Search

Diet affects Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients' quality of life. An adequate Food Literacy (FL) level enables adequate food choices. Currently, there is a lack of knowledge on the FL degree in patients with IBD. To deepen this item, we measured for the first time the degree of FL in IBD patients and then we analyzed its correlation with health and socio-demographic variables.This is an observational prospective study includingsubjects with IBD belonging to A.M.I.C.I. ONLUS association. We first measured the degree of FL through Literacy Survey (FLS-IT) questionnaire (containing the Newest Vital Sign (NVS)). In addition, we analyzed the relationship between FL individual level and health and sociodemographic variables, evaluating which of these aspects have a positive or negative correlation with FL level. In detail, continuous variables were analyzed by Mann Whitney test. Differences among proportions were assessed using the chi-square test. A Spearman's rank correlation analysis was performed to correlate the sociodemographic and health status variable with FL index and NVS. A stepwise linear regression analysis with backward selection was performed to identify possible predictor of good food literary skills in IBS patients.Overall, 450 IBD subjects completed the FLS-IT questionnaire. Among them, 69.78% (n = 314) showed an inadequate FL level. Concerning NVS test, 14.22% showed an insufficient ability to interpret food labels. In addition, higher FL level was associated to better subjective health conditions (r = 0.1513; p = 0.0013), less limitations in daily living activities (r = 0.1430; p = 0.0026), higher physical activity (r = 1200; p = 0.0110) and no alcohol consumption (p = 0.0020). Finally, higher NVS scores were shown by women (r = 0.1408; p = 0.0028) and by younger subjects (r = -0.1686; p = 0.0003).We showed that an inadequate level of FL, related to the worst health status and the presence of several limitations in daily life, is widespread among our Italian cohort of IBD patients, and health and social status influence the ability to make adequate food choices. For this reason, it is necessary to investigate the problem and identify effective intervention strategies that will improve the patient's nutritional awareness.

Purpose The Montreal classification for Crohn’s disease includes “age at diagnosis” as a parameter but few is reported about the age at surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and long-term differences in the postoperative surgical outcome and disease behaviour, according to the age at the first surgery. Methods Patients consecutively operated for abdominal Crohn’s disease during the period 1986–2012 at our centre were systematically analysed according to their age at first surgery. In our retrospective cohort, the age at first surgery ranged from 13 to 83 years, and patients were arbitrarily divided into four groups: ≤ 19 (G1), 20–39 (G2), 40–59 (G3) and ≥ 60 (G4) years old. Results In total, 1051 patients were included with a median follow-up time of 232 months. The four groups exhibited statistically significant differences in age at diagnosis, smoke habit, time between diagnosis and surgery, disease location and behaviour, history of perianal fistula or abscess, severe malnutrition requiring total parental nutrition before surgery, type of surgery, total length of resected bowel, median duration of hospitalization, incidence of abdominal recurrences and number of surgical recurrences. G1 displays an inverse linear trend with time in the severity of clinical characteristics when compared to G4 groups. On the contrary, the incidence of short-term complications, types of abdominal recurrence and presence of concomitant perianal disease did not vary among groups. In addition, at multivariate analysis, the age at surgery and the disease location were the only independent risk factors for abdominal surgical recurrence. Conclusion Despite first surgery is extremely more frequent between 20 and 59 years, patients from G1 and G4 groups showed clinical differences and peculiarities when compared to the other age groups. The most indolent CD behaviour and occurrence of surgical recurrence was observed in patients having their first abdominal surgery in the elderly, while patients operated before the age of 19 experienced a more aggressive disease course.

Introduction Intra-abdominal abscesses complicating Crohn’s disease (CD) present an additional challenge as their presence can contraindicate immunosuppressive treatment whilst emergency surgery is associated with high stoma rate and complications. Treatment options include a conservative approach, percutaneous drainage, and surgical intervention. The current multicentre study audited the short-term outcomes of patients who underwent preoperative radiological drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses up to 6 weeks prior to surgery for ileocolonic CD. Methods This is a retrospective, multicentre, observational study promoted by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), including all adults undergoing ileocolic resection for primary or recurrent CD from June 2018 to May 2019. The outcomes of patients who underwent radiological guided drainage prior to ileocolonic resection were compared to the patients who did not require preoperative drainage. Postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery was the primary endpoint. Postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and anastomotic leak rate were the secondary outcomes. Results Amongst a group of 575 included patients who had an ileocolic resection for CD, there were 36 patients (6.2%) who underwent abscess drainage prior to surgery. Postoperative morbidity (44.4%) and anastomotic leak (11.1%) were significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent preoperative drainage. Conclusions Patients with Crohn’s disease who require preoperative radiological guided drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses are at increased risk of postoperative morbidity and septic complications following ileocaecal or re-do ileocolic resection.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Mediterranean diet may be beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of adherence to MD in Italian patients with IBD. METHODS Eighty consecutive outpatients with IBD, 62 with Crohn's Disease (CD) and 18 with Ulcerative Colitis (UC) were included in the study. Demographic and clinical data, previous and current medical history, nutritional status and Quality of Life (QoL) assessed with the Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) were assessed. Adherence to MD was studied with the Medi-Lite questionnaire. RESULTS IBD patients reported a mean Medi-Lite score of 10.4 with no significant differences between CD and UC patients (p = 0.543). Among CD patients, adherence to MD was higher in patients with inactive disease (p

