Accuracy of Routine Endoscopy Diagnosing Colonic Ischaemia After Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair: A Meta-analysis

Detection of Ischemic Colitis on Routine Lower Endoscopy and Its Implications After Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Ischemic colitis (IC) is a known significant complication after repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA). Lower endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy) is a helpful adjunct to aid decision making for surgical exploration. We believe routine use of lower endoscopy after rAAA repair provides better patient care through expeditious diagnosis and surgical care.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of rAAA repairs from 2008 to 2019. All patients undergo screening lower endoscopy after rAAA repair at our institution. The incidence of IC, mortality, and diagnostic characteristics of routine lower endoscopy was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of these, 182 patients underwent rAAA repair, among which 139 (76%) underwent routine lower endoscopy. Ischemic colitis of any grade was diagnosed in 25% of patients. The 30-day mortality was 11% compared to 19% in those without lower endoscopy. The presence of IC portended a 4-fold increase in mortality rate compared to those without (26% vs 6%, P = .005). Surgical exploration rate was 8% after routine lower endoscopy. Grade III ischemia on lower endoscopy had a sensitivity of 50% (95% CI 12-88) and specificity of 99% (95% CI 94-100) for transmural necrosis.

DISCUSSION

We found increased incidence of IC and reliable diagnostic characteristics of routine lower endoscopy in predicting the presence of transmural colonic ischemia. There was decreased mortality with use of routine lower endoscopy but this was not statistically significant.

Influence of perioperative risk factors on the development of transmural colonic ischemia after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm

BACKGROUND

Development of colonic ischemia (CI) after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) treatment is a lethal complication with perioperative mortality reported to be high as 50%. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to identify pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors associated with CI in patients undergoing open repair (OR) due to RAAA, that might help to select patients who are more prone to develop CI.

METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study on patients with RAAA undergoing OR between January 1st 2018 and July 1st 2019, at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia. During this period 89 patients were treated due to RAAA and all were included in the study. The primary endpoint was grade III CI, or transmural necrosis, diagnosed by laparotomy.

RESULTS

Out of 89 patients operated due to RAAA, CI was diagnosed in 14 (15.73%). During the operation, patients with CI had a longer duration of hypotension (42.86±35.82 vs 24.13±23.48, p=.021) and more common significant hypotension (54.54% vs 14.66%, p=.024). In the postoperative course, patients with CI had more common signs of abdominal compartment syndrome (71.42% vs 25.33%, p=.001) and higher mortality rate (78.57% vs 29.33%, p=.001). The univariate regression model showed that one of the most significant factors that were associated with CI were age higher than 75 years, significant hypotension lasting more than one hour, organ lesion, development of abdominal compartment syndrome and higher potassium values on third and fourth quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

Grade III colon ischemia (transmural) remains the important cause of mortality after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. We identified pre- and intraoperative and postoperative risk factors that could improve the selection of patients for primary open abdomen treatment or early exploratory laparotomy in order to prevent or timely diagnose colon ischemia.

A systematic review on the application of the hybrid operating room in surgery: experiences and challenges

The hybrid operating room has been widely applied in different surgery sub-specialties. We aim to identify the advantages of hybrid operating rooms by focusing on intraoperative imaging and explore what to do for further improving its application. We searched related literature in websites including Pubmed, MEDLINE, Web of science, using the keywords ("hybrid operating room" or "integrated operating room" or "multifunctional operating room") and ("surgery" or "technique" or "intervention" or "radiology"). All the searched papers were screened and underwent quality evaluation. A total of 30 literature was eventually identified after full-text screening. These articles covered 10 countries and presented data for 15,558 individuals. The median sample size was 536 (range 8-12,804). Application of the hybrid operating room in general surgery, neurosurgery, thoracic surgery, urology, gynaecologic and obstetrics surgery, cardiovascular surgery, was summarized. Four different operative indicators were applied (operative duration, mortality rate, operation success rate and complication rate). A hybrid OR could significantly increase the operation success rate and reduce operative duration, mortality rates, and complication rates. Further efforts could be made to reduce radiation exposure in the hybrid operating room and increase its cost-effectiveness ratio.

Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Outcomes of Tumors at the Carotid Bifurcation

Purpose

Primary tumor at the carotid bifurcation is uncommon, which includes paraganglioma, schwannoma, and lymphoma. Due to their rarity, characteristics of these tumors and problems related to their surgical treatment have not been well known. We tried to elucidate different clinical characteristics and surgical complications of these tumors.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 21 patients with carotid bifurcation tumor from the Vascular Surgery division of a Korean tertiary institution from 1995 to 2018. We investigated patients' demographics and clinical features, image characteristics, treatment details, and surgical outcomes.

Results

During the period from January 1995 to January 2018, we experienced surgical resections of 21 carotid bifurcation tumors which included 16 (76.2%) paragangliomas and 5 (23.8%) schwannomas. The most common clinical feature was a non-tender cervical mass. According to Shamblin classification, paragangliomas were classified into class II in 68.8% and class III in 25.0%. On the preoperative computed tomography images, all the paragangliomas showed characteristic splaying of the carotid bifurcation and hypervascularity of the tumors. On the contrary, all the schwannomas showed hypovascularity and splaying sign in 60%. Surgical complications related to cervical nerve injury developed in 50% and 60% of patients with Shamblin class III paraganglioma and schwannoma, respectively. During the mean follow-up period of 25 months (range, 1 to 163 months), distant metastases developed in 2 (12.5%) of paraganglioma patients.

Conclusion

Neurologic complications were more common after surgical resection of Shamblin class III paraganglioma and schwannoma. For patients with paraganglioma, postoperative periodic follow-up examination is advised to detect distant metastasis.

Outcome analysis and risk factors for postoperative colonic ischaemia after aortic surgery

Purpose

Colonic ischaemia (CI) represents a serious complication after aortic surgery. This study aimed to analyse risk factors and outcome of patients suffering from postoperative CI.

Methods

Data of 1404 patients who underwent aortic surgery were retrospectively analysed regarding CI occurrence. Co-morbidities, procedural parameters, colon blood supply, procedure-related morbidity and mortality as well as survival during follow-up (FU) were compared with patients without CI using matched-pair analysis (1:3).

Results

Thirty-five patients (2.4%) with CI were identified. Cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal comorbidity were more common in CI patients. Operation time was longer (283 ± 22 vs. 188 ± 7 min, p < 0.0001) and blood loss was higher (2174 ± 396 vs. 1319 ± 108 ml, p = 0.0049) in the CI group. Patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) showed a higher rate of CI compared to patients with intact AAA (5.4 vs. 1.9%, p = 0.0177). CI was predominantly diagnosed by endoscopy (26/35), generally within the first 4 postoperative days (20/35). Twenty-eight patients underwent surgery, all finalised with stoma creation. Postoperative bilateral occlusion and/or relevant stenosis of hypogastric arteries were more frequent in CI patients (57.8 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.0273). In-hospital mortality was increased in the CI group (26.7 vs. 2.9%, p < 0.0001). Survival was significantly reduced in CI patients (median: 28.2 months vs. 104.1 months, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

CI after aortic surgery is associated with considerable perioperative sequelae and reduced survival. Especially in patients at risk, such as those with rAAA, complicated intraoperative course, severe cardiovascular morbidity and/or perioperative deterioration of the hypogastric perfusion, vigilant postoperative multimodal monitoring is required in order to initiate diagnosis and treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00423-020-01964-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Value of Routine Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and Potential Predictive Factors for Colonic Ischemia after Open Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Background and Objectives: colonic ischemia (CI) after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) repair is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. CI may be detected by using flexible sigmoidoscopy, but routine use of flexible sigmoidoscopy after rAAA is not clearly proven. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of routine flexible sigmoidoscopy in detecting CI after rAAA repair, and to identify potential hemodynamic, biochemical, and clinical variables that can predict the development of CI in the patients who underwent rAAA surgery. Materials and Methods: we retrospectively included all rAAA cases treated in Viborg hospital from 1 April 2014 until 31 August 2017, recorded the findings on flexible sigmoidoscopy, and the incidence of CI. We collected specific hemodynamic, biochemical, and clinical variables, measured pre- and perioperatively, and the first three postoperative days. The association between CI and possible predictors was analyzed in a logistic regression model. Results: a total of 80 patients underwent open rAAA repair during the study period. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was performed in 58 of 80 patients (73.5%) who survived at least 24 h after open rAAA surgery. Perioperative variables lowest arterial pH (p = 0.02) and types of operations—aortobifemoral bypass vs. straight graft (p = 0.04) showed statistically significant differences between CI groups. The analysis of the postoperative variables showed statistically significant difference in highest lactate on postoperative day 1 (p = 0.01), and lowest hemoglobin on postoperative day 2 (p = 0.04) comparing CI groups. Logistic regression model revealed that postoperative hemoglobin and lactate turned out to be independent risk factors for the development of CI (respectively OR = 0.44 (95% CI = 0.29–0.67) and OR = 1.91 (95% CI = 1.2–3.05)). Conclusions: flexible sigmoidoscopy can identify patients being at higher risk of mortality after open rAAA repair. The postoperative lactate and hemoglobin were found to be independent risk factors for the development of CI after open rAAA repair. Further larger studies are warranted to demonstrate these findings.

