Treatment of intra-abdominal abscesses in Crohn's disease: a nationwide analysis of patterns and outcomes of care

Early Anti-Tumor-Necrosis-Factor Therapy for Crohn's Disease-Related Abdominal Abscesses and Phlegmon in Children

BACKGROUND

Internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications, including abscesses and phlegmon, represent a high-risk Crohn's Disease phenotype. Anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-α (Anti-TNF) therapies are effective in treating penetrating Crohn's Disease and early initiation has shown unique benefits. However, timing of anti-TNF initiation in the setting of internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications is typically heterogenous due to concern over precipitating serious infections. Recent studies demonstrate such an association may not exist.

AIMS

We aimed to describe the multidisciplinary management of pediatric patients with internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications, focusing on the utilization and timing of anti-TNF therapy relative to complication resolution and adverse events.

METHODS

We performed a single-center retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients with internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications from 2007 to 2021. The safety and effectiveness of anti-TNF therapy initiation prior to complication resolution was assessed by comparing rates of infectious and Crohn's Disease-related adverse events between those who received anti-TNF therapy prior to complication resolution, versus those who did not.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients with internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complications were identified. 7/21 received anti-TNF therapy prior to complication resolution. Infectious adverse events within 90 days of complication occurred in 0/7 patients initiating anti-TNF therapy prior to complication resolution and 10/14 patients who did not (p = 0.004). Crohn's Disease-related surgeries and hospitalizations within 1 year of complication occurred in 12/20 patients, with similar frequency between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Initiating anti-TNF therapy prior to internally penetrating Crohn's Disease complication resolution may be a safe and effective strategy to improve clinical outcomes.

Factors influencing cumulative radiation dose from percutaneous intra-abdominal abscess drainage in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease

PURPOSE

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk for intra-abdominal abscesses requiring CT-guided drainage. These patients are at baseline risk of high cumulative radiation exposure from imaging, which may be exacerbated by CT-guided drainage. This study aimed to determine the radiation dose associated with percutaneous drainage in the setting of IBD and identify risk factors associated with high exposure.

METHODS

An IRB-approved single-center retrospective study was performed to identify patients with IBD who underwent percutaneous abscess drainage over a 5-year period. An episode of drainage was defined from drain placement to removal, with all intervening procedures and diagnostic CT scans included in the cumulative radiation dose.

RESULTS

The mean cumulative effective dose for a drainage episode was 47.50 mSv. The mean duration of a drainage episode was 68.7 days. Patients with a cumulative dose greater than 50 mSv required higher number of follow-up visits compared to patients with less than 50 mSv (6.9 vs. 3.5, p = 0.003*). Patients with higher cumulative dose were also more likely to require drain upsize (54% vs. 13%, p = 0.01*) or additional drain placement (63% vs 24%, p = 0.03*) compared to patients with lower dose.

CONCLUSION

Intra-abdominal abscess drainage may be associated with significant cumulative radiation exposure. Requirement of drain upsizing or additional drain placement were associated with higher cumulative radiation dose, which may be related to more severe underlying inflammatory bowel disease.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology.

METHODS

Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

The Management of Intestinal Penetrating Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease (CD) leads to the development of complications through progressive uncontrolled inflammation and the transmural involvement of the bowel wall. Most of the available literature on penetrating CD focuses on the perianal phenotype. The management of nonperianal penetrating complications poses its own set of challenges and can result in significant morbidity and an increased risk of mortality. Few controlled trials have been published evaluating this subgroup of patients for clinicians to use for guidance. Utilizing the available evidence, we review the epidemiology, presentation, and modalities used to diagnosis and assess intestinal fistulas, phlegmons, and abscesses. The literature regarding the medical, endoscopic, and surgical management options are reviewed providing physicians with a therapeutic framework to comprehensively treat these nonperianal penetrating complications. Through a multidisciplinary evidence-based approach to the complex sequela of CD outcomes can be improved and patient's quality of life enhanced.10.1093/ibd/izx108_video1izx108_Video5754037501001.

