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.

The effect of anterior quadratus lumborum block on morphine consumption in minimally invasive colorectal surgery: a multicentre, double-blind, prospective randomised placebo-controlled trial

We investigated the efficacy and safety of a bilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal surgery. This was a two-centre, double-blind, prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled trial including 150 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery (left- or right hemicolectomy, sigmoidectomy) who were enrolled in the institutional abdominal enhanced recovery programme. Before induction of anaesthesia, patients received a bilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block in the left and right lateral decubitus position under ultrasound guidance and were allocated randomly to receive 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.375% (n = 75) or placebo (saline 0.9%) (n = 75) bilaterally. Postoperatively, all patients received multimodal intravenous analgesia including paracetamol, ketorolac and patient-controlled analgesia with morphine. The primary outcome was morphine consumption during the first 24 h after tracheal extubation. Secondary outcomes included severity of pain; presence and extent of sensory block; incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting; and hospital duration of stay. We also investigated the need for, and dose of, rescue analgesia. Safety outcomes included the incidence of adverse events. Mean (SD) 24-hour morphine consumption was no different between patients allocated to ropivacaine and placebo (28.6 (22.3) mg vs. 28.4 (22.5) mg, p = 0.966, respectively). While a sensory block could be detected in significantly more patients allocated to the ropivacaine group, no differences were detected in pain scores or other secondary or safety endpoints. Patient satisfaction scores were high in both groups. In laparoscopic colorectal surgery, adding a bilateral anterior quadratus lumborum block to a standard multimodal analgesia regimen did not reduce opioid consumption or improve pain scores.

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.

P-615 Lack of analytical interference of dydrogesterone in progesterone immuno-assays: a multi-laboratory spike and recovery study of widespread used assays

Study question

Does dydrogesterone (DYD) and its active metabolite 20-α-dihydrodydrogesterone (DHD) interfere with routinely used progesterone assays?

Summary answer

This multi-laboratory spike-and-recovery study does not indicate any relevant interference of DYD/DHD within routinely used progesterone assays.

What is known already

Progesterone (P4), a sex steroid, is measured in serum or plasma by competitive immunoassay or Liquid Chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in a variety of clinical contexts. One potential limitation of steroid hormone immunoassays is interference caused by compounds with structural similarity to the target steroid of the assay. Dydrogesterone, an orally active close stereoisomer of progesterone, is used for various indications in women’s health, including luteal phase support. To date, the potential interference of DYD/DHD with P4 immunoassays has not systematically been studied.

Study design, size, duration

The present systematic in-vitro study investigated potential interferences of DYD/DHD in seven widely used, commercially available P4 immunoassays and a LC-MS method over a range of concentrations of DYD/DHD and P4. The study was performed in collaboration with participants in the endocrine section of the Dutch foundation for quality assessments in medical laboratories. For each assay method, each laboratory received a set of nine blinded human plasma samples (containing different P4 and/or DYD/DHD concentrations).

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Routine human plasma samples were anonymized and pooled to create three graded concentration levels of progesterone (P4 high, P4 medium, P4 low). Each pooled P4 plasma sample (6-7 ml) was spiked at high, medium and “none” DYD/DHD concentration and was divided into 0.5 ml aliquots. The blinded aliquots were analyzed by seven different laboratories with their routine progesterone assay (six different immunoassays and LC-MS assay, respectively).

Main results and the role of chance

High, medium, and low P4 samples had concentrations of approximately 60 nmol/l progesterone, 20 nmol/l progesterone and <10 nmol/l (male plasma), respectively. The immuno- assays tested were Immulite 200XPI (Siemens Healthineers), Advia Centaur (Siemens Healthineers), Atellica (Siemens Healthineers), Architect I2000 (Abbott Diagnostics), Cobas 8000 (Roche Diagnostics), UniCel DxI 800 (Beckman-Coulter) and LC-MS (Agilent). The sample recovery rate (P4 result obtained by the assays tested for sample spiked with DYD/DHD, divided by the result obtained for the corresponding sample with no DYD/DHD x 100) was within a +/-10% window for the medium P4 and high P4 concentrations, but more variable for the low P4 samples. The latter is, however, attributable to high inter- and intra-method variability, especially at low P4 concentrations. The P4 plasma concentrations generally showed considerable inter-assay variability at each concentration level, with Immunlite 2000 at the lower end and Cobas 8000/801 and Dxi at the higher end of the reported results for the High and Medium P4 samples as compared to LC-MS. The study confirms the inherent method variability of P4 immunoassays casting doubts on the clinical use of P4 cut-offs to guide clinical management, especially at low concentrations.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Only one sample per concentration level was provided to the laboratories which didn't allow for a systematic quantification of intra-method variability. The concentrations of DYD/DHD haven't been verified by means of a validated bioanalytical method. Measurement of DYD and DHD is to date only feasible by a highly-selective LC-MS method.

Wider implications of the findings

The present study is strongly indicative that relevant interference of DYD/DHD does not exist. This finding implies that a clinician can reliably distinguish P4 concentrations from DYD/DHD concentrations in a blood sample within a routine care-setting.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Laparoscopic peritoneal lavage versus sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis: three-year follow-up of the randomised LOLA trial

Background

This study aimed to compare laparoscopic lavage and sigmoidectomy as treatment for perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis during a 36 month follow-up of the LOLA trial.

Methods

Within the LOLA arm of the international, multicentre LADIES trial, patients with perforated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis were randomised between laparoscopic lavage and sigmoidectomy. Outcomes were collected up to 36 months. The primary outcome of the present study was cumulative morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included reoperations (including stoma reversals), stoma rates, and sigmoidectomy rates in the lavage group.

