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In the United States, 37% of all opioids are prescribed in the surgical setting. Among those addicted to narcotics, many report initial exposure in the postoperative period.We aimed to assess the impact of a narcotic-sparing enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on postoperative narcotic use by patients and to assess its impact on the narcotic prescribing practices of physicians.Data regarding consecutive narcotic-naïve patients who underwent an elective inpatient abdominal colorectal surgical procedure from January 2013 to August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Patients were divided into 2 cohorts: pre-implementation (2013-2015) and post-implementation (2015-2017) of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol.Elective inpatient abdominal colorectal surgery patients at University of Florida Health.Primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative narcotic use (inpatient and outpatient). Other outcomes measured included pain scores, time to diet institution, length of hospital stay, cost of hospitalization, and postoperative complications.Baseline characteristics were similar between the pre- (n = 537) and post-protocol (n = 790) groups. Protocol implementation was associated with a decrease in total 30-day postoperative narcotic amount used by patients (2481 mg vs 31 mg morphine equivalents, p = 0.05), inpatient patient-controlled analgesia use (63% vs 0.5%, p0.00001; dosage 1254 mg vs 5 mg), inpatient on-demand oral narcotic use (90% vs 32%, p = 0.001; dosage 47 mg vs 5 mg), and outpatient narcotic amount used (46 mg vs 6 mg, p = 0.001). Average pain scores were similar.Retrospective nature of the study and possible underestimation of pre- and postoperative narcotic use were limitations to the study findings.Implementation of a narcotic-sparing enhanced recovery after surgery protocol was associated with a decrease in both inpatient and 30-day outpatient postoperative narcotic use. Variation in resident physician prescribing practices suggests the need for ongoing education to accompany these protocols. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B936.

BACKGROUND The optimal strategy for colonic polyps not amenable to traditional endoscopic polypectomy is unknown. Endoscopic step up is a promising strategy for definitive treatment. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine whether endoscopic step up leads to improved outcomes and decreased costs compared with planned colectomy for endoscopically unresectable colon polyps. DESIGN This was a retrospective review of a prospective database. SETTING The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS Consecutive patients referred for endoscopically unresectable colon polyps 15 to 50 mm in size were included. INTERVENTIONS Patients underwent planned colectomy or endoscopic step up at the surgeon's discretion. Endoscopic step up began with diagnostic colonoscopy in the operating room. If the polyp was amenable to endoscopic removal, endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed with progression to combined endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery or laparoscopic colectomy, as indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was 30-day adverse events. We also examined length of stay, hospital charges, insurer payments, and polyp recurrence. RESULTS A total of 52 patients underwent planned colectomy (48 laparoscopic), and 38 underwent endoscopic step up (28 endoscopic mucosal resection, 2 endoscopic submucosal dissection, 6 combined endoscopic-laparoscopic surgery, and 2 colectomy). Compared with planned colectomy, endoscopic step-up patients had fewer complications (13% vs 33%; p = 0.03) and shorter length of stay (median, 0 vs 4 d; p < 0.001). There was 1 readmission in the endoscopic step-up group and 5 in the planned colectomy group. Endoscopic step-up patients had lower hospital costs ($4790 vs $13,004; p < 0.001) and insurer payments ($2431 vs $19,951; p < 0.001). One-year polyp recurrence-free survival was 84% (95% CI, 67%-93%) in endoscopic step-up patients. All of the recurrences were benign

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently utilized for the pretreatment staging of locally advanced rectal cancer; however, there is no consensus regarding the utility of repeat MRI for restaging following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT). In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical utility of restaging MRI after CRT in patients with clinical stage II-III rectal cancer. Methodology We performed a retrospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital. Our study population included patients with clinical stage II-III rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant CRT who underwent both pre- and post-CRT MRI followed by surgical resection from 2012 to 2017. MRIs were reviewed by radiologists with an interest in rectal cancer MRI imaging using a standardized template. The utility of post-CRT MRI was evaluated by assessing its impact on change in surgical planning, concordance with pathologic staging, and prediction of surgical margins. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study; 67% had clinical stage III and 33% had stage II disease based on pre-CRT MRI. Post-CRT MRI findings did not lead to a change in the originally outlined surgical plan in any patient. Compared to pre-CRT MRI, post-CRT MRI was not significantly more accurate in predicting T stage (k = 0.483), N stage (k = 0.268), or positive surgical margins (k = 0.839). Conclusions Due to poor concordance with pathologic staging, inability to more accurately predict surgical margin status and the absence of a demonstrable change in surgical treatment, post-CRT restaging with MRI, in its current form, appears to be of limited clinical utility.

Hospital readmission and anastomotic leak following colorectal resection have a negative impact on patients, surgeons, and the health care system. Novel markers of patients unlikely to experience these complications are of value in avoiding readmission.This study aimed to determine the predictive value of C-reactive protein for readmission and anastomotic leak within 30 days following colorectal resection.This is a retrospective review of a prospectively compiled single-institution database.From January 1, 2013, to July 20, 2017, consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resection with anastomosis without the presence of proximal intestinal stoma, who had C-reactive protein measured on postoperative day 3, were included.The primary outcome measured was the predictive value of C-reactive protein measured on postoperative day 3 for readmission or anastomotic leak within 30 days after colorectal resection.Of the 752 patients examined, 73 (10%) were readmitted within 30 days of surgery and 17 (2%) had an anastomotic leak. Mean C-reactive protein in patients who neither had an anastomotic leak nor were readmitted (127 ± 77 mg/L) was lower than for patients who were readmitted (157 ± 96 mg/L, p = 0.002) and lower than for patients who had an anastomotic leak (228 ± 123 mg/L, p = 0.0000002). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein for readmission was 0.59, with a cutoff value of 145 mg/L, generating a 93% negative predictive value. The area under the curve for the diagnostic accuracy of C-reactive protein for anastomotic leak was 0.76, with a cutoff value of 147 mg/L generating a 99% negative predictive value.This study was limited by its retrospective design and because all patients were treated at a single center.Patients with a C-reactive protein below 145 mg/L on postoperative day 3 after colorectal resection have a low likelihood of readmission within 30 days, and a very low likelihood of anastomotic leak. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A761.

Hypothermia has been associated with an increase in the rate of infectious complications following colectomy. We hypothesized that a substantial fraction of temperature loss in patients undergoing elective colectomy occurs prior to operation. Temperature data were collected from 105 consecutive patients undergoing elective colectomy at a single institution. The study population consisted of 105 patients; 67(64%) male, median age 59 years (range 17–95 years), median body mass index 27 kg/m2 (range 15–48 kg/m2). Median preoperative temperature was 36.7 °C (range 35.2–39.2 °C), dropping to 35.7 °C (range 34.0–37.3 °C) immediately following intubation and then rising to 36.2 °C (range 34.0–38.0 °C) prior to leaving the operating room. The median first postoperative temperature was 36.3 °C (range 34.4–37.7 °C). Temperatures were significantly different from one another (p

BACKGROUND Approximately half of Crohn's patients require intestinal resection, and many need repeat resections. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the increased risk of clinical anastomotic leak in patients with a history of previous intestinal resection undergoing repeat resection with anastomosis for Crohn's disease. DESIGN This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected departmental data with 100% capture. SETTINGS The study was conducted at the department of colorectal surgery in a tertiary care teaching hospital between July 2007 and March 2016. PATIENTS A cohort of consecutive patients with Crohn's disease who were treated with intestinal resection and anastomosis, excluding patients with proximal fecal diversion, were included. The cohort was divided into 2 groups, those with no previous resection compared with those with previous resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical anastomotic leak within 30 days of surgery was measured. RESULTS Of the 206 patients who met criteria, 83 patients had previous intestinal resection (40%). The 2 groups were similar in terms of patient factors, immune-suppressing medication use, and procedural factors. Overall, 20 clinical anastomotic leaks were identified (10% leak rate). There were 6 leaks (5%) detected in patients with no previous intestinal resection and 14 leaks (17%) detected in patients with a history of previous intestinal resection (p < 0.005). The OR of anastomotic leak in patients with Crohn's disease with previous resection compared with no previous resection was 3.5 (95% CI, 1.3-9.4). Patients with 1 previous resection (n = 53) had a leak rate of 13%, whereas patients with ≥2 previous resections (n = 30) had a leak rate of 23%. The number of previous resections correlated with increasing risk for clinical anastomotic leak (correlation coefficient = 0.998). LIMITATIONS This was a retrospective study with limited data to perform a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Repeat intestinal resection in patients with Crohn's disease is associated with an increased rate of anastomotic leakage when compared with initial resection despite similar patient, medication, and procedural factors. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A459.

