Routine leak testing in colorectal surgery in the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program

Splenic flexure mobilization in left-sided colonic and rectal resections: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of factors associated with anastomotic leak and complications

AIM

Splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) is commonly performed during left-sided colon and rectal resections. The aim of the present systematic review was to assess the outcomes of SFM in left-sided colon and rectal resections and the risk factors for complications and anastomotic leak (AL).

METHOD

This study was a PRISMA-compliant systematic review. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies that assessed the outcomes of sigmoid and rectal resections with or without SFM. The primary outcomes were AL and total complications, and the secondary outcomes were individual complications, operating time, conversion to open surgery, length of hospital stay (LOS) and pathological and oncological outcomes.

RESULTS

Nineteen studies including data on 81 116 patients (49.1% male) were reviewed. SFM was undertaken in 40.7% of patients. SFM was associated with a longer operating time (weighted mean difference 24.50, 95% CI 14.47-34.52, p < 0.0001) and higher odds of AL (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.33, p = 0.002). Both groups had similar odds of total complications, splenic injury, anastomotic stricture, conversion to open surgery, (LOS), local recurrence, and overall survival. A secondary analysis of rectal cancer cases only showed similar outcomes for SFM and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

SFM was associated with a longer operating time and higher odds of AL, yet a similar likelihood of total complications, splenic injury, anastomotic stricture, conversion to open surgery, LOS, local recurrence, and overall survival. These conclusions must be cautiously interpreted considering the numerous study limitations. SFM may have only been selectively undertaken in cases in which anastomotic tension was suspected. Therefore, the suboptimal anastomoses may have been the reason for SFM rather than the SFM being causative of the anastomotic insufficiencies.

Epiploic foramen entrapment in a dog

OBJECTIVE

To report small intestinal herniation through the epiploic foramen in a dog.

ANIMALS

Nine-year-old male castrated Shih Tzu.

STUDY DESIGN

Case report.

METHODS

The dog presented with an 8-year history of vomiting and regurgitation and acute onset of melena, lethargy, anorexia, anemia, and suspected gastrointestinal mass or obstruction on prereferral imaging. Abnormalities on abdominal radiographs included a large, midcaudal soft tissue structure and cranial displacement and segmental dilation of the small intestine. On abdominal ultrasound, severe gastric dilation, jejunal tortuosity and stacking, and peritoneal effusion were observed. Epiploic herniation of the small intestine and segmental jejunal devitalization was diagnosed on exploratory laparotomy, and the dog underwent hernia reduction, jejunal resection and anastomosis, and nasogastric tube placement.

RESULTS

Severe gastric distention and atony persisted 24 h after surgery, despite medical management. The dog was taken to surgery for decompressive gastrotomy and placement of gastrostomy and nasojejunostomy tubes for postoperative decompression and feeding, respectively. Three days after the original surgery, the dog developed a septic abdomen from anastomotic dehiscence and underwent jejunal resection and anastomosis and peritoneal drain placement. Gastric dysmotility gradually resolved with the administration of motility stimulants, removal of gastric residual volume, and nutritional support via nasojejunostomy tube feedings. Three months after discharge, the dog was clinically normal.

CONCLUSION

Epiploic foramen entrapment should be considered a type of herniation in dogs. Clinical suspicion should be raised in dogs with unresolving regurgitation and vomiting, visceral displacement, and stacking and distension of small intestine.

Impact of Anastomotic Leak on Long-term Oncological Outcomes After Restorative Surgery for Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak after restorative surgery for rectal cancer is a major complication and may lead to worse long-term oncological and survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with anastomotic leak and to assess the perioperative and long-term oncological impact of anastomotic leak in our cohort of patients with rectal cancer.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis was performed on data from the prospectively maintained Cabrini Monash colorectal neoplasia database. Patients who had undergone rectal cancer resection and subsequently received anastomosis between November 2009 and May 2020 were included in this study. Patient and tumor characteristics, technical risk factors, and short-term and perioperative as well as long-term oncological and survival outcomes were assessed.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted in 3 tertiary hospitals.

PATIENTS

A total of 693 patients met the inclusion criteria for this study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Univariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between anastomotic leak and patient and technical risk factors, as well as perioperative and long-term outcomes. Univariate and multivariate proportional HR models of overall and disease-free survival were calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses assessed disease-free and overall survival.

RESULTS

Anastomotic leak rate was 3.75%. Males had an increased risk of anastomotic leak, as did patients with hypertension and ischemic heart disease. Patients who experience an anastomotic leak were more likely to require reoperation and hospital readmission and were more likely to experience an inpatient death. Disease-free and overall survival were also negatively impacted by anastomotic leaks.

