Systematic review of the definition and measurement of anastomotic leak after gastrointestinal surgery

Pelvic drainage and other risk factors for leakage after elective anterior resection in rectal cancer patients: a prospective study of 978 patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate prophylactic pelvic drainage and other factors that might be associated with anastomotic leakage after elective anterior resection of primary rectal cancer.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Anastomotic leak after anterior resection for primary rectal cancer leads to significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. The role of pelvic drainage in the prevention of anastomotic leakage is controversial.

METHODS

We investigated 978 consecutive patients undergoing elective anterior resection for primary rectal cancer between February 1995 and December 1998 in a single institution. Use of a drain and type of drainage were at the surgeon's preference. Data were prospectively collected during hospitalization. Twenty-five independent tumor-, patient-, and treatment-related variables were analyzed. The dependent variable was clinical anastomotic leakage. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent association of variables with the dependent variable.

RESULTS

The clinical anastomotic leakage rate was 2.8%. Independent risk factors for anastomotic leakage were use of an irrigation-suction drain (odds ratio [OR], 9.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-71.76), blood transfusion, poor colon preparation (OR, 2.58; 95% CI, 1.10-5.88), and anastomotic level 5 cm or less from the anal verge (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.03-5.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Routine use of pelvic drainage is not justified and should be discouraged. In cases in which pelvic drainage is required such as in difficult operations or to prevent pelvic hematoma, pelvic drainage other than irrigation-suction should be considered.

[Anastomotic leaks in the upper gastrointestinal tract]

Anastomotic leaks are still among the most common severe postoperative complications and account for the majority of postoperative deaths after esophagectomy and gastrectomy. Every disturbance of the normal postoperative course should trigger surgeons to consider an underlying anastomotic leak and initiate a specific diagnostic workup. This includes direct endoscopic inspection of the anastomosis to evaluate the vitality of the anastomosed organs and the size of the leak. Adequate external drainage of the leak and prevention of further contamination are the primary therapeutic goals. Selection of therapy is guided by the available modalities for sufficiently draining the leak and avoiding sepsis. The spectrum of therapeutic options ranges from simple opening of the neck incision in cervical esophageal anastomoses, interventional placement of drains, to endoscopic intervention with closure of the fistula or placement of stents, and reoperation with exclusion, diversion, or discontinuity resection.

Evidence-based value of prophylactic drainage in gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analyses

OBJECTIVE

To determine the evidence-based value of prophylactic drainage in gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.

METHODS

An electronic search of the Medline database from 1966 to 2004 was performed to identify articles comparing prophylactic drainage with no drainage in GI surgery. The studies were reviewed and classified according to their quality of evidence using the grading system proposed by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine. Seventeen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found for hepato-pancreatico-biliary surgery, none for upper GI tract, and 13 for lower GI tract surgery. If sufficient RCTs were identified, we performed a meta-analysis to characterize the drain effect using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

There is evidence of level 1a that drains do not reduce complications after hepatic, colonic, or rectal resection with primary anastomosis and appendectomy for any stage of appendicitis. Drains were even harmful after hepatic resection in chronic liver disease and appendectomy. In the absence of RCTs, there is a consensus (evidence level 5) about the necessity of prophylactic drainage after esophageal resection and total gastrectomy due to the potential fatal outcome in case of anastomotic and gastric leakage.

CONCLUSION

Many GI operations can be performed safely without prophylactic drainage. Drains should be omitted after hepatic, colonic, or rectal resection with primary anastomosis and appendectomy for any stage of appendicitis (recommendation grade A), whereas prophylactic drainage remains indicated after esophageal resection and total gastrectomy (recommendation grade D). For many other GI procedures, especially involving the upper GI tract, there is a further demand for well-designed RCTs to clarify the value of prophylactic drainage.

Anastomotic leakage following routine mesorectal excision for rectal cancer in a national cohort of patients

OBJECTIVE

Mesorectal excision is successfully implemented as the standard surgical technique for rectal cancer resections in Norway. This technique has been associated with higher rates of anastomotic leakage (AL) and the purpose of this study was to examine AL in a large national cohort of patients.

METHODS

This was a prospective national cohort study of 1958 patients undergoing rectal cancer surgery with anterior resection in Norway from November 1993 to December 1999.

