Growth and nutritional status in infants with short-bowel syndrome after the serial transverse enteroplasty procedure

Intestinal failure among adults and children: Similarities and differences

Intestinal failure (IF) is a complex medical condition that is caused by a constellation of disorders, resulting in the gut's inability to adequately absorb fluids and nutrients to sustain hydration, growth, and survival, thereby requiring the use of parenteral fluid and/or nutrition. Significant advancements in intestinal rehabilitation have resulted in improved survival rates for individuals with IF. There are distinct differences, however, related to etiology, adaptive potential and complications, and medical and surgical management when comparing children with adults. The purpose of this review is to contrast the similarities and differences between these two distinct groups and provide insight for future directions, as a growing population of pediatric patients will cross into the adult world for IF management.

Bowel Lengthening Procedures in Children with Short Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

 The aims of the study are to systematically assess and critically appraise the evidence concerning two surgical techniques to lengthen the bowel in children with short bowel syndrome (SBS), namely, the longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT) and serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP), and to identify patient characteristics associated with a favorable outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were searched from inception till December 2019. No language restriction was used.

RESULTS

 In all, 2,390 articles were found, of which 40 were included, discussing 782 patients. The median age of the patients at the primary bowel lengthening procedure was 16 months (range: 1-84 months). Meta-analysis could not be performed due to the incomparability of the groups, due to heterogeneous definitions and outcome reporting. After STEP, 46% of patients weaned off parenteral nutrition (PN) versus 52% after LILT. Mortality was 7% for STEP and 26% for LILT. Patient characteristics predictive for success (weaning or survival) were discussed in nine studies showing differing results. Quality of reporting was considered poor to fair.

CONCLUSION

 LILT and STEP are both valuable treatment strategies used in the management of pediatric SBS. However, currently it is not possible to advise surgeons on accurate patient selection and to predict the result of either intervention. Homogenous, prospective, outcome reporting is necessary, for which an international network is needed.

Surgical Treatment of Short Bowel Syndrome—The Past, the Present and the Future, a Descriptive Review of the Literature

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is a devastating disorder with both short- and long-term implications for patients. Unfortunately, the prevalence of SBS has doubled over the past 40 years. Broadly speaking, the etiology of SBS can be categorized as congenital or secondary, the latter typically due to extensive small bowel resection following diseases of the small intestine, e.g., necrotizing enterocolitis, Hirschsprung’s disease or intestinal atresia. As of yet, no cure exists, thus, conservative treatment, primarily parenteral nutrition (PN), is the first-line therapy. In some cases, weaning from PN is not possible and operative therapy is required. The invention of the longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT or Bianchi) procedure in 1980 was a major step forward in patient care and spawned further techniques that continue to improve lives for patients with severe SBS (e.g., double barrel enteroplasty, serial transverse enteroplasty, etc.). With this review, we aim to provide an overview of the clinical implications of SBS, common conservative therapies and the development of operative techniques over the past six decades. We also provide a short outlook on the future of operative techniques, specifically with respect to regenerative medicine.

Repeat serial transverse enteroplasty procedure (reSTEP): Is it worth it?

BACKGROUND

The utility of repeat serial transverse enteroplasty (reSTEP) has been questioned after patients failed to achieve enteral autonomy. We compared the outcomes after reSTEP to one lifetime STEP (oneSTEP), and tried to identify patients at risk for reSTEP failure.

METHODS

All STEPs done at our institution were reviewed. Growth, enteral autonomy, bowel-derived bloodstream infection hospital admissions, complications, and need for bowel transplantation were evaluated (p<0.05 considered significant).

RESULTS

24 patients underwent 32 STEP (16 oneSTEP, 8 reSTEP). reSTEP patients were younger at first surgery (1.01±1.05 vs. oneSTEP 3.06±4.73 years, p = 0.24). Median time to reSTEP was 1.1 year (0.6-5.7). Weight-for-length z-scores improved after reSTEP (0.02±1.40 to 0.22±1.42, p = 0.81). Bowel-derived bloodstream infections decreased after surgery (oneSTEP 1.50±2.25 to 0.94±1.73, p = 0.50; reSTEP 1.88±2.10 to 1.66±2.32, p = 0.52). 37.5% (9/24) patients achieved enteral autonomy at last follow-up: 7/16 oneSTEP, 2/8 reSTEP (p = 0.37). Two complications occurred after oneSTEP (staple line ulcer, leak), none following reSTEP. Three patients (oneSTEP 1/16, reSTEP 2/8, p = 0.19) underwent bowel transplantation (all gastroschisis).

