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Background Laparoscopic and robotic approaches to colonic cancer surgery appear to provide similar outcomes. The present study aimed to compare short-term and survival outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic colectomy for colonic cancer. Methods This retrospective review of patients with stage I–III colonic cancer who underwent laparoscopic or robotic colonic resection was undertaken using data from the National Cancer Database (2013–2019). Patients were matched using the propensity score matching method. The primary outcome was 5-year overall survival. Secondary outcomes included conversion to open surgery, duration of hospital stay, 30- and 90-day mortality, unplanned readmission, and positive resection margins. Results The original cohort included 40 457 patients with stage I–III colonic adenocarcinoma, with a mean(s.d.) age of 67.4(12.9) years. Some 33 860 (83.7 per cent) and 6597 (17.3 per cent) patients underwent laparoscopic and robotic colectomy respectively. After matching, 6210 patients were included in each group. Robotic colectomy was associated with marginally longer overall survival for women, and patients with a Charlson score of 0, stage II–III disease or left-sided tumours. The robotic group had a significantly lower rate of conversion (6.6 versus 11 per cent; P < 0.001) and shorter hospital stay (median 3 versus 4 days) than the laparoscopic group. The two groups had similar rates of 30-day mortality (1.3 versus 1 per cent for laparoscopic and robotic procedures respectively), 90-day mortality (2.1 versus 1.8 per cent), 30-day unplanned readmission (3.7 versus 3.8 per cent), and positive resection margins (2.8 versus 2.5 per cent). Conclusion In this study population, robotic colectomy was associated with less conversion to open surgery and a shorter hospital stay compared with laparoscopic colectomy.

Aim: The choice of whether to perform protective ileostomy (PI) after anterior resection (AR) is mainly guided by risk factors (RFs) responsible for the development of anastomotic leakage (AL). However, clear guidelines about PI creation are still lacking in the literature and this is often decided according to the surgeon's preferences, experiences or feelings. This qualitative study aims to investigate, by an open-ended question survey, the individual surgeon's decision-making process regarding PI creation after elective AR. Method: Fifty four colorectal surgeons took part in an electronic survey to answer the questions and describe what usually led their decision to perform PI. A content analysis was used to code the answers. To classify answers, five dichotomous categories (In favour/Against PI, Listed/Unlisted RFs, Typical/Atypical, Emotions/Non-emotions, Personal experience/No personal experience) have been developed. Results: Overall, 76% of surgeons were in favour of PI creation and 88% considered listed RFs in the question of whether to perform PI. Atypical answers were reported in 10% of cases. Emotions and personal experience influenced surgeons' decision-making process in 22% and 49% of cases, respectively. The most frequently considered RFs were the distance of the anastomosis from the anal verge (96%), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (88%), a positive intraoperative leak test (65%), blood loss (37%) and immunosuppression therapy (35%). Conclusion: The indications to perform PI following rectal cancer surgery lack standardization and evidence-based guidelines are required to inform practice. Until then, expert opinion can be helpful to assist the decision-making process in patients who have undergone AR for adenocarcinoma.

Clinical assessment of T and N stages in rectal cancer is important to guide decision-making. The present study aimed to assess the accuracy of the clinical T and N staging of rectal cancer compared to the pathological staging and their overall agreement in a large cohort of patients.This retrospective study used data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between 2004 and 2017. Patients with non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy were reviewed and the clinical T and N stages were compared to their pathologic counterparts. The overall concordance between clinical and pathologic assessments was calculated using Kappa coefficient.The study included 8929 patients (57.3% male) with a mean age of 64 years. Clinical T stage and N stage were identical to pathologic stages in 70.3% and 77.6% of patients, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of the clinical assessment of N stage was 35.2% and 95.5%, respectively. Concordance between the clinical and pathologic stages was moderate for the T stage (kappa = 0.575) and fair for the N stage (kappa = 0.346). Pathologic T4 stage (OR: 2.12, p 0.0001), poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (OR: 1.45, p = 0.026), lymphovascular invasion (OR: 4.5, p 0.001), and longer time from diagnosis to first treatment (OR = 0.996, p = 0.046) were the independent predictors of N stage discrepancy.There was a moderate agreement between the clinical and pathologic T stages and a fair agreement between the clinical and pathologic N stages. The clinical assessment of the N stage was highly specific yet had low sensitivity.

