Postoperative complications and mortality following colectomy for ulcerative colitis

Indications, modalities, and outcomes of surgery for ulcerative colitis in 2024

Treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been revolutionized by the arrival of biotherapies and technical progress in interventional endoscopy and surgery. (Sub)total emergency colectomy is required in the event of complicated severe acute colitis: colectasis, perforation, hemorrhage, organ failure. Corticosteroid therapy is the reference treatment for uncomplicated severe acute colitis, while infliximab and ciclosporin are 2nd-line treatments. At each step, before and after each line of treatment failure, surgery should be considered as an option. In cases refractory to medical treatment, the choice between surgery and change in medication must weigh the chronic symptoms associated with the disease against the risks of postoperative complications and functional sequelae inherent to surgery. Detection of dysplastic lesions necessitates chromoendoscopic imaging with multiple biopsies and anatomopathological verification. Endoscopic treatment of these lesions remains reserved for selected patients. These different indications call for multidisciplinary medical-surgical discussion. Total coloproctectomy with ileo-anal anastomosis (TCP-IAA) is the standard surgery, and it holds out hope for healing. Modalities depend on patient characteristics, previous emergency colectomy, and presence of dysplasia. It may be carried out in one, in two modified, or in three phases. The main complications are anastomotic fistula, short-term pouch-related fistula, ileo-anal pouch syndrome, pouchitis and long-term digestive and sexual disorders. For selected cases, an alternative can consist in total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis or permanent terminal ileostomy. The objective of this update is to clarify the indications, modalities, and results of surgical treatment of ulcerative colitis in accordance with the most recent data in the literature.

Surgical management of complicated Crohn's disease

Surgical management of pediatric Crohn's disease is fundamentally palliative, aiming to treat the sequalae of complicated disease while preserving intestinal length. Multidisciplinary discussion of risk factors and quality of life should take place prior to operative intervention. Though the surgical management of pediatric Crohn's disease is largely based on the adult literature, there are considerations specific to the pediatric population - notably disease and treatment effects on growth and development. Intrabdominal abscess is approached with percutaneous drainage when feasible, reserving surgical intervention for the patient who is unstable or failing medical therapy. Pediatric patients with fibrostenotic disease should be considered for strictureplasty when possible, for maximum preservation of bowel length. Patients with medically refractory Crohn's proctocolitis should be treated initially with fecal diversion without proctocolectomy.

Wearable Sensors as a Preoperative Assessment Tool: A Review

Surgery is a common first-line treatment for many types of disease, including cancer. Mortality rates after general elective surgery have seen significant decreases whilst postoperative complications remain a frequent occurrence. Preoperative assessment tools are used to support patient risk stratification but do not always provide a precise and accessible assessment. Wearable sensors (WS) provide an accessible alternative that offers continuous monitoring in a non-clinical setting. They have shown consistent uptake across the perioperative period but there has been no review of WS as a preoperative assessment tool. This paper reviews the developments in WS research that have application to the preoperative period. Accelerometers were consistently employed as sensors in research and were frequently combined with photoplethysmography or electrocardiography sensors. Pre-processing methods were discussed and missing data was a common theme; this was dealt with in several ways, commonly by employing an extraction threshold or using imputation techniques. Research rarely processed raw data; commercial devices that employ internal proprietary algorithms with pre-calculated heart rate and step count were most commonly employed limiting further feature extraction. A range of machine learning models were used to predict outcomes including support vector machines, random forests and regression models. No individual model clearly outperformed others. Deep learning proved successful for predicting exercise testing outcomes but only within large sample-size studies. This review outlines the challenges of WS and provides recommendations for future research to develop WS as a viable preoperative assessment tool.

Reducing rate of total colectomies for ulcerative colitis but higher morbidity in the biologic era: an 18-year linked data study from New South Wales Australia

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the trends in UC surgery in New South Wales (NSW) at a population level.

METHODS

A retrospective data linkage study of the NSW population was performed. Patients of any age with a diagnosis of UC who underwent a total abdominal colectomy (TAC) ± proctectomy between Jul-2001 and Jun-2019 were included. The age adjusted population rate was calculated using Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Multivariable linear regression modelled the trend of TAC rates, and assessed the effect of infliximab (listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for UC in Apr-2014).

RESULTS

A total of 1365 patients underwent a TAC ± proctectomy (mean age 47.0 years (±18.6), 59% Male). Controlling for differences between age groups, the annual rate of UC TACs decreased by 2.4% each year (95% CI 1.4%-3.4%) over the 18-year period from 1.30/100000 (2002) to 0.84/100000 (2019). An additional incremental decrease in the rate of TACs was observed after 2014 (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.69-1.00). There was no change in the proportion of TACs performed emergently over the study period (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.998-1.04). The odds of experiencing any perioperative surgical complication (aOR 1.54, 95% CI 1.01-2.33, P = 0.043), and requiring ICU admission (aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.24-2.76, P = 0.003) significantly increased in 2014-2019 compared to 2002-2007.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of TACs for UC has declined over the past two decades. This rate decrease may have been further influenced by the introduction of biologics. Higher rates of complications and ICU admissions in the biologic era may indicate poorer patient physiological status at the time of surgery.

DECIDE: Delphi Expert Consensus Statement on Inflammatory Bowel Disease Dysplasia Shared Management Decision-Making

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Inflammatory bowel disease colitis-associated dysplasia is managed with either enhanced surveillance and endoscopic resection or prophylactic surgery. The rate of progression to cancer after a dysplasia diagnosis remains uncertain in many cases and patients have high thresholds for accepting proctocolectomy. Individualised discussion of management options is encouraged to take place between patients and their multidisciplinary teams for best outcomes. We aimed to develop a toolkit to support a structured, multidisciplinary and shared decision-making approach to discussions about dysplasia management options between clinicians and their patients.

METHODS

Evidence from systematic literature reviews, mixed-methods studies conducted with key stakeholders, and decision-making expert recommendations were consolidated to draft consensus statements by the DECIDE steering group. These were then subjected to an international, multidisciplinary modified electronic Delphi process until an a priori threshold of 80% agreement was achieved to establish consensus for each statement.

RESULTS

In all, 31 members [15 gastroenterologists, 14 colorectal surgeons and two nurse specialists] from nine countries formed the Delphi panel. We present the 18 consensus statements generated after two iterative rounds of anonymous voting.

CONCLUSIONS

By consolidating evidence for best practice using literature review and key stakeholder and decision-making expert consultation, we have developed international consensus recommendations to support health care professionals counselling patients on the management of high cancer risk colitis-associated dysplasia. The final toolkit includes clinician and patient decision aids to facilitate shared decision-making.

RISK FACTORS FOR EARLY POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ACUTE COLITIS IN THE ERA OF BIOLOGIC THERAPY

BACKGROUND

Despite major advances in the clinical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, some patients still present with acute colitis and require emergency surgery.

AIMS

To evaluate the risk factors for early postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for acute colitis in the era of biologic therapy.

METHODS

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease admitted for acute colitis who underwent total colectomy at a single tertiary hospital from 2012 to 2022 were evaluated. Postoperative complications were graded according to Clavien-Dindo classification (CDC). Patients with more severe complications (CDC≥2) were compared with those with less severe complications (CDC<2).

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients underwent surgery. The indications were: failure of clinical treatment (n=34), patients' or surgeon's preference (n=5), hemorrhage (n=3), toxic megacolon (n=2), and bowel perforation (n=2). There were eight reoperations, 60.9% of postoperative complications classified as CDC≥2, and three deaths. In univariate analyses, preoperative antibiotics use, ulcerative colitis diagnosis, lower albumin levels at admission, and preoperative hospital stay longer than seven days were associated with more severe postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency surgery for acute colitis was associated with a high incidence of postoperative complications. Preoperative use of antibiotics, ulcerative colitis, lower albumin levels at admission, and delaying surgery for more than seven days were associated with more severe early postoperative complications. The use of biologics was not associated with worse outcomes.

Changes in the Gut Microbiota Composition during Implantation of Composite Scaffolds Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Alginate on the Large-Intestine Wall

The development of biopolymer scaffolds for intestine regeneration is one of the most actively developing areas in tissue engineering. However, intestinal regenerative processes after scaffold implantation depend on the activity of the intestinal microbial community that is in close symbiosis with intestinal epithelial cells. In this work, we study the impact of different scaffolds based on biocompatible poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and alginate (ALG) as well as PHB/ALG scaffolds seeded with probiotic bacteria on the composition of gut microbiota of Wistar rats. Implantation of PHB/ALG scaffolds on the large-intestine wall to close its injury showed that alpha diversity of the gut microbiota was not reduced in rats implanted with different PHB/ALG scaffolds except for the PHB/ALG scaffolds with the inclusion of Lactobacillus spheres (PHB/ALG-L). The composition of the gut microbiota of rats implanted with PHB/ALG scaffolds with probiotic bacteria or in simultaneous use of an antimicrobial agent (PHB/ALG-AB) differed significantly from other experimental groups. All rats with implanted scaffolds demonstrated shifts in the composition of the gut microbiota by individual operational taxonomic units. The PHB/ALG-AB construct led to increased abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria: Ileibacterium sp. dominated in rats with implanted PHB/ALG-L and Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium sp. dominated in the control group. In addition, the PHB/ALG scaffolds had a favourable effect on the growth of commensal bacteria. Thus, the effect of implantation of the PHB/ALG scaffold compared to other scaffolds on the composition of the gut microbiota was closest to the control variant, which may demonstrate the biocompatibility of this device with the microbiota.