CONCLUSION

Similar postoperative outcomes after reSTEP and single STEP (improved enteral tolerance, reduced rates of infections) support the use of reSTEP when clinically indicated, although reSTEP in young infants with a history of gastroschisis may need further evaluation.

Repeat serial transverse enteroplasty leads to reduction in parenteral nutrition in children with short bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Following a serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) procedure some children develop redilation of the small intestine leading to impaired enteral tolerance and inability to wean parenteral nutrition (PN). The benefit of a second STEP procedure (2STEP) has been controversial.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of our experience (2008-2018) performing 2STEP, with comparative analysis of nutritional outcomes pre- and postsurgery.

RESULTS

During this period 2STEP was performed in 23 patients (13 F:10 M) at a median (25%-75%) age of 2.2 (1.2-3.6) years. Median intestinal length was 68 (40-105) cm before and 85 (40-128) cm after 2STEP. Leading up to 2STEP, PN provided almost 75% of estimated calorie needs. By 24 weeks following 2STEP drops in mean PN percent approached statistical significance (p = 0.07) and at most recent follow up the mean PN percentage was statistically better than at the time of operation or 4 weeks prior to 2STEP, and was nearly significant compared with 12 weeks (p = 0.07) and 24 weeks (p = 0.06) prior. Thirteen children were completely off parenteral support.

CONCLUSION

When small intestine redilation occurs following a STEP procedure and where PN cannot otherwise be weaned we believe these data support performing a 2STEP. We cannot predict preoperatively which children will ultimately benefit.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 (retrospective comparative study).

To Wean or Not to Wean: The Role of Autologous Reconstructive Surgery in the Natural History of Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome on Behalf of Italian Society for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP)

Pediatric Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS) can require prolonged parenteral nutrition (PN). Over the years, SBS management has been implemented by autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive surgery (AGIR). The primary objective of the present review was to assess the effect of AGIR on weaning off PN. We also evaluated how AGIR impacts survival, the need for transplantation (Tx) and the development of liver disease (LD). We conducted a systematic literature search to identify studies published from January 1999 to the present and 947 patients were identified. PN alone was weakly associated with higher probability of weaning from PN (OR = 1.1, p = 0.03) and of surviving (OR = 1.05, p = 0.01). Adjusting for age, the probability of weaning off PN but of not surviving remained significantly associated with PN alone (OR = 1.08, p = 0.03). Finally, adjusting for age and primary diagnosis (gastroschisis), any association was lost. The prevalence of TX and LD did not differ by groups. In conclusion, in view of the low benefit in terms of intestinal adaptation and of the not negligible rate of complications (20%), a careful selection of candidates for AGIR should be required. Bowel dilation associated with failure of advancing EN and poor growth, should be criteria to refer for AGIR.

Restoring gut physiology in short bowel patients: from bench to clinical application of autologous intestinal reconstructive procedures

Introduction: Short bowel syndrome represents the leading etiology that causes intestinal failure both in children and adults. Total parenteral nutrition support has dramatically improved the prognosis for these patients but, if related irreversible complications occur, the alternative is represented by surgery and/or transplantation. Areas covered: Autologous gastrointestinal reconstructive procedures are a feasible, alternative approach with good long-term outcome data inexperienced surgical centers. Expert opinion: Ongoing innovative efforts have driven the surgical options for successful autologous reconstructive surgery: bowel elongation/tapering techniques (LILT, STEP, and the new SILT) together with the 'reversed bowel segment' procedure are now recognized procedures and all must be tailored to the individual patient needs to obtain the optimal result in terms of enteral autonomy. Background laboratory experimentation with new procedures e.g. options for bowel dilation techniques and distraction-induced enterogenesis, may provide additional management and treatment modalities.