Results

Long-term follow-up was recorded in 77 of the 88 originally included patients, 39 were randomised to sigmoidectomy (51%) and 38 to laparoscopic lavage (49%). After 36 months, overall cumulative morbidity (sigmoidectomy 28/39 (72%) versus lavage 32/38 (84%), p = 0·272) and mortality (sigmoidectomy 7/39 (18%) versus lavage 6/38 (16%), p = 1·000) did not differ. The number of patients who underwent a reoperation was significantly lower for lavage compared to sigmoidectomy (sigmoidectomy 27/39 (69%) versus lavage 17/38 (45%), p = 0·039). After 36 months, patients alive with stoma in situ was lower in the lavage group (proportion calculated from the Kaplan–Meier life table, sigmoidectomy 17% vs lavage 11%, log-rank p = 0·0268). Eventually, 17 of 38 (45%) patients allocated to lavage underwent sigmoidectomy.

Conclusion

Long-term outcomes showed that laparoscopic lavage was associated with less patients who underwent reoperations and lower stoma rates in patients alive after 36 months compared to sigmoidectomy. No differences were found in terms of cumulative morbidity or mortality. Patient selection should be improved to reduce risk for short-term complications after which lavage could still be a valuable treatment option.

Graphical abstract

Non-conventional Versus Conventional Strictureplasties for Crohn's Disease. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Treatment Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Strictureplasties [SXP] represent an alternative to bowel resection in Crohn's disease [CD]. Over the years, there has been growing interest in the role of non-conventional SXP for the treatment of extensive CD. A systematic review was performed on complications and recurrence following conventional and non-conventional SXP.

METHODS

The available literature was screened according to the PRISMA statement, until June 2020. Results were categorised into three groups: studies reporting on conventional SXPs; studies with a mixed cohort of conventional and non-conventional SXPs [% non-conventional SXPs ≤15%]; and studies reporting on non-conventional SXPs. Considered endpoints were postoperative complications and overall and SXP site-specific surgical recurrence. Random-effect meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to obtain and compare combined estimates between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies for a total of 1839 patients with CD were included. The pooled postoperative complication rates were was 15.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.2%-20.3%), 7.4% [95% CI 0.2%-22.9%], and 19.2% [95% CI 5-39.6%] for the three groups, respectively. The rates of septic complications were 4% [95% CI 2.2%-6.2%], 1.9% [95% CI 0.4%-4.3%], and 4.2% [95% CI 0.9%-9.8%], respectively. Cumulative overall surgical recurrence rates were 27.5% [95% CI 18.5%-37.6%], 13.2% [95% CI 8.6%-18.7%], and 18.1% [95% CI 6.8%-33.3%]; and SXP site-specific surgical recurrence rates were 13.2% [95% CI 6.9%-21.2%], 8.3% [95% CI 1.6-19.3%], and 8.8% [95% CI 2.2%-19%], respectively. Formal comparison between the groups revealed no differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-conventional SXP did not differ from conventional SXP with respect to safety and long-term recurrence. Consistent heterogeneity was observed and partially limits the conclusions of this study.

A mixed methods multiple case study to evaluate the implementation of a care pathway for colorectal cancer surgery using extended normalization process theory

BACKGROUND

Specific factors that facilitate or prevent the implementation of enhanced recovery protocols for colorectal cancer surgery have been described in previous qualitative studies. This study aims to perform a concurrent qualitative and quantitative evaluation of factors associated with successful implementation of a care pathway (CP) for patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

This comparative mixed methods multiple case study was based on a sample of 10 hospitals in 4 European countries that implemented a specific CP and performed pre- and post-implementation measurements. In-depth post-implementation interviews were conducted with healthcare professionals who were directly involved. Primary outcomes included protocol adherence and improvement rate. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and self-rated protocol adherence. The hospitals were ranked based on these quantitative findings, and those with the highest and lowest scores were included in this study. Qualitative data were summarized on a per-case basis using extended Normalization Process Theory (eNPT) as theoretical framework. The data were then combined and analyzed using joint display methodology.

RESULTS

Data from 381 patients and 30 healthcare professionals were included. Mean protocol adherence rate increased from 56 to 62% and mean LOS decreased by 2.1 days. Both measures varied greatly between hospitals. The two highest-ranking hospitals and the three lowest-ranking hospitals were included as cases. Factors which could explain the differences in pre- and post-implementation performance included the degree to which the CP was integrated into daily practice, the level of experience and support for CP methodology provided to the improvement team, the intrinsic motivation of the team, shared goals and the degree of management support, alignment of CP development and hospital strategy, and participation of relevant disciplines, most notably, physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall improvement was achieved but was highly variable among the 5 hospitals evaluated. Specific factors involved in the implementation process that may be contributing to these differences were conceptualized using eNPT. Multidisciplinary teams intending to implement a CP should invest in shared goals and teamwork and focus on integration of the CP into daily processes. Support from hospital management directed specifically at quality improvement including audit may likewise facilitate the implementation process.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02965794 . US National Library of Medicine, ClinicalTrials.gov . Registered 4 August 2014.

Increasing experience of modified two-stage transanal ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for therapy refractory ulcerative colitis. What have we learned? A retrospective analysis on 75 consecutive cases at a tertiary referral hospital

AIM

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) should be delayed to a second stage in patients with ulcerative colitis and prolonged exposure to medical therapy. However, there is still discussion about whether a modified two-stage approach is preferable to a three-stage approach. Recently, a transanal approach has been introduced to overcome the well-known difficulties of laparoscopic pelvic surgery. This paper presents short-term outcomes of transanal IPAA (Ta-IPAA) according to a modified two-stage approach.