RESULTS

The overall rate of AL was 11.6% (228 of 1958 patients). In a multivariate analysis, the risk of AL was significantly higher in males (odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-2.2), in patients receiving pre-operative radiotherapy (OR 2.2, CI 1.0-4.7) and in low level (4-6 cm) (OR 3.5, CI 1.6-7.7) and ultra-low level (< or = 3 cm) anastomoses (OR 5.4, CI 2.3-12.9). The presence of a diverting stoma was associated with a 60% reduction in the risk of AL (OR 0.4, CI 0.3-0.7) for anastomoses 6 cm and below. 30-day mortality was significantly higher for the patients with AL (7.0%, CI 3.7-10.3) compared with no AL (2.4%, CI 1.7-3.2) AL had no significant effect on local recurrence rate (log rank P=0.608).

CONCLUSION

Low anastomoses should be defunctioned to avoid AL and the associated high perioperative mortality. No effect of AL on local recurrence was found in this large cohort.

Leaks, strictures, and necrosis: a review of anastomotic complications following esophagectomy

Since the first reports of esophageal resection for the treatment of various esophageal diseases and disorders, morbidity related to the anastomosis and the chosen replacement conduit have remained a frequent nemesis, a constant concern, and an ongoing area of research and experimentation. In this review of this key component of esophageal resection, an analysis is presented of the most frequent complications related to the anastomosis and conduit: anastomotic leak, conduit necrosis, and conduit stricture. In each case, a review of the current pertinent literature and experience is reported with a view to providing management recommendations to minimize or prevent occurrences, to improve timely diagnosis and to best treat these complications when they arise.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of the rectum

OBJECTIVE

Surgical technique and peri-operative management of rectal carcinoma have developed substantially in the last decades. Despite this, morbidity and mortality after anterior resection of the rectum are still important problems. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for anastomotic leakage in anterior resection and to assess the role of a temporary stoma and the need for urgent re-operations in relation to anastomotic leakage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a nine-year period, from 1987 to 1995, a total of 6833 patients underwent elective anterior resection of the rectum in Sweden. A random sample of 432 of these patients was analysed (sample size 6.3%). The associations between death and 10 patient- and surgery-related variables were studied by univariate and multivariate analysis. Data were obtained by review of the hospital files from all patients.

RESULTS

The incidence of symptomatic clinically evident anastomotic leakage was 12% (53/432). The 30-day mortality was 2.1% (140/6833). The rate of mortality associated with leakage was 7.5%. A temporary stoma was initially fashioned in 17% (72/432) of the patients, and 15% (11/72) with a temporary stoma had a clinical leakage, compared with 12% (42/360) without a temporary stoma, not significant. Multivariate analysis showed that low anastomosis (< or = 6 cm), pre-operative radiation, presence of intra-operative adverse events and male gender were independent risk factors for leakage. The risk for permanent stoma after leakage was 25%. Females with stoma leaked in 3% compared to men with stoma who leaked in 29%. The median hospital stay for patients without leakage was 10 days (range 5-61 days) and for patients with leakage 22 days (3-110 days).

CONCLUSION

In this population based study, 12% of the patients had symptomatic anastomotic leakage after anterior resection of the rectum. Postoperative 30-day mortality was 2.1%. Low anastomosis, pre-operative radiation, presence of intra-operative adverse events and male gender were independent risk factors for symptomatic anastomotic leakage in the multivariate analysis. There was no difference in the use of temporary stoma in patients with or without anastomotic leakage.

Anastomotic leakage is predictive of diminished survival after potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether anastomotic leakage has an independent association with overall survival and cancer-specific survival.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There are many known prognostic indicators following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of anastomotic leakage has not been adequately assessed.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing resection between 1971 and 1999 were recorded prospectively in the Concord Hospital CRC database. Total anastomotic leakage was defined as any leak, whether local, general, or radiologically diagnosed. Patients were followed until death or to December 31, 2002. The association between anastomotic leakage and both overall survival and cancer-specific survival was examined by proportional hazards regression with adjustment for other patient and tumor characteristics influencing survival. Confidence intervals (CI) were set at the 95% level.