Long-Term Results of Serial Transverse Enteroplasty with Neovalve Creation for Extreme Short Bowel Syndrome: Report of Two Cases

Objective

The aim of this article was to determine whether serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) and the creation of a new ileocecal valve in extreme short bowel syndrome (SBS) cases (<45 cm) is effective in intestinal adaptation and improvement of nutritional parameters and serum citrulline levels.

Patients and Methods

We present 2 cases of SBS treated with STEP. Enterectomy was performed for massive intestinal ischemia secondary to a gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the first case and to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in the second. After enterectomy, the short residual bowel measured 34 cm in the first patient and 45 cm in the second. In both cases STEP, cholecystectomy, and gastrostomy were performed. In the first case a Brooke neovalve was created, and in the other the ileocecal valve was preserved.

Results

Both patients could finally be weaned off total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and gastrostomy feeding, maintaining a good nutritional status 1 year after surgery.

Conclusions

In extreme SBS, a minimum length of 80–90 cm of functioning small bowel and an intact ileocecal valve are necessary. We plead for the use of STEP with preservation of the ileocecal valve or creation of a neovalve using the Brooke technique in order to achieve the ultimate goal, which is to wean patients off TPN. After a critical review of different surgical techniques, a treatment algorithm is proposed.

Jonathan E. Rhoads Lecture: Experiences and Observations in the Management of Patients With Short Bowel Syndrome

In an era before parenteral nutrition (PN) was made practical by Stanley Dudrick, MD, and his colleagues, patients with prolonged intestinal dysfunction or short bowel syndrome would often die of malnutrition or its sequelae. Over the past 4 decades, the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome had progressed from PN in the hospital to small bowel transplantation. Multimodal therapies have evolved in the management of these patients, including specialized diets and enteral supplements, oral rehydration fluids, antisecretory medication, and the use of growth factors. Home PN is lifesaving when these modalities are ineffective and a surgical procedure to restore or enhance gastrointestinal tract length or absorptive potential is impossible. Small intestine transplantation had been used to salvage those patients who developed life-threatening complications of home PN, but as the survival after intestinal transplant has approached that of liver transplantation, it may soon be considered as primary therapy for patients with short bowel syndrome. This article presents the author's experiences and observations after a 4-decade experience in the management of patients with short bowel syndrome.

Improved enteral tolerance following step procedure: systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Surgical management of children with short bowel syndrome (SBS) changed with the introduction of the serial transverse enteroplasty procedure (STEP). We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using MEDLINE and SCOPUS to determine if children with SBS had improved enteral tolerance following STEP. Studies were included if information about a child's pre- and post-STEP enteral tolerance was provided. A random effects meta-analysis provided a summary estimate of the proportion of children with enteral tolerance increase following STEP. From 766 abstracts, seven case series involving 86 children were included. Mean percent tolerance of enteral nutrition improved from 35.1 to 69.5. Sixteen children had no enteral improvement following STEP. A summary estimate showed that 87 % (95 % CI 77-95 %) of children who underwent STEP had an increase in enteral tolerance. Compilation of the literature supports the belief that SBS subjects' enteral tolerance improves following STEP. Enteral nutritional tolerance is a measure of efficacy of STEP and should be presented as a primary or secondary outcome. By standardizing data collection on children undergoing STEP procedure, better determination of nutritional benefit from STEP can be ascertained.

Outcome of pigs with short gut syndrome submitted to orthotopic intestinal transplantation

PURPOSE

To evaluate the current model of small bowel resection and intestinal transplantation in pigs.

METHODS

Forty two Large White pigs were distributed in five groups: G1(n=6), G2(n=6) and G3(n=6) were submitted to 80%,100% and 100% plus right colon resection respectively and G4(n=7) and G5(n=5) to 100% SBR plus IT without and with immunosuppression based on Tacrolimus and Mycophenolic acid. Evaluation included weight control, clinical status, biochemical analysis and endoscopies for graft biopsies. Follow-up in G1 and 2 was 84 days, while in G3, four and five was ± three weeks.