Auscultation for bowel sounds has been advocated by some clinicians as a method to determine the resolution of postoperative ileus.Our primary aim was to prospectively evaluate the relationships between bowel sounds and the ability to tolerate oral intake in patients after major abdominal surgery. Secondarily we aimed to evaluate relationships among bowel sounds, flatus and bowel movement, and oral intake.This was a prospective, blinded observational study.The study was conducted at Western Pennsylvania Hospital.A total of 124 adult patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were included.Data were collected by medical students blinded to the purpose of the study for 10 days postoperatively or until discharge, including the presence of bowel sounds (auscultation for 1 minute), flatus, bowel movement, and tolerance of oral intake (defined as ingestion of ≥1000 mL/24 h and each subsequent day without vomiting). Associations between paired variables were determined using ϕ coefficient testing.The study population consisted of 51 men and 73 women, with a mean age of 64 years (range, 20-92 y). The majority of patients (78/124 (63%)) underwent colorectal resection. The median length of hospital was 6 days. Bowel sounds were not associated with flatus, bowel movement, or tolerance of oral intake throughout the study period. The positive predictive value of bowel sounds in predicting flatus and bowel movement was low in the early postoperative period and remained25% in predicting tolerance of oral intake throughout the study period. The analysis was repeated, including only those patients undergoing colorectal procedures, and was essentially unchanged. Flatus correlated with bowel movement in the first 6 days postoperation, but neither flatus nor bowel movement was associated with tolerance of oral intake.The rate of tolerance of oral intake was relatively modest throughout the study period.Bowel sounds are not associated with flatus, bowel movement, or tolerance of oral intake after major abdominal surgery.

The impact of process improvement through surgeon feedback on outcomes is unclear.We sought to evaluate the effect of biannual surgeon-specific feedback on outcomes and adherence to departmental and Surgical Care Improvement Project process measures on colorectal surgery outcomes.This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected 100% capture surgical quality improvement data.This study was conducted at the department of colorectal surgery at a tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2008 through December 2013.Each surgeon was provided with biannual feedback on process adherence and surgeon-specific outcomes of urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, surgical site infection, anastomotic leak, 30-day readmission, reoperation, and mortality. We recorded adherence to Surgical Care Improvement Project process measures and departmentally implemented measures (ie, anastomotic leak testing) as well as surgeon-specific outcomes.We abstracted 7975 operations. There was no difference in demographics, laparoscopy, or blood loss. Adherence to catheter removal increased from 73% to 100% (p0.0001), whereas urinary tract infection decreased 52% (p0.01). Adherence to thromboprophylaxis administration remained unchanged as did the deep vein thrombosis rate (p = not significant). Adherence to preoperative antibiotic administration increased from 72% to 100% (p0.0001), whereas surgical site infection did not change (7.6%-6.6%; p = 0.3). There were 2589 operative encounters with anastomoses. For right-sided anastomoses, the proportion of handsewn anastomoses declined from 19% to 1.5% (p0.001). For left-sided anastomoses, without diversion, anastomotic leak testing adherence increased from 88% to 95% (p0.01). Overall leak rate decreased from 5.2% to 2.9% (p0.05).Concurrent process changes make isolation of the impact from individual process improvement changes challenging.Nearly complete adherence to process measures for deep vein thrombosis and surgical site infection did not lead to measureable outcomes improvement. Process measure adherence was associated with decreased rate of anastomotic leak and urinary tract infection. Biannual surgeon-specific feedback of outcomes was associated with improved process measure adherence and improvement in surgical quality.

The aim of this article is to evaluate geographic variation in the incidence of diverticulitis and examine behavioral and environmental factors associated with high rates of diverticulitis across the United States. We used state hospital discharge data from 20 states to determine rates of inpatient diverticulitis from January 2002 to December 2004 at patient's county of residence. Next, we merged the county level data with behavioral and environmental survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Finally, we determined the association between behavioral and environmental factors (i.e., teeth removal, dental cleaning, air quality, smoking, alcohol, vaccine, vitamins, and mental health) and high rates of diverticulitis. From January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2004, a total of 345,216 hospitalizations for acute diverticulitis were recorded for 1,055 counties. We identified rates of diverticulitis that ranged from 35.4 to 332.7 per 100,000 population. On univariate analysis, high diverticulitis burden was associated with regions of the country with substantial tooth loss from dental disease (45.8% for high diverticulitis counties vs. 37.5% for low diverticulitis counties; p = 0.0001). There is considerable variability in diverticulitis cases by county of residence across the nation. Potential triggers of diverticulitis may be associated with tooth removal and sun exposure.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between appendicitis and diverticulitis.This study is a retrospective cohort analysis.This study was conducted in a subspecialty practice at a tertiary care facility.We examined the rate of appendectomy among 4 cohorts of patients: 1) patients with incidentally identified diverticulosis on screening colonoscopy, 2) inpatients with medically treated diverticulitis, 3) patients who underwent left-sided colectomy for diverticulitis, and 4) patients who underwent colectomy for left-sided colorectal cancer.There were no interventions.The primary outcome measured was the appendectomy rate.We studied a total of 928 patients in this study. There were no differences in the patient characteristics of smoking status, nonsteroidal use, or history of irritable bowel syndrome across the 4 study groups. Patients with surgically treated diverticulitis had significantly more episodes of diverticulitis (2.8 ± 1.9) than the medically treated group (1.4 ± 0.8) (p0.0001). The rate of appendectomy was 8.2% for the diverticulosis control group, 13.5% in the cancer group, 23.5% in the medically treated diverticulitis group, and 24.5% in the surgically treated diverticulitis group (p0.0001). After adjusting for demographics and other clinical risk factors, patients with diverticulitis had 2.8 times higher odds of previous appendectomy (p0.001) than the control groups.The retrospective study design is associated with selection, documentation, and recall bias.Our data reveal significantly higher appendectomy rates in patients with a diagnosis of diverticulitis, medically or surgically managed, in comparison with patients with incidentally identified diverticulosis. Therefore, we propose that appendicitis and diverticulitis share similar risk factors and potentially a common pathological link.