LIMITATIONS

This is a retrospective analysis of data from only 3 centers with the usual limitations. However, these effects have been minimized because of the high quality and completeness of the prospective data collection.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomotic leaks after restorative surgery negatively affect long-term oncological and survival outcomes for patients with rectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C81 .

IMPACTO DE LA FUGA ANASTOMTICA EN LOS RESULTADOS ONCOLGICOS A LARGO PLAZO TRAS CIRUGA RESTAURADORA PARA EL CNCER DE RECTO UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE RETROSPECTIVO

ANTECEDENTES:La fuga anastomótica tras una cirugía restauradora para el cáncer de recto es una complicación mayor y puede conducir a peores resultados oncológicos y de supervivencia a largo plazo.OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio fue identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con la fuga anastomótica y evaluar el impacto oncológico perioperatorio y a largo plazo de la fuga anastomótica en nuestra cohorte de pacientes con cáncer de recto.DISEÑO:Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de datos obtenidos de la base de datos Cabrini Monash sobre neoplasia colorrectal la cual es mantenida prospectivamente. Se incluyeron en este estudio pacientes que fueron sometidos a una resección del cáncer de recto y que posteriormente recibieron una anastomosis entre noviembre de 2009 y mayo de 2020. Se evaluaron las características del paciente y del tumor, los factores de riesgo relacionados a la técnica, los resultados oncológicos y de supervivencia perioperatorio, así como los resultados a corto y largo plazo.AJUSTES:El estudio se realizó en tres hospitales terciarios.PACIENTES:Un total de 693 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión para este estudio.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se realizaron análisis univariados para evaluar la relación entre la fuga anastomótica y aquellos factores relacionados al paciente, a la técnica, así como los resultados perioperatorios y a largo plazo. Se calcularon modelos de razón de riesgo proporcional univariante y multivariante de supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad. Los análisis de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier evaluaron la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y la supervivencia global.RESULTADOS:La tasa de fuga anastomótica fue del 3,75%. Los hombres tenían un mayor riesgo de fuga anastomótica al igual que aquellos pacientes con hipertensión y cardiopatía isquémica. Los pacientes que sufrieron una fuga anastomótica tuvieron mayores probabilidades de requerir una reintervención y reingreso hospitalario, así como también tuvieron mayores probabilidades de sufrir una muerte hospitalaria. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad y general también se vio afectada negativamente por las fugas anastomóticas.LIMITACIONES:Este es un análisis retrospectivo de datos de solo tres centros con las limitaciones habituales. Sin embargo, estos efectos han sido minimizados debido a la alta calidad y la exhaustividad de la recopilación prospectiva de datos.CONCLUSIONES:Las fugas anastomóticas después de una cirugía restauradora afectan negativamente los resultados oncológicos y de supervivencia a largo plazo para los pacientes con cáncer de recto. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C81 . (Traducción-Dr. Osvaldo Gauto ).

The Colorectal Anastomosis: A Timeless Challenge

Colorectal anastomosis is a sophisticated problem that demands an elaborate discussion and an elegant solution. "Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it." George Santayana, Life of Reason , 1905.

Comprehensive testing of colorectal anastomosis: results of prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leakage remains one of the most threatening complications in colorectal surgery. Intraoperative testing of anastomosis may reduce the postoperative anastomotic leakage rates. This study aimed to investigate a novel comprehensive intraoperative colorectal anastomosis testing technique to detect the failure of the anastomosis construction and to reduce the risk of postoperative leak.

METHODS

This multi-centre prospective cohort pilot study included 60 patients who underwent colorectal resection with an anastomosis at or below 15 cm from the anal verge. Comprehensive trimodal testing consisted of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography, tension testing, air-leak, and methylene blue leak tests to evaluate the perfusion, tension, and mechanical integrity of the anastomosis.

RESULTS

Ten (16.7%) patients developed an anastomotic leakage. Trimodal test was positive in 16 (26.6%) patients and the operative plan was changed for all of them. Diverting ileostomy was performed in 14 (87.5%) patients. However, two (12.5%) patients still developed clinically significant anastomotic leakage (Grade B). Forty-four (73.4%) patients had a negative trimodal test, preventive ileostomy was performed in 19 (43.2%), and five (11.4%) patients had clinically significant anastomotic leakage (Grade B and C).

CONCLUSION

Trimodal testing identifies anastomoses with initial technical failure where reinforcement of anastomosis or diversion can lead to an acceptable rate of anastomotic leakage. Identification of well-performed anastomosis could allow a reduction of ileostomy rate by two-fold. However, anastomotic leakage rate remains high in technically well-performed anastomoses.