Preoperative optimization of patients with inflammatory bowel disease undergoing gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a challenging task. The aim of preoperative optimization (PO) is to decrease the risk of complications and reduce the length of postoperative stay. The aim of this study was to review and grade the available evidence, attain clear recommendations, and point out potential future research.

METHODS

Studies were identified from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) and scanning reference lists in relevant papers. English-written studies examining PO in adult patients with IBD were included. Eight PO factors were investigated.

RESULTS

Management of IBD is a multidisciplinary task. Steroid withdrawal is recommended while steroid stress dose is not recommended. Thiopurines appear to be safe, but it may be prudent to plan the procedure remotely from the last dose of an anti-TNF agent. Nutritional risk screening is recommended to unveil and correct any malnutrition. Thrombosis prophylaxis prior to surgery is well supported by evidence while extended 4-week prophylaxis needs further research. Percutaneous ultrasound or CT-guided drainage for intra-abdominal abscesses is recommended, but it is unclear for how long supplementary antibiotics (ABs) should be used. Oral AB 24 h prior to open surgery might improve outcome if given as complementary to IV perioperative AB. Mechanical bowel preparation is not supported by evidence. Comorbidities must be treated accordingly prior to surgical intervention. Smoking cessation can be beneficial for wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Multimodel PO intervention in IBD patients is recommended.

Medical versus surgical management of penetrating Crohn's disease: the current situation and future perspectives

The development of penetrating Crohn's disease (CD) occurs in up to 50% of patients over the course of their lifetime. While the presentation of these complications, including free perforation, intra-abdominal abscess, and enteric fistula, are usually obvious, the management can require a nuanced approach, with distinct short and long-term approaches. Areas covered: This review discusses medical and surgical methods of treating these complications, including the role of percutaneous drainage of abscesses, the implications of a stricture associated with a fistula, and the efficacy of postoperative anti-TNF therapy in preventing recurrence after surgical treatment. Expert commentary: An approach to the management of these complications that begins with control of sepsis, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, bowel rest, and nutritional support is proposed. The next appropriate step is a diagnostic evaluation to determine the utility of medical versus surgical therapy, considering the presence of a stricture and prior immunosuppressive therapy. Postoperative anti-TNF therapy, a highly effective method to prevent recurrence, should be considered in many cases.

Medical Versus Interventional Treatment of Intra-Abdominal Abscess in Patients With Crohn Disease

Background:

Few studies exist to guide the treatment approach to intra-abdominal abscesses in Crohn disease, which can include antimicrobials alone or in conjunction with percutaneous drainage or surgery. The primary aim of this study is to review outcomes from different treatment approaches to intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn disease.

Methods:

Medical records were reviewed for patients admitted to the University of Michigan health care system with Crohn disease and intra-abdominal abscess over a 4-year period. Outcomes were compared among medical and interventional approaches. The χ² test was used to test for statistical significance.

Results:

Of the 33 patients included, 13 were in the medical group and 20 were in the interventional group. Abscess recurrence/nonresolution occurred in 31% of patients in the medical group and 25% of patients in the interventional group (P = .7).

Conclusions:

In this study, there was no significant difference in outcome between medical and interventional therapy for intra-abdominal abscess in Crohn disease.

Surgical Considerations in the Treatment of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease

Surgery remains a cornerstone of the management of Crohn's disease (CD). Despite the rise of biologic therapy, most CD patients require surgery for penetrating, obstructing, or malignant complications. Optimal surgical therapy requires sophisticated operative judgment and medical optimization. Intraoperatively, surgeons must balance treatment of CD complications against bowel preservation and functional outcome. This demands mastery of multiple techniques for anastomosis and strictureplasty, accurate assessment of bowel integrity for margin minimization, and a comprehensive skillset for navigating adhesions and altered anatomy, controlling thickened mesentery, and safely managing the hostile abdomen. Outside of the operating room, a multi-disciplinary team is critical for pre-operative optimization, patient support, and medical management. Postoperatively, prevention and surveillance of recurrence remain a matter of research and debate, and medical options include older drugs with limited efficacy and tolerability versus biologic agents with greater effect sizes and shorter track records. The evidence base for current management is limited by the inherent challenges of studying a chronic disease marked by heterogeneity and recurrence, but also by a lack of prospective trials incorporating both medical and surgical therapies.

