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Objective: To assess potentially modifiable perioperative risk factors for anastomotic leakage in adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Summary Background Data: Colorectal anastomotic leakage (CAL) is the single most important denominator of postoperative outcome after colorectal surgery. To lower the risk of CAL, the current research focused on the association of potentially modifiable risk factors, both surgical and anesthesiological. Methods: A consecutive series of adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis was enrolled from January 2016 to December 2018. Fourteen hospitals in Europe and Australia prospectively collected perioperative data by carrying out the LekCheck, a short checklist carried out in the operating theater as a time-out procedure just prior to the creation of the anastomosis to check perioperative values on 1) general condition 2) local perfusion and oxygenation, 3) contamination, and 4) surgery related factors. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify perioperative potentially modifiable risk factors for CAL. Results: There were 1562 patients included in this study. CAL was reported in 132 (8.5%) patients. Low preoperative hemoglobin (OR 5.40, P < 0.001), contamination of the operative field (OR 2.98, P < 0.001), hyperglycemia (OR 2.80, P = 0.003), duration of surgery of more than 3 hours (OR 1.86, P = 0.010), administration of vasopressors (OR 1.80, P = 0.010), inadequate timing of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (OR 1.62, P = 0.047), and application of epidural analgesia (OR, 1.81, P = 0. 014) were all associated with CAL. Conclusions: This study identified 7 perioperative potentially modifiable risk factors for CAL. The results enable the development of a multimodal and multidisciplinary strategy to create an optimal perioperative condition to finally lower CAL rates.

Purpose Complex ventral hernia repair (CVHR) encompasses patient optimization, primary fascial closure (PFC), mesh reinforcement and component separation technique (CST), if needed. High rates of complications after CST are still reported. Prehabilitation by managing pre-operative modifiable risk factors, like abdominal wall compliance, possibly reduces these rates. Compliance can be modified by intramuscular injection of Botulinum in the lateral abdominal wall muscles (LAWM). Paralysis leads to elongation of these muscles, which may facilitate PFC and/or prevent CST. Evidence to use Botulinum in hernia patients is scarce and fragmented. An update of evidence for the effect of Botulinum is presented. Methods A multi-database search was conducted for Botulinum studies in ventral hernia patients. A systematic review was performed to describe its primary effect on compliance (LAWM elongation) and secondary effects like PFC +/- CST rate, complications and recurrence. Results 14 studies were included (377 patients) with a HDW of median 12 (10-15) cm. A typical intervention consisted of 200-300 U Botulinum in 3 points per hemi-abdomen under US guidance, > 2 weeks pre-operatively and evaluated by CT just before the operation. The primary effect was a median LAWM elongation of 4.0 cm per side without complications of the injection (four studies, 107 patients). The median PFC rate was 100%, CST rate 38%, wound-related complications 19%, medical complications 18% and recurrence 0% (14 studies). Conclusion Botulinum safely elongates the abdominal wall muscles, but the level of evidence available remains low. Any patient in whom PFC is expected to be difficult, could be a candidate for prehabilitation with Botulinum.

Purpose Alcohol consumption can lead to worse prognosis and mortality among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We investigated alcohol consumption of CRC survivors up to 2 years post-diagnosis, and how sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors were associated longitudinally with these habits. Methods We pooled longitudinal data of 910 CRC survivors from the ongoing PROCORE and EnCoRe studies with data collected at diagnosis (baseline) and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-diagnosis. Both studies assessed alcohol consumption, including beer, wine, and liquor. Generalized estimated equation models were used to examine changes over time in alcohol consumption and multivariable longitudinal associations of sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors with alcohol consumption. Results At baseline, participants were on average 67 years old, 332 (37%) were female, and alcohol was consumed by 79%. Most survivors (68–71%) drank less at all follow-ups. Beer, wine, and liquor were consumed by 51%, 58%, and 25% at baseline, respectively, and these declined over time. Males consumed more alcohol, and higher education, more physical activity, and not having a (permanent) stoma were associated with consuming more alcohol. Conclusion CRC survivors decreased their alcohol consumption in the 2 years post-diagnosis. Future studies should take the significant factors that were associated with alcohol post-diagnosis consumption into account, when they investigate CRC health outcomes or for identifying subgroups for interventions. Males with higher education, more physical activity, and no stoma should be reminded after diagnosis for reducing their alcohol consumption.

