Intestinal intussusception-not just for kids

Intussusception is a phenomenon commonly associated with the paediatric population. In adults, intussusception is frequently a result of a neoplastic process. We present the case of a 56-year-old gentleman who was diagnosed to the local Emergency Department with a 4-day history of worsening severe, left sided lower abdominal pain. The pain was colicky in nature. Computed tomography identified a long-segment intussusception involving distal small bowel, caecum, ascending colon, the entirety of transverse colon and its associated mesentery. The patient proceeded to theatre where a laparotomy and right hemicolectomy was performed. Histopathological analysis of the specimen identified an ileal myxoma as the lead-point of the intussusception. This report emphasises the value of prompt investigation in atypical clinical presentations.

Colonic Resection in an 8-Year-Old Girl with Intractable Functional Constipation and Diffuse Colonic Dysmotility and Failed Antegrade Flushes

Optimal surgical management of patients with intractable constipation and diffuse colonic motility is not well defined. We present a patient with such a history, who ultimately achieved successful surgical management of constipation through a stepwise approach. An 8-year-old female presents with longstanding constipation and diffuse colonic dysmotility demonstrated with colonic manometry. She initially underwent sigmoid resection and cecostomy which failed and required diverting ileostomy. We initially proceeded with an extended resection, colonic derotation (Deloyers procedure), and neo-appendicostomy (neo-Malone) which resulted in successful spontaneous stooling for 1 year. Her constipation recurred and she subsequently underwent completion colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis given that she previously demonstrated ability to stool independently. Six months from surgery the patient continues to stool daily with assistance of fiber and loperamide. This case highlights a stepwise surgical approach to managing constipation due to diffuse colonic dysmotility and demonstrates that diffuse dysmotility may benefit from an upfront subtotal resection; however, it is crucial to assess a patient's ability to empty their rectum prior.

Colo-renal Fistula in a Patient With Refractory Anemia and Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Although rare, colo-renal fistulas pose diagnostic challenges due to their varied presentations and etiologies. Here, we present a unique case of a woman with recurrent pyelonephritis, severe anemia, and unintended weight loss, who was eventually diagnosed with a colo-renal fistula. Delayed imaging following intraoperative fluoroscopy revealed the abnormal connection between the colon and upper urinary tract. The patient underwent nephrectomy and colon resection. This case report emphasizes the need for suspicion in diagnosing such fistulas and highlights their varied management. This case adds to the literature by illustrating an unusual presentation and underscores the complexity of diagnosis and treatment.

Risk Factors for Readmission and Mortality Following Colonic Surgery: A Consecutive Retrospective Series of More Than 2500 Cases

Introduction: The optimal strategy to reduce short-term readmission rates following colectomy remains unclear. Identifying possible risk factors can minimize the burden associated with surgical complications leading to readmissions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of all adult patients who underwent colectomies between January 2008 and December 2020 in a large tertiary medical center was conducted. Data were collected from patient's medical charts and analyzed. Results: Overall, 2547 patients were included in the study (53% females; mean age 68.3 years). The majority of patients (83%, n = 2112) were operated in an elective setting, whereas 435 patients (17%) underwent emergency colonic resection. Overall, the 30-day readmission rate was 8.3% (n = 218) with an overall 30-day mortality rate of 1.65% (n = 42). Multivariable analysis of possible risk factors for 30-day readmission demonstrated that patient age (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; P = .002), length of stay before surgery (OR 1.01; P = .003), and blood transfusion rate during hospitalization (OR 2.09; P < .001) were all independently associated with an increased risk. Laparoscopic colectomy (OR 0.53; P = .001) was associated with a reduced risk for readmission. Multivariable analysis of risk factors for mortality showed that age (OR 1.10; P < .001), cognitive decline (OR 12.35; P < .001), diabetes (OR 1.00; P = .004), and primary ostomy formation (OR 2.80; P = .006) were all associated with higher mortality. Conclusion: Patient age, history of cognitive decline, and blood transfusion along with a longer hospital stay were all correlated with an increased risk for 30-day patient readmission following colectomy.