Unplanned 30-day readmission is common after major surgery, including rectal cancer surgery. The present study aimed to assess the rate and predictors of unplanned 30-day readmission after proctectomy for rectal cancer.This was a retrospective case-control study using data from the National Cancer Database. Patients with non-metastatic rectal cancer who underwent proctectomy were included, and patients who required readmission within 30 days after discharge were compared to patients who were not readmitted in regard to patient and treatment baseline factors to determine the predictors of 30-day readmission after proctectomy. The main outcome measures were the rate and predictors of 30-day unplanned readmission and the impact of readmission on short-term mortality and overall survival.A total of 55,181 patients (60.9% men) with a mean age of 61.2 years were included. The 30-day readmission rate was 7.07% (95% confidence interval: 6.9-7.3). A Charlson score of 0 (odds ratio: 0.75, P .001), Medicare insurance (odds ratio: 0.836, P = .04), and private insurance (odds ratio: 0.73, P = .0003) were predictive of a lower likelihood of 30-day readmission, whereas urban living area (odds ratio: 1.18, P = .01), rural living area (odds ratio: 1.65%, P = .0004), neoadjuvant radiation therapy (odds ratio: 1.37, P = .001), pull-through coloanal anastomosis (odds ratio: 1.37, P = .0005), conversion to open surgery (odds ratio: 1.25, P = .001), and hospital stay ≥6 days (odds ratio: 1.02, P.001) were predictive of a higher likelihood of 30-day readmission. Readmitted patients had a higher rate of 90-day mortality (3.1% vs 2.1%, P.001) and a lower 5-year overall survival (67.0% vs 72.7%, P.001) than non-readmitted patients. Using the weighted ORs of the significant predictors of 30-day readmission, a risk score, the Cleveland Clinic Florida REadmission afTer sUrgery for Rectal caNcer in 30 days (RETURN-30) score, was developed.Comorbidities, residence in urban or rural areas, neoadjuvant radiation therapy, pull-through coloanal anastomosis, conversion to open surgery, and extended hospital stay were predictive of a higher risk of 30-day readmission. Patients who were readmitted had a higher rate of 90-day mortality and a lower 5-year overall survival.

Complex perineal fistulas (CPFs) are among the most challenging problems in colorectal practice. Various procedures have been used to treat CPFs, with none being a panacea. Our study aimed to assess the overall success and complication rates after gracilis muscle interposition in patients with CPF.PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched until January 2022 according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies including children18 years or10 patients were excluded, as well as reviews, duplicate or animal studies, studies with poor documentation (no report of success rate) and non-English text. An open-source, cross-platform software for advanced meta-analysis openMeta [Analyst]™ version 12.11.14 and Cochrane Review Manager 5.4® were used to conduct the meta-analysis of data.Twenty-five studies published between 2002 and 2021 were identified. The studies included 658 patients (409 women). Most patients had rectovaginal (50.7%) or rectourethral fistulas (33.7%). The most common causes of CPF were pelvic surgery (29.4%) and inflammatory bowel disease (25.2%). A history of radiotherapy was reported in approximately 18% of the patients. 498 (75.7%) patients with CPF achieved complete healing after gracilis muscle interposition. The weighted mean rate of success of the gracilis interposition procedure was 79.4% (95% CI 73.8%-85%, IThe gracilis muscle interposition technique is a viable treatment option for CPF. Surgeons should be familiar with indications and techniques to offer it as an option for patients. Given the relatively infrequent use of the operation, referral rather than performance of graciloplasty is an acceptable option.

