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This study aims to evaluate the risk of postoperative mortality in octogenarians undergoing emergency laparotomy. In compliance with STROCSS guideline for observational studies, we conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients aged over 80 with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy between April 2014 and August 2019 were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality, and the secondary outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality. Statistical analyses included simple descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival statistics. A total of 523 octogenarians were eligible for inclusion. Emergency laparotomy in octogenarians was associated with 21.8% (95% CI 18.3–25.6%) 30-day postoperative mortality, 22.6% (95% CI 19.0–26.4%) in-hospital mortality, and 40.2% (95% CI 35.9–44.5%) 1-year mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis identified ASA status (OR, 2.49; 95% CI 1.82–3.38, P < 0.0001) and peritoneal contamination (OR, 2.00; 95% CI 1.30–3.08, P = 0.002) as predictors of 30-day postoperative mortality. The ASA status (OR, 1.92; 95% CI 1.50–2.46, P < 0.0001), peritoneal contamination (OR, 1.57; 95% CI 1.07–2.48, P = 0.020), and presence of malignancy (OR, 2.06; 95% CI 1.36–3.10, P = 0.001) were predictors of 1-year mortality. Log-rank test showed significant difference in postoperative survival rates among patients with different ASA status (P < 0.0001) and between patients with and without peritoneal contamination (P = 0.0011). Emergency laparotomies in patients older than 80 years with ASA status more than 3 in the presence of peritoneal contamination carry a high risk of immediate postoperative and 1-year mortality. This should be taken into account in communications with patients and their relatives, consent process, and multidisciplinary decision-making process for operative or non-operative management of such patients.

Aims To validate the performance of the Hajibandeh Index (HI) in predicting the presence and nature of intraperitoneal contamination in patients with acute abdominal pathology. Methods The STROCSS guidelines and the PRISMA statement standards were followed to conduct a cohort study and a meta-analysis, respectively. All adult patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for acute abdominal pathology were eligible. The accuracy of the HI was evaluated using ROC curve analysis in the cohort study and using weighted summary AUC under the fixed and random effects modelling in the meta-analysis. The QUADAS-2 criteria were used for methodological quality assessment of the included studies. Results A total of 1437 patients were included (700 from the cohort study and 737 from the literature search). ROC curve analysis of the cohort study showed that the AUC of HI for presence of contamination was 0.79 (P Conclusions The HI is a strong and accurate predictor of the presence and nature of intraperitoneal contamination. We encourage other researchers to validate performance of HI in predicting the presence of intraperitoneal contamination and more importantly in predicting mortality following emergency laparotomy.

Aims To compare performance of the Hajibandeh Index (HI) and National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) score in predicting mortality following emergency laparotomy (EL). Methods In compliance with STROCSS guidelines for observational studies a cohort study was conducted. All patients who underwent EL between January 2014 and January 2021 in our centre were included. The performance of HI and NELA score in predicting 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality were compared. The discrimination of each test was evaluated using ROC curve analysis, classification using classification table and calibration using a plotted diagram of the expected versus observed mortality rates. Results Analysis of 700 patients showed that the predictive performance of the HI and NELA models were comparable (AUC: 0.86 vs 0.87, P=0.557). HI was significantly better than the NELA model in predicting postoperative mortality in patients aged over 80 (AUC: 0.85 vs 0.72, P=0.0174). The performances of both tools were comparable in patients with ASA status above 3 (AUC: 0.82 vs 0.82, P=0.9775), patients with intraperitoneal contamination (AUC: 0.77 vs 0.85, P=0.0728) and patients who needed a bowel resection (AUC: 0.85 vs 0.88, P=0.2749). Both tools were comparable in terms of classification and calibration. Conclusions Hajibandeh index is better than the NELA score in predicting mortality following EL in patients aged over 80. Its performance is comparable to NELA for all patients, patients with ASA status above 3, patients with intraperitoneal contamination or patients who need a bowel resection. We encourage other researchers to validate HI in predicting mortality following EL.

