3.24% VS 10.85%; RR = 0.30, 95% Cl 0.18-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Moreover, IOLT was associated with lower reoperation rates [0.94% vs 6.83%; RR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.43, P = 0.0002].

CONCLUSION

Considering the observed lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL), anastomotic-related complications, and reoperation rates, IOLT appears to be a promising option for gastric cancer surgery. It warrants further study before potential inclusion in future clinical guidelines.

Validation of an endoscopic anastomotic grading score as an intraoperative method for assessing stapled rectal anastomoses

PURPOSE

Anastomotic leak is a dreaded complication of colorectal surgery. An endoscopic grading score of the perianastomotic mucosa has been previously developed at our institution (UCI) to assess colorectal anastomotic integrity. The objective of this study is to validate the UCI anastomotic score and determine its impact in anastomotic failure.

METHODS

As a follow-up study of the UCI grading score implementation during 2011 to 2014, patients undergoing stapled colorectal anastomoses after sigmoidectomy or proctectomy at a single institution from 2015 to 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped into three tiers based on endoscopic appearance (grade 1, circumferentially normal mucosa; grade 2, ischemia/congestion < 30% of circumference; grade 3, ischemia/congestion > 30% of circumference).

RESULTS

On the basis of endoscopic mucosal evaluation, grade 1 anastomosis was observed in 299 patients (94%), grade 2 anastomosis in 14 patients (4.4%), and grade 3 anastomosis in 5 patients (1.6%). All grade 3 classifications were immediately and successfully revised intraoperatively with reclassification as a grade 1 anastomosis. The anastomotic leak rate of the follow-up study period from 2015 to 2018 was 6.4% which was lower compared to the anastomotic leak rate of 12.2% in the original study period from 2011 to 2014 (p = 0.07). Anastomotic leak rate for the entire patient series was 8.5%. A grade 2 anastomosis was associated with higher anastomotic leak rate compared to a grade 1 anastomosis (35.7% vs. 7.4%, p < 0.05). None of the five grade 3 anastomoses resulted in an anastomotic leak upon revision.

CONCLUSION

This study further validates the anastomotic grading score and suggests that its systematic implementation can result in a reduction in anastomotic leaks.

Early postoperative endoscopic evaluation of rectal anastomoses: a prospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Reported incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) of rectal anastomoses is up to 29% with an overall mortality up to 12%. Nevertheless, there is no uniform evidence-based diagnostic procedure for early detection of AL. The objective of this prospective clinical trial was to demonstrate the diagnostic value of early postoperative flexible endoscopy for rectal anastomosis evaluation.

METHODS

Flexible endoscopy between 5 and 8th postoperative day was performed consecutively in 90 asymptomatic patients. Sample size calculation was made using the two-stage Simon design. Diagnostic value was measured by management change after endoscopic evaluation. Anastomoses were categorized according to a new classification. Study is registered in German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00019217).

RESULTS

Of the 90 anastomoses, 59 (65.6%) were unsuspicious. 20 (22.2%) were suspicious with partial fibrin plaques (n = 15), intramural hematoma and/or local blood coagulum (n = 4) and ischemic area in one. 17 of these anastomoses were treated conservatively under monitoring. In three a further endoscopic re-evaluation was performed and as consequence one patient underwent endoscopic vacuum therapy. 11 (12.2%) AL were detected. Here, two could be treated conservatively under monitoring, four with endoscopic vacuum therapy and five needed revision surgery. No intervention-related adverse events occurred. A change in postoperative management was made in 31 (34.4%) patients what caused a significant improvement of diagnosis of AL (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Early postoperative endoscopic evaluation of rectal anastomoses is a safe procedure thus allows early detection of AL. Early treatment for suspicious anastomoses or AL could be adapted to avoid severe morbidity and mortality.