METHODS

Data from all patients who underwent a modified two-stage Ta-IPAA for ulcerative colitis refractory to medical therapy were retrieved retrospectively from a prospective database. A comprehensive complication index was used for 90-day postoperative complications. Conversion, duration of surgery, hospital stay and reoperation were considered. A logistic regression model was used to assess risk factors for peri-pouch sepsis.

RESULTS

Seventy-five (68.8%) patients were identified from 109 consecutive IPAAs. Median operation time was 159 min. Conversion rate was 4%. Mean comprehensive complication index was 7. All anastomotic leaks (10.6%) were treated with diverting ileostomy. Additionally, active rescue with transanal drainage and early resuturing of the anastomotic gap was performed in six patients. Ileostomy closure occurred after a median period of 5.4 months. At univariable analysis, factors associated with peri-pouch sepsis were male gender and age at IPAA construction.

CONCLUSIONS

A modified two-stage Ta-IPAA is safe and feasible. Standardization and reproducibility of the technique are reflected in few conversions and intra-operative complications. Finally, morbidity and anastomotic leak do not differ from those reported in previous Ta-IPAA series with a variable proportion of multistage procedures.

Short- and Long-term Outcomes Following Side-to-side Strictureplasty and its Modification Over the Ileocaecal Valve for Extensive Crohn's Ileitis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Postoperative recurrence remains a challenging problem in patients with Crohn's disease [CD]. To avoid development of short bowel syndrome, strictureplasty techniques have therefore been proposed. We evaluated short- and long-term outcomes of atypical strictureplasties in CD patients with extensive bowel involvement.

METHODS

Side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty [SSIS] was performed according to the Michelassi technique or modification of this over the ileocaecal valve [mSSIS]. Ninety-day postoperative morbidity was assessed using the comprehensive complication index [CCI]. Clinical recurrence was defined as symptomatic, endoscopically or radiologically confirmed, stricture/inflammatory lesion requiring medical treatment or surgery. Surgical recurrence was defined as the need for any surgical intervention. Endoscopic remission was defined as ≤i1, according to the modified Rutgeerts score. Deep remission was defined as the combination of endoscopic remission and absence of clinical symptoms. Perioperative factors related to clinical recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 52 CD patients [SSIS n = 12; mSSIS n = 40] were included. No mortality occurred. Mean CCI was 10.3 [range 0-33.7]. Median follow-up was 5.9 years [range 0.8-9.9]. Clinical recurrence [19 patients] was 29.7% and 39.6% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. Surgical recurrence [seven patients] was 2% and 14.1% after 3 and 5 years, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, 92% of patients kept the original strictureplasty and deep remission was observed in 25.7% of the mSSIS patients. None of the perioperative variables considered showed a significant association with clinical recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

SSIS is safe, effective, and provides durable disease control in patients with extensive CD ileitis.

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection for primary rectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases: results from the PelvEx Collaborative

AIM

At presentation, 15-20% of patients with rectal cancer already have synchronous liver metastases. The aim of this study was to determine the surgical and survival outcomes in patients with advanced rectal cancer who underwent combined pelvic exenteration and liver (oligometastatic) resection.

METHOD

Data from 20 international institutions that performed simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection between 2007 and 2017 were accumulated. Primarily, we examined perioperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality. We also assessed the impact that margin status had on survival.

RESULTS

Of 128 patients, 72 (56.2%) were men with a median age of 60 years [interquartile range (IQR) 15 years]. The median size of the liver oligometastatic deposits was 2 cm (IQR 1.8 cm). The median duration of surgery was 406 min (IQR 240 min), with a median blood loss of 1090 ml (IQR 2010 ml). A negative resection margin (R0 resection) was achieved in 73.5% of pelvic exenterations and 66.4% of liver resections. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.6%, and 32% of patients had a major postoperative complication. The 5-year overall survival for patients in whom an R0 resection of both primary and metastatic disease was achieved was 54.6% compared with 20% for those with an R1/R2 resection (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous pelvic exenteration and liver resection is feasible, with acceptable morbidity and mortality. Simultaneous resection should only be performed where an R0 resection of both pelvic and hepatic disease is anticipated.

Disseminated histoplasmosis in a kidney liver transplant patient from a non-endemic area: A diagnostic challenge

Disseminated histoplasmosis is a rare opportunistic infection in non-endemic areas, where the disease is often diagnosed late. The spectrum of clinical manifestations is broad and life-threatening complications occur.

We present a detailed case of a kidney liver transplant patient with disseminated histoplasmosis in a non-endemic area. Our case highlights the wide range of pathogens to consider in the immunocompromised patient, the delayed diagnosis of Histoplasmosis Capsulatum in non-endemic areas and the possibility of severe gastrointestinal disease. We also briefly review diagnostic tests and treatment options.

Surgical management of acquired rectourethral fistula: a retrospective analysis of 52 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Acquired rectourethral fistula (RUF) is an uncommon complication mostly resulting from surgery or radiation. Standardization of the surgical management is lacking. The aim of this study was to report our experience with surgery for RUF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of a prospectively maintained clinical database. The surgical strategy was tailored to complexity of RUF, presence of sepsis, history of radiation and residual urinary/fecal functionality. Outcomes measured were RUF closure and permanent fecal/urinary diversion. Impact of radiotherapy was also assessed.

