The empty pelvis syndrome: a core data set from the PelvEx collaborative

BACKGROUND

Empty pelvis syndrome (EPS) is a significant source of morbidity following pelvic exenteration (PE), but is undefined. EPS outcome reporting and descriptors of radicality of PE are inconsistent; therefore, the best approaches for prevention are unknown. To facilitate future research into EPS, the aim of this study is to define a measurable core outcome set, core descriptor set and written definition for EPS. Consensus on strategies to mitigate EPS was also explored.

METHOD

Three-stage consensus methodology was used: longlisting with systematic review, healthcare professional event, patient engagement, and Delphi-piloting; shortlisting with two rounds of modified Delphi; and a confirmatory stage using a modified nominal group technique. This included a selection of measurement instruments, and iterative generation of a written EPS definition.

RESULTS

One hundred and three and 119 participants took part in the modified Delphi and consensus meetings, respectively. This encompassed international patient and healthcare professional representation with multidisciplinary input. Seventy statements were longlisted, seven core outcomes (bowel obstruction, enteroperineal fistula, chronic perineal sinus, infected pelvic collection, bowel obstruction, morbidity from reconstruction, re-intervention, and quality of life), and four core descriptors (magnitude of surgery, radiotherapy-induced damage, methods of reconstruction, and changes in volume of pelvic dead space) reached consensus-where applicable, measurement of these outcomes and descriptors was defined. A written definition for EPS was agreed.

CONCLUSIONS

EPS is an area of unmet research and clinical need. This study provides an agreed definition and core data set for EPS to facilitate further research.

Prospective randomized comparison of three-dimensional (3D) versus conventional laparoscopy in total colectomy for ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

3D laparoscopy has been proposed with the aim of improving the depth perception and overall operative performance. To aim of this study is to compare 3D laparoscopy with conventional 2D laparoscopy in terms of operative time and visual parameters.

METHODS

This is a prospective, randomized, single-center trial designed to determine 10% reduction in the mean operative time. Ulcerative colitis patients >18 years of age who underwent laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy between 2015 and 2020 were included. Patients were randomized into 3D and 2D laparoscopy groups. Duration of operation and surgeons' evaluation of the visualization system were the primary outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-three subjects (26 in 2D, 27 in 3D group) were included in the analysis, with 56% being male. Mean age and body mass index were 40 (16.3) years and 23.5 (4.7) kg/m2 , respectively. Twenty-five subjects underwent single port laparoscopic surgery, of whom 13 were in 3D and 12 in 2D group. Mean operative time was 75.3 (30.8) versus 82.7 (38.6) minutes (P = 0.4) for 3D and 2D groups, respectively. Operative times spent for individual steps were comparable. Post-operative minor complications (8 in 3D versus 8 in 2D, P = 1) and median number of times for scope maintenance were also similar between the groups. 69% of the visual evaluation survey results favoured 3D over 2D (P = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional laparoscopy for total colectomy in ulcerative colitis patients is safe and feasible option providing better visualization with no difference in operative time.

Effect of Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Surgical Site Infections in High-Risk Reoperative Colorectal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Colorectal resections have relatively high rates of surgical site infections causing significant morbidity. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was introduced to improve wound healing of closed surgical incisions and to prevent surgical site infections.

OBJECTIVE

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of incisional NPWT on superficial surgical site infections in high-risk, open, reoperative colorectal surgery.

DESIGN

This was a single-center randomized controlled trial conducted between July 2015-October 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to incisional negative pressure wound therapy or standard gauze dressing with a 1:1 ratio. A total of 298 patients were included.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at the colorectal surgery department of a tertiary-level hospital.

PATIENTS

This study included patients older than 18 years who underwent elective reoperative open colorectal resections. Patients were excluded who had open surgery within the past 3 months, who had active surgical site infection, and who underwent laparoscopic procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was superficial surgical site infection within 30 days. Secondary outcomes were deep and organ-space surgical site infections within 7 days and 30 days, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 149 patients were included in each arm. The mean age was 51 years, and 49.5% were women. Demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and preoperative albumin levels were comparable between the groups. Overall, most surgeries were performed for IBD, and 77% of the patients had an ostomy fashioned during the surgery. No significant difference was found between the groups in 30-day superficial surgical site infection rate (14.1% in control versus 9.4% in incisional negative pressure wound therapy; p = 0.28). Deep and organ-space surgical site infections rates at 7 and 30 days were also comparable between the groups. Postoperative length of stay and complication rates (Clavien-Dindo grade) were also comparable between the groups.

LIMITATIONS

The patient population included in the trial consisted of a selected group of high-risk patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy was not associated with reduced superficial surgical site infection or overall complication rates in patients undergoing high-risk reoperative colorectal resections. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B956 .

EFECTO DE LA TERAPIA DE HERIDA INSICIONAL CON PRESIN NEGATIVA EN INFECCIONES DEL SITIO QUIRRGICO EN CIRUGA COLORRECTAL REOPERATORIA DE ALTO RIESGO UN ENSAYO CONTROLADO ALEATORIZADO

ANTECEDENTES:Las resecciones colorrectales tienen tasas relativamente altas de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico que causan una morbilidad significativa. La terapia de heridas incisionales con presión negativa se introdujo para mejorar la cicatrización de las heridas de incisiones quirúrgicas cerradas y para prevenir infecciones del sitio quirúrgico.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este ensayo controlado y aleatorizado fue investigar el efecto de la terapia de herida incisional con presión negativa en infecciones superficiales del sitio quirúrgico en cirugía colorrectal re operatoria, abierta y de alto riesgo.DISEÑO:Ensayo controlado y aleatorizado de un solo centro entre julio de 2015 y octubre de 2020. Los pacientes fueron aleatorizados para recibir tratamiento para heridas incisionales con presión negativa o vendaje de gasa estándar en una proporción de 1:1. Se incluyeron un total de 298 pacientes.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en el departamento de cirugía colorrectal de un hospital de tercer nivel.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años que se fueron sometidos a resecciones colorrectales abiertas, re operatorias y electivas. Se excluyeron aquellos pacientes que tuvieron cirugía abierta en los últimos 3 meses, con infección activa del sitio quirúrgico y que fueron sometidos a procedimientos laparoscópicos.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue infección superficial del sitio quirúrgico dentro de los 30 días. Los resultados secundarios fueron infecciones del sitio quirúrgico profundas y del espacio orgánico dentro de los 7 y 30 días, las complicaciones posoperatorias y la duración de la estancia hospitalaria.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 149 pacientes en cada brazo. La edad media fue de 51 años y el 49,5% fueron mujeres. La demografía, las comorbilidades preoperatorias y los niveles de albúmina preoperatoria fueron comparables entre los grupos. En general, la mayoría de las cirugías fueron realizadas por enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal y al 77 % de los pacientes se les confecciono una ostomía durante la cirugía. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos en la tasa de infección del sitio quirúrgico superficial a los 30 días (14,1 % en el control frente a 9,4 % en el tratamiento de herida incisional con presión negativa, p = 0,28). Las tasas de infecciones del sitio quirúrgico profundas y del espacio orgánico a los 7 y 30 días también fueron comparables entre los grupos. La duración de la estancia postoperatoria y las tasas de complicaciones (Clavien-Dindo Graduacion) también fueron comparables entre los grupos.LIMITACIONES:La población de pacientes incluida en el ensayo consistió en un grupo seleccionado de pacientes de alto riesgo.CONCLUSIONES:Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B956 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