To compare performance of the Hajibandeh Index (HI) and National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) score in predicting postoperative mortality in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy.In compliance with STROCSS guidelines for observational studies a cohort study was conducted. All patients aged over 18 who underwent emergency laparotomy between January 2014 and January 2021 in our centre were considered eligible for inclusion. The HI and NELA indices in predicting 30-day and 90-day postoperative mortality were compared. The discrimination of each test was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, classification using the classification table and calibration using a plotted diagram of the expected versus observed mortality rates.Analysis of 700 patients showed that the predictive performance of the HI and NELA models were comparable (30-day mortality: AUC: 0.86 vs 0.87, P = 0.557; 90-day mortality: AUC: 0.81 vs 0.84, P = 0.0607). In terms of 30-day mortality, HI was significantly better than the NELA model in predicting postoperative mortality in patients aged over 80 (AUC: 0.85 vs 0.72, P = 0.0174); however, the performances of both tools were comparable in patients with ASA status above 3 (AUC: 0.82 vs 0.82, P = 0.9775), patients with intraperitoneal contamination (AUC: 0.77 vs 0.85, P = 0.0728) and patients who needed a bowel resection (AUC: 0.85 vs 0.88, P = 0.2749). In terms of 90-day mortality, HI was significantly better than the NELA model in predicting mortality in patients aged over 80 (AUC: 0.82 vs 0.71, P = 0.0214); however, NELA had better predictive value in patients with intraperitoneal contamination (AUC: 0.76 vs 0.85, P = 0.0268); the performances of both tools were comparable in patients with ASA status above 3 (AUC: 0.77 vs 0.80, P = 0.2582), and patients who needed a bowel resection (AUC: 0.81 vs 0.86, P = 0.05). Both tools were comparable in terms of classification and calibration.Hajibandeh index was better than the NELA score in predicting postoperative 30-day and 90-day mortality in patients aged over 80 undergoing emergency laparotomy. Its performance in predicting 30-day and 90-day mortality was comparable with NELA score in other subgroups except 90-day mortality in patients with intraperitoneal contamination where the performance of NELA was better. We encourage other researchers to validate HI in predicting mortality following emergency laparotomy.

Aims To compare the demographic and prognostic outcomes of right-sided versus left-sided acute colonic diverticulitis Methods We performed a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA statement standards to identify all observational studies comparing demographic factors and outcomes of right-sided versus left-sided acute colonic diverticulitis. We used the ROBINS-I tool to assess the risk of bias of included studies. Random effects modelling was applied to calculate pooled outcome data. Results Analysis of 2933 patients from nine studies suggests that right-sided diverticulitis affects younger patients (MD:-14.16,P Conclusions Right-sided acute colonic diverticulitis predominantly affects younger male patients compared with left-sided disease and is associated with favourable outcomes as indicated by the lower risk of complications, failure of conservative management, need for emergency surgery, recurrence, and shorter length of hospital stay. More studies are required to compare the postoperative outcomes in patients with right-sided and left-sided diverticulitis undergoing emergency surgery.

Aims To evaluate the risk and predictors of postoperative mortality in octogenarians undergoing emergency laparotomy. Methods In compliance with STROCSS guideline for observational studies, we conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study. All consecutive patients aged over 80 with acute abdominal pathology requiring emergency laparotomy between April 2014 and August 2019 were considered eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and the secondary outcome measures were in-hospital mortality and 1-year mortality. Statistical analyses included simple descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression analyses, and Kaplan–Meier survival statistics. Results A total of 523 octogenarians were eligible for inclusion. Emergency laparotomy in octogenarians was associated with 21.8% (95% CI 18.3-25.6%) 30-day postoperative mortality, 22.6% (95% CI 19.0-26.4%) in-hospital mortality, and 40.2% (95% CI 35.9-44.5%) 1-year mortality. Binary logistic regression analysis identified ASA status (OR: 2.49,95% CI 1.82-3.38,P Conclusions Emergency laparotomies in patients older than 80 years with ASA status more than 3 in the presence of peritoneal contamination carries a high risk of immediate postoperative and 1-year mortality. There is a need to incorporate modern prognosticators into the available preoperative mortality risk assessment tools.

AIM Delayed closure of ileostomy following an anterior resection for rectal cancer in the UK is common. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the variation in patient pathways between hospitals, (ii) to identify the key learning points from units with the shortest time to closure and (iii) to develop guidance for a pathway to minimize delay in ileostomy closure. METHOD This was a mixed methods study. Thirty-eight colorectal units in the UK completed a short online survey. Nine colorectal units in Wales filled in an additional, expanded version of the survey. Semi-structured interviews were performed with clinicians from the six best performing units in terms of timely ileostomy closure. The optimal pathway suggested is based on the best evidence available and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland guidelines. RESULTS Qualitative analysis revealed that 5% of units (n = 2) have a local target time for ileostomy closure. Of all units, 90% (n = 34) would consider implementing a pathway if guidelines were developed. In-depth interviews highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, a dedicated coordinator to facilitate timely booking, and consensus on whether closure should be performed before or after adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION There is a lack of national guidance in timing of contrast studies and ileostomy closure. Key aspects to consider are better information at consent regarding stoma closure timing, a dedicated person to track patients and the planning of contrast studies at discharge from initial surgery. With a dedicated approach closure of ileostomy within 10-12 weeks is feasible for most units.