Early postoperative low compliance to enhanced recovery protocols has been associated with morbidity following colon surgery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the possible causes of early postoperative low compliance to the enhanced recovery pathway and its relationship with morbidity following rectal surgery for cancer. A total of 439 consecutive patients who underwent elective surgery for rectal cancer have been included in the study. Compliance to enhanced recovery protocol on postoperative day (POD) 2 was evaluated in all patients. Indicators of compliance were naso-gastric tube and urinary catheter removal, recovery of both oral feeding and mobilization, and the stopping of intravenous fluids. Low compliance on POD 2 was defined as non- adherence to two or more items. One-third of patients had low compliance on POD 2. Removal of urinary catheter, intravenous fluids stop, and mobilization were the items with lowest adherence. Advanced age, duration of surgery, open surgery and diverting stoma were predictive factors of low compliance at multivariate analysis. Overall morbidity and major complications were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with low compliance on POD 2. At multivariate analysis, failure to remove urinary catheter on POD 2 (OR = 1.83) was significantly correlated with postoperative complications. Low compliance to enhanced recovery protocol on POD 2 was significantly associated with morbidity. Failure to remove the urinary catheter was the most predictive indicator. Advanced age, long procedure, open surgery and diverting stoma were independent predictive factors of low compliance.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not finished yet, and the most promising option towards its ending is widespread vaccination. Because patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), namely Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), often require immune-modifying treatment, which might increase the risk of opportunistic infection,1 their vaccination history for several infectious diseases is routinely checked, and when inadequate, vaccination is performed at diagnosis or ideally before immune suppressive treatment is started.1 However, IBD patients were not found to be at an increased risk of developing COVID-19 or of experiencing a more severe disease course.2

Preoperative patient care optimisation appears to be crucial for obtaining good surgical outcomes. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) underlines the necessity to recognize and treat malnutrition perioperatively and to prehabilitate with interventions that can modulate the lean body mass before and after surgery. This procedure has been extensively reported in colorectal cancer patients but in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) it has not yet been clearly evaluated. The aim of this study was to implement the perioperative nutritional items in surgical Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients electively operated in an ERAS setting, thus to clarify the impact of a long-lasting prehabilitation program in IBD.Consecutive adult patients (age ≥18) were included as soon as scheduled for elective surgery for CD or UC. The nutritional intervention included personalized dietary counseling and oral nutritional supplements when necessary. Data prospectively recorded in each phase were: FFM, FM, FFMI and phase angle detected with BIVA, weight, BMI, unintended weight loss, DASI, energy and nutritional intake, gastrointestinal symptoms and bowel functions. Nutritional risk was detected according to the NRS 2002 screening tool. The impact of early oral nutrition on postoperative recovery was analysed.A total of 61 IBD patients (45 CD and 16 UC) were included. Muscle wasting was present at baseline assessment in 28% of cases, significantly associated with the presence of ileostomy (p 0.011) and of a previous IBD surgery (p 0.011). During the preoperative phase, there was a significant improvement in weight, BMI, FFM (CD p = 0.035; UC p = 0.017), FFMI (CD ns; UC p = 0.011) and phase angle (CD p = 0.014; UC p = 0.027). During the intra-hospital phase, weight and FFM decreased due to the catabolic effect of surgery, but in the whole perioperative period, both CD and UC patients did not change significantly in terms of body composition. Patients with earlier resumption of oral feeding had a significantly shorter hospital stay and a faster recovery of bowel function with no significant relationship with early postoperative complications.Nutritional prehabilitation positively modulated the body composition of IBD patients scheduled for elective surgery and therefore could represent a beneficial strategy to attenuate the impact of the surgical stress response on lean tissue in an ERAS setting. This effect is even more evident in high nutritional risk patients. Early postoperative oral feeding seems feasible and well tolerated in IBD. This approach positively influences the restoration of bowel function and the duration of hospital stay.

Purpose: Early non compliance to postoperative ERAS pathway has been reported in 20–30% of patients who underwent elective colon surgery. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible relationship between early non compliance and postoperative complications. Methods: We reviewed a prospective database including 1391 consecutively collected patients undergoing elective colon surgery in 22 Italian hospitals between January 2017 and June 2020. Early compliance to ERAS protocol was assessed on postoperative day (POD) 2. Failure of oral feeding, urinary catheter removal, intravenous fluids stop, and adequate mobilization were indicators of non compliance. Postoperative follow-up was carried out for 30 days after hospital discharge. The association among early postoperative ERAS compliance and the occurrence of complications was assessed with uni- and multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 1089 (78.3%) patients had malignancy and minimally invasive surgery was successfully performed in 1174 (84.3%) patients. Postoperative morbidity occurred in 403 (29.0%) patients. At multivariate analysis, male gender, open surgery, and each of the four non compliance indicators on POD 2 were significantly associated to postoperative complications. Morbidity progressively increased from 16.8% in patients with full compliance to ERAS protocol to 47.2% in patients with two non compliance indicators and 69.2% in patients with all four indicators (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Early non compliance to ERAS protocol was significantly associated with postoperative morbidity.

Crohn’s disease (CD) patients are generally considered at high risk of post-operative complications with respect to non-CD patients. The primary endpoint of this study is to compare early major complications rates between CD and colon cancer (CC) patients undergoing mini-invasive ileo-colic resections or right hemicolectomies. The secondary endpoint is to evaluate the role of pre-operative medication with anti-TNF as a possible risk factor for post-operative complications. An observational retrospective study was carried on patients who underwent mini-invasive ileocolic resections for CD and right hemicolectomies for CC at Digestive Surgery Unit and IBD Unit, Careggi Univeristy Hospital, from January 1, 2008, to June 1, 2019. Data collected included demographic and clinical informations, pre-operative anti-TNF use, major complications and mortality. Hundred and thirty-three mini-invasive ileocolic resections for CD and 131 mini-invasive right hemicolectomies for CC were included. Early major post-operative complications rates were 4.5% for CD patients and 3% for CC patients (p = 0.535). Anastomotic leak rates were 1.5% in both groups. There was no significant difference in mean length of stay; while, mean operation time was significantly longer in CD patients (p

Background: Accurate identification of malnutrition and preoperative nutritional care in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) surgery is mandatory. There is no validated nutritional screening tool for IBD patients. We developed a novel nutritional screening tool for IBD patients requiring surgery and compared it with other tools. Methods: we included 62 consecutive patients scheduled for elective surgery. The IBD Nutritional Screening tool (NS-IBD) was developed to screen patients for further comprehensive assessment. NRS-2002, MUST, MST, MIRT, SaskIBD-NR are compared with the new test. All screening tests were subsequently related to new GLIM criteria. Results: according to GLIM criteria, 25 (40%) IBD patients were malnourished (15 CD and 10 UC, 33% vs. 63%, p = 0.036). Stage 1 malnutrition was reported in ten patients, while stage 2 was detected in 15 patients. The comparison of each nutritional risk tool with GLIM criteria showed sensitivity of 0.52, 0.6, 0.6, 0.84, 0.84 and 0.92 for SASKIBD-NR, MUST, MST, NRS-2002, MIRT, and the new NS-IBD, respectively. Conclusions: in IBD, currently adopted nutritional screening tools are characterized by a low sensitivity when malnutrition diagnosis is performed with recent GLIM criteria. Our proposed tool to detect malnutrition performed the best in detecting patients that may require nutritional assessment and preoperative intervention.

BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease (CD) is a complex disorder resulting from the interaction of genetic, environmental, and microbial factors. The pathogenic process may potentially affect any segment of the gastrointestinal tract, but a selective location in the terminal ileum was reported in 50% of patients. AIM To characterize clinical sub-phenotypes (colonic and/or ileal) within the same disease, in order to identify new therapeutic targets. METHODS 14 consecutive patients undergoing surgery for ileal CD were recruited for this study. Peripheral blood samples from each patient were collected and the main polymorphisms of the gene Card15/Nod2 (R702W, G908R, and 1007fs) were analyzed in each sample. In addition, tissue samples were taken from both the tract affected by CD and from the apparently healthy and disease-free margins (internal controls). We used a multiplex gene assay in specimens obtained from patients with ileal localization of CD to evaluate the simultaneous expression of 24 genes involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. We also processed surgery gut samples with routine light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques to evaluate their structural and ultrastructural features. RESULTS We found a significant increase of Th17 (IL17A and IL17F, IL 23R and CCR6) and Th1 (IFN-γ) gene expression in inflamed mucosa compared to non-inflamed sites of 14 CD patients. DEFB4 and HAMP, two genes coding for antimicrobial peptides, were also strongly activated in inflamed ileal mucosa, suggesting the overwhelming stimulation of epithelial cells by commensal microbiota. IFN-γ and CCR6 were more expressed in inflamed mucosa of CD patients with ileal localization compared with patients with colonic localization suggesting a more aggressive inflammation process in this site. Morphological analysis of the epithelial lining of Lieberkün crypts disclosed enhanced release activity from goblet mucocytes, whereas the lamina propria contained numerous cells pertaining to various lines. CONCLUSION We observed that the expression of ileal genes related to Th1 and Th17 activity is strongly activated as well as the expression of genes involved in microbiota regulation.

Background and AimsThe pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease [CD] is still unclear. Disorders in the mucosal immunoregulation and its crosstalk with the microbiota may represent an important component in tissue injury. We aimed to characterize the molecular immune response distribution within the ileal layers and to evaluate the correlated microbiota in pathological/healthy settings comparing first surgery/relapse clinical conditions.MethodsWe enrolled 12 CD patients. A comprehensive analysis of an ileal mucosa, submucosa and serosa broad-spectrum cytokine panel was performed through a multiplex approach. In addition, ileal microbiota composition was assessed through next generation sequencing.ResultsWe observed a distinct profile [of IL1-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, ICAM-1, E-Selectin, P-Selectin, IP-10, IL 6 and IL 18] across the CD vs healthy ileal layers; and a different distribution of IFN- γ, P-Selectin, IL-27 and IL-21 in first surgery vs relapse patients. In addition, the phylum Tenericutes, the family Ruminococcaceae, and the genera Mesoplasma and Mycoplasma were significantly enriched in the pathological setting. Significant microbiota differences were observed between relapse and first surgery patients regarding the class Bacteroidia, and the genera Prevotella, Flavobacterium, Tepidimonas and Escherichia/Shigella. Finally, the abundance of the genus Mycoplasma was positively correlated with IL-18.ConclusionsWe describe a dissimilarity of cytokine distribution and microbiota composition within CD and adjacent healthy ileal tissue layers and between first operation and surgical relapse. Our results give potential insight into the dynamics of the gut microbiota–immune axis in CD patients, leading to detection of new biomarkers.

Introduction Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) aims to minimize the surgical access trauma by reducing the number of abdominal incisions to a single site, potentially offering better cosmetic results and decreased postoperative pain. In this study, we compare the results of SILS ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease (CD) to conventional laparoscopy and open surgery using a propensity score–matched analysis in a retrospective national multicentre study. Methods All consecutive patients undergoing elective SILS ileocaecal or redo ileocolic resection for primary and recurrent CD from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019 were included. Patients were matched 1:1:1 with laparoscopy and open surgery according to perianal disease, recurrent disease, penetrating phenotype of CD, history of previous abdominal surgery, preoperative medical treatment with steroids and anti-TNF. Postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery was the primary endpoint. Results Fifty-eight patients were included in each group, for a total of 174 patients. The conversion rate for SILS and laparoscopy was 10.3% and 12%, respectively, with no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications (13.8% and 12%, p = 0.77), whilst open surgery demonstrated a worse morbidity profile, with a complication rate of 25.9% (p < 0.0001). Median length of hospital stay following SILS ileocolic resection was 5 days, significantly shorter compared to 7 days for laparoscopy and 9 for open surgery (p < 0.0001). Conclusions SILS ileocolonic resection for CD demonstrated a comparable morbidity profile compared to laparoscopy in selected patients, with a reduced length of postoperative hospital stay.

Background. CARD15/NOD2 is the most significant genetic susceptibility in Crohn’s disease (CD) even though a relationship between the different polymorphisms and clinical phenotype has not been described yet. The study is aimed at analyzing, in a group of CD patients undergoing surgery, the relationship between CARD15/NOD2 polymorphisms and the clinical CD behavior after a long-term follow-up, in order to identify potential clinical biomarkers of prognosis. Methods. 191 surgical CD patients were prospectively characterized both for the main single nucleotide polymorphisms of CARD15/NOD2 and for many other environmental risk factors connected with the severe disease form. After a mean follow-up of 7.3 years, the correlations between clinical features and CD natural history were analyzed. Results. CARD15/NOD2 polymorphisms were significantly associated with younger age at diagnosis compared to wild type cases ( p < 0.05 ). Moreover, patients carrying a 3020insC polymorphism presented a larger Δ between diagnosis and surgery ( p = 0.0344 ). Patients carrying an hz881 and a 3020insC exhibited, respectively, a lower rate of responsiveness to azathioprine ( p = 0.012 ), but no difference was found in biologic therapy. Finally, the risk of surgical recurrence was significantly associated, respectively, to age at diagnosis, to familial CD history, to diagnostic delay, to arthritis, and to the presence of perioperative complications. Conclusions. 3020insC CARD15 polymorphism is associated with an earlier CD onset, and age at CD diagnosis < 27 years was confirmed to have a detrimental effect on its clinical course. In addition, the familiarity seems to be connected with a more aggressive postoperative course. Finally, for the first time, we have observed a lower rate of responsiveness to azathioprine in patients carrying an hz881 and a 3020insC.