Minimum standards of pelvic exenterative practice: PelvEx Collaborative guideline

This document outlines the important aspects of caring for patients who have been diagnosed with advanced pelvic cancer. It is primarily aimed at those who are establishing a service that adequately caters to this patient group. The relevant literature has been summarized and an attempt made to simplify the approach to management of these complex cases.

Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in elderly patients - is advanced age a contraindication?

Aim

We aimed to determine pouch function and retention rate for restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch‐anal anastomosis (IPAA) for ulcerative colitis (UC) in elderly patients.

Methods

We identified patients over 50 years old subjected to IPAA for confirmed pathological UC from 1980 until 2016. Patients were grouped according to age: 50–59, 60–69 and 70+ years. Short and long‐term outcomes and quality of life (QOL) were compared among the groups.

Results

Six hundred and one patients were identified (399 (66.4%) between 50–59 181 (30.1%) between 60–69, and 21 (3.5%) over 70 years of age). More males were in the 70+ arm, and more two‐stage procedures were performed in this group. Wound infection increased with age (P = 0.023). There was a trend of more fistula and pouchitis in the 70+ patients (P = 0.052 and P = 0.055, respectively). Pouch failure rate increased with age, and it was statistically significant in the 70+ cohort (P = 0.015). Multivariate stepwise logistic regression showed that pelvic sepsis (HR 4.8 (95% CI 1.5–15.4), P = 0.009), fistula (HR 6.0 (95% CI 1.7–21.5), and mucosectomy with handsewn anastomosis (HR 4.5 (95% CI 1.4–14.7)), were independently associated with pouch failure. No difference was observed in the QOL among the groups, but pouch function was better for patients younger than 60 years.

Conclusion

In elderly patients with UC, IPAA may be offered with reasonable functional outcomes, and ileal pouch retention rates, as an alternative to the permanent stoma. Stapled anastomosis increases the chance of pouch retention and should be recommended as long as the distal rectum does not carry dysplasia.

Colonic disease recurrence following proctectomy with end colostomy for anorectal Crohn's disease

AIM

In patients with anorectal Crohn's disease, it remains uncertain whether a total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy or proctectomy with end colostomy should be recommended due to the unknown rate of disease recurrence in the remaining colon.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with a known diagnosis of Crohn's disease who underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy for distal Crohn's disease between January 1, 2010 and January 1, 2019 at two IBD referral centres was conducted. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical variables at the time of proctectomy, and postoperative clinical, endoscopic and surgical recurrence rates.

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients were included; mean age was 47 years (SD 15 years) and 32 (50.8%) were female. The majority of patients underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy (n = 56; 88.9%) while the remaining seven patients (11.1%) underwent a proctectomy with end colostomy and concurrent ileocectomy. A total of 55 patients (87.3%) had proctitis, 51 (81%) had perianal fistulating disease, and 34 (54%) had anal canal stenosis or ulceration. Most patients had medically refractory disease (n = 54; 85.7%) versus neoplasia (n = 9; 14.3%). The median length of long-term follow-up was 17.7 months (IQR: 4.72, 38.7 months). During that time, 14 (22.2%) experienced clinical recurrence, 10 of 34 evaluated (29.4%) had endoscopic recurrence, and 3 (4.76%) required a completion total abdominal colectomy for recurrent medically refractory disease in the colon.

CONCLUSION

Colonic recurrence remains low following proctectomy and descending colostomy suggesting this operative management strategy is reasonable in Crohn's patients with distal disease.

Enhanced Recovery Pathway Benefits Patients Undergoing Nonelective Colorectal Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to determine if an enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) can successfully be applied in nonelective colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND

ERPs have been shown to reduce hospital length of stay (LOS), complications, and costs after elective colorectal surgery. Yet, little data exist regarding the benefits of ERPs in patients undergoing nonelective colorectal surgery. We hypothesized that ERP implementation in a nonelective colorectal surgery population is associated with decreased postoperative LOS.

METHODS

A prospectively-maintained database was used to identify consecutive patients undergoing colorectal surgery after emergency room (ER) or hospital transfer admissions over a period from 2 years before until 1 year after implementation of a comprehensive ERP. The primary endpoint was LOS. Secondary endpoints included total LOS [TLOS = postoperative LOS + LOS of readmission(s)], readmission rates, complication rates, 30-day mortality, and hospital costs. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between ERP implementation and LOS.

RESULTS

We identified 269 pre-ERP and 135 ERP patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Admit source (ER 43.4% vs transfers 56.7%), Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, diagnosis (inflammatory bowel disease 45.8%, malignancy 19.6%, benign intestinal obstructions 10.4%, diverticulitis 9.4%, others 10.4%), and blood loss were comparable (P > 0.05) between the cohorts. Pre-ERP patients had a higher number of previous abdominal surgeries, whereas post-ERP patients had more laparoscopy and more compliance with ERP elements. ERP patients had a shorter postoperative LOS [6 (4, 10) vs 7 (5, 12) days; P = 0.0007]. Hospital costs were 13.4% lower (P = 0.004). Postoperative 30-day morbidity, mortality, and readmissions were comparable, although reoperation rate was higher in the ERP group. On multivariate analysis, ERP implementation and laparoscopy were the only modifiable variables independently associated with shorter LOS, whereas longer operative times and higher ASA classification were associated with longer LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing nonelective colorectal surgery after ER or hospital transfer admission benefit from the use of an ERP, demonstrating decreased LOS and costs without an increase in complications.