Summary Background Radical surgery via total mesorectal excision might not be the optimal first-line treatment for early-stage rectal cancer. An organ-preserving strategy with selective total mesorectal excision could reduce the adverse effects of treatment without substantially compromising oncological outcomes. We investigated the feasibility of recruiting patients to a randomised trial comparing an organ-preserving strategy with total mesorectal excision. Methods TREC was a randomised, open-label feasibility study done at 21 tertiary referral centres in the UK. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older with rectal adenocarcinoma, staged T2 or lower, with a maximum diameter of 30 mm or less; patients with lymph node involvement or metastases were excluded. Patients were randomly allocated (1:1) by use of a computer-based randomisation service to undergo organ preservation with short-course radiotherapy followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery after 8–10 weeks, or total mesorectal excision. Where the transanal endoscopic microsurgery specimen showed histopathological features associated with an increased risk of local recurrence, patients were considered for planned early conversion to total mesorectal excision. A non-randomised prospective registry captured patients for whom randomisation was considered inappropriate, because of a strong clinical indication for one treatment group. The primary endpoint was cumulative randomisation at 12, 18, and 24 months. Secondary outcomes evaluated safety, efficacy, and health-related quality of life assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ C30 and CR29 in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN14422743. Findings Between Feb 22, 2012, and Dec 19, 2014, 55 patients were randomly assigned at 15 sites; 27 to organ preservation and 28 to radical surgery. Cumulatively, 18 patients had been randomly assigned at 12 months, 31 at 18 months, and 39 at 24 months. No patients died within 30 days of initial treatment, but one patient randomly assigned to organ preservation died within 6 months following conversion to total mesorectal excision with anastomotic leakage. Eight (30%) of 27 patients randomly assigned to organ preservation were converted to total mesorectal excision. Serious adverse events were reported in four (15%) of 27 patients randomly assigned to organ preservation versus 11 (39%) of 28 randomly assigned to total mesorectal excision (p=0·04, χ2 test). Serious adverse events associated with organ preservation were most commonly due to rectal bleeding or pain following transanal endoscopic microsurgery (reported in three cases). Radical total mesorectal excision was associated with medical and surgical complications including anastomotic leakage (two patients), kidney injury (two patients), cardiac arrest (one patient), and pneumonia (two patients). Histopathological features that would be considered to be associated with increased risk of tumour recurrence if observed after transanal endoscopic microsurgery alone were present in 16 (59%) of 27 patients randomly assigned to organ preservation, versus 24 (86%) of 28 randomly assigned to total mesorectal excision (p=0·03, χ2 test). Eight (30%) of 27 patients assigned to organ preservation achieved a complete response to radiotherapy. Patients who were randomly assigned to organ preservation showed improvements in patient-reported bowel toxicities and quality of life and function scores in multiple items compared to those who were randomly assigned to total mesorectal excision, which were sustained over 36 months’ follow-up. The non-randomised registry comprised 61 patients who underwent organ preservation and seven who underwent radical surgery. Non-randomised patients who underwent organ preservation were older than randomised patients and more likely to have life-limiting comorbidities. Serious adverse events occurred in ten (16%) of 61 non-randomised patients who underwent organ preservation versus one (14%) of seven who underwent total mesorectal excision. 24 (39%) of 61 non-randomised patients who underwent organ preservation had high-risk histopathological features, while 25 (41%) of 61 achieved a complete response. Overall, organ preservation was achieved in 19 (70%) of 27 randomised patients and 56 (92%) of 61 non-randomised patients. Interpretation Short-course radiotherapy followed by transanal endoscopic microsurgery achieves high levels of organ preservation, with relatively low morbidity and indications of improved quality of life. These data support the use of organ preservation for patients considered unsuitable for primary total mesorectal excision due to the short-term risks associated with this surgery, and support further evaluation of short-course radiotherapy to achieve organ preservation in patients considered fit for total mesorectal excision. Larger randomised studies, such as the ongoing STAR-TREC study, are needed to more precisely determine oncological outcomes following different organ preservation treatment schedules. Funding Cancer Research UK.

