Search

Background: Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a condition with high mortality. This survey assesses current attitudes and practices to manage AMI worldwide.Methods: A questionnaire survey about the practices of diagnosing and managing AMI, endorsed by several specialist societies, was sent to different medical specialists and hospitals worldwide. Data from individual health care professionals and from medical teams were collected.Results: We collected 493 individual forms from 71 countries and 94 team forms from 34 countries. Almost half of respondents were surgeons, and most of the responding teams (70%) were led by surgeons. Most of the respondents indicated that diagnosis of AMI is often delayed but rarely missed. Emergency revascularisation is often considered for patients with AMI but rarely in cases of transmural ischaemia (intestinal infarction). Responses from team hospitals with a dedicated special unit (14 team forms) indicated more aggressive revascularisation. Abdominopelvic CT-scan with intravenous contrast was suggested as the most useful diagnostic test, indicated by approximately 90% of respondents. Medical history and risk factors were thought to be more important in diagnosis of AMI without transmural ischaemia, whereas for intestinal infarction, plasma lactate concentrations and surgical exploration were considered more useful. In elderly patients, a palliative approach is often chosen over extensive bowel resection. There was a large variability in anticoagulant treatment, as well as in timing of surgery to restore bowel continuity.Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis of AMI is common despite wide availability of an adequate imaging modality, i.e. CT-scan. Large variability in treatment approaches exists, indicating the need for updated guidelines. Increased awareness and knowledge of AMI may improve current practice until more robust evidence becomes available. Adherence to the existing guidelines may help in improving differences in treatment and outcomes. Background: Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a condition with high mortality. This survey assesses current attitudes and practices to manage AMI worldwide.Methods: A questionnaire survey about the practices of diagnosing and managing AMI, endorsed by several specialist societies, was sent to different medical specialists and hospitals worldwide. Data from individual health care professionals and from medical teams were collected.Results: We collected 493 individual forms from 71 countries and 94 team forms from 34 countries. Almost half of respondents were surgeons, and most of the responding teams (70%) were led by surgeons. Most of the respondents indicated that diagnosis of AMI is often delayed but rarely missed. Emergency revascularisation is often considered for patients with AMI but rarely in cases of transmural ischaemia (intestinal infarction). Responses from team hospitals with a dedicated special unit (14 team forms) indicated more aggressive revascularisation. Abdominopelvic CT-scan with intravenous contrast was suggested as the most useful diagnostic test, indicated by approximately 90% of respondents. Medical history and risk factors were thought to be more important in diagnosis of AMI without transmural ischaemia, whereas for intestinal infarction, plasma lactate concentrations and surgical exploration were considered more useful. In elderly patients, a palliative approach is often chosen over extensive bowel resection. There was a large variability in anticoagulant treatment, as well as in timing of surgery to restore bowel continuity.Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis of AMI is common despite wide availability of an adequate imaging modality, i.e. CT-scan. Large variability in treatment approaches exists, indicating the need for updated guidelines. Increased awareness and knowledge of AMI may improve current practice until more robust evidence becomes available. Adherence to the existing guidelines may help in improving differences in treatment and outcomes.