Conventional Frailty Index Does Not Predict Risk of Postoperative Complications in Patients With IBD: A Multicenter Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Frailty has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with IBD.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between health deficit-defined frailty (using the 5-factor modified frailty index) and postoperative outcomes in patients with IBD.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Module.

PATIENTS

The included patients had IBD and underwent major abdominal surgery between 2016 and 2019. Patients were classified as frail (modified frailty index ≥2), prefrail (modified frailty index = 1), or normal (modified frailty index = 0) based on a validated, 5-factor modified frailty index.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The association was evaluated between frailty and risk of 30-day severe postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and risk of readmission using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 3172 patients with IBD who underwent major abdominal surgery (42.7 ± 16.4 y, 49.3% female, 57.7% with Crohn's disease, 43.9% on biologics), 116 (3.7%) were classified as frail and 477 as prefrail (15%). After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking, BMI, type of surgery, corticosteroid use, and biologic and immunomodulator use, frailty was not associated with increased risk for severe postoperative complications (adjusted OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.81-1.90), mortality (adjusted OR, 1.38 [0.44-3.6]), or 30-day readmission (adjusted OR, 1.35 [0.77-2.30]). Nonelective surgery, significant weight loss, corticosteroid use, and need for ileostomy were associated with increased risk of severe postoperative complications.

LIMITATIONS

Limited information regarding IBD-specific characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with IBD undergoing major abdominal surgery, frailty measured by a conventional abbreviated health deficits index is not predictive of adverse postoperative outcomes. Biologic and functional measures of frailty may better risk-stratify surgical candidacy in patients with IBDs. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C108 .

EL NDICE DE FRAGILIDAD CONVENCIONAL NO PREDICE EL RIESGO DE COMPLICACIONES POSOPERATORIAS EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDADES INFLAMATORIAS DEL INTESTINO UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE MULTICNTRICO

ANTECEDENTES:La fragilidad se ha asociado con resultados adversos en pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino.OBJETIVO:Examinamos la asociación entre la fragilidad definida por déficit de salud (utilizando el índice de fragilidad modificado de 5 factores) y los resultados postoperatorios en pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte prospective.ESCENARIO:Programa Nacional de Mejoramiento de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Estadounidense de Cirujanos, Módulo de Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino.PACIENTES:Pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales inscritos en la cohorte que se sometieron a cirugía abdominal mayor entre 2016-19.EXPOSICIÓN:Los pacientes se clasificaron como frágiles (índice de fragilidad modificado ≥2), prefrágiles (índice de fragilidad modificado = 1) o normales (índice de fragilidad modificado = 0) según un índice de fragilidad modificado de 5 factores validado.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Examinamos la asociación entre la fragilidad y el riesgo de complicaciones postoperatorias graves a los 30 días, la estancia hospitalaria prolongada y el riesgo de reingreso, mediante regresión logística multivariable.RESULTADOS:De 3172 pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias intestinales que se sometieron a cirugía abdominal mayor (42,7 ± 16,4 años, 49,3% mujeres, 57,7% con enfermedad de Crohn, 43,9% con biológicos), 116 (3,7%) fueron clasificados como frágiles y 477 como pre- frágil (15%). Después de ajustar por edad, sexo, raza/origen étnico, tabaquismo, índice de masa corporal, tipo de cirugía, uso de corticosteroides, uso de biológicos e inmunomoduladores, la fragilidad no se asoció con un mayor riesgo de complicaciones postoperatorias graves (odds ratio ajustado, 1,24; 95 % de confianza intervalos, 0,81-1,90), mortalidad (odds ratio ajustado, 1,38 [0,44-3,6]) o reingreso a los 30 días (odds ratio ajustado, 1,35 [0,77-2,30]). La cirugía no electiva, la pérdida de peso significativa, el uso de corticosteroides y la necesidad de ileostomía se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de complicaciones posoperatorias graves.LIMITACIONES:Información limitada sobre las características específicas de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.CONCLUSIONES:En pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino sometidos a cirugía abdominal mayor, la fragilidad medida por un índice de déficit de salud abreviado convencional no es predictivo de resultados postoperatorios adversos. Las medidas biológicas y funcionales de fragilidad pueden estratificar mejor la candidatura quirúrgica en pacientes con enfermedades inflamatorias del intestino. Consulte el Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C108 . (Traducción-Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Cytomegalovirus enteritis resistant to antiviral drugs improved following total colectomy

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, often subclinical in childhood, is reactivated during a state of cell-mediated immunodeficiency. In cases of organ damage, patients can require medical treatment for an infectious disease, generally through the use of antiviral drugs. There are no reports of surgical treatment in cases, where infection was found, and medical treatment was difficult. We encountered a case of CMV enteritis that was difficult to treat because of resistance to antivirals but improved after total colectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A previously healthy, 74-year-old woman visited a doctor with a chief complaint of watery diarrhea persisting for 2 weeks; she was transferred to our hospital because of hypoxemia and hypovolemic shock. Computed tomography scan indicated wall thickening over the entire colon and the patient was diagnosed with infectious colitis. Conservative and antibacterial therapies were started with fasting fluid replacement. Subsequently, bloody stools were observed 11 days after admission. Colonoscopy was then performed, which showed mucosal edema and longitudinal ulcer, while a histopathological examination of the colon mucosa revealed C7HRP positive on 22 days after admission. CMV enteritis was diagnosed, and the antiviral medication, ganciclovir, was started. Diseases causing immunosuppression and other possible causes of enteritis were also closely examined; however, all were negative. Furthermore, the patient's symptoms and her endoscopic findings did not improve with ganciclovir administration; therefore, the antiviral drug was changed to foscarnet. Unfortunately, the patient did not improve despite the additional administration of gamma globulin and methylprednisolone, and she was determined to have enteritis resistant to medical therapy. A total colon resection was performed 88 days after the admission. Her condition gradually stabilized postoperatively, and oral intake was initiated and tolerated. The patient was transferred to another hospital for rehabilitation for home discharge. She is now at home and has had no recurrences.

CONCLUSIONS

In previous reports of surgical treatment for CMV enteritis, many cases were initially undiagnosed, emergency surgery was performed after perforation or stenosis was recognized, and then CMV was diagnosed and treated. In CMV enteritis without immunodeficiency, surgical treatment may be an option if medical treatment is ineffective.

Impact of a digital surgical workflow including Digital Device Briefing Tool on morbidity and mortality in a patient population undergoing primary stapled colorectal anastomosis for benign or malignant colorectal disease: protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

With growing emphasis on surgical safety, it appears fundamental to assess the safety of colorectal resection involving primary stapled anastomosis. Surgical stapling devices can considerably foster patient safety in colorectal surgery, but their misuse or malfunction encompass a unique risk of postoperative complications. The Digital Device Briefing Tool (DDBT) is a digital cognitive aid developed to enhance safe use of the Ethicon circular stapling device during colorectal resection. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how a digital operative workflow, including DDBT, compared with routine surgical care, affects morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing left-sided colorectal resection with primary stapled colorectal anastomosis for colorectal cancer or benign disease.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A multicentre, prospective cohort study will be conducted at five certified academic colorectal centres in Germany. It compares a non-digital with a Johnson & Johnson digital solution (Surgical Process Institute Deutschland (SPI))-guided operative workflow in patients undergoing left hemicolectomy, sigmoidectomy, anterior rectal resection and Hartmann reversal procedure. The sample size is set at 528 cases in total, divided into 3 groups (a non-digital and two SPI-guided workflow cohorts, with and without DDBT) in a ratio of 1:1:1, with 176 patients each. The primary endpoint is a composite outcome comprising the overall rate of surgical complications, including death, during hospitalisation and within the first 30 days after colorectal resection. Secondary endpoints include operating time, length of hospital stay and 30-day hospital readmission rate.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study will be performed in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. The ethics committee of the Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Germany, approved the study (No: 22-0277-EA2/060/22). Study Investigators will obtain written informed consent from each patient before a patient may participate in this study. The study results will be submitted to an international peer-reviewed journal.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DRKS00029682.

Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors associated with emergency left colonic surgery

BACKGROUND

Mortality from emergency left-sided colorectal surgery can be substantial due to acuteness of the presentation and the urgent need to operate in the setting of a limited preparation in a morbid patient.

OBJECTIVES

Determine the 30-day postoperative outcomes and identify risk factors for complications and mortality following emergency colorectal operations.

DESIGN

Retrospective SETTINGS: Three tertiary hospitals in three countries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Factors that were studied included age, sex, ASA score, type and extent of the operation, and presence/absence of malignancy. Unadjusted 30-day patient outcomes examined were complications and mortality. Differences in proportions were assessed using the Pearson chi-square test while logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the correlation between risk factors and outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality SAMPLE SIZE: 104 patients.

RESULTS

Among 104 patients, 70 (67.3%) were men, and 34 (32.7%) were women. The mean (SD) age was 57.2 (17.1) years. The most common indication for emergency colonic surgery was malignant obstruction in 33 (31.7%) patients. The postoperative complication rate was 24% (25/104), and the mortality rate was 12.5% (13/104) within 30 days of the operation. The ASA status (P=.02), presence of malignancy (P=.02), and the presence of complications (P=.004) were significantly related to mortality in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The 30-day mortality of emergency colorectal operations is greatly influenced by the presence of malignancy in the colon and physiological status at the time of the procedure.

LIMITATIONS

The retrospective design and small sample size.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None.

Outcomes of Partial Versus Total Colectomy in Ulcerative Colitis: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Total abdominal colectomy (TAC) with ileostomy is the standard treatment for severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Partial colectomy (PC) with colostomy may present a less morbid treatment option.

METHODS

The 2012-19 ACS-NSQIP database was queried to assess 30-day outcomes among patients undergoing TAC versus PC for UC, utilizing propensity score matching (PSM) techniques to account for differences in disease severity, patient selection, and presentation acuity.

RESULTS

Before matching (n = 9888), patients undergoing PC were older, had more comorbidities, and experienced higher complication and 30-day mortality rates (P < 0.001). After matching (n = 1846), patients undergoing TAC experienced higher 30-day overall complications (41.9% versus 36.5%, P = 0.017) and serious complications (37.2% versus 31.5%, P = 0.011). Sensitivity analyses of older patients and those undergoing nonemergency surgery demonstrated higher overall rates of complications for patients receiving TAC. However, among patients undergoing emergency surgery only, no differences in complications were seen between the two surgical approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

PC with colostomy in the setting of ulcerative colitis has similar 30-day outcomes to TAC with ileostomy. PC may be an acceptable surgical alternative to TAC in select patients. Studies investigating longer-term outcomes are necessary to further investigate this option.

The Effect of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Therapy within 12 Weeks Prior to Surgery on Postoperative Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The rate of abdominal surgical interventions and associated postoperative complications in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients is still substantially high. There is an ongoing debate as to whether or not patients who undergo treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents may have an increased risk for general and surgical postoperative complications. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in order to assess the effect of anti-TNF-α treatment within 12 weeks (washout period) prior to abdominal surgery on 30-day postoperative complications in patients with IBD. The results of previously published meta-analyses examining the effect of preoperative anti-TNF-α treatment on postoperative complications reported conflicting findings which is why we specifically focus on the effect of anti-TNF-α treatment within 12 weeks prior to surgery. PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Web of Science, World Health Organization Trial Registry, ClinicalTrials.gov and reference lists were searched (June 1995−February 2022) to identify studies, investigating effects of anti-TNF-α treatment prior to abdominal surgery on postoperative complications in IBD patients. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated and subgroup analyses were performed. In this case, 55 cohort studies (22,714 patients) were included. Overall, postoperative complications (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04−1.45; p = 0.02), readmission (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.11−1.73; p = 0.004), and intra-abdominal septic complications (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.44−2.49; p < 0.00001) were significantly higher for anti-TNF-α-treated patients. Significantly higher intra-abdominal abscesses and readmission were found for anti-TNF-α-treated CD patients (p = 0.05; p = 0.002). Concomitant treatment with immunosuppressives in <50% of anti-TNF-α-treated patients was associated with significantly lower mortality rates (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12−0.83; p = 0.02). Anti-TNF-α treatment within 12 weeks prior to surgery is associated with higher short-term postoperative complication rates (general and surgical) for patients with IBD, especially CD.

Increased Risk of Infections with Anti-TNF Agents in Patients with Crohn's Disease After Elective Surgery: Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative complication rates in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) receiving preoperative biologics have been analyzed without considering the surgical context. Emergency surgery may be associated with an increased risk of infectious complications, compared to elective operations.

AIMS

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the relationship between preoperative biologic therapy and postoperative outcomes in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), focusing on elective surgery.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched up to February 12, 2020, for studies of patients with IBD undergoing elective abdominal surgery receiving biologic therapy within 3 months before surgery compared to no therapy, or another biologic therapy. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using GRADE. The primary outcomes were the rate of infections and total complications within 30 days. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

Thirty-three studies were included. Preoperative treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy in patients with CD undergoing elective surgery was associated with increased odds of infection (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.40-3.01), but not total complications (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.71-1.51). In elective surgery for UC, preoperative anti-TNF therapy was not associated with infectious (OR 1.03; 95% CI 0.34-3.07) or total complications (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.29-1.58). Limited data indicate that emergency surgery did not significantly affect the rate of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-TNF therapy prior to elective surgery may increase the odds of postoperative infection in CD, although the certainty of evidence is very low. More evidence is needed, particularly for newer biologics.

A systematic review of the literature assessing operative blood loss and postoperative outcomes after colorectal surgery

PURPOSE

There is no consensus in the literature regarding the association between operative blood loss and postoperative outcomes in colorectal surgery, despite evidence suggesting a link. Therefore, this systematic review assesses the association between operative blood loss, perioperative and long-term outcomes after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded and Cochrane was performed to identify studies reporting on operative blood loss in colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

The review included forty-nine studies reporting on 61,312 participants, with a mean age ranging from 53.4 to 78.1 years. The included studies demonstrated that major operative blood loss was found to be a risk factor for mortality, anastomotic leak, presacral abscess, and postoperative ileus, leading to an increased duration of hospital stay. In the long term, the studies suggest that significant blood loss was an independent risk factor for future small bowel obstruction due to colorectal cancer recurrence and adhesions. Studies found that survival was significantly reduced, whilst the risk of colorectal cancer recurrence was increased. Reoperation and cancer-specific survival were not associated with major blood loss.

CONCLUSION

The results of this systematic review suggest that major operative blood loss increases the risk of perioperative adverse events and has short and long-term repercussions on postoperative outcomes. Laparoscopic and robotic surgery, vessel ligation technology and anaesthetic considerations are essential for reducing blood loss and improving outcomes. This review highlights the need for further high quality, prospective, multicentre trials with a greater number of participants, and accurate and standardised methods of measuring operative blood loss.

A Clinical Predictive Model for One-year Colectomy in Adults Hospitalized for Severe Ulcerative Colitis

Background

Models to predict colectomy in ulcerative colitis (UC) are valuable for identification, clinical management, and follow-up of high-risk patients. Our aim was to develop a clinical predictive model based on admission data for one-year colectomy in adults hospitalized for severe UC.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients hospitalized at a tertiary academic center for management of severe UC from 1/2013 to 4/2018. Multivariate regression was performed to identify individual predictors of one-year colectomy. Outcome probabilities of colectomy based on the prognostic score were estimated using a bootstrapping technique.

Results

Two hundred twenty-nine individuals were included in the final analytic cohort. Four independent variables were associated with one-year colectomy which were incorporated into a point scoring system: (+) 1 for single class biologic exposure prior to admission; (+) 2 for multiple classes of biologic exposure; (+) 1 for inpatient salvage therapy with cyclosporine or a TNF-alpha inhibitor; (+) 1 for age <40. The risk probabilities of colectomy within one year in patients assigned scores 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 9.4% (95% CI, 1.7-17.2), 33.7% (95% CI, 23.9-43.5), 58.5% (95% CI, 42.9-74.1), 75.0% (95% CI, 50.5-99.5). An assigned score of zero was a perfect predictor of no colectomy.

Conclusion

Risk factors most associated with one-year colectomy for severe UC included: prior biologic exposure, need for inpatient salvage therapy, and younger age. We developed a simple scoring system using these variables to identify and stratify patients during their index hospitalization.

Optimal Placement of Colectomy in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis: a Markov Model Analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatment for moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) includes medical therapies such as immunosuppressive agents or surgical options such as colectomy. While prior studies have indicated a mortality benefit with elective surgery, the timing and effectiveness of colectomy in the UC treatment algorithm have not been assessed. We hypothesize that the ideal placement of colectomy occurs prior to the exhaustion of all medical therapies.

