The Clinical Significance of Anastomotic Ulcers After Ileocolic Resection to Predict Postoperative Recurrence of Crohn's Disease

Risk factors for endoscopic postoperative recurrence in patients with Crohn's Disease: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic condition characterized by a high recurrence rate after surgery, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Many studies have explored the risk factors for the recurrence of CD after surgery, there is a lack of meta-analysis focusing on endoscopic postoperative recurrence (ePOR) as a clinical outcome. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the risk factors for ePOR in CD patients through systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for related literature from inception to 17th October 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature and extracted information. Data analysis was performed using Stata18.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-three papers were included, with 5 case-control studies and 18 cohort studies. The National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool rated 17 studies as good and 6 studies as fair. The sample size of the 23 studies ranged from 40 to 346, and the number of patients with ePOR ranged from 23 to 169. The results of multivariate meta-analysis showed that smoking [OR = 2.06, 95% CI (1.65, 2.57), P = 0.0001], previous ileocolonic resection [OR = 1.71, 95% CI (1.23, 2.38), P = 0.002], disease localization at ileocolic resection [OR = 2.68, 95% CI (1.38, 5.22), P = 0.004], perianal disease [OR = 1.47, 95% CI (1.07, 2.03), P = 0.017], and anastomotic scattered ulcer [OR = 3.39, 95% CI (1.83, 6.28), P = 0.001] were risk factors for ePOR in CD patients. Postoperative prophylactic medication [OR = 0.53, 95% CI (0.38,0.75), P = 0.0001] was a protective factor for ePOR in CD patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review identified multiple factors for ePOR in CD patients, as well as a protective factor. However, the number of articles included was limited. More high-quality clinical studies are required to further validate the conclusions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42023483671).

Outcomes and Endpoints of Postoperative Recurrence in Crohn's Disease: Systematic Review and Consensus Conference

BACKGROUND

Outcomes after ileocolonic resection in Crohn's disease [CD] are heterogeneous, and a clear definition of postoperative recurrence remains to be determined. Our Endpoints Working Group of the International Organization for the study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease [IOIBD] aimed to standardise postoperative outcomes, to discuss which endpoints should be used for postoperative clinical trials, and to define those which could be used in trials or registries.

METHODS

Based on a systematic review of the literature, recommendations and statements were drafted and sent to all IOIBD members for a first round of voting. Recommendations and statements were revised based on the voters' comments during a consensus hybrid conference open to all IOIBD members. If no agreement was reached after two rounds of voting, the statement was excluded.

RESULTS

In the systematic review, 3071 manuscripts were screened of which 434 were included. Sixteen recommendations were identified, of which 11 were endorsed. Recommendations and statements include that endoscopy remains the gold standard and should be used as a short-term primary endpoint in both observational cohorts and randomised controlled trials. Clinical symptoms classically used in clinical trials for luminal CD are not reliable in this specific situation. For that reason, longer-term endpoints should be based on the evidence of macroscopic inflammation assessed by imaging techniques, endoscopy, or as reflected by the presence of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Agencies recommend the use of clinical evaluations, as in the case of luminal CD, and do not recognise primary endpoints based solely on endoscopy. This consensus has led to agreement on the need to define postoperative endoscopy-based and/or imaging-based endpoints.

Endoscopic Evaluation of the Ileal Pouch

BACKGROUND

Structural and inflammatory adverse sequelae are common after restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA. On rare occasions, neoplasia can occur in patients with ileal pouches. Pouchoscopy plays a key role in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, disease monitoring, assessment of treatment response, surveillance, and delivery of therapy.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of the literature was performed, and principles and techniques of pouchoscopy were described.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Relevant articles on endoscopy in ileal pouches published between January 2000 and May 2023 were included based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic, surveillance, and therapeutic endoscopy in ileal pouch disorders were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Accurate characterization of the ileal pouch in healthy or diseased states.