Background T4 rectal cancer is a challenging condition owing to the highly invasive nature of the tumour that may compromise R0 resection. The present study aimed to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic versus robotic-assisted resection of non-metastatic T4 rectal adenocarcinoma. Methods This was a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis using the National Cancer Database between 2010 and 2019. Patients with pathological T4 non-metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent laparoscopic or robotic-assisted resection were compared and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed in a 1:1 manner. The main outcome measures were conversion to open surgery, mortality, readmission, resection margins, and overall survival. Results After propensity score matching, 235 patients were included in each group. There were 260 (55.3 per cent) men and 210 (44.7 per cent) women, with a mean (s.d.) age of 61 (13.2) years. Patients in the robotic group had a statistically significantly lower conversion rate (8.9 per cent versus 17.9 per cent; P = 0.006), shorter median duration of hospital stay (5 versus 6 days; P = 0.007), higher overall survival rate (56.2 per cent versus 43.4 per cent; P = 0.007), and a longer median survival (60.8 versus 43.2; P = 0.025). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to positive resection margins, examined lymph nodes, 30-day and 90-day mortality rates, and 30-day readmission rate. Conclusions Robotic resections of T4 rectal cancer were associated with a significantly lower conversion rate and shorter duration of hospital stay than laparoscopic resections. The two approaches were comparable with regard to positive resection margins, short-term mortality, and readmission.

BACKGROUND: Despite exponentially growing evidence supporting the use of intraoperative fluorescence imaging + indocyanine green dye, considerable variability exists in how and when it is used, and no published consensus guidelines exist. We have conducted Delphi surveys of international experts in the use of intraoperative fluorescence imaging covering 6 distinct surgical scenarios: laparoscopic cholecystectomy; colorectal, lymphedema, gastric cancer, and plastic surgery; and thyroid and parathyroid resections. Although each survey asked experts to vote on field-specific consensus statements, they also had 29 shared statements to permit some analysis spanning the 6 specialties. This article summarizes these results.METHODS: Data on the 29 shared statements from 6 two-round Delphi consensus surveys were compiled to identify areas of overall consensus and compare the different specialties. As with the individual surveys, consensus was defined as ≥70% intervoter agreement.RESULTS: Among 140 participating experts, overall consensus was achieved on 16 statements, including strong agreement that using indocyanine green is extremely safe, that it can be used even when informed written consent cannot be provided, that it significantly enhances anatomical visualization and impacts how procedures are performed, and that it significantly reduces overall procedural risk. However, indocyanine green dosing and timing are procedure-specific, with considerable variability persisting for some applications, and the overall consensus is that further research is necessary to optimize this facet of intraoperative fluorescence imaging.CONCLUSION: Fluorescence imaging is gaining traction across multiple surgical specialties as an invaluable intraoperative tool. Its use in clinical practice and research seems destined to increase.

Repeat ileocolic resection of Crohn's disease (CD) is a challenging procedure that can be followed by a high rate of complications. The present study aimed to identify the factors associated with complications and conversion to open surgery in patients undergoing repeat ileocolic resection for CD.This was a retrospective review of an IRB-approved prospective database of CD patients who underwent elective repeat ileocolic resection between 2011 and 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictive factors of postoperative complications and conversion to open surgery.The present study included 65 patients (47.7% male) with a mean age of 52.5 years. 43.1% of patients developed short-term complications, most of which were of Clavien-Dindo class I-II. Longer operative time was found to be an independent predictor of complications (OR 1.016, p = 0.014). The preoperative use of biological therapy was an independent protective factor from complications (OR 0.243, p = 0.016). The only significant risk factor of a longer operation time was higher BMI (OR 3.11, p = 0.044). Overall, 28.1% of laparoscopic procedures were converted to laparotomy. According to bivariate analysis, previous ileocolic open resection (OR 190, p 0.0001), longer operation time (OR 1.01; p = 0.036), and takedown of incidental fistula of incidental fistula (OR 3.78, p = 0.04) were associated with higher odds of conversion to open surgery.Longer operation time was significantly associated with and predictive of complications after repeat ileocolic resection of CD. Preoperative biological therapy was predictive of a lower rate of complications. Previous ileocolic resection by laparotomy, longer operation time, and takedown of fistula were associated with a higher likelihood of conversion to open surgery.