Background Despite ongoing debates, there is still no consensus regarding where to divide the inferior mesenteric artery for oncological reasons in rectal cancer: at its origin from the aorta (high ligation) or distal to the origin of the left colic artery (low ligation). Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in rectal cancer surgery. Data sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ISRCTN Register were searched. Study selection andomized controlled trials investigating outcomes of curative anterior resection in patients with cancer of the rectum were included. Interventions High ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery was compared with low ligation technique. Main outcome measures We measured the total number of lymph nodes harvested, anastomotic leak, postoperative complications, postoperative mortality, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, conversion to open surgery, overall survival, and disease-free survival. Results Analysis of 1102 patients from 8 trials suggested no difference between high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in terms of total number of lymph nodes harvested (mean difference = -0.87; p = 0.26), anastomotic leak (OR = 1.39; p = 0.15), postoperative complications (OR = 1.39; p = 0.78), postoperative mortality (risk difference = -0.00; p = 0.48), operative time (mean difference = -1.99; p = 0.79), intraoperative blood loss (mean difference = -2.28; p = 0.77), conversion to open surgery (risk difference = 0.01; p = 0.48), 5-year overall survival (OR = 0.76; p = 0.32), 5-year disease-free survival (OR = 0.88; p = 0.58), overall survival at maximum follow up (OR = 0.80; p = 0.43), and disease-free survival at maximum follow-up (OR = 0.83; p = 0.35). Limitations Limited data were available on functional and long-term survival outcomes. Conclusions There is no difference between high and low ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery in terms of oncological outcomes or postoperative morbidity and mortality. The available evidence is subject to potential confounding by the use of neoadjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, disease stage, location of tumor, and use of protective stoma. Functional outcomes including postoperative bowel, urinary and sexual function, and long-term survival outcomes should be the outcome of study in future trials. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019148626.

Background To compare outcomes of total mesorectal excision with or without lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for the treatment of rectal cancer. Methods The electronic data sources were explored to capture all studies comparing total mesorectal excision with and without lateral pelvic lymph node dissection in patients undergoing operation for rectal cancer. Random effects modelling was utilized for the analyses. The uncertainties associated with varying follow-up periods among the included studies were resolved by analysis of time-to-event outcomes. Results Eighteen comparative studies enrolling 6,133 patients were eligible. No difference was found between the 2 groups in terms of overall survival (hazard ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.77–1.10, P = .36, I2 = 67%), overall survival at maximum follow-up (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.83–1.25, P = .86, I2 = 22%), 5-year overall survival (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.78–1.30, P = .94, I2 = 50%), disease-free survival (hazard ratio: 1.25, 95% confidence interval 0.87–1.82, P = .23, I2 = 74%), disease-free survival at maximum follow-up (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.88–1.31, P = .50, I2 = 0%), 5-year disease-free survival (odds ratio: 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.86–1.32, P = .54, I2 = 0%), local recurrence (odds ratio: 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.72–1.42, P = .97, I2 = 34%), distant recurrence (odds ratio: 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.62–1.46, P = .84, I2 = 18%), and total recurrence (odds ratio: 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.72–1.29, P = .82, I2 = 0%). Total mesorectal excision with lateral pelvic lymph node dissection resulted in longer operative time (mean difference: 116.02, 95% confidence interval 89.20–142.83, P Conclusion The available evidence suggests that lateral pelvic lymph node dissection results in greater postoperative morbidity, urinary dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction without improving recurrence and survival. Further evidence is needed from randomized controlled trials to enable experts in the nerve-sparing surgical experiences and neoadjuvant therapy experience to advise on the best treatment strategies for the management of rectal cancer patients including those with possible positive nodes on pretreatment imaging.

To compare outcomes of diathermy and scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair.We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards. We conducted a search of electronic information sources to identify all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing use of diathermy and scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. Surgical site infection (SSI) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included haematoma, seroma, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h, and incision time. We used Cochrane risk of bias tool and ROBINS-I tool to assess the risk of bias of randomised and non-randomised studies. Fixed-effect model was applied to calculate pooled outcome data.We identified 9 studies, 4 randomised controlled trials and 5 prospective cohort studies, enrolling a total of 830 patients. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed no difference between the diathermy and scalpel groups in terms of surgical site infection (OR: 0.77, 95% CI 0.34, 1.75, P = 0.53), seroma (OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.29, 2.55, P = 0.78), VAS pain score at 6 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.31, 0.11, P = 0.34), 12 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.13, 0.33, P = 0.40), and 24 h (MD: 0.03, 95% CI -0.16, 0.21, P = 0.79). Use of diathermy for skin incision was associated with shorter incision time (MD: -36.00, 95% CI -47.92, -24.08, P 0.00001) and lower risk of haematoma (OR: 0.14, 95% CI 0.03, 0.65, P = 0.01). Meta-analysis of observational studies showed no difference between the diathermy and scalpel groups in terms of surgical site infection (OR: 0.87, 95% CI 0.54, 1.39, P = 0.55), haematoma (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.02-1.23, P = 0.08), seroma (OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.29, 2.55, P = 0.78), VAS pain score at 6 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.44, 0.24, P = 0.56), 12 h (MD: -0.10, 95% CI -0.26, 0.46, P = 0.58), and 24 h (MD: 0.10, 95% CI -0.27, 0.47, P = 0.59). Use of diathermy for skin incision was associated with shorter incision time (MD: -39.40, 95% CI -41.02, -37.78, P 0.00001). The results remained consistent through sensitivity analyses. The between-study heterogeneity was low and the quality of the available evidence was moderate.There is no difference between use of diathermy and scalpel for skin incision in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair in terms of surgical site infection, seroma and postoperative pain. Use of diathermy for skin incision may be associated with shorter incision time and may reduce the risk of haematoma formation.