RESULTS

Between November 2002 and January 2019, 52 patients were identified (100% males). Median follow-up was 10.5 (0.5-16.8) years. Three patients had RUF closure after conservative management. The remaining 49 patients had a total of 76 procedures. The cumulative closure rate after the first, second and third attempt was 55.1%, 85.7% and 95.9%, respectively. Fistula closure together with preservation of the fecal and urinary function was achieved in 49%, 65.3% and 67.3% after the first, second and third repair, respectively. The overall success rate for transanal, transperineal, restorative transabdominal and non-restorative transabdominal procedures was 35.7%, 64.3%, 57.1% and 94.1%, respectively. A significantly higher rate of urinary/intestinal stomas was observed in the irradiated vs non-irradiated patients (84.2% vs 42.4%; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery ensured healing in 96% of the patients. Radiotherapy led to higher rate of permanent urinary/fecal diversion. Nearly all irradiated patients who had transabdominal repair end up with a definitive stoma. When transperineal repair with gracilis flap interposition was used, the rate of fistula closure approached 90%. A treatment algorithm is proposed.

IDEAL study: magnetic resonance imaging for suspected deep endometriosis assessment prior to laparoscopy is as reliable as radiological imaging as a complement to transvaginal ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE

To compare the value of using one-stop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vs standard radiological imaging as a supplement to transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) for the preoperative assessment of patients with endometriosis referred for surgery in a tertiary care academic center.

METHODS

This prospective observational study compared the diagnostic value of the standard preoperative imaging practice of our center, which involves expert TVS complemented by intravenous urography (IVU) for the evaluation of the ureters and double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) for the evaluation of the rectum, sigmoid and cecum, with that of expert TVS complemented by a 'one-stop' MRI examination evaluating the upper abdomen, pelvis, kidneys and ureters as well as rectum and sigmoid on the same day, for the preoperative triaging of 74 women with clinically suspected deep endometriosis. The findings at laparoscopy were considered the reference standard. Patients were stratified according to their need for monodisciplinary surgical approach, carried out by gynecologists only, or multidisciplinary surgical approach, involving abdominal surgeons and/or urologists, based on the extent to which endometriosis affected the reproductive organs, bowel, ureters, bladder or other abdominal organs.

RESULTS

Our standard preoperative imaging approach and the combined findings of TVS and MRI had similar diagnostic performance, resulting in correct stratification for a monodisciplinary or a multidisciplinary surgical approach of 67/74 (90.5%) patients. However, there were differences between the estimation of the severity of disease by DCBE and MRI. The severity of rectal involvement was underestimated in 2.7% of the patients by both TVS and DCBE, whereas it was overestimated in 6.8% of the patients by TVS and/or DCBE.

CONCLUSIONS

Complementary to expert TVS, 'one-stop' MRI can predict intraoperative findings equally well as standard radiological imaging (IVU and DCBE) in patients referred for endometriosis surgery in a tertiary care academic center. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Correction to: Incidence and Risk Factors for Severity of Postoperative Ileus After Colorectal Surgery: A Prospective Registry Data Analysis

In the list of participating investigators that appears in Acknowledgements, one of the investigators names appears incorrectly.

Cx601 (darvadstrocel) for the treatment of perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease

Introduction: Given the well-documented difficulty to treat perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (pCD), with 40% of patients experiencing recurrence even after reiterative surgery and advanced medical therapy, research in this field has focused on the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Areas covered: The aim of this article is to furnish an overview of the pathogenetic mechanisms, clinical applications and evidences for the use of MSC for pCD with particular focus on adipose-derived allogenic MSC including darvadstrocel. Expert Opinion: The effect of MSC on fistula healing is probably mediated by their anti-inflammatory properties more than by their ability to engraft and trans-differentiate in the healthy tissue. A holistic treatment of pCD, addressing different pathophysiological factors, may represent the key for an improvement in the healing rate. In this setting, MSC might play a role as 'augmentation' therapy in combination with more conventional treatments. Whether MSC have benefit in non-complex fistula in biological naïve patients, in complex fistula with many tracts and/or in rectovaginal fistulas, are unexplored fields that need further investigation. A central registry of pCD patients undergoing treatment with MSC should be created in order to elucidate the efficacy, safety and costs of stem cells treatment on long term follow up.

[Apparent thyrotoxicosis in a patient with multiple sclerosis: biochemical assay interference due to high dose biotin use]

BACKGROUND

Supraphysiological doses of biotin are being tested in patients with multiple sclerosis. Biotin can cause interference with laboratory assessment of thyroid function, and therefore give a false suggestion of thyrotoxicosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 64-year-old patient was referred for assessment of thyrotoxicosis, due to Graves' disease. Antithyroid medication was started, but there was no effect on laboratory results. In addition, he developed symptoms which subsequently could be attributed to iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Biotin interference, when assaying TSH and thyroxin, was suspected. Upon further investigation, the patient revealed to use high doses of biotin. After discontinuation of the biotin treatment, the thyroid function test normalized.

CONCLUSION

It is expected that in the future, patients with multiple sclerosis will use biotin more often. Therefore, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware that biotin can interfere with immunoassays for thyroid hormones, to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Outcome of restorative proctocolectomy with an ileo-anal pouch for ulcerative colitis: effect of changes in clinical practice

AIM

Surgery for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has evolved over time, especially since the introduction of laparoscopy. The aim of this retrospective study was to report the impact of surgical evolution on outcome over a period of 25 years.

METHOD

All patients who had IPAA surgery for ulcerative colitis from 1990 to 2015 at the University Hospitals of Leuven were included. Patients were divided into three period arms (period A 1990-1999; period B 2000-2009; period C 2010-2015). The main outcome measure was anastomotic leakage.

