End-to-end jejuno-ileal anastomosis following resection of strangulated small intestine in horses: a comparative study

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Small intestinal resection and anastomosis is a relatively common procedure in equine surgical practice. This study was designed to test objectively the subjective opinions of surgeons at the Liphook Equine Hospital that an end-to-end jejuno-ileal anastomosis (JIA) is an effective and clinically justifiable procedure, contrary to conventional recommendations.

HYPOTHESIS

An end-to-end JIA carries no greater risk of morbidity and mortality than an end-to-end jejunojejunal anastomosis (JJA).

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed on a population of 100 horses that had undergone small intestinal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. Two groups were identified; Group 1 (n = 30) had undergone an end-to- end JIA and Group 2 (n = 70) an end-to-end JJA. The 2 populations were tested for pre- and intraoperative comparability and for their equivalence of outcomes.

RESULTS

The 2 populations were comparable in terms of their distributions of preoperative parameters and type of lesion present. The observations used as outcome parameters (incidence risk of post operative colic, incidence risk of post operative ileus, duration of post operative ileus, rates of functioning original anastomoses at the time of discharge and at 12 months, survival rates at 6 months and 12 months) were equivalent between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

End-to-end JIA carries no greater risk of morbidity and mortality than an end-to-end JJA.

POTENTIAL RELEVANCE

Surgeons faced with strangulating obstructions involving the jejuno-ileal junction in which there remains an accessible length of viable terminal ileum may reasonably perform an end-to-end JIA. This has the potentially significant advantage over a jejunocaecal anastomosis of preserving more anatomical and physiological normality to the intestinal tract. The study was, however, relatively small for an equivalence study and greater confidence would be gained with higher numbers.

Short-term survival after surgery for epiploic foramen entrapment compared with other strangulating diseases of the small intestine in horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE) is one of the more common causes of colic in horses, but recent reports suggest a poor prognosis after surgical treatment.

HYPOTHESIS

That EFE has a good prognosis compared with other small intestinal strangulating lesions.

METHODS

Surgical findings, surgical procedures and short-term outcome were recorded for 157 horses that underwent surgery for strangulating lesions of the small intestine at the University of Illinois from 1994 to 2003. Horses were assigned to 3 groups for comparison; those with EFE, strangulation by lipoma and miscellaneous strangulating lesions. A logistic regression model and Monte Carlo tests of the binomial proportions were used to examine survival rates. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine differences in usage of surgical treatments. Measurements of length and viability indices were analysed using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's HSD test, and viability scores were analysed using an exact Kruskal-Wallis test. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Horses with EFE were significantly more likely to be discharged (95%) than those with the other conditions (P < 0.05). The proportion of horses with ileal involvement was greater in horses with EFE than in the other 2 groups (P < 0.05), although this did not affect outcome. The distributions of viability grades for EFE and lipoma differed significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prognosis for horses that had surgery at this hospital for EFE was better than for those with the other conditions, although the greater proportion of horses with EFE with ileal involvement could influence outcome. Therefore, surgeons must consider ways of improving jejunocaecostomy and determining when bowel is viable, the latter to avoid jejunocaecostomy.

[Complex approach to the complicated forms of colorectal cancer]

The results of the colon cancer treatment with the use of laparoscopic surgery and different radiotherapy regimens were compared. 75 patients were observed. The main group consisted of 38 patients, who were operated on laparoscopically and had received neoadjuvant radiotherapy course. The control group consisted of 37 patients. The were operated on with the use of "open" techniques, had been colostomized before radical surgery and received adjuvant radiotherapy course. Laparoscopic technologies allowed to improve immediate results of the treatment and to decrease the complication rate from 17.2 to 8.2%. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy allowed to decrease the rate of local cancer recurrence from 28.8 to 12.55%.

Nonoperative management of patients with a diagnosis of high-grade small bowel obstruction by computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To determine the natural history and treatment of high-grade small bowel obstruction (HGSBO). Small bowel obstruction is a frequent complication of abdominal surgery. Complete and strangulating obstructions are managed operatively while partial obstructions receive a trial of nonoperative therapy. The management and outcome of patients with HGSBO diagnosed by computed tomography (CT) has not been examined.