Evaluating variation in enhanced recovery for colorectal surgery: a report from the Surgical Care Outcomes Assessment Program

AIM

Robust data demonstrate that enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) decrease length of stay, complications and cost. However, little is known about the reasons for variation in compliance with ERPs. The aim of this work was to confirm the efficacy of ERPs in a regional network, and to determine factors that are associated with ERP delivery in diverse hospital settings.

METHOD

A prospective cohort of patients was created by recording all elective colorectal operations at hospitals in the Surgical Care Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP). The delivery of 12 ERP components was tracked at all sites, and factors associated with ERP component delivery and affecting outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2019, 9274 elective colorectal operations were performed at 36 hospitals. Indications were 48% cancer, 23% diverticulitis and 8% inflammatory bowel disease. Minimally invasive surgery was used in 71%. The proportion of cases with six or more ERP components received increased from 23% in 2016 to 50% in 2019. An increase in components was associated with a shorter length of stay and fewer combined adverse events and reinterventions. Further, increasing numbers of ERP components provided an incremental benefit to patients even when delivered in a low-volume centre or by a low-volume surgeon, and regardless of patient presentation.

CONCLUSION

At SCOAP hospitals, the delivery of increasing numbers of ERP components was associated with improved perioperative outcomes and decreased complications after elective colorectal surgery. The variation in delivery of these evidence-based components in subsets of our cohort indicates an important opportunity for quality improvement initiatives.

Anastomotic Technique-How to Optimize Success and Minimize Leak Rates

Determining when to perform a bowel anastomosis and whether to divert can be difficult, as an anastomosis made in a high-risk patient or setting has potential for disastrous consequences. While the surgeon has limited control over patient-specific characteristics, the surgeon can control the technique used for creating anastomoses. Protecting and ensuring a vigorous blood supply is fundamental, as is mobilizing bowel completely, and employing adjunctive techniques to attain reach without tension. There are numerous ways to create anastomoses, with variations on the segment and configuration of bowel used, as well as the materials used and surgical approach. Despite numerous studies on the optimal techniques for anastomoses, no one method has prevailed. Without clear evidence on the best anastomotic technique, surgeons should focus on adhering to good technique and being comfortable with several configurations for a variety of conditions.

Ex vivo comparison of leak testing of canine jejunal enterotomies: Saline infusion versus air insufflation

OBJECTIVE

To compare the ability to detect leakage of enterotomy closures by intraluminal injection of saline or air.

STUDY DESIGN

Ex vivo study.

ANIMALS

Grossly normal jejunal segments (n = 60) from five fresh canine cadavers.

METHODS

Eight-centimeter jejunal segments were randomly assigned to two control (saline control [n = 5], air control [5]) and two treatment groups (injection of saline [n = 25] or air [25] after enterotomies were closed in a simple continuous pattern using 4-0 glycomer 631). Initial leak pressure (ILP, mean ± SD), maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP), and leakage location were compared. For all air insufflation constructs, the volume of air insufflated at the time of initial leakage was recorded.

RESULTS

The ILPs of control segments did not differ whether injected with saline (405.71 ± 56.97 mmHg) or air (376.84 ± 42.54, p = 1.00). Enterotomy closures leaked at lower pressures when injected with air (ILP: 68.52 ± 6.56) compared to saline (87.76 ± 5.20, p = .03). Similar results were obtained when comparing MIPs. A moderate association (r = .51) was identified between volume of air infused and ILPs. The strength of the association improved when stratified by cadaver. The location of leakage-most commonly suture tracks-was identified for all air constructs and for 14 of 25 saline constructs.

CONCLUSION

Enterotomy closures leaked at lower pressures after intraluminal injection of air compared to saline.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Intraoperative leak testing of small intestinal enterotomy closures may be rendered more sensitive and precise by the use of air instead of saline as the infusate.

Evaluation of intraoperative leak testing of small intestinal anastomoses performed by hand-sewn and stapled techniques in dogs: 131 cases (2008-2019)

OBJECTIVE

To compare the rate of postoperative dehiscence on the basis of intraoperative anastomotic leak test results (ie, positive or negative for leakage or testing not performed) between dogs that underwent hand-sewn anastomosis (HSA) or functional end-to-end stapled anastomosis (FEESA) of the small intestine.

ANIMALS

131 client-owned dogs that underwent 144 small intestinal anastomoses (94 FEESA and 50 HSA).