RESULTS

The main anatomic structures of a J- or S-pouch are the stoma closure site, prepouch ileum, inlet, tip of the "J," pouch body, anastomosis, cuff, and anal transition zone. Each anatomic location can be prone to the development of structural, inflammatory, or neoplastic disorders. For example, ulcers and strictures are common at the stoma closure site, inlet, and anastomosis. Leaks are commonly detected at the tip of the "J" and anastomosis. Characterization of the anastomotic distribution of inflammation is critical for the differential diagnosis of subtypes of pouchitis and other inflammatory disorders of the pouch. Neoplastic lesions, albeit rare, mainly occur at the cuff, anal transition zone, or anastomosis.

LIMITATIONS

This is a qualitative, not quantitative, review of mainly case series.

CONCLUSIONS

Most structural, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders can be reliably diagnosed with a careful pouchoscopy. The endoscopist and other clinicians taking care of pouch patients should be familiar with the anatomy of the ileal pouch and be able to recognize common abnormalities. See video from symposium.

Prognostic Value of the Modified Rutgeerts Score for Long-Term Outcomes After Primary Ileocecal Resection in Crohn's Disease

INTRODUCTION

The prognostic value of the modified Rutgeerts score (mRS) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) needs to be further elucidated. This study assessed the prognostic value of the mRS for long-term outcomes after primary ileocecal resection in patients with CD.

METHODS

Patients with CD after primary ileocecal resection with an available mRS at first postoperative ileocolonoscopy (index mRS) were retrospectively included. The primary outcome was surgical recurrence. Secondary outcomes were clinical recurrence and progression to severe endoscopic recurrence (≥i3). Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between index mRS and outcomes.

RESULTS

Six hundred fifty-two patients were included (mean follow-up: 6.4 years, SD: 4.6). Surgical recurrence rates were 7.7%, 5.3%, 12.9%, 19.1%, 28.8%, 47.8% for index mRS i0, i1, i2a, i2b, i3, and i4, respectively. Clinical recurrence occurred in 42.2% (i0), 53.7% (i1), 58.5% (i2a), 80.2% (i2b), 79.4% (i3), and 95.3% (i4) of patients. Progression to severe endoscopic recurrence occurred in 21.1% (i0), 33.9% (i1), 26.8% (i2a), and 33.3% (i2b) of patients. An index mRS of i2b (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.0; 1.5-5.6), i3 (aHR 4.0; 2.0-7.9) and i4 (aHR 8.0; 4.0-16.0) were associated with surgical recurrence. An index mRS of i1 (aHR 1.7; 1.2-2.4), i2a (aHR 1.7; 1.2-2.4), i2b (aHR 4.4; 3.2-6.0), i3 (aHR 3.6; 2.5-5.2), and i4 (aHR 7.3; 4.8-10.9) were associated with clinical recurrence. An index mRS of i1 (aHR 2.0; 1.1-3.7) or i2b (aHR 2.5; 1.4-4.6) was associated with progression to severe endoscopic recurrence.

DISCUSSION

The increasing mRS corresponds closely with the risk of surgical and clinical recurrence. An index mRS ≥ i2b is associated with surgical recurrence, an index mRS ≥ i1 is associated with clinical recurrence, and i1 or i2b with progression to severe endoscopic recurrence. These results support tight monitoring of disease activity and treatment optimization in patients with ileal lesions and a more conservative management in patients with anastomotic lesions.

Clinical Update on the Prevention and Management of Postoperative Crohn's Disease Recurrence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite advances in therapeutics, a significant portion of patients with Crohn's disease still require surgical management. In this article, we present updates to the natural history, prognostication and postoperative monitoring, and novel therapeutics in the prevention and treatment of postoperative Crohn's disease recurrence.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical risk factors have been associated with higher rates of postoperative recurrence (POR), and in recent studies demonstrate an increased cumulative risk with presence of additional risk factors. Additional novel clinical, histologic, and "-omic" risk factors for recurrence have recently been elucidated, including the role of the mesentery on recurrence and perioperative intraabdominal septic complications. High-risk patients benefit most from medical prophylaxis, including anti-TNF with or without immunomodulator therapy to prevent recurrence. New biologics such as vedolizumab and ustekinumab have emerging evidence in the use of prophylaxis, especially with recent REPREVIO trial data. Non-invasive disease monitoring, such as cross-sectional enterography, intestinal ultrasound, and fecal calprotectin, have been validated against ileocolonoscopy. Recent advances in the prediction, prevention, and monitoring algorithms of postoperative Crohn's disease may be leading to a reduction in postoperative recurrence. Ongoing trials will help determine optimal monitoring and management strategies for this at-risk population.