Objective There is currently no system in widespread use that accurately prioritizes colorectal referrals in symptomatic patients with an acceptable degree of sensitivity and specificity. We have validated a weighted numerical scoring system for the prioritization of such colorectal referrals in an attempt to rectify this, with detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) the primary outcome. Method We conducted a prospective study of symptomatic patients referred by primary care to the colorectal service in a district general hospital. A computer-generated weighted numerical score (WNS) was derived from the primary symptoms and symptom combinations. Patients underwent colorectal investigations and a final diagnosis was established. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CRC detection as determined by the WNS, Department of Health (DOH) and National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines was determined. Primary Care compliance with guidelines was analysed. Results A definitive diagnosis was established in 3457 patients. One hundred and eighty-six (5.4%) had CRC. The mean score for the cancer patients (76.9, 95%CI 72–81) was significantly higher than that of non-cancer patients (52, 95%CI 52–53) P

INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to examine the trends in performance of open and laparoscopic appendicectomy at a district general hospital, and to compare the diagnostic outcomes in the two patient groups. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data were collected prospectively from patients undergoing an open or laparoscopic procedure for cted appendicitis in an 8-year period between January 2000 and December 2007. RESULTS A total of 1700 patients (873 women, 827 men) with a median age of 24 years underwent surgery for suspected appendicitis in the study period. There were 1357 patients (group A) who underwent an open procedure for presumed appendicitis (610 women and 747 men [F:M ratio, 1:1.2]). There were 343 patients (group B) who underwent laparoscopy with or without laparoscopic appendicectomy (82 men and 261 women [F:M ratio, 1:0.31]). Over the study period, there was an increasing trend towards the performance of laparoscopic procedures for suspected appendicitis, increasing from 4% to 39% of the total per year. In group A, 1172 (86%) patients had appendicular pathology, while the appendix was normal histologi-cally in 178 (13%). Other pathologies were diagnosed intra-operatively in 1%. In group B, 193 patients (56%) had appendicular pathology while in 150 (44%) the appendix was normal. In the subgroup with a normal appendix, 56 patients (37%) had another cause for their symptoms identified. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic appendicectomy is increasingly being performed. Laparoscopy is often used as a diagnostic tool in general surgical patients, particularly women, with lower abdominal pain. In effect, these patients are undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy, with or without appendicectomy. This has resulted in a lower positive appendicectomy rate, but a higher yield of diagnoses other than appendicitis, in the laparoscopic group. Overall appendicectomy rates, however, have remained unchanged.