Can an Academic RVU Model Balance the Clinical and Research Challenges in Surgery?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to identify perceptions of academic surgeons regarding academic productivity and assess its relationship to clinical productivity. We hypothesized that these perceptions would vary based on respondent characteristics including clinical activity and leadership roles.

DESIGN

This retrospective, survey-based study was performed from August 26, 2019 to September 26, 2019.

SETTING

The setting was academic surgical departments across the US.

PARTICIPANTS

The survey instrument was administered to faculty members of the Association of Program Directors in Surgery. A total of 105 academic surgeons responded.

RESULTS

Most respondents were Program Directors (59%) of general surgery programs. Of the participants, 30% identified as Professor, 36% as Associate Professor, and 15% as Assistant Professor. Respondents agreed that multiple academic pursuits or factors should count towards academic productivity including the following (in descending order): completing a first-authored manuscript (98.8%), completing a senior-authored manuscript (97.7%), chairing a national committee (94.1%), serving on a national committee (88.2%), completing a second-authored manuscript (88.0%), completing a first lecture (83.7%), completing a middle-authored manuscript (71.8%), completing a lecture (whether or not repeated) (70.9%), impact factor of journal (60.7%), and attendance at grand rounds (57.0%). Perspectives did not vary significantly based on surgeon demographics, clinical setting, or leadership role (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Perceptions regarding what constitutes academic productivity and merit a reduction in clinical expectation are remarkably similar across multiple surgeon characteristics including demographics, academic title, leadership role, and practice environment.

Effect of Intravenous Acetaminophen on Postoperative Hypoxemia After Abdominal Surgery: The FACTOR Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Opioid-induced ventilatory depression and hypoxemia is common, severe, and often unrecognized in postoperative patients. To the extent that nonopioid analgesics reduce opioid consumption, they may decrease postoperative hypoxemia.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that duration of hypoxemia is less in patients given intravenous acetaminophen than those given placebo.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted at 2 US academic hospitals among 570 patients who were undergoing abdominal surgery, enrolled from February 2015 through October 2018 and followed up until February 2019.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized to receive either intravenous acetaminophen, 1 g (n = 289), or normal saline placebo (n = 291) starting at the beginning of surgery and repeated every 6 hours until 48 postoperative hours or hospital discharge, whichever occurred first.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the total duration of hypoxemia (hemoglobin oxygen saturation [Spo2] <90%) per hour, with oxygen saturation measured continuously for 48 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes were postoperative opioid consumption, pain (0- 10-point scale; 0: no pain; 10: the most pain imaginable), nausea and vomiting, sedation, minimal alveolar concentration of volatile anesthetic, fatigue, active time, and respiratory function.

RESULTS

Among 580 patients randomized (mean age, 49 years; 48% women), 570 (98%) completed the trial. The primary outcome, median duration with Spo2 of less than 90%, was 0.7 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.1-5.1) minutes per hour among patients in the acetaminophen group and 1.1 (IQR, 0.1-6.6) minutes per hour among patients in the placebo group (P = .29), with an estimated median difference of -0.04 (95% CI,-0.18 to 0.11) minutes per hour. None of the 8 secondary end points differed significantly between the acetaminophen and placebo groups. Mean pain scores within initial 48 postoperative hours were 4.2 (SD, 1.8) in the acetaminophen group and 4.4 (SD, 1.8) in the placebo group (difference, -0.28; 95% CI, -0.71 to 0.15); median opioid use in morphine equivalents was 50 mg (IQR, 18-122 mg) and 58 mg (IQR, 24-151 mg) , respectively, with a ratio of geometric means of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.61-1.21).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients who underwent abdominal surgery, use of postoperative intravenous acetaminophen, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce the duration of postoperative hypoxemia over 48 hours. The study findings do not support the use of intravenous acetaminophen for this purpose.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02156154.

Radiomic Texture and Shape Descriptors of the Rectal Environment on Post-Chemoradiation T2-Weighted MRI are Associated with Pathologic Tumor Stage Regression in Rectal Cancers: A Retrospective, Multi-Institution Study

(1) Background: The relatively poor expert restaging accuracy of MRI in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiation may be due to the difficulties in visual assessment of residual tumor on post-treatment MRI. In order to capture underlying tissue alterations and morphologic changes in rectal structures occurring due to the treatment, we hypothesized that radiomics texture and shape descriptors of the rectal environment (e.g., wall, lumen) on post-chemoradiation T2-weighted (T2w) MRI may be associated with tumor regression after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). (2) Methods: A total of 94 rectal cancer patients were retrospectively identified from three collaborating institutions, for whom a 1.5 or 3T T2w MRI was available after nCRT and prior to surgical resection. The rectal wall and the lumen were annotated by an expert radiologist on all MRIs, based on which 191 texture descriptors and 198 shape descriptors were extracted for each patient. (3) Results: Top-ranked features associated with pathologic tumor-stage regression were identified via cross-validation on a discovery set (n = 52, 1 institution) and evaluated via discriminant analysis in hold-out validation (n = 42, 2 institutions). The best performing features for distinguishing low (ypT0-2) and high (ypT3-4) pathologic tumor stages after nCRT comprised directional gradient texture expression and morphologic shape differences in the entire rectal wall and lumen. Not only were these radiomic features found to be resilient to variations in magnetic field strength and expert segmentations, a quadratic discriminant model combining them yielded consistent performance across multiple institutions (hold-out AUC of 0.73). (4) Conclusions: Radiomic texture and shape descriptors of the rectal wall from post-treatment T2w MRIs may be associated with low and high pathologic tumor stage after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and generalized across variations between scanners and institutions.

COVID-19 Outbreak and Surgical Practice: Unexpected Fatality in Perioperative Period

: Little is known about surgical practice in the initial phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global crisis. This is a retrospective case series of 4 surgical patients (cholecystectomy, hernia repair, gastric bypass, and hysterectomy) who developed perioperative complications in the first few weeks of COVID-19 outbreak in Tehran, Iran in the month of February 2020. COVID-19 can complicate the perioperative course with diagnostic challenge and a high potential fatality rate. In locations with widespread infections and limited resources, the risk of elective surgical procedures for index patient and community may outweigh the benefit.

