Risk factors and implications of anastomotic complications after surgery for Crohn’s disease

Impact of preoperative use of biologics on 30-day surgical morbidity and mortality in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing ileocolectomy: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database analysis

Preoperative use of biologics has been inconsistently reported to be associated with increased frequency of infectious and surgical anastomotic complications in inflammatory bowel disease patients. We aimed to evaluate the rates of 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality in Crohn's disease patients exposed preoperatively to biologics. Data were collected from the NSQIP (National Surgical Quality Improvement Program). Crohn's disease patients undergoing open or laparoscopic ileocolectomy were identified using corresponding ICD 10 and CPT Codes from the NSQIP Participant Use Data File (PUF) for 2021. Patients were divided based on the preoperative use of biologics (group 1) and (group 2) for whom no biologics were used. A total of 910 patients (female n = 473; 52%, mean age of 42.3 ± 16.1) were included. The group 1 patients were significantly younger (40.30 years ± 15.33) than group 2 (43.58 years ± 16.8, p = 0.002) and had significantly slightly higher ASA III and IV scores (97.4% vs. 97.2%, p = 0.004). On the other hand, group 2 had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (20.2% vs. 12.8%, p = 0.003) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (2.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.001). No significant difference in remaining preoperative variables, surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. open), and comorbidities were found between the two groups. Only a significant prevalence of deep vein thrombosis and thromboembolism was found in patients exposed to biologics (1.1% vs. 0%, p = 0.027). Crohn's disease patients undergoing ileocolectomy and exposed preoperatively to biologics did not show a significant increase in 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality. The outcomes did not support the concept that biological agents increase septic complications.

Isoperistaltic versus antiperistaltic side-to-side ileocolic anastomosis in Crohn's disease and right colon adenocarcinoma: Controlled clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Ileocolonic anastomoses are frequent in colorectal surgeries, but anastomotic leakage remains a serious complication associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The optimal peristaltic orientation for anastomosis is still debated.

AIM

To evaluate and compare short- and long-term outcomes of isoperistaltic (IA) and antiperistaltic (AA) side-to-side ileocolic anastomoses after right colectomy or ileocecal resection for right-sided adenocarcinoma or Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective clinical trial was conducted at Fattouma Bourguiba University Hospital, Monastir, involving patients with right-sided colon cancer or ileocecal Crohn's disease who underwent elective resection with either IA or AA. The primary outcome was anastomotic leakage, while secondary outcomes included postoperative morbidity and long-term results.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients, including 55 with right-sided colon cancer and 39 with Crohn's disease, were analyzed between January 2016 and July 2023. Of these, 48 underwent IA, and 46 underwent AA. Both anastomotic techniques exhibited similar leakage rates. Baseline and operative variables were comparable except for male predominance in AA for Crohn's disease and a higher conversion rate in AA. No significant differences were noted regarding pathological variables, operative time, bowel transit recovery, oral tolerance, hospital stay, or postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated white blood cell count, R2 resection, and mucinous adenocarcinoma were risk factors for anastomotic leakage, while albumin levels and staple line reinforcement were protective factors against postoperative morbidity.

CONCLUSION

IA and AA demonstrated comparable safety and feasibility, though AA had a higher conversion rate. Further studies are required to optimize AA safety.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Nonreversal of Stoma in Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Single-Center Study

BACKGROUND

Even in the biological era, permanent stoma is not uncommon in patients with Crohn's Disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of permanent stoma in Crohn's disease patients and provide clinical evidence for reducing this disabling outcome.

DESIGN

Consecutive patients with Crohn's disease who underwent ostomies in the past decade were reviewed.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital.

PATIENTS

Four hundred fifty-seven patients with Crohn's disease were divided into temporary stoma and permanent stoma groups based on stoma reversal or not. A permanent stoma was defined as a stoma that had not been reversed or closed for at least 2 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The incidence, risk factors, and long-term outcomes of permanent stomas were reported.