We sought to determine the accuracy of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and the Mayo Clinic Postoperative Mortality Risk in Patients with Cirrhosis Calculator in patients with ascites who underwent colorectal surgery. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for patients with ascites who underwent a major colorectal operation. Predicted 90-day mortality rate based on the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and 30-day mortality based on the Mayo Clinic Postoperative Mortality Risk in Patients with Cirrhosis Calculator were compared with observed 30-day mortality. The cohort contained 3137 patients with ascites who underwent a colorectal operation. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease predicted that 252 (8 %) of patients with ascites undergoing colorectal operations would die within 90 days postoperatively, yet we observed 821 deaths (26 % mortality) within 30 days after surgery (p < 0.001). The Mayo Clinic Postoperative Mortality Risk in Patients with Cirrhosis Calculator predicted that 491 (16.6 % mortality) of patients with ascites undergoing colorectal operations would die within 30 days postoperatively, yet we observed 707 (23.9 % mortality) at 30 days (p < 0.01). We concluded that the current risk prediction models significantly under predict mortality in patients with ascites who underwent colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND Efforts to improve the quality of surgical care and reduce morbidity and mortality have resulted in outcomes reporting at the service and institutional level. Surgeon-specific outcomes are not readily available. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to compare surgeon-specific outcomes from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and 100% capture institutional quality data. DESIGN We conducted a cohort study evaluating institutional and surgeon-specific outcomes following colorectal surgery procedures at 1 institution over 5 years. PATIENTS All patients who underwent an operation by a colorectal surgeon at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2012 were identified. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Thirty-day mortality, reoperation, urinary tract infection, deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, superficial surgical site infection, and organ space infection were the primary outcomes measured. ANALYSIS We compared annual and 5-year institutional and surgeon-specific adverse event rates between the data sets. In addition, we categorized individual surgeons as low-outlier, average, or high-outlier in relation to aggregate averages and determined the concordance between the data sets in identifying outliers. Concordance was designated if the 2 databases classified outlier status similarly for the same adverse event category. RESULTS In the 100% capture institutional data, 6459 operative encounters were identified in comparison with 1786 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program encounters (28% sampled). Annual aggregate adverse event rates were similar between the institutional data and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. For annual surgeon-specific comparisons, concordance in identifying outliers between the 2 data sets was 51.4%, and gross discordance between outlier status was in 8.2%. Five-year surgeon-specific comparisons demonstrated 59% concordance in identifying outlier status with 8.2% gross discordance for the group. LIMITATIONS The inclusion of data from only 1 academic referral center is a limitation of this study. CONCLUSIONS Each surgeon was identified as a "high outlier" in at least 1 adverse event category. Comparisons at the annual and 5-year points demonstrated poor concordance between our 100% capture institutional data and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data.

There are various surgical techniques used treat anal fistulas. The adoption and success rates of newer techniques have not been clearly established.The purpose of this study was to determine the healing rate after operations for anal fistulas in New England colorectal surgery practices.We conducted a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database.The study was conducted at colorectal surgery practices in New England.A prospective, multicenter registry was created by the New England Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Surgeons were invited to collect data prospectively regarding patients operated on for anal fistulas between January 1, 2011, and August 1, 2013. Fistula classification, surgical intervention, continence scores, and healing were determined by the treating surgeon.Operation for anal fistula was performed.We measured the proportion of patients with healed fistulas at 3 months.Sixteen surgeons submitted data regarding 240 operations for fistula with curative intent. Mean patient age was 45 ± 14 years. A total of 158 patients (66%) were men, and 110 (46%) had undergone an anorectal operation. Twenty-nine (12%) had Crohn's disease. The healing rates of fistulotomy, advancement flap, and fistula plugs at 3 months were 94% (95% CI, 89-97), 60% (95% CI, 33-77), and 20% (95% CI, 5-50). The healing rate of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure at 3 months was 79% (95% CI, 65-88). Hospital site was the only variable associated with healing (p0.05). Hospitals that performed more ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedures had higher healing rates at 3 months (p0.0001).This study was limited by selection bias and reporting bias.A wide variety of techniques are used to treat anal fistulas in our region. Fistulotomy continues to have excellent results. There has been enthusiastic early adoption of the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract technique. Early healing rates after the ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract procedure appear to be excellent.

Validated risk adjustment programs do not use patient diagnosis as a potential covariate in the evaluation of organ space infections.We hypothesized that patient diagnosis is an important risk factor for organ space infection after colorectal resections.We conducted a retrospective cohort study abstracting data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from January 2005 through December 2009.Patients who underwent 1 of 3 types of colorectal resections (ileocolostomy, partial colectomy, and coloproctostomy) were identified by the use of Current Procedural Terminology codes. We excluded patients with concomitant formation of diverting or end stoma.The primary outcome measured was organ space infection.Validated risk adjustment models were used with the addition of diagnostic codes.We identified 52,056 patients who underwent a colorectal resection of whom 1774 patients developed an organ space infection (3.4%) and 894 (50.2%) returned to the operating room for further surgery. For ileocolostomy, operations for endometriosis (OR, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.7-36.6) and intra-abdominal fistula surgery (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-6.0) were associated with increased risk of organ space infection. For partial colectomy, operations for intra-abdominal fistula surgery (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3), IBD (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.6-3.8), and bowel obstruction (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2-2.6) were associated with an increased risk of organ space infection. For coloproctostomy, operations for malignant neoplasm (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.3) and diverticular bleeding (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1-9.0) were associated with an increased risk of organ space infection.This study was limited by the retrospective study design.After adjustment for National Surgical Quality Improvement Program covariates, intra-abdominal fistula, endometriosis, and diverticular bleeding were the diagnoses associated with the highest risk of organ space infection following colorectal resections.

There has been increased attention focused on reducing postoperative length of stay and mortality following colorectal surgery. We sought to identify adverse events associated with prolonged length of stay and mortality. We evaluated postoperative “adverse events,” prolonged length of stay, and mortality within 30 days of colorectal surgery in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) hospitals from January 2005 through December 2008. We then used multivariate models to establish the associations between adverse events and prolonged length of stay and mortality. A total of 54,237 patients underwent colorectal surgery: 39,980 (74 %) experienced no postoperative adverse events, while 14,257 (26 %) experienced one or more adverse events. Length of stay was prolonged (longer than 10 days) in 38 % of patients who experienced a postoperative adverse event and in 15 % of patients without events. Mortality increased with the number of postoperative adverse events. In multivariate models including preoperative comorbidity, patient risk factors, and adverse events, patients who experienced a cardiac arrest, septic shock, stroke, myocardial infarction, and/or renal failure were at highest odds of dying within 30 days of surgery. Patients with cardiac arrest, septic shock, stroke, myocardial infarction, and/or renal failure are at highest risk of mortality following colorectal surgery.

Data comparing surgical outcomes following abdominal and transperineal approaches for rectal prolapse are limited.We sought to identify differences in postoperative complications following abdominal vs transperineal approaches to rectal prolapse.We studied a retrospective cohort in the American College of Surgeon's National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from January 2005 through December 2008.We identified all patients who underwent surgical treatment for rectal prolapse.We compared surgical outcomes of standard abdominal approaches compared with standard transperineal approaches to rectal prolapse.The primary outcomes measured were the validated morbidity outcomes and 30-day mortality.During the study period, 1485 patients underwent rectal prolapse surgery (706 abdominal and 779 transperineal). Patients treated with abdominal approaches had significantly higher rates of infectious (9.8% vs 3.7%) and overall (12.9% vs 7.6%) complications in comparison with those treated with transperineal approaches. On multivariate analysis, risk factors for overall complications were ASA class 4 (OR 6.4) and abdominal surgery (OR 2.3), whereas an albumin level of ≥ 2.5 was protective (OR 0.05). Significant predictors of infectious complications were ASA class 4 (OR 7.5), BMI25 (OR 1.8), and rectal prolapse surgery performed with an abdominal approach (OR 2.8).The retrospective design introduces potential selection bias.Abdominal surgery for rectal prolapse is a predictor of both infectious and overall complications. Patients with significant comorbidities or a high BMI are at particularly high risk for complications and may be better suited for a transperineal rather than abdominal approach for the treatment of rectal prolapse.