RESULTS

A total of 335 patients (58.8% male) with a median age of 39 years (interquartile range 32-49 years) at surgery were included. Median follow-up was 5 years (interquartile range 2-10 years). Overall anastomotic leakage (grades A-C) was 14.9%. A significant decrease in leakage rate was observed over time (from 21.4% in period A to 12.1% in period B to 10.0% in period C; P = 0.04). The defunctioning ileostomy rate at the time of pouch construction decreased from 91.7% (period A) to 40.3% (period B) to 11.1% (period C) (P < 0.001). We observed an increase in the use of laparoscopy (23.9% in period A vs 72.6% in period B, vs 84.4% in period C; P = 0.001) and a shift to a modified two-stage procedure (4.1% in period A, vs 66.7% in period C; P < 0.0001). In a monocentric study with some of the data retrieved retrospectively it was not possible to account for the impact of preoperative nutritional status (weight loss, serum albumin level) or disease burden. Other outcome factors were not measured, for example sexual function and fecundity.

CONCLUSION

A higher rate of laparoscopic IPAA surgery, together with a shift towards modified two-stage procedures, was associated with a lower leakage rate despite a reduction in the use of defunctioning ileostomy.

Postoperative complications in individuals aged 70 and over undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer

AIM

This study aims to describe the nature, incidence, severity and outcomes of in-hospital postoperative complications (POCs) in older patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHOD

Patients ≥ 70 years old were identified from a prospectively collected database (2009-2015) focusing on the implementation of geriatric screening and assessment in patients with cancer. Medical and surgical POCs were retrieved retrospectively from the medical records, and the severity of the POCs was graded by the Clavien-Dindo (CD) grading system. The following outcomes were analysed comparing patients with and without CD ≥ 2 and CD ≥ 3 POCs: length of stay (LOS), transfer to the intensive care unit, 30-day readmission rates, 30-day and 1-year mortality.

RESULTS

In the 190 patients included, medical POCs (40.5%) were more frequent than surgical POCs (17.9%), and 37.9% experienced CD ≥ 2 POCs. The most common medical POCs were infections (26.8%), transient confusion or altered mental function (12.1%), cardiac arrhythmia (4.7%), and ileus/gastroparesis/prolonged recovery of transit (4.7%). The most common surgical POCs were surgical site infections (12.1%), wound dehiscence/bleeding (4.7%), anastomotic leak (3.7%) and surgical site bleeding (3.7%). The reoperation rate was 7.9%. CD ≥ 2 POCs led to 11 intensive care unit admissions and increased median postoperative LOS by 114% (P < 0.0001 for both), but did not significantly alter 30-day readmission and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. CD ≥ 3 POCs increased LOS by 162% (P < 0.0001) and showed an increased 1-year mortality (P = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that in-hospital medical and surgical complications after surgery for colorectal cancer in patients ≥ 70 years old are frequent and that complications lead to less favourable outcomes.

Consensus on Recording Deep Endometriosis Surgery: the CORDES statement

STUDY QUESTION

Which essential items should be recorded before, during and after endometriosis surgery and in clinical outcome based surgical trials in patients with deep endometriosis (DE)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

A DE surgical sheet (DESS) was developed for standardized reporting of the surgical treatment of DE and an international expert consensus proposal on relevant items that should be recorded in surgical outcome trials in women with DE.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Surgery is an important treatment for symptomatic DE. So far, data have been reported in such a way that comparison of different surgical techniques is impossible. Therefore, we present an international expert proposal for standardized reporting of surgical treatment and surgical outcome trials in women with DE.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

International expert consensus based on a systematic review of literature.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Taking into account recommendations from Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT), the Innovation Development Exploration Assessment and Long-term Study (IDEAL), the Initiative on Methods, Measurement and Pain Assessment in Clinical trials (IMMPACT) and the World Endometriosis Research Foundation Phenome and Biobanking Harmonisation Project (WERF EPHect), a systematic literature review on surgical treatment of DE was performed and resulted in a proposal for standardized reporting, adapted by contributions from eight members of the multidisciplinary Leuven University Hospitals Endometriosis Care Program, from 18 international experts and from audience feedback during three international meetings.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

We have developed the DESS to record in detail the surgical procedures for DE, and an international consensus on pre-, intra- and post-operative data that should be recorded in surgical outcome trials on DE.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

The recommendations in this paper represent a consensus among international experts based on a systematic review of the literature. For several items and recommendations, high-quality RCTs were not available. Further research is needed to validate and evaluate the recommendations presented here.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

This international expert consensus for standardized reporting of surgical treatment in women with DE, based on a systematic literature review and international consensus, can be used as a guideline to record and report surgical management of patients with DE and as a guideline to design, execute, interpret and compare clinical trials in this patient population.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

None of the authors received funding for the development of this paper. M.A. reports personal fees and non-financial support from Bayer Pharma outside the submitted work; H.T. reports a grant from Pfizer and personal fees for being on the advisory board of Perrigo, Abbvie, Allergan and SPD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

Modified Side-To-Side Isoperistaltic Strictureplasty over the Ileocaecal Valve: An Alternative to Ileocaecal Resection in Extensive Terminal Ileal Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND

A modified Michelassi strictureplasty over the ileocaecal valve or ileocolic anastomosis could be an alternative to ileocaecal resection. This study assessed the outcome of the modified Michelassi strictureplasty in patients with extensive stenotic terminal ileal Crohn's disease [CD].

METHODS

This type of strictureplasty was proposed to all patients with an extensive strictured [neo-] terminal ileal segment [> 20 cm]. Short- and long-term outcome data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. Safety and medium-term efficacy were studied, using both postoperative magnetic resonance enterography [MRE] and ileocolonoscopy at 6 months.