PROCEDURES

Medical records were searched to identify dogs that had undergone a small intestinal anastomosis (HSA or FEESA) from January 2008 through October 2019. Data were collected regarding signalment, indication for surgery, location of the anastomosis, surgical technique, the presence of preoperative septic peritonitis, performance of intraoperative leak testing, development of postoperative dehiscence, and duration of follow-up.

RESULTS

Intraoperative leak testing was performed during 62 of 144 (43.1%) small intestinal anastomoses, which included 26 of 94 (27.7%) FEESAs and 36 of 50 (72.0%) HSAs. Thirteen of 144 (9.0%) anastomoses underwent dehiscence after surgery (median, 4 days; range, 2 to 17 days), with subsequent septic peritonitis, including 10 of 94 (10.6%) FEESAs and 3 of 50 (6.0%) HSAs. The incidence of postoperative dehiscence was not significantly different between FEESAs and HSAs; between anastomoses that underwent intraoperative leak testing and those that did not, regardless of anastomotic technique; or between anastomoses with positive and negative leak test results. Hand-sewn anastomoses were significantly more likely to undergo leak testing than FEESAs. Preoperative septic peritonitis, use of omental or serosal reinforcement, preoperative serum albumin concentration, and surgical indication were not significantly different between anastomotic techniques.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Performance of intraoperative anastomotic leak testing, regardless of the anastomotic technique, was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of postoperative anastomotic dehiscence.

The problem of colorectal anastomosis safety

INTRODUCTION

Anastomotic leakage (AL) remains one of the most threatening complications in colorectal surgery with the incidence of up to 20%. The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of novel - trimodal intraoperative colorectal anastomosis testing technique.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multi-center prospective cohort pilot study will include patients undergoing colorectal anastomosis formation below 15 cm from the anal verge. Trimodal anastomosis testing will include testing for blood supply by ICG fluorescence trans-abdominally and trans-anally, testing of mechanical integrity of anastomosis by air-leak and methylene blue leak tests and testing for tension. The primary outcome of the study will be AL rate at day 60. The secondary outcomes will include: the frequency of changed location of bowel resection; ileostomy rate; the rate of intraoperative AL; time, taken to perform trimodal anastomosis testing; postoperative morbidity and mortality; quality of life.

DISCUSSION

Trimodal testing of colorectal anastomosis may be a novel and comprehensive way to investigate colorectal anastomosis and to reveal insufficient blood supply and integrity defects intraoperatively. Thus, prevention of these two most common causes of AL may lead to decreased rate of leakage.

STUDY REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/): NCT03958500, May, 2019.

Using evidence to direct quality improvement efforts: Defining the highest impact complications after complex cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify postoperative complications with the greatest impact on patient-centric outcomes to serve as high yield QI targets in ovarian cancer (OC) surgery.

METHODS

Women undergoing complex CRS (defined as cytoreductive surgery with colon resection) for OC between January 1, 2012 and 12/31/2016 were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We determined the population attributable fraction (PAF) to quantify the contribution of each major complication towards adverse outcomes. PAF represents the burden of adverse outcomes that could be eliminated if the corresponding complication was prevented. Organ space surgical site infection (SSI) was used as a surrogate for anastomotic leak (AL).

RESULTS

A total of 1434 women met inclusion criteria. Any adverse clinical outcome (composite of death, reoperation, or end organ dysfunction) occurred in 9.1% of women, and AL was the largest contributor to adverse clinical outcomes [PAF = 33.4% (95%CI: 22.3%-45.6%)]. The rates of increased resource utilization were as follows; prolonged hospitalization in 23.7%, non-home discharge in 10.7% and unplanned readmission in 14.8% of women. AL was the largest contributor to prolonged hospitalizations [PAF = 75.7% (95%CI: 51.4%-90.0%)] and readmissions [PAF = 17.1% (95%CI: 11.5%-22.6%)]; while transfusion was the largest contributor to non-home discharge [PAF = 22.8% (95%CI: 0.7%-42.4%)]. By comparison, the impact of other complications, including those targeted by the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP), such as incisional SSI, venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, and urinary infection, was small.

CONCLUSIONS

Anastomotic leak is the largest contributor to adverse clinical outcomes and increased resource utilization after complex cytoreductive surgery. Quality improvement efforts to reduce AL and its impact should be of highest priority in OC surgery.