RESULTS

G1 increased weight suggesting adaptation while G2 and 3 loused weight and inadequate adaptation. G4 and 5 died of acute cellular rejection (ACR) and sepses respectively. Overall survival in G1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 30 days was 100, 100, 0 and 20 %, respectively. Medium survival in G4 and 5 was 14 and 16 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The resection of 80% of small intestine in pigs is not suitable for short bowel syndrome induction. Intestinal transplantation with the proposed immunosuppression protocol was effective in prevent the occurrence of severe acute rejection, but inappropriate to increase recipients survival.

Animal models of gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Animal models of infant short bowel syndrome: translational relevance and challenges

Intestinal failure (IF), due to short bowel syndrome (SBS), results from surgical resection of a major portion of the intestine, leading to reduced nutrient absorption and need for parenteral nutrition (PN). The incidence is highest in infants and relates to preterm birth, necrotizing enterocolitis, atresia, gastroschisis, volvulus, and aganglionosis. Patient outcomes have improved, but there is a need to develop new therapies for SBS and to understand intestinal adaptation after different diseases, resection types, and nutritional and pharmacological interventions. Animal studies are needed to carefully evaluate the cellular mechanisms, safety, and translational relevance of new procedures. Distal intestinal resection, without a functioning colon, results in the most severe complications and adaptation may depend on the age at resection (preterm, term, young, adult). Clinically relevant therapies have recently been suggested from studies in preterm and term PN-dependent SBS piglets, with or without a functional colon. Studies in rats and mice have specifically addressed the fundamental physiological processes underlying adaptation at the cellular level, such as regulation of mucosal proliferation, apoptosis, transport, and digestive enzyme expression, and easily allow exogenous or genetic manipulation of growth factors and their receptors (e.g., glucagon-like peptide 2, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, epidermal growth factor, keratinocyte growth factor). The greater size of rats, and especially young pigs, is an advantage for testing surgical procedures and nutritional interventions (e.g., PN, milk diets, long-/short-chain lipids, pre- and probiotics). Conversely, newborn pigs (preterm or term) and weanling rats provide better insights into the developmental aspects of treatment for SBS in infants owing to their immature intestines. The review shows that a balance among practical, economical, experimental, and ethical constraints will determine the choice of SBS model for each clinical or basic research question.

Improved tolerance for enteral nutrition after serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) in infants and children with short bowel syndrome--a seven-year single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) was designed to lengthen and taper the small intestine in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) and dilated small bowel. We hypothesized that tolerance for enteral nutrition (EN) improves after STEP.

METHODS

Patients who underwent STEP between March 2004 and January 2011 were identified. Candidates for STEP had radiographic evidence of dilated small bowel and either failed to advance EN or demonstrated deterioration in tolerance for EN. Clinical and nutritional data were analyzed pre- and post-STEP. EN was defined as the percentage of calories administered enterally. Statistical analysis employed the signed rank test with significance assumed when p<0.05.

RESULTS

Twenty STEPs were performed at a median age of 13.7 months. Median pre-STEP bowel length was 30 cm with a median increase in bowel length of 42%. Five patients achieved enteral autonomy at a median of 6.5 months post-STEP. EN increased in 75%, while 25% exhibited unchanged or decreased EN post-STEP. In aggregate, median EN tolerance increased from 22% at one month pre-STEP to 61% at six months post-STEP (p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The STEP is an effective adjunct in the treatment of patients with intestinal failure. While enteral autonomy is eventually possible in some patients, improved enteral tolerance can be achieved in a majority of cases.