No need to watch the clock: persistence during laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is the preferred approach in the elective surgical management of diverticulitis. However, it is unclear if the benefits of laparoscopy persist when operative times are prolonged. We aimed to investigate if the recovery benefits associated with laparoscopy are retained when operative times are long.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy from 2010-2015 at a single academic tertiary institution was performed. Operative times among laparoscopic completed cases were divided into quartiles, and patient outcomes were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 466 patients (median age: 58 ± 11.6 years, 58% females) underwent sigmoidectomy: 430 completed laparoscopically and 36 (7.7%) converted. Median operative time in laparoscopically completed cases was 188 min (IQR 154-230). There were no differences in morbidity (P = 0.52) or readmission rates (P = 0.22) among the quartiles. The 2nd and 4th operative time quartiles were associated with significantly longer length of stay (LOS) when compared to the fastest quartile (P = 0.003 and P = 0.002, respectively), but there was no increase in LOS as operative times progressed between the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles. LOS after conversion was longer but did not reach statistical significance when compared to laparoscopically completed operations in the longest quartile (5.0 vs 6.5 days, P = 0.075) CONCLUSIONS: Our data do not support preemptive conversion of laparoscopic sigmoidectomy to avoid prolonged operative times. As long as progress is safely being made, surgeons are justified to continue pursuing laparoscopic completion.

Recurrence with malignancy after endoscopic resection of large colon polyps with high-grade dysplasia: incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

In the West, piecemeal endoscopic resection remains the primary treatment for large colon polyps (LCP), as most recurrences are believed to be benign and resectable with follow-up endoscopy. However, invasive malignancy at the site of prior piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection has been reported in the Asian literature. This study aims to identify the incidence of and the risk factors for local recurrence with malignancy after endoscopic resection of LCP with high-grade dysplasia (HGD).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, we identified patients undergoing complete endoscopic resection of LCPs (≥ 20 mm) with HGD at the Cleveland Clinic between January 2000 and December 2016. Demographic, endoscopic, and pathologic data were collected. All subsequent endoscopic and pathology reports were reviewed to identify recurrence. The cumulative incidence of malignancy at the polypectomy site was determined and univariate analysis was performed to assess risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 254 LCPs with HGD were resected in 229 patients. Mean polyp size was 29.2 mm. There were 138 lesions resected in piecemeal fashion and 116 en-bloc. After a median follow-up of 28.7 months for the entire cohort, local recurrence with malignancy was diagnosed in six cases. Median time to malignancy diagnosis was 28.5 months. All malignant cases occurred after piecemeal resection and none after en-bloc resection (HR 11.4; 95% CI 0.48-273).

CONCLUSION

Malignancy after endoscopic resection of LCPs with HGD is uncommon and may be associated with piecemeal resection. When possible, en-bloc resection should be the goal for the management of LCPs.

Establishing core outcome sets for gastrointestinal recovery in studies of postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction: protocol for a nested methodological study

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal recovery describes the restoration of normal bowel function in patients with bowel disease. This may be prolonged in two common clinical settings: postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction. Improving gastrointestinal recovery is a research priority but researchers are limited by variation in outcome reporting across clinical studies. This protocol describes the development of core outcome sets for gastrointestinal recovery in the contexts of postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction.

METHOD

An international Steering Group consisting of patient and clinician representatives has been established. As overlap between clinical contexts is anticipated, both outcome sets will be co-developed and may be combined to form a common output with disease-specific domains. The development process will comprise three phases, including definition of outcomes relevant to postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction from systematic literature reviews and nominal-group stakeholder discussions; online-facilitated Delphi surveys via international networks; and a consensus meeting to ratify the final output. A nested study will explore if the development of overlapping outcome sets can be rationalized.

DISSEMINATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

The final output will be registered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative. A multi-faceted, quality improvement campaign for the reporting of gastrointestinal recovery in clinical studies will be launched, targeting international professional and patient groups, charitable organizations and editorial committees. Success will be explored via an updated systematic review of outcomes 5 years after registration of the core outcome set.

Shanghai international consensus on diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of colorectal liver metastases (version 2019)

The liver is the most common anatomical site for hematogenous metastases from colorectal cancer. Therefore effective treatment of liver metastases is one of the most challenging elements in the management of colorectal cancer. However, there is rare available clinical consensus or guideline only focusing on colorectal liver metastases. After six rounds of discussion by 195 clinical experts of the Shanghai International Consensus Expert Group on Colorectal Liver Metastases (SINCE) from 29 countries or regions, the Shanghai Consensus has been finally completed, based on current research and expert experience. The consensus emphasized the principle of multidisciplinary team, provided detailed diagnosis approaches, and guided precise local and systemic treatments. This Shanghai Consensus might be of great significance to standardized diagnosis and treatment of colorectal liver metastases all over the world.

Do Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Benefit from an Enhanced Recovery Pathway?

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have been shown to reduce length of stay (LOS), complications, and costs after colorectal surgery; yet, little data exists regarding patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesized that implementation of ERP for IBD patients is associated with shorter LOS and improved economic outcomes.

METHODS

An IRB-approved prospective clinical database was used to identify consecutive patients from 2015 to 2017. Patients were grouped as "pre-ERP" and "post-ERP" based on the date of implementation of a comprehensive ERP. Ileostomy closures, redo pouch operations, and outpatient operations were excluded. The relationship between ERP, LOS, and secondary outcomes was assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, a total of 671 patients were included: 345 (51.4%) with Crohn's disease (CD) and 326 (48.6%) with ulcerative colitis (UC). Of these, 425 were pre-ERP (63.4%), and 246 were post-ERP (36.6%). The groups did not differ in terms of age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) scores, comorbidities, estimated blood loss, or ostomy construction. The post-ERP group had a significantly higher mean body mass index (BMI), more patients with CD, longer operative time, and more minimally invasive surgery (MIS; all P < 0.05). The post-ERP group had a significantly shorter LOS (6 vs 4.5 days, median), whereas mean hospital costs decreased by 15.7%. There was no difference in readmissions or complications. On multivariate analysis, MIS and ERP use were both associated with a shorter LOS.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory bowel disease patients benefit from the use of ERP, demonstrating decreased LOS and costs without an increase in complications and readmissions. Enhanced recovery pathways should be routinely implemented in this often challenging patient population.

Impact of preoperative duration of ulcerative colitis on long-term outcomes of restorative proctocolectomy

BACKGROUND

It is unknown if ulcerative colitis (UC) duration has an impact on outcomes of ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of the study was to compare the long-term IPAA outcomes based on preoperative UC duration.

METHODS

All patients with pathologically confirmed UC who underwent IPAA were included from a prospectively maintained pouch database (1983-2017).Patient's cohort was stratified according to UC duration:< 5 years,5-10 years,10-20 years,> 20 years. UC duration was defined as time interval from date of preoperative diagnosis to colectomy date. The main outcome was Kaplan-Meier pouch survival. Secondary outcomes were pouch function and quality of life.