Aim We sought to identify the rate of re-operation after an index colorectal surgical procedure and potential contributing risk factors. Method This is a retrospective cohort study from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We identified all patients who either returned or did not return to the operating room after any colorectal resection from January 2005 to December 2008. Results From a total cohort of 635 265 patients included in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program over the 4-year study period, we identified 54 237 patients who underwent colorectal operations. A return to the operating room was coded in 5.4 ± 0.1% of non colorectal resection patients and 7.6 ± 0.2% of colorectal resection patients (P

There is wide variation in surgical care for rectal cancer in the United States.This study aimed to assess the differences in individual surgeon procedural profiles that might explain variations in the rates of restorative vs nonrestorative proctectomy for rectal cancer.This study was a retrospective examination of a cohort derived from trackable state hospital discharge data from 11 states.We identified all patients with rectal cancer that underwent restorative proctectomy (sphincter-sparing surgery) vs nonrestorative proctectomy (colostomy formation) over a 24-month study period (January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2004).We developed an inpatient procedural profile of each treating surgeon's practice across general surgery procedure codes and summed the number of restorative vs nonrestorative proctectomies for rectal cancer by surgeon.The primary outcome measures were nonrestorative proctectomy, mortality, and length of stay.A total of 7519 proctectomies were performed for rectal cancer by 2588 surgeons. During the 24-month study period, 1003 (38.8%) surgeons performed only nonrestorative procedures for rectal cancer. On multivariate analysis, the likelihood that a surgeon performed only nonrestorative procedures was increased if that surgeon performed more integumentary procedures and decreased if the surgeon performed at least one ileoanal pouch procedure or more anorectal procedures. Patients who underwent proctectomy by surgeons who performed only nonrestorative procedures had significantly higher mortality (2.5 ± 0.7%) and longer length of stay (11.3 ± 8.8 days) in comparison with those patients treated by surgeons who performed both restorative and nonrestorative procedures (1.3 ± 0.3% mortality and 9.2 ± 6.9 days, P.001 for both analyses). The volume of proctectomy performed significantly affected all analyses.: The retrospective design introduces potential selection bias.Over a 24-month period, 38.8% of surgeons performed only nonrestorative procedures for rectal cancer. These surgeons did not regularly perform anorectal or ileoanal pouch procedures, suggesting that they may not have a focus on colorectal disease in their practice; they had significantly higher mortality and length of stay for their patients who underwent proctectomy for rectal cancer.

In this study, we analyzed temporal trends in anti-adhesion barrier application and admission rates for small bowel obstruction. We used data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and identified patients with ICD-9 codes for “application or administration of anti-adhesion barrier substances” from October 2002 through December 2007. Next, we identified cases of bowel obstruction coded from January 1997 through December 2007. We then used Kendall correlation analyses and the Joinpoint regression program to evaluate changes in trends. From October 1, 2002 through December 31, 2007, a total of 28,014 patients had an anti-adhesion barrier substance applied. During the study period, application of anti-adhesion barriers increased from 0.7 applications per 100,000 to 2.6 applications per 100,000 population (Joinpoint and Kendall; P < 0.002). Since 1997 there has been a steady rise in hospitalizations for bowel obstruction, increasing from 18.3 cases per 100,000 to 19.8 cases per 100,000 population (Joinpoint and Kendall; P < 0.002). In conclusion, the application of anti-adhesion barriers has increased significantly since 2002, yet bowel obstructions continue to be a major health problem.

Geographic variability in the use of restorative proctectomy for rectal cancer has been described throughout the United States. We examined factors associated with high rates of colostomy formation after proctectomy for rectal cancer across US counties.We used state hospital discharge data from 21 states to determine county rates of restorative proctectomy vs nonrestorative proctectomy (ie, colostomy) for rectal cancer. We merged the county-level data with 1) tumor characteristics from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results data; 2) number of specialty surgeons in the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and Society of Surgical Oncology; 3) county socioeconomic variables from census data; 4) colorectal cancer-screening rates from Medicare; and 5) hospital characteristics from the American Hospital Association. We then determined factors associated with high rates of colostomy formation (60%) after proctectomy for rectal cancer across counties.From January 1, 2002, to December 31, 2004, a total of 19,912 proctectomies were performed for cancer in 1050 counties, of which 489 had adequate sample size for evaluation. Based on county of residence information, nonrestorative proctectomy with colostomy was performed in greater than 60% of all patients with rectal cancer in 26% (n = 125) of counties. On multivariate analysis, more specialty surgeons (OR = 0.70; CI = 0.51-0.96) were protective against colostomy formation at the county level.The use of restorative techniques in rectal cancer surgery varies based on access to specialty colorectal cancer surgeons. Population-based directives are needed to standardize care for rectal cancer across the United States.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to compare short-term outcomes of laparoscopic vs. open total abdominal colectomy and end ileostomy for severe ulcerative colitis and to evaluate the impact of the initial surgical approach on subsequent operations for three-stage restorative proctocolectomy. METHODS: Perioperative demographic and outcome data for patients with severe ulcerative colitis who underwent laparoscopic (n = 37) or open (n = 41) total abdominal colectomy at the initial stage of a three-stage restorative proctocolectomy were compared. Each stage was analyzed independently by using two-tailed t-tests and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy had higher serum albumin (P = 0.0003), less inpatient narcotic usage (P = 0.0143), faster return of bowel function (P = 0.0001), and shorter length of stay (P = 0.039). There were no differences in perioperative parameters for the restorative proctectomy and ileostomy closure. The laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy patients underwent subsequent restorative proctectomy 49 days sooner (P = 0.0044) and ileostomy closure 17 days sooner (P = 0.00003) than the open total abdominal colectomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic abdominal colectomy for severe ulcerative colitis in selected patients is safe and is associated with short-term benefits that may lead to faster recovery and progression to completion of restorative proctocolectomy.

Objective To identify the factors that affect the disease-free survival (DFS) of rectal cancer patients. Method Patients from an IRB approved rectal cancer database were reviewed (1990–2000). All patients underwent either abdominoperineal resection or low anterior resection using total mesorectal excision with curative intent. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyse the factors that influenced DFS. Results A total of 304 patients were reviewed (mean age 64, 52% male). Seventy-seven per cent of patients received neoadjuvant therapy (28.6% short-course radiation therapy (RT), 35.5% long-course RT, 12.5% chemo-RT). The radial margin was involved with tumour in 5.2% of patients (final pathology). The overall survival rate was 85.2% with a mean follow-up time of 33 ± 26 months. The mean time to death was 34.8 ± 26.8 months. Local recurrence (± distant recurrence) occurred in 4%. Anastomotic leaks occurred in 3.6% of patients. Overall pathologic stage, pathologic T stage, nodal status, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy, tumour fixation, involvement of the radial margin, the presence of mucin, and lymphatic and perineural invasion (PNI) were predictors of DFS by univariate analysis. Of note, anastomotic leaks and obstructing cancers did not influence DFS. Using multivariate analysis with backward elimination, overall pathologic stage, radial margin status, adjuvant chemotherapy, and PNI predicted the DFS. Conclusion Major predictors of DFS in rectal cancer are the overall pathologic stage, adjuvant chemotherapy, radial margin status and PNI. Radial margin status may be a marker of tumour aggressiveness and should be considered in deciding on adjuvant chemotherapy.

Because of the natural aversion to the anus, patients and physicians often ascribe virtually any anorectal symptom to "hemorrhoids" without an adequate investigation of other potential causes. This practice may delay appropriate care for other benign anorectal diseases, or worse, delay treatment of a missed malignancy. However, many patients truly suffer from symptomatic hemorrhoids. Although hemorrhoids are normal anatomic structures, they may enlarge, prolapse, bleed, or thrombose. The diagnosis can be made by history, physical examination, anoscopy and/or proctoscopy. Internal hemorrhoids are classified by their degree of prolapse.