First STEPs: serial transverse enteroplasty as a primary procedure in neonates with congenital short bowel

BACKGROUND

Since its introduction as an alternative intestinal lengthening technique, serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) has been increasingly used as the surgical treatment of choice for patients with refractory short bowel syndrome (SBS). While primary STEP for the treatment of congenital conditions was proposed in the original description of the procedure, emphasis was placed on a delayed or staged approach to these patients. To date, a comprehensive review of the outcomes from this sub-population has not been reported by the International STEP Data Registry.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the International STEP Data Registry was performed to identify all patients who underwent STEP as a primary operative procedure for the treatment of congenital SBS. Changes in pre- and post-STEP values were assessed using paired t-tests with significance set at p<0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients underwent primary STEP for congenital SBS between September 1, 2004, and April 10, 2012. Thirteen patients had follow-up information available. Causes of congenital SBS included closing gastroschisis, small bowel atresia, and midgut volvulus. Twelve patients had pre- and post-STEP bowel measurements taken. Average pre- and post-STEP bowel lengths were 32 ± 16 cm and 47 ± 22 cm, respectively. Intestinal length was increased by a mean of 15 ± 12 cm for a relative small bowel length increase of 50.4 ± 27.3% (p<0.001). Only one patient required an ostomy at the time of primary STEP. A second patient required a temporary ostomy at 3months of age that was later closed. There was one death from intestinal failure associated liver disease (IFALD). Another patient experienced IFALD progression and required liver and intestinal transplantation. The most commonly reported complication following primary STEP was obstruction or bowel re-dilatation requiring additional operative interventions. Nine patients underwent second STEP procedures under these circumstances. Eight patients remain dependent on parenteral nutrition, while three patients achieved enteral autonomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary STEP is a feasible and safe surgical option for the treatment of congenital conditions resulting in SBS. Primary STEP establishes early bowel continuity, creates intestinal length from congenitally dilated bowel, and appears to obviate the need for interval stomas and their associated loss of bowel length in neonates with congenital SBS. However, with recent changes in SBS management emphasizing intestinal rehabilitation, additional studies are needed to assess the long-term impact on intestinal adaptation of STEP performed in the neonatal period prior to adoption of this technique.

Serial transverse enteroplasty allows children with short bowel to wean from parenteral nutrition

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effects of serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) on parenteral and enteral calories in children with short bowel syndrome, and examine short- and long-term complications.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected data from a large single center cohort of patients undergoing STEP procedure was analyzed. Baseline demographic and clinical information, operative data, and short- and long-term complications were recorded. Detailed growth and nutritional data were obtained for 6 months prior and 12 months following STEP procedure.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight procedures were performed in 51 patients over a 68-month period. Median bowel length at first STEP was 51 cm with a median length gain of 54%. Repeat STEP patients had longer initial length (77 cm) and reduced length gain (20%). Operative times and blood loss were low, with few complications. Parenteral calorie requirement was stable or rising for 6 months prior to STEP, but decreased to median <20 kCal/kg/d at 1 year postop. Longer length gains were associated with higher risk of stricture formation. Seven children were transplanted, and 60% of nontransplanted children were enterally independent, with the remainder making ongoing progress; 48/51 children are alive at a median of 39 months follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

STEP is shown to be safe, well tolerated, and to have definitive benefit in reducing parenteral calorie requirements over the first year following the procedure. It has an important role in achieving enteral independence in children with short bowel syndrome.

Comparison of LILT and STEP procedures in children with short bowel syndrome -- a systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

To compare LILT and STEP, the two principal procedures to lengthen the native bowel in children with a short bowel syndrome (SBS), by discussing the indications and presenting the outcome from published data.

METHODS

A review of literature was performed. N=39 publications were reviewed.

RESULTS

For LILT and STEP, failure to achieve intestinal autonomy by conservative therapy represents the main indication, and end-stage liver disease the main contraindication. A sufficiently dilated intestinal segment is a common anatomical precondition for both procedures. STEP can be performed on shorter intestinal segments and on intricate segments such as the duodenum, which is technically not feasible for LILT. Both procedures have a similar extent of intestinal lengthening (approximately 70%) and result in improvement of enteral nutrition and reversal of complications of parenteral nutrition. STEP seems to have a lower mortality and overall progression to transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

STEP and LILT are both accepted procedures for non-transplant surgical management of SBS in children. The outcome after STEP seems to be more favourable, but larger series are needed to further assess accurate selection of eligible patients and to estimate effectiveness of procedures. A considerably higher number of cases for evaluation might be accomplished through the widespread use of a centralised registry.