Purpose Alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). It is currently poorly understood, however, how alcohol and different alcoholic beverage types are related to psychosocial outcomes in CRC survivors. Methods We used data of N = 910 CRC survivors from the pooled EnCoRe and PROCORE cohorts and harmonized them into five time points: at diagnosis and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-diagnosis. Generalized estimated equation models were used to examine longitudinal associations of alcohol consumption, including consumption of beer, wine, and liquor, with anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), while correcting for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Results Survivors were on average 67 years and 37% was female. In the first 2 years post-diagnosis, survivors who consumed more alcoholic drinks/week reported lower anxiety and depressive symptoms and better HRQoL on all domains and symptom scales. This was the case for moderate and heavy amounts of alcohol and mostly for consuming beer and wine, but not for liquor. Associations were more often significant for men and for younger persons ( Conclusions Generally, alcohol consumption was observed to be longitudinally related to less anxiety and depression and better HRQoL in CRC survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors Although alcohol consumption is generally unfavorable due to increased risk of carcinogenesis and worse prognosis after CRC, it seems to be associated with better psychosocial outcomes in the first 2 years after diagnosis and treatment. More research is needed to gain knowledge about reasons for drinking and causality.

To investigate the effect of a prehabilitation program on the postoperative hospital stay and complication burden in patients undergoing elective resection of a colorectal carcinoma.Comparative retrospective cohort study.The study population consisted of patients who had undergone elective resection of a colorectal carcinoma between 2017 and 2020 at the Elkerliek hospital in Helmond. Patients in the intervention group had surgery from May 1, 2019 and they followed a three to six-week prehabilitation program, focusing on physical condition, nutritional status and psychosocial well-being. Patients in the control group had surgery until May 1, 2019 and did not follow a prehabilitation program. The primary outcome measures were hospital stay and complication burden according to the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). The secondary outcome measures were the number and type of complications up to 90 days postoperatively.The intervention group (n=85) and control group (n=197) were almost comparable in preoperative patient and treatment characteristics. The intervention group had a shorter hospital stay (median 5 versus 6 days, p0.001) and less often a heavy complication burden (18% versus 36%, p=0.002). The intervention group also contained fewer patients with a complication (25% versus 44%, p=0.002). Specifically, infection (4% vs 13%, p=0.018), pulmonary complication (2% vs 12%, p=0.009) and delirium (1% vs 9%, p=0.019) were less common.A prehabilitation program can shorten the postoperative hospital stay and reduce the postoperative complication burden in patients undergoing elective resection for colorectal carcinoma.

Purpose More interest in the treatment of rectus diastasis has been evoked lately. Following the postpartum females from a great distance, the middle-aged males living with obesity are the second most common group of rectus diastasis patients. Although gender differences are considered frequently in regard to cosmetic appearance and symptoms, it is less obvious in classifications and subsequent treatment strategies. Is a unisex approach of rectus diastasis still applicable? The lack of a firm answer warrants this review of the current literature. Methods An explorative free-text multi-database bibliographic search (Pubmed/CENTRAL/EMBASE/PEDro/Scholar) was performed with the focus on the rectus diastasis in males. Anticipating the limited references, the design was a non-systematic review. All studies, regardless of study type, language or time period, describing etiology, symptoms, classification and/or treatment options were eligible for inclusion. From the articles retrieved out of this search, additional references were identified by a manual search among the cited references. Results The multi-database search resulted in a total of 7633 records. Based on the title and abstract 95 records were full text assessed for eligibility. Eleven studies were identified as relevant, six by cross-reference and another four by hand-search were added to provide an insight in gender-specific aspects in rectus diastase. Hereditary causes are differences in collagen-like composition of types and concomitant abdominal aneurysm as well as gender differences in the linea alba architecture. Acquired etiology is distributed into both absolute pressure by visceral obesity and relative pressure caused by weight lifting or improper exercises. Furthermore, the impact of muscle thickness and age are considered as influencers of biomechanics. Gender differences can also play a role in symptoms of body image and core stability. It is known that there are anatomical differences between male and female persons; more transverse fibers are found in infra-umbilical region in women. In classifications the awareness of male rectus diastasis is limited, treatment outcome studies are scarce on males. Conclusion An overview of male-specific aspects of rectus diastasis is provided, underlining that key aspects surrounding rectus diastasis in males differ from females. Although males are the minority of rectus diastasis patients, we recommend that the male rectus diastasis as a concept should be specifically acknowledged in classifications systems and study outcome reporting to evaluate this subgroup more accurately in the future.

Background: A direct comparison of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients with a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 negative control group undergoing an operative intervention during the current pandemic is lacking, and a reliable estimate of the assumed difference in morbidity and mortality between both patient categories remains unknown.Methods: We included all consecutive patients with a confirmed pre- or postoperative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive status (operated in 27 hospitals) and negative control patients (operated in 4 hospitals) undergoing emergency or elective operations. A propensity score-matched comparison of clinical outcomes was performed between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and negative tested patients (control group). Primary outcome was overall 30-day mortality rate between both groups. Main secondary outcomes were overall, pulmonary, and thromboembolic complications.Results: In total, 161 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive and 342 control severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 negative patients were included in this study. The 30-day overall postoperative mortality rate was greater in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive cohort compared with the negative control group (16% vs 4% respectively; P = .007). After propensity score matching, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive group consisted of 123 patients (median 70 years of age [interquartile range 59-77] and 55% male) were compared with 196 patients in the matched control group (median 69 years (interquartile range 58-75] and 53% male). The 30-day mortality rate and risk were greater in the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive group compared with the matched control group (12% vs 4%; P = .009 and odds ratio 3.4 [95% confidence interval 1.5-8.5]; P = .005, respectively). Overall, pulmonary and thromboembolic complications occurred more often in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients (P Conclusion: Patients diagnosed with perioperative severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have an increased risk of 30-day mortality, pulmonary complications, and thromboembolic events. These findings serve as an evidence-based argument to postpone elective surgery and selected emergency cases. (C) 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc.

Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with improved overall survival (OS) in stage I–III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. This association is less defined in patients with metastatic CRC (mCRC). We therefore conducted a study in mCRC patients participating in the Prospective Dutch Colorectal Cancer cohort. PA was assessed with the validated SQUASH questionnaire, filled-in within a maximum of 60 days after diagnosis of mCRC. PA was quantified by calculating Metabolic Equivalent Task (MET) hours per week. American College of Sports and Medicine (ACSM) PA guideline adherence, tertiles of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA), and sport and leisure time MVPA (MVPA-SL) were assessed as well. Vital status was obtained from the municipal population registry. Cox proportional-hazards models were used to study the association between PA determinants and all-cause mortality adjusted for prognostic patient and treatment-related factors. In total, 293 mCRC patients (mean age 62.9 ± 10.6 years, 67% male) were included in the analysis. Compared to low levels, moderate and high levels of MET-hours were significantly associated with longer OS (fully adjusted hazard ratios: 0.491, (95% CI 0.299–0.807, p value = 0.005) and 0.485 (95% CI 0.303–0.778, p value = 0.003), respectively), as were high levels of MVPA (0.476 (95% CI 0.278–0.816, p value = 0.007)) and MVPA-SL (0.389 (95% CI 0.224–0.677, p value < 0.001)), and adherence to ACSM PA guidelines compared to non-adherence (0.629 (95% CI 0.412–0.961, p value = 0.032)). The present study provides evidence that higher PA levels at diagnosis of mCRC are associated with longer OS.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Up to now it is unclear which determinants influence nonadherence to negative pressure wound therapy. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of prognostic determinants to nonadherence to negative pressure wound therapy. METHODS: A multicenter prospective cohort study on patients with wounds treated with negative pressure wound therapy. Data of 25 potential prognostic determinants of nonadherence were collected using a web-based case record form. Primary outcome was nonadherence to negative pressure wound therapy, defined as premature termination on request of the patient. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the association between the potential determinants and nonadherence. RESULTS: Nonadherence to negative pressure wound therapy was found in 32 out of 264 patients (12.1%). Univariable analyses identified 6 candidate prognostic determinants: having sensitive skin (odds ratio 2.32, 95% confidence interval 1.10-5.10, P = .03), decision for negative pressure wound therapy made as a shared decision (odds ratio 2.43, 95% confidence interval 1.06-6.30, P = .05), handiness technique (odds ratio 1.80, 95% confidence interval 0.86-3.89, P = .13), alternatives discussed (odds ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 0.83-3.75, P = .13), knowledge and understanding negative pressure wound therapy (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.18-1.20, P = .15), and previous experience with negative pressure wound therapy (odds ratio 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.10-1.24, P = .17). In the multivariable analysis, only having sensitive skin appeared to be significant (odds ratio 2.20, 95% confidence interval 1.02-4.85, P = .05). CONCLUSION: Patients who have sensitive skin may have an increased risk of premature termination of negative pressure wound therapy. Further research is warranted to determine which strategies are successful to overcome skin irritation problems to avoid nonadherence to negative pressure wound therapy.

Objective: Despite the lack of evidence, negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is commonly used in patients with hard-to-heal wounds. In our medical centre, one third of patients with abdominal wounds infected postoperatively end this therapy prematurely due to negative experiences and prefer standard wound care. This study was designed to explore the effects of NPWT on quality of life (QoL). Method: A search from 2000 to 2019 in eight databases was performed to identify qualitative studies of patients treated with NPWT. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers, who appraised the methodological quality, extracted and structured the data and performed content analysis. Results: A total of five qualitative studies with good methodological quality, incorporating 51 individual patients, were included. After content analysis, four major themes emerged: reduced freedom of movement caused by an electric device; decreased self-esteem; increased social and professional dependency; and gaining self-control. Conclusion: NPWT has major effects on the physical, psychological and social domains of QoL. Knowledge of these effects may lead to improved treatment decisions for patients with hard-to-heal wounds regarding use of NPWT or standard wound care.