RESULTS

The rate of permanent stoma was 4.0% in our surgical cohort. The mean age at the time of permanent stoma creation was 36.0 (28.0-45.0) years. The annual incidence of permanent stoma had declined significantly in the past 10 years (p = 0.033). Our study showed that the independent risk factors for permanent stoma formation included female sex, previous operation for Crohn's disease, the presence of rectal disease, subtotal colectomy, and rectal resection. Interestingly, long-term follow-up found that the active distal colorectal lesion was independently associated with the requirement of subsequent surgery.

LIMITATIONS

The study was limited by its retrospective nature.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the incidence of permanent stoma in patients with Crohn's disease showed a downward trend in the past 10 years, effective treatments based on relevant risk factors should be used to prevent permanent stoma and control subsequent surgical recurrence. See Video Abstract.

INCIDENCIA Y FACTORES DE RIESGO DE NO REVERSIN DEL ESTOMA EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN ESTUDIO DE UN SOLO CENTRO

ANTECEDENTES:Incluso en la era biológica, el estoma permanente no es poco común en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo del estoma permanente en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn y proporcionar evidencia clínica para reducir este resultado discapacitante.DISEÑO:Se revisaron pacientes consecutivos con enfermedad de Crohn que se sometieron a ostomías en la última década.ESCENARIO:El estudio se realizó en un hospital de referencia terciario.PACIENTES:457 pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn se dividieron en los grupos de estoma temporal y estoma permanente según si se había revertido o no el estoma. Un estoma permanente se definió como un estoma que no se había revertido o cerrado durante al menos dos años.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADOS:Se informó la incidencia, los factores de riesgo y los resultados a largo plazo de los estomas permanentes.RESULTADOS:La tasa de estoma permanente fue del 4,0 % en nuestra cohorte quirúrgica. La edad media en el momento de la creación del estoma permanente fue de 36,0 (28,0-45,0) años. La incidencia anual de estomas permanentes había disminuido significativamente en los últimos 10 años (p = 0,033). Nuestro estudio mostró que los factores de riesgo independientes para la formación de estomas permanentes incluían el sexo femenino, la cirugía previa para la enfermedad de Crohn, la presencia de enfermedad rectal, la colectomía subtotal y la resección rectal. Curiosamente, el seguimiento a largo plazo encontró que la enfermedad colorrectal distal activa se asoció de forma independiente con la necesidad de una cirugía posterior.LIMITACIONES:El estudio estuvo limitado por su naturaleza retrospectiva.CONCLUSIONES:Aunque la incidencia de estomas permanentes en pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn mostró una tendencia descendente en los últimos 10 años, se deben utilizar tratamientos efectivos basados en factores de riesgo relevantes para prevenir el estoma permanente y controlar la recurrencia quirúrgica posterior. (Traducción-Dr. Felipe Bellolio).

Post-operative Crohn's Disease Recurrence and Infectious Complications: A Transcriptomic Analysis

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by complications such as strictures, fistulas, and neoplasia. Despite medical advancements, a significant number of patients with Crohn's disease require surgery, and many experience post-operative complications and recurrence. Previous studies have analyzed gene expression to study recurrence and post-operative complications independently. This study aims to identify overlapping differentially expressed genes and pathways for recurrence and post-operative complications.

METHODS

A dataset including 45 patients with Crohn's disease, including gene expression from ileum and colon tissue, endoscopic recurrence, and intra-abdominal septic complications was analyzed. Gene set enrichment analysis was used to identify gene pathways associated with the outcomes. Finally, a multi-variable logistic regression model was created to assess whether gene pathways were independently associated with both outcomes.

RESULTS

In ileum tissue, several inflammatory pathways, including interferon alpha and gamma response were upregulated in patients with endoscopic recurrence and intra-abdominal septic complications. In addition, there was upregulation of the epithelial mesenchymal transition pathway. In colon tissue, metabolic processes, such as myogenesis and oxidative phosphorylation were downregulated in both outcomes. In a multivariate model, downregulation of myogenesis in colon tissue was significantly associated with both endoscopic recurrence and intra-abdominal septic complications.