Surgical Considerations in the Treatment of Small Bowel Crohn's Disease

Surgery remains a cornerstone of the management of Crohn's disease (CD). Despite the rise of biologic therapy, most CD patients require surgery for penetrating, obstructing, or malignant complications. Optimal surgical therapy requires sophisticated operative judgment and medical optimization. Intraoperatively, surgeons must balance treatment of CD complications against bowel preservation and functional outcome. This demands mastery of multiple techniques for anastomosis and strictureplasty, accurate assessment of bowel integrity for margin minimization, and a comprehensive skillset for navigating adhesions and altered anatomy, controlling thickened mesentery, and safely managing the hostile abdomen. Outside of the operating room, a multi-disciplinary team is critical for pre-operative optimization, patient support, and medical management. Postoperatively, prevention and surveillance of recurrence remain a matter of research and debate, and medical options include older drugs with limited efficacy and tolerability versus biologic agents with greater effect sizes and shorter track records. The evidence base for current management is limited by the inherent challenges of studying a chronic disease marked by heterogeneity and recurrence, but also by a lack of prospective trials incorporating both medical and surgical therapies.

The effect of pre-operative optimization on post-operative outcome in Crohn's disease resections

BACKGROUND

The timing of surgical intervention in Crohn's disease (CD) may depend on pre-operative optimization (PO) which includes different interventions to decrease the risk for unfavourable post-operative outcome. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of multi-model PO on the post-operative outcome in CD.

METHOD

This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was 30-day post-operative complications. Secondary outcomes were intra-abdominal septic complications, surgical site infection (SSI), re-operation, length of post-operative stay in a hospital and re-admission. PO included nutritional support, discontinuation of medications, pre-operative antibiotic course and thrombosis prophylaxis.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-seven CD elective bowel resections were included. Mean age was 39.9 years SD 14.25, 144 (60.8 %) were female and 129 (54.4 %) had one or more types of medical treatment pre-operatively. Seventy-seven patients (32.5 %) optimized by at least nutritional support or change in pre-operative medications. PO patients were more likely to have penetrating disease phenotype (p = 0.034), lower albumin (p = 0.015) and haemoglobin (p = 0.021) compared to the non-optimized. Multivariate analyses showed that treatment with anti-TNF alpha agents OR 2.058 CI [1.043-4.4.064] and low haemoglobin OR 0.741 CI [0.572-0.0.961] increased the risk of overall post-operative complications. Co-morbidity increased the risk of SSI OR 2.567 CI [1.182-5.576] while low haemoglobin was a risk factor for re-admission OR 0.613 CI [0.405-0.926]. Low pre-operative albumin correlated with longer stay in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

PO did not change post-operative outcome most likely due to selection bias. Anti-TNF alpha agents, low haemoglobin, low albumin and co-morbidity were associated with unfavourable outcome.

Impact of Specialized Inpatient IBD Care on Outcomes of IBD Hospitalizations: A Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The management of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs; Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) is increasingly complex. Specialized care has been associated with improved ambulatory IBD outcomes.

AIMS

To examine if the implementation of specialized inpatient IBD care modified short-term and long-term clinical outcomes in IBD-related hospitalizations.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included IBD patients hospitalized between July 2013 and April 2015 at a single tertiary referral center where a specialized inpatient IBD care model was implemented in July 2014. In-hospital medical and surgical outcomes as well as postdischarge outcomes at 30 and 90 days were analyzed along with measures of quality of in-hospital care. Effect of specialist IBD care was examined on multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 408 IBD-related admissions were included. With implementation of specialized IBD inpatient care, we observed increased frequency of use of high-dose biologic therapy for induction (26% versus 9%, odds ratio 5.50, 95% confidence interval 1.30-23.17) and higher proportion of patients in remission at 90 days after discharge (multivariate odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 0.99-2.69). Although there was no difference in surgery by 90 days, among those who underwent surgery, early surgery defined as in-hospital or within 30 days of discharge, was more common in the study period (71%) compared with the control period (46%, multivariate odds ratio 2.73, 95% confidence interval 1.22-6.12). There was no difference in length of stay between the 2 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of specialized inpatient IBD care beneficially impacted remission and facilitated early surgical treatment.