Summary Background & aims Despite little evidence available to date, the dietary intake assessment is considered a useful tool to optimize dietary intervention for the improvement of the nutritional status of IBD patients. The primary aim was to compare the dietary intake of IBD patients scheduled for surgery with the dietary reference values (DRVs) for the Italian population (LARN) and the ESPEN guidelines for clinical nutrition in IBD. The secondary aim was to describe the dietary patterns of patients with CD and UC in relation to the disease-specific and nutritional parameters and to compare these results to a control group in order to evaluate if similar nutritional intakes than in oncologic patients are found in IBD. Methods Between January 2019 and March 2020, 62 consecutive IBD patients (46 CD and 16 UC) with age from 18 to 79 years scheduled for surgery were recruited. Patients received a comprehensive nutritional assessment, including food or nutrition-related history, anthropometric and body composition measurements. A group of 61 oncologic patients scheduled for colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery was used as control. Results IBD patients showed a higher caloric and nutritional intake than CRC group, despite a higher frequency of underweight, and a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity. IBD patients showed an inadequate intake of proteins, n-3 PUFA, fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D and vitamin B12 according to ESPEN guidelines for clinical nutrition in IBD and LARN. Oral intake was not influenced by gender, IBD subtype, longer duration of disease and previous surgery. In CD, fistulizing behaviour negatively influenced oral intake. Conclusions in IBD patients, the evaluation of macronutrients and micronutrients intake before surgery, can contribute to evaluate and to correct the onset of nutritional deficiencies. Specific dietary recommendations seem required, in order to integrate specific nutritional inadequacies. IBD patients referred to surgery have to be considered at high nutritional risk like oncologic patients are.

Summary Crohn's disease (CD) is a multifactorial immunologically mediated disease. In this study we explored, for the first time, the efficacy of the Multiplex Gene Assay technology for detecting mRNA expression profile of 24 selected CD related genes in endoscopic biopsies and surgical specimens from CD patients with colonic localization of the disease. The polymorphisms of genes most frequently associated with CD were also analysed in DNA samples from the same patients. The analysis of endoscopic samples showed increased expression of 7 genes in inflamed mucosa compared to non-inflamed mucosa and suggests the activation of the autophagy process and of a Th17 adaptive response. The analysis of surgical specimens showed increased expression of 16 genes in inflamed tissue compared to non-inflamed internal controls and revealed the activation of immune-adaptive Th17 response in association with a Th1 response. Furthermore, an increased expression of genes involved in ionic transport and signal transduction was found in inflamed mucosa compared to non-inflamed internal controls. This study confirms the activation of Th17 and Th1 adaptive-immune response also in colonic CD. It should be stressed that these responses have been disclosed in biopsy tissue, while only Th17 differentiation is revealed in endoscopic tissue. Interestingly, the polymorphisms analysis revealed that a homozygous genotype is associated to a more complicated clinical course.

Introduction: No previous study clearly focuses on laparoscopic technique to perform the second stage surgery (proctectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA]) after total colectomy for acute/severe ulcerative colitis (UC). We describe the procedural steps for a simple and rational minimally invasive second stage surgery, reporting intra- and short-term post-operative results. Patients and Methods: During the period December 2014–December 2015, 10 consecutive patients (8 males and 2 females) with mean age of 48 years underwent laparoscopic proctectomy and IPAA adopting our novel approach. They were operated 3 months after the previous total colectomy which has been performed, respectively, for acute (three patients) or severe (seven patients) UC. Intraoperative data and post-operative complications, divided as minor and major, were recorded and analysed. A body image questionnaire was administered to all patients to evaluate the cosmetic results of the procedure. Results: Overall mean surgical time was 235 ± 49 min. During the post-operative course, three patients required morphine for >48 h, no patient needed blood transfusion and bowel movements recovery happened as mean during the 2nd day. No early major complications happened. Two patients (20%) developed peri-ileostomic wound infection at the right flank. Only one patient (10%) suffered from ileal-anal anastomotic dehiscence, conservatively treated till resolution. The average length of hospital stay was 8 ± 2 days. The body image questionnaire showed in all patients an extreme satisfaction about the results obtained (mean value = 59/64 points). Conclusions: Through three standardised surgical steps easily reproducible, we describe an almost scar-less procedure able to optimise the intraoperative time with good post-operative results in terms of complications and cosmesis.

Background In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), malnutrition has been associated with increased postoperative complications incidence, longer hospital stay and higher costs. ESPEN guidelines recommend that all IBD patients must be screened for malnutrition. Recently, so-called GLIM criteria were developed to uniform malnutrition diagnosis. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of malnutrition comparing the different malnutrition criteria. Methods The nutritional status of all IBD patients’ candidates to surgery in our Centre during 2019 was assessed. According to the GLIM criteria, the diagnosis of malnutrition is based on the presence of almost one phenotypic criteria (non-volitional weight loss, low body mass index and reduced muscle mass) and almost one aetiologic criteria (reduced food intake or assimilation; biochemical inflammation). The results were compared with that found adopting ESPEN 2015 criteria for malnutrition to evaluate their concordance. Results Fifty-three consecutive IBD patients [38 Crohn’s disease (CD) and 15 ulcerative colitis (UC)] were evaluated. The average values of Body Mass Index, Free Fat Mass Index ad Phase Angle were 22.69 kg/m2, 17.6 kg/m2 and 5.8° respectively. According to the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) test 40% (21 patients) of patients were at high nutritional risk. Forty-five per cent (24 patients) were malnourished according to GLIM criteria (14 with severe malnutrition and 10 with moderate malnutrition), while according to the ESPEN criteria only 26% (14 patients) (Table 1). The correlation between GLIM and ESPEN, calculated with the Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k) was moderate/good (k 0,605). Conclusion GLIM criteria indicate higher prevalence of malnutrition than ESPEN criteria. Interestingly, the same 14 patients malnourished for ESPEN have severe malnutrition (Stage 2) according to GLIM. Furthermore, seven malnourished patients according to GLIM criteria are not considered at nutritional risk according to NRS, probably because it does not consider the muscle mass loss. Patients with CD have a higher prevalence of aetiological factors, while UC patients have a higher prevalence of phenotypic factors. Malnutrition prevalence was higher in UC probably due to the ileostomy present before second-stage surgery 4 months after subtotal colectomy in acute severe cases. The concordance between GLIM and ESPEN 2015 appears moderate/good.