Hyponatremia could identify patients with intrabdominal sepsis and anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery: a systematic review of the literature

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a serious post-operative complication in colorectal surgery. It can lead to devastating morbidity and mortality. Clinicians usually depend on a combination of clinical, biochemical and radiological findings to diagnose this problem. In our article, we tried to look if electrolyte disturbances could be indicators for intra-abdominal sepsis due to AL. Systematic review of the literature identifies a potential correlation between electrolyte alterations and AL in digestive surgery. The following databases were searched: PubMed, EMBASE and MIDLINE. The review adhered to the PRISMA statement for systematic review. Our literature search did not identify any articles linking any electrolyte disturbances-except for hyponatremia-to AL. Pathophysiology of these electrolyte disturbances does not seem to be linked to AL, except for hyponatremia which might be explained. Our review included 442 patients with intra-abdominal sepsis and 1133 controls. The mean specificity of hyponatremia being associated with intra-abdominal sepsis is 86%, whereas mean sensitivity is 28%. Hyponatremia seems to be a significant and clinically relevant marker for of intra-abdominal sepsis and AL.

Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP): A Nuanced, Flexible Platform for Colorectal Surgical Research

The Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP) is a surgeon-led quality improvement (QI) initiative developed in Washington State to track and reduce variability in surgical care. It has developed into a collaboration of over two-thirds of the hospitals in the state, who share data and receive regular benchmarking reports. Data are abstracted at each site by trained abstractors. While there has some overlap with other national QI databases, the data captured by SCOAP has clinical nuances that make it pragmatic for studying surgical care. We review the unique properties of SCOAP and offer some examples of its novel applications.

A Regional and National Database Comparison of Colorectal Outcomes

Background and Objectives:

The traditional open approach is still a common option for colectomy and the most common option chosen for rectal resections for cancer. Randomized trials and large database studies have reported the merits of the minimally invasive approach, while studies comparing laparoscopic and robotic options have reported inconsistent results.

Methods:

This study was designed to compare open, laparoscopic, and robotic colorectal surgery outcomes in protocol-driven regional and national databases. Logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used to compare standard 30-day colorectal outcomes in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative (MSQC) and American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) databases. The primary outcome was overall complications.

Results:

A total of 10,054 MSQC patients (open 37.5%, laparoscopic 48.8%, and robotic 13.6%) and 80,535 ACS-NSQIP patients (open 25.0%, laparoscopic 67.1%, and robotic 7.9%) met inclusion criteria. Overall complications and surgical site infections were significantly favorable for the laparoscopic and robotic approaches compared with the open approach. Anastomotic leaks were significantly fewer for the laparoscopic and robotic approaches compared with the open approach in ACS-NSQIP, while there was no significant difference between robotic and open approaches in MSQC. Laparoscopic complications were significantly less than robotic complications in MSQC but significantly more in ACS-NSQIP. Laparoscopic 30-day mortality was significantly less than for the robotic approach in MSQC, but there was no difference in ACS-NSQIP.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive colorectal surgery is associated with fewer complications and has several other outcomes advantages compared with the traditional open approach. Individual complication comparisons vary between databases, and caution should be exercised when interpreting results in context.

Imaging of the Postoperative Colon

Recognition of postoperative complications is important for the immediate diagnosis and treatment needed for appropriate patient care. Identification of postoperative complications from colon surgery requires not only knowledge of the type of procedure, but also the expected normal postoperative appearance. The purpose of this article is to discuss and review the expected anatomic changes after colorectal surgery, and the appearance of the most common postoperative complications.

Risk Factors for Gastrointestinal Leak after Bariatric Surgery: MBASQIP Analysis

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal leak remains one of the most dreaded complications in bariatric surgery. We aimed to evaluate risk factors and the impact of common perioperative interventions on the development of leak in patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Using the 2015 database of accredited centers, data were analyzed for patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). Emergent, revisional, and converted cases were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors for leak, including provocative testing of anastomosis, surgical drain placement, and use of postoperative swallow study.

RESULTS

Data from 133,478 patients who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (n = 92,495 [69.3%]) and LRYGB (n = 40,983 [30.7%]) were analyzed. Overall leak rate was 0.7% (938 of 133,478). Factors associated with increased risk for leak were oxygen dependency (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.97), hypoalbuminemia (AOR 1.66), sleep apnea (AOR 1.52), hypertension (AOR 1.36), and diabetes (AOR 1.18). Compared with LRYGB, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was associated with a lower risk of leak (AOR 0.52; 95% CI 0.44 to 0.61; p < 0.01). Intraoperative provocative test was performed in 81.9% of cases and the leak rate was higher in patients with vs without a provocative test (0.8% vs 0.4%, respectively; p < 0.01). A surgical drain was placed in 24.5% of cases and the leak rate was higher in patients with vs without a surgical drain placed (1.6% vs 0.4%, respectively; p < 0.01). A swallow study was performed in 41% of cases and the leak rate was similar between patients with vs without swallow study (0.7% vs 0.7%; p = 0.50).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall rate of gastrointestinal leak in bariatric surgery is low. Certain preoperative factors, procedural type (LRYGB), and interventions (intraoperative provocative test and surgical drain placement) were associated with a higher risk for leaks.