METHODS

We designed a Markov model to assess the ideal position of colectomy. The base case was a 50-year-old male with steroid-dependent moderate-to-severe UC without prior treatment with immunomodulator or biologic therapies. We developed 4 separate algorithms incorporating elective colectomy: (1) prior to biologics, (2) after infliximab monotherapy failure, (3) after infliximab and azathioprine combination therapy failure, and (4) after medically refractory to all medical therapies including vedolizumab. Transition probabilities were obtained from published literature. First-order Monte Carlo simulations of 100 trials of 100,000 individuals were used to calculate quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) estimates. One-way sensitivity analyses were conducted for all variables.

RESULTS

Algorithm 3 (colectomy following combination therapy) was the preferred strategy with 1.864 QALYs (95% CI [1.863, 1.865]) over a 3-year period and the preferred strategy in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis 92.77% of the time.

CONCLUSIONS

This simulation suggests that early incorporation of colectomy for patients medically refractory to infliximab and azathioprine combination therapy may yield greater quality of life for patients with steroid-dependent UC. These findings suggest avenues for more patient-centered preference work and a combined medical-surgical approach to UC.

Recurrence of Clostridium Difficile and Cytomegalovirus Infections in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis Who Undergo Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at increased risk for infections such as Clostridium difficile and cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis due to chronic immunosuppression. These patients often undergo multiple surgeries putting them at risk for recurrence of the infection. However, rates of recurrence in this setting and outcomes are not well understood.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine rates of recurrence of C difficile and CMV infection in patients undergoing multistage UC surgeries and effects of antibiotic prophylaxis on outcomes.

METHODS

All patients with UC who underwent IPAA between 2001 and 2017 (at two tertiary referral centers were identified. History of C. difficile or CMV colitis prior to any surgery and recurrence after IPAA was noted RESULTS: A total of 633 patients with UC who underwent IPAA were identified, of whom 8.1% patients had C. difficile and 2.7% had CMV infections. 9.8% of C. difficile and 5.9% of CMV patients recurred after IPAA. Rates of abdominal sepsis (14.7% vs. 12.7%), 90-day mortality (0% vs. 0.4%), pouchitis (36.8% vs. 45.0%), or return to stoma (7.4% vs. 5.4%) were similar between patients who did or did not have infections. In patients with C. difficile infection prior to first surgery, none of the patients who received prophylaxis had recurrent infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of C. difficile and CMV infections remain high in patients undergoing surgery for UC, with substantial minority developing recurrent infection during subsequent surgical procedures. Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with a history of C difficile may reduce the rate of recurrent infection.

A Microsimulation Model to Project the 5-Year Impact of Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Ulcerative Colitis Patients Hospitalized for Acute Flares

BACKGROUND

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) improves short-term outcomes for ulcerative colitis (UC) patients hospitalized for acute flares. Longer-term impacts and cost-effectiveness are unknown.

METHODS

We compared disease outcomes and cost-effectiveness of HBOT in addition to standard of care versus standard of care alone for UC patients hospitalized for acute flares using a microsimulation model. Published literature was used for transition probabilities, costs, and quality-adjusted life year (QALY) estimates. We modeled 100,000 individuals in each group over a 5-year horizon and compared rates of re-hospitalization, rescue medical therapy, colectomy, death, and cost-effectiveness at a willingness-to-pay of $100,000/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed with 500 samples and 250 trials, in addition to multiple microsimulation sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

The use of HBOT at the time of index hospitalization for an acute UC flare is projected to reduce the risk of re-hospitalization, inpatient rescue medical therapy, and inpatient emergent colectomy by over 60% (p < 0.001) and mortality by over 30% (p <0.001), during a 5-year horizon. The HBOT strategy costs more ($5600 incremental cost) but also yielded higher QALYs (0.13 incremental yield), resulting in this strategy being cost-effective ($43,000/QALY). Results were sensitive to HBOT costs and rates of endoscopic improvement with HBOT. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses observed HBOT to be more cost-effective than standard of care in 95% of iterations.

CONCLUSION

The use of HBOT to optimize response to steroids during the index hospitalization for an acute UC flare is cost-effective and is projected to result in significant reductions in disease-related complications in the long term.

Impact of Biological Agents on Postsurgical Complications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Multicentre Study of Geteccu

Background: The impact of biologics on the risk of postoperative complications (PC) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is still an ongoing debate. This lack of evidence is more relevant for ustekinumab and vedolizumab. Aims: To evaluate the impact of biologics on the risk of PC. Methods: A retrospective study was performed in 37 centres. Patients treated with biologics within 12 weeks before surgery were considered “exposed”. The impact of the exposure on the risk of 30-day PC and the risk of infections was assessed by logistic regression and propensity score-matched analysis. Results: A total of 1535 surgeries were performed on 1370 patients. Of them, 711 surgeries were conducted in the exposed cohort (584 anti-TNF, 58 vedolizumab and 69 ustekinumab). In the multivariate analysis, male gender (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.2–2.0), urgent surgery (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.2), laparotomy approach (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1–1.9) and severe anaemia (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.6) had higher risk of PC, while academic hospitals had significantly lower risk. Exposure to biologics (either anti-TNF, vedolizumab or ustekinumab) did not increase the risk of PC (OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.97–1.58), although it could be a risk factor for postoperative infections (OR 1.5; 95% CI: 1.03–2.27). Conclusions: Preoperative administration of biologics does not seem to be a risk factor for overall PC, although it may be so for postoperative infections.

Preoperative Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Is Correlated with Severe Postoperative Complications After Emergency Surgery for Ulcerative Colitis

Introduction

The incidence of postoperative severe complications is reported to be high in patients undergoing emergency surgery for severe ulcerative colitis (UC). It has also been reported that the preoperative inflammatory status is associated with the frequency of postoperative complications. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple and useful parameter for determining the inflammatory status.

Methods

In the present study, we retrospectively investigated the correlation between the NLR and the incidence of severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing emergency surgery for severe UC. A total of 105 UC patients who underwent emergency or semi-emergency surgery were enrolled. Various clinical factors and NLR values were evaluated to identify the risk factors for severe complications. Postoperative complications were stratified by their severity according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification (CD). A postoperative complication of CD IIIb or higher was defined as severe postoperative complications. The incidence of severe complications was 16.2%.

Results

A multivariate analysis revealed the ASA score, toxic megacolon, and NLR to be independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The results of this retrospective study suggest that the NLR is an independent risk factor for severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing emergency surgery for UC.

Perioperative safety of tofacitinib in surgical ulcerative colitis patients

AIM

The literature regarding monoclonal antibodies and increased postoperative complications in inflammatory bowel disease remains controversial. There have been no studies investigating tofacitinib. The aim of this work was to determine preoperative exposure to the small-molecule inhibitor tofacitinib and postoperative outcomes.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective review of all adult patients exposed to tofacitinib within 4 weeks of total abdominal colectomy for medically refractory ulcerative colitis between 1 January 2018 and 1 September 2020 at four inflammatory bowel disease referral centres. Data collected included patient demographics and 90-day postoperative morbidity, readmission and reoperation rates.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (32 men, 60%) with ulcerative colitis underwent a total abdominal colectomy (n = 50 laparoscopic, 94%) for medically refractory disease. Previous exposure to monoclonal antibodies included infliximab (n = 34), adalimumab (n = 35), certolizumab pegol (n = 5), vedolizumab (n = 33) and ustekinumab (n = 10). Twenty-seven (51%) patients were on concurrent prednisone at a median daily dose of 30 mg by mouth (range 5-60 mg). There were no postoperative deaths. Ninety-day postoperative complications included ileus (n = 7, 13.2%), superficial surgical site infection (n = 4, 7.5%), intra-abdominal abscess (n = 2, 3.8%) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (n = 7, 13.2%). Locations of VTE included portomesenteric venous thrombus (n = 4), internal iliac vein (n = 2) and pulmonary embolism (n = 1). Nine (17%) patients were readmitted to hospital and five (9%) patients had a reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Mirroring the recently issued US Food and Drug Administration black box warning of an increased risk of VTE in medically treated ulcerative colitis patients taking tofacitinib, preoperative tofacitinib exposure may present an increased risk of postoperative VTE events. Consideration should be given for prolonged VTE prophylaxis on hospital discharge.

Financial burden of postoperative complications following colonic resection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Colonic resection is a common surgical procedure that is associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. Postoperative complications are expected to be major contributors to hospital costs. Therefore, this systematic review aims to outline the health costs of postoperative complications following colon resection surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica database, Cochrane, and Economics literature medical databases were searched from 2010 to 2019 to identify English studies containing an economic evaluation of postoperative complications following colonic resection in adult patients. All surgical techniques and indications for colon resection were included. Eligible study designs included randomized trials, comparative observational studies, and conference abstracts.