Neonatal short bowel syndrome as a model of intestinal failure: physiological background for enteral feeding

Intestinal failure (IF) is a well identified clinical condition, which is characterised by the reduction of functional gut capacity below the minimum needed for adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients for normal growth in children. Short bowel syndrome (SBS) is the leading cause of IF in neonates, infants and young children usually as a result of extensive intestinal resection during the neonatal period. Simultaneously maintaining optimal nutritional status and achieving intestinal adaptation is a clinical challenge in short bowel patients. Both growth and development of the child as well as gut adaptation should be considered synergistically as primary outcome parameters. Enteral nutrition (EN) can be introduced orally and/or by tube feeding (TF). Several controversies over nutritional treatment of children with SBS related intestinal failure remain. As reported from different centres around the world, most practices are more "experienced based" rather than "evidence based". This is partly due to the small number of patients with this condition. This review (based on a consensus) discusses the physiological principles and nutritional management, including the type of diet and route of delivery. Perspectives in optimizing intestinal adaptation and reducing the consequences of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are also discussed.

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP): intermediate outcomes in children with short bowel syndrome

Short bowel syndrome is the most common cause of intestinal failure in children. The treatment is based on a multidisciplinary approach involving pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and nutritionists. Surgical procedures for intestinal lengthening may be decisive, having been revalued after the recent description of serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP). We reviewed the patients who underwent the STEP operation for short bowel syndrome in our hospital in order to evaluate medium-term outcome. Between April 2006 and December 2008, three children were submitted to STEP without postoperative complications directly related to the procedure. In two cases the autonomy for oral/enteric feeding was obtained within 3 and 7 months after surgery with sustained growth, persisting at 5 years of follow-up after STEP. One child remained dependent of parenteral nutrition and was submitted to intestinal transplantation 30 months after STEP. However, since STEP until transplantation, it was possible to increase enteric volume and decrease intestinal dilation and the frequency of occlusive episodes. STEP is an effective and safe technique for intestinal lengthening that may allow increased tolerance to oral/enteric feeding or at least alleviate some complications of short bowel syndrome.

The next step? Use of tissue fusion technology to perform the serial transverse enteroplasty--proof of principle

BACKGROUND

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) is an established procedure for intestinal lengthening and tapering. A gastrointestinal linear stapler is used to taper the bowel sequentially. We report preliminary experience with tissue fusion technology to perform STEP in a porcine model.

METHODS

Four weaned male pigs (mean age, 4 ± 0 weeks; mean weight, 6.8 ± 0.1 kg) first underwent a 60-cm reversed intestinal segment followed by a STEP 4 to 6 weeks later. The LigaSure Impact (Covidien, Valleylab, Tyco Healthcare Group LP, Boulder, CO) was used to perform the procedure. Animals were fed on postoperative day 2 and terminated 1 week later. Morphometric data were collected, and intestinal tissue was obtained for histology.

RESULTS

Mean bowel caliber of 5.1 ± 0.5 cm was tapered to 1.8 ± 0.3 cm post-STEP with a mean increase in the length of the dilated segment of 82% ± 20%. All animals tolerated enteral feeding, and all survived to termination on day 7. Histologic evaluation revealed the zone of tissue fusion to be 7.1 ± 1.5 mm. Masson trichrome, hematoxylin and eosin, and polarized picrosirius red stains demonstrated that the fusion zone was well healed with overlying granulation tissue.

CONCLUSION

This is the first report of the successful application of radiofrequency energy to perform the STEP procedure in animals. Although further evaluation is required, tissue fusion devices may eventually provide an alternative to the linear stapler for the STEP procedure.