Endoscopic Lesions of Postoperative Anastomotic Area in Patients With Crohn's Disease in the Biologic Era: A Japanese Multi-Centre Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Many patients have endoscopic evidence of recurrent Crohn's disease [CD] at 1 year after intestinal resection. These lesions predict future clinical recurrence. We endoscopically evaluated postoperative anastomotic lesions in CD patients from a large cohort of postoperative CD patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled CD patients who underwent surgical resection between 2008 and 2013 at 19 inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]-specialist institutions. The initial analyses included patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy ~1 year after intestinal resection. Follow-up analyses assessed any changes in the endoscopic findings over time. We evaluated the postoperative endoscopic findings, which were classified into four categories [no lesion, mild, intermediate, severe] at the sites of the anastomotic line and peri-anastomosis.

RESULTS

In total, 267 CD patients underwent postoperative ileocolonoscopy. Postoperative anastomotic lesions were widely detected in index ileocolonoscopy [61.0%] and were more frequently detected in follow-up ileocolonoscopy [74.9%]. Endoscopic severity also increased. Patients with intermediate or severe peri-anastomotic or anastomotic line lesions at the index ileocolonoscopy required significantly more interventions, including endoscopic dilatation or surgery, than patients with mild lesions or no lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Frequent anastomotic lesions were observed at the postoperative index ileocolonoscopy. These gradually increased for subsequent ileocolonoscopy, even in the biologic era. Regarding lesions on the anastomotic line, intermediate lesions on the anastomotic line [e.g. irregular or deep ulcers] might be considered recurrent disease, and mild lesions [e.g. linear superficial ulcers] might be considered non-recurrent disease. Prospective studies are needed to resolve this issue, including treatment enhancement.

Idiopathic Ileal Ulceration After Intestinal Transplantation

Background

Idiopathic ileal ulceration after intestinal transplantation (ITx) has been discussed infrequently and has an uncertain natural history and relation to graft rejection. Herein, we review our experience with this pathology.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 225 ITx in 217 patients with minimum 1 y graft survival. Routine graft endoscopy was conducted up to twice weekly within the first 90 d after ITx, gradually decreasing to once yearly. Risks for ulceration over time were evaluated using Cox regression.

Results

Of 93 (41%) patients with ulcers, 50 were found within 90 d after ITx mostly via ileoscopy; delayed healing after biopsy appeared causal in the majority. Of the remaining 43 patients with ulcers found >90 d after ITx, 36 were after ileostomy closure. Multivariable modeling demonstrated within 90-d ulcer associations with increasing patient age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.027; P < 0.001) and loop ileostomy (versus Santulli ileostomy; HR, 0.271; P < 0.001). For ulcers appearing after ileostomy closure, their sole association was with absence of graft colon (HR, 7.232; P < 0.001). For ulcers requiring extended anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory therapy, associations included de novo donor-specific antibodies (HR, 3.222; P < 0.007) and nucleotide oligomerization domain mutations (HR, 2.772; P < 0.016). Whole-cohort post-ITx ulceration was not associated with either graft rejection (P = 0.161) or graft failure (P = 0.410).

Conclusions

Idiopathic ulceration after ITx is relatively common but has little independent influence on outcome; risks include ileostomy construction, colon-free ITx, immunologic mutation, and donor sensitization.

Results of the Eighth Scientific Workshop of ECCO: Diagnosing Postoperative Recurrence of Crohn's Disease After an Ileocolonic Resection With Ileocolonic Anastomosis

Despite the introduction of potent biologic therapies, many patients with Crohn's disease [CD] still require an ileocolonic resection [ICR] during the course of their disease. Furthermore, the need of redo ICR has not decreased over the past few decades, highlighting the need for better strategies to prevent and treat postoperative recurrence [POR]. The first step to develop such a strategy would be to define and standardise the description of POR with adequate diagnostic instruments. In this article, we will describe the different methodologies used to report POR [endoscopic, histological, radiological, biochemical, clinical, and surgical], and review their potential benefits and limitations, as well as the optimal timing of evaluation.