RESULTS

Thirty-four articles met the eligibility criteria. We found a high overall complication incidence with associated increased costs ranging from $2290 to $43,146. Surgical site infections and anastomotic leak were shown to be associated with greater resource utilization relative to other postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were associated with greater incidence of hospital readmission, which in turn is highlighted as a significant financial burden. Weak evidence demonstrates increased complication incidence and costlier complications with open colon surgery as compared to laparoscopic surgery. Notably, we identified a vast degree of heterogeneity in study design, complication reporting and costing methodology preventing quantitative analysis of cost results.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative complications in colonic resection appear to be associated with a significant financial burden. Therefore, large, prospective, cost-benefit clinical trials investigating preventative strategies, with detailed and consistent methodology and reporting standards, are required to improve patient outcomes and the cost-effectiveness of our health care systems.

The Great Debate With IBD Biosimilars: Con: Biosimilars Should Not Be Routinely Used as a First Line Biologic and Not Switched From Reference Biologics

The costs associated with biologic therapy in immune-mediated diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease has steadily increased since their introduction over 2 decades ago. The introduction of biosimilars has the promise of cost savings and putting reimbursement pressure on future market entries. However, the interpretation of evidence to support the use of biosimilars either as first line or as part of a nonmedical switch strategy is not straight forward due to low to very low-quality evidence. In particular, switching to a biosimilar is associated with both clinical, ethical, and possibly medicolegal issues. Due to these factors, solutions to address cost efficiency should involve an open, transparent, and collaborative dialogue among the various stakeholders and if at all possible involve strategies that allow patients to remain on originator biologics.

LncRNA UCA1 Accelerates the Progression of Ulcerative Colitis via Mediating the miR-331-3p/BRD4 Axis

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) has become one of the fastest-growing severe diseases worldwide with high morbidity. This research aimed to explore the function of lncRNA UCA1 in UC progression.

Methods

RT-qPCR analysis was used to examine the expression of UCA1 level in colonic mucosa tissues of UC patients. Then, fetal human cells (FHCs) were stimulated by LPS to induce inflammatory injury. CCK-8, flow cytometry and ELISA were adopted to determine the influence of UCA1 depletion on cell viability, apoptosis and pro-inflammatory factors levels in LPS-induced FHCs. The interaction between UCA1 and miR-331-3p or BRD4 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of key factors involved in NF-κB pathway were assessed by Western blotting.

Results

LncRNA UCA1 level was elevated in colonic mucosa tissues of UC patients. LPS stimulation restrained cell viability and promoted the apoptosis and inflammatory factors levels, thus inducing FHCs inflammatory injury, while these effects were partially abolished by UCA1 knockdown. Moreover, it was found that UCA1 silence improved LPS-triggered cell injury via miR-331-3p. In addition, BRD4 was directly targeted by miR-331-3p, and BRD4 deficiency neutralized the effects of miR-331-3p repression on LPS-triggered injury in LPS-treated FHCs.

Conclusion

Our data determined that UCA1 knockdown attenuated UC development via targeting the miR-331-3p/BRD4/NF-κB pathway.

Trends in Morbidity and Mortality Following Colectomy Among Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in the Biologic Era (2002-2013): A Study Using the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

Total abdominal colectomy (TAC) is a treatment modality of last recourse for patients with severe and/or refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). The goal of this study is to evaluate temporal trends and treatment outcomes following TAC among hospitalized UC patients in the biologic era.

METHODS

We queried the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to identify patients older than 18 years with a primary diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (UC) who underwent TAC between 2002 and 2013. We evaluated postoperative morbidity and mortality as outcomes of interest. Logistic regression was used to explore factors associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality after TAC.

RESULTS

A weighted total of 307,799 UC hospitalizations were identified. Of these, 27,853 (9%) resulted in TAC. Between 2002 and 2013, hospitalizations for UC increased by over 70%; however, TAC rates dropped significantly from 111.1 to 77.1 colectomies per 1000 UC admissions. Overall, 2.2% of patients died after TAC. Mortality rates after TAC decreased from 3.5% in 2002 to 1.4% in 2013. Conversely, morbidity rates were stable throughout the study period. UC patients with emergent admissions, higher comorbidity scores and who had TAC in low volume colectomy hospitals had poorer outcomes. Regardless of admission type, outcomes were worse if TAC was performed more than 24 h after admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite increased hospitalizations for UC, rates of TAC have declined during the post-biologic era. For UC patients who undergo TAC, mortality has declined significantly while morbidity remains stable. Older age, race, emergent admissions and delayed surgery are predictive factors of both postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: risks of postoperative complications with preoperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha biologics in inflammatory bowel disease patients

OBJECTIVE

The preoperative use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients undergoing surgery has been controversial due to concern for increased risks of postoperative complications. We aimed to determine the effect of preoperative anti-TNF therapy on postoperative complications in IBD patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

METHODS

A literature search of Google Scholar, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed through October 2019. Studies reporting postoperative complication rates of Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and IBD-unspecified patients with preoperative anti-TNF treatment undergoing abdominal surgery compared to controls without preoperative anti-TNF treatment were included. The main outcomes measured were overall, infectious, and noninfectious postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies totaling 20 274 patients were included. There was a significant increase in overall complications in all patients treated with anti-TNF vs. controls [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.25, P = 0.03, I2 = 6%] with an absolute risk increase (ARI) of 5.5% and a number needed to harm (NNH) of 18. There was also a significant increase in infectious complications in CD patients (OR = 1.44; 95% CI 1.02-2.03, P = 0.04, I2 = 49%, ARI = 5.5%, NNH = 20) only. Contrastingly, there was a significant increase in noninfectious complications in all patients (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.85, P = 0.003, I2 = 8%, ARI = 6.4%, NNH = 16) and UC patients (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.15-2.14, P = 0.005, I2 = 25%, ARI = 8.5%, NNH = 12) only.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative use of anti-TNF agents in IBD patients undergoing abdominal surgery is associated with increases in overall postoperative complications in all patients, infectious postoperative complications in CD patients, and noninfectious postoperative complications in UC patients.

Development and Validation of an Administrative Codes Algorithm to Identify Abdominal Surgery and Bowel Obstruction in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background

Validated administrative codes (CPT and ICD) can permit the use of large databases to study diseases and outcomes. The aim of this study was to validate administrative codes for surgery and obstructive complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study of IBD patients within the Veterans Affairs Health Administration (VA) from 2000 to 2015 with administrative codes for bowel surgery and complications validated by chart review. Positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated.

Results

The PPV for bowel surgery was 96.4%; PPV of obstruction codes for bowel obstruction was 80.5% (95% confidence interval: 69.1%, 89.2%).

Conclusions

CPT and ICD codes for abdominal surgery and obstructive complications can be accurately utilized in IBD patients in VA.

Postoperative mortality in inflammatory bowel disease patients

Introduction Since the 1960s, mortality in Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis patients had a significant decrease due to advances in medical and surgical therapy. An important proportion of these patients are submitted to surgical procedures during their disease course, with postoperative mortality between 4 and 10%.

Methods 157 inflammatory bowel disease patients submitted to surgical therapy were retrospectively identified and allocated in 2 groups (Crohn's and colitis). Deaths were individually discriminated in detail.

Results 281 surgical procedures were performed. In the colitis group, 43 operations were performed in 24 patients; in the abdominal Crohn's subgroup, 127 procedures in 90 patients and in the perineal Crohn's subgroup, 115 in 64 patients, respectively. Nine postoperative deaths were observed (3 in the colitis and 6 in the Crohn's groups). Overall postoperative mortality was 5.7% (4.5% for Crohn's; 6.6% in abdominal Crohn's and 12.5% for Colitis). Most of deaths were related to emergency procedures and previous use of corticosteroids. The cause of death in all patients was sepsis.

Conclusions Overall postoperative mortality in inflammatory bowel disease was 5.7%, and it was attributed to the severity of the cases referred.

Exploring the Relationship between Biologics and Postoperative Surgical Morbidity in Ulcerative Colitis: A Review

BACKGROUND

With the paradigm shift related to the overspread use of biological agents in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), several questions emerged from the surgical perspective. Whether the use of biologicals would be associated with higher rates of postoperative complications in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients still remains controversial.

AIMS

We aimed to analyze the literature, searching for studies that correlated postoperative complications and preoperative exposure to biologics in UC patients, and synthesize these data qualitatively in order to check the possible impact of biologics on postoperative surgical morbidity in this population.

METHODS

Included studies were identified by electronic search in the PUBMED database according to the PRISMA (Preferred Items of Reports for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines. The quality and bias assessments were performed by MINORS (methodological index for non-randomized studies) criteria for non-randomized studies.