Medical and surgical management of the pediatric patient with intestinal failure

Until recently, extreme short bowel due primarily to massive resection in the neonatal period had been considered incompatible with long-term survival. Indeed, parents of infants with midgut volvulus or other causes of very extensive intestinal necrosis still may be informed that resection is futile. The advent of intestinal transplantation as a potential therapy and its evolution into a standard therapy for irreversible intestinal failure have led to changing attitudes regarding these catastrophic gastrointestinal events. The experience gained from aggressively maintaining infants with little if any functional small bowel while awaiting transplantation has led to the increasing recognition that long-term survival is possible in many of these children with and often without intestinal transplantation. Even children with very small lengths of residual intestine ultimately may adapt and grow sufficiently to allow enteral autonomy. Achievement of these outcomes requires early referral to a dedicated multidisciplinary intestinal care team well versed in the management options for such children. Initial assessment often involves an inpatient evaluation followed by very close outpatient follow-up. Aggressive management is imperative for all patients with intestinal failure, allowing time for full enteral adaptation before complications become life-threatening; those with no possibility of significant adaptation can achieve optimal growth while awaiting transplantation. Along with medical and nutritional therapy and nontransplant surgery, intestinal transplantation should be seen as one of many modalities available for the optimal management of this population of patients. Thus, patients with irreversible intestinal failure and those with indications for transplantation (even those for whom hope remains that sufficient enteral adaptation still may occur) should be evaluated by the transplant team. If there is no intestinal transplant program at the center undertaking the intestinal failure management, strong links and regular communication with an intestinal transplant program that can partner in the care of these patients should be established. Multicenter collaborative and interventional studies are necessary to clearly demonstrate outcomes and to move the field forward.

Elements of successful intestinal rehabilitation

PURPOSE

The optimal therapy for intestinal failure (IF) is unknown. The results of a systematic, protocol-driven management strategy by a multidisciplinary team are described.

METHODS

Intestinal failure was defined as bowel length of less than 40 cm or parenteral nutrition (PN) for more than 42 days. A multidisciplinary team and protocol to prevent PN-associated liver disease (PNALD) were instituted in 2006. Data were gathered prospectively with consent and ethics board approval.

RESULTS

From 1998 to 2006, 33 patients were treated (historical cohort) with an overall survival of 72%. Rotating prophylactic antibiotics for bacterial overgrowth were given to 27% of patients; 6% had lipid-sparing PN, and none received fish oil-based lipids. Median time to intestinal rehabilitation was 7 ± 3.1 months, and 27% of patients who developed PNALD died. From 2006 to 2009, 31 patients were treated. Seventy-seven percent received PAB; 60%, lipid-sparing PN; and 47%, parenteral fish oil emulsion. Eighty-seven percent weaned from PN at 3.9 ± 3.8 months, and no patients developed PNALD with 100% survival. Novel lipid therapies were associated with changes in essential fatty acid profile and one case of clinical essential fatty acid deficiency.

CONCLUSION

The institution of a multidisciplinary team and a protocol-driven strategy to prevent PNALD improves survival in IF. Further studies are recommended.

Nutritional effects of the serial transverse enteroplasty procedure in experimental short bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) procedure appears beneficial clinically, but the mechanism(s) underlying these effects remains unclear. The present study evaluated the nutritional, hormonal, and morphologic effects of the STEP procedure in a rodent model of short bowel syndrome.

METHODS

With institutional animal care ethics approval, Sprague-Dawley rats underwent an 80% distal bowel resection, anastomosing the 30 cm remnant of jejunum to the ascending colon; at day 14, animals were randomly assigned to control or a STEP procedure (n = 8/group). Animals were pair-fed with normal chow; after a further 3 weeks, intestinal transit, hormonal and metabolic balance studies were done, and intestinal tissues were taken for analysis.

RESULTS

The STEP group had increased weight gain (resected: -0.34% +/- 2.9% vs STEP: 2.5% +/- 1.5%), increased bowel length (34.1 +/- 1.5 vs 36.9 +/- 2.2 cm), increased jejunal villus height (555 +/- 59 vs 635 +/- 65 microm), decreased rates of crypt cell apoptosis, increased expression of mRNA for the GLP-2 receptor, and increased postprandial production of glucagon-like peptide 2 (45 +/- 14 vs 65 +/- 12 pmol/L) (P < .05 by Student t test). There were no differences in intestinal transit; absorption of total calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrate; crypt cell proliferation rates; or the expression of intestinal transporter proteins (SGLT-1, GLUT-2, and GLUT-5).