RESULTS

From an initial 2980 patients, 1722 remained after exclusions. The total leak rate was 5.1% (CI 4.1-6.2%). In patients with a leak, the 5-year overall survival rate was 44.3% (CI 33.5-54.6%) compared to 64.0% (CI 61.5-66.3%) in those without leak. In proportional hazards regression-after adjustment for age, gender, urgent resection, site, size, stage, grade, venous invasion, apical node metastasis and serosal surface involvement-anastomotic leakage had an independent negative association with overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6, CI 1.2-2.0) and cancer-specific survival (HR 1.8, CI 1.2-2.6).

CONCLUSION

Apart from its immediate clinical consequences, anastomotic leakage also has an independent negative association with survival.

Anastomotic leakage is predictive of diminished survival after potentially curative resection for colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether anastomotic leakage has an independent association with overall survival and cancer-specific survival.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There are many known prognostic indicators following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the impact of anastomotic leakage has not been adequately assessed.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing resection between 1971 and 1999 were recorded prospectively in the Concord Hospital CRC database. Total anastomotic leakage was defined as any leak, whether local, general, or radiologically diagnosed. Patients were followed until death or to December 31, 2002. The association between anastomotic leakage and both overall survival and cancer-specific survival was examined by proportional hazards regression with adjustment for other patient and tumor characteristics influencing survival. Confidence intervals (CI) were set at the 95% level.

RESULTS

From an initial 2980 patients, 1722 remained after exclusions. The total leak rate was 5.1% (CI 4.1-6.2%). In patients with a leak, the 5-year overall survival rate was 44.3% (CI 33.5-54.6%) compared to 64.0% (CI 61.5-66.3%) in those without leak. In proportional hazards regression-after adjustment for age, gender, urgent resection, site, size, stage, grade, venous invasion, apical node metastasis and serosal surface involvement-anastomotic leakage had an independent negative association with overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] 1.6, CI 1.2-2.0) and cancer-specific survival (HR 1.8, CI 1.2-2.6).

CONCLUSION

Apart from its immediate clinical consequences, anastomotic leakage also has an independent negative association with survival.

Classification of surgical complications: a new proposal with evaluation in a cohort of 6336 patients and results of a survey

OBJECTIVE

Although quality assessment is gaining increasing attention, there is still no consensus on how to define and grade postoperative complications. This shortcoming hampers comparison of outcome data among different centers and therapies and over time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A classification of complications published by one of the authors in 1992 was critically re-evaluated and modified to increase its accuracy and its acceptability in the surgical community. Modifications mainly focused on the manner of reporting life-threatening and permanently disabling complications. The new grading system still mostly relies on the therapy used to treat the complication. The classification was tested in a cohort of 6336 patients who underwent elective general surgery at our institution. The reproducibility and personal judgment of the classification were evaluated through an international survey with 2 questionnaires sent to 10 surgical centers worldwide.

RESULTS

The new ranking system significantly correlated with complexity of surgery (P < 0.0001) as well as with the length of the hospital stay (P < 0.0001). A total of 144 surgeons from 10 different centers around the world and at different levels of training returned the survey. Ninety percent of the case presentations were correctly graded. The classification was considered to be simple (92% of the respondents), reproducible (91%), logical (92%), useful (90%), and comprehensive (89%). The answers of both questionnaires were not dependent on the origin of the reply and the level of training of the surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

The new complication classification appears reliable and may represent a compelling tool for quality assessment in surgery in all parts of the world.

Classification of surgical complications: a new proposal with evaluation in a cohort of 6336 patients and results of a survey

OBJECTIVE

Although quality assessment is gaining increasing attention, there is still no consensus on how to define and grade postoperative complications. This shortcoming hampers comparison of outcome data among different centers and therapies and over time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A classification of complications published by one of the authors in 1992 was critically re-evaluated and modified to increase its accuracy and its acceptability in the surgical community. Modifications mainly focused on the manner of reporting life-threatening and permanently disabling complications. The new grading system still mostly relies on the therapy used to treat the complication. The classification was tested in a cohort of 6336 patients who underwent elective general surgery at our institution. The reproducibility and personal judgment of the classification were evaluated through an international survey with 2 questionnaires sent to 10 surgical centers worldwide.