The Value of Sigmoidoscopy to Detect Colonic Ischaemia After Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVES

Diagnosing colonic ischaemia (CI) after ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) repair is challenging. This study determined the diagnostic value of sigmoidoscopy in patients suspected of CI after RAAA repair.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicentre cohort study. Patients who underwent RAAA repair in three hospitals in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, between 2004 and 2011 (AJAX cohort) were included. Sigmoidoscopies were carried out based on clinical judgment. Endoscopy results were classified as "no ischaemia," "mild CI," or "moderate to severe CI." The surgical diagnosis was classified as "transmural" or "no transmural" CI. The value of sigmoidoscopy was assessed with calculation of positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) with 95% CI for transmural CI. Logistic regression analysis was used to express the association of risk factors with CI as adjusted OR.

RESULTS

Transmural CI was diagnosed in 23 of 351 patients (6.6%). Thirteen of sixteen patients (81%) who underwent direct laparotomy for high suspicion of CI indeed had transmural CI. Forty-six patients (13%) underwent sigmoidoscopy. The prevalence of transmural CI was 22% (10/46; 95% CI 12-36%) in these patients. The PPV for transmural CI of "moderate to severe CI" on sigmoidoscopy was 73% (8/11; 95% CI 43-90%). The PPV of "mild CI" on sigmoidoscopy was 11% (2/19; 95% CI 2.9-31%). The NPV of "no ischaemia" on sigmoidoscopy was 100% (95% CI 78-100%). Cardiac comorbidity (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.19-7.97), low first haemoglobin (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.47-0.87), and high vasopressor administration (OR 9.4, 95% CI 1.99-44.46) were independently associated with CI.

CONCLUSIONS

Sigmoidoscopy increases the likelihood of correctly identifying the presence or absence of transmural CI, especially in patients with a moderate clinical suspicion for CI after RAAA repair.

Incidence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Colonic Ischaemia in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND

Colonic ischaemia (CI) is a severe complication following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, leading to high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, predictors, and outcomes of CI following AAA repair.

METHODS

National claims from Germany's third largest insurance provider, DAK-Gesundheit, were used to investigate CI after intact (iAAA) and ruptured (rAAA) AAA repairs. Patients undergoing endovascular (EVAR) or open surgical (OSR) repairs between January 2008 and December 2017 were included in the study.

RESULTS

There were 9145 patients (8248 iAAA and 897 rAAA) undergoing EVAR or OSR procedures and the median follow up was 2.28 years. Most patients were male (79.2% iAAA, 79.3% rAAA); the median age was 73.0 years (iAAA group) and 76.0 years (rAAA group). Overall, CI occurred 97 (1.2%) times after iAAA and 95 (10.6%) after rAAA. In univariable analyses CI occurred less often after EVAR than after OSR (0.6% vs. 3.7%; p < .001). Acute post-operative renal and respiratory insufficiencies were also related to the occurrence of CI (p < .001). CI was associated with greater in hospital mortality (42.2% vs. 2.7% for iAAA, 64.2% vs. 36.3% for rAAA; p < .001) and lower long-term survival for iAAA (Kaplan-Meier analysis). In multivariable analyses, rAAA (odds ratio [OR] 5.59), and higher van Walraven comorbidity score (OR 1.09) were independently associated with greater risk of CI occurrence. EVAR use (OR 0.30) was protective. EVAR use remained protective in stratified analyses within iAAA (OR 0.32) and rAAA (OR 0.26).

CONCLUSION

Post-operative CI after AAA repair is not common but is associated with worse in hospital outcomes and lower long-term survival. EVAR was protective after both rAAA and iAAA repairs. When discussing the treatment of AAA with patients the protective effect of EVAR should be considered. Future studies should validate predictive scores and advance preventive strategies.