Background
Stoma reversal surgery can result in considerable morbidity and even mortality. Feasibility of utilizing single-port laparoscopy through the stoma fenestration have been shown before. Aim ...of the present observational study is to evaluate multicenter experiences of single-port reversal of left-sided colostomy (SPRLC) throughout Europe and to provide an overview of available literature on this topic.
Methods
All patients undergoing SPRLC in four different teaching hospitals throughout Europe are included. Primary outcome was 30-day postoperative complication rate. Secondary outcomes were postoperative length of stay (LOS), single-port success rate and conversion rates. Appraisal of the available literature in PubMed was performed.
Results
Of 156 SPRLC procedures, 98.7% of them were technically successful and 71.8% were without postoperative complications. No postoperative mortality was encountered. Superficial site infection occurred in 14.7%, anastomotic leakage in 3.9% and major complications in 8.3%. Median LOS was 4.0 days (1–69), single-port success rate was 64.7%, 12.8% and 21.2% (33/154) were converted to an open and multiport laparoscopic procedure, respectively. Literature shows equally favorable results in 131 patients divided over 5 cohorts with morbidity ranging from 0 to 30.4% and mortality from 0 to 2.2% and median LOS of 4–8 days.
Conclusion
This study confirms the safety, feasibility and favorable results of the use of single-port approach in the reversal of left-sided colostomy in different centers in Europe with laparoscopic experienced colorectal surgeons. The available literature on this topic support and show equally favorable results using single-port laparoscopy for left-sided colostomy reversal surgery.
Aim
New stoma patients often rely heavily on the assistance of the ward nursing staff during the hospital stay and on the availability of home nursing care services (HNCS) after discharge. An easily ...executable 4‐day in‐hospital educational stoma pathway was developed and implemented. The aim was to increase their level of independence (LOI) in order to reduce the need for HNCS after discharge.
Method
All new stoma patients on the gastrointestinal surgery ward, physically and psychologically capable of performing independent stoma care (SC), were enrolled in this pathway. They were compared to a retrospective control group of new stoma patients before the onset of the stoma pathway. The primary outcome is the need and frequency of HNCS for SC at the moment of discharge. Secondary outcome is the LOI in SC at discharge.
Results
A total of 145 patients m:f = 102:43, median age 67 (range 27–90) years were included in the present study. Patients requiring daily HNCS for SC decreased from 80% to 50%, P < 0.001; patients discharged without HNCS for SC increased from 5% to 27%. Patients’ independence in SC at discharge increased from 8% to 68%, P < 0.001.
Conclusion
This study shows that a clinical 4‐day in‐hospital educational stoma pathway is feasible and effective in increasing the LOI in SC of new stoma patients and significantly reducing their need for HNCS. Cost–benefit analysis and applicability of this pathway in multicentre settings are currently being investigated.
Purpose
Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is gaining worldwide popularity as an alternative for the transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS) method for the local excision of rectal polyps ...and selected neoplasms. Data on patient reported outcomes regarding short-term follow-up are scarce; data on functional outcomes for long-term follow-up is non-existent.
Methods
We used the fecal incontinence severity index (FISI) to prospectively assess the fecal continence on the intermediate-term follow-up after TAMIS. The primary outcome measure is postoperative fecal continence. Secondary outcome measures are as follows: perioperative and intermediate-term morbidity.
Results
Forty-two patients (m = 21:f = 21), median age 68.5 (range 34–94) years, were included in the analysis. In four patients (9.5%), postoperative complications occurred. The median follow-up was 36 months (range 24–48). Preoperative mean FISI score was 8.3 points. One year after TAMIS, mean FISI score was 5.4 points (
p
= 0.501). After 3 years of follow-up, mean FISI score was 10.1 points (
p
= 0.01). Fecal continence improved in 11 patients (26%). Continence decreased in 20 patients (47.6%) (mean FISI score 15.2 points, range 3–31).
Conclusions
This study found that the incidence of impaired fecal continence after TAMIS is substantial; however, the clinical significance of this deterioration seems minor. The present data is helpful in acquiring informed consent and emphasizes the need of proper patient information.
Functional results seem to be comparable to results after TEMS. Furthermore, we confirmed TAMIS is safe and associated with low morbidity.
Background
Many surgeons believe that the distance from the external opening to the anal verge (DEOAV) predicts the complexity of a cryptoglandular fistulas-in-ano and, therefore, predicts the need ...for additional imaging. However, there is no evidence to support this.
The primary aim of this study was to determine if DEOAV can predict the complexity of a fistula. Secondary aims were clinical outcome and identification of those patients that might not benefit from preoperative imaging.
Methods
All patients having surgery for cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano between January 2014 and December 2016 were evaluated. Preoperative imaging was used to classify fistulas as simple or complex. The DEAOV was measured preoperatively and was divided into categories ≤ 1 cm, 1–2 cm, or > 2 cm. The relationship between the DEOAV and complexity of the fistula was investigated. Clinical outcome was recorded and a group of patients that might not benefit from preoperative imaging was identified.