CONCLUSION

These findings shed light on the underlying biology of these outcomes and suggest potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets to reduce their occurrence. Further validation and multi-institutional studies are warranted to confirm these results and improve post-operative outcomes for patients with Crohn's disease.

Reversal Surgery for Split Stoma with Peristomal Incision is Associated with Improved Postoperative Outcome in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

Temporary stoma formation is common in Crohn's disease (CD), while stoma reversal is associated with postoperative morbidity. This study aimed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of split stoma reversal, SSR (i.e., exteriorization of proximal and distal ends of the stoma through a small common opening) and end stoma closure, ESC (i.e., the proximal stump externalized, and distal end localized abdominally.

METHODS

Patients with CD who underwent stoma reversal surgeries between January 2017 and December 2021 were included. Demographic, clinical, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed to evaluate outcomes of reversal surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 255 patients who underwent stoma reversal surgeries met the inclusion criteria. SSR was superior to ESC in terms of operative time (80.0 vs. 120.0, p = 0.0004), intraoperative blood loss volume (20.0 vs. 100.0, p = 0.0002), incision length (3.0 vs. 15.0, p < 0.0001), surgical wound classification (0 vs. 8.3%, p = 0.04), postoperative hospital stay (7.0 vs. 9.0, p = 0.0007), hospital expense (45.6 vs. 54.2, p = 0.0003), and postoperative complications (23.8% vs. 44.3%, p = 0.0040). Although patients in the ESC group experienced more surgical recurrence than those in the SSR group (8.3% vs. 3.2%) during the follow-up, the Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed no statistical difference (p = 0.29).

CONCLUSIONS

The split stoma can be recommended when stoma construction is indicated in patients with Crohn's disease.

Clinical outcomes and perioperative morbidity and mortality following segmental resections of the colon for Crohn's colitis

INTRODUCTION

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of a multifactorial pathogenesis. Recently numerous genetic variants linked to an aggressive phenotype were identified, leading to a progress in therapeutic options, resulting in a decreased necessity for surgery. Nevertheless, surgery is often inevitable. The aim of the study was to evaluate possible risk factors for postoperative complications and disease recurrence specifically after colonic resections for CD.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 241 patients who underwent colonic and ileocaecal resections for CD at our instiution between 2008 and 2018 were included. All data was extracted from clinical charts.

RESULTS

Major complications occurred in 23.8% of all patients. Patients after colonic resections showed a significantly higher rate of major postoperative complications compared to patients after ICR (p =  < 0.0001). The most common complications after colonic resections were postoperative bleeding (22.2%), the need for revision surgery (27.4%) and ICU (17.2%) or hospital readmission (15%). As risk factors for the latter, we identified time interval between admission and surgery (p = 0.015) and the duration of the surgery (p = 0.001). Isolated distal resections had a higher risk for revision surgery and a secondary stoma (p = 0.019). Within the total study population, previous bowel resections (p = 0.037) were identified as independent risk factors for major perioperative complications.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that both a complex surgical site and a complex surgical procedure lead to a higher perioperative morbidity in colonic resections for Crohn's colitis.

Risk Prediction for Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Surgery: External Validation of the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] require surgery during their disease course. Having individual risk predictions available prior to surgery could aid in better informed decision making for personalised treatment trajectories in IBD surgery. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program [ACS NSQIP] has developed a surgical risk calculator that calculates risks for postoperative outcomes using 20 patient and surgical predictors. We aimed to validate the calculator for IBD surgery to determine its accuracy in this patient cohort.

METHODS

Predicted risks were calculated for patients operated for IBD between December 2017 and January 2022 at two tertiary centres and compared with actual outcomes within 30 postoperative days. Predictive performance was assessed for several postoperative complications, using metrics for discrimination and calibration.