Background & aims: Intestinal failure (IF) is defined from a requirement or intravenous supplementation due to failing capacity to absorb nutrients and fluids. Acute IF is an acute, potentially reversible form of IF. We aimed to identify the prevalence, underlying causes and outcomes of acute IF.Methods: This point-of-prevalence study included all adult patients hospitalized in acute care hospitals and receiving parenteral nutrition (PN) on a study day. The reason for PN and the mechanism of IF (if present) were documented by local investigators and reviewed by an expert panel.Results: Twenty-three hospitals (19 university, 4 regional) with a total capacity of 16,356 acute care beds and 1237 intensive care unit (ICU) beds participated in this study. On the study day, 338 patients received PN (21 patients/1000 acute care beds) and 206 (13/1000) were categorized as acute IF. The categorization of reason for PN was revised in 64 cases (18.9% of total) in consensus between the expert panel and investigators. Hospital mortality of all study patients was 21.5%; the median hospital stay was 36 days. Patients with acute IF had a hospital mortality of 20.5% and median hospital stay of 38 days (P > 0.05 for both outcomes). Disordered gut motility (e.g. ileus) was the most common mechanism of acute IF, and 71.5% of patients with acute IF had undergone abdominal surgery. Duration of PN of >= 42 days was identified as being the best cut-off predicting hospital mortality within 90 days. PN >= 42 days, age, sepsis and ICU admission were independently associated with 90-day hospital mortality.Conclusions: Around 2% of adult patients in acute care hospitals received PN, 60% of them due to acute IF. High 90-day hospital mortality and long hospital stay were observed in patients receiving PN, whereas presence of acute IF did not additionally influence these outcomes. Duration of PN was associated with increased 90-day hospital mortality. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition has been recognized as a major risk factor for adverse postoperative outcomes. The ESPEN Symposium on perioperative nutrition was held in Nottingham, UK, on 14-15 October 2018 and the aims of this document were to highlight the scientific basis for the nutritional and metabolic management of surgical patients.METHODS: This paper represents the opinion of experts in this multidisciplinary field and those of a patient and caregiver, based on current evidence. It highlights the current state of the art.RESULTS: Surgical patients may present with varying degrees of malnutrition, sarcopenia, cachexia, obesity and myosteatosis. Preoperative optimization can help improve outcomes. Perioperative fluid therapy should aim at keeping the patient in as near zero fluid and electrolyte balance as possible. Similarly, glycemic control is especially important in those patients with poorly controlled diabetes, with a stepwise increase in the risk of infectious complications and mortality per increasing HbA1c. Immobilization can induce a decline in basal energy expenditure, reduced insulin sensitivity, anabolic resistance to protein nutrition and muscle strength, all of which impair clinical outcomes. There is a role for pharmaconutrition, pre-, pro- and syn-biotics, with the evidence being stronger in those undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancer.CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional assessment of the surgical patient together with the appropriate interventions to restore the energy deficit, avoid weight loss, preserve the gut microbiome and improve functional performance are all necessary components of the nutritional, metabolic and functional conditioning of the surgical patient.

Contains fulltext : 169644.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND AND AIM: Malnutrition represents a serious health care threat, as it increases morbidity, mortality and health care cost. The effective screening and treatment with enteral (EN) or parenteral (PN) nutrition are the key elements of the policy called Optimal Nutrition Care for All (ONCA). The study tried to analyze the impact of the state's economy on the implementation of EN and PN to define its role in ONCA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: an international survey in twenty two European countries was performed between January and December 2014. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to 22 representatives of clinical nutrition (PEN) societies. The questionnaire comprised questions regarding country economy, reimbursement, education and the use EN and PN. Return rate was 90.1% (n = 20). RESULTS: EN and PN were used in all countries surveyed (100%), but to different extent. The country's income significantly influenced the reimbursement for EN and PN (p < 0.05). It was also associated with the overall use of tube feeding and PN (p = 0.05), but not with the use of oral nutritional supplements (p = 0.165). The use of both, EN and PN at hospitals was not depended on the economy (p > 0.05). Education was actively carried out in all countries, however the teaching at the pre-graduate level was the least widespread, and also correlated with the country income (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that economic situation influences all aspects of ONCA, including education and treatment. The reimbursement for EN and PN seemed to be the key factor of effective campaign against malnutrition.

Introduction. Self-poisoning is not frequent during pregnancy. We present a successful treatment of a woman 20 weeks pregnant with twins with self-inflicted poisoning by a caustic substance. Case outline. A 34-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to our institution after self-inflicted poisoning with concentrated acetic acid. Initial clinical evaluation showed severe diffuse erythema of the mouth and oropharynx, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy in the 20th week of gestation confirmed on abdominal ultrasound. An indirect laryngoscopic examination revealed severe generalized hyperemia of the laryngeal mucosa with corrosive changes in the pharyngeal mucosa, especially of the posterior pharyngeal wall. Due to pain, urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy could not be performed, and because of the patient?s refusal a feeding gastrostomy or jejunostomy could not be created. The patient was given ?all-in-one? total parenteral nutrition in addition to other supportive therapy. Gradual introduction of enteral nutrition via a nasoenteric tube placed in the second month of hospitalization failed due to severe vomiting. After almost three months of total parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition was nevertheless introduced; we then started with oral fluids, increasing gradually to a regular diet, and needed almost half a month to reach the adequate nutritional goal. The delivery was spontaneous at the 36th week of pregnancy and the patient gave birth to two normal healthy girls (46 cm / 2,580 g and 48 cm / 2,960 g, respectively). Conclusion. Total parenteral nutrition can be a safe choice for providing prolonged and adequate nutritional intake even in a twin pregnancy without adverse effects on fetal growth.