Results
A total of 103 patients m:f = 65:38, median age 47 (range 19–79) years were included. Magnetic resonance imaging identified 39 simple and 64 complex fistulas. The percentage of simple fistula was 88% in fistulas with DEAOV ≤ 1 cm, 48% in DEAOV 1–2 cm and 38% in > 2 cm. There was a significant difference between the complexity of the fistula and the distance to the anal verge (
p
< 0.001). The overall healing rate was 88%.
Conclusions
The complexity of perianal fistula depends on the DEAOV. We propose that preoperative imaging should be performed in fistulas with external opening > 1 cm from the anal verge.
Background
Ostomies are being placed in 35 % of patients after colorectal cancer surgery. As decision-making regarding colorectal surgery is challenging in the older patients, it is important to have ...insight in the potential impact due to ostomies.
Methods
An internet-based survey was sent to all members with registered email addresses of the Dutch Ostomy Patient Association.
Results
The response rate was 49 %; 932 cases were included of whom 526 were aged <70 years old (“younger respondents”), 301 were aged between 70 and 79 years old (“the elderly”), and 105 were aged ≥80 years old (“oldest old”). Ostomy-related limitations were similar in the different age groups, just as uncertainty (8–10 %) and dependency (18–22 %) due to the ostomy. A reduced quality of life was experienced least in the oldest old group (24 % vs 37 % of the elderly and 46 % of the younger respondents,
p
< 0.001). Over time, a decrease of limitations and impact due to the ostomy was observed.
Conclusion
Older ostomates do not experience more limitations or psychosocial impact due to the ostomy compared to their younger counterparts. Over the years, impact becomes less distinct. Treatment decision-making is challenging in the older colorectal cancer patients but ostomy placement should not be withheld based on age alone.
Background
Laser Ablation of Fistula Tract (LAFT) is a novel technique for the treatment of perianal fistulas. Initial reports have shown moderate-to-good results. The aim of this study was to ...evaluate this implementation and the effectiveness of this technique. Patients were offered LAFT as a treatment option for their perianal fistulas at the outpatient clinic between November 2016 and April 2018. Inclusion criteria were intersphincteric and transsphincteric fistula of cryptoglandular origin
10
. Exclusion criteria were supra- or extrasphincteric fistula, Crohn’s disease, presence of undrained collections or side tracts and malignancy-related fistula. The primary outcome was fistula healing rate, the main secondary outcome incidence of postoperative fecal incontinence. Healing and postoperative FISI were evaluated at our outpatient clinic during follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks. A questionnaire was sent to all patients to evaluate the long-term postoperative FISI and patient satisfaction after 3 months.
Results
Between November 2016 and April 2018, 20 patients m:f = 4:16, median age 45 (27–78) years underwent LAFT. Median follow-up was 10 months (IQR 7.3 months). A draining seton was placed in 15 (75%) of all patients with a median time of 12 weeks (IQR 14 weeks) prior to LAFT. Five intersphincteric and 13 transsphincteric fistulas were treated. Overall healing rate was 20% (4/20). The median postoperative fecal incontinence severity index (FISI) score was 0 (range 0–38); however, we found a change in continence in 39% of the patients.
Conclusions
LAFT has now been discontinued as a treatment of cryptoglandular perianal fistulas in our centre, because of its disappointing results. Further detailed research seems to be warranted to investigate its exact indication and limitations.
Background
The current method of choice for local resection of benign and selected malignant rectal tumors is transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) yields ...similar oncological results and better patient reported outcomes when compared to transanal endoscopic micro surgery. However, due to the technical complexity of TAMIS, a significant learning curve has been suggested. Data on the surgical learning curve are limited. The aim of our study was to investigate surgeon specific learning curves for TAMIS procedures for the local excision of selected rectal tumors, and analyze the effects of proctoring on operating time and outcome.
Methods
The current study was prospective of all TAMIS procedures performed by two surgeons from October 2010 to November 2017. Margin positivity, specimen fragmentation, adverse events and operative time were evaluated with a cumulative sum analysis to determine the number of procedures required to reach proficiency. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was used to determine trends in changes over time.
Results
The earliest adopter, surgeon A, performed 103 procedures, was not proctored and developed the standardized institutional program. Surgeon B, performed 26 cases, had the benefit of a proctorship and availability of a standardized program. The CUSUM curve for operative time showed a change after 36 cases for surgeon A and after 10 cases for surgeon B. For margin positivity proficiency was reached after 31 and 6 cases for surgeon A and B, respectively. The complications curve for surgeon A showed a three-phase learning curve with a decrease after the 26th case whereas surgeon B only had one (3.8%) complication in the learning phase with no change point in the CUSUM curve. Comparing pre- and post-proficiency periods there was a decrease in operating time for both surgeon A (84.4 ± 47.3 to 55.9 ± 30.1 min) and surgeon B (90.6 ± 64.to 53 ± 26.5 min;
p
< 0.001). Overall margin positivity rates decreased non significantly from 21.7 to 4.8% (
p
= 0.23). Complications were higher in the pre-proficiency period (21.7% vs. 13.0%; p = 0.02). Surgeon A had significantly more postoperative complications in pre-proficiency phase when compared to surgeon B (25% vs. none,
p
< 0.001), in the post-proficiency phase there was no statistically significant difference between both surgeons (
p
= 0.08).