Crohn&rsquo, disease (CD) patients are at high risk of postoperative recurrence and new tools for the assessment of disease activity are needed to prevent long-term complications. In these patients, the over-production of ROS generated by inflamed bowel tissue and inflammatory cells activates a pathogenic cascade that further exacerbates inflammation and leads to increased oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids. We measured the products of protein/lipid oxidation and the total antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing ability of plasma, FRAP) in the serum of CD patients with severe disease activity requiring surgery with the aim to characterize their redox status and identify associations between oxidative stress-related markers and their clinical characteristics. At the systemic level, CD was associated with increased levels of protein and lipid oxidation products when compared to healthy volunteers, even though the FRAP values were similar. Advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels showed the highest difference between patients and the controls (11.25, 5.02&ndash, 15.15, vs. 1.36, 0.75&ndash, 2.70, median, interquartile range, p &lt, 0.0001) and the analysis of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, indicated for AOPP, the best area under the curve (AUC) value for CD prediction. Advanced glycated end-products (AGEs) were also significantly higher in CD patients (p &lt, 0.01), which is of interest since AOPP and AGEs are both able to activate the membrane receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) involved in inflammatory diseases. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) levels were significantly higher in CD patients with ileal localization and aggressive disease behavior, in smokers, and in patients suffering from allergies. In conclusion, our data indicate that circulating oxidative stress biomarkers may be attractive candidates as disease predictors as well as for clinical or therapeutic monitoring of CD. Our results also suggest that AOPP/AGEs and RAGE signaling may represent a pathogenic factor and a potential therapeutic target in CD.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) aims to minimize the surgical access trauma by reducing the number of abdominal incisions to a single site, potentially offering better cosmetic results and decreased postoperative pain. In this study, we compare the results of SILS ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease (CD) to conventional laparoscopy and open surgery using a propensity score–matched analysis in a retrospective national multicentre study. All consecutive patients undergoing elective SILS ileocaecal or redo ileocolic resection for primary and recurrent CD from 1 June 2018 to 31 May 2019 were included. Patients were matched 1:1:1 with laparoscopy and open surgery according to perianal disease, recurrent disease, penetrating phenotype of CD, history of previous abdominal surgery, preoperative medical treatment with steroids and anti-TNF. Postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery was the primary endpoint. Fifty-eight patients were included in each group, for a total of 174 patients. The conversion rate for SILS and laparoscopy was 10.3% and 12%, respectively, with no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications (13.8% and 12%, p = 0.77), whilst open surgery demonstrated a worse morbidity profile, with a complication rate of 25.9% (p < 0.0001). Median length of hospital stay following SILS ileocolic resection was 5 days, significantly shorter compared to 7 days for laparoscopy and 9 for open surgery (p < 0.0001). SILS ileocolonic resection for CD demonstrated a comparable morbidity profile compared to laparoscopy in selected patients, with a reduced length of postoperative hospital stay.

Background No previous study describes the postoperative outcome and functional results after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA), performed in ulcerative colitis by the same surgical team with the different anastomotic techniques adopted in a 27-year period. Methods Prospectively, consecutive 333 ulcerative colitis patients operated adopting different IPAA techniques during the open surgery period 1984-2011 were enrolled. IPAA was performed using single stapling (SS) technique in 38 patients, double stapling (DS) technique in 235 patients (TIA stapler 42 patients, Endo-GIA 131 patients, Contour 62 patients) and handsewn IPAA in 60 patients. Results Statistically different early and late complications were recorded among the different IPAA techniques. A lower frequency of daily and nocturnal defecations and a higher level of continence were observed in the DS-IPAA compared to handsewn IPAA. The distance between the anastomotic line and the anal verge was significantly lower in DS Endo-GIA or DS Contour groups than in the DS TIA and SS. In SS IPAA group, 31.6% developed cuffitis compared to 14.4% belonging to DS group, at a mean follow-up of 140.4 months. Conclusions Technical improvements changed the IPAA technique. Stapled IPAA is characterized by better functional outcome than handsewn IPAA. DS Endo-GIA and Contour IPAA are followed by lower risk of cuffitis.

Background: A gold standard method for malnutrition diagnosis is still lacking in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Objective: The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of malnutrition in IBD patients according with recently published Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria, to detect the factors contributing to the onset of malnutrition, and to evaluate the most accurate predictor of malnutrition risk within the available nutritional screening tools. Methods: Fifty-three consecutive adult IBD patients [38 Crohn&rsquo, s disease (CD) and 15 ulcerative colitis (UC)] had been assessed preoperatively by a multidisciplinary IBD team before undergoing elective surgery. Several malnutrition risk tools were tested, such as NRS-2002, MUST, MST, MIRT, and SaskIBD-NR. The statistical association of independent GLIM variables with baseline characteristics of patients was explored as well as the concordance with the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN 2015) and the screening tools. Results: Twenty-two IBD patients (42%) were malnourished according to GLIM criteria, of which 13 were CD (34%) and 9 UC (60%). The etiological criteria of inflammation and reduction of food intake were present in 51% and 19% of our patients, respectively. The prevalence of GLIM phenotypic criteria was 28%, 28% and 34% for BMI, Free Fat Mass Index (FFMI) and unintended weight loss (UWL), respectively. The presence of ileostomy was statistically associated with a higher prevalence of BMI (p = 0.030), FFMI (p = 0.030) and UWL (p = 0.002) values lower than the GLIM criteria cut-offs, while secondary surgery is associated with a decrease in FFMI (p = 0.017) and UWL (p = 0.041). The sensitivity of the tested nutritional screening tools, compared with the GLIM prevalence of malnutrition, was not satisfactory (between 50 and 82%). Conclusions: GLIM has a higher rate of malnutrition detection than ESPEN 2015, as malnutrition in IBD seems linked to inflammation and secondary malabsorption even without a reduction of food intake. The sensitivity of the screening tools is lower than the specificity when compared with GLIM criteria for malnutrition diagnosis.