A Meta-Analysis of Short-Term Outcomes After Laparoscopic Lavage Versus Colonic Resection in the Treatment of Perforated Diverticulitis

The management of perforated non-faeculent diverticulitis has traditionally involved performing a colonic resection (CR). Laparoscopic lavage (LL) has emerged as a less invasive alternative in recent years. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the role of LL in the surgical treatment of perforated non-faeculent diverticulitis. To that end, we conducted a search on Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases for comparative studies in the English language published till June 2021 [PROSPERO (CRD42021269410)]. The risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2) and the methodological index for non-randomised studies (MINORS). Data were analysed using Cochrane RevMan. Pooled odds ratio (POR) and cumulative weighted ratios (CWR) were calculated. A total of 13 studies involving 1061 patients were found eligible, including seven studies based on three randomised control trials (RCTs). LL was associated with a reduced risk of wound infection, stoma formation, and need for further surgery by 77% [POR: 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.07-0.74], 83% (POR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05-0.56), and 53% (POR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23-0.97) respectively. Duration of surgery and hospitalisation was reduced by 54% and 43% respectively. However, LL was associated with higher rates of unplanned reoperations (POR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.22-3.42), recurrence (POR: 9.47, 95% CI: 3.24-27.67), and peritonitis (POR: 8.92, 95% CI: 2.71-29.33). No differences in mortality or readmission rates were observed. LL in Hinchey III diverticulitis lowers the incidence of stoma formation and overall reoperations without an increase in mortality but at the cost of higher recurrence rates and peritonitis. A limitation of this study was the inclusion of non-RCTs. An elective resection should be considered after LL. Guidelines for surgical techniques in LL need to be standardised.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approach to Toxic Colitis

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare outcomes of surgical treatments of toxic colitis (infectious/inflammatory/ischemic) by the extent of colectomy (partial vs total colectomy) and different surgical approaches (minimally invasive surgery (MIS) vs open).

METHODS

Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to investigate outcomes of patients with toxic colitis who underwent emergent colectomy during 2012-2019 by surgical approach and the extent of resection using NSQIP database.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,104 adult patients underwent emergent colectomy for toxic colitis within NSQIP database during 2012-2019. Overall, 1,578 (75.4%) underwent total colectomy with colostomy, 486 (23.2%) underwent partial colectomy with colostomy, and 28 (1.3%) underwent partial colectomy with anastomosis. Overall, 198 (9.4%) of procedures were minimally invasive (MIS) with a 40.1% conversion rate to open. Thirty days mortality and morbidity of the patients were 31 and 86%, respectively. There was no significant difference in mortality of partial colectomy without anastomosis compared to total colectomy (P = .86) and partial colectomy with anastomosis (P = .64). Anastomosis was associated with 32.3% anastomosis leakage and 17.9% reoperation. MIS approach was associated with significant decrease in mortality (8.6 vs 33.3%, AOR: .35, P < .01) and morbidity (62.9 vs 87.8%, AOR: .49, P < .01) of patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with toxic colitis undergoing surgical treatment have high mortality and morbidity. An MIS approach when possible is significantly associated with decreased morbidity and mortality of patients. There was no significant difference in outcomes seen when extending the resection in multivariate analysis. Anastomosis is associated with a high anastomosis leakage and need for reoperation risk.

Bowel Resection Through a Single Umbilical Incision: A Case Series

Background: The advent of laparoscopy has revolutionized surgery. The surgeon strives to minimize incisions and their adverse consequences. Although laparoscopy has gained widespread popularity, several advantages in open surgery are thereby lost. Tactile sensation of the tissue, hand-sewn anastomosis, and nonthermic vascular control are most prominent. To combine both approaches, single incision laparoscopic-assisted surgery (SILS) was advanced, trying to combine the best in both worlds. This approach is widely used in appendectomies. After having gained experience in this approach, we expanded the indications and hereby present our experience with bowel resections utilizing SILS. Patients and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from operations performed during the past 3 years. We found 11 cases of SILS bowel resections: 3 sigmoidectomies, 3 small bowel atresia repairs, 1 subtotal colectomy, 1 Meckel's diverticulectomy, and 3 resections of bowel duplications. The age of the patients ranged from 2 days to 17 years. In all cases, a working 10 mm scope was inserted through the umbilicus, the bowel was extracted outside the abdomen through the umbilicus, dissection and resection with anastomosis were performed outside the abdomen in the classic open approach, and the bowel was returned to the abdomen. Results and Conclusions: All patients recovered promptly with no need for further intervention. There were no cases of wound infection, leak, or intra-abdominal abscess formation. Cosmesis was excellent with a small umbilical scar. We conclude that this approach is feasible and safe in a select population.