BACKGROUND: Nearly a quarter of patients with locally advanced (T4 stage) or perforated colon cancer are at risk of developing peritoneal metastases, often without curative treatment options. We aimed to determine the efficacy of adjuvant hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) in patients with locally advanced colon cancer.METHODS: This multicentre, open-label trial was done in nine hospitals that specialised in HIPEC in the Netherlands. Patients with clinical or pathological T4N0-2M0-stage tumours or perforated colon cancer were randomly assigned (1:1), with a web-based randomisation application, before resection of the primary tumour, to adjuvant HIPEC followed by routine adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (experimental group) or to adjuvant systemic chemotherapy alone (control group). Patients were stratified by tumour characteristic (T4 or perforation), age (FINDINGS: Between April 1, 2015, and Feb 20, 2017, 204 patients were randomly assigned to treatment (102 in each group). In the HIPEC group, two patients withdrew consent after randomisation. In this group, 19 (19%) of 100 patients were diagnosed with peritoneal metastases: nine (47%) during surgical exploration preceding intentional adjuvant HIPEC, eight (42%) during routine follow-up, and two (11%) during diagnostic laparoscopy at 18-months. In the control group, 23 (23%) of 102 patients were diagnosed with peritoneal metastases, of whom seven (30%) were diagnosed by laparoscopy at 18-months and 16 during regular follow-up (therefore making them ineligible for diagnostic laparoscopy). In the intention-to-treat analysis (n=202), there was no difference in peritoneal-free survival at 18-months (80·9% [95% CI 73·3-88·5] for the experimental group vs 76·2% [68·0-84·4] for the control group, log-rank one-sided p=0·28). 12 (14%) of 87 patients who received adjuvant HIPEC developed postoperative complications and one (1%) encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.INTERPRETATION: In patients with T4 or perforated colon cancer, treatment with adjuvant HIPEC with oxaliplatin did not improve peritoneal metastasis-free survival at 18 months. Routine use of adjuvant HIPEC is not advocated on the basis of this trial.FUNDING: Organization for Health Research and Development and the Dutch Cancer Society.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative ileus and anastomotic leakage severely impair recovery after colorectal resection. We investigated the effect of perioperative lipid-enriched enteral nutrition versus standard care on the risk of postoperative ileus, anastomotic leakage, and other clinical outcomes.METHODS: We did an international, multicentre, double-blind, randomised, controlled trial of patients (≥18 years) undergoing elective colorectal surgery with primary anastomosis at six clinical centres in the Netherlands and Denmark. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1), stratified by location (colonic and rectal) and type of surgery (laparoscopic and open), via online randomisation software, with block sizes of six, to receive either continuous lipid-enriched enteral tube feeding from 3 h before until 6 h after surgery (intervention) or no perioperative nutrition (control). Surgeons, patients, and researchers were masked to treatment allocation for the entire study period. The primary outcome was postoperative ileus. Secondary outcomes included anastomotic leakage, pneumonia, preoperative gastric volumes, time to functional recovery, length of hospital stay, the need for additional interventions, intensive care unit admission, postoperative inflammatory response, and surgical complications. Analyses were by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02175979, and trialregister.nl, number NTR4670.FINDINGS: Between July 28, 2014, and February 20, 2017, 280 patients were randomly assigned, 15 of whom were excluded after random allocation because they fulfilled one or more exclusion criteria. 265 patients received perioperative nutrition (n=132) or standard care (n=133) and were included in the analyses. A postoperative ileus occurred in 37 (28%) patients in the intervention group versus 29 (22%) in the control group (risk ratio [RR] 1·09, 95% CI 0·95-1·25; p=0·24). Anastomotic leakage occurred in 12 (9%) patients in the intervention group versus 11 (8%) in the control group (RR 1·01, 95% CI 0·94-1·09; p=0·81). Pneumonia occurred in ten (8%) patients in the intervention group versus three (2%) in the control group (RR 1·06, 95% CI 1·00-1·12; p=0·051). All other secondary outcomes were similar between groups (all p>0·05).INTERPRETATION: Perioperative lipid-enriched enteral nutrition in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery has no advantage over standard care in terms of postoperative complications.FUNDING: Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMW), Fonds NutsOhra, and Danone Research.