Faecal incontinence (FI) is a disabling condition in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The diagnosis of FI is not easy as patients are reluctant to report this embarrassing symptom. The objectives of this study were to characterize the prevalence of FI in IBD patients using available scoring systems, and to identify associated risk factors.A FI clinic was implemented in routine practice between January 2020 and April 2021. FI was defined as a Wexner score ≥5. Factors associated with FI were analyzed.A total of 319 consecutive patients with IBD were included. The prevalence of FI was 16.4% (53/319). Age45 years at inclusion (Odd ratio (OR)=3.33, Confidence interval (CI) 95% 1.40-7.94), diarrhea (three stools at least per day) (OR=2.94, CI 95% 1.16-7.45), stool consistency according to the Bristol stool chart (OR=2.23, CI 95% 1.00-4.99), and abdominal pain (OR=2.24, CI 95% 1.10-4.53) were independently associated with FI in a multivariate model analysis.Approximately one fifth of IBD patients reported FI in this real-world cohort, using an available scoring system. Increased age, diarrhea, stool consistency according to the Bristol stool chart, and abdominal pain were associated with FI. A systematic screening of FI would allow a better management of this disabling condition.

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a potentially life-threatening complication after low anterior resection (LAR). This meta-analysis aimed to compare outcomes of LAR with and without diverting stoma and to determine factors associated with AL in non-diverted patients.This was a PRISMA-compliant systematic review of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Randomized controlled trials comparing LAR with and without diverting stoma were included. Main outcome measures were AL, complications, and operation time in the two groups and risk factors of AL in non-diverted patients.Nine randomized control trials (RCTs) (946 patients; 53.2% male) were included. The diverting stoma group had lower odds of complications (OR: 0.61, 95%CI: 0.461-0.828; p 0.001), AL (OR: 0.362, 95%CI: 0.236-0.555; p 0.001, INon-diverted patients with increased body mass index, high American Society of Anesthesiologists scores, low rectal cancers, received neoadjuvant therapy, underwent open surgery, end-to-end anastomosis, and longer operation times were at a higher risk of AL after LAR.

Screening for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC), adenomatous polyps, and precancerous lesions can reduce mortality. This review aimed to illustrate methods, guidelines, and clinical utility of CRC screening programs.Literature search of PubMed and Scopus electronic databases was independently performed by two authors in September 2021. Articles discussing CRC screening methods and updated guidelines were reviewed.After reviewing the full text of 55 studies, it was found that the screening tests for CRC are divided into stool-based, endoscopic, and molecular. All CRC screening guidelines recommend screening starting at age 45-50, but vary regarding screening methods, frequency, and timing of screening discontinuation. Controversies include clinical benefits of screening the elderly and discontinuation of screening. Effective screening barriers involve patient- and healthcare-related factors.Overall, screening should start at age 45-50 for average-risk individuals. Colonoscopy and FIT tests are standard modalities recommended for regular screening. Increasing public awareness of the importance of screening and implementing mass national screening programs can detect early CRC and decrease related mortality.

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the primary treatment modality for superficial gastrointestinal mucosal lesions 2 cm. However, the procedure carries some risk of complications including bleeding, perforation, and local recurrence. This study aimed to examine factors associated with EMR outcomes, especially in terms of local recurrence.This study retrospectively evaluated patients who underwent EMR and full closure with prophylactic clips for upper and lower gastrointestinal lesions 2 cm at Cleveland Clinic Florida, between January 2013 and December 2018 with follow-up endoscopic evaluation for recurrence.A total of 2031 endoscopic polypectomy cases were examined; 307 EMR procedures among 271 patients (52% were female, mean age 65.6 ± 11.1 years) who satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study. There were no perforations reported. The rate of post-polypectomy delayed bleeding was 1.6%, and the local recurrence rate in this cohort was 7.1%. Recurrent cases were successfully endoscopically managed. In the multivariate regression analysis, age 70 years (OR = 3.20, 95% CI 1.17-8.76, p = .023), body mass index (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.23 p = .008), and lesion size ≥ 35 mm (OR = 11.51, 95% CI 3.54-37.40, p = .001) were independent predictors for recurrence.Age 70 years, increased lesion size, and obesity were found to be independent predictors of local recurrence among EMR procedures for gastrointestinal lesions 2 cm. However, there is a need for larger-scale studies on this topic.