Operative results of volvulus are largely unknown because of infrequent diagnosis.We examined the results of operative intervention for colonic volvulus.We merged trackable data from the California Inpatient Database with Supplemental Files for Revisit Analyses between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2007.Trackable data from California discharge records.We identified all of the patients with colonic volvulus who underwent 1 of 4 surgical procedures, including manipulation/fixation of the colon, right colectomy, left colectomy, or total colectomy.During the 36-month study period, we identified recurrence risk, recurrence requiring reoperation, time to reoperation, stoma formation, disposition on discharge, and in-hospital mortality. Fisher exact, χ(2), and ANOVA tests were used when appropriate.We identified 2141 patients with colonic volvulus who were undergoing intraoperative manipulation/fixation of the colon (n = 209 (12%)), right (n = 728 (41%)), left (n = 781 (44%)), or total colectomy (n = 56 (3%)). Patients treated with intraoperative manipulation/fixation were younger, more likely to be women, and more likely to have private insurance. Patients who underwent total colectomy had the highest risk of mortality (21%), highest risk of stoma creation (64%), and longest length of stay (18 days); were more likely to be readmitted (9%); and were the most likely to be discharged to a skilled nursing facility (48%). Patients treated with intraoperative manipulation/fixation had the lowest mortality, risk of stoma formation, length of stay, and likelihood of discharge to skilled nursing facility but the highest risk of subsequent procedures for volvulus (26%) over a follow-up ranging from 0 to 687 days.This study was limited by retrospective study design, heterogeneous patient factors, and inability to identify the time of last follow-up.The majority of patients with volvulus underwent a resectional procedure. A subset without resection had favorable initial outcomes but remained at high risk for subsequent procedures. There may be a potential role for evaluating intraoperative manipulation/fixation in a small subset of patients with colonic volvulus.

In dieser Studie sollten die Wirksamkeit von Sentinel-Lymph-Node-Mapping bei Patienten mit intraperitonealem Kolonkarzinom bestimmt und ein Algorithmus zur Vorhersage eines moglichen Uberlebensvorteils unter Verwendung Sentinel-Node-Mapping und Lymphknoten-Ultrauntersuchungstechniken favorisierender Best-Case-Einschatzungen entwickelt werden. 41 Patienten mit intraperitonealem Kolonkarzinom, die sich einer Kolektomie mit kurativer Zielsetzung unterzogen, wurden prospektiv untersucht. Nach Mobilisation von Kolon und Mesenterium wurden 1–2 ml des Farbstoffs Isosulfanblau subseros um den Tumor herum injiziert. Die ersten blaugefarbten Lymphknoten wurden als Sentinel Nodes (Wachterknoten) identifiziert. Weitere Knoten wurden vom Pathologen routinemasig durch manuelle Praparation des Mesenteriums erkannt. Alle Knoten wurden routinemasig durch histologische Untersuchung mittels Hamatoxylin-Eosin-Farbung aufgearbeitet. Um einen Algorithmus zur Vorhersage des moglichen Uberlebensvorteils durch Sentinel-Node-Mapping und Lymphknoten-Ultrauntersuchungstechniken zu entwickeln, wurden Annahmen auf der Basis von Literaturdaten postuliert. Jede Tendenz war auf den Erfolg der Techniken gerichtet. Drei von 41 Patienten (7%) wurde keine Farbe injiziert, und sie wurden von der weiteren Analyse ausgeschlossen. Das Krankheitsstadium der ubrigen 38 Patienten verteilte sich wie folgt: Stadium I: n = 10 (26%); Stadium II: n = 15 (39%); Stadium III: n = 11 (29%); Stadium IV: n = 2 (5%). Mindestens ein Sentinel Node wurde bei 30 von 38 Patienten (79%) identifiziert. Die mittlere Anzahl erkannter Wachterknoten lag bei zwei (Streuung ein bis drei). Die mittlere insgesamt gewonnene Anzahl an Lymphknoten betrug 14 (Streuung sieben bis 45). Bei 26 von 38 Patienten (68%) waren alle Knoten negativ. Sentinel Nodes und Nonsentinel Nodes waren bei zwei von 38 Patienten (5%) positiv. Bei einem von 38 Patienten (3%) waren Sentinel Nodes die einzigen positiven Lymphknoten. Bei neun von 38 Patienten (24%) waren Sentinel Nodes negativ und Nonsentinel Nodes positiv. Folglich ware Sentinel-Node-Mapping nur fur 3% moglicherweise von Nutzen gewesen, versagte aber in 24% der Patienten unserer Untersuchung bei der genauen Erkennung von Lymphknotenmetastasen. Um einen Algorithmus zur Berechnung des Uberlebensvorteils zu entwickeln, trafen wir folgende Annahmen: Kombination des Krankheitsstadiums I und II (0,5); Anteil des Materials, bei dem durch Anwendung histologischer Untersuchung mittels Hamatoxylin-Eosin-Farbung das Stadium zu niedrig eingestuft worden war und das bei differenzierterer Analyse verborgene positive Knoten enthalten konnte (0,15); Anteil von okkulten positiven Knoten, die durch Sentinel-Node-Mapping entdeckt wurden (0,9); sowie Uberlebensvorteil durch Chemotherapie (0,33). Somit lage der Anteil der Patienten, die von Sentinel-Lymph-Node-Mapping und Lymphknoten-Ultrauntersuchungstechniken profitierten, bei 0,02 (2%). Sentinel-Node-Mapping mit Isosulfanblau-Farbung und Routineaufarbeitung entnommener Knoten verbessert die Genauigkeit des Stagings bei Patienten mit intraperitonealem Kolonkarzinom nicht. Sogar bei Anwendung von Best-Case-Annahmen ist der Prozentsatz von Patienten, die moglicherweise vom Sentinel-Lymph-Node-Mapping profitieren konnten, klein.

The adoption of laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer has been relatively slow, primarily because of the technical difficulty of the procedure. The wide surgeon-to-surgeon variability in disease-free survival and local pelvic recurrence noted after open proctectomy is probably due to differences in surgical technique, and these differences are likely to be magnified when the additional challenge of laparoscopy is added to the procedure. At present, oncologic outcomes data are sparse. However, given that the theoretic concerns regarding laparoscopic colectomy for colon cancer are likely to be allayed as data from large prospective trials become mature, the adoption of laparoscopic techniques to perform curative proctectomy will occur as technical challenges are overcome and experience and training improve.

BACKGROUND: There is wide variability in reported locoregional recurrence rates after curative resection of adenocarcinoma of the intraperitoneal colon, and there is no universally accepted surgical technique regarding length of the resected specimen or extent of lymphadenectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the disease-free survival, locoregional failure, and perioperative morbidity of patients undergoing curative resection of colon adenocarcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: The records of 316 consecutive patients undergoing curative resection for primary adenocarcinoma of the intraperitoneal colon between 1990 and 1995 were reviewed. Locoregional recurrence was defined as disease at the anastomosis or in the adjacent mesentery, peritoneum, retroperitoneum, or carcinomatosis. The product-limit method (Kaplan-Meier) was used to analyze survival and tumor recurrence. RESULTS: The study population comprised 167 men and 149 women, mean age 70 ± 12 years (range 22 to 95 years). Median followup was 63 ± 25 months. Five-year disease-free survival was 84% overall. Disease-free survival paralleled tumor stage: stage I, 99% (n = 73); stage II, 87% (n = 151); stage III, 72% (n = 92). The predominant pattern of tumor recurrence was distant failure only. Overall locoregional recurrence (locoregional and locoregional plus distant) at 5 years was 4%. Locoregional recurrence paralleled tumor stage: stage I, 0%; stage II, 2%; stage III, 10%. Of the 12 patients who suffered locoregional recurrence, 9 (75%) had T4 primary tumors, N2 nodal disease, or both. Major and minor complications occurred in 93 patients (29%) including: anastomotic leak or intraabdominal abscess (n = 4, 1%); hemorrhage (n = 8, 3%); cardiac complications (n = 17, 5%); pulmonary embolism (n = 4, 1%); death (n = 2, 1%). Multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards) revealed that the only independent predictor of disease-free survival and locoregional control was tumor stage. CONCLUSION: Longterm survival and locoregional control can be achieved for patients with colon cancer, with low morbidity. In the absence of adjacent organ invasion and N2 nodal disease, locoregional recurrence should be a rare event. Just as for rectal cancer, the technical aspects of colectomy for colon cancer deserve renewed attention.