RESULTS

608 studies were initially identified, 22 of which were selected for qualitative evaluation. From those, 19 studies (17 retrospective and two prospective) included preoperative anti-TNF. Seven described an increased risk of postoperative complications, and 12 showed no significant increase postoperative morbidity. Only three studies included surgical UC patients with previous use of vedolizumab, two retrospective and one prospective, all with no significant correlation between the drug and an increase in postoperative complication rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite conflicting results, most studies have not shown increased complication rates after abdominal surgical procedures in patients with UC with preoperative exposure to biologics. Further prospective studies are needed to better establish the impact of preoperative biologics and surgical complications in UC.

Infliximab is more effective than cyclosporine as a rescue therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis: a retrospective single-center study

Background

Acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) is a potentially life-threatening disease, and the best option in cases of steroid-refractory disease is still debated. We compared the early- and long-term efficacy and safety of the 2 available “rescue therapies”, infliximab (IFX) and cyclosporine (CYS), in this setting.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated patients admitted for ASUC and treated with “rescue therapy”. The primary endpoint was early colectomy-free survival (30 days) and colectomy-free survival until the end of follow up. The secondary endpoints were predictors of colectomy and long-term maintenance of the treatment strategy over time.

Results

Of 129 patients admitted, 68 received rescue therapy (47 with IFX), whereas 7 underwent early colectomy (10.3%). At 30 days, fewer patients treated with IFX showed a need for colectomy (8.5% vs. 14.3%) compared to those in the CYS group, though the difference was non-significant (odds ratio [OR] 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-4.69; P=0.47). No severe side effects due to IFX and CYS were observed. During a mean follow up of 40 months, 23 additional patients (37.7%) underwent colectomy, and the rate was significantly lower in the IFX group (25.6%) than in the CYS group (66.7%) (hazard ratio 0.25, 95%CI 0.10-0.61; P=0.003). Colectomy-free survival was significantly higher in the IFX group than in the CYS group (P=0.018) at 12 months.

Conclusions

In our setting, the early outcomes of IFX and CYS for ASUC were comparable. IFX was associated with significantly lower colectomy rates during the observation period and had a similar safety profile to CYS.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for inflammatory bowel disease 2020

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a general term for chronic or remitting/relapsing inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract and generally refers to ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Since 1950, the number of patients with IBD in Japan has been increasing. The etiology of IBD remains unclear; however, recent research data indicate that the pathophysiology of IBD involves abnormalities in disease susceptibility genes, environmental factors and intestinal bacteria. The elucidation of the mechanism of IBD has facilitated therapeutic development. UC and CD display heterogeneity in inflammatory and symptomatic burden between patients and within individuals over time. Optimal management depends on the understanding and tailoring of evidence-based interventions by physicians. In 2020, seventeen IBD experts of the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology revised the previous guidelines for IBD management published in 2016. This English version was produced and modified based on the existing updated guidelines in Japanese. The Clinical Questions (CQs) of the previous guidelines were completely revised and categorized as follows: Background Questions (BQs), CQs, and Future Research Questions (FRQs). The guideline was composed of a total of 69 questions: 39 BQs, 15 CQs, and 15 FRQs. The overall quality of the evidence for each CQ was determined by assessing it with reference to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, and the strength of the recommendation was determined by the Delphi consensus process. Comprehensive up-to-date guidance for on-site physicians is provided regarding indications for proceeding with the diagnosis and treatment.

Declining Rates of Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Era of Biologic Therapy

BACKGROUND

Medical therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has markedly advanced since the introduction of biologic therapeutics, although surgery remains an important therapeutic strategy for both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This study evaluated how rates of bowel resection surgery and post-operative mortality for IBD have changed over the last decade in the era of biologic therapies.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmission Database (NRD) was queried for patients with IBD (based on ICD-9 and -10 diagnosis and procedure codes) who were hospitalized between 2010 and 2017. Longitudinal trends in bowel resection surgery, urgent surgery, and post-operative mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

During the 8-year period, a total of 1795,266 IBD-related hospitalizations (1,072,110 with CD and 723,156 with UC) were evaluated. There was an increase in the annual number of IBD patients hospitalized, but a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of IBD patients undergoing surgery, from 10 to 8.8% (p < 0.001) for CD and 7.7 to 7.5% (p < 0.001) for UC. From 2014 through 2017, the proportion of urgent surgeries remained stable around 25% (p = 0.16) for CD and decreased from 21 to 14% (p < 0.001) for UC. For CD, the rate of post-operative 30-day mortality varied between 1.2 and 1.6% and for UC decreased from 5.8 to 2.3% (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of a nationwide dataset from 2010 to 2017 determined that despite an increase in total admissions for IBD, a smaller proportion of hospitalized patients underwent surgery. A greater proportion of surgeries for UC were performed on an elective basis, and overall the rates of post-operative mortality for CD and UC decreased. The growth of biologic medical therapy during the study period highlights a probable contributing factor for the observed changes.

The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a narrative review

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of chronic recurrent diseases in the digestive tract, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Over the past few decades, the treatment of IBD has made great progress but there is still a lot of room for improvement. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was defined as the therapeutic effect of inhaling 100% oxygen higher than one atmosphere and reported to be used in stroke, decompression sickness and wound healing. Since several authors reported the role of HBOT as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment in patients with refractory IBD, the relevant research has shown an increasing trend in recent years. Clinical and experimental studies have revealed that HBOT may exert its therapeutic effect by inhibiting inflammation and strengthening the antioxidant system, promoting the differentiation of colonic stem cells and recruiting cells involved in repair. The purpose of this review is to summarize the past clinical and experimental studies and to understand the impact of HBOT in the treatment of IBD more deeply. In addition, we also hope to provide some ideas for future clinical and research work.

Long Noncoding RNA PMS2L2 Downregulates miR-24 through Methylation to Suppress Cell Apoptosis in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon. It has been reported that PMS2L2 plays protective roles in inflammatory injury. This study aimed to investigate the role of the long noncoding RNA PMS2L2 in UC.

METHODS

Sixty-two patients with UC as well as 62 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Expressions of PMS2L2 and miR-24 in plasma from UC patients and healthy controls were determined by RT-qPCR. The interaction between PMS2L2 and miR-24 was predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down. The role of PMS2L2 in the regulation of miR-24 gene methylation was analyzed by methylation-specific PCR. The effects of PMS2L2 and miR-24 on the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blots.

RESULTS

PMS2L2 was downregulated in the plasma of UC patients compared to that in age- and gender-matched healthy control. In human colonic epithelial cells (HCnEpCs), PMS2L2 overexpression inhibited miR-24 expression via promoting the methylation of miR-24 gene. In contrast, miR-24 overexpression failed to affect PMS2L2. In the detection of cell apoptosis, PMS2L2 overexpression could promote the expression of Bcl-2 and inhibit Bax, cleaved-caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-9 expressions stimulated by LPS. Flow cytometer revealed that PMS2L2 elevation suppressed the apoptosis of HCnEpCs induced by LPS, but miR-24 aggravated the apoptosis. PMS2L2 overexpression rescued the detrimental effect of miR-24 on cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

PMS2L2 may downregulate miR-24 via methylation to suppress cell apoptosis in UC.

Rectum versus colon: should malignant polyps be treated differently?

BACKGROUND

The management of malignant colorectal polyps removed at endoscopy remains controversial with patients either undergoing surgical resection or regular endoscopic surveillance. Lymph node (LN) metastases occur in 6-16% of patients with malignant polyps. This study assessed the rate of LN metastases in patients undergoing surgical resection for malignant polyps removed endoscopically to determine if there is a difference in the rate of LN metastases between colonic and rectal polyps.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed from 2010 to 2018. All patients who underwent surgical resection following endoscopic removal of a malignant colorectal polyp were reviewed. Clinical data including patient demographics and tumour characteristics were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 177 patients underwent surgical resection in the study period. The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range 22-88 years) with females comprising 52% of the patient cohort (n = 92/177). Polyps were located in the colon in 60.5% of cases with the remainder located in the rectum. The median number of LN harvested was 14 (range 0-44) with malignant LN (including a mesenteric tumour deposit) identified in 8.5% of resection specimens (n = 15/177). Malignant LNs were retrieved in 5.5% of right-sided tumours, 5.6% of left-sided tumours and 12.9% of rectal tumours (P = 0.090).

CONCLUSION

A small proportion of patients with malignant polyps removed endoscopically will have LN metastases. The results of this study suggest that the tumour location might be a useful predictive marker; however, a further study with increased patient numbers is required to properly establish this finding.