Background: Despite a multitude of evidence-based prediction models and risk factors for postoperative complications after ventral hernia repair, estimating a patient's risk of postoperative complications after ventral hernia repair remains challenging. In an attempt to improve the preoperative assessment of complex hernia patients, some studies have examined pulmonary changes after hernia repair hypothesizing that large hernias lead to pulmonary changes and increased pulmonary complication rates. Some studies have described a correlation between hernia volume and pulmonary changes, although none provided compelling evidence to identify hernia volume as a risk factor for pulmonary complications. This study evaluates the relationship between hernia volume and postoperative pulmonary complications using computed tomography (CT)-based volume measurements.Materials and methods: Analysis of a prospectively maintained database of consecutive complex hernia patients from 2011 to 2014 undergoing endoscopic (ECST) or open component separation technique (CST) for a hernia defect with a minimum width of 6 cm and visual protrusion of the hernia sac ventral of the rectus abdominis muscles in supine position was performed. Hernia volume was calculated using multiple plane reconstruction of a standard abdominal CT-scan. Noted endpoints were pulmonary complications.Results: Thirty-five patients underwent ECST (n = 20) or CST (n = 15) with a median defect volume of 474 cm(3) (range, 114-2086 cm(3)). Observed complications were pneumonia (n = 4), pulmonary infiltrate (n = 3), aspiration pneumonia (n = 2), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 1). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that pulmonary complications were associated with "hernia volume" (P = 0.045; 95% CI: 1.008-1.910).Conclusions: Hernia volume is a promising risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications and can be calculated using a standard abdominal CT-scan. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In The Netherlands, the quality of abdominal wall hernia surgery is largely unknown due to the lack of a hernia registry. This study was designed to assess the current state of abdominal wall hernia surgery in The Netherlands, to create a starting point for future evaluation of new quality measures. Dutch hernia management indicators and recently proposed European Hernia Society (EHS) requirements for accredited/certified hernia centers were used. The number of Dutch hospitals that meet the four main EHS requirements (on volume, experience, use of a registry and quality control) was assessed by analyzing governmental information and the results of a survey amongst all 1.554 Dutch general surgeons. The survey was representative with 426 respondents (27%) from all 75 hospitals. Fifty-one percent of the hospitals had a median inguinal repair volume of more than 290 (14–1.238) per year. An open or laparo-endoscopic inguinal repair technique was not related to hospital volume. Experienced hernia surgeons, use of a registry and a structured quality control were reported to be present in, respectively, 97%, 39%, and 15% of the hospitals. Consensus in answers between the respondents per hospital was low (

Aim To explore the extent of patients that choose to cease Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) prematurely in a clinical setting, and to explore the determinants of nonadherence. Method This study exists out of: (1) a retrospective study to assess the number of patients who ceased NPWT prematurely; (2) a narrative review (NR) to identify determinants of nonadherence; and (3) a survey among wound care specialists to explore specific determinants of nonadherence to NPWT. Results (1) Based on the retrospective study, 20% ceased NPWT prematurely because of experienced limitations in daily activities. (2) Based on 22 studies, 23 determinants that might influence nonadherence were identified and added as questions in the survey. (3) Twenty-two percent (n = 136) wound care specialists completed the survey. Confidence with the healthcare team, consistency in therapy advices, coping with pain, former negative experiences with NPWT, a normal activity pattern, social support from family or friends, and support from the healthcare team were identified as highly relevant determinants of nonadherence to NPWT. Only religion scored distinctively lower. Conclusion This study is a first step in exploring the determinants of nonadherence to NPWT. In 20% NPWT was prematurely ceased at the request of the patient, this means that this therapy may have not been the best choice of therapy for this particular patient. The identification of potential determinants of nonadherence may help healthcare professionals in their dialogue with patients. The next step should be a prognostic study to assess which determinants best predict adherence to NPWT.

ObjectiveChemotherapy‐induced sensory peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is common among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. The aim of this study was to examine whether CIPN is associated with both psychological distress (ie, anxiety and depression) and fatigue and whether the relationship between CIPN and fatigue can (partly) be explained by psychological distress.MethodsAll CRC survivors diagnosed between 2000 and 2009 as registered by the population‐based Netherlands Cancer Registry (Eindhoven region) were eligible for participation. Chemotherapy‐treated survivors completed questions on CIPN (EORTC QLQ‐CIPN20), psychological distress (HADS), and fatigue (FAS) on average 5.6 years after diagnosis. Simple and multiple mediation analyses were performed to examine anxiety and depression as possible mediators in the association between CIPN and fatigue.ResultsSurvivors with high (ie, upper 30% of scores) CIPN (n = 172) reported more anxiety and depressive symptoms and more fatigue compared with those with low CIPN (n = 299). Furthermore, among survivors with high CIPN, those who were anxious, depressed, or both reported more fatigue compared with those without psychological distress. These differences were clinically relevant. Finally, mediation analyses showed that while CIPN was directly associated with fatigue, the relationship between CIPN and fatigue was also significantly mediated by both anxiety and depression.ConclusionsCRC survivors with high CIPN report more fatigue, especially those who are also anxious and/or depressed. More research is needed on the direction of the relationship between CIPN, psychological distress, and fatigue. For now, the treatment of fatigue should also focus on addressing psychological distress, as treating fatigue alone might not be sufficient.