Medical and Surgical Management of Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) describes a spectrum of idiopathic, lifelong, and progressive intestinal inflammatory conditions that includes Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and indeterminate colitis. A worldwide increase in the incidence of IBD has been observed. In comparison to adults, IBD occurring during childhood and adolescence has several unique clinical characteristics and surgical management issues. In this article, we provide an overview contrasting these important differences.

What is the optimal management of an intra-operative air leak in a colorectal anastomosis?

AIM

An airtight anastomosis on intra-operative leak testing has been previously demonstrated to be associated with a lower risk of clinically significant postoperative anastomotic leak following left-sided colorectal anastomosis. However, to date, there is no consistently agreed upon method for management of an intra-operative anastomotic leak. Therefore, we powered a noninferiority study to determine whether suture repair alone was an appropriate strategy for the management of an intra-operative air leak.

METHOD

This is a retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data from a tertiary care referral centre. We included all consecutive patients with left-sided colorectal or ileorectal anastomoses and evidence of air leak during intra-operative leak testing. Patients were excluded if proximal diversion was planned preoperatively, a pre-existing proximal diversion was present at the time of surgery or an anastomosis was ultimately unable to be completed. The primary outcome measure was clinically significant anastomotic leak, as defined by the Surgical Infection Study Group at 30 days.

RESULTS

From a sample of 2360 patients, 119 had an intra-operative air leak during leak testing. Sixty-eight patients underwent suture repair alone and 51 underwent proximal diversion or anastomotic reconstruction. The clinically significant leak rate was 9% (6/68; 95% CI: 2-15%) in the suture repair alone arm and 0% (0/51) in the diversion or reconstruction arm.

CONCLUSION

Suture repair alone does not meet the criteria for noninferiority for the management of intra-operative air leak during left-sided colorectal anastomosis. Further repair of intra-operative air leak by suture repair alone should be reconsidered given these findings.

Triple Test-a Predictor of Anastomotic Integrity in Patients Undergoing Low Anterior Resection After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

Anastomotic leak after low anterior resection for rectal cancer is a dreaded complication. Diversion stoma helps tiding over this crisis and it is routinely practised in most centres, especially in post chemoradiotherapy setting. But a diversion stoma has got its own problems. In this study, we attempt to use the triple test as a predictor of anastomotic integrity and thereby avoid a diverting stoma, and patients undergoing low anterior resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy were spared the trouble of a diverting stoma if the on table triple test was negative. Two hundred such consecutive patients were prospectively followed up in the postoperative period. The incidence of anastomotic leak and the factors predicting the same were analysed in this group of patients. The incidence of anastomotic leak in our study was 7%, which is much less when compared to published literature. The triple test was a reliable predictor of the integrity of anastomosis and if the test is negative, a diverting stoma can be avoided. Age more than 60 years and end-to-end anastomosis were found to be associated with increased incidence of leak, and patients with a negative triple test need not routinely undergo diversion stoma after a low anterior resection even in post chemoradiotherapy setting.

Complications in children with ulcerative colitis undergoing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

Total colectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the standard procedure for the surgical management of ulcerative colitis. Despite the widespread utility of the procedure, as many as 75% of patients who undergo IPAA, experience at least 1 complication. This review highlights difficult intraoperative scenarios and complications of pouch surgery in children, including intraoperative, postoperative, and functional complications. Intraoperative scenarios include insufficient mesenteric length and positive leak tests. Postoperative complications include surgical site infection, anastomotic leak, stricture, fistula, pouchitis, small bowel obstruction, and pouch failure. Less common complications include afferent limb syndrome, pouch prolapse, and superior mesenteric artery syndrome. Functional complications include incontinence, impaired quality of life, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. Despite complications, most patients are satisfied with their outcomes and report an improvement in their lifestyle.

Anastomotic leak after colorectal resection: A population-based study of risk factors and hospital variation

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak is a major source of morbidity in colorectal operations and has become an area of interest in performance metrics. It is unclear whether anastomotic leak is associated primarily with surgeons' technical performance or explained better by patient characteristics and institutional factors. We sought to establish if anastomotic leak could serve as a valid quality metric in colorectal operations by evaluating provider variation after adjusting for patient factors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of colorectal resection patients in the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative. Clinically relevant patient and operative factors were tested for association with anastomotic leak. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to derive risk-adjusted rates of anastomotic leak.