Intestinal failure (IF) is a debilitating condition of inadequate nutrition due to an anatomical and/or physiological deficit of the intestine. Surgical management of patients with acute and chronic IF requires expertise to deal with technical challenges and make correct decisions. Dedicated IF units have expertise in patient selection, operative risk assessment and multidisciplinary support such as nutritional input and interventional radiology, which dramatically improve the morbidity and mortality of this complex condition and can beneficially affect the continuing dependence on parenteral nutritional support. Currently there is little guidance to bridge the gap between general surgeons and specialist IF surgeons. Fifteen European experts took part in a consensus process to develop guidance to support surgeons in the management of patients with IF. Based on a systematic literature review, statements were prepared for a modified Delphi process. The evidence for each statement was graded using Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence. The current paper contains the statements reflecting the position and practice of leading European experts in IF encompassing the general definition of IF surgery and organization of an IF unit, strategies to prevent IF, management of acute IF, management of wound, fistula and stoma, rehabilitation, intestinal and abdominal reconstruction, criteria for referral to a specialist unit and intestinal transplantation.

Background/Aim. Postoperative infectious complications are one of the most important problems in surgical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC), being present in up to 40% of patients. The aim of this paper was to establish the significance of serial measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in drainage fluid for the detection of infectious complications and anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with colorectal resection. Methods. CRP and MMP-9 values in serum and drainage fluid, respectively, were measured on the first, third, fifth, and seventh postoperative day (POD) in 150 patients with colorectal resection and primary anastomosis. The values obtained were compared between the patients without complications and those with surgical site and remote infections and AL. Results. Surgical site infections (SSIs) were observed in 41 (27.3%), and remote infections in 10 (6.7%) patients. Clinically evident AL was observed in 15 (10%) patients. In 82% of the patients with SSIs, serum CRP value on POD 5 exceeded 82 mg/L, with 81% specificity. AL was reported in 85% and 92% of the patients on PODs 5 and 7, respectively, with CRP values of 77 mg/L and 90 mg/L, respectively. The specificity was 77% for POD 5 and 88% for POD 7. All the patients with CRP values exceeding 139 mg/L on POD 5 had some of SSIs and/or AL. The mean values of MMP-9 were not statistically different between the group without complications (n = 99) and the group with AL (n = 15). Conclusion. Serial measurement of CRP is recommended for screening of infectious complications of colorectal resection. Patients with CRP values above 139 mg/L on POD 5 cannot be discharged from hospital, and require an intensive search for infectious complications, particularly AL. MMP-9 measurement in drainage fluid is not relevant in the detection of AL in patients with colorectal resection.

Introduction. Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare pathological entity characterized by non-specific tumor-like expansion in mesentery. Accurate diagnosis of this disease is rarely made preoperatively. Surgery takes place in diagnosis, as well in treatment of the disease. We presented a case of sclerosing mesenteritis that affected the final portions of duodenum and initial part of jejunum with clinical picture of upper gastrointestinal obstruction. Case report. A 46-year-old man without previous medical history was presented with vomiting and loss of weight in the last 6 months. Due to suspicion of parapancreatic tumor by CT examination and clinical presentation of the disease, the patient underwent laparotomy. A mass infiltrated mesenteric root, initial part of superior mesenteric artery, the fourth duodenum portion and the ligament of Treitz, while the stomach and duodenum were dilatated. The intraoperative biopsy indicated a benign process. The mass was reduced with desobstruction of the duodenum. Definitively, histopathological finding showed fibromatosis in different phases of activity. Postoperative course passed without complications. The patient continued to receive an immunosuppressive drug therapy. After a 6-month treatment the patient showed no gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion. Sclerosing mesenteritis that affects the duodenum and the proximal part of the jejunum with subacute upper gastrointestinal obstruction is an extremely rare condition. In the presented case a surgical procedure was necessary for marking the diagnosis and treatment as well.