CONCLUSIONS

The STEP procedure improves weight gain and augments gross and microscopic intestinal morphology in severe experimental short bowel syndrome. Postprandial GLP-2 levels are increased, as is the expression of the GLP-2 receptor; these mechanisms may contribute to these metabolic effects and may be useful in guiding the use of the STEP procedure clinically.

Long-term nutritional and clinical outcomes after serial transverse enteroplasty at a single institution

PURPOSE

Serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) is a novel technique to lengthen and taper bowel in patients with intestinal failure. First described in 2003, initial data and reports have demonstrated favorable short-term outcomes, but there is limited published data on long-term outcomes of the procedure. Our aim was to assess clinical and nutritional outcomes after the STEP procedure.

METHODS

After obtaining institutional review board approval, we reviewed all records of patients (n = 16) who underwent the STEP procedure at our institution from February 2002 to February 2008. Patients were observed for a median time of 23 months (range, 1-71) postoperatively. Analyses of z scores for weight, height, and weight-for-height, and progression of enteral calories were performed using longitudinal linear models with random effects.

RESULTS

Of the 16 patients (10 male), the median age at time of surgery was 12 months (interquartile range, 1.5-65.0). The mean increase in bowel length was 91% +/- 38%. After the STEP procedure, patients had increased weight-for-age z scores of 0.03 units per month (P = .0001), height for age z scores of 0.02 units per month (P = .004), and weight-for-height z scores of 0.04 units per month (P = .02). Patients had improved enteral tolerance of 1.4% per month (P < .0001). Six patients (38%) transitioned off parenteral nutrition (median, 248 days). Long-term complications included catheter-related bacteremia (n = 5), gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 3), and small bowel obstruction (n = 1). Two patients ultimately underwent transplantation. There were no deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

In pediatric patients with intestinal failure, the STEP procedure improves enteral tolerance, results in significant catch-up growth, and is not associated with increased mortality.

Improved survival in a multidisciplinary short bowel syndrome program

PURPOSE

Pediatric short bowel syndrome (SBS) remains a management challenge with significant mortality. In 1999, we initiated a multidisciplinary pediatric intestinal rehabilitation program. The purpose of this study was to determine if the multidisciplinary approach was associated with improved survival in this patient population.

METHODS

The Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation includes dedicated staff in surgery, gastroenterology, nutrition, pharmacy, nursing, and social work. We reviewed the medical records of all inpatients and outpatients with severe SBS treated from 1999 to 2006. These patients were compared to a historical control group of 30 consecutive patients with severe SBS who were treated between 1986 and 1998.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients with severe SBS managed by the multidisciplinary program were identified. Median follow-up was 403 days. The mean residual small intestinal length was 70 +/- 36 vs 83 +/- 67 cm in the historical controls (P = NS). Mean peak direct bilirubin was 8.1 +/- 7.9 vs 9.0 +/- 7.4 mg/dL in controls (P = NS). Full enteral nutrition was achieved in 36 (67%) of 54 patients with severe SBS vs 20 (67%) of 30 patients in the control group (P = NS). The overall survival rate, however, was 89% (48/54), which is significantly higher than in the historical controls (70%, 21/30; P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A multidisciplinary approach to intestinal rehabilitation allows for fully integrated care of inpatients and outpatients with SBS by fostering coordination of surgical, medical, and nutritional management. Our experience with 2 comparable cohorts demonstrates that this multidisciplinary approach is associated with improved survival.

Small intestine transplantation today

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal transplantation has become a life-saving therapy in patients with irreversible loss of intestinal function and complications of total parenteral nutrition.

DISCUSSION

The patient and graft survival rates have improved over the last years, especially after the introduction of tacrolimus and rapamycin. However, intestinal transplantation is more challenging than other types of solid organ transplantation due to its large amount of immune competent cells and its colonization with microorganisms. Moreover, intestinal transplantation is still a low volume procedure with a small number of transplanted patients especially in Germany. A current matter of concern is the late referral of intestinal transplant candidates.

CONCLUSION

Thus, patients often present after onset of life-threatening complications or advanced cholestatic liver disease. Earlier timing of referral for candidacy might result in further improvement of this technique in the near future.