DESIGN

Retrospective medical record review. Outcomes for nonoperative vs operative management were analyzed using Fisher exact and log-rank tests.

SETTING

Tertiary care referral center.

PATIENTS

One thousand five hundred sixty-eight consecutive patients admitted from the emergency department with a diagnosis of small bowel obstruction between 2000 and 2005 by CT criteria.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Recurrence of symptoms and complications.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five patients (9%) with HGSBO were identified, with 88% follow-up (median, 332 days; range, 4-2067 days). Sixty-six (46%) were successfully managed nonoperatively while 79 (54%) required an operation. Length of stay and complications were significantly increased in the operative group (4.7 days vs 10.8 days and 3% vs 23%; P < .001). Nonoperative management was associated with a higher recurrence rate (24% vs 9%; P < .005) and shorter time to recurrence (39 days vs 105 days; P < .005) compared with operative intervention. Computed tomography signs of ischemia, admission laboratory results, and presence of cancer or inflammatory bowel disease were not predictive of an operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with HGSBO by CT can be managed safely with nonoperative therapy; however, they have a significantly higher rate of recurrence requiring readmission or operation within 5 years.

Congenital intrinsic intestinal obstruction in a Caribbean country

This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical characteristics, perioperative features, and outcome of congenital intrinsic intestinal obstruction in a developing Caribbean country for comparison with previous literature reports. This study included retrospective data collection on all infants referred to the hospital with a diagnosis of congenital intrinsic bowel obstruction during the period 1999-2006. Data studied were demographic features, perioperative details, surgical procedures performed, postoperative course, and early outcome. Twenty-two infants were treated, with an incidence of 3.14 per 10,000 live births. Duodenal outnumbered jejuno-ileal lesions by 1.5 to 1. Complications occurred in 68.2% of cases, and the mortality rate was 27.3%. Lower gestational age, a high leukocyte count, and more distal small bowel obstruction were significantly associated with mortality. Improvement in the outcome of surgical treatment of this problem in this population requires more effective perioperative management of prematurity and sepsis.

Lethal obstructive colitis: how and when patients with colonic obstruction should be prevented from falling into a lethal condition

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The objective of this study is to clarify the pathological condition and treatment strategy of lethal obstructive colitis (LOC), which is defined as obstructive colitis with severe shock or septic shock.

METHODOLOGY

We examined 5 patients with LOC (colorectal cancer or suspected in 2, fecal impaction in 2, and volvulus in 1) and evaluated their pathophysiology and management strategy from their medical records.

RESULTS

Emergency operations were performed within 150 minutes from arrival in all cases. Three were saved by repeat operations and 2 died. The systolic pressure of both survived and deceased patients were under 62 or palpable only on the common carotid artery, and there was no difference between survived and deceased patients. The mean pulse rate of the deceased patients was 76.5 while survived 117.7. Two deceased patients presented unconsciousness or conscious disorder while survived patients showed clear consciousness. The 2 deceased patients fell into VT just after arrival or during the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

In managing colonic obstruction, we should be aware of this potentially lethal disease and surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible before the patients fall into LOC. Early diagnosis and early aggressive surgery is essential for managing LOC.

[Preliminary experience on the application of metallic stents for treatment of colorectal malignant stenosis]

OBJECTIVE

Application of SEMS in treating colorectal obstruction caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic tumours.

METHODS

From December 2007 to February 2008 two patient underwent colorectal stenting. The first patient was affected by sigma neoplasia with multiple lung and liver metastases; the second one had a distal colonic obstruction caused by pelvic relapse of endometrial adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

In both patients successful decompression, defined as complete relief of bowel obstruction as judged by clinical symptoms and radiographic observation, was achieved. The first patient died 1 month later for disease progression after the I cycle with Capecitabine. The second patient is undergoing the II cycle with Adriamicina and Cisplatino.