The objective of this study was to identify clinical leak in diverted colorectal anastomoses. Cohort analysis. The study was conducted in a subspecialty practice at a tertiary care facility. Consecutive subjects undergoing colorectal anastomosis and proximal fecal diversion between July 16, 2007 and June, 31 2012. No intervention was applied. Clinical anastomotic leak. Two hundred forty-five patients underwent a colorectal anastomosis with proximal fecal diversion. A total of 34 (14 %) clinical leaks were identified at a median of 43 days. Clinical leaks were identified in 13 (5 %) patients within 30 days of surgery (early leaks) and in 21 (9 %) patients after 30 days of surgery (late leaks). Age, sex, use of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, and method of anastomotic construction were similar in patients with clinical leaks as compared to those with no evidence of leak. However, clinical leaks were more likely to develop in patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or other diagnoses, i.e., radiation enteritis, ischemia, and injury/enterotomy. Patients with clinical leak were not more likely to have air leaks on intraoperative air leak testing. In diverted anastomoses, most leaks become clinically apparent beyond 30 days. The standard practice of censoring outcomes that occur beyond postoperative day 30 will fail to identify a substantial fraction of leaks in diverted colorectal anastomoses.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of overlapping anal sphincter reconstruction and to determine the manometric parameters that correlate with a successful functional outcome. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who had undergone overlapping sphincter reconstruction for anal incontinence from 1988 to 1999 was undertaken. Only patients with preoperative and six-months-postoperative anal manometry were included in this study. Standard statistical tests were used to compare pre- and postoperative findings. RESULTS: A total of 52 overlapping sphincter reconstructions were performed on 49 patients (46 females). The mean age was 44 (± standard error, 15.8; range, 20–81) years, with follow-up at six months. Forty-two patients had a history of complicated vaginal delivery (episiotomies, tears, forceps delivery); 36 patients had a history of anal or perineal surgery; and two patients had perianal Crohn's disease. Nine patients (17 percent) had undergone prior sphincter repair. Incontinence grade improved in 37 patients (71 percent), and complete continence returned in 21 patients (40 percent). The presence of a rectovaginal fistula, postoperative complications, previous sphincter repair, and increase in pudendal nerve terminal motor latency did not affect functional outcome (P = not significant). Patients older than 50 years had a better functional outcome than their younger counterparts after sphincter repair (P=0.02). Although mean maximal squeeze pressure and mean anal sphincter length increased significantly after sphincter reconstruction (P=0.0006 and 0.004, respectively), only squeeze pressure difference correlated with functional outcome (r=0.37;P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Overlapping sphincter reconstruction improved anal function in the majority of patients. The most important factor in the return to normal sphincter function is an increase in squeeze pressure.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the down-staging effect and acute toxicity of preoperative radiation and chemoradiation for primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum. METHODS: The results of pretreatment staging with transrectal ultrasound and computed tomography were compared with final histologic stage in 260 consecutive patients who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and proctectomy for primary adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Patients underwent short-course radiation (2,000 cGy in five fractions), long-course radiation (4,500 cGy in 25 fractions), or chemoradiation (4,500 cGy in 25 fractions with concurrent chemotherapy). RESULTS: Down-staging of one or more T stages occurred in 116 of 260 (45 percent) patients overall (short-course radiation 34/82 (42 percent), long-course radiation 55/122 (45 percent), chemoradiation 27/56 (48 percent),P = not significant). Down-staging of one or more N stages occurred in 85 of 178 (48 percent) patients overall (short-course radiation 12/45 (27 percent), long-course radiation 49/86 (57 percent), chemoradiation 24/47 (51 percent),P=0.003). Complete pathologic response was observed in 16 of 260 (6 percent) patients overall (short-course radiation 4/82 (5 percent), long-course radiation 5/122 (4 percent), chemoradiation 7/56 (13 percent),P=0.08). Resection with negative margins (distal, proximal, and radial) was achieved in 211 of 227 patients (93 percent) in whom complete radial margin data were available. Permanent stomas were created in 35 percent of patients; temporary stomas were created in 15 percent. Thirty-three Grade 3 or 4 toxicities occurred in 22 of 260 (8 percent) patients overall during neoadjuvant therapy. Toxicity was more frequent in patients receiving chemoradiation (14/56; 25 percent) and long-course radiation (8/122; 7 percent) than in those receiving short-course radiation (0/82; 0 percent),P

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to define the role of endoanal ultrasound in the evaluation and management of patients with rectovaginal fistula. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients with rectovaginal fistula who were evaluated by endoanal ultrasound at Barnes-Jewish Hospital at Washington University from 1992 to 1997. RESULTS: Twenty-five females underwent endoanal ultrasound before rectovaginal fistula repair. Mean age was 34 years. Rectovaginal fistulas were caused by obstetric trauma (19 patients; 76 percent), cryptoglandular disease (5 patients; 20 percent), and Crohn's disease (1 patient; 4 percent). Previous rectovaginal fistula repair had been performed in ten patients (40 percent). A history of anal incontinence was present in ten patients (40 percent). Rectovaginal fistula location was above (15 patients), at (7 patients), or below (3 patients) the dentate line. Rectovaginal fistula size was 5 mm (6 patients; 24 percent). Anal manometry revealed decreased sphincter pressures (resting or squeeze) in 12 patients (48 percent). Pudendal nerve latency was abnormal in three patients (9 percent). Endoanal ultrasound identified the rectovaginal fistula in 7 patients (28 percent) and an anterior sphincter defect in 23 patients (92 percent). At surgery sphincter injuries were identified in 23 patients (92 percent). Treatment was either sliding flap repair with anal sphincter reconstruction (22 patients; 88 percent) or sliding flap repair alone (3 patients; 12 percent). Repair of the rectovaginal fistula was successful in 23 patients (92 percent). Complications occurred in 11 patients (44 percent): two recurrent rectovaginal fistulas, five infections, two skin separations, one ectropion, and one hematoma. The two patients with recurrent rectovaginal fistula had prior repairs, and both were subsequently repaired successfully. Of the 11 patients with preoperative anal incontinence, 6 patients (54 percent) were continent and 2 (18 percent) improved after surgery. Cause, size, location, and previous repair of fistula had no effect on final outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Noncontrast endoanal ultrasound was not useful in imaging rectovaginal fistulas and cannot be recommended as a diagnostic or screening tool for the identification of a rectovaginal fistula. However, we recommend that endoanal ultrasound be performed preoperatively in all patients with known rectovaginal fistulas to identify and map occult sphincter defects. Concomitant anal sphincter reconstruction should be considered strongly in patients with rectovaginal fistula and an endoanal ultrasound-documented sphincter defect.

Background. Because of the inflammatory nature of Crohn's disease, ileocolic resections are often difficult to perform, especially if an abscess, phlegmon, or recurrent disease at a previous ileocolic anastomosis is present. Our goal was to determine whether the above factors are contraindications to a successful laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection. Methods. Between 1992 and 1996, 46 laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resections were attempted. Fourteen patients had an abscess or phlegmon treated with bowel rest before operation (group I), 10 patients had recurrent Crohn's disease at the previous ileocolic anastomosis (group II), and 22 patients had no previous operation and no phlegmon or abscess associated with their disease (group III). These groups were compared with each other and with 70 consecutive open ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease during the same time period (group IV). Results. Operative blood loss and time were greater in group IV than in groups I, II, and III (245 versus 151, 131, and 195 ml, respectively, and 202 versus 152, 144, and 139 minutes, respectively). Conversion to open procedure occurred in 5 patients (group I, 1 [7%]; group II, 2 [20%]; group III, 2 [9%]). Morbidity was highest in group IV(21 % versus 0%, 10%, and 10%, respectively). Only one patient died (group IV, 1%). Length of hospital stay was longest in group IV (7.9 versus 4.8, 3.9, and 4.5 days, respectively). Conclusions. The laparoscopic-assisted approach to Crohn's disease is feasible and safe with good outcomes. Co-morbid preoperative findings such as abscess, phlegmon, or recurrent disease at the previous ileocolic anastomosis are not contraindications to a successful laparoscopic-assisted ileocolic resection in select patients.