Image-guided Percutaneous Drainage for Treatment of Post-Surgical Anastomotic Leak in Patients with Crohn's Disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anastomotic leaks with abscess formation are a common complication after bowel surgery in Crohn's disease patients. Image-guided percutaneous drainage is an attractive alternative to reoperation because of decreased morbidity and length of hospital stay. Because data for this specific population are scarce, the purpose of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of image-guided percutaneous drainage in the management of post-surgical anastomotic leak in patients with Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A total of 41 patients who underwent percutaneous drain placement for the treatment of fluid collections due to anastomotic leak from September 2004 to November 2013 were retrospectively identified from the electronic medical record and picture archiving and communication system. Data recorded included number, size, and location of anastomotic leaks, number of drains placed, number of follow-up visits, post-drainage complications, abscess resolution, and subsequent surgeries.

RESULTS

In all, 41 patients with 76 fluid collections were identified as having received percutaneous drains. The mean number of targeted fluid collections per patient was 1.5, and the mean duration between surgery and percutaneous drain placement was 18.5 days. The mean number of drains placed was 1.6, and the median drain size was 10 French [range 8-16 French]. One of 41 [2.4%] patients experienced a minor complication from drain placement [injury to a superficial abdominal artery] and no major complications occurred. Two of 41 [4.9%] patients required repeat surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Image-guided percutaneous drainage for the treatment of post-surgical anastomotic leaks in Crohn's patients is effective and safe, with low rates of complications and reoperations.

Magnetic resonance enterography: state of the art

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of the gastrointestinal tract manifested by frequent periods of relapses and remissions of symptoms. The small bowel is most frequently affected. Progression of transmural inflammation can lead to stricturing or penetrating complications. At the time of diagnosis, approximately 10% of patients have disease beyond the reach of the colonoscope. Imaging can aid in clinical evaluation by depicting small bowel involvement and extraenteric disease. Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) has emerged as a valuable tool and is being used with increasing frequency for the diagnosis and management of Crohn's disease. This article will discuss the current state of the art in MRE. In addition to reviewing the literature reporting its utility, we will present case examples illustrating how MRE best depicts the various findings of Crohn's disease within 4 imaging categories of disease: active inflammatory, fibrostenotic, fistulizing/perforating, and reparative or regenerative. We will present additional important clinical considerations in routine use of MRE, including implications for monitoring disease activity and response to treatment, cost-effectiveness, and appropriate use in the context of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria.

Review article: optimal preparation for surgery in Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

One-third of Crohn's disease (CD) patients will undergo abdominal surgery within the first 5 years of diagnosis.

AIM

To review the available evidence on pre-operative optimisation of CD patients.

METHODS

The literature regarding psychological support, radiological imaging, abdominal abscess management, nutritional support, thromboembolic prophylaxis and immunosuppression in the perioperative setting was reviewed.

RESULTS

For diagnosis of fistulas, abscesses and stenosis, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have a high diagnostic accuracy. Under either CT or US guidance, it is possible to perform abscess percutaneous drainage (PD), which, with systemic antibiotic therapy, should be the first-line approach to intra-abdominal abscesses. CD patients with weight loss <10% within the last 3-6 months, body mass index < 18.5 kg/m(2) and/or albumin levels <30 g/L, are at an increased risk of post-operative complications. Pre-operative nutritional support should be used in these patients. IBD patients undergoing surgery have a higher risk of venous thromboembolic disease than patients with colorectal cancer, and current guidelines recommend that they should receive prophylaxis with heparin. Whether the use of anti-TNF agents before surgery increases the likelihood of post-operative complications, is the subject of much debate. To date, cumulative evidence from most studies (all retrospective) suggests that there is no such risk increment. Prospective studies are necessary to firmly establish this conclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Preparation for surgery requires close interaction between surgeons, gastroenterologist, radiologists, psychologists and the patient. Correct pre-operative planning of surgical treatment has a major impact on the outcome of such treatment.