COVID-19 has significantly impacted healthcare worldwide. Lack of screening and limited access to healthcare has delayed diagnosis and treatment of various malignancies. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic on sphincter-preserving surgery in patients with rectal cancer.This was a single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing surgery for newly diagnosed rectal cancer. Patients operated on during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-February 2021) comprised the study group (COVID-19 era), while patients operated on prior to the pandemic (March 2016-February 2020) served as the control group (pre-COVID-19).This study included 234 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer; 180 (77%) patients in the pre-COVID-19 group and 54 patients (23%) in the COVID-19-era group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of mean patient age, sex, or body mass index. The COVID-19-era group presented with a significantly higher rate of locally advanced disease (stage T3/T4 79% vs 58%; P = .02) and metastatic disease (9% vs 3%; P = .05). The COVID-19-era group also had a much higher percentage of patients treated with total neoadjuvant therapy (52% vs 15%; P = .001) and showed a significantly lower rate of sphincter-preserving surgery (73% vs 86%; P = .028). Time from diagnosis to surgery in this group was also significantly longer (median 272 vs 146 days; P.0001).Patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic presented later and at a more advanced stage. They were more likely to be treated with total neoadjuvant therapy and were less likely candidates for sphincter-preserving surgery.

Anismus is a common cause of obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). The aim of the present review is to assess the efficacy and safety of puborectalis muscle (PRM) division in the treatment of anismus.PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies that assessed the outcome of PRM division in the treatment of anismus. The main outcome measures were subjective improvement in ODS, decrease in the Wexner constipation score and ODS score, and complications, namely faecal incontinence (FI).Ten studies (204 patients, 63.7% male) were included. The weighted mean rate of initial subjective improvement across randomized trials was 97.6% (95% CI 94%-100%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 63.1 (95% CI 39.3%-87%). The weighted mean rate of 12-month improvement across randomized trials was 64.9% (95% CI 53.3%-76.4%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 55.9% (95% CI 30.8%-81%). The weighted mean rate of FI across randomized trials was 12.1% (95% CI 4.2%-20%) and across nonrandomized studies it was 10.4% (95% CI 1.6%-19.3%). Male sex and unilateral PRM division were significantly associated with recurrence of symptoms after PRM division. Bilateral PRM division, posterior division, complete division and concomitant sphincterotomy were significantly associated with FI after PRM division.The use of PRM division for treatment of anismus was followed by some initial improvement in ODS symptoms which decreased to60% 12 months after PRM division. The mean rate of FI after PRM division, namely 10%-12%, is a limitation of the technique. Further well-designed trials are needed to verify the outcome of PRM division in the treatment of anismus.

Surgical resection for Crohn's disease (CD) remains noncurative, therefore recurrence is a significant problem. Although numerous factors affecting surgical outcomes in redo ileocolic resection have been previously described, no study has considered the relation between the interval of time from initial ileocolic resection to the redo procedure and its effect on surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore this relationship.A retrospective review of all adult patients undergoing redo ileocolic resection for CD between 2011 to 2020 was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups based on time from initial ileocolic resection. Patients operated within 10 years of their initial surgery (≤10 years) were assigned to the early group, while patients operated10 years after initial surgery were allocated to the late group. Primary outcome was the 30-day postoperative major complication rate.Fifty-eight patients underwent redo ileocolic resection, 24 in the early group and 34 in the late group. Apart from older median age in the late group (56 vs. 46.5 years, p = 0.026), the groups were similar for patient factors, disease site and behaviour, use of immune-suppressing medication and procedural factors. Significant differences in 30-day postoperative morbidity included longer length of stay (6 vs. 5 days, p = 0.035), a higher major complication rate (23.5% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.04) and higher readmission rate (26.4% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.035) in the late group. The overall complication rate remained nonsignificant (37.5% vs. 61.8%, p = 0.1).Redo ileocolic resection, when performed10 years from the initial ileocolic resection, may be associated with increased morbidity, specifically higher rates of major postoperative complications, a longer length of stay and more readmissions.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic exposed racism as a public health crisis embedded in structural processes. Editors of surgical research journals pledged their commitment to improve structure and process through increasing diversity in the peer review and editorial process; however, little benchmarking data are available. Methods A survey of editorial board members from high impact surgical research journals captured self-identified demographics. Analysis of manuscript submissions from 2016 to 2020 compared acceptance for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-focused manuscripts to overall rates. Results 25.6% of respondents were female, 2.9% Black, and 3.3% Hispanic. There was variation in the diversity among journals and in the proportion of DEI submissions they attract, but no clear correlation between DEI acceptance rates and board diversity. Conclusions Diversity among board members reflects underrepresentation of minorities seen among surgeons nationally. Recruitment and retention of younger individuals, representing more diverse backgrounds, may be a strategy for change. DEI publication rates may benefit from calls for increasing DEI scholarship more so than changes to the peer review process.