Objective: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely accepted treatment modality for open or infected wounds. Premature ending of NPWT occasionally occurs due to negative effects on the quality of life (QoL), however, the actual impact on QoL is unknown. The aim of this review is to analyse the effect of NPWT versus standard wound care (SWC) on QoL when used for the treatment of open or infected wounds. Method: A systematic literature search in a range of databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct Freedom Collection, SwetsWise, PSYCArticles and Infrotrac Custom Journals) using the following search terms; ‘standard wound care’, ‘wound dressing’, ‘dressing’, ‘treatment’, OR ‘negative pressure wound therapy [MESH]’, OR ‘vacuum assisted closure’ AND ‘quality of life [MESH]’, ‘patient-satisfaction’, OR ‘experiences’ was performed. Methodological quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomised studies (MINORS) checklist. Results: There were 42 studies identified, five matched the inclusion criteria: two randomised clinical trials (RCTs), one clinical comparative study, one exploratory prospective cohort study and one quasi experimental pilot study. Median MINORS-score was 75% (58%–96%). There were seven different questionnaires used to measure QoL or a subsidiary outcome. QoL in the NPWT group was lower in the first week, though no difference in QoL was observed thereafter. Conclusion: This systematic review observed that QoL improved at the end of therapy independent of which therapy was used. NPWT led to a lower QoL during the first week of treatment, possible due to aniexty, after which a similar or better QoL was reported when compared with SWC. It could be suggested that NPWT might be associated with increased anxiety. Declaration of interest: All authors of this publication have received no financial support or have personal interests conflicting with the objectivity of this manuscript.

The course of neuropathic symptoms among elderly patients with stage III colon cancer treated with CAPOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin), capecitabine, or no chemotherapy was investigated. A total of 117 patients (76%) selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry completed the first questionnaire. The course of several sensory symptoms was less favorable for patients treated with chemotherapy. Moreover, CAPOX was associated with more symptoms in the toes and feet than was capecitabine.Introduction: Among the elderly, the impairment of functional capacities due to neuropathy can have a significant impact. The aim of the present study was to investigate the course of neuropathic symptoms among elderly patients with stage III colon cancer treated with CAPOX (capecitabine, oxaliplatin), capecitabine monotherapy, or no adjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: The Netherlands Cancer Registry was used to select patients with stage III colon cancer and aged >= 70 years. Questionnaires were sent after resection (T1) and 6 (T2) and 12 months (T3) later. Neuropathy was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Chemotherapy- Induced Peripheral Neuropathy 20. Logistic generalized estimating equations analyses were used to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on the course of neuropathic symptoms. Results: Of 155 eligible patients, 117 (76%) completed the T1 questionnaire, and 69 and 59 completed the T2 and T3 questionnaires, respectively. The course of the sensory symptoms tingling fingers or hands, tingling toes or feet, numbness in fingers or hands, and numbness in toes or feet was significantly unfavorable for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy (CAPOX or capecitabine) compared with that for patients who had not received adjuvant chemotherapy. The course of numbness in toes or feet also differed significantly between patients treated with CAPOX (T1, 7%; T2, 50%; T3, 42%) and patients treated with capecitabine (T1, 17%; T2, 31%; T3, 8%). Additionally, patients treated with capecitabine reported significantly less tingling toes or feet (T1, 6%; T2, 25%; T3, 7%) compared with patients treated with CAPOX (T1, 0%; T2, 50%; T3, 58%). Conclusion: The course of several sensory symptoms over time was less favorable for elderly patients with colon cancer treated with chemotherapy. Moreover, CAPOX was associated with more symptoms in toes and feet compared with capecitabine. It is important to inform patients of these risks to enable informed decision-making.

Contains fulltext : 137109.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Abstract Background. The lack of pathognomonic findings and the chance of complicated disease have resulted in the widespread use of additional imaging to diagnose acute colonic diverticulitis (ACD). The added value of additional imaging in the diagnostic workup of patients suspected of ACD is not well defined. Aims. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature of the accuracy of the clinical evaluation and diagnostic modalities for patients with suspected ACD, to come to an evidence-based approach to diagnose ACD. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported diagnostic accuracy of the clinical diagnosis and diagnostic modalities in patients with suspected diverticulitis were performed. Study quality was assessed with the STARD checklist. True-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative findings were extracted and pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity per diagnostic test were calculated, if applicable. Results. The overall quality of the studies reporting the diagnostic accuracy of the clinical diagnosis, contrast enema and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were moderate to poor and not suitable for meta-analysis. Sensitivity of the clinical diagnosis varied between 64% and 68%. Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Summary sensitivity estimates for US were 90% (95% CI: 76-98%) versus 95% (95% CI: 91-97%) for CT (p = 0.86). Summary specificity estimates for US were 90% (95% CI: 86-94%) versus 96% (95% CI: 90-100%) for CT (p = 0.04). Sensitivity for MRI was 98% and specificity varied between 70% and 78%. Sensitivity of contrast enema studies varied between 80% and 83%. Conclusion. In two-thirds of the patients, the diagnosis of ACD can be made based on clinical evaluation alone. In one-third of the patients, additional imaging is a necessity to establish the diagnosis. US and CT are comparable in diagnosing diverticulitis and superior to other modalities. CT has the advantage of higher specificity and the ability to identify alternative diagnoses. The role of MRI is not yet clear in diagnosing ACD. Contrast enema is considered an obsolete imaging technique to diagnose ACD based on lower sensitivity and specificity than US and CT. A step-up approach with CT performed after an inconclusive or negative US, seems a logical and safe approach for patients suspected of ACD.