RESULTS

Of 9,192 colorectal resections, 244 (2.7%) had a documented anastomotic leak. The incidence of anastomotic leak was 3.0% for patients with pelvic anastomoses and 2.5% for those with intra-abdominal anastomoses. Multivariable analysis showed that a greater operative duration, male sex, body mass index >30 kg/m2, tobacco use, chronic immunosuppressive medications, thrombocytosis (platelet count >400 × 109/L), and urgent/emergency operations were independently associated with anastomotic leak (C-statistic = 0.75). After accounting for patient and procedural risk factors, 5 hospitals had a significantly greater incidence of postoperative anastomotic leak.

CONCLUSION

This population-based study shows that risk factors for anastomotic leak include male sex, obesity, tobacco use, immunosuppression, thrombocytosis, greater operative duration, and urgent/emergency operation; models including these factors predict most of the variation in anastomotic leak rates. This study suggests that anastomotic leak can serve as a valid metric that can identify opportunities for quality improvement.

Rectovaginal fistula after low anterior resection in Chinese patients with colorectal cancer

Rectovaginal fistula is a postoperative complication of low anterior resection. We investigated the incidence of rectovaginal fistula (RVF) after low anterior resection, its risk factors and its optimal treatment. We analyzed data from 1,493 female patients who underwent low anterior resection for colorectal cancer between January 2006 and March 2016. We calculated the incidence of RVF and performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify risk factors. Twenty-four patients experienced RVF, giving an incidence of 1.61%. Univariate analysis revealed a short distance between the tumor and the anal verge (p < 0.001), longer surgery duration (p = 0.009), unsatisfactory anastomosis (p < 0.001), and greater intraoperative blood loss (p = 0.002) to be risk factors for RVF. Multivariate analysis showed that only distance between the tumor and the anal verge and unsatisfactory anastomosis were risk factors for RVF. Sixteen patients (66.7%) healed within a range of 30-1,225 days (median, 210 days). Twenty-one patients underwent surgery for diverting stoma; of those, 15 of them (71.4%) recovering after ostomy. These results indicate the primary risk factors for RVF are unsatisfactory anastomosis and short distance between the tumor and the anal verge. Most cases of RVF can be healed using a diverting stoma alone, without the need for additional surgery.

Research considerations in the evaluation of minimally invasive pancreatic resection (MIPR)

The IHPBA/AHPBA-sponsored 2016 minimally invasive pancreatic resection (MIPR) conference held on April 20th, 2016 included a session designed to evaluate what would be the most appropriate scientific contribution to help define the increasing role of MIPR internationally. Participants in the conference reviewed the assessment of numerous pertinent scientific designs including randomized controlled trial (RCT), pragmatic international RCT, registry-RCT, non-RCT with propensity matching, and various types of clinical registries including those aiming to create a quality improvement data system or a learning health care system. The strengths and weaknesses of each of these designs, the status of trials which are currently recruiting patients, and pragmatic considerations were evaluated. A recommendation was made to establish a clinical registry to collect data prospectively from around the world to assess current practices and provide a framework for future studies in MIPR.

Assessing surgeon behavior change after anastomotic leak in colorectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Recency effect suggests that people disproportionately value events from the immediate past when making decisions, but the extent of this impact on surgeons' decisions is unknown. This study evaluates for recency effect in surgeons by examining use of preventative leak testing before and after colorectal operations with anastomotic leaks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective cohort of adult patients (≥18 y) undergoing elective colorectal operations at Washington State hospitals participating in the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (2006-2013). The main outcome measure was surgeons' change in leak testing from 6 mo before to 6 mo after an anastomotic leak occurred.

RESULTS

Across 4854 elective colorectal operations performed by 282 surgeons at 44 hospitals, there was a leak rate of 2.6% (n = 124). The 40 leaks (32%) in which the anastomosis was not tested occurred across 25 surgeons. While the ability to detect an overall difference in use of leak testing was limited by small sample size, nine (36%) of 25 surgeons increased their leak testing by 5% points or more after leaks in cases where the anastomosis was not tested. Surgeons who increased their leak testing more frequently performed operations for diverticulitis (45% versus 33%), more frequently began their cases laparoscopically (65% versus 37%), and had longer mean operative times (195 ± 99 versus 148 ± 87 min), all P < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Recency effect was demonstrated by only one-third of eligible surgeons. Understanding the extent to which clinical decisions may be influenced by recency effect may be important in crafting quality improvement initiatives that require clinician behavior change.

Evaluating disparities in inpatient surgical cancer care among American Indian/Alaska Native patients

BACKGROUND

American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients with cancer have the lowest survival rates of all racial and ethnic groups, possibly because they are less likely to receive "best practice" surgical care than patients of other races.