Background: The feasibility of minimally invasive approach for Crohn's disease (CD) is still controversial. However, several meta-analysis and retrospective studies demonstrated the safety and benefits of laparoscopy for CD patients. Laparoscopic surgery can also be considered for complex disease and recurrent disease. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively the effect of three minimally invasive techniques on short- and long-term post-operative outcome. Patients and Methods: We analysed CD patients underwent minimally invasive surgery in the Digestive Surgery Unit at Careggi University Hospital (from January 2012 to March 2017). Short-term outcome was evaluated with Clavien–Dindo classification and visual analogue scale for post-operative pain. Long-term outcome was evaluated through four questionnaires: Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Gastrointestinal Quality Of Life Index (GIQLI), Body Image Questionnaire (BIQ) and Hospital Experience Questionnaire (HEQ). Results: There were 89 patients: 63 conventional laparoscopy, 16 single-incision laparoscopic surgery and 10 robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RALS). Serum albumin

Background & aims: The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathway represents an optimal approach in patients undergoing colorectal surgery but complexity in implementing its items could limit its application. The aim of this study is to identify possible core items within an ERAS pathway following elective colorectal resection. Methods: This is a retrospective review of data prospectively collected between January 2014 and September 2015 by 14 Italian Hospitals in an electronic registry dedicated to an ERAS protocol. 722 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery within an ERAS protocol have been included in the study. Adherence to ERAS items was assessed in all patients. A secondary analysis was restricted to pre- and intraoperative ERAS items. Time to readiness for discharge (TRD) was the primary endpoint of the study. Postoperative overall morbidity was the secondary endpoint. Results: Multivariate analyses showed that active intraoperative warming (p = 0.008), early stop of intravenous fluids (p = 0.0001), and early removal of urinary catheter (p = 0.0001) were associated to a shorter TRD, while early stop of intravenous fluids (p < 0.001) also reduced morbidity. When the analysis was restricted to pre- and intraoperative items, removal of NGT at the end of surgery had an independent role to shorten TRD (p < 0.001) and to reduce overall morbidity (p = 0.019), while the absence of oral bowel preparation reduced postoperative overall morbidity (p = 0.021). Conclusions: In implementing an ERAS pathway, hospitals could initially focus on active intraoperative warming, early stop of intravenous fluids, early removal of urinary catheter, removal of NGT at the end of surgery, and absence of oral bowel preparation, keeping on continuous effort to apply the complete ERAS protocol.

Rationale: In developed countries, the incidence of acute appendicitis is about 95 cases out of 100,000 per year, being one of the most common urgencies in general surgery worldwide. However, its pathogenesis is still poorly understood. Direct luminal obstruction (by a fecalith, lymphoid hyperplasia, or impacted stool) is reported to be the primary and principal cause of acute appendicitis. Patient concerns: During October 2016 a 58-year-old woman was operated because of a clinical recurrence of Crohn's disease. At surgery, performed through single incision laparoscopy, we observed an exceptional finding. Diagnoses: Despite a previous ileo-cecal resection, the appendix was still present and vascularized by small vessels within the mesoappendix connected to the neo-terminal ileum mesentery; it was about 5 cm long and macroscopically not inflamed even if its base was clearly no longer connected with the cecum. Outcomes: The patient underwent ileo-colic resection with en-bloc removal of the appendix. With a narrow metallic stylet probe we carefully tried to enter the appendix lumen through the opposite side from its fundus but we were not able to enter it before cutting the wall with scissors. Pathological examination confirmed the Crohn's disease recurrence affecting the small bowel and the appendix lumen obstructed in the presence of a fecalith but without any sign of inflammation. Lessons: This finding seems to highlight the poor pathogenetic role of luminal obstruction in the development of acute appendicitis.

Previous studies reported that enhanced recovery pathway (ERP) is safe in elderly who did not require a specifically tailored protocol. In previous studies, elderly have been considered as a homogeneous cohort and the cut-off value to identify them was different. The aim of the present study is to assess the compliance to ERP and its impact on postoperative outcome in three subgroups of elderly patients with increasing ages. Prospectively collected data entered in an electronic Italian registry specifically designed for ERP were reviewed. 315 elderly patients undergoing elective colorectal resection were divided into three groups. Group 1: 71-75years (n=105), Group 2: 76-80years (n=117), Group 3: over 80years (n=93). Primary endpoints of the study were adherence to ERP and time to readiness for discharge (TRD). Compliance to ERP was similar in the three groups. No difference among groups was found for mortality, overall morbidity, major complications, reoperation rate and readmission rate. Median TRD and length of hospital stay (LOS) were progressively longer with increasing age (p=0.018 and p=0.078, respectively). Increasing age did not impact on adherence to ERP and postoperative morbidity, but delayed both TRD and LOS.

The development of bowel-sparing techniques (strictureplasties) for extended stricturing Crohn's disease (CD) and the increased use of minimally invasive surgery (wound sparing) represent the two most important improvements in inflammatory bowel disease surgery from the origin. Nevertheless, the minimally invasive approach for extended stricturing forms is usually avoided primarily because of difficulties in performing complex intracorporeal sutures. We describe a totally intracorporeal robotic ileocecal resection with a yet described modified side-to-side isoperistaltic strictureplasty for an extended ileocecal CD. The strictureplasty was 6 cm long including the stricture in its middle part. Adopting this approach, the preserved small bowel was about 10 cm longer. Operative time was about 4 h, with a blood loss of about 50 ml. The patients’ post-operative course was uneventful, enteral nutrition started at post-operative day 2 and gradual oral food intake from day 3. She was discharged on post-operative day 6. Histology confirmed a stricturing CD, and the patient is recurrence free at 34 months’ follow-up. Our report suggests that robotic-assisted intracorporeal strictureplasty is feasible and that robotics could represent an interesting instrument for allowing the intersection between minimally invasive and bowel-sparing surgery for CD.