Background: During resection of a colorectal tumor a careful inspection of the abdomen should be performed to detect metastases. The aim of the current study was to compare the proportions of patients diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) during laparoscopic resection (LR) and open resection (OR). Methods: All patients who underwent resection for colorectal cancer in the Eindhoven Cancer Registry area between 2008 and 2012 were included. Proportions of patients with PC were compared between surgical techniques. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: 6687 Patients underwent resection for colorectal cancer, of whom 1631 patients (24%) underwent LR, 4665 patients (70%) underwent OR. Conversion took place in 391 patients (19% of laparoscopic treated patients). PC was diagnosed in 1.4% of patients undergoing LR, in 5.0% of patients undergoing OR, and in 3.3% of patients in whom LR was converted to OR (p < 0.001). After adjustment for patient and tumor characteristics (e.g., T- and N-stage), patients who were treated by LR had a lower chance to be diagnosed with PC during surgery than patients undergoing OR (odds ratio = 0.42, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer are less frequently diagnosed with PC during LR in comparison to OR. Since effective treatment is currently available for selected patients with PC, a thorough inspection of the peritoneum during surgery is of paramount importance to offer these patients a chance for long-term survival and even cure. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Background Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) such as quality of life (QoL), patient satisfaction, and work impairment, are arguably the most important outcomes of any medical treatment. In 2011, Staerkle and Villiger developed the Core Outcome Measurements Index (COMI) to standardise PROs and PRO measurement for inguinal hernia patients, in an attempt to increase inter-study comparability. The aim of this study is to prospectively evaluate the short-and long-term postoperative QoL, function, patient well-being, pain, and social/work disability, after total extraperitoneal (TEP) inguinal hernia repair and to provide the first clinical experience with the COMI-hernia questionnaire.Methods Between January 2013 and December 2014, all patients >= 18 years that were scheduled for elective uni- or bilateral TEP in a regional hospital were approached to participate in this study. Measurements were taken preoperatively, and 6 weeks and 1 year postoperatively.Results One hundred and twenty patients (113 men, 7 women), mean age 59 years (SD +/- 12), completed the follow-up of 1 year. Ninety-seven percent of the population reported that the operation improved their complaints. QoL, function, well-being, and pain all improved after 6 weeks and 1 year after surgery. Patients experienced more social and work-related limitations 6 weeks after surgery compared to baseline measurements, though this improved to normal 1 year postoperatively. The incidence of chronic pain was 14% (VAS >= 2), which had a negative impact on the patients' sense of well-being.Conclusion Patients recovered well after TEP repair with a good quality of life and fast restore of function. Patient well-being was lower than expected due to a 14% incidence of chronic pain. The COMI-hernia scale provided reasonable insight into the patients' experience, though it was difficult to interpret for both patient and physician.

Aim: To evaluate the similarities and differences in disease courses between right- and left-sided diverticulitis in a Western population. Methods: All consecutive patients admitted in a Dutch regional hospital between 2004 and 2008 for conservative or operative management of clinically and radiologically confirmed acute right- and left-sided diverticulitis were analyzed retrospectively. Diverticulitis was clinically suspect if the patient presented with lower abdominal pain combined with at least one elevated inflammatory parameter (temperature, WBC, CRP or ESR). Diverticulitis was radiologically confirmed if at least US or CT demonstrated signs of acute right- or left-sided diverticulitis. Differences in incidence, patient characteristics, clinical presentation and disease course between the two diagnoses were analyzed. Results: The hospital system yielded 425 patients with a diverticulosis/diverticulitis discharge coding. 57% was excluded because these patients had another diagnosis demonstrated by imaging, besides diverticulosis (19%), had no imaging at all (16%), were elective or referred (7%), were not admitted (4%) or had other reasons (11%). A total of 183 admitted patients with both clinical and radiological confirmed acute colonic diverticulitis were included. The incidence of right-sided diverticulitis was 8%. Patients with right-sided diverticulitis were predominantly female (86% compared to 47% in leftsided diverticulitis, P = 0.05). Median CRP at presentation was lower in right sided diverticulitis, 30 compared to 71 mg/L (P = 0.001). No other differences in clinical presentation, like the severity of diverticulitis, and disease course, like the need for acute surgery, were found between right and left-sided diverticulitis. Conclusions: Disease course of acute right-sided diverticulitis in Caucasians is comparable to left-sided diverticulitis. Left-sided diverticulitis treatment guidelines may also apply for the right-sided diverticulitis in Caucasians.

