Characteristics of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in anastomotic sinus and fistula following rectal cancer surgery

PURPOSE

To assess the characteristics of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in persisting anastomotic sinus and fistula following rectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

Eight patients with anastomotic sinus and fistula were retrospectively studied.

RESULTS

A total of 13 anastomotic sinuses (n=11) and fistulas (n=2) were observed. Sixteen FDG-positron emission tomography/computed tomography studies for 13 lesions performed and 26 uptake patterns were evaluated. Twenty-one lesions were found to have diffuse increased uptake, whereas four lesions had focal uptake. There was only one lesion without FDG uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased FDG uptake is frequently observed in anastomotic sinus and fistula, which should be known to avoid making wrong diagnosis.

Systematic review of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative risk factors for colorectal anastomotic leaks

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak (AL) represents a dreaded complication following colorectal surgery, with a prevalence of 1-19 per cent. There remains a lack of consensus regarding factors that may predispose to AL and the relative risks associated with them. The objective was to perform a systematic review of the literature, focusing on the role of preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors in the development of colorectal ALs.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed to identify adjustable and non-adjustable preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors in the pathogenesis of AL. Additionally, a severity grading system was proposed to guide treatment.

RESULTS

Of 1707 papers screened, 451 fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the review. Significant preoperative risk factors were: male sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists fitness grade above II, renal disease, co-morbidity and history of radiotherapy. Tumour-related factors were: distal site, size larger than 3 cm, advanced stage, emergency surgery and metastatic disease. Adjustable risk factors were: smoking, obesity, poor nutrition, alcohol excess, immunosuppressants and bevacizumab. Intraoperative risk factors were: blood loss/transfusion and duration of surgery more than 4 h. Stomas lessen the consequences but not the prevalence of AL. In the postoperative period, CT is the most commonly used imaging tool, with or without rectal contrast, and a C-reactive protein level exceeding 150 mg/l on day 3-5 is the most sensitive biochemical marker. A five-level classification system for AL severity and appropriate management is presented.

CONCLUSION

Specific risk factors and their potential correction or indications for stoma were identified. An AL severity score is proposed to aid clinical decision-making.