RESULTS

Risks were calculated for 508 patient trajectories undergoing surgery for IBD. Incidence of any complication, serious complications, reoperation, and readmission were 32.1%, 21.1%, 15.2%, and 18.3%, respectively. Of 212 patients with an anastomosis, 19 experienced leakage [9.0%]. Discriminative performance and calibration were modest. Risk prediction for any complication, serious complication, reoperation, readmission, and anastomotic leakage had a c statistic of 0.605 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.534-0.640), 0.623 [95% CI 0.558-0.688], 0.590 [95% CI 0.513-0.668], 0.621 [95% CI 0.557-0.685], and 0.574 [95% CI 0.396-0.751], respectively, and a Brier score of 0.240, 0.166, 0.138, 0.152, and 0.113, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of risks calculated by the ACS NSQIP Surgical Risk Calculator was deemed insufficient for patients undergoing surgery for IBD, generally underestimating postoperative risks. Recalibration or additional variables could be necessary to predict risks in this cohort.

Anastomotic Considerations in Crohn's Disease

A number of factors should be considered when performing an intestinal anastomosis in the setting of surgery for Crohn's disease. Preoperative risk factors, such as malnutrition, abdominal sepsis, and immunosuppressive medications, may increase the risk of postoperative anastomotic complications and alter surgical decision-making. The anatomical configuration and technique of constructing the anastomosis may have an impact on postoperative function and risk of recurrence, particularly in the setting of ileocolic resection, where the Kono-S anastomosis has gained popularity in recent years. There may be circumstances in which it may be more appropriate to perform an ostomy either without an anastomosis or to temporarily divert an anastomosis when the risk of anastomotic complications is felt to be high. In the setting of total abdominal colectomy or proctocolectomy for Crohn's colitis, restorative procedures may appropriate in lieu of a permanent stoma in certain scenarios.

Effect of immunosuppressive medication on postoperative complications following abdominal surgery in Crohn's disease patients

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressants represent an effective pharmacological treatment for the remission and management of Crohn's disease (CD); however, it has not been well-defined if these medications are associated with an increased incidence of postoperative complications after intestinal surgery. This retrospective study evaluated the association between immunosuppressive treatment and complications following bowel resection in patients with CD.

METHODS

A total of 426 patients with CD who underwent abdominal surgery between 2001 and 2018 were included in the study. The participants were divided into two groups. In the first group, patients were under immunosuppressive treatment at the time of surgical resection, while in the second group, patients had never received pharmacological therapy for CD before surgery.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. Double or triple immunosuppressive therapy was not associated with increased complications compared to monotherapy or no pharmacological treatment. Preoperative risk factors such as hypoalbuminemia, abscess, fistula, intestinal perforation, long duration of symptoms, and the intraoperative performance of more than one anastomosis were related to increased rates of postoperative complications. Factors affecting the occurrence of postoperative complications in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis using a stepwise logistic regression model, and these factors were also related to increased rates of postoperative surgical complications.

CONCLUSION

Immunosuppressive therapy was not associated with increased rates of postoperative complications following bowel resection in patients with CD.

Core indicators of an evaluation and guidance system for quality of care in inflammatory bowel disease centers: A critical review

The mission of the IBD Quality Care Evaluation Center (IBDQCC) is to establish indicators of quality of care (QoC), certify IBD units to generate a network of IBD quality care, and eventually improve the national level of IBD healthcare. The final list of 28 core and 13 secondary IBD QoC indicators suitable for the healthcare system in China were selected using a Delphi consensus methodology. Units that met all core indicators were qualified as "regional"; units that met all core indicators together with more than 50% of the secondary indicators received a rating of "excellence." Using the selected QoC core indicators for certifying IBD units, a network of IBD quality care units covering the majority of IBD patients in China was established.

Funding

This work was financially supported by Cultivation Funding for Clinical Scientific Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004), National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81,770,545), Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Initiative (21SQBS02302), and Cultivated Funding for Clinical Research Innovation, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University (RJPY-LX-004).