RESULTS

The new ranking system significantly correlated with complexity of surgery (P < 0.0001) as well as with the length of the hospital stay (P < 0.0001). A total of 144 surgeons from 10 different centers around the world and at different levels of training returned the survey. Ninety percent of the case presentations were correctly graded. The classification was considered to be simple (92% of the respondents), reproducible (91%), logical (92%), useful (90%), and comprehensive (89%). The answers of both questionnaires were not dependent on the origin of the reply and the level of training of the surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

The new complication classification appears reliable and may represent a compelling tool for quality assessment in surgery in all parts of the world.

Classification of surgical complications: a new proposal with evaluation in a cohort of 6336 patients and results of a survey

OBJECTIVE

Although quality assessment is gaining increasing attention, there is still no consensus on how to define and grade postoperative complications. This shortcoming hampers comparison of outcome data among different centers and therapies and over time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A classification of complications published by one of the authors in 1992 was critically re-evaluated and modified to increase its accuracy and its acceptability in the surgical community. Modifications mainly focused on the manner of reporting life-threatening and permanently disabling complications. The new grading system still mostly relies on the therapy used to treat the complication. The classification was tested in a cohort of 6336 patients who underwent elective general surgery at our institution. The reproducibility and personal judgment of the classification were evaluated through an international survey with 2 questionnaires sent to 10 surgical centers worldwide.

RESULTS

The new ranking system significantly correlated with complexity of surgery (P < 0.0001) as well as with the length of the hospital stay (P < 0.0001). A total of 144 surgeons from 10 different centers around the world and at different levels of training returned the survey. Ninety percent of the case presentations were correctly graded. The classification was considered to be simple (92% of the respondents), reproducible (91%), logical (92%), useful (90%), and comprehensive (89%). The answers of both questionnaires were not dependent on the origin of the reply and the level of training of the surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

The new complication classification appears reliable and may represent a compelling tool for quality assessment in surgery in all parts of the world.

Prospective study of routine contrast radiology after total gastrectomy

BACKGROUND

The practice of routine contrast radiology before recommencing oral nutrition after total gastrectomy is not evidence based. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical role and timing of this investigation.

METHODS

Seventy-six consecutive patients underwent total gastrectomy with a stapled oesophagojejunal anastomosis. A contrast swallow using non-ionic contrast and barium was performed routinely 5 and 9 days after surgery. The surgeon was blinded to the result of the first of these examinations. Patients with clinical evidence of a leak underwent contrast radiology and upper gastrointestinal videoendoscopy.

RESULTS

Eight patients (11 per cent) developed a clinical leak from the oesophagojejunal anastomosis, seven before the first scheduled contrast swallow. Contrast radiology identified a leak in four of six patients. Endoscopy detected a leak in both patients with a false-negative swallow and in two patients who were not fit to undergo contrast radiology. Routine contrast radiology identified a subclinical leak in a further five patients (7 per cent), none of whom developed clinical signs. Four of seven in-hospital deaths were associated with an anastomotic leak.

CONCLUSION

There is no role for routine contrast swallow after total gastrectomy with a stapled oesophagojejunal anastomosis, but patients with clinical suspicion of leakage should undergo urgent contrast radiology, plus endoscopy if the contrast examination is normal.

Classification of surgical complications: a new proposal with evaluation in a cohort of 6336 patients and results of a survey

OBJECTIVE

Although quality assessment is gaining increasing attention, there is still no consensus on how to define and grade postoperative complications. This shortcoming hampers comparison of outcome data among different centers and therapies and over time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A classification of complications published by one of the authors in 1992 was critically re-evaluated and modified to increase its accuracy and its acceptability in the surgical community. Modifications mainly focused on the manner of reporting life-threatening and permanently disabling complications. The new grading system still mostly relies on the therapy used to treat the complication. The classification was tested in a cohort of 6336 patients who underwent elective general surgery at our institution. The reproducibility and personal judgment of the classification were evaluated through an international survey with 2 questionnaires sent to 10 surgical centers worldwide.

RESULTS

The new ranking system significantly correlated with complexity of surgery (P < 0.0001) as well as with the length of the hospital stay (P < 0.0001). A total of 144 surgeons from 10 different centers around the world and at different levels of training returned the survey. Ninety percent of the case presentations were correctly graded. The classification was considered to be simple (92% of the respondents), reproducible (91%), logical (92%), useful (90%), and comprehensive (89%). The answers of both questionnaires were not dependent on the origin of the reply and the level of training of the surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

The new complication classification appears reliable and may represent a compelling tool for quality assessment in surgery in all parts of the world.