METHODS

Prospective cohort study comparing adherence with generic and cancer-specific guidelines on processes of surgical care between AI/AN and non-Hispanic white (NHW) patients in Washington State (2010 to 2014) was conducted.

RESULTS

A total of 156 AI/AN and 6,030 NHW patients underwent operations for 10 different cancers, and had similar mean adherence to generic surgical guidelines (91.5% vs 91.9%, P = .57). AI/AN patients with breast cancer less frequently received preoperative diagnostic core needle biopsy (81% vs 94%, P = .004). AI/AN patients also less frequently received care adherent to prostate cancer-specific guidelines (74% vs 92%, P = .001).

CONCLUSION

Although AI/ANs undergoing cancer operations in Washington receive similar overall best practice surgical cancer care to NHW patients, there remain important, modifiable disparities that may contribute to their lower survival.

Objective Assessment of Quality Measurement and Improvement

Accurate quality measurement that allows for and results in improvement is essential to colon and rectal surgery. Currently, no consensus exists as to which variables are most important in measuring outcomes. Debate continues concerning the "best" variables to measure from a structural, process, and outcomes standpoint. Although American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program provides an opportunity for outcomes measurement in general and vascular surgery, there is no specific quality improvement tool available for colon and rectal surgery. However, there is growing literature testing the validity of candidate variables to be used in such a data collection system. This article evaluates the current objective assessment measurements used for quality improvement in colon and rectal surgery.

Current status of quality measurement in colon and rectal surgery

There is increasing pressure from the public and insurance payors for transparency and accountability in ensuring the quality of health care. In response to this, hospitals are now mandated to participate in quality improvement initiatives, and to report on their performance. This article describes three programs related to the measurement of quality that impact colon and rectal surgery: the Surgical Care Improvement Project, the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, and the Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program.

Driving perioperative nutrition quality improvement processes forward!

Evidence supporting the important role of nutrition therapy in surgical patients has evolved, with several randomized trials and meta-analyses of randomized trials clearly demonstrating benefits. Despite this evidence, surgeons and anesthesiologists have been slow to adopt recommended practices, and the traditional dogma of delaying the initiation of and restricting the amount of nutrition during the postoperative period persists. Consequently, the nutrition therapy received by surgical patients remains suboptimal; thus, patients suffer worse clinical outcomes. Knowledge translation (KT) describes the process of moving evidence learned from clinical research, and summarized in clinical practice guidelines, to its incorporation into clinical and policy decision making. In this paper, we apply Graham et al's knowledge-to-action model to illuminate our understanding of the issues pertinent to KT in surgical nutrition. We illustrate various components of this model using empirically derived research, commentaries, and published studies from both critical care and surgical nutrition. Barriers to improving surgical nutrition practice may be related to (1) the nature of the underlying evidence and clinical practice guidelines; (2) guideline implementation factors; (3) characteristics of the health system, hospital, and surgical team; (4) provider attitudes and beliefs; and (5) patient factors (eg, type of surgery, underlying disease, and nutrition status). Interventions tailored to overcoming these barriers must be developed, evaluated, and implemented. A system of audit and feedback must guide this process and evaluate improvements over time so that every patient undergoing major surgery will have the opportunity to be optimally assessed and managed according to best nutrition practices.

Delayed endoluminal vacuum therapy for rectal anastomotic leaks after rectal resection in a swine model: a new treatment option

Anastomotic leaks are a dreaded surgical complication following colorectal operations. Creation of a temporary proximal diverting ileostomy is used in high-risk anastomoses, however, additional surgical risk is accumulated with its creation and reversal. Endoluminal vacuum therapy has been shown to seal anastomotic defects in the prophylactic setting in a pig model and we hypothesized it could be utilized in a delayed fashion to rescue subjects with an active anastomotic leak. Yorkshire pigs underwent rectal resection, intentional leak confirmed by fluoroscopy, and endoluminal vacuum therapy device placement to low continuous suction. Following treatment, a contrast enema and necropsy was performed for gross and histopathology. Pigs underwent 2 (or 5) days of free intraperitoneal leak prior to device placement and 5 (or 7) subsequent days of endoluminal vacuum therapy. Six of seven early-treated pigs sealed their anastomotic defect, while two of the four treated pigs in this extended group sealed the defect. Endoluminal vacuum therapy is feasible and well tolerated in a pig model, and it has been shown to seal a significant number of freely leaking anastomoses in the early period (86%). This technology warrants further study as it may provide a noninvasive means to treatment of anastomotic leaks.