A nomogram incorporating ileal and anastomotic lesions separately to predict the long-term outcome of Crohn's disease after ileocolonic resection

Background

The Rutgeerts score (RS) is widely used to predict postoperative recurrence after ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease (CD) based on the severity of lesions at the neoterminal ileum and anastomosis (RS i0-i4). However, the value of anastomotic ulcers remains controversial.

Objectives

Our aim was to establish a nomogram model incorporating ileal and anastomotic lesions separately to predict the long-term outcomes of CD after ileal or ileocolonic resection.

Design

A total of 136 patients with CD were included in this retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Consecutive CD patients who underwent ileal or ileocolonic resections with postoperative ileocolonoscopy evaluation within 1 year after the surgery were included. The primary endpoint was postoperative clinical relapse (CR). An endoscopic classification separating ileal and anastomotic lesions was applied (Ix for neoterminal ileum lesions; Ax for anastomotic lesions). A nomogram was constructed to predict CR. The performance of the model was evaluated by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

CR was observed in 47.1% (n = 64) of patients within a median follow-up of 26.9 (interquartile range, 11.4-55.2) months. The risk of CR was significantly higher in patients with an RS ⩾ i2 assessed by the first postoperative endoscopy compared with patients with an RS ⩽ i1 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the cumulative rate of CR was significantly higher in patients with ileal lesions (I1-4) compared with patients without (I0) (p < 0.001). Besides, patients with anastomotic lesions (A1-3) had significantly higher rates of CR than patients without (A0) (p = 0.002). A nomogram, incorporating scores of postoperative ileal or anastomotic lesions, sex, L2-subtype and perianal disease, was established. The DCA analysis indicated that the nomogram had a higher benefit for CR, especially at the timeframe of 24-60 months after index endoscopy, compared to the traditional RS score.

Conclusion

A nomogram incorporating postoperative ileal and anastomotic lesions separately was developed to predict CR in CD patients, which may serve as a practical tool to identify high-risk patients who need timely postoperative intervention.

Mild neoterminal ileal post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease conveys higher risk for severe endoscopic disease progression than isolated anastomotic lesions

There are conflicting data assessing the impact of isolated post-operative anastomotic inflammation on future disease progression. The aim of this study was to determine the relative risk of severe disease progression in post-operative Crohn's disease (CD) patients with isolated anastomotic disease.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of adult CD patients undergoing ileocolonic resection between 2009 and 2020. Patients with a post-operative ileocolonoscopy ≤18 months from surgery and ≥1 subsequent ileocolonoscopy were included. Disease activity was assessed using the modified Rutgeerts' score (RS). Primary outcome was severe endoscopic progression, defined as i3 or i4 disease, on immediate subsequent ileocolonoscopy and during entire post-operative follow-up. Secondary outcome was surgical recurrence.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-nine CD patients had an ileocolonoscopy ≤18 months from surgery, index RS of i0-i2b and ≥1 subsequent ileocolonoscopy. At index ileocolonoscopy, 34.7% had i0 disease, 16.1% i1, 24.6% i2a and 24.6% i2b. On multivariable logistic regression, i2b disease was associated with severe endoscopic progression compared to i0 or i1 (aOR 5.53; P < 0.001) and i2a disease patients (aOR 2.63; P = 0.03). However, i2a disease did not confer increased risk compared to i0 or i1 disease (P = 0.09). Furthermore, i2b patients experienced severe endoscopic progression significantly earlier than i0 or i1 disease (aHR 4.68; P < 0.001), whereas i2a disease did not differ from i0 or i1 disease (P = 0.25). Surgical recurrence was not associated with index RS i0-i2b (P = 0.86).

CONCLUSION

Post-operative ileal disease recurrence, not isolated anastomotic inflammation, confers increased risk for severe endoscopic disease progression. Location of CD recurrence may impact optimal management strategies.