DISCUSSION

In our experience no precocious or posthumous complications were observed and we evaluated that SEMSs are useful in both intrinsic and extrinsic colorectal malignancies.

CONCLUSIONS

SEMSs allow a rapid decompression, reduce the number of emergency surgical procedures--and also the need for stomas--in poor general condition patients, achieving a better quality of life for patient with a short estimated life and a one-stage elective surgery for patient with resectable disease.

Predicting strangulated small bowel obstruction: an old problem revisited

BACKGROUND

Diagnosing intestinal strangulation complicating a small bowel obstruction (SBO) remains a considerable challenge. Despite decades of experience and numerous studies, no clinical indicators have been identified that reliably predict this life-threatening condition. Our goal was to determine which clinical indicators in patients with SBO can be used to independently predict the presence of strangulated intestine.

METHODS

Medical records were reviewed for 192 adult patients operated on for acute SBO over an 11-year period (1996-2006). Seventy-two preoperative clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings at admission were examined. Data from patients with strangulated intestine were compared to data from patients without bowel compromise. Likelihood ratios were generated for each significant parameter in a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients had bowel strangulation requiring bowel resection, and 148 had no strangulation. The most significant independent predictor of bowel strangulation was the computed tomography (CT) finding of reduced wall enhancement, with a sensitivity and specificity of 56% and 94% [likelihood ratio (LR) 9.3]. Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count and guarding were moderately predictive (LR 1.7 and 2.8).

CONCLUSION

Regression analysis of multiple preoperative criteria demonstrates that reduced wall enhancement on CT, peritoneal signs, and elevated WBC are the only variables independently predictive of bowel strangulation in patients with SBO.

Palliative surgery for intestinal obstruction due to recurrent ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Intestinal Obstruction is a frequent complication after operation for Ovarian Cancer. This study was done to see the outcome of palliative surgery for Intestinal Obstruction due to recurrent ovarian Cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the records of all the patients who presented with intestinal obstruction after operations for Ovarian Cancer in all the three Surgical Units of Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad from March 1998 to April, 2009. Demographic data, type of management, morbidity, mortality, hospital stay, surgical procedure, symptomatic relief, return of bowel function and outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 56 patients with symptoms of partial or complete intestinal obstruction. Conservative treatment was successful in 22 (39%) patients. Laparotomy was done in 30 (53.5%) patients. The cause of intestinal obstruction was adhesions 8 (26.6%), local recurrence 10 (33.3%) and diffuse carcinomatosis in 12 (40%) patients. Palliative surgery was done in 20 (66.6%) patients while 8 (26.6%) had adhesionolysis only. 9 (30%) patients had resection and anastomosis, 7 (23.3%) had bypass surgery, 3 (10%) had colostomy and one (3%) had Hartmann procedure. Postoperative complications occurred in 26 (86.6%) patients. 12 (40 %) patients died after surgery. Mean hospital stay was 18 (9-42) days. Palliative surgery was successful in 8 (26.65%).

CONCLUSIONS

Majority of patients with Intestinal obstruction after operation for Ovarian Cancer can be managed conservatively. Palliative surgery is associated with high mortality and morbidity but it should be done in patients not responding to conservative measures.

Cecal rupture in foals--7 cases (1996-2006)

The objective of this study was to identify risk factors and describe clinical signs in 7 foals with cecal rupture; none of the foals survived. Six foals had undergone general anesthesia; 5 for orthopedic procedures. Six of the foals were receiving nonsteriod anti-inflammatory drugs. Most foals started showing colic signs on day 2 after surgery, preceded in 3 cases by dullness. Cecal rupture occurred between 4 hours and 2 days after the first signs of colic were noticed. Intestinal motility was decreased or absent in all foals for which it was recorded.Foals undergoing general anesthesia should be closely monitored for any sign of dullness, prolonged recumbency, reduced fecal output, and signs of abdominal discomfort for 3 days postoperatively, especially in cases following orthopedic surgery. If any of the above occurs, cecal impaction should be considered as a differential diagnosis. A prompt exploratory laparotomy may be a reasonable diagnostic option before the cecum ruptures with fatal consequences.