Surgical Resection for Crohn's and Cancer: A Comparison of Disease-Specific Risk Factors and Outcomes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to compare disease-specific risk factors and 30-day outcomes between patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and colon cancer (CC) undergoing right-sided surgical resection.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP®) was interrogated to extract all patients ≥18 years undergoing elective right-sided resection for CD versus CC. Independent risk factors for surgical complications were identified through multivariable logistic regression for both groups. In a second step, surgical and medical 30-day morbidity was compared after risk adjustment.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 17,516 patients, of which 2,899 (16.6%) underwent surgery for CD versus 14,617 (83.4%) for CC. Independent risk factors for surgical complications in patients with CD were male gender, African American race, ASA score (III or IV), active smoking, prolonged surgery, and preoperative anemia. Independent risk factors for surgical complications in the cancer group were age ≥70 years, male gender, ASA score (III or IV), respiratory and cardiovascular comorbidities, and preoperative hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL). After risk adjustment, surgical complications (OR 1.25, p = 0.002), sepsis (OR 1.64, p = 0.012), and unplanned readmissions (OR 1.39, p = 0.004) were more common in patients with CD. Thirty-day mortality was higher in cancer patients (1.1 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Crohn's disease were more prone to surgical complications and postoperative sepsis compared to the cancer group undergoing the same procedure. Careful evaluation and correction of disease-specific modifiable risk factors of patients with CD and CC, respectively, are important.

Preoperative hypoalbuminemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in Crohn's disease patients with normal BMI: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition is universal in Crohn's disease (CD). The body mass index (BMI) is used to assess nutritional status to predict postoperative complications in CD patients. However, some CD patients have a normal BMI. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal preoperative BMI values.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study included 315 CD patients who underwent surgical treatment between December 2012 and January 2020. Patient data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. The risk factors for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal BMI values were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 315 eligible patients were included. The incidence of postoperative complications was 30.8%, consisting of 22.5% mild complications and 18.4% major complications. The albumin level, the C-reactive protein level, laparoscopic surgery, and operative time were significantly associated with postoperative outcomes. Multivariate analysis showed that a low preoperative albumin level (P = 0.013, OR = 2.991, 95% CI: 1.255-7.131) was an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal BMI values.

CONCLUSIONS

A low preoperative albumin level was a risk factor for postoperative complications in CD patients with normal BMI values. Although some patients have a normal BMI, clinicians should still consider the preoperative albumin level in CD patients to evaluate their nutritional status and provide timely intervention to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.

Abdominal Emergencies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Although improved medical therapies have been associated with decreased rates of emergent intestinal resection for inflammatory bowel disease, prompt diagnosis and management remain of utmost importance to ensure appropriate patient care with reduced morbidity and mortality. Emergent indications for surgery include toxic colitis, acute obstruction, perforation, acute abscess, or massive hemorrhage. Given this broad spectrum of emergent presentations, a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, nutritional support services, and enterostomal therapists are required for optimal patient care and decision making. Management of each emergency should be individualized based on patient age, disease type and duration, and patient goals of care.

No Association between staging operation and the 5-Year Risk of Reoperation in Patients with Crohn's Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of staging operation on the risk of reoperation in patients with CD who underwent primary bowel resection. This was a retrospective study of 980 patients with CD who were hospitalized in Jinling Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University between January 1, 2001, and October 1, 2016. The patients were grouped according to staging operation (n = 64) and one-stage operation (n = 148). Postoperative intestinal function recovery time, postoperative short-term complications, and reoperation rates were compared between the two groups. There was significant difference in disease behavior between the staging operation group and the one-stage operation group. There was no significant difference in postoperative tolerance of enteral nutrition among groups (P > 0.05). Obvious differences were found in the comparison of the first time of exhaustion, defecation after operation, postoperative length of stay and postoperative complications among groups (all P < 0.05). There was no difference in the 5-year cumulative reoperation-free rates between the two groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, surgical intervention at proper time and appropriate operation during operation are essential for patients with CD. It is believed that staging operation with ostomy followed by intestinal anastomosis is feasible when there are more than two risk factors for postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications.