Conclusions
Our results suggest that to reach satisfactory results for TAMIS, 18–31 procedures are required. Standardized institutional operative protocols together with proficient proctorship may contribute to a shorter learning curve with fewer cases (6–10) required to reach proficiency.
New normal Loon, Yu‐Ting; Clermonts, Stefan; Zimmerman, David
Colorectal disease,
August 2021, Letnik:
23, Številka:
8
Journal Article
Recenzirano
We read with great interest the recent study by Mirza et al. We would like to applaud the authors for their extensive analysis of the results of 150 consecutive Hartmann's reversal (HR) procedures in ...two academic tertiary referral centers between 2010-2019. In a study group with majority of open index cases (93.3%), laparoscopic HR (LHR) was attempted in 22% of the cases with 42% conversion rate. They conclude that HR comes with substantial risk of morbidity and that laparoscopic approach may decrease morbidity in selected patients but have high conversion rates. However, we would like to highlight some important nuances. There are many reports stating the positive effects of LHR with less morbidity and mortality rates compared to open HR with great advantages in perioperative outcomes: less blood loss, shorter length of hospital stay and fewer overall postoperative complications such as ileus or surgical site infections. We believe that the use of laparoscopic or minimally invasive approach is underutilized in not only this but many other HR studies.
Background
Although self‐expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement as bridge to surgery (BTS) in patients with left‐sided obstructing colonic cancer has shown promising short‐term results, it is used ...infrequently owing to uncertainty about its oncological safety. This population study compared long‐term oncological outcomes between emergency resection and SEMS placement as BTS.
Methods
Through a national collaborative research project, long‐term outcome data were collected for all patients who underwent resection for left‐sided obstructing colonic cancer between 2009 and 2016 in 75 Dutch hospitals. Patients were identified from the Dutch Colorectal Audit database. SEMS as BTS was compared with emergency resection in the curative setting after 1 : 2 propensity score matching.
Results
Some 222 patients who had a stent placed were matched to 444 who underwent emergency resection. The overall SEMS‐related perforation rate was 7·7 per cent (17 of 222). Three‐year locoregional recurrence rates after SEMS insertion and emergency resection were 11·4 and 13·6 per cent (P = 0·457), disease‐free survival rates were 58·8 and 52·6 per cent (P = 0·175), and overall survival rates were 74·0 and 68·3 per cent (P = 0·231), respectively. SEMS placement resulted in significantly fewer permanent stomas (23·9 versus 45·3 per cent; P < 0·001), especially in elderly patients (29·0 versus 57·9 per cent; P < 0·001). For patients in the SEMS group with or without perforation, 3‐year locoregional recurrence rates were 18 and 11·0 per cent (P = 0·432), disease‐free survival rates were 49 and 59·6 per cent (P = 0·717), and overall survival rates 61 and 75·1 per cent (P = 0·529), respectively.
Conclusion
Overall, SEMS as BTS seems an oncologically safe alternative to emergency resection with fewer permanent stomas. Nevertheless, the risk of SEMS‐related perforation, as well as permanent stoma, might influence shared decision‐making for individual patients.
The disease‐free and overall survival of patients with left‐sided obstructive colonic cancer treated with either emergency resection or stent placement and elective resection was compared using a propensity score‐matched analysis. No difference was found in any of the oncological outcome measures. Patients treated with stent placement, however, had significantly fewer permanent stomas.
Self‐expandable metal stent oncologically safe
Many species of mosquitoes, including the major malaria vector Anopheles gambiae, utilize carbon dioxide (CO2) and 1-octen-3-ol as olfactory cues in host-seeking behaviors that underlie their ...vectorial capacity. However, the molecular and cellular basis of such olfactory responses remains largely unknown.
Here, we use molecular and physiological approaches coupled with systematic functional analyses to define the complete olfactory sensory map of the An. gambiae maxillary palp, an olfactory appendage that mediates the detection of these compounds. In doing so, we identify three olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) that are organized in stereotyped triads within the maxillary-palp capitate-peg-sensillum population. One ORN is CO2-responsive and characterized by the coexpression of three receptors that confer CO2 responses, whereas the other ORNs express characteristic odorant receptors (AgORs) that are responsible for their in vivo olfactory responses.
Our results describe a complete and highly concordant map of both the molecular and cellular olfactory components on the maxillary palp of the adult female An. gambiae mosquito. These results also facilitate the understanding of how An. gambiae mosquitoes sense olfactory cues that might be exploited to compromise their ability to transmit malaria.