RESULTS

Out of 4502 IPAAs (1983-2016), 2797 patients were included. Treated with biologics versus 12% with UC duration > 20 years were 41% patients with UC duration < 5 years. Treated with steroids compared to shortest (34%,p < 0.001) were 54% patients with the longest disease. A total of 65% of patients with shortest disease had IPAAs performed mostly in 3 stages. Anastomotic separation and pelvic sepsis were more prevalent among shortest compared to longest disease groups. Rates of pouch-targeted fistulas, anastomotic strictures, and pouchitis were highest in longest disease group. Pouch survival was similar between groups. Multivariate analysis did not show a significant association between UC duration and pouch failure [1.05(0.97-1.1), p = 0.23].Longer UC duration was associated with increased odds of pouchitis [1.2(1.1, 1.3), p < 0.001]. Biologics agents were shown to be protective against pouchitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative UC duration does not increase pouch failure risk. Longer preoperative UC duration increases the pouchitis risk. Biologic agents and three-staged IPAA are protective against pouchitis and septic complications in long-term among patients with UC.

Does umbilical contamination correlate with colorectal surgery patient outcomes?

PURPOSE

Most preoperative assessment tools to evaluate risk for postoperative complications require multiple data points to be collected and can be logistically burdensome. This study evaluated if umbilical contamination, a simple bedside assessment, correlated with surgical outcomes.

METHODS

A 6-point score to measure umbilical contamination was developed and applied prospectively to patients undergoing colorectal surgery at an academic medical center.

RESULTS

There were 200 patients enrolled (mean age 58.1 ± 14.8; 56% female). The mean BMI was 28.6 ± 7.4. Indications for surgery included colon cancer (24%), rectal cancer (18%), diverticulitis (13.5%), and Crohn's disease (12.5%). Umbilical contamination scores were 0 (23%, cleanest), 1 (26%), 2 (21%), 3 (24%), 4 (6%), and 5 (0%, dirtiest). Umbilical contamination did not correlate with preoperative functional status (p > 0.2). Umbilical contamination correlated with increased length of stay (rho = 0.19, p = 0.007) and postoperative complications (OR 1.3, 1.02-1.7, p = 0.04), but not readmission (p = 0.3) or discharge disposition (p > 0.2).

CONCLUSION

Sterile preparation of the abdomen is an important component of proper surgical technique and umbilical contamination correlates with increased postoperative complications.

Neoadjuvant chemoradiation improves oncologic outcomes in low and mid clinical T3N0 rectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Controversial data exists in the current literature in regard to the use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) in patients with clinical T3N0 (cT3N0) rectal cancers, specifically based on location and relation to peritoneal reflection. We aimed to analyze the impact of nCRT on oncologic outcomes among cT3N0 rectal cancers, depending on the tumor height from anal verge (AV).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with cT3N0 rectal cancers was included from a query of a prospectively maintained rectal cancer database from 1980 to 2016. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the tumor height: low (1-5 cm from AV), mid (6-10 cm from AV), and upper (11-15 cm from AV). Patients were stratified by use of nCRT.

MAIN OUTCOMES

5-year overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and local recurrence (LR) using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Five hundred ninety-two patients were included. Overall, 364 (61.4%) patients received nCRT and 228 (38.6%) patients did not. There were 251 (43%) patients with low, 302 (51%) with mid, and 39 (7%) with upper rectal cancer. Patients with low and mid rectal cancers received nCRT more frequently than those with upper rectal cancers (68.5% and 61.2% vs 43.6%, p = 0.007). The 5-year OS was 78% and 63%, DFS-88% and 73%, LR-1% and 8% in nCRT followed by resection vs. surgery alone (p < 0.001). In regard to cancer location after nCRT compared with surgery alone, low and mid cancers had better OS, DFS, and CSS, compared with upper ones.

CONCLUSION

nCRT prolongs survival among patients with rectal cancer below 10 cm from AV; however, it has no effect on 5-year oncologic survival of patients with upper rectal cancer located below peritoneal reflection.

An up-to-date predictive model for rectal cancer survivorship reflecting tumor biology and clinical factors

INTRODUCTION

Our aim was to develop a nomogram taking into account factors such as tumor biology to predict overall and disease-free survival for patients with primary rectal adenocarcinoma undergoing curative intent surgical resection.

METHODS

Patients undergoing resection for primary rectal adenocarcinoma (2007-2017) were included. Factors reflecting tumor biology and important clinical prognosticators were included in nomogram development. Prognostic factors were assessed with multivariable analysis using Cox regression. The impact of each was assessed using Kaplan Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

Overall, 1688 patients (male, 61%) with a mean age of 59.8 years (±13.5) and a median follow-up of 34.8 months (range, 12-132) were included. The only significant factors affecting the overall and disease-free survival were age at diagnosis, pathological staging, regression grade, resection margin, and tumor deposits.

CONCLUSION

The current model incorporates histopathological and clinical factors. It emphasizes the importance of tumor biological factors like tumor deposits in predicting overall and disease-free survival in rectal cancer.

SUMMARY

Rectal cancer outcomes are associated with certain clinical and pathological factors that can be evaluated. Tumor deposits are one such factor that can affect overall and disease-free survival.

Does one size fit all? Risks and benefits of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with clinical stage IIA rectal cancer requiring abdominoperineal resection

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) has become the standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer, decreasing locoregional recurrence, yet with an unclear survival advantage. We aimed to assess the benefit of nCRT on oncologic and perioperative outcomes of patients with clinical stage IIA rectal adenocarcinoma treated with abdominoperineal resection (APR).

METHODS

Patients with clinical T3N0 rectal adenocarcinoma that underwent APR between 1995 and 2014 were included. Patients who received nCRT were compared with patients who did not. Multivariate analysis was conducted to compare oncological and perioperative outcomes between the groups.

RESULTS

127 patients were included, of which 94 received nCRT. Median follow-up was 11.9 years. There was no difference in circumferential margins, postoperative morbidity, and complication rates between the groups. There was no difference in 5-year oncological outcomes between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No difference was found in 5-year oncological outcomes between patients with clinical T3N0 rectal adenocarcinoma necessitating an APR who received nCRT and those not receiving nCRT, with similar overall complication rates.

Curative intent resection for loco-regionally recurrent colon cancer: Cleveland clinic experience

BACKGROUND

Locoregional colon cancer recurrence occurs in around 10% of patients following initial curative intent primary resection. We hypothesized oncological results can vary based on the recurrence site. Our aim was to determine outcomes for patients undergoing resection with curative intent for locally recurrent colon cancer.