Delta albumin is a better prognostic marker for complications following laparoscopic intestinal resection for Crohn's disease than albumin alone - A retrospective cohort study

Purpose

Little is known about the perioperative dynamic of albumin and its effect on surgical outcome in Crohn’s disease. Thus, we aimed to assess postoperative changes of albumin levels and their potentially predictive role for complications after laparoscopic intestinal resections.

Methods

We identified 182 patients who underwent laparoscopic intestinal resection for symptomatic Crohn´s disease between 2000 and 2014 for this retrospective cohort study. Pre- and postoperative serum albumin levels (within 4 days) were recorded retrospectively and proportional postoperative reduction (delta (Δ) albumin) was calculated. Complications were defined according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Univariate and multivariate analysis describing an eventful postoperative course were conducted.

Results

Complications were found in 22.5% (n = 41), 6% (n = 11) developed major complications defined as Clavien Dindo III-V and 16.5% (n = 30) had minor complications (Clavien Dindo I-II). The median Δ albumin was 22.75% (range: -18.46–47.14%). Delta albumin was found to be significantly higher in patients who developed complications after surgery (p = 0.03). Notably, neither preoperative (p = 0.28) nor postoperative albumin levels (p = 0.41) taken as absolute numerical values correlated with an eventful course following intestinal resection. In the multivariate analysis, based on a cut-off of 24.27%, Δ albumin remained an independent factor for surgical complications (p = 0.04, OR 2.232) next to conversion rate (p<0.001, OR 5.577) and the presence of an inflammatory mass (p = 0.003, OR 0.280).

Conclusion

Δ albumin is a better prognostic marker for an eventful postoperative course after laparoscopic surgery in patients with Crohn’s disease in comparison to albumin alone.

Malnutrition increases the risk of 30-day complications after surgery in pediatric patients with Crohn disease

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients with Crohn disease (CD) are frequently malnourished, yet how this affects surgical outcomes has not been evaluated. This study aims to determine the effects of malnourishment in children with CD on 30-day outcomes after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

The ACS NSQIP-Pediatric database from 2012 to 2015 was used to select children aged 5-18 with CD who underwent bowel surgery. BMI-for-age Z-scores were calculated based on CDC growth charts and 2015 guidelines of pediatric malnutrition were applied to categorize severity of malnutrition into none, mild, moderate, or severe. Malnutrition's effects on 30-day complications. Propensity weighted multivariable regression was used to determine the effect of malnutrition on complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

516 patients were included: 349 (67.6%) without malnutrition, 97 (18.8%) with mild, 49 (9.5%) with moderate, and 21 (4.1%) with severe malnutrition. There were no differences in demographics, ASA class, or elective/urgent case type. Overall complication rate was 13.6% with malnutrition correlating to higher rates: none 9.7%, mild 18.6%, moderate 20.4%, and severe 28.6% (p < 0.01). In propensity-matched, multivariable analysis, malnutrition corresponded with increased odds of complications in mild and severely malnourished patients (mild OR = 2.1 [p = 0.04], severe OR 3.26 [p = 0.03]).

CONCLUSION

Worsening degrees of malnutrition directly correlate with increasing risk of 30-day complications in children with CD undergoing major bowel surgery. These findings support BMI for-age z scores as an important screening tool for preoperatively identifying pediatric CD patients at increased risk for postoperative complications. Moreover, these scores can guide nutritional optimization efforts prior to elective surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Preoperative Ustekinumab Treatment Is Not Associated With Increased Postoperative Complications in Crohn's Disease: A Canadian Multi-Centre Observational Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Ustekinumab (UST), an anti-IL12/23 inhibitor is indicated for moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD). However, it is unclear if patients treated with UST are at increased risk for postoperative complications.

AIM

To evaluate the postoperative safety outcomes in UST-treated CD patients.