ImportanceRectal cancer management has significantly evolved over the last 2 decades.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate trends in the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of rectal adenocarcinoma across 16 years.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective, observational case series study used data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to evaluate patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma from 2004 through 2019. Data analysis was performed from March to May 2022.ExposuresTrends in the treatment and outcomes of rectal adenocarcinoma in the US between 2004 and 2019 were explored. This period was subdivided into 4 equal periods: 2004-2007, 2008-2011, 2012-2015, and 2016-2019.Main Outcomes and MeasuresPatient and tumor characteristics, treatments, short-term outcomes, and overall survival.ResultsA total of 318 548 patients diagnosed with rectal adenocarcinoma were included in the analysis, 191 369 (60.1%) of whom were males and 127 179 (39.9%%) were females. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 63.5 (13.4) years, and 46 824 patients (14.8%) were younger than 50 years. Among the patients, 10 859 (3.4%) were of Asian race and ethnicity, 28 464 (8.9%) were Black, and 271 236 (85.1%) were White. The percentage of patients younger than 50 years who were diagnosed with rectal cancer increased by 1.5%, from 13.9% in period 1 to 15.4% in period 4. Patients in the last period (2016-2019) presented more often with stages III (36.2% vs 30.2% vs 25.0% vs 23.4%; P P P P P Conclusion and RelevanceThe findings of this case series study suggest a treatment trend of increased use of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, sphincter-saving surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. In addition, the time between diagnosis and definitive surgery increased by a median of 33 days. This treatment trend was associated with a significant improvement in the overall survival, reduction in the conversion rate by 3.9%, and a 2-day shorter hospital stay. These findings have major clinical relevance to the management of rectal cancer. The improvements seen in short-term outcomes and survival of patients diagnosed with rectal cancer can probably be attributed to the treatment trends observed. Continued improvement in outcomes warrant further updates in treatments.

Aim Redo ileocolic resection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) is associated with significant technical challenges that may be associated with high complication rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of near-infrared fluorescence angiography with indocyanine green (ICG), often used to evaluate blood supply to the anastomosis in CD patients undergoing repeat ileocolic resection. Method This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent redo ileocolic resection using ICG bowel perfusion assessment between 2015 and 2021. Patients were matched and compared on a 1:2 basis with a control group undergoing the same procedure without perfusion assessment. Results Twelve patients underwent redo ileocolic resection with ICG perfusion assessment (ICG group). These were compared with 24 patients who underwent the procedure without ICG (control group). Both groups were similar in demographics and operative characteristics including median operating time (255 vs. 255.5 min, p = 0.39) and conversion rate (22% vs. 36.8%, p = 0.68). Median estimated blood loss was significantly higher in the ICG group [150 (50-400) vs. 100 ml (20-125)]. Successful ICG perfusion assessment was seen in all patients in the ICG group and did not change management in any case. Overall postoperative complication rates were comparable between the groups (58.3% vs. 54.1%, p = 0.72). No anastomotic leaks occurred in the ICG group compared with one (1/24, 4.2%) in the control group (p = 0.99). Conclusion Fluorescence ICG perfusion assessment is feasible and safe in redo ileocolic resection in patients with CD. Larger studies are needed to evaluate whether this technique should be routinely used in these complex surgical interventions.