Background and Objectives: Ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) is still used in the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Sulindac appears to induce regression of colorectal adenomas; however, its effects in long-term therapy and in preventing carcinoma remain unclear. Methods: Fifteen FAP patients treated by IRA received sulindac (200 mg/day) for a mean period of 48.6 ± 28.7 (range 12-124) months. Number, size, and type of rectal polyps were assessed by endoscopic and histological evaluation every 6 months. Results: Significant regression of polyps was observed in all patients after 6 months (P < 0.02). However, after a mean of 48.6 ± 28.7 months, both number and size of polyps increased again, showing no statistical difference with baseline values. Minute polyps appeared reddish, while the largest lesions were flat or slightly elevated. Endoscopic polypectomy was necessary in 9 patients and transanal surgical excision in 3. Two patients were submitted to restorative proctectomy because of a large polyp with severe dysplasia and a rectal cancer, respectively. Conclusions: Sulindac appears to influence the morphological appearence of polyps in FAP patients, inducing apparent regression. However, at a dose of 200 mg, it does not influence the progression of polyps toward a malignant pattern.

Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is still controversial. From 1984 we carried out a prospective evaluation of total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) and restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) to determine differences in postoperative complications, functional results, occurrence of desmoids, and recurrence of polyps in the rectal stump. IRA was performed below the peritoneal reflection and was indicated in the absence of rectal cancer and in the presence of fewer than 10 polyps or minute polyposis in the last 10 cm of the rectal mucosa. IRA patients underwent a regular endoscopic follow-up and prolonged sulindac administration (100 mg twice daily). When criteria for IRA were absent, IPAA was performed adopting a manual anastomosis at the pectinate line. Fourteen patients were operated with IRA and 24 with IPAA. There was no difference in sex and age between the two groups of patients. The number of rectal polyps was significantly different in the two groups. Immediate postoperative complications were observed in only five IPAA patients, three of whom (12%) required reoperation. Late postoperative complications occurred more frequently in IRA patients (14%) than in IPAA patients (4%). Desmoids developed in both groups (five in the IRA group and four in IPAA group). The number of bowel movements was similar in both groups, but 25% of IPAA patients complained of nocturnal fecal soiling. Fulguration or polypectomy for recurrent polyps was necessary in all but two IRA patients at follow-up. The rectal stump was easily eradicated by polyps in all but four patients with minute polyps at surgery. In the latter patients a diffuse or carpeting rectal polyposis occurred. IPAA can give optimum control of colorectal polyposis in FAP patients with an acceptable incidence of postoperative complications and satisfactory functional results. This type of surgical procedure is indicated in most FAP patients, and IRA should be reserved for patients without polyps or with fewer than 10 polyps in the rectal stump; otherwise growth of polyps cannot be adequately controlled.

The relation between Crohn’s colitis (CC) and colorectal cancer is still controversial. Several case reports and retrospective studies have shown that patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) have a 6- to 20-fold higher risk to develop CRC than does the normal population. The extent of disease (extensive colitis), presence of anal fistula, age > 40 years, strictures, and length of disease >10 years may be important determinants for increasing risk. Despite this evidence, other population-based studies have shown no increased risk of colon or rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate retrospectively factors that may predict the development of cancer. We searched the histopathologic database of the Digestive Surgery Unit at Careggi University Hospital for CC patients (January 1987 to September 2011) and identified 313 patients with CC who underwent surgery. There are 11 (3.5 %) of adenocarcinomas. Multivariate analysis showed disease duration (p = 0.001), age at CD diagnosis (p = 0.002), distal localization (p = 0.045), and penetrating disease (p = 0.041) to be risk factors. Multivariate analysis showed that 40 patients who had undergone previous immunosuppressive therapy had a significant risk of developing CRC (p = 0.026). Crohn’s colitis patients who require surgery are at higher risk for developing CRC, particularly those whose disease duration is >10 years, have distal localization, age at diagnosis was

Background Restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA has become the treatment of choice in familial adenomatous polyposis. However, several cases of adenomas and carcinomas arising in the ileal pouch were reported. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and natural history of ileal pouch adenomas and the development of carcinomas in patients with restorative proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis. Design and setting We prospectively studied patients who underwent IPAA during the past 20 years at the surgical unit of the University of Florence in Italy. Main outcome measures We investigated the extent of the risk and the factors that are involved in the development of neoplastic changes of the pouch. Furthermore, because it is not entirely clear when and how polyps should be treated, we have revised our modality of treatment for this unusual pathology. Patients Sixty-nine patients with familial adenomatous polyposis underwent restorative proctocolectomy. In 66 patients, handsewn ileoanal anastomosis with anal canal mucosectomy was performed. After surgery, all patients underwent endoscopic surveillance. Results After 10 years of follow-up, 1 ileal pouch adenoma was found in 64.9% of restorative proctocolectomy patients, and ileal pouch carcinomas occurred in 2 patients (29 and 59 years old), 3 and 11 years after restorative proctocolectomy. The number of colonic adenomatous polyps influenced the occurrence of pouch adenomas. No patients with 1000 colonic polyps had pouch adenomas, and 25% of patients with 200 to 1000 colonic polyps had pouch adenomas at follow-up. No relationship was found between ileal pouch adenomas and pouch shape (J, S, or straight ileoanal anastomosis with multiple myotomies) or the APC mutation. Polyps larger than 5 mm were removed by endoscopy or surgery. Conclusions Ileal pouch adenomas were common after restorative proctocolectomy. Patients >50 years of age and patients with >1000 colonic adenomas at the time of colectomy were more prone to ileal pouch adenomas. The development of malignancy in the terminal ileum can present a fast course and does not seem to follow the classic adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Background: Crohn’s disease (CD) is an idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the pathogenesis of which both Th1 and Th17 lymphocytes have been described as being involved. The NK-associated molecule CD161 has recently been described as a marker of IL-17-producing lymphocytes. In this work we assessed the presence and the functional features of CD161 T helper lymphocytes infiltrating CD-associated perianal fistulas, both before and after inoculation of anti-TNF-α mAbs along the fistula. Methods: In a group of 9 CD patients with fistulizing perianal disease, we evaluated phenotypic and functional features of T cells recovered from the fistula, comparing them with peripheral blood (PB) T lymphocytes. Moreover, the effects anti-TNF-α mAbs injections along the fistula in terms of ability to reduce the inflammatory infiltrate and to determine fistula disappearance were assessed. Results: In CD patients with fistulizing disease there is an accumulation of CD161+ T helper lymphocytes, with higher frequencies of Th1, Th17 and Th17/Th1 cells in the fistula than in PB. Local anti-TNF-α administration is associated with fistula resolution in the majority of patients with disappearance of infiltrating T lymphocytes, without any systemic effect in circulating effector T cells. Conclusions: These findings suggest that CD4+CD161+ T cells with Th17, Th17/Th1 and Th1 phenotype accumulate in CD perianal fistulas, and indicate local anti-TNF-α mAbs administration along the fistula as a promising tool for the treatment of these patients.

Patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) of colorectal origin have a poor prognosis (median survival of 6 months). Cytoreductive surgery (CS) with intra-peritoneal chemotherapy with or without hyperthermia (HIPEC or EPIC) allows encouraging survivals rates of 22-60 months to be obtained, with an acceptable mortality and morbidity. Nevertheless, the role of cytoreductive surgery alone is little explored in literature. The aim of this study was to better understand the role of CS alone in the treatment of PC of colorectal origin.The outcome of 27 patients with PC of colorectal origin who underwent surgery with curative intent without combined treatments from 1996 to 2006, has been retrospectively analyzed.the median overall survival rate was 15 months; there was a significant statistical difference between patients who had CCR0-1 surgery (N=22) and those who had CCR2 or no resection (N=5) (15.8 vs. 9.6 months respectively, p=0.02). The mortality and the morbidity rates were 7.3% and 29%.This study suggests that CCR0-1 surgery alone as well as the extension of the disease are important variables influencing survival of patients with PC of colorectal origin. When a very aggressive procedure is needed to achieve a CCR0 resection, surgery should be considered rigorously because of the high risk of severe and potentially lethal complications even without chemohyperthermia. A prospective study should be realized to determine whether or not patients with PC could mostly benefit from combined treatments.

Functional results after anterior rectal resections are commonly considered satisfactory but variable percentages of postoperative incontinence are often reported. Continence was evaluated after 20 low anterior resections (LAR) and 13 high anterior resections (HAR) by means of clinical assessment, anorectal manometry, and evacuation proctography. Whereas all HAR patients had perfect continence, 10 patients (50 percent of the LAR group had occasional episodes of soiling from liquid feces, 5 patients (25 percent had frequent soiling or occasional incontinence for solid feces, and 1 patient (5 percent had frequent solid stool loss requiring surgical treatment. Anal canal resting pressure at 3 and 4 cm from the anal verge was significantly lower in the LAR group (P less than 0.02 and P less than 0.05, respectively) than in the HAR group. However, the maximum voluntary contraction did not differ between the two groups. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was found to be present in 17 of the 20 patients with LAR and in all patients with HAR. The volume at which the anal sphincter is continuously inhibited was significantly reduced in the LAR group (P less than 0.001). Also, the conscious rectal sensibility volumes were found to be significantly reduced for threshold, constant, and maximum tolerated volume. Threshold volume for internal sphincter relaxation was lower than the threshold volume for rectal sensation in some patients with LAR. This could allow postoperative fecal soiling. Rectal compliance was decreased (P less than 0.001) in the LAR group. Evacuation proctography, performed in six LAR patients affected by major soiling or solid stool loss, revealed an abnormal obtuse anorectal angle and pathologic lowering of the perineum at rest and during defecation. The concomitance of internal and sphincter impairment, reduction in rectal compliance, and previous pelvis floor muscle damage are postulated as cause affecting continence in patients who underwent LAR.

Even if Crohn's disease (CD) stenoses are related to perforating complications, such as abscess or fistula, it remains unclear why only some stenoses lead to such complications. We have studied the surgical specimens in 94 cases of CD to characterize the anatomical features of stenosis. We found no differences between group A (patients with perforation) and group B (noncomplicated patients) as far as extent of lesion, number of stenoses, and the caliber of the stenotic bowel. In CD of the ileum, the wall thickness of the stenoses was significantly different: 12.0 +/- 3.4 mm in group A and 7.6 +/- 3.1 mm in group B (p less than 0.001). In colonic CD, the length of stenosis was significantly greater in patients with perforation. Duration of symptoms, age at surgery, and sex did not correlate with the increased thickness or with perforating complications. These observations suggest that the fibrotic gastrointestinal tract, poorly distensible, may increase the intraluminal pressure above the stenosis and in this way squeeze bowel content through mucosal fissures of the inflamed bowel. Evaluation and monitoring of wall thickness may help in prompting surgery before the disease is complicated by perforation.

Primary carcinoid tumors of the extrahepatic biliary tree are exceedingly rare, accounting for 0.2-2% of all digestive carcinoids. The authors in this study describe a case of biliary duct primary well-differentiated endocrine tumor in a 30-year-old man with symptoms of biliary obstruction and watery diarrhoea. Abdominal ultrasound showed a 2-cm solid lesion in the head of the pancreas, compressing the distal common bile duct. A computed tomography scan confirmed these findings, revealing the hypervascular pattern of the tumor. Gastrointestinal hormonal screening demonstrated an increase in plasma serotonin. The patient underwent standard pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. Pathological examination showed a neuroendocrine tumor of the distal common bile duct measuring 1.8 cm in greatest dimension. The tumor cells were immunopositive for neuron-specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin A, synaptophysin, serotonin, and cytokeratin. Stains for gastrin and somatostatin were negative. Seven years later, the patient is well, with no evidence of disease. Given the site of these tumors and the difficulty in differentiating them from periampullary lesions, decisions as to the appropriate surgical approach may be problematic. After an exhaustive review of the literature, the authors conclude that pancreatoduodenectomy is the treatment of choice.