Effect of obstruction on morbidity and mortality in patients with right-sided colon carcinoma: a case-matched study

In this retrospective case-matched study, our aim was to assess the influence of an obstruction on mortality, morbidity, and long-term survival in patients with right-sided colon cancer. Thirty-seven patients who had undergone curative emergency surgery for the treatment of right-sided colon cancer were matched according to age, American Society of Anesthesiology score, and disease stage with 37 control patients who had undergone curative elective surgery, and the outcomes were compared. There was a trend toward a higher rate of recurrence and a lower rate of survival in patients with an obstruction; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The only independent prognostic factor was tumor site, with hepatic flexure tumors having the worst results. Emergency surgery performed to treat an obstruction does not negatively influence early postsurgical morbidity and mortality. Survival of patients with obstructive colorectal cancer is correlated with certain pathological variables and less strongly associated with clinical variables.

Etiological factors and mortality of acute intestinal obstruction: a review of 705 cases

OBJECTIVE

To figure out the etiological factors and overall mortality of the patients with acute intestinal obstruction, and to explore the rational period of conservative therapy before operation.

METHODS

Medical records of all the patients with acute intestinal obstruction admitted to West China Hospital from 1995 to 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. The etiology of the obstruction was categorized, and the correlation of mortality and time interval between conservative therapy and operation was analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 705 patients with acute intestinal obstruction included. There were 71.1% of the obstruction lesions located on the small bowel, and 82.6% of the patients experienced simple obstruction. The most frequent cause was adhesions (62.0%), and next was neoplasms (23.7%). There were 57.6% of the patients underwent the surgical treatment. The overall mortality rate was 1.6%, and the mortality rates in conservative therapy and surgical intervention groups were 1.3% and 1.7% respectively. The intestinal necrosis rate was increased gradually with the prolongation of time interval between conservative therapy and operation, and the death might occur 24 hours after strangulation.

CONCLUSION

The epidemiological transition to adhesive obstruction still exists in China, and it is similar to that in Western countries. In our experience, near half of the patients with simple obstruction may achieve palliation by conservative therapy. Surgical intervention is indicated for the patients with prolonged and non-palliated simple obstruction, or strangulation disease within the first 24 hours.

Carcinoma obstruction of the left colon and long-term prognosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term prognosis of patients with carcinoma obstruction of the left colon and determine the associated clinical and pathological characteristics to identify independent prognostic factors.

METHODOLOGY

From 1996 to 2003, 915 patients who underwent curative resection for left-sided colon carcinoma were classified as either the obstruction group (n = 169) or the non-obstruction group (n = 746). Clinical and pathological findings were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent prognostic factors correlated with survival and disease recurrence.

RESULTS

Distribution of tumor location, tumor size, macroscopic type and histological grade were found to be different in comparisons between the 2 groups. The tumor stage was more advanced in the obstruction group. The overall and disease-free survival rates were significantly lower in the obstruction group compared to the non-obstruction group. However, the results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that obstruction itself was not an independent prognostic factor. Instead, patient age, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level and tumor stage were significant prognostic indicators for long-term outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Obstruction in left-sided colon cancer was not an independent risk factor for long-term patient outcome. The study results confirmed the conventional prognostic factors of patient age, serum CEA level and tumor stage.

Safety and efficacy of gastrointestinal stents in cancer patients at a community hospital

OBJECTIVE

Increasing scientific evidence supports the use of self-expanding metallic gastrointestinal (GI) stents. The commonly accepted primary indications are their usefulness as a bridge to surgery and for palliation to avoid surgery. These stents have been shown to have high technical success and low complication rates, leading to improved quality of life for patients. They have also been shown to be cost-effective when compared with alternative therapies. The objective of this study is to present a retrospective review of our local experience.

METHODS

Attempts were made to place 23 GI stents in 16 patients for palliative cancer indications.