RESULTS

Between June 2009 and September 2014, 29 CD patients had a modified strictureplasty [male 9/29, median age 38 [range: 16-64] years]. The median length of strictureplasty was 50 [27-110] cm. Twelve patients underwent a total of 30 additional procedures during surgery, mainly additional short strictureplasties, but also segmental resections. The majority had a laparoscopic-assisted procedure. Median length of hospital stay was 9 [6-17] days. Two patients had an early rescue procedure to oversew a small anastomotic leak. MRE and ileocolonoscopy at follow-up showed a remarkable regression of inflammation and bowel wall thickness. Clinical recurrence, necessitating initiation or modification of medical therapy, and surgical recurrence were reported in 11 and 1 patient after a median follow-up of 21 [1-54] months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A modified long Michelassi strictureplasty appears to be safe in patients with extensive stricturing Crohn's ileitis. Significant mucosal and bowel wall healing is observed and suggests that clearance of microbial stasis may play a role in this process.

Postoperative Inflammatory Response in Crohn's Patients: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Surgery for Crohn's disease [CD] can be complicated by an enhanced inflammatory response. This retrospective study aims to compare the inflammatory response measured by C-reactive protein [CRP] in patients operated for CD with patients undergoing similar surgery for colorectal cancer [CRC].

METHODS

All CD patients undergoing an ileocaecal resection between February 2001 and December 2013 were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database. The same number of patients with a CRC of the ascending colon, undergoing a laparoscopic right hemicolectomy between March 2009 and June 2014, were retrieved from a CRC database. CRP level during the first 7 postoperative days was used as primary outcome.

RESULTS

Totals of 112 consecutive CD patients (male 40.2%; median age: 32.3 yrs; interquartile range [IQR]: 25.2-45.1) and 112 consecutive CRC patients [male 53.6%; median age 71.6 yrs; IQR: 64.7-77.5] were included. Postoperative CRP level in the CD group was on average 27% higher compared with the CRC group [p = 0.02]. The day-specific differences in CRP values were 21% (p = 0.021, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3% 41%), 41% [p = 0.005, 95% CI: 11%-79%], 49% [p = 0.007, 95% CI: 11%-96%], and 49% [p = 0.006, 95% CI: 12%-100%] higher for CD patients at Days 1, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. The difference in postoperative CRP level was partially due to differences in preoperative CRP level.

CONCLUSION

CD patients develop a higher postoperative CRP level, probably reflecting an enhanced postoperative inflammatory response, which may be triggered by a higher preoperative inflammatory state.

The use of Oxaliplatin or Mitomycin C in HIPEC treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colorectal cancer: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Oxaliplatin and Mitomycin C (MMC) are both suitable as intraperitoneal chemotherapy agents in HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

Patient cohorts from two different HIPEC-centers underwent cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC with Oxaliplatin (39 patients) and MMC (56 patients), respectively. They were compared for toxicity and survival data. The extent of PC was assessed using the Dutch 7-region count.

RESULTS

The median 7-region count was 4 [range 0-7] for Oxaliplatin-patients versus 2.5 [range 1-6] for MMC-patients (P = 0.004). Median intra-operative blood loss was 650 ml [0-6,000 ml] in Oxaliplatin-patients versus 1,230 ml [range 0-5,300 ml] in MMC-patients (P < 0.001). Only MMC-patients developed neutropenia/leucopenia (26.8%, P < 0.001). After statistical correction for the extent of PC, the overall postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in MMC-patients (OR = 2.68 (95% CI: 1.04-6.91), P = 0.04), with a comparable intra-abdominal complication (IAC) rate (OR = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.30-2.03), P = 0.61), but a tendency towards more extra-abdominal complications (EAC) in MMC-patients (OR = 2.23 (95% CI: 0.91-5.43), P = 0.079). Median follow-up was significantly shorter for Oxaliplatin-patients (2.8 years) than for MMC-patients (5.1 years). Median RFS was 12.2 months [IQR: 7.2-undefined] in the Oxaliplatin-group and 13.8 months [IQR: 7.0-25.8] in the MMC-group (P = 0.87). Median OS is 37.1 months [IQR: 22.4-52.8] for Oxaliplatin-patients and 26.5 months [IQR: 16.9-64.8] for MMC-patients (P = 0.45). Logistic regression analysis (corrected for extent of PC) shows RFS (HR = 1.24 (95% CI: 0.75-2.05), P = 0.39) and OS (HR = 1.37 (95% CI: 0.74-2.54), P = 0.32) are not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

No clear benefit in RFS and OS for HIPEC with Oxaliplatin or MMC could be demonstrated in patients with PC from CRC.

Peritoneal fluid cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases as early markers of anastomotic leakage in colorectal anastomosis: a literature review and meta-analysis

AIM

There has been recent interest in the measurement of peritoneal fluid cytokines in the early postoperative period to help diagnose anastomotic leakage at a preclinical stage. The currently available literature on the early diagnosis of colorectal anastomotic leakage by estimation of drain fluid cytokines or matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) is reviewed.

METHOD

A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane library for all publications studying the feasibility of diagnosing colorectal anastomotic leakage earlier by estimation of peritoneal fluid cytokine or MMP levels. A meta-analysis of the most commonly measured cytokines was performed.

RESULTS

Eight publications were included. Tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were most frequently studied. Most studies found significantly higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in patients with anastomotic leakage during the first three postoperative days. In the meta-analysis IL-6 levels were significantly higher from day 1 and TNF-α from day 2. MMP-9 was most often significantly elevated in patients with anastomotic leakage.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of drain fluid cytokines and MMP has the potential to diagnose colorectal anastomotic leakage at a preclinical stage, but is not yet ready for clinical use. Further research is needed, possibly using IL-6 in combination with other cytokines and MMP as markers.