Risk of postoperative infectious complications from medical therapies in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Medications used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have significantly improved patient outcomes and delayed time to surgery. However, some of these therapies are recognized to increase the general risk of infection and have an unclear impact on postoperative infection risk.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of perioperative IBD medications on the risk of postoperative infections within 30 days of surgery.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane IBD Group's Specialized Register (29 October 2019), MEDLINE (January 1966 to October 2019), Embase (January 1985 to October 2019), the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception up to October 2019, and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials, quasi-randomized controlled trials, non-randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, retrospective cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies comparing participants treated with an IBD medication preoperatively or within 30 days postoperatively to those who were not taking that medication (either another active medication, placebo, or no treatment). We included published study reports and abstracts.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles and abstracts and extracted data. The primary outcome was postoperative infection within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes included incisional infections and wound dehiscence, intra-abdominal infectious complications and extra-abdominal infections. Three review authors assessed risks of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We contacted authors for additional information when data were missing. For the primary and secondary outcomes, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using the generic inverse variance method. When applicable, we analyzed adjusted and unadjusted data separately. We evaluated the certainty of the evidence using GRADE.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 68 observational cohort studies (total number of participants unknown because some studies did not report the number of participants). Of these, 48 studies reported including participants with Crohn's disease, 36 reported including participants with ulcerative colitis and five reported including participants with indeterminate colitis. All 42 studies that reported urgency of surgery included elective surgeries, with 31 (74%) of those also including emergency surgeries. Twenty-four studies had low risk of bias while the rest had very high risk. Based on pooling of adjusted data, we calculated ORs for postoperative total infection rates in participants who received corticosteroids (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.09; low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 1.29, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.76; low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.13; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.36; low-certainty evidence). We pooled unadjusted data to assess postoperative total infection rates for the use of aminosalicylates (5-ASA) (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.14; very low-certainty evidence). One secondary outcome examined was wound-related complications in participants using: corticosteroids (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.72 to 2.74; very low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 1.35, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.89; very low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.68; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 1.64, 95% CI 0.77 to 3.50; very low-certainty evidence) compared to controls. Another secondary outcome examined the odds of postoperative intra-abdominal infections in participants using: corticosteroids (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.84; very low-certainty evidence), 5-ASA (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.33; very low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.12; very low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.82; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.14 to 1.20; very low-certainty evidence) compared to controls. Lastly we checked the odds for extra-abdominal infections in participants using: corticosteroids (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.55; very low-certainty evidence), immunomodulators (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.71; very low-certainty evidence), anti-TNF agents (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.87; very low-certainty evidence) and anti-integrin agents (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.43 to 3.08; very low-certainty evidence) compared to controls.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The evidence for corticosteroids, 5-ASA, immunomodulators, anti-TNF medications and anti-integrin medications was of low or very low certainty. The impact of these medications on postoperative infectious complications is uncertain and we can draw no firm conclusions about their safety in the perioperative period. Decisions on preoperative IBD medications should be tailored to each person's unique circumstances. Future studies should focus on controlling for potential confounding factors to generate higher-quality evidence.

The Argument Against a Biosimilar Switch Policy for Infliximab in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Living in Alberta

A nonmedical switch policy is currently being considered in Alberta, which would force patients on originator biologics to biosimilar alternatives with the hypothetical aim of reducing costs to the health care system. The evidence to support the safety of nonmedical switching in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is of low to very low quality; in fact, existing data suggest a potential risk of harm. In a pooled analysis of randomized controlled trials, one patient would lose response to infliximab for every 11 patients undergoing nonmedical switching. Switching to a biosimilar has important logistical and ethical implications including potential forced treatment changes without appropriate patient consent and unfairly penalizing patients living in rural areas and those without private drug insurance. Even in the best-case scenario, assuming perfectly executed switching without logistical delays, we predict switching 2,000 patients with Remicade will lead to over 60 avoidable surgeries in Alberta. Furthermore, nonmedical switching has not been adequately studied in vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and elderly patients. While the crux of the argument for nonmedical switching is cost savings, biosimilar switching may not be cost effective: Particularly when originator therapies are being offered at the same price as biosimilars. Canadian patients with IBD have been surveyed, and their response is clear: They are not in support of nonmedical switching. Policies that directly influence patient health need to consider patient perspectives. Solutions to improve cost efficiency in health care exist but open, transparent collaboration between all involved stakeholders is required.

Living with Ulcerative Colitis Study (LUCY) in England: a retrospective study evaluating healthcare resource utilisation and direct healthcare costs of postoperative care in ulcerative colitis

Objective

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong, relapsing-remitting disease. Patients non-responsive to pharmacological treatment may require a colectomy. We estimated pre-colectomy and post-colectomy healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and costs in England.

Design/Method

A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study indexing adult patients with UC undergoing colectomy (2009–2015), using linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink/Hospital Episode Statistics data, was conducted. HCRU, healthcare costs and pharmacological treatments were evaluated during 12 months prior to and including colectomy (baseline) and 24 months post-colectomy (follow-up; F-U), comparing baseline/F-U, emergency/elective colectomy and subtotal/full colectomy using descriptive statistics and paired/unpaired tests.

Results

249 patients from 26 165 identified were analysed including 145 (58%) elective and 184 (74%) full colectomies. Number/cost of general practitioner consultations increased post-colectomy (p<0.001), and then decreased at 13–24 months (p<0.05). From baseline to F-U, the number of outpatient visits, number/cost of hospitalisations and total direct healthcare costs decreased (all p<0.01). Postoperative HCRU was similar between elective and emergency colectomies, except for the costs of colectomy-related hospitalisations and medication, which were lower in the elective group (p<0.05). Postoperative costs were higher for subtotal versus full colectomies (p<0.001). At 1–12 month F-U, 30%, 19% and 5% of patients received aminosalicylates, steroids and immunosuppressants, respectively.

Conclusion

HCRU/costs increased for primary care in the first year post-colectomy but decreased for secondary care, and varied according to the colectomy type. Ongoing and potentially unnecessary pharmacological therapy was seen in up to 30% of patients. These findings can inform patients and decision-makers of potential benefits and burdens of colectomy in UC.

Fertility Impact of Initial Operation Type for Female Ulcerative Colitis Patients

BACKGROUND

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the mainstay of surgical treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) but is associated with an increased risk of infertility. We developed a simulation model examining the impact of initial surgical procedure on quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and fertility end points.

METHODS

A patient-level state transition model was used to analyze outcomes by surgical approach strategy for females of childbearing age. Initial surgical options included IPAA, rectal-sparing colectomy with end ileostomy (RCEI), and ileorectal anastomosis (IRA). The primary outcome examined was QALYs, whereas secondary outcomes included UC and fertility-associated end points.

RESULTS

IPAA resulted in higher QALYs for patients aged 20-30 years, as compared with RCEI. For patients aged 35 years, RCEI resulted in higher QALYs (7.54 RCEI vs 7.53 IPAA) and was associated with a 28% higher rate of childbirth, a 14-month decrease in time to childbirth, and a 77% reduction in in vitro fertilization utilization. When accounting for the decreased infertility risk associated with laparoscopic IPAA, IPAA resulted in higher QALYs (7.57) even for patients aged 35 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite an increased risk of infertility, our model results suggest that IPAA may be the optimal surgical strategy for female UC patients aged 20-30 years who desire children. For patients aged 35 years, RCEI should additionally be considered, as QALYs for RCEI and IPAA were similar. These quantitative data can be used by patients and providers to help develop an individualized approach to surgical management choice.

The impact of pre-operative biologic therapy on post-operative surgical outcomes in ulcerative colitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Biologic therapy has emerged as an effective modality amongst the medical treatment options available for ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its impact on post-operative care in patients with UC is still debatable. This review evaluates the risk of post-operative complications following biologic treatment in patients with UC.

METHODS

A systematic search of the relevant databases was conducted with the aim of identifying studies that compared the post-operative complication rates of UC patients who were either exposed or not exposed to a biologic therapy prior to their surgery. Outcomes of interest included both infection-related complications and overall surgical morbidity. Pooled odds-ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

In all, 20 studies, reviewing a total of 12,494 patients with UC, were included in the meta-analysis. Of these, 2254 patients were exposed to a biologic therapy prior to surgery. The pooled ORs for infection-related complications (n = 8067) and overall complications (n = 11,869) were 0.98 (95% CI 0.66-1.45) and 1.14 (95% CI 1.04-1.28), respectively, which suggested that there was no significant association between the use of pre-operative biologic therapy and post-operative complications. Interestingly, the interval between the last dose of biologic therapy and surgery did not influence the risk of having a post-operative infection.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that pre-operative biologic therapy does not increase the overall risk of having post-operative infection-related or other complications. PROSPERO registration id-CRD42019141827.

Investigation of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol outcome on post colectomy patients

BACKGROUND

An enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol was implemented to improve quality and cost effectiveness of surgical care in elective colorectal procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018. The ERAS protocol was initiated on 9 July 2018 and retrospectively reviewed in July 2019 by chart review, the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database and risk stratification using Clavien-Dindo classification for all elective colorectal procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 109 patients, 55 (pre-ERAS) and 54 (post-ERAS) are included in the final analysis. There were no differences in complications were recorded (p = 0.37) and 30-day readmissions (p = 0.785). The mean hospital stay was 5.89 ± 2.62 days in pre-ERAS and 4.94 ± 2.27 days in post-ERAS group which was statistically significant (p = 0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

An ERAS protocol for colorectal surgery harmonised perioperative care and decreased length of stay.