Aberrant Left Colic Artery and Its Surgical Implications

Arterial anomalies of the viscera are not unusual. Of the arterial anomalies, the celiac and the superior mesenteric anomalies are well studied and reviewed in the literature. These variations are due to changes occurring during the development of vessels. Also, the variations in the colonic blood supply have been detailed in the context of conduit surgery in esophageal replacement and oncological resections. Of these, the rarer anomaly is the aberrant left colic artery (ab LCA). Previously described in various anatomic descriptions; it has never been reported in a clinical situation. A middle-aged female presented with abdominal pain and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. On further evaluation, she was diagnosed to have transverse colon malignancy. She underwent extended right hemicolectomy with complete mesocolic excision and D3 lymphadenectomy as classically described. During the dissection, she was found to have an LCA arising from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) just below the inferior border of the pancreas two centimeters higher to the origin of the middle colic artery. This artery was carefully dissected and preserved. Injury of the ab LCA is possible given the unusual course of the artery. Implications of iatrogenic injury in colonic and pancreatic surgeries may result in additional morbidity which is discussed in detail.

Leiomyoma in the Transverse Colon With Resection

Benign proliferations of smooth muscle cells are known as leiomyomas; these proliferations can occur in the colon and are typically found incidentally. Colonic leiomyomas are very rare and are most commonly found in the descending or sigmoid colon. A 59-year-old Hispanic female presented to the gastroenterology clinic for surveillance colonoscopy. The biopsy showed a submucosal microscopic leiomyoma in the transverse colon. The treatment of choice for most colonic leiomyomas is surgical excision. This rare case favors the notion that endoscopic polypectomy may be superior to surgical excision, ultimately providing a less-invasive and less-costly procedure without complications or recurrence.

The Effect of Perioperative Administration of Probiotics on Colorectal Cancer Surgery Outcomes

The perioperative care of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients includes antibiotics. Although antibiotics do provide a certain protection against infections, they do not eliminate them completely, and they do carry risks of microbial resistance and disruption of the microbiome. Probiotics can maintain the microbiome’s balance postoperatively by maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity and reducing bacterial translocation (BT). This review aims to assess the role of probiotics in the perioperative management of CRC patients. The outcomes were categorised into: postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications, BT rate analysis, and intestinal permeability assessment. Fifteen randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included. There was a trend towards lower rates of postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications with probiotics versus placebo. Probiotics reduced BT, maintained intestinal mucosal permeability, and provided a better balance of beneficial to pathogenic microorganisms. Heterogeneity among RCTs was high. Factors that influence the effect of probiotics include the species used, using a combination vs. single species, the duration of administration, and the location of the bowel resection. Although this review provided evidence for how probiotics possibly operate and reported notable evidence that probiotics can lower rates of infections, heterogeneity was observed. In order to corroborate the findings, future RCTs should keep the aforementioned factors constant.

Surgical management of colonic diverticulosis: Issues of indications, treatment options, surgical solutions

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A vastagbél-diverticulosis a lakosság kb. 60%-át érinti, incidenciája folyamatosan növekszik. A betegek 6%-ánál van szükség sebészi beavatkozásra. Jelenleg nincs egységes irányelv, mikor indokolt elektív műtétet végezni. Módszer: Retrospektív módszerrel elemeztük az osztályunkon 2017. július 17. és 2020. április 30. között vastagbél-diverticulosis miatt operált betegek demográfiai és műtéti adatait, emellett a szövődmények arányát. Összehasonlítottuk az elektív (EM) és a sürgős műtétek (SM), illetve a nyitott és a laparoszkópos műtétek adatait. Eredmények: 38 operált beteg közül 19-nél történt EM, illetve 19 betegnél SM. A betegek átlagéletkora az EM-eknél 64 év, az SM-ek esetében 67 év volt. EM-nél az indikáció 12 esetben recidiváló diverticulitis, 5 esetben colovesicalis, 2 esetben colovaginalis sipoly volt. SM-nél az indikáció 17 esetben perforáció, 2 esetben hasüregi tályog volt. Az EM-ek 89%-a laparoszkópos módon került elvégzésre; az átlagos műtéti idő EM/SM esetében 96 perc/89 perc, az átlagos ápolási napok száma 17/14 volt. Az EM-csoportból 1 beteg, míg az SM-csoportból 5 beteg meghalt. Szignifikáns különbség volt a műtét típusa, a stomaképzés és a transzfúziós igény tekintetében. Nem találtunk szignifikáns eltérést a posztoperatív ápolási napok és a mortalitás tekintetében. Következtetés: Az elektív műtétek alacsonyabb morbiditása és mortalitása, illetve a laparoszkópos technika alkalmazhatósága miatt törekedni kell a tervezett műtétre. Nincs egységes irányelv a relatív műtéti indikáció felállításában: gasztroenterológus és sebész által felállított, személyre szabott kezelési stratégia szükséges. Véleményünk szerint indokolt a műtét, amennyiben igazolt diverticulosis esetében szigorú diéta mellett kiújul a gyulladás. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(51): 2146-2152.

SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Colonic diverticulosis affects 60% of the population, incidence of the disease grows progressively. During its course, 6% of patients with diverticulosis will need surgical intervention. There is no current guideline when to carry out elective operation.

METHOD

We analyzed demographics, surgical patient data and also post-operative complications of patients operated in our department due to colonic diverticulosis between 17-07-2017 and 30-04-2020 retrospectively. We compared the results of elective (ES) and acute surgeries (AS), also laparotomies versus laparoscopies.

RESULTS

19 out of 38 patients underwent ES and 19 AS. ES group average age was 64 years, and 67 in the AS group. Indications of ES were recurring diverticulitis in 12, colovesical fistula in 5 and colovaginal fistula in 2 cases. Indications of AS were perforations in 17 and intraabdominal abscesses in 2 cases. 89% of all ES were operated laparoscopically; average operation time in ES/AS was 96/89 minutes, average hospital stay was 17/14 days. 1 patient after ES and 5 after AS died. Significant difference was found between the groups with regard to the type of operation, frequency of colostomy creation and the need of blood transfusion but no significant difference was demonstrated in average hospital stay and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Due to the lower morbidity and mortality rate as well as the benefits of laparoscopic approach, we should always opt for ES. No guideline for relative surgical indication exists: gastroenterologist and surgeon should make a personalized surgical plan. In our opinion, operation should be carried out if diverticulitis reoccurs while the patient is on strict diet. Orv Hetil. 2020; 161(51): 2146-2152.

Post-Operative Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Long Journey for a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is an inflammatory neutrophilic dermatosis, characterized by painful and erythematous papules, pustules or vesicles that rapidly become ulcerative and necrotic. These ulcers have multiple sub-types and can develop anywhere on the body. There are different postulations as to the mechanisms of development for each sub-type. More than half of patients with PG have an underlying disease, with the highest prevalence being inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), followed by inflammatory arthritis and hematological disorders. Post-operative PG should be considered in any patient undergoing surgery who subsequently develops characteristic necrotic lesions with delayed wound healing, fever and severe localized pain. The clinical manifestations and treatment may differ slightly depending on the type and cause of PG. Herein, we present a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome and arthritis, who underwent surgery for diverticulosis complicated by colovaginal fistula formation, and subsequently developed a very prolonged course of post-operative pyoderma gangrenosum. This report will address the types of PG, their various manifestations and pathogenesis, as well as the management specific to patients with myelodysplastic syndrome. It is our intent to better understand the sub-types in order to predict and prevent post-operative PG.

Functional bowel complaints and quality of life after surgery for colon cancer: prevalence and predictive factors

AIM

Low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) severely affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients after surgery for rectal cancer. There are very few studies that have investigated LARS-like symptoms and their effect on QoL after colon cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of functional abdominal complaints and related QoL after colon cancer surgery compared with patients with similar complaints after rectal cancer surgery.

METHOD

All patients who underwent colorectal cancer resections between January 2008 and December 2015, and who were free of colostomy for at least 1 year, were eligible (n = 2136). Bowel function was assessed by the LARS score, QoL by the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-CR29 questionnaires. QoL was compared between the LARS score categories and tumour height categories.

RESULTS

A total of 1495 patients (70.0%) were included in the analyses, of whom 1145 had a colonic and 350 a rectal tumour. Symptoms of LARS were observed in 55% after rectal cancer resection compared with 21% after colon cancer resection. Female gender (OR 1.88, CI 1.392-2.528) and a previous diverting stoma (OR 1.84, CI 1.14-2.97) were independently associated with a higher prevalence of LARS after colon cancer surgery. Patients with LARS after colon cancer surgery performed significantly worse in most QoL domains.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study highlight the presence of LARS-like symptoms after surgery for colonic cancer. Patients suffering from major LARS-like symptoms after colon resection reported the same debilitating effect on their QoL as patients with major LARS after rectal resection. This should be addressed by colorectal cancer specialists in order to adequately inform patients.