Effect of laparoscopic surgery for moderate and severe endometriosis on depression, relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning: comparison of patients with and without bowel resection

STUDY QUESTION

Is there a difference between women with endometriosis who underwent laparoscopic surgery with bowel resection or without bowel resection regarding depressive symptoms, relational adjustment and sexual functioning?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Radical surgery for endometriosis in both groups improved the levels of depression and sexual functioning, but only the bowel resection patients showed improvements in relationship satisfaction. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY?: The frequent pain symptoms in endometriosis patients can have an impact on psychological issues, relationships and sexual functioning. There are no data available on depression and relationship adjustment after endometriosis surgery. Sexual dysfunction problems have been described after bowel resection for rectal cancer, but no data are available for endometriosis surgery.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This prospective cohort study included 203 consecutive women operated at the Leuven University Fertility Center (LUFC) between 1 September 2006 and 30 September 2008 for moderate (n = 67) or severe (n = 136) endometriosis. The preoperative response rate was respectively 84% in the bowel resection group and 79% in the no bowel resection group.

PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, METHODS

The beck depression inventory (BDI) measured depression, the dyadic adjustment scale (DAS) measured relationship satisfaction and the short sexual functioning scale (SSFS) measured sexual functioning before and 6, 12 and 18 months after women had laparoscopic surgery at the LUFC, a tertiary referral centre for fertility exploration, treatment and surgery.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Both groups had better post-operative outcomes when compared with the preoperative assessments. Mean BDI and DAS levels were comparable with the normal population. Overall assessment points, the bowel resection patients had better outcomes for DAS (P < 0.05) and SSFS 'arousal' (P < 0.05) than the no bowel resection patients. At 6 months after the operation, when compared with the no bowel resection group, the bowel resection group reported lower mean levels of BDI (P < 0.05), a lower incidence of SSFS 'pain during intercourse' and 'orgasm problems' (P < 0.05), and a lower proportion of patients with severe orgasm problems (P < 0.05). The data show that radical but fertility sparing surgery, with or without bowel resection, for the treatment of endometriosis results in comparable and good psychological outcomes concerning depression levels, relationship satisfaction and sexual functioning.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Although the initial response rate was good, response dropped over time and was significantly higher for bowel resection patients compared with the no bowel resection patients (P = 0.05). A responder/non-responder analysis for the whole study population showed no significant differences concerning pain problems. This reduces the possible risk of (positive) bias in the results.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Endometriosis is a complex condition and the focus should not be on a one-dimensional end-organ gynaecological outcome, but should take into account the role of psychological factors in pain-related outcome. To this end, more prospective data are needed on sexual functioning and psychological outcomes.

Lessons learned after more than 400 laparoscopic ventral rectopexies

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic ventral recto(colpo)pexy (LVR) is a minimally invasive, autonomic nerve-sparing technique to treat rectal prolapse syndromes. The position of the mesh on the anterior aspect of the rectum in the rectovaginal septum allows correction of concomitant rectocele and enterocele.

METHODS

Demographic, perioperative, and follow-up data of consecutive patients were analyzed in order to audit our 10-years' experience with the technique.

RESULTS

From January 1999 to December 2008, 405 patients (93% female) underwent LVR for internal rectal prolapse (45.9%, n = 186), total rectal prolapse (43%, n = 174) and rectocele or enterocele (11.1%, n = 45). Mean age was 54.6 years (SD 15). The median hospital stay was 4 days (range 2-21). Conversion rate was 2%. There was no postoperative mortality. At a mean follow-up of 25.3 months, recurrence was observed in 4.6% (19 patients). Most often detachment of the mesh at the sacral promontory was found. Late complications occurred in 18% of patients. In five patients, LVR combined with perineotomy was complicated by mesh erosion into the vagina. Mesh erosion was not observed after LVR without perineotomy. Symptomatic improvement was observed in 85% of patients with total rectal prolapse and in 70% of patients with internal rectal prolapse (p < 0.050). The difference was mainly due to a lesser effect on obstructed defecation symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

LVR, with or without perineotomy, appears to be safe and feasible, with relatively low morbidity. Functional outcome data support its efficacy. The indication for LVR in patients with internal rectal prolapse could be optimised.

HIPEC in T4a colon cancer: a defendable treatment to improve oncologic outcome?

BACKGROUND

Adequate estimation of the potential benefits of 'adjuvant' hyperthermia and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in T4 patients through assessment of the burden of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in T4 tumors and the risk of PC as the only metastatic site.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Analysis of prospectively collected data on patients who underwent surgery for colon cancer (Jan 2004-Jan 2007).

RESULTS

About 379 patients (M/F = 204/175) were included, with a median age of 71.8 years (range 35.4-95.0): 39 stage I, 126 stage II, 89 stage III, 116 stage IV disease (+9 with unknown stage). The median follow-up was 34.8months [range 0.0-79.4]. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates (OS) were 68.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 63.9%-72.4%) and 60.3% (95%CI 55.6%-64.7%). Relapse analysis was restricted to stages II-III T3 (N = 154) and T4 tumors (N = 19) with complete relapse data, of which 13.2% developed PC. PC has a detrimental effect on OS [HR 6.3 (95%CI: 3.1-13.0, P < 0.0001)]. 50% of T4a and 20% of T4b developed PC. The 1- and 3-year PC percentage was significantly lower for T3 (4.5% and 9.3%) than T4 tumors (15.6% and 36.7%) (P = 0.008). PC was the only metastatic site in 3/15 T3 [proportion 0.20, 95%CI (0.043-0.481)] and 5/8 T4 tumors with PC [proportion 0.625, 95%CI (0.245-0.915)] (P = 0.071).