METHODS

Patients with locoregional recurrence after curative intent resection for colon cancer were identified (1999-2017). Demographics, operative details and outcome data were recorded. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare survival differences.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients (mean age, 62) were included. The most common recurrence site was primary anastomosis (48%). R0 resection was obtained in 68%. Major morbidity occurred in 37%. Patients with anastomotic recurrence had a statistically significant overall survival compared to other sites (71.6 vs. 40.8 months respectively with a P value of 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent outcomes are possible for curative intent recurrent colon cancer surgery. The site of loco-regional recurrence plays a significant role in outcomes. Table of Contents Summary: Colon cancer recurrence can be treated surgically with optimal outcomes. Anastomotic recurrence is associated with improved survival.

Predictors of ileus following colorectal resections

BACKGROUND

Ileus following colorectal surgery is a significant burden for healthcare and can be challenging to manage. This study aims to evaluate risk factors for postoperative ileus in patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent colorectal resections for any diagnosis were identified from our institutional database between 2009 and 2014. Patient demographics, pre-operative comorbidities, and operation-related variables were compared in patients with and without ileus within 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 5369 patients were identified with a mean age of 53 years. 892 patients (16.6%) developed postoperative ileus. Males were twice as likely (p < 0.001) and patients with anastomosis were 1.4 times more likely to develop ileus compared to those without (p < 0.001). Laparoscopic surgery and younger age were associated with lower ileus risk. Patients with colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis diagnoses were all more likely to develop postoperative ileus compared to patients with diverticular disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of factors such as male gender, older age, anastomosis formation, diagnosis of cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, can help facilitate earlier diagnosis of postoperative ileus and may require consideration of prophylactic therapy.

Endoscopic stricturotomy versus ileocolonic resection in the treatment of ileocolonic anastomotic strictures in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Endoscopic stricturotomy (ESt) is a novel technique in the treatment of anastomotic strictures in Crohn's disease (CD). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with ileocolonic anastomotic stricture treated with ESt versus ileocolonic resection (ICR).

METHODS

This historical cohort study included consecutive CD patients with ileocolonic anastomotic stricture treated with ESt or ICR from 2010 to 2017. The primary outcomes were surgery-free survival and postprocedural adverse events.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients treated with ESt and 147 patients treated with ICR were analyzed. Median follow-up was .8 years (interquartile range [IQR], .2-1.7) and 2.2 years (IQR, 1.2-4.4) in the ESt and ICR groups, respectively (P < .001). Subsequent stricture-related surgery was needed in 4 patients (11.3%) receiving ESt and in 15 patients (10.2%) receiving ICR (P = .83). Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed no statistical difference regarding surgery-free survival between the 2 groups (P = .24). Procedure-related major adverse events were documented in 5 of 49 patients (10.2% per procedure) undergoing ESt and 47 patients (31.9%) undergoing ICR (P = .003). Risk factors for decreased surgery-free survival on multivariate analysis included preprocedural corticosteroids (hazard ratio [HR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-8.1), multiple strictures (HR, 4.9; 95% CI, 1.7-14.2), and increased disease-related hospitalizations (HR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.2-13.0).

CONCLUSIONS

With the limitation of a shorter follow-up, ESt achieved comparable surgery-free survival with a decreased morbidity when compared with ICR.

High-Risk Ileocolic Anastomoses for Crohn's Disease: When Is Diversion Indicated?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with Crohn's disease undergoing ileocolectomy and primary anastomosis are often at increased risk of anastomotic leak. We aimed to determine whether diverting ileostomy was protective against anastomotic leak after ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease using a large international registry.

METHODS

We analysed the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Colectomy Module from 2012 to 2016. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and propensity-score matching were used to identify independent risk factors for leak, and to test the hypothesis that diverting ileostomy was protective against anastomotic leakage.

RESULTS

A total of 4172 [92%] patients underwent primary anastomosis, and 365 [8%] underwent anastomosis plus ileostomy. The leak rates in the two groups were 4.5% and 2.7%, [p = 0.12], respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated ileostomy omission, emergency surgery, smoking, inpatient status, wound classification 3 or 4, weight loss, steroid use, and prolonged operative time were independently associated with leak. Patients with 0-6 risk factors had leak rates of 1.6%, 2.7%, 4.3%, 6.7%, 8.8%, 11.5%, and 14.3% [p ≤ 0.001], respectively. Following propensity-score matching, ileostomy reduced the risk of leak rate by 55% [p = 0.005]. Patients with primary anastomosis who leaked most frequently required reoperation [57.8%], but anastomosis plus ileostomy patients who leaked most frequently were managed by percutaneous drainage [70%], p = 0.04.

CONCLUSIONS

After ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease, anastomotic leak may be predicted by simple addition of risk factors. We found that diverting ileostomy mitigated against leak, reducing both the leak rate and the likelihood of unplanned reoperations. Faecal diversion should be considered when ≥3 risk factors are present.

Oncological Outcomes of Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer and Lateral Pelvic Lymph Node Involvement

INTRODUCTION

The optimal management of patients with radiologically positive lateral pelvic lymph nodes in locally advanced rectal cancer remains unclear. We compared local recurrence rates and oncological outcomes of patients with locally advanced cancer with and without lateral pelvic lymph nodes.

METHODS

Patients who underwent curative surgery for stage III rectal adenocarcinoma between 2009 and 2014 and had a preoperative MRI at our institution as well as preoperative neoadjuvant treatment were included. Patients with positive lateral pelvic lymph nodes (iliac or obturator nodes) on preoperative MRI (LPND +) were compared to patients with no lateral pelvic nodal disease (LPND -). Data were collected from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Differences between the groups were compared in univariate analysis. Log-rank test was used to evaluate overall and disease-free survival between the groups.

RESULTS

A total of 125 patients met inclusion criteria with a mean age of 56.3 ± 12.2 and 75% were male. Median follow-up was 44 months (IQR 32, 106). Positive LPND was present on preoperative MRI in 43/125 (34.4%) patients who were in the LPND (+) group. Seventeen out of 43 patients had a post-neoadjuvant treatment MRI and 15 patients had a decrease in size of nodes or disappearance of LPND. On univariate analysis, LPND (+) and LPND (-) groups were comparable. Local recurrence rates were higher in the LPND (+) group, although this was not statistically significant (16.3% vs. 6%, p = 0.06). Overall and disease-free survival rates were comparable between the LPND (+) and LPND (-) groups (p = 0.97, p = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Management of patients with advanced rectal cancer and radiologically positive lateral pelvic lymph nodes is challenging due to high local recurrence rates. Further studies are needed to develop care pathways for the optimal treatment processes.