Epidural analgesia in gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND

The ideal perioperative analgesia should provide effective pain relief, avoid the detrimental effects of the stress response, be simple to administer without the need for intensive monitoring, and have a low risk of complications.

METHODS

This review defines the physiological effects of epidural analgesia and assesses whether the available evidence supports its preferential use in gastrointestinal surgery. All papers studied were identified from a Medline search or selected by cross-referencing.

RESULTS

Epidural analgesia is associated with a shorter duration of postoperative ileus, attenuation of the stress response, fewer pulmonary complications, and improved postoperative pain control and recovery. It does not reduce anastomotic leakage, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, risk of thromboembolism or cardiac morbidity, or hospital stay compared with that after conventional analgesia in unselected patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Thoracic epidural analgesia reduces hospital costs and stay in patients at high risk of cardiac or pulmonary complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural analgesia enhances recovery after gastrointestinal surgery. The results support the development of structured regimens of early postoperative feeding and mobilization to exploit the potential for thoracic epidural analgesia to reduce hospital stay after gastrointestinal surgery.

Are postoperative complications genetically determined by TNF-β NcoI gene polymorphism?

BACKGROUND

Postoperative infectious complications are the leading causes for postoperative sepsis. In severe sepsis, tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta) NcoI polymorphism was associated with increased mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the biallelic NcoI polymorphism within the TNF locus is associated with the development of postoperative complications.

METHODS

One hundred sixty patients were included in this prospective observation study. Patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery, such as esophagectomy, gastrectomy, Whipple operation, major liver resection, or colon resection were included. Patients were monitored during the clinical course, and postoperative complications, divided into severe and minor complications, were documented. The NcoI restriction fragment length polymorphism of the TNF-beta gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction; gene expression as well as complications were correlated.

RESULTS

The patients' genotype distribution and demographic characteristics were comparable within the different groups of operations. Patients with the heterozygous genotype TNF-beta1/beta2 had a 1.6-fold higher relative risk for developing complications. If patients with the homozygous genotype TNF-beta2 developed a complication, they had a 1.5-fold higher relative risk for severe complications. Furthermore, the mortality of patients with postoperative sepsis who were homozygous for the genotype TNF-beta2 was significantly elevated.

CONCLUSIONS

The TNF-beta NcoI polymorphism influences the development of postoperative complications. While the genotype TNF-beta1/beta2 has a higher risk for developing complications in general, the TNF-beta2/beta2 genotype is associated with more severe complications and mortality from sepsis.

Similar outcome after colonic pouch and side-to-end anastomosis in low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare a colonic J-pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis after low-anterior resection for rectal cancer with regard to functional and surgical outcome.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

A complication after restorative rectal surgery with a straight anastomosis is low-anterior resection syndrome with a postoperatively deteriorated anorectal function. The colonic J-reservoir is sometimes used with the purpose of reducing these symptoms. An alternative method is to use a simple side-to-end anastomosis.

METHODS

One-hundred patients with rectal cancer undergoing total mesorectal excision and colo-anal anastomosis were randomized to receive either a colonic pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis using the descending colon. Surgical results and complications were recorded. Patients were followed with a functional evaluation at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were randomized to each group. Patient characteristics in both groups were very similar regarding age, gender, tumor level, and Dukes' stages. A large proportion of the patients received short-term preoperative radiotherapy (78%). There was no significant difference in surgical outcome between the 2 techniques with respect to anastomotic height (4 cm), perioperative blood loss (500 ml), hospital stay (11 days), postoperative complications, reoperations or pelvic sepsis rates. Comparing functional results in the 2 study groups, only the ability to evacuate the bowel in <15 minutes at 6 months reached a significant difference in favor of the pouch procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this study show that either a colonic J-pouch or a side-to-end anastomosis performed on the descending colon in low-anterior resection with total mesorectal excision are methods that can be used with similar expected functional and surgical results.