CONCLUSIONS

T4a colon tumors have a significantly higher risk of developing PC. Twenty-five percent (5/19) of stages II-III T4 tumors develop PC as the only metastatic site. This could define the possible window of opportunity for adjuvant HIPEC to prevent PC.

Octreotide for the treatment of diarrhoea in patients with ileal pouch anal anastomosis: a placebo-controlled crossover study

AIM

Diarrhoea with urgency is a debilitating long-term complication of ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) after a proctocolectomy. Somatostatin analogues are used to control diarrhoea and high-output ostomies. Hence, we designed a prospective, double-blind, crossover trial to explore the efficacy and tolerability of octreotide to reduce diarrhoea in adult patients with IPAA.

METHOD

Patients were randomized to octreotide subcutaneously (SC), 500 μg three times daily (t.i.d.), or matching placebo SC for 7 days. Responders (a reduction in stool frequency of three or more stools per 24-h period and with a reduction in stool frequency of at least 30% after 7 days of treatment compared with baseline; the primary end-point) remained in the same group and nonresponders could cross over to the alternative treatment for 7 days. Open-label octeotide LAR 30 mg was offered to all responders on day 14. Flexible pouchoscopy with biopsies was performed at baseline in all patients and was repeated on days 7 and 14 in patients with pouchitis.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (11 men, median age 52 years), all with ulcerative colitis, were randomized. Three patients were withdrawn for side effects during the blinded phase. Response was achieved by two of 12 and two of 11 patients treated with octreotide or placebo, respectively (including crossover, P = 0.9). The median stool frequency remained stable in both groups [Δoctreotide: 0 (IQR, -4 to 0), Δplacebo: -1 (IQR, -1 to 1), P = 0.45]. Octreotide had no effect on the modified pouch disease activity index (mPDAI), and pouchitis persisted in five of six subjects with pouchitis at onset. One subject received open-label octreotide LAR.

CONCLUSION

Octreotide has no clear beneficial effect on the stool pattern or on pouchitis severity in patients with high stool frequency after IPAA.

Different surgical strategies in the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis: what's the role of the ileal pouch-anal anastomosis?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Restorative coloproctectomy (RCP) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), is one of the surgical responses to the crucial question of prophylactic treatment in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). No consensus has been reached, until now, to choose between IPAA and ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA), the rectal sparing prophylactic colectomy. This paper aims to review the latest issues related to IPAA and highlights its specificities compared to IRA.

METHODS

PubMed database was searched using the following search items: familial adenomatous polyposis, surgery, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, ileo-rectal anastomosis. Papers published between 1978 and 2010 were selected.

RESULTS

Absence of mortality, acceptable morbidity and good functional results combined to high quality of life have promoted the IPAA technique. New technical issues such as the double stapled technique, mesenteric lengthening, omission of temporary protective stoma can be addressed almost systematically for these patients. A laparoscopic approach, lessening the body image impact, has proven to be as effective and safe as the open approach to perform IPAA. Further advantages of laparoscopic IPAA rely on the lower adhesion formation resulting in less small bowel occlusion. Sexuality, fertility and childbirth are important functional issues often cited as threatened by the pelvic manoeuvres of the IPAA technique which can be prevented by close rectal wall dissection and a laparoscopic approach.

CONCLUSION

IPAA offers the best available prophylaxis in FAP patients. Technical enhancements in IPAA will most probably decrease the functional risks. Thus IPAA remains the alternative to IRA for the prophylactic treatment of FAP.Nevertheless, based on the latest evidence, the choice between both procedures is still matter of debate.

Accelerated treatment for post-lobectomy empyema: new indication for an established procedure

A 68-year-old male underwent a right upper lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) complicated by a delayed-onset empyema. The infected pleural space was successfully cleansed,applying the principles of accelerated treatment first described by the Weder group for patients sustaining an empyema after pneumonectomy. This strategy has been proved to be safe and effective even in cases of pleural space infection after minor lung resections, and we therefore recommend it for consideration as an additional treatment option for this patient group alongside the established techniques.

Acromegaly caused by a growth hormone-releasing hormone secreting carcinoid tumour of the lung: the effect of octreotide treatment

In acromegaly, the overproduction of growth hormone is usually caused by a pituitary adenoma. We report a 74-year-old woman with acromegaly caused by ectopic overproduction of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a rare diagnosis. The GHRH appeared to be produced by a carcinoid tumour of the lung. Treatment with monthly long-acting octreotide resulted in a reduction in the symptoms and normalisation of the insulin-like growth factor-I, which has been maintained for more than two years now. A review of literature concerning causes and treatment of ectopic GHRH-producing tumours is presented.

ANCA seropositivity in HIV: a serological pitfall

In systemic vasculitis, cytoplasmic staining in ethanol-fixed neutrophilic granulocytes, i.e. cytoplasmic antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA), is generally considered a highly significant serological marker. When a patient presents with upper airway or renal symptomatology and seropositivity to c-ANCA, a Wegener's granulomatosis is usually easily diagnosed by performing a biopsy of the diseased organ. However, not every ANCA-positive patient with pulmonary inflammation is suffering from Wegener's disease. In some cases of upper airway or pulmonary symptomatology, the a priori chance of having Wegener's disease is low despite a positive ANCA. A coincidental positivity of ANCA may then lead to clinicians jumping to conclusions. We present a 40-year-old man who was falsely suspected of having Wegener's disease because of upper airway symptomatology and c-ANCA positivity. Specificity analysis revealed that he was negative to antibodies for proteinase-3, but positive to myeloperoxidase. The potential serological pitfall of the supposedly specific c-ANCA is discussed.