Background/Aim. C-reactive protein (CRP) is considered to be an indicator of postoperative complications in abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of serial measurement of CRP in drainage fluid in the detection of anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients with colorectal resection. Methods. CRP values in serum and drainage fluid, respectively, were measured on the first, third, fifth, and seventh postoperative day (POD) in 150 patients with colorectal resection and primary anastomosis. The values obtained were compared between the group of patient without complications of surgical treatment and those with AL. Results. Clinically evident AL was observed in 15 patients - in two (4.2%) patients with left colonic surgery, and 13 (12.6%) patients with colorectal anastomosis. Mean values of CRP were higher in the patients with AL than in the patients without complications, both in serum and drainage fluid, with the most significant differences recorded on the PODs 5 and 7 (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum and drainage fluid CRP levels in both groups of patients. Serum and drainage fluid CRP values on the PODs 5 and 7 are most important in the detection of AL. In 80% of patients with CRP values in the drainage fluid of 53 mg/L for the POD 5 and 42 mg/L for the POD 7 AL was observed. The method specificity was 77% for the POD 5, and 83% for the POD 7. All the patients with CRP values in drainage fluid above 108 mg/L on the POD 5 and 93 mg/L on the POD 7 had AL. Conclusion. Serial measurement of CRP in drainage fluid can reliably be used in the detection of AL in patients with colorectal resection. The most significant values obtained on the PODs 5 and 7 were positively correlated with the values registered in serum.

Contains fulltext : 165702.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) Intestinal failure (IF) is the consequence of a reduction of gut function below the minimum necessary for the absorption of nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract. Types I and II comprise acute intestinal failure (AIF). Although its prevalence is relatively low, type II AIF is serious and requires specialist multidisciplinary care, often for prolonged periods before its resolution. The key aspects are: sepsis control, fluid and electrolyte resuscitation, optimization of nutritional status, wound care, appropriate surgery and active rehabilitation. The ESPEN Acute Intestinal Failure Special Interest Group (AIF SIG) has devised this position paper to provide a state-of-the-art overview of the management of type II AIF and to point out areas for future research.

Rationale: Enteral nutrition (EN) is a gold standard for the patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), but in those with abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS) can aggravate bowel ischaemia. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) may increase bacterial translocation and deteriorate gut functions. Methods: Study included 36 patients with SAP (21 with ACS and 15 without). Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was measured daily and maximal noted IAP (maxIAP) during hospitalization was included in the study. In each patient a serum level of procalcitonin (PCT) was measured daily. A value of PCT at 48 h on hospital admission and maximal noted PCT (maxPCT) during hospitalization were included. Nutritional support was EN, TPN or EN+TPN in the same time. Results: MaxIAP in patients with ACS was significant higher than in those without (p < 0.001). There were no difference in PCT values between patients with and without ACS (p = 0.64). MaxPCT in patients with ACS was 3.1 ng/mL (1.3 34.6) and in those without ACS was 2.3 ng/mL (0.4 12), (p = 0.03). In patients who received TPN 20 (95%) had ACS and 8 (53%) had not (p = 0.005). In patients who received EN 12 (57%) had ACS and 15 (100%) had not (p = 0.005). In patients who received EN+TPN in the same time 11 (52%) had ACS and 8 (53%) had not (p = 1). In patients who received TPN a significant higher PCT (p = 0.01) and maxPCT values (p < 0.001) were noted than in those who did not. In patients who received EN there was no difference in value of PCT (p = 0.06), but significant higher maxPCT value was found in patients who received EN than in those who did not (p = 0.04). No difference in PCT and maxPCT values were found in patients who received EN+TPN in the same time than in those who did not (p = 0.68, p = 0.29). Conclusion: In ACS during SAP serum values of PCT are higher in patients on TPN. Balanced usage of EN+TPN has a less influence on gut functioning than EN or TPN alone in patients with ACS and SAP.

Background & aims: Intestinal failure (IF) is not included in the list of PubMed Mesh terms, as failure is the term describing a state of non functioning of other organs, and as such is not well recognized. No scientific society has yet devised a formal definition and classification of IF. The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism guideline committee endorsed its "home artificial nutrition and chronic IF" and "acute IF" special interest groups to write recommendations on these issues. Methods: After a Medline Search, in December 2013, for "intestinal failure" and "review"[Publication Type], the project was developed using the Delphi round methodology. The final consensus was reached on March 2014, after 5 Delphi rounds and two live meetings. Results: The recommendations comprise the definition of IF, a functional and a pathophysiological classification for both acute and chronic IF and a clinical classification of chronic IF. IF was defined as "the reduction of gut function below the minimum necessary for the absorption of macronutrients and/or water and electrolytes, such that intravenous supplementation is required to maintain health and/or growth". Conclusions: This formal definition and classification of IF, will facilitate communication and cooperation among professionals in clinical practice, organization and management, and research., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published