Acute severe attacks of ulcerative colitis in a population-based cohort: epidemiology, treatment and outcome

Background: Although the criteria for acute severe ulcerative colitis have been stable for decades, the epidemiology for this condition has rarely been described in a population-based setting.Aim: To describe the appearance, treatment and outcome of acute severe ulcerative colitis in a population-based cohort of ulcerative colitis diagnosed between 2005 and 2009.Methods: Between 2005 and 2009, all patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in the County of Uppsala, a geographical area consisting of an average 318,000 individuals, were included in a cohort that was followed until the end of 2019. Three hundred and thirty patients covering an age interval of 3-86 years, were included. The medical records of the patients were scrutinized with regard to clinical course, drugs prescribed for IBD, hospitalization and surgical interventions. Patients that had left the health care area were contacted through letters except in case of emigration outside the country.Results: Forty-nine patients experienced a first severe attack (14.8%), and six of these were operated (12.2%). Fifteen patients suffered a second or third attack, and one more was operated. One elderly lady died postoperatively from sepsis.Conclusions: Acute severe attacks of ulcerative colitis appeared early after diagnosis and if surgery was escaped, there was no increased need for surgery in case of a new severe attack later.

The hospital costs of complications following colonic resection surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Background

Colonic resection is a common surgical procedure associated with a high rate of postoperative complications. The aim of this observational study is to estimate the in-hospital costs of complications and to identify perioperative variables associated with complication development following colon resection surgery.

Materials and methods

We conducted a single-centre cohort study with retrospective data collection of 487 patients undergoing colonic resection surgery between 2013 and 2018. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. In-hospital cost of index admission is reported in 2019 United States Dollars. Regression modelling was used to investigate the relationship of a priori selected perioperative variables and presence of complications and costs.

Results

Overall complication prevalence was 69.6% (95%CI:65.5%–73.7%). Median [interquartile range] cost of patients with postoperative complications was significantly increased as compared to patients without complications ($17,963 [13,533:25,178] vs $12,578 [10,196:16,140]; p < 0.0001). Clavien-Dindo Grade I, II, III and IV complications increased costs by 15.8%, 36.8%, 169.4% and 240.1% respectively (p < 0.0001). Presence of complications was significantly associated with Charlson Comorbidity Index (Odds ratio (OR) per 1-unit increase: 1.09; 95%CI:1.02 to 1.17), preoperative albumin levels (OR per 1-unit increase: 0.94; 95%CI:0.90 to 0.98) and open as compared to laparoscopic resection (OR: 2.41; 95%CI:1.32 to 4.42).

Conclusions

There is a high prevalence of complications following colonic resection surgery. Postoperative complications, including minor complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade I-II), were associated with a significant increase in hospital costs and are a key target for cost containment strategies.

•

Almost 7 out of every 10 patients experienced one or more complications.

•

Most complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo grade I-II).

•

Minor complications significantly increased costs by over 20%.

•

Major complications resulted in an exponential increase in costs and length of stay.

•

Charlson Comorbidity Index and hypoalbuminemia are associated with complications.

Colectomy with ileostomy for severe ulcerative colitis-postoperative complications and risk factors

PURPOSE

In the era of biological therapy of ulcerative colitis (UC), surgical treatment frequently consists of colectomy, end ileostomy, and rectal stump closure before patients go on towards restorative proctocolectomy. We aimed to evaluate possible risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative complications and investigate those after initial colectomy in these patients.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 180 patients (76 female, 104 male) undergoing colectomy for UC with formation of a rectal stump and terminal ileostomy between March 2008 and March 2018 at Charité University Hospital Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin. A panel of possible postoperative complications was established, patient history was screened, and postoperative complications were analyzed using the Clavien Dindo Classification.

RESULTS

Postoperative complication rate was 27.7%. Mortality was 0.5%. Postoperative ileus occurred in 15.3% and rectal stump leakage in 14.8%. Complications were categorized as Clavien Dindo 3 in 80%. Risk factors for surgical complications after multivariate analysis were ASA classification (p = 0.004), preoperative anemia (Hemoglobin < 8 mg/dl) (p = 0.025), use of immunosuppressants (p = 0.003), more than two cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.016), and peritonitis (p = 0.000). Reoperation rate of patients with surgical complications was 27.7%.

CONCLUSION

Colectomy in high-risk UC patients is associated with significant morbidity. However, most of the surgical complications can be treated conservatively. Overall mortality is low. Patient-related risk factors are associated with postoperative complications. Optimizing these risk factors or earlier indication for surgery in the course of UC may help to reduce morbidity of this procedure.

Diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage as an alternative to colectomy for fulminant Clostridioides difficile: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Surgical consultation is recommended for all patients with fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). If surgery is required, total abdominal colectomy (TAC) is most commonly performed. However, diverting loop ileostomy and colonic lavage have been recently developed as a potential colon-sparing approach to fulminant CDI. The aim of this review is to compare TAC and diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage for fulminant CDI.

METHODS

Search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed was performed. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they compared TAC and diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage. The primary outcome was postoperative mortality, and the secondary outcome was postoperative complications. Quality of included studies was assessed using Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

From 64 relevant citations, 5 studies (4 retrospective cohorts, 1 case series) with 3683 patients were included. Compared to TAC, diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage did not significantly reduce overall mortality (RR 1.10, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.99, P = 0.77), rate of reoperation (RR 1.02, 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.63, P = 0.94), or overall postoperative complications (RR 0.51, 95% CI, 0.22 to 1.17, P = 0.11). Rates of colonic preservation with the use of diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage ranged from 76% to 100%.

CONCLUSION

There does not appear to be a survival advantage with the use of diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage compared to TAC for fulminant CDI. However, diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage results in increased rates of colonic preservation, restoration of intestinal continuity, and laparoscopic surgery. This review is limited by the small number of included studies.

Surgery for ulcerative colitis in geriatric patients is safe with similar risk to younger patients

OBJECTIVE

A prior study indicated that postoperative mortality and complications were higher in geriatrics with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We sought to assess the rates of surgical complications and mortality in patients aged ≥65 years after colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS

This is a single center retrospective study at a tertiary care center. We reviewed all hospital discharges with ICD-9 code 556.X between January 2002 and January 2014. Patients were included if they underwent a colectomy for UC. All records were manually reviewed for demographics, complications and mortality within 90 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 259 patients underwent surgery for UC during the study period and 34 patients were ≥65 years old (range 65-82) at the time of their surgery. There was no difference in overall length of stay (10.5 days vs. 9.6 days; P = 0.645) or complication rates (44% vs. 47%; P = 0.854) in the ≥65 cohort compared with the under 65 cohort. Mortality was higher in the geriatric cohort but this included only two deaths within 90 days, one of which was unrelated to the surgery, compared with one death related to surgery within 90 days in the younger cohort. Readmissions occurred in 24% of both cohorts within 90 days.

CONCLUSION

Geriatric patients undergoing surgery for UC are not at increased risk of surgery-related morbidity or mortality compared with a younger cohort.

Biological Treatment and the Potential Risk of Adverse Postoperative Outcome in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Open-Source Expert Panel Review of the Current Literature and Future Perspectives

Background

There is widespread concern that treatment with biologic agents may be associated with suboptimal postoperative outcome after surgery for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Aim

We aimed to search and analyze the literature regarding the potential association of biologic treatment on adverse postoperative outcome in patients with IBD. We used the subject as a case in point for surgical research. The aim was not to conduct a new systematic review.

Method

This is an updated narrative review written in a collaborative method by authors invited through Twitter via the following hashtags (#OpenSourceResearch and #SoMe4Surgery). The manuscript was presented as slides on Twitter to allow discussion of each section of the paper sequentially. A Google document was created, which was shared across social media, and comments and edits were verified by the primary author to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Results

Forty-one collaborators responded to the invitation, and a total of 106 studies were identified that investigated the potential association of preoperative biological treatment on postoperative outcome in patients with IBD. Most of these studies were retrospective observational cohorts: 3 were prospective, 4 experimental, and 3 population-based studies. These studies were previously analyzed in 10 systematic/narrative reviews and 14 meta-analyses. Type of biologic agents, dose, drug concentration, antidrug antibodies, interval between last dose, and types of surgery varied widely among the studies. Adjustment for confounders and bias control ranged from good to very poor. Only 10 studies reported postoperative outcome according to Clavien–Dindo classification.

Conclusion

Although a large number of studies investigated the potential effect of biological treatment on postoperative outcomes, many reported divergent results. There is a need for randomized controlled trials. Future studies should focus on the avoiding the weakness of prior studies we identified. Seeking collaborators and sharing information via Twitter was integral to widening the contributors/authors and peer review for this article and was an effective method of collaboration.