Effects of intraperitoneal 4% icodextrin solution on the healing of bowel anastomoses and laparotomy incisions in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

Peri-operative lavage and postoperative instillation of a 4% icodextrin solution reduces de novo formation and reformation of peritoneal adhesions following abdominal surgery. This experimental study evaluated the effects of 4% icodextrin treatment on the healing of bowel anastomoses and laparotomy incisions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female New Zealand White rabbits (weight 2.21-2.77 kg) were randomised by ascending weight to one of 3 surgical treatments, each with 2 termination points (6 groups of 8 animals). The treatments were anastomotic bowel surgery alone or with lavage and postoperative instillation of either 4% icodextrin solution or Lactated Ringer's Solution (LRS). The solutions were coded A and B by the supplier, so that the study personnel were blinded to their identity. After the abdomen was opened, 30 ml of solution A or B was instilled and removed by aspiration prior to surgery. The ascending colon was then transected 5 cm aboral to the ileocaecal junction and the ends anastomosed. During surgery, 5 ml of the solution was applied 4 times at the surgical site, and a further 30 ml was administered and aspirated as a postoperative lavage. Just prior to closure of the abdominal wall, 50 ml of the solution was administered as a postoperative instillate. Duplicate treatment groups were terminated 7 and 21 days after surgery and the anastomotic sites inspected for adhesion and/or abscess formation. In 6 animals per group, an 8-12 cm length of colon including the anastomotic site was removed for measurement of bursting pressure, and a section of the abdominal wall including the incision line was tested for breaking strength. The other 2 animals per group provided tissue for histological analysis of wound healing at the bowel and incision sites.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference between the 3 treatment groups for any parameter (P > 0.05). Compared with the surgical control at either day 7 or 21 after surgery, the administration of solutions A or B did not affect the formation of abscesses or adhesions, the bursting strength of the bowel, or the tear strength of the abdominal wall incision. Histological assessment of the quality of wound healing showed no differences between treatment groups in inflammatory cell infiltration, fibroblast density, blood vessel formation or collagen maturity.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a 4% icodextrin solution for peri-operative lavage and postoperative instillation in a rabbit model of bowel anastomotic healing did not result in any difference from either LRS treated or untreated surgical controls.

The interrupted serosubmucosal anastomosis - still the gold standard

BACKGROUND

The single-layer appositional serosubmucosal anastomosis is a well established technique and appears to have a favourable record. Over a 15-year period the senior author of this paper has performed or directly supervised 553 anastomoses using this technique. This report describes the results of these operations, the results of stapled anastomoses carried out during the same period and discusses the utility of the handsewn technique.

METHODS

From August 1986 to July 2001, 553 intestinal anastomoses in 550 patients were fashioned using single-layer, interrupted serosubmucosal 3/0 braided polyamide and 131 anastomoses in 131 patients were performed using a circular anastomosing stapler.

RESULTS

One anastomotic leakage occurred in the group of patients whose anastomosis was handsewn (0.2%) and 11 leaks occurred in those who had a stapled anastomoses (8.4%). The mortality rate in each group was similar (2% and 2.3%, respectively). There were no deaths attributable to anastomotic dehiscence in either group.

CONCLUSION

In this prospectively audited series of 553 handsewn anastomoses the leakage rate was 0.2%. These results compare favourably with other published series and continue to support a single layer of interrupted serosubmucosal sutures as the gold standard for anastomoses involving the large or small bowel.

A pilot study of adjuvant intraperitoneal 5-fluorouracil using 4% icodextrin as a novel carrier solution

AIM

This pilot study utilised the sustained intraperitoneal (i.p.) dwell properties of an iso-osmotic solution of 4% icodextrin to investigate the tolerability, toxicity and feasibility of home-based i.p. 5FU adjuvant chemotherapy following resective surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

Twenty eligible patients (Dukes' stage B and C with potentially curative resection) underwent perioperative Tenckhoff catheter placement. Ten (6 male, 4 female, aged 46-85; mean 67.5 years) received 5FU chemotherapy. After initial flushing and gradual increase in volumes of 4% icodextrin alone, patients received home-based i.p. 5FU (150-300 mg/m(2)/day given as equal doses at 12-hourly intervals) for 14 days, with a 14-day recovery period, for a maximum of 6 courses. Two incurable patients, treated on compassionate grounds, provided further safety data.