Induction of a clinical complete response with chemoradiotherapy, followed by observation via a watch-and-wait approach, has emerged as a management option for patients with rectal cancer. We aimed to address the shortage of evidence regarding the safety of the watch-and-wait approach by comparing oncological outcomes between patients managed by watch and wait who achieved a clinical complete response and those who had surgical resection (standard care).Oncological Outcomes after Clinical Complete Response in Patients with Rectal Cancer (OnCoRe) was a propensity-score matched cohort analysis study, that included patients of all ages diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma without distant metastases who had received preoperative chemoradiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 daily fractions with concurrent fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy) at a tertiary cancer centre in Manchester, UK, between Jan 14, 2011, and April 15, 2013. Patients who had a clinical complete response were offered management with the watch-and-wait approach, and patients who did not have a complete clinical response were offered surgical resection if eligible. We also included patients with a clinical complete response managed by watch and wait between March 10, 2005, and Jan 21, 2015, across three neighbouring UK regional cancer centres, whose details were obtained through a registry. For comparative analyses, we derived one-to-one paired cohorts of watch and wait versus surgical resection using propensity-score matching (including T stage, age, and performance status). The primary endpoint was non-regrowth disease-free survival from the date that chemoradiotherapy was started, and secondary endpoints were overall survival, and colostomy-free survival. We used a conservative p value of less than 0·01 to indicate statistical significance in the comparative analyses.259 patients were included in our Manchester tertiary cancer centre cohort, 228 of whom underwent surgical resection at referring hospitals and 31 of whom had a clinical complete response, managed by watch and wait. A further 98 patients were added to the watch-and-wait group via the registry. Of the 129 patients managed by watch and wait (median follow-up 33 months [IQR 19-43]), 44 (34%) had local regrowths (3-year actuarial rate 38% [95% CI 30-48]); 36 (88%) of 41 patients with non-metastatic local regrowths were salvaged. In the matched analyses (109 patients in each treatment group), no differences in 3-year non-regrowth disease-free survival were noted between watch and wait and surgical resection (88% [95% CI 75-94] with watch and wait vs 78% [63-87] with surgical resection; time-varying p=0·043). Similarly, no difference in 3-year overall survival was noted (96% [88-98] vs 87% [77-93]; time-varying p=0·024). By contrast, patients managed by watch and wait had significantly better 3-year colostomy-free survival than did those who had surgical resection (74% [95% CI 64-82] vs 47% [37-57]; hazard ratio 0·445 [95% CI 0·31-0·63; p0·0001), with a 26% (95% CI 13-39) absolute difference in patients who avoided permanent colostomy at 3 years between treatment groups.A substantial proportion of patients with rectal cancer managed by watch and wait avoided major surgery and averted permanent colostomy without loss of oncological safety at 3 years. These findings should inform decision making at the outset of chemoradiotherapy.Bowel Disease Research Foundation.

Objective Postoperative ileus is common after colorectal resection and can prolong hospital stay. Gum chewing, a type of sham feeding, may to stimulate gut motility via cephalic-vagal stimulation, and thereby reduce the length of ileus. This study aimed to determine whether gum chewing in the immediate postoperative period facilitated recovery from ileus following resection for left-sided colorectal cancer. Methods In a prospective randomized control trial, 38 patients undergoing open surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer were allocated to standard postoperative care (control group, n = 19) or to standard postoperative care plus the immediate use of chewing gum (treatment group, n = 19). Result Control patients passed flatus by mean of 2.7 days (SD 1.0) and faeces by 3.9 days (SD 1.5); for the treatment group, this was 2.4 days (SD 1.0) and 3.2 days (SD 1.5) respectively, (NS, P = 0.56 and P = 0.38). Length of hospital stay was 11.1 days (SD 7.3) in control group and 9.4 days (SD 2.5) in the treatment group (NS, P = 0.75). Conclusion The addition of gum chewing to a standardized postoperative regimen did not reduce the period of postoperative ileus or shorten length of stay following open surgery for left-sided colorectal cancer.

Diagnostic laparoscopy is now being frequently used in the emergency management of patients with acute lower abdominal pain, particularly where appendicitis is suspected. It is particularly useful in women where other responsible gynecologic causes can be diagnosed and treated thereby decreasing the rate of negative open appendectomy. Recent advances in laparoscopic techniques have resulted in increasing numbers of patients proceeding to laparoscopic appendectomy. Here, we describe a modification of laparoscopic appendectomy using a "double endoloop technique." We have used this method in 53 patients during last 18 months in selected cases. The procedure is simple, quick, effective, and cheap.

Introduction Neo-adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is commonly used before surgery for rectal cancer. Very low rectal cancers are still treated by abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER). Perineal wound complications are common after APER. There is evidence that radiotherapy increases wound complications. We wished to examine the effect of preoperative radiotherapy (SCPRT) and long course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT) on perineal wound complications. Methods We undertook a review of all patients undergoing APER at one institution between 2000 and 2010. Details of SCPRT, LCCRT and both minor and major wound complications were identified by retrospective notes review. Results Of 74 patients suitable for analysis, 38 (51%) had recorded wound complications, with 23 (31%) having major wound complications. 43 patients (58%) underwent LCCRT and 11 (15%) SCPRT. Overall wound complications were more common in the LCCRT group than those receiving no treatment (58% vs 30%, p = 0.03), and major wound complications more common after SCPRT than LCCRT (45% vs 35%, p = 0.04) or no treatment (45% vs 10%, p = 0.04). Use of mesh led to more wound complications (71% vs 41%), but almost all of these patients received LCCRT. Conclusions Pre-operative LCCRT and SCPRT are both associated with increased perineal wound complications after APER.