An Unusual Presentation of Spigelian Hernia Incarceration after Colonoscopy

Spigelian hernias are uncommon and predominantly affect the abdominal wall.The incidence of Spigelian hernias after colonoscopy is even rarer with only one case outlined in the surgical literature. This is the case of a 66-year-old man who underwent routine colonoscopy and presented to the hospital with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a Spigelian hernia in the location of a prior left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. This required surgical resection and resulted in a complicated post-operative course. This case offers a unique perspective on a rare colonoscopic complication not well represented in the literature. It offers the learning point of remaining vigilant for a rare, but potentially deadly, colonoscopic outcome. This case also illustrates the decision-making heuristic of availability bias.

Leakage Rate After Laparoscopic Ileocolic Intracorporeal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The prevailing technique in laparoscopic resection of the right colon has been laparoscopic-assisted procedure with externalization of the bowel for extracorporeal creation of the ileocolic anastomosis. The total laparoscopic technique performing all steps intracorporeally, however, has gained increasing interest. The purpose of this study was to describe our experience with creation of an ileocolic intracorporeal anastomosis (IIA) and to determine anastomotic leakage (AL) rate and short-term outcome of performing IIA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the period 2011-2017, 2 surgeons in two centers performed 96 laparoscopic resections of malignant and premalignant diseases in the right colon. A linear stapler was used to construct an isoperistaltic side-to-side anastomosis, closing the residual defect with a running suture. Data regarding the surgical procedure and the postoperative course were recorded prospectively. Complications were defined as postoperative until the 30th postoperative day. Readmission was defined as any readmission related to the surgical procedure within 90 days postoperative.

RESULTS

AL rate was observed in 4 patients (4.2%, 95% CI = 1.15-10.33). Postoperative complications occurred in a total of 20 patients (20.83%, 95% CI = 13.22-30.33), none of them fatal. Patients with AL had increased risk of other postoperative complications with OR = 14.25 (95% CI = 1.03-757.36, P = .0236) and complications of Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥IIIb (OR = 10.8, P = .012). Smoking was the only factor predisposing to AL. Patients without AL stayed in hospital a median of 3 days, compared with 32 days for patients with AL.

CONCLUSION

IIA was found to be a feasible and safe technique in laparoscopic resections of the right colon with an AL rate of 4.2%.

Which Is the Safer Anastomotic Method for Colon Surgery? - Ten-year Results

BACKGROUND/AIM

In colon surgery, the anastomotic method is generally selected by surgeon's preferences or by local conditions. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed anastomotic complications to assess safe methods of anastomosis in colonic resection.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 684 cases, performed between July 2003 and June 2013 in our Hospital. Anastomosis complications, such as leakage, stricture and bleeding, were analyzed in relation to the three methods of anastomosis, hand-sewn (HS), functional end-to-end (FEEA) and triangulating anastomosis (TRI).

RESULTS

Univariate analysis indicated that the incidence of leakage was significantly lower in laparoscopic surgeries (p=0.034) and TRI (p=0.047). The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that anastomotic leakage was significantly less with TRI (p=0.029).

CONCLUSION

In colon surgery, TRI seems to be associated with a low risk of anastomotic leakage compared to HS and FEEA.

Sexual and urinary functioning after rectal surgery: a prospective comparative study with a median follow-up of 8.5 years

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to prospectively compare rectal resection (RR) with colonic resection on sexual, urinary and bowel function and quality of life in both short-term and long-term.

METHODS

Eighty-three patients who underwent RR were compared to 53 patients who underwent a colonic resection leaving the rectum in situ (RIS). A questionnaire assessing sexual, urinary and bowel functioning with a quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) was sent to all participants preoperatively, 3 and 12 months postoperatively and approximately 8 years after the onset of the study.

RESULTS

Short-term dysfunction included diminished sexual activity in female RR patients at 3 months and significantly more erectile dysfunction in RR patients 1 year postoperatively. Long-term dysfunction included more frequent and more severe erectile dysfunction in RR patients compared to RIS patients. These short-term and long-term outcomes did not influence overall quality of life. The incidence of urinary dysfunction was comparable between both groups. Bowel functioning was significantly better in the RIS group compared to the RR group 3 months and 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who underwent RR experienced up to 1 year postoperatively more sexual and bowel function problems than RIS patients. However, short-term and long-term dysfunction did not influence overall quality of life. Erectile dysfunction in male RR patients persisted in time, whereas other aspects of sexual, urinary and bowel function after RR and colonic resection are similar after a median follow-up of 8.5 years.