RESULTS

Nine of the 10 patients became proficient in self-treatment with 5FU and two completed 6 courses. Frequent abdominal pain was the main dose-limiting toxicity of 5FU, causing withdrawal of three patients after a high (300 mg/m(2)/day) first course and one following a third course at lower doses. I.p. 5FU concentrations (mean>30000 ngml(-1)) were 1000 fold higher than systemic venous levels. Bacterial peritonitis led to two withdrawals but was not a frequent event (microbiologically confirmed incidence of 1 per 27 catheter-months).

CONCLUSIONS

Home-based i.p. adjuvant chemotherapy is a feasible treatment option in patients with surgically resected colorectal carcinoma.

Temporary fibrin glue occlusion of the main pancreatic duct in the prevention of intra-abdominal complications after pancreatic resection: prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether temporary occlusion of the main pancreatic duct with human fibrin glue decreases the incidence of intra-abdominal complications after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP).

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

To the authors' knowledge, there are no randomized studies comparing outcomes after pancreatic resection with or without main pancreatic duct occlusion by injection of fibrin glue. Of three nonrandomized studies, two reported no fistulas after intracanal injection and ductal occlusion with fibrin glue after PD with immediate pancreatodigestive anastomosis, while another study reported no protective effect of glue injection.

METHODS

This prospective, randomized, single-blinded, multicenter study, conducted between January 1995 and January 1999, included 182 consecutive patients undergoing PD followed by immediate pancreatic anastomosis or DP, whether for benign or malignant tumor or for chronic pancreatitis. One hundred two underwent pancreatic resection followed by ductal occlusion with fibrin glue (made slowly resorbable by the addition of aprotinin); 80 underwent resection without ductal occlusion. The main end point was the number of patients with one or more of the following intra-abdominal complications: pancreatic or other digestive tract fistula, intra-abdominal collections (infected or not), acute pancreatitis, or intra-abdominal or digestive tract hemorrhage. Severity factors included postoperative mortality, repeat operations, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

The two groups were similar in pre- and intraoperative characteristics except that there were significantly more patients in the ductal occlusion group who were receiving octreotide, who had reinforcement of their anastomosis by fibrin glue, and who had fibrotic pancreatic stumps. However, the rate of patients with one or more intra-abdominal complications, and notably with pancreatic fistula, did not differ significantly between the two groups. There was still no significant difference found after statistical adjustment for these patient characteristic discrepancies, confirming the inefficacy of fibrin glue. The rate of intra-abdominal complications was significantly higher in the presence of a normal, nonfibrotic pancreatic stump and main pancreatic duct diameter less than 3 mm, whereas reinforcement of the anastomosis with fibrin glue or use of octreotide did not influence outcome. In multivariate analysis, however, normal pancreatic parenchyma was the only independent risk factor for intra-abdominal complications. No significant differences were found in the severity of complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ductal occlusion by intracanal injection of fibrin glue decreases neither the rate nor the severity of intra-abdominal complications after pancreatic resection.

Quality of complication reporting in the surgical literature

OBJECTIVE

To identify 10 critical elements of accurate and comprehensive reports of surgical complications.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Despite a venerable tradition of weekly morbidity and mortality conferences, inconsistent complication reporting is common in the surgical literature.

METHODS

An analysis of articles reporting short-term outcomes after pancreatectomy, esophagectomy, and hepatectomy was performed. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) published from 1975 to 2001 and retrospective series of more than 100 patients published from 1990 to 2001 were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 119 articles reporting outcomes in 22,530 patients were analyzed. This included 42 RCTs and 77 retrospective series. Of the 10 criteria developed, no articles met all criteria; 2% met 9 criteria, 38% 7 or 8, 34% 5 or 6, 40% 3 or 4, and 12% 1 or 2. Outpatient information (22% of articles), definitions of complications provided (34% of articles), severity grade used (20% of articles), and risk factors included in analysis (29% of articles) were the most commonly unmet quality reporting criteria. Type of study (RCT vs. retrospective), site of institution (U.S. vs. non-U.S.) and journal (U.S. vs. non-U.S.) did not influence the quality of complication reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term surgical outcomes are routinely included in the data reported in the surgical literature. This is often used to show improvements over time or to assess the impact of therapeutic changes on patient outcome. The inconsistency of reporting and the lack of accepted principles of accrual, display, and analysis of complication data argue strongly for the creation and generalized use of standards for reporting this information.