RESULTS

Follow-up was 5-352 days (mean 81.9 d). Presenting symptoms included abdominal distention or pain (81%), nausea or vomiting (69%), constipation (31%) and weight loss (19%). Stents were placed in the colon (11 patients), duodenum (4 patients) or esophagus (1 patient). The technical success rate was 91.3%, the clinical success rate (defined as any improvement in symptoms in patients successfully receiving a stent) was 85.7%, and the complication rate was 21.4% among patients successfully receiving a stent, or 18.8% overall. Of 14 patients successfully receiving at least 1 stent, 10 (71%) were discharged home after a mean of 11.5 days (range 1-26 d). Of patients successfully receiving at least 1 stent, 12 (86%) had passed away at the time of last follow-up. Patients who successfully received a stent but who have since passed away (either in hospital or out of hospital) had their stent(s) in situ for a mean of 57 days (range 5-180 d).

CONCLUSION

On the basis of our data, we believe that GI stents may be safely and effectively used in a community hospital setting and that they provide benefit in the palliative care population.

[Surgical treatment of primary multiple tumoral lesions of the large intestine]

Experience of treatment of 37 patients, suffering primarily-multiple cancer of large intestine, including 17--with synchronous and 20--metachronous tumors, and an acute obturational ileus of large intestine, is presented. There was conducted the analysis and peculiarities of surgical tactics suggested as well as various methods of such patients treatment were determined. The investigation results trust the necessity of application of individual perioperative tactics in patients, suffering primarily-multiple tumors of large intestine leading to achieve better outcomes of their surgical treatment.

[Management of colorectal resections for treatment of neoplastic intestinal occlusions. Experience of surgery clinic No III, Cluj-Napoca]

PURPOSE

We analyzed the clinical results of different techniques of resection for malignant colorectal (primary or staged) obstruction.

METHODS

The subjects of this retrospective nonrandomized clinical study were 165 patients with malignant colorectal occlusion who underwent surgery treatment in our Department between 2002-2006. Patients with peritonitis or treated by means of permanent colostomy, palliative anastomosis, primary Hartman resection and rectal excision were excluded.

RESULTS

Patients with large bowel obstruction caused by obstructive malignant colorectal lesions underwent either one-stage primary resection with anastomosis (77 patients) or staged interventions (88 patients). There were no differences in age, sex, comorbidities, tumor staging, serum preoperative levels of hemoglobin and proteins between the two groups of patients defined by the different surgical techniques. Regarding mortality and morbidity following surgical treatment for large bowel obstruction no significant difference among the two groups (p > 0.05) or the fistula rate (p = 0.435) was obtained. Moreover, results showed a higher incidence of mortality (11.8% vs 7.8%), morbidity (13.6 vs 10.4) and increased hospitalization period (p = 0.03) among the patients that undergone series resections.

CONCLUSIONS

One stage primary resections with anastomosis of the large bowel can be performed safely in case of emergency whenever patient comorbidities and local conditions do not stand as major restrictions.

Colonic stent versus surgery for the management of acute malignant colonic obstruction: a decision analysis

BACKGROUND

Acute colonic obstruction because of advanced colonic malignancy is a surgical emergency.

AIM

To compare the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of endoscopic self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) vs. surgery for emergent management of acute malignant colonic obstruction in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer over a 6-month period.

METHODS

Decision analysis was used to calculate the cost-effectiveness and success of two competing strategies in a hypothetical patient with metastatic colon cancer presenting with acute, malignant colonic obstruction: (i) emergent colonic stent (SEMS cohort); (ii) emergent surgical resection followed by diversion (surgery cohort).

RESULTS

Self-expanding metal stent resulted in a success and a lower mortality rate when compared to surgery over a 6-month period. Colonic SEMS was also associated with a lower mean cost per patient (USD 27,225 vs. USD 57,398). Mortality in the surgery group was 25 times that of the SEMS cohort. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses identified SEMS as the dominant strategy.

CONCLUSION

Colonic stent insertion is more effective and less costly than surgery for the management of colonic obstruction in patients with metastatic colon cancer.