Challenges in IBD Research: Novel Technologies

Novel technologies is part of five focus areas of the Challenges in IBD research document, which also includes preclinical human IBD mechanisms, environmental triggers, precision medicine and pragmatic clinical research. The Challenges in IBD research document provides a comprehensive overview of current gaps in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) research and delivers actionable approaches to address them. It is the result of a multidisciplinary input from scientists, clinicians, patients, and funders, and represents a valuable resource for patient centric research prioritization. In particular, the novel technologies section is focused on prioritizing unmet clinical needs in IBD that will benefit from novel technologies applied to: 1) non-invasive detection and monitoring of active inflammation and assessment of treatment response; 2) mucosal targeted drug delivery systems; and 3) prevention of post-operative septic complications and treatment of fistulizing complications. Proposed approaches include development of multiparametric imaging modalities and biosensors, to enable non invasive or minimally invasive detection of pro-inflammatory signals to monitor disease activity and treatment responses. Additionally, technologies for local drug delivery to control unremitting disease and increase treatment efficacy while decreasing systemic exposure are also proposed. Finally, research on biopolymers and other sealant technologies to promote post-surgical healing; and devices to control anastomotic leakage and prevent post-surgical complications and recurrences are also needed.

Health Care Policy and Outcomes after Colon and Rectal Surgery: What Is the Bigger Picture?-Cost Containment, Incentivizing Value, Transparency, and Centers of Excellence

Early in the 21st century, the costs of health care in the United States have spiraled out of control, where the per capita spending is $9,237 per person-the highest in the world. By 2020, an estimated 20% of GDP will be spent on health care. The issue of cost and quality is now becoming a national crisis, with ∼50% of hospitals losing money on clinical operations, forcing closure of essential critical access hospitals, and forcing health care workers to relocate or change professions. This crisis will only worsen with the graying of America, as an estimated 17% of Americans will be over the age of 65 years by the year 2020. The policy and financial structures on which these changes are based are important factors of which practicing surgeons should be aware. This review discusses recent national health care policy reform and specific topics including cost-containment legislation, value-based incentives and penalties, transparency, and centers of excellence in colorectal surgery.

The relationship between mesorectal grading and oncological outcome in rectal adenocarcinoma

AIM

The prognostic association between mesorectal grading and oncological outcome in patients undergoing resection for rectal adenocarcinoma is controversial. The aim of this retrospective chart review was to determine the individual impact of mesorectal grading on rectal cancer outcomes.

METHOD

We compared oncological outcomes in patients with complete, near-complete and incomplete mesorectum who underwent rectal excision with curative intent from 2009 to 2014 for Stage cI-III rectal adenocarcinoma. We also assessed the independent association of mesorectal grading and oncological outcome using multivariate models including other relevant variables.

RESULTS

Out of 505 patients (339 men, median age of 60 years), 347 (69%) underwent a restorative procedure. There were 452 (89.5%), 33 (6.5%) and 20 (4%) patients with a complete, near-complete and incomplete mesorectum, respectively. Local recurrence was seen in 2.4% (n = 12) patients after a mean follow-up of 3.1 ± 1.7 years. Unadjusted 3-year Kaplan-Meier analysis by mesorectal grade showed decreased rates of overall, disease-free and cancer-specific survival and increased rates of overall and distant recurrence with a near-complete mesorectum, while local recurrence was increased in cases of an incomplete mesorectum (all P < 0.05). On multivariate analyses, a near-complete mesorectum was independently associated with decreased cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio 0.26, 95% CI 0.1-0.7; P = 0.007). There were no associations between mesorectal grading and overall survival, disease-free survival, overall recurrence or distant recurrence (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mesorectal grading is independently associated with oncological outcome. It provides unique information for optimizing surgical quality in rectal cancer.

Ileal pouch revision vs excision: short-term (30-day) outcomes from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

AIM

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) failure occurs in approximately 5%-10% of patients. We aimed to compare short-term (30-day) postoperative outcomes associated with pouch revision and pouch excision using a large international database. Our null hypothesis was that there is no statistically significant difference in overall postoperative complications between patients selected for pouch revision vs pouch excision.

METHODS

Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant User File from 2005 to 2016 we identified patients who underwent either IPAA revision via the combined abdominoperineal approach [Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) 46712] or IPAA excision (CPT 45136). Differences in baseline characteristics and short-term outcomes between groups were assessed with univariate and matched analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 593 reoperative IPAA procedures: revision group 78 (13%) and excision group 515 (86%). The groups had similar age and body mass index (kg/m² ), but the revision group had more women (65.4% vs 51.8%, P = 0.02) and fewer were on chronic steroids (3.9% vs 17.9%, P = 0.0008) relative to the excision group. Revision IPAA patients were more likely to have received a preoperative transfusion (5.1% vs 0.97%, P = 0.02). Revision and excision were associated with similar postoperative length of stay (9.3 vs 8.6 days, 0.44), mortality (nil vs 0.58%, respectively; P = 0.99) and short-term morbidity (34.6% vs 40.2%, respectively; P = 0.88) at 30 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Pouch revision and excision have comparable short-term postoperative outcomes, but pouch excision appears to be more commonly utilized. Increased awareness of the indications for pouch revision or referral to specialized centres may improve pouch revision rates.

Impact of the extraction-site location on wound infections after laparoscopic colorectal resection

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of the incision used for specimen extraction on wound infection during laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

METHODS

All patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal resection in a single specialized department from 2000 to 2011 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Specific extraction-sites and other relevant factors associated with wound infection rates were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

2801 patients underwent specimen extraction through infra-umbilical midline (N = 657), RLQ/LLQ (N = 388), stoma site (N = 58), periumbilical midline (N = 629), Pfannenstiel (N = 789) and converted midline (N = 280). The overall wound infection rate was 10% and was highest in converted midline (14.6%) and Pfannenstiel (11.4%) incisions, while the lowest rate was associated with RLQ/LLQ (N = 13, 3.3%). Independent factors associated with wound infection were increased BMI (p < 0.001), extraction site location (p = 0.006), surgical procedure (p = 0.020, particularly left-sided colectomy and total proctocolectomy), diagnosis (p < 0.001, particularly sigmoid diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease), intraabdominal adhesions (p = 0.033) and intrabdominal rather than pelvic procedure (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

A RLQ/LLQ extraction site is associated with the most reduced risk of wound infection in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

Case-Matched Comparison of Long-Term Functional and Quality of Life Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Versus Open Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is associated with recovery benefits when compared with open IPAA. There is limited data on long-term quality of life and functional outcomes, which this study aimed to assess.