This review summarizes the relevant literature for the selection of the initial imaging in 4 clinical scenarios in patients with suspected inflammatory disease or postoperative complication of the anorectum. These clinical scenarios include suspected perianal fistula or abscess; rectovesicular or rectovaginal fistula; proctitis or pouchitis; and suspected complication following proctectomy, coloproctectomy, or colectomy with a pouch or other anastomosis. The appropriateness of imaging modalities as they apply to each clinical scenario is rated as usually appropriate, may be appropriate, and usually not appropriate to assist the selection of the most appropriate imaging modality in the corresponding clinical scenarios of anorectal disease. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Few data are available regarding the management of anorectal abscess in patients with leukopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of leukopenia among patients undergoing incision and drainage for anorectal abscess.A retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database identified patients from 2015 to 2020. Perianal fistulas and supralevator abscesses were excluded. Patients were grouped based on white blood cell (WBC) count: WBC 4.5 cells/μl, WBC = 4.5-11.0 cells/μl and WBC 11.0 cells/μl. The 30-day overall complications and outcomes were compared using regression models, accounting for demographics and comorbidities.Ten thousand two hundred and forty (70.3% male) patients were identified. Univariate analysis showed that, compared with patients with leukocytosis (WBC 11.0 cells/μl) and normal WBC count (WBC = 4.5-11.0 cells/μl), patients with leukopenia (WBC 4.5 cells/μl) had higher rates of overall (p 0.001), pulmonary (p 0.001) and haematological complications (p 0.001). They also had higher rates of readmission (p 0.001), reoperation (p = 0.005), discharge to a care facility (p = 0.003), increased length of hospital stay (p = 0.004) and death (p 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified leukopenia as an independent risk factor for overall complications [odds ratio (OR) 2.31, 95% CI 1.65-3.24; p 0.001], pulmonary complications (OR 5.65, 95% CI 1.88-16.97; p = 0.002), haematological complications (OR 4.30, 95% CI 2.94-6.28; p 0.001), unplanned readmission (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.43-3.40; p 0.001), reoperation (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.10-2.93; p = 0.019) and death (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.02-7.52; p = 0.046). Discharge to a care facility and length of stay were not significant on multivariable analysis.Leukopenia is associated with increased risk for pulmonary and haematological complications, readmissions, reoperations, discharge to a care facility and death after incision and drainage for anorectal abscess.

Background Racial disparities and poor access to care are common among African Americans (AA), potentially adversely affecting surgical outcomes in inflammatory bowel conditions. We aimed to analyze the effect of race on outcomes in patients undergoing segmental colectomy for inflammatory bowel conditions. Methods Retrospective review of data from the National Inpatient Sample between 2010 and 2015 identified patients who underwent segmental colectomy without ostomy for Crohn’s or diverticular disease. AA patients were compared with Caucasians using a multivariable analysis model. Primary outcomes of interest were overall complications, mortality, and extended hospital stay. Results 38,143 admissions were analyzed; AA patients constituted 8% of the overall cohort. Diagnoses included Crohn’s (11%) and diverticular disease (89%). After multivariable analysis, AA patients had significantly higher overall risk of complications (OR = 1.27; 95% CI, 1.15-1.40) and extended hospital stay (OR = 1.59; 95% CI, 1.45-1.75) than Caucasians. On bivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in mortality between AA and Caucasian patients. AA patients had significantly higher rates of Medicaid insurance (14% vs 6%, P < .001), lower rates of private insurance (35% vs 47%, P < .001), and were less likely to undergo surgery at a private hospital (31% vs 41%, P < .001). Conclusions AA patients requiring segmental colectomy for inflammatory colorectal conditions experience significantly higher rates of postoperative complications, longer hospital stays, and lower rates of private insurance. Direct correlation between insurance status and postoperative outcomes could not be established, but we speculate such great disparity in outcomes may stem from these socioeconomic differences.