[Adhesive small bowel occlusion: a clinical and therapeutic study of 163 consecutive patients]

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the immediate and late outcomes of the surgical and conservative treatment of adhesive small bowel obstruction. A series of 163 consecutive patients affected by adhesive occlusion were analysed. 63 patients were submitted to emergency surgery and 100 to conservative treatment; 15 of these ones were operated on because they did not improve or deteriorated. The in-hospital mortality and morbidity, the length of the ileus, the time required for the operation, the length of the recovery, and the late results after a median follow-up of 3.6 years (range: 1-6 years) are reported. The overall mortality was 3.26% and there was no significant difference (p = 0.764) between the treatment modalities. The patients submitted to conservative therapy had a lower morbidity, shorter length of the ileus and shorter hospital stay and a better outcome at follow-up. In the surgical group, the patients submitted to emergency surgery had a lower mortality, a shorter ileus and shorter hospital stay than the patients submitted to delayed surgery. Conservative treatment of adhesive occlusions should be opted for when the indications are correct (no intestinal ischaemia, no occlusion by a bridle). In doubtful cases, the patient should be submitted to emergency surgery to avoid the risks of surgical delay.

[Integrated therapeutic strategy in large bowel neoplastic occlusion. An innovative therapeutic protocol]

BACKGROUND

Occlusive complication is a common event in the colo-rectal cancer (20-30% of cases). Operative mortality and 5 yrs survival of not occlusive cancer vs occlusive cancer is 11% vs 23% and 45% vs 25% rispectively. In occlusive cancer the level of parietal infiltration affects considerably the local and peritoneal recurrence. 50% of all patients underwent a surgical re-operation for colo-rectal cancer have peritoneal neoplastic implant.

AIM

The resolution of occlusive complication in immediate or delayed urgency with decompressive derivation, it allows to perform an integrated treatment of choice that it could guarantee the oncological radical procedure. RATIONALE-METHODS: The intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (IPHC) combined with radical or cytoriductive surgery performs its action through sinergistic effects of high dosage and concentration of drugs and hyperthermia. These agents perform a cell killing with a direct contact against micro and/or macroscopic neoplastic residue.

EXPECTED RESULTS

In radical surgery with curative intent, the association with IPHC ("preventive" adjuvant) has got as objective the distruction of microscopic local or peritoneal metastasis. In occlusive cancer with synchronous or metachronous peritoneal carcinomatosis, the performance of the cytoreductive surgery with IPHC ("therapeutic" adjuvant) is the only treatment that improves the survival and the quality of remainig life.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical results reported by many Istitutions indicates that the 2-5 yrs survivals are 45-60% and 20-30% rispectively. These data lead us to believe that an optimal eradication of micro and/or macroscopic peritoneal spreading could be optained also in occlusive colo-rectal cancer.

[The placement of colonic stents in emergency surgery]

INTRODUCTION

The treatment for malignant colonic obstruction usually consists in a diverting colostomy. The usefulness colorectal stent to resolve the occlusion is a new interesting application to prevent unnecessary operation.

METHODS

From September 1999 to June 2005 73 patent underwent the positioning of colorectal stent for colorectal cancer or extrinsic compression under double fluoroscopic and endoscopic control. In 35 patient the stent was inserted as palliative measure, and 38 underwent stent as bridge to surgery.

RESULTS

The placement of the stent was achieved in all patient, with 94% (69/73) of clinical success. Perforation occurred in two patient, one related to the guide wire and the other to balloon dilatation of the stent. Reobstruction occurred in 3 patient and migration in 9. The mortality after stent placement was 4.1% (3/73). We perform a colostomy or an ileostomy in 4 patient bridge to surgery and in 4 palliative, for a total of 8 stoma (10.95%).

CONCLUSION

The usefulness of colorectal stent can be consider an alternative to colostomy especially in unresectable patients.