PURPOSE: Small-bowel obstruction is a common complication after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). Acute angulation of the afferent limb at the pouch inlet is the cause of obstruction in a subset of patients requiring laparotomy. METHODS: Patients were identified from the Lahey Clinic ileoanal pouch registry, a prospective computerized database of all patients who have undergone IPAA since 1980. Records of patients who were identified as having afferent limb obstruction as a cause of bowel obstruction after IPAA were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 567 patients had undergone total proctocolectomy and ileoanal J-pouch at time of the study. Of 122 patients with one or more episodes of obstruction after IPAA, 48 required operative intervention. Afferent limb obstruction was identified as the cause of obstruction in six patients (12 percent). The most common presentation was recurrent partial obstruction (4 of 6 patients). Contrast small-bowel series and enemas were suggestive of obstruction in four of six patients, the most consistent radiographic finding being small-bowel dilation to the level of the pouch inlet. All patients underwent laparotomy for unresolved obstruction. Intraoperatively, the afferent limb was found to be adherent posterior to the pouch, causing acute angulation at the pouch inlet. Rather than risk injury to the pouch or its mesentery, the obstruction was bypassed by side-to-side anastomosis of the afferent limb to the pouch (enteroenterostomy) in five of six patients. One patient underwent ileostomy only because of technical considerations. Two patients required re-exploration and pexy of the afferent limb to the pelvic sidewall (pouchopexy) to relieve recurrent afferent limb obstruction. CONCLUSION: Afferent limb obstruction should be suspected in patients with recurrent obstruction after IPAA. Bypass of the obstructed segment from distal ileum to the pouch is safe and effective treatment. Because of the risk of recurrent afferent limb angulation, concurrent pouchopexy should be considered.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of stoma creation on deep and superficial surgical site infections after an index colorectal surgical procedure. We designed a retrospective cohort study from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We evaluated all patients who underwent colorectal surgery procedures from January 2005 to December 2009 with or without creation of a stoma and sought to identify the effect of stoma creation on deep and superficial surgical site infections. A total of 79,775 patients underwent colorectal procedures (laparoscopic 30.7 %, open 69.3 %), while 8,113 patients developed a surgical site infection (10.2 %). The univariate analysis revealed that surgical site infections were much more common in patients with a stoma compared to those with no stoma (11.8 % vs. 9.5 %, p

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to determine the risks of cancer in unresectable polyps and to compare the short-term outcome of laparoscopic colectomy with that of open colectomy for benign polyps. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients (n = 165) undergoing colectomy for an adenoma unresectable at colonoscopy was performed on patients collected in a prospective database. One hundred four patients underwent laparoscopic colectomy and 61 underwent open colectomy between 1991 and 2003. Follow-up was 7 to 155 (median, 90) months. RESULTS: In the laparoscopic group, 85% of the patients underwent a right colectomy and 15% underwent a left colectomy or a sigmoidectomy. Conversion to open colectomy occurred in 4.8% of the cases. Complications occurred in 14% of the patients, including 1 death. The median length of stay was 4 days. At final pathology, cancer was diagnosed in 15 patients: stage I in 8 patients, stage II in 5, and stage III in 2. In the open colectomy group, 69% of the patients underwent right colectomy. The complication rate reached 23% (P = .13), including death in 2 patients. The median length of stay was 6 days (P < .01). Cancer was diagnosed in 6 patients: stage I in 5 patients, and stage II in 1. Proximal (10 cm) and distal (13 cm) margins, lymph nodes harvest (9), incidence of cancer (13%), and high-grade dysplasia (22%) were similar between groups. There were no local recurrences, trocar site implants, or deaths due to cancer. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colectomy for polyps unresectable at colonoscopy is safe. Oncologic resection of the colon should be performed for all colonoscopically unresectable polyps due to the risk of cancer.

We sought to identify variability in surgical care for rectal cancer across the United States. In particular, we hypothesized that in large areas of the country patients are infrequently treated by proctectomy using restorative ("sphincter-sparing") techniques.We used all-payer state hospital discharge data from 21 states to determine county level rates of restorative proctectomy vs nonrestorative proctectomy (with colostomy) for rectal cancer. County of residence data were then used to graphically represent variability in surgical care for rectal cancer.From January 2002 through December 2004, 19,912 proctectomies were performed for rectal cancer. Overall, restorative techniques were used in 50.1% of all patients, whereas nonrestorative techniques were used in 49.9%. In approximately one-fourth of the counties surveyed (n = 125; 26%) nonrestorative techniques were used in greater than 60% of proctectomy cases. In the majority of counties (n = 266; 54%,) nonrestorative techniques were used in 41% to 60% of proctectomy cases. Only 20.0% (n = 98) of counties were characterized by rates of nonrestorative proctectomy below 41%. The extremal quotient was 16.9, indicating significant county variability in colostomy formation for rectal cancer surgery.There is significant geographic variability in the rates of restorative vs nonrestorative proctectomy for rectal cancer in the United States. Large areas of the country report particularly high rates of colostomy formation after proctectomy. An in-depth population-based analysis designed to identify factors contributing to this variability in surgical treatment of rectal cancer is needed.

The purpose of this study was to define clinical and radiographic variables associated with postoperative mortality after urgent colectomy for fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis. Data were obtained regarding patients undergoing colectomy for fulminant C. difficile colitis at two institutions (1997-2005). Univariate analysis of factors predicting 30-day mortality was performed using χ2 and Student's t tests. Multivariable logistic regression was done to include all variables whose P value was < 0.20. Clinical variables analyzed included: age, gender, recent operation, comorbidities, preoperative multisystem organ failure, vasopressors, symptom duration, time to surgery, serum albumin, change in serum albumin, serum creatinine, white blood cell count, and extent of colectomy. Computed tomography variables included: ascites, megacolon, and extent of colitis. Thirty-five patients (mean age 70 years, 46% male) underwent urgent colectomy for C. difficile colitis. The 30-day mortality rate was 45.7 per cent (16/35). The only clinical variable associated with mortality was preoperative multisystem organ failure (non-survivors 9/16 vs survivors: 4/19; P = 0.037). None of the three patients undergoing partial colectomy survived, although the difference in survival versus those undergoing subtotal colectomy was not significant. Patients with fulminant C. difficile colitis undergoing colectomy have a high mortality rate. Preoperative presence of multisystem organ failure was independently predictive of mortality.

PURPOSE: Indications for operative intervention in the treatment of diverticulitis have become unclear. We hypothesized that surgical treatment for diverticulitis has decreased resulting in proportionately more complicated diverticulitis cases (free perforation and/or abscess). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with diverticular disease in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1991 through 2005. We used diagnostic codes to identify all patient discharges with diverticular disease and then determined the proportion of discharges with diverticulitis, perforated disease, diverticular abscess, and surgical treatment. RESULTS: During the study period, 685,390 diverticulitis discharges were recorded. The ratio of diverticulitis discharges increased from 5.1 cases per 1,000 inpatients in 1991 to 7.6 cases per 1,000 inpatients in 2005 (P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients who underwent colectomy for uncomplicated diverticulitis declined from 17.9% in 1991 to 13.7% in 2005 (P < 0.0.0001). During the same period, the proportion of free diverticular perforations as a fraction of all diverticulitis cases remained unchanged (1.5%). The proportion of diverticular abscess discharges as a fraction of all diverticulitis cases increased from 5.9% in 1991 to 9.6% in 2005 (P < 0.0001). Last, we noted a decrease in diverticular perforations and/or abscess treated with colectomy, 71.0% in 1991 to 55.5% in 2005 (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a significant decline in surgical treatment for diverticulitis, there has been no change in the proportion of patients discharged for free diverticular perforation. There was an increase in diverticular abscess discharges, but this finding was not associated with an increase in same stay surgical treatment.