METHODS

A multicentre cohort study of UST-treated CD patients at two tertiary care centres (University of Calgary, University of Alberta, Canada) undergoing abdominal surgery between 2009 and 2016 was performed. Postoperative outcomes were compared against a control cohort of anti-TNF-treated patients over the same time-period. The primary outcome was occurrence of postoperative complications up to six months postoperatively, stratified by timing (early <30 days vs. late complications ≥30 days).

RESULTS

Twenty UST-treated patients and 40 anti-TNF-treated patients were included with a median preoperative treatment exposure of 6.5 months and 18 months, respectively (p=0.01). Bowel obstruction was the most common surgical indication in both cohorts. UST-treated patients were more likely to require an ostomy (70.0% vs. 12.5%, p<0.001) and be on combination therapy with either systemic corticosteroids or concurrent immunomodulators (azathioprine or methotrexate) (25.0% vs. 2.5%, p=0.01). Despite the increased concomitant use of immunosuppression in the UST-treated cohort, there were no significant differences in early or late postoperative wound infections (1/20 in UST-cohort, 2/40 in anti-TNF cohort, p=1.00), anastomotic leak (0/20 in UST-cohort, 3/40 in anti-TNF cohort, p=0.54), or postoperative ileus/obstruction (3/20 in UST-cohort, 4/40 in anti-TNF cohort, p=0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

CD patients receiving preoperative UST did not experience an increase in postoperative complications, despite increased use of concurrent immunosuppression.

The modified Glasgow prognostic score in Crohn's disease-does it predict short-term outcome?

Background

The modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) has recently gained increased attention as a prognostic marker for malignant disease survival and postoperative short-term complications. Due to lacking data, the present study was conducted to correlate the mGPS with the postoperative course in patients following surgery for Crohn’s disease.

Methods

We enrolled 341 patients who underwent intestinal resection for symptomatic Crohn’s disease at a tertiary referral centre between 2000 and 2014. All relevant data were obtained from the institutional database and individual chart review. Thirty-day morbidity was defined according to the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

A total of 79 (23.17%) postoperative complications were identified (grade I and II: n = 54, 15.84%; grade III and IV: n = 23, 6.74%; grade V: n = 2, 0.59%). The mGPS did not show any correlation with an eventful postoperative course following surgery (no complication: median mGPS: 1, range 0–2; complications: median mGPS: 1, range 0–2; p = 0.8521). In addition, the occurrence of an anastomotic leakage was not associated with a higher mGPS (p = 0.8592). Patients with an acute indication for surgery (n = 29, 11.44%) had higher median mGPS (median: 2, range 0–2) in contrast to patients who were operated on electively (median: 1, range 0–2; p = 0.0003). No other correlation between surgical characteristics and mGPS was detected.

Conclusions

In the present study, we could clearly demonstrate that an acute indication for surgery in symptomatic Crohn’s disease is associated with higher mGPS scores. However, the mGPS did not correlate with postoperative complications. Further studies are required to define the prognostic value of mGPS in Crohn’s disease patients.

What Is the Risk of Anastomotic Leak After Repeat Intestinal Resection in Patients With Crohn's Disease?

BACKGROUND

Approximately half of Crohn's patients require intestinal resection, and many need repeat resections.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the increased risk of clinical anastomotic leak in patients with a history of previous intestinal resection undergoing repeat resection with anastomosis for Crohn's disease.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected departmental data with 100% capture.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at the department of colorectal surgery in a tertiary care teaching hospital between July 2007 and March 2016.

PATIENTS

A cohort of consecutive patients with Crohn's disease who were treated with intestinal resection and anastomosis, excluding patients with proximal fecal diversion, were included. The cohort was divided into 2 groups, those with no previous resection compared with those with previous resection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Clinical anastomotic leak within 30 days of surgery was measured.