[A study of the value of colonic stenting as a bridge to elective surgery for the management of acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction: the STENT-IN 2 study]

Conventionally, patients with acute left-sided malignant colonic obstruction are treated with emergency surgery to restore luminal patency. These emergency operations have a mortality rate of 15-34% and a morbidity rate of 32-64% despite advances in perioperative care. Since the early 1990s, colonic stenting has been introduced, mainly in the left-sided colon, to restore luminal patency. In uncontrolled studies, stent placement before elective surgery has been suggested to improve the patient's clinical condition, thus decreasing mortality, morbidity, and the number of colostomies. To date, only one randomised controlled trial has been published: this study had several limitations, due to which there is still insufficient evidence. Therefore, a large-scale comparison between these two treatment algorithms has been initiated in a prospective multicentre randomised setting with respect to quality of life, morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.

Management of obstructed left colon carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The treatment of acutely obstructed carcinoma of the left colon still represents a matter of controversy. The aim of this retrospective study is to review the results of three surgical procedures used in our department of Visceral Surgery (subtotal colectomy, segmental resection following intraoperative irrigation, and Hartman's procedure) and to determine if there were advantages of one technique over the other.

METHODOLOGY

Ninety-three patients with acute left colonic obstruction were treated by subtotal/total colectomy (n=38), segmental resection following intraoperative irrigation (n=39), and Hartman's procedure (n=16). We assessed immediate postoperative results (mortality and morbidity rates, reoperation rate and hospital stay.

RESULTS

The overall mortality and morbidity rates were respectively 13% (n=12) and 30.1% (n=28). The mortality rate was 13% (n=5) in the subtotal colectomy group, 7.7% (n=3) in the intraoperative colonic irrigation and 25% (n=4) in the Hartman's procedure group. The morbidity rates were similar after subtotal or segmental resection (7.9% vs. 10.2%), bowel movements were more frequent after subtotal colectomy (range 1-5 day) than segmental colectomy (range: 1-2 per day).

CONCLUSIONS

Segmental resection following intraoperative irrigation is the preferred treatment for left sided malignant colonic obstruction. Subtotal colectomy is recommended for patients with ischemic lesions and serosal tears on the cecum, and when there is a synchronous neoplasm in the proximal colon.

Complications of colonic stenting: a pictorial review

Surgical resection of colorectal carcinoma is the only curative treatment currently available. In the elective setting peri-operative mortality is low and refinements in surgical technique and peri-operative care have resulted in high primary anastamosis rates and progressively reduced postoperative morbidity. In those presenting with large bowel obstruction the mortality and morbidity remains high. Many of those undergoing surgery will have incurable disease and a short life expectancy. Increasingly self-expanding metal stents are being deployed as either a 'bridge to surgery' or for palliation. This review covers the imaging appearances, detection and management of complications of colonic stenting.

A dual-design expandable colorectal stent for malignant colorectal obstruction: results of a multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

It is known that metal stent placement is safe, easy, and effective for the treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction, but these stents are associated with delayed complications of tumor ingrowth and stent migration. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the technical feasibility, clinical effectiveness, and safety of a dual-design colorectal stent (consisting of an outer stent and an inner bare nitinol stent) in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Placement of the dual stent using a 4.5-mm stent delivery system was attempted in 151 patients with malignant colorectal obstruction, either before surgery (n = 50) or for palliation (n = 101). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with complications.

RESULTS

Stent placement was technically successful in 145/151 patients (96%). Of the patients who had a technically successful placement, bowel obstruction resolved within 2 days after stent placement in 48/50 (96%) of the patients in the bridge-to-surgery group and in 87/95 (92%) of the patients in the palliative group. Perforation occurred in 16 patients, incomplete stent expansion in eight patients, stent migration in four patients, tumor overgrowth in five patients, severe rectal pain in five patients, and bleeding in eight patients. Complete obstruction was the only significant risk factor for perforation (odds ratio 6.88, 95% CI 2.04-23.17, P = 0.002). In the palliative group, the median survival was 152.0 days and the mean survival was 263.8 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The dual stent with a 4.5-mm stent delivery system is easy to insert, safe, and reasonably effective for the palliative treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction. However, a great deal of care is needed in its deployment because of the high rate of perforation.