METHODS

An IRB-approved, prospectively maintained database was queried to identify patients undergoing laparoscopic IPAA (L), case-matched with open IPAA (O) based on age ± 5 years, gender, body mass index (BMI) ± 5 kg/m2, diagnosis, date of surgery ± 3 years, stapled/handsewn anastomosis, omission of diverting loop ileostomy and length of follow-up ± 3 years. We assessed functional results, dietary, social, work, sexual restrictions and the Cleveland Clinic global quality of life score (CGQoL) at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 10 years postoperatively. Functional outcomes were assessed based on number of stools (day/night) and seepage protection use (day/night). Variables were evaluated with Kaplan-Meier survival curves, uni- and multivariable analyses.

RESULTS

Out of 4595 IPAAs, 529 patients underwent L, of whom 404 patients were well matched 1:1 to an equivalent number of O based on all criteria. Median follow-ups were 2 (0.5-17.8) versus 2.4 (0.5-22.2) years in L versus O, respectively (p = 0.18). L was associated with significantly decreased number of stools at night and less frequent pad usage at 1 year, both during the day and at night. Functional outcomes became similar during further follow-up. L was also associated with improved overall CGQoL, and energy scores at 1 year postoperatively, and decreased social restrictions for 1-2 years. There were no significant differences in quality of health, dietary, work or sexual restrictions. Laparoscopy was not associated with increased risk of pouch failure (p = 0.07) or significantly different causes of pouch failure when compared to O.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic and open IPAA are associated with equivalent long-term functional outcomes, quality of life and pouch survival rates. Laparoscopic technique is associated with temporary benefits lasting 1 or 2 years.

Screening colonoscopy: High quality regardless of endoscopist specialty

BACKGROUND

Data suggests that screening colonoscopy performed by non-gastroenterologists are lower quality with lower adenoma detection rates (ADR). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the endoscopist's specialty on quality parameters in screening colonoscopy.

METHODS

Screening colonoscopies performed between January 2016 and June 2017 were queried from a prospectively maintained institutional database. Quality parameters including overall ADR, gender-specific ADR, total examination time, cecal intubation rate and withdrawal time were compared between gastroenterology (GI) and colorectal surgery (CRS).

RESULTS

A total of 15,276 patients were included in the study (mean age 60.3 ± 8; 52.4% female). 11,339 (74.2%) of the colonoscopies were performed by GI, and 3937 (25.7%) were by CRS. Withdrawal time and total scope time were shorter in the GI group. Cecal intubation rate was comparable. Overall ADR, female ADR and male ADR were significantly higher in the GI group, although both groups met national quality benchmarks.

CONCLUSION

Both specialties achieve appropriate quality metrics for screening colonoscopy. Prospectively evaluating each endoscopist's outcomes, regardless of specialty, is an important tool for ongoing quality improvement towards better patient outcomes.

Outcomes of Endoscopic Balloon Dilation vs Surgical Resection for Primary Ileocolic Strictures in Patients With Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Few studies have compared endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) with ileocolic resection (ICR) in the treatment of primary ileocolic strictures in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study to compare postprocedure morbidity and surgery-free survival among 258 patients with primary stricturing ileo(colic) CD (B2, L1, or L3) initially treated with primary EBD (n = 117) or ICR (n = 258) from 2000 through 2016. Patients with penetrating disease were excluded from the study. We performed multivariate analyses to evaluate factors associated with surgery-free survival.

RESULTS

Postprocedural complications occurred in 4.7% of patients treated with EBD and salvage surgery was required in 44.4% of patients. Factors associated with reduced surgery-free survival among patients who underwent EBD included increased stricture length (hazard ratio, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.3-3.3), ileocolonic vs ileal disease (hazard ratio, 10.9; 95% CI, 2.6-45.4), and decreased interval between EBD procedures (hazard ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4). There were no significant differences in sex, age, race, or CD duration between EBD and ICR groups. Patients treated with ICR were associated with more common postoperative adverse events (32.2%; P < .0001), but a reduced need for secondary surgery (21.7%; P < .0001) and significantly longer surgery-free survival (11.1 ± 0.6 vs 5.4 ± 0.6 y; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, we found that although EBD is initially successful with minimal adverse events, there is a high frequency of salvage surgery. Initial ICR is associated with a higher morbidity but a longer surgery-free interval. The risks and benefits should be balanced in selecting treatments for individual patients.

Coregistration of Preoperative MRI with Ex Vivo Mesorectal Pathology Specimens to Spatially Map Post-treatment Changes in Rectal Cancer Onto In Vivo Imaging: Preliminary Findings

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to develop and quantitatively evaluate a radiology-pathology fusion method for spatially mapping tissue regions corresponding to different chemoradiation therapy-related effects from surgically excised whole-mount rectal cancer histopathology onto preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included six subjects with rectal cancer treated with chemoradiation therapy who were then imaged with a 3-T T2-weighted MRI sequence, before undergoing mesorectal excision surgery. Excised rectal specimens were sectioned, stained, and digitized as two-dimensional (2D) whole-mount slides. Annotations of residual disease, ulceration, fibrosis, muscularis propria, mucosa, fat, inflammation, and pools of mucin were made by an expert pathologist on digitized slide images. An expert radiologist and pathologist jointly established corresponding 2D sections between MRI and pathology images, as well as identified a total of 10 corresponding landmarks per case (based on visually similar structures) on both modalities (five for driving registration and five for evaluating alignment). We spatially fused the in vivo MRI and ex vivo pathology images using landmark-based registration. This allowed us to spatially map detailed annotations from 2D pathology slides onto corresponding 2D MRI sections.

RESULTS

Quantitative assessment of coregistered pathology and MRI sections revealed excellent structural alignment, with an overall deviation of 1.50 ± 0.63 mm across five expert-selected anatomic landmarks (in-plane misalignment of two to three pixels at 0.67- to 1.00-mm spatial resolution). Moreover, the T2-weighted intensity distributions were distinctly different when comparing fibrotic tissue to perirectal fat (as expected), but showed a marked overlap when comparing fibrotic tissue and residual rectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Our fusion methodology enabled successful and accurate localization of post-treatment effects on in vivo MRI.