INTRODUCTION Deciding to operate on high risk patients suffering catastrophic surgical emergencies can be problematic. Patients are frequently classed as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 5 and, as a result, aggressive but potentially lifesaving intervention is withheld. The aim of our study was to review the short-term outcomes in patients who were classed as ASA grade 5 but subsequently underwent surgery despite this and to compare the ASA scoring model to other predictors of surgical outcome. METHODS All patients undergoing emergency surgery with an ASA grade of 5 were identified. Patient demographics, indications for surgery, intraoperative findings and outcomes were recorded. In addition to the ASA scores, retrospective Portsmouth Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (P POSSUM) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores were calculated and compared to the observed outcomes. RESULTS Nine patients (39%) survived to discharge. ASA grade was a poor predictor of outcome. P POSSUM and APACHE II scores correlated significantly with each other and with observed outcomes when predicting surgical mortality. The median stay for survivors in the intensive care unit was nine days. CONCLUSIONS In times of an ageing population, the number of patients suffering catastrophic surgical events will increase. Intervention, with little hope of a cure, a return to independent living or an acceptable quality of life, leads to unnecessary end-of-life suffering for patients and their relatives, and consumes sparse resources. The accuracy and reliability of ASA grade 5 as an outcome predictor has been questioned. P POSSUM and APACHE II scoring systems are significantly better predictors of outcome and should be used more frequently to aid surgical decision-making in high risk patients.

An elderly patient was referred urgently to our rapid access suspected colorectal cancer clinic with symptoms suspicious for malignancy. Despite exhaustive investigations, no cause for his symptomatology could be identified. However, his condition deteriorated and we elected to undertake exploratory surgery, at which time a congenital midgut malrotation, causing chronic small bowel obstruction, was identified. The malrotation was surgical corrected and the patient has made a full recovery.

INTRODUCTION To report our initial experience of laparostomy and immediate intra-abdominal vacuum therapy in patients with severe peritonitis due to intra-abdominal catastrophes. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-seven patients underwent emergency laparotomy and laparostomy formation with the application of immediate intra-abdominal TRAC–VAC® therapy (male:female ratio, 1:1.2; median age, 73 years; range, 34–84 years). Predicted mortality was assessed using the P-POSSUM score and compared with clinically observed outcomes. RESULTS Ten patients (37%) with a mean predicted P-POSSUM mortality of 72%, died of sepsis and multi-organ failure. Seventeen patients (mean P-POSSUM 48% expected mortality) survived to discharge. One patient with pancreatitis died from small bowel obstruction 1-year post discharge, two patients developed a small bowel fistula. One patient had an allergic reaction to the VAC dressing. Our patients, treated with laparostomy and TRAC VAC therapy, had a significantly improved observed survival when compared to P-POSSUM expected survival (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Laparostomy with immediate intraperitoneal VAC therapy is a robust and effective system to manage patients with intra-abdominal catastrophes. There were significantly improved outcomes compared to the mortality predicted by P-POSSUM scores. Damage control surgery with laparostomy formation and intra-abdominal VAC therapy should be considered in patients with severe peritonitis.

In patients with anal fissures or anal ulceration, treatment with the drug nicorandil should be considered as a possible cause

Background Ileostomy carcinoma after colectomy for ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis is rare. Methods Forty-three case reports from the literature and a case of ours are reviewed. Results The risk of malignancy following ileostomy formation appears to be increased compared to the very low incidence of primary small bowel carcinoma. Chronic physical or chemical irritation of the stoma may predispose the ileal mucosa to colonic metaplasia with subsequent adenoma formation, dysplasia and invasive malignant change. This is particularly so where ileostomies are fashioned for familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis. Conclusion Routine surveillance of patients who have had an ileostomy for 15 years or longer may lead to earlier detection of this complication.

Stapled hemorrhoidectomy (mucosectomy) is a new technique that has recently been introduced for the treatment of third-degree and fourth-degree hemorrhoids and rectal mucosal prolapse. We present a case of severe retroperitoneal sepsis complicating stapled hemorrhoidectomy that was successfully treated by conservative means, further surgery therefore being avoided. The literature on the more serious complications associated with stapled hemorrhoidectomy is reviewed.