RESULTS

Of the 206 patients who met criteria, 83 patients had previous intestinal resection (40%). The 2 groups were similar in terms of patient factors, immune-suppressing medication use, and procedural factors. Overall, 20 clinical anastomotic leaks were identified (10% leak rate). There were 6 leaks (5%) detected in patients with no previous intestinal resection and 14 leaks (17%) detected in patients with a history of previous intestinal resection (p < 0.005). The OR of anastomotic leak in patients with Crohn's disease with previous resection compared with no previous resection was 3.5 (95% CI, 1.3-9.4). Patients with 1 previous resection (n = 53) had a leak rate of 13%, whereas patients with ≥2 previous resections (n = 30) had a leak rate of 23%. The number of previous resections correlated with increasing risk for clinical anastomotic leak (correlation coefficient = 0.998).

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective study with limited data to perform a multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Repeat intestinal resection in patients with Crohn's disease is associated with an increased rate of anastomotic leakage when compared with initial resection despite similar patient, medication, and procedural factors. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A459.

Value of cross-sectional imaging in assessing active Crohn's disease before stoma reversal

BACKGROUND

There are currently no guidelines on the need to assess disease activity before stoma reversal in Crohn's disease (CD). We sought to determine the value of cross-sectional imaging for detecting active CD before stoma reversal.

METHODS

38 CD patients underwent cross-sectional imaging before stoma reversal. CD activity was blindly evaluated by an independent radiologist. Postoperative outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Before stoma reversal, cross-sectional imaging identified active CD in 20 of the 38 study participants (52.6%). In 9 out of 10 tested patients, radiologic and endoscopic assessments gave concordant findings with regard to CD recurrence before stoma reversal. Stoma reversal was delayed in half of the patients with active CD and in none of the patients without active CD. Before stoma reversal, tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists or immunosuppressants were initiated in 45% of the patients with active CD and 5.6% of the patients without active CD. In the year following stoma reversal, the recurrence rate (in a radiologic assessment) was higher in patients with active CD than in patients without active CD (75.0% vs. 30.8%, respectively; p=0.04).

CONCLUSION

Cross-sectional imaging revealed postoperative recurrence in about a quarter of patients before stoma reversal; this finding may influence the postoperative treatment strategy and outcomes.

Preoperative Nutritional Conditioning of Crohn's Patients-Systematic Review of Current Evidence and Practice

Crohn’s disease is an incurable and frequently progressive entity with major impact on affected patients. Up to half of patients require surgery in the first 10 years after diagnosis and over 75% of operated patients require at least one further surgery within lifetime. In order to minimize surgical risk, modifiable risk factors such as nutritional status need to be optimized. This systematic review on preoperative nutritional support in adult Crohn’s patients between 1997 and 2017 aimed to provide an overview on target populations, screening modalities, routes of administration, and expected benefits. Pertinent study characteristics (prospective vs. retrospective, sample size, control group, limitations) were defined a priori. Twenty-nine studies were retained, of which 14 original studies (9 retrospective, 4 prospective, and 1 randomized controlled trial) and 15 reviews. Study heterogeneity was high regarding nutritional regimens and outcome, and meta-analysis could not be performed. Most studies were conducted without matched control group and thus provide modest level of evidence. Consistently, malnutrition was found to be a major risk factor for postoperative complications, and both enteral and parenteral routes were efficient in decreasing postoperative morbidity. Current guidelines for nutrition in general surgery apply also to Crohn’s patients. The route of administration should be chosen according to disease presentation and patients’ condition. Further studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.

Nutritional Strategies in the Management of Adult Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Dietary Considerations from Active Disease to Disease Remission

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic, lifelong, and relapsing illnesses, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which involve the gastrointestinal tract. There is no cure for these diseases, but combined pharmacological and nutritional therapy can induce remission and maintain clinical remission. Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies among IBD patients result in poor clinical outcomes such as growth failure, reduced response to pharmacotherapy, increased risk for sepsis, and mortality. The aim of this review is to highlight the consequences of malnutrition in the management of IBD and describe nutritional interventions to facilitate induction of remission as well as maintenance; we will also discuss alternative delivery methods to improve nutritional status preoperatively.