The components separation technique (CST) is frequently used for reconstructing large ventral hernias. Unfortunately, it is associated with a high wound complication rate up to 50 %, caused by large wound surface and inherent trauma to abdominal skin vascularization. An endoscopically assisted modification of the original technique (ECST) spares skin vascularization and reduces wound surface, supposedly reducing wound complications. This study accurately describes ECST step by step with detailed illustrations and report the results of a 27 patient cohort.Since September 2012 patients with midline hernias without previous subcutaneous dissection and a maximum diameter of approximately 10-15 cm underwent ECST in an expert centre for abdominal wall reconstructions. Prospective data was gathered during inpatient care and 3-6 monthly follow-up.Twenty-seven patients (17 male/10 female) with median age of 60 years (range 35-77), average BMI 27 (SD ±2) kg/m(2) and median ASA classification 2 (range 1-3) underwent ECST. Two patients were excluded due to bilateral conversion to conventional CST and finding of peritoneal metastases. Median defect size was 116 ± 48 cm(2). Median length of stay was 5 days (range 3-15). Wound complication rate was 11 %. Recurrence rate was 29 % after a median follow-up of 13 months.Endoscopically assisted modification of the original technique can be used for reconstructing large and complex ventral hernias up to 15 cm in diameter. The results of this small sized cohort study showed that ECST is feasible in patients with a uro-, or enterostomy and suggest that ECST reduces wound complication rate when compared to CST.

Background Postoperative ileus and anastomotic leakage are important complications following colorectal surgery associated with short-term morbidity and mortality. Previous experimental and preclinical studies have shown that a short intervention with enriched enteral nutrition dampens inflammation via stimulation of the autonomic nervous system and thereby reduces postoperative ileus. Furthermore, early administration of enteral nutrition reduced anastomotic leakage. This study will investigate the effect of nutritional stimulation of the autonomic nervous system just before, during and early after colorectal surgery on inflammation, postoperative ileus and anastomotic leakage. Methods/Design This multicenter, prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial will include 280 patients undergoing colorectal surgery. All patients will receive a selfmigrating nasojejunal tube that will be connected to a specially designed blinded tubing system. Patients will be allocated either to the intervention group, receiving perioperative nutrition, or to the control group, receiving no nutrition. The primary endpoint is postoperative ileus. Secondary endpoints include anastomotic leakage, local and systemic inflammation, (aspiration) pneumonia, surgical complications classified according to Clavien-Dindo, quality of life, gut barrier integrity and time until functional recovery. Furthermore, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed. Discussion Activation of the autonomic nervous system via perioperative enteral feeding is expected to dampen the local and systemic inflammatory response. Consequently, postoperative ileus will be reduced as well as anastomotic leakage. The present study is the first to investigate the effects of enriched nutrition given shortly before, during and after surgery in a clinical setting. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02175979 - date of registration: 25 June 2014. Dutch Trial Registry: NTR4670 - date of registration: 1 August 2014.

The analysis of diarrhoea can be a diagnostic challenge. We present a patient with chronic diarrhoea, caused by idiopathic myointimal hyperplasia of the mesenteric veins (IMHMV). IMHMV is a rare condition characterized by thickening of the vessel wall due to proliferation of smooth muscle cells in mesenteric veins, eventually causing intestinal ischemia.A 62-year-old man visited the gastroenterologist because of frequent watery diarrhoea. Initial endoscopic evaluation demonstrated venous congestion and erythema of the left-sided colon. Subsequently, he developed bloody diarrhoea, where endoscopy now revealed ischemic characteristics. CT scans and biopsies showed neither an occlusion of large arteries or veins nor histological features of inflammatory bowel disease. Eventually, the patient presented with an acute abdomen. Left hemicolectomy was performed, which resulted in the diagnosis of IMHMV.Prolonged diarrhoea, with a remarkable biphasic clinical and endoscopic presentation, without evidence of inflammatory bowel disease or occlusion of large arteries and veins, may be caused by IMHMV.

In most patients, infection with a non-typhoid Salmonella species usually results in self-limiting gastroenteritis. Severe complications such as bacteraemia and extra-abdominal infections are most often attributed to typhoid subspecies like S. typhi and S. paratyphi. In this article, we present the case of a healthy patient with non-typhoid salmonellosis who nevertheless developed severe complications.A 63-year-old man with an unremarkable medical history presented at the emergency department with abdominal complaints suggestive of gastroenteritis. Cultures of faeces and blood yielded S. typhimurium. The infection was complicated by many intra-abdominal abscesses, abdominal sepsis and an intestinal perforation requiring multiple interventions. The patient has been symptom-free for half a year now.Severe complications related to infection with non-typhoid S. typhimurium are rare. The incidence of salmonellosis has risen over the past few years, however; the risk of severe complications has therefore also increased.