Initial experience with intraoperative testing and repair of colorectal anastomosis using a TAMIS approach after a positive leak test

Anastomotic leak is one of the most feared complications of colorectal anastomosis. Different techniques have been described for intraoperative testing of anastomotic integrity. These include air insufflation, methylene blue and endoscopic visualisation. If an anastomotic leak is identified intraoperatively, there are various management options. Redo anastomosis is a possibility, but may be difficult in some cases. Defunctioning is another option, but there is an associated morbidity and signficant detrimental effect on quality of life. Direct transanal repair is only possible when a low anastomosis has been performed. When the anastomotic leak occurs high in the rectum or a partial mesorectal excision is performed a transanal approach is technically very challenging. We present our experience with transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) approach for anastomotic assessment and repair in four patients. In all cases, a colorectal anastomosis was performed and the air insufflation test was positive. We assessed the anastomosis with TAMIS. In three cases, a defect was found and subsequently sutured. In one case, a scar in the rectal mucosa was found and reinforced with a suture. A protective ileostomy was performed in two cases, while in the other two cases, no stoma was added. All four patients were discharged with no further complications. Both protective ileostomies were taken down after radiological and endoscopic confirmation of anastomotic integrity and all 4 anastomoses remain intact after follow-up. TAMIS intraoperative assessment and repair of anastomotic leak is a safe and feasible technique whcih may avoid the need for a defunctioning stoma.

Risk of anastomotic bleeding after left colectomy with preservation of inferior mesenteric artery for diverticular disease: preliminary results

BACKGROUND

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) preservation in elective laparoscopic left colectomy for diverticular disease may reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. However, an increased risk of bleeding is assumed. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of colorectal anastomosis bleeding when IMA is resected or preserved during left colectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study of a prospectively collected database was performed. All patients who underwent elective left colectomy, from December 2018 to September 2020 were included. Patients' data and clinical information were collected and analyzed. Patients were categorized in two groups: IMA resected (IMA-R) and IMA preserving (IMA-P) left colectomy. Perioperative outcomes between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent left colectomy over a period of three years were enrolled: 42 in IMA-R group and 22 in the IMA-P group. There were no significant differences in demographic and intraoperative characteristics between the two groups, except for patients' age and primary disease. Six patients (9.37%) developed anastomotic bleeding during recovery, more frequently in the IMA-P than IMA-R group, although the difference is not statistically significative (13.6% and 7.3%; P=0.406). All bleedings were self-limited and only one needed red blood cells transfusion. Using the bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement (BSLR) has proved to be advantageous in preventing anastomotic bleeding in the IMA-P group.

CONCLUSIONS

IMA preserving left colectomy seems to be associated with a higher risk of mostly self-limited anastomotic bleeding during recovery. BSLR seems to be effective in this group of patients.

Mucosa plication reinforced colorectal anastomosis and trans-anal vacuum drainage: a pilot study with preliminary results

Dehiscence of colorectal anastomosis is a serious complication that is associated with increased mortality, impaired functional and oncological outcomes. The hypothesis was that anastomosis reinforcement and vacuum trans-anal drainage could eliminate some risk factors, such as mechanically stapled anastomosis instability and local infection. Patients with rectal cancer within 10 cm of the anal verge and low anterior resection with double-stapled technique were included consecutively. A stapler anastomosis was supplemented by trans-anal reinforcement and vacuum drainage using a povidone-iodine-soaked sponge. Modified reinforcement using a circular mucosa plication was developed and used. Patients were followed up by postoperative endoscopy and outcomes were acute leak rate, morbidity, and diversion rate. The procedure was successfully completed in 52 from 54 patients during time period January 2019–October 2020. The mean age of patients was 61 years (lower–upper quartiles 54–69 years). There were 38/52 (73%) males and 14/52 (27%) females; the neoadjuvant radiotherapy was indicated in a group of patients in 24/52 (46%). The mean level of anastomosis was 3.8 cm (lower–upper quartiles 3.00–4.88 cm). The overall morbidity was 32.6% (17/52) and Clavien–Dindo complications ≥ 3 grade appeared in 3/52 (5.7%) patients. No loss of anastomosis was recorded and no patient died postoperatively. The symptomatic anastomotic leak was recorded in 2 (3.8%) patients and asymptomatic blind fistula was recorded in one patient 1/52 (1.9%). Diversion ileostomy was created in 1/52 patient (1.9%). Reinforcement of double-stapled anastomosis using a circular mucosa plication with combination of vacuum povidone-iodine-soaked sponge drainage led to a low acute leak and diversion rate. This pilot study requires further investigation.

Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.: Trial registration number is NCT04735107, date of registration February 2, 2021, registered retrospectively.