We would agree with the authors that the incidence of blunt splenic injury seen in district general hospitals seems to be decreasing and there is an increasing move towards non-operative management in such cases. We note in their paper that mean in-hospital stay for patients not undergoing surgery was 13 days but this ranged widely from 3–25 days. We have similar experiences in our practice and comparable dilemmas surrounding the management of such patients. We wonder what criteria were used to allow the patients to be safely discharged from hospital and why there was such a wide range of hospital stay. We also wonder what general advice was given to patients following discharge from hospital and specifically what advice was given around resumption of driving, daily activities and contact sports, etc. Several published papers and traditional advice recommend strict bed rest for up to 7 days following non-operative management of splenic trauma, 6 weeks before return to physical activity and 6 months before contact sports should be recommenced.1,2. However, these protocols are based on little evidence. In their large case series, Crawford et al.3 found only a 2% ‘late’ failure rate of a non-operative management strategy (failure occurring 3 days or more after admission) but all of these patients were still in hospital as a result of associated injuries. They concluded, therefore, that ‘in-hospital observation beyond the third day after injury is not necessary for most patients with splenic injury, who have no other reason to remain hospitalised’. However, other authors have reported failure rates of between 5–37%,4–7 Sanders and Civil8 finding the failures occurring on average on the fourth hospitalised day. Advice to remain free from physical activity for 6 weeks is largely based on in vitro experiments that have shown splenic wounds allowed to heal by secondary intention develop a ‘wound break strength’ (the physiological index of wound healing) equal to that of a normal spleen at 6 weeks following initial insult.9 Detrimental effects of an earlier return to physical activity before 6 weeks has yet to be shown in vivo. Advice to remain free from contact sports for 6 months is based on level 3 evidence and professional opinion rather than any scientific evidence. Interestingly, Pachter et al.10 recommended obtaining a follow-up computed tomography (CT) scan at 8 weeks' post-injury in patients keen to return to contact sports, only permitting a return to sport if the CT demonstrated complete resolution. Were there any cases of delayed rupture in the patients from the Royal Glamorgan Hospital? Radiological follow-up following non-operative management of splenic injury remains controversial. In this series, the authors followed up 6 patients with ultrasound and 4 patients with a varying number of CT scans. Although they comment on the significant radiation exposure to these patients, we wonder what criteria were used for determining which imaging modality to use and the timing and number of follow-up imaging in their patients. Follow-up imaging aims to exclude the development of progressive haematomas and pseudo-aneurysms of the splenic hilar vessels. Lyass et al.,11 in their published series, found only 1 patient (3%) whose splenic injury had deteriorated; however, a conservative management strategy in this case was continued and was ultimately successful. They concluded that: ‘follow-up imaging can be omitted in clinically stable patients with blunt splenic trauma of grades 1–3’. These findings correspond with those of Shafi et al.,12 who found a deterioration in radiological findings in 5% of patients, only one of whom required intervention. Sinha and colleagues did not comment on the outcome of the follow-up radiological investigations in their reported series or if there were any cases of late rupture in the non-operative group. Thus the role of follow-up imaging remains controversial. A number of bodies recommend a vaccination programme for asplenic patients and those undergoing elective splenectomy, so as to reduce the risks of sepsis.13 It is recommended that pneumococcal vaccine should be given at least 2 weeks prior to elective splenectomy, if possible, to allow for a peak functional antibody response, as hyposplenic/asplenic patients have been found to have a reduced ability to mount an antibody response to vaccines.14 As rates of failure of non-operative management of splenic trauma vary between 5–40%, we speculate whether all patients admitted with splenic trauma and treated conservatively should undergo routine vaccination immediately, as up to 40% may eventually require a splenectomy. As single-unit experience in the management of splenic trauma is likely to be limited, we wonder if a national database should be established, for patients with splenic injuries managed non-operatively, to allow surgeons both to manage and advise these patients, based on an increasingly established evidence base.

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a useful and effective treatment for some anorectal conditions. We describe a modification of the APC instrumentation that aids the application of APC in such cases.

Background Extravasation injury remains an important cause of iatrogenic injury in neonatal intensive care. This study aims to describe the current approach to extravasation injury (EI) prevention and management in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) in Australia and New Zealand. Methods A literature review regarding extravasation injury in the newborn was carried out to inform questionnaire design. An internet-based survey was then conducted with the clinical directors of the 27 tertiary NICUs in Australia and New Zealand. Results The survey received a 96% response rate. Approximately two thirds of Australian and New Zealand NICUs have written protocols for prevention and management of extravasation injury. Considerable practice variation was seen for both prevention and treatment of EI. 92% of units had experienced cases of significant EI. Conclusions Australian and New Zealand tertiary neonatal units clearly recognise EI as an important cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. Significant variation still exists among units with regards to guidelines for both prevention and management of EI. We recommend that neonatal staff should remain vigilant, ensuring that guidelines for the prevention and treatment of EI are available, and rigorously followed.