This study was designed to compare short-term outcomes after hand-assisted laparoscopic vs. straight laparoscopic colorectal surgery.Eleven surgeons at five centers participated in a prospective, randomized trial of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic sigmoid/left colectomy and total colectomy. The study was powered to detect a 30-minute reduction in operative time between hand-assisted laparoscopic and straight laparoscopic groups.There were 47 hand-assisted patients (33 sigmoid/left colectomy, 14 total colectomy) and 48 straight laparoscopic patients (33 sigmoid/left colectomy, 15 total colectomy). There were no differences in the patient age, sex, body mass index, previous surgery, diagnosis, and procedures performed between the hand-assisted and straight laparoscopic groups. Resident participation in the procedures was similar for all groups. The mean operative time (in minutes) was significantly less in the hand-assisted laparoscopic group for both the sigmoid colectomy (175 +/- 58 vs. 208 +/- 55; P = 0.021) and total colectomy groups (time to colectomy completion, 127 +/- 31 vs. 184 +/- 72; P = 0.015). There were no apparent differences in the time to return of bowel function, tolerance of diet, length of stay, postoperative pain scores, or narcotic usage between the hand-assisted laparoscopic and straight laparoscopic groups. There was one (2 percent) conversion in the hand-assisted laparoscopic group and six (12.5 percent) in the straight laparoscopic group (P = 0.11). Complications were similar in both groups (hand-assisted, 21 percent vs. straight laparoscopic, 19 percent; P = 0.68).In this prospective, randomized study, hand-assisted laparoscopic colorectal surgery resulted in significantly shorter operative times while maintaining similar clinical outcomes as straight laparoscopic techniques for patients undergoing left-sided colectomy and total abdominal colectomy.

The adoption of laparoscopic proctectomy for rectal cancer has been relatively slow, primarily because of the technical difficulty of the procedure. The wide surgeon-to-surgeon variability in disease-free survival and local pelvic recurrence noted after open proctectomy is probably due to differences in surgical technique, and these differences are likely to be magnified when the additional challenge of laparoscopy is added to the procedure. At present, oncologic and functional outcomes data are limited. Although the adoption of laparoscopic techniques to perform curative proctectomy is likely to expand as technical challenges are overcome and experience and training improve, the results of prospective multicenter trials are necessary to ensure that the procedures provide an oncologic and functional outcome equivalent to that of conventional surgery.

Two cases of small-bowel perforation secondary to Clostridium difficile enteritis are described and compared with the 8 cases of C difficile enteritis reported in the medical literature. The cause of small-bowel involvement with C difficile is unknown, but prior antibiotic use, prior colectomy, chronic alterations in small-bowel flora, and other host factors are discussed.

Reports of the relationship between length of delay before diagnosis of rectal cancer and stage of the disease have been mixed. The present study documented the magnitude and medical ramifications of delay in diagnosing rectal cancer. One hundred twenty patients who had been recently diagnosed with rectal cancer provided information regarding history of symptoms and initial perceptions of those symptoms. Patients also estimated the time elapsed from onset of symptoms until their first consultation with a physician, as well as time elapsed from consultation until the diagnosis of rectal cancer was made. Stage information was gathered from patient charts. For 106 of the patients, the first sign of rectal cancer was in the form of symptoms, and the most common first symptom was rectal bleeding. For the remaining 14 patients, their cancer was first discovered through routine examination. Over 75 percent of patients with symptoms did not initially believe that they were caused by cancer or any other serious problem, and over 50 percent attributed their symptoms to hemorrhoids. There was a clear trend, albeit statistically nonsignificant, toward worsening disease with longer delays. Median delay times in weeks were Stage I (10.0 weeks), Stage II (14.0 weeks), Stage III (18.5 weeks), and Stage IV (26.0 weeks). Delayed diagnosis for rectal cancer remains a significant problem, with instances of delay attributable to both patient and physician. Delayed diagnosis can result in more serious disease and, when attributable to the physician, can result in damaged trust and sometimes legal action.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to: determine the efficacy of sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with intraperitoneal colon cancer; and create an algorithm to predict potential survival benefit by using best-case estimates in favor of sentinel node mapping and lymph node ultraprocessing techniques. METHODS: Forty-one patients with intraperitoneal colon cancer undergoing colectomy with curative intent were studied prospectively. After mobilization of the colon and mesentery, 1 to 2 ml of isosulfan blue dye was injected subserosally around the tumor. The first several nodes highlighted with blue dye were identified as sentinel nodes. Additional nodes were identified by the pathologist in routine fashion by manual dissection of the mesentery. All nodes were processed in routine fashion by bivalving and hematoxylin and eosin staining. To create an algorithm to predict potential survival benefit of sentinel node mapping and lymph node ultraprocessing techniques, assumptions were made using data from the literature. All bias was directed toward success of the techniques. RESULTS: Three of 41 patients (7 percent) did not undergo injection of dye and were excluded from further analysis. Stage of disease in the remaining 38 patients was: I, n = 10 (26 percent); II, n = 15 (39 percent); III, n = 11 (29 percent); IV, n = 2 (5 percent). At least one sentinel node was identified in 30 of 38 patients (79 percent). The median number of sentinel nodes identified was two (range, 1-3). Median total nodal retrieval was 14 (range, 7-45). All nodes were negative in 26 of 38 patients (68 percent). Sentinel nodes and nonsentinel nodes were positive in 2 of 38 patients (5 percent). Sentinel nodes were the only positive nodes in 1 of 38 patients (3 percent). Sentinel nodes were negative and nonsentinel nodes were positive in 9 of 38 patients (24 percent). Thus, sentinel node mapping would have potentially benefited only 3 percent, and failed to accurately identify nodal metastases in 24 percent of the patients in our study. To create a survival benefit algorithm, we assumed the following: combined fraction of Stage I and II disease (0.5); fraction understaged by bivalving and hematoxylin and eosin staining that would have occult positive nodes by more sophisticated analysis (0.15); fraction of occult positive nodes detected by sentinel node mapping (0.9); and survival benefit from chemotherapy (0.33). Thus, the fraction of patients benefiting from sentinel lymph node mapping and lymph node ultraprocessing techniques would be 0.02 (2 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel node mapping with isosulfan blue dye and routine processing of retrieved nodes does not improve staging accuracy in patients with intraperitoneal colon cancer. Even using best-case assumptions, the percentage of patients who would potentially benefit from sentinel lymph node mapping is small.

PURPOSE: Deep intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia for anorectal surgery in the prone position is used frequently at our institution, but is not widely accepted because of concerns regarding airway management. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of this anesthetic technique for anorectal surgery. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on 413 consecutive patients (mean age, 47 years; mean weight, 80 kg) undergoing anorectal surgical procedures. RESULTS: Of the 389 patients who underwent anorectal procedures in the prone position, 260 (67 percent) received intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia, 125 (32 percent) received regional anesthesia (spinal or epidural), and 4 (1 percent) received general endotracheal anesthesia. Of the 24 patients who underwent anorectal procedures in the lithotomy position, 13 (54 percent) received intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia, 2 (8 percent) received regional anesthesia, 2 (8 percent) received general endotracheal anesthesia, and 7 (29 percent) received mask inhalational anesthesia. Forty-two adverse events attributable to the anesthetic occurred in 18 patients: nausea and vomiting (n = 17), transient hypotension, bradycardia, or arrhythmia (n = 8), transient hypoxia or hypoventilation (n = 7), urinary retention (n = 6), and severe patient discomfort (n = 2). These complications occurred in 4 percent (10/273) of patients receiving intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia and in 6 percent (8/127) of patients receiving regional anesthesia. Two of 260 patients (0.8 percent) receiving intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia in the prone position were rolled supine before completing the surgical procedure. Recovery time before discharge for patients treated on an ambulatory basis was significantly shorter for those patients undergoing intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia (79 ± 34 minutes, n = 174) than for patients undergoing regional anesthesia (161 ± 63 minutes, n = 45; P < 0.001, t-test). CONCLUSION: Intravenous sedation plus local anesthesia in the prone position is safe and effective for anorectal surgery and offers potential cost savings by decreasing recovery room time for outpatient procedures.