A risk score model of 30-day readmission in ulcerative colitis after colectomy or proctectomy

Unexpected variation in outcomes following total (procto)colectomies for ulcerative colitis in New South Wales, Australia: a population-based 19-year linked-data study

AIM

Total (procto)colectomy for ulcerative colitis (UC) is associated with significant morbidity, which is increased in the emergency setting. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following total (procto)colectomies at a population level within New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and identify case mix and hospital factors associated with these outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective data linkage study of patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy for UC in NSW over a 19-year period (2001-2020) was performed. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. The influence of hospital level factors (including annual volume) and patient demographic variables on outcomes was assessed using logistic regression. Temporal trends in annual volume and evidence for centralization were assessed.

RESULTS

In all, 1418 patients (mean 47.0 years [SD 18.7], 58.7% male) underwent total (procto)colectomy during the study period. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 3.2% (emergency 8.6% and elective 0.8%). After adjusting for confounding, increasing age at total (procto)colectomy, higher comorbidity burden, public health insurance (Medicare) status, emergency operation and living outside a major city were significantly associated with increased mortality. Hospital volume was significantly associated with mortality at a univariate level, but this did not persist on multivariate modelling.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of UC patients undergoing total (procto)colectomy in NSW Australia are comparable to international experience. Whilst higher mortality rates are observed in low volume and public hospitals, this appears attributable to case mix and acuity rather than surgical volume alone. However, as inflammatory bowel disease surgery is not centralized in Australia, only one NSW hospital performed >10 UC total (procto)colectomies annually. Variation in mortality according to insurance status and across regional/remote areas may indicate inequality in the availability of specialist inflammatory bowel disease treatment, which warrants further research.

Inequalities in Healthcare Access, Experience and Outcomes in Adults With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are incurable diseases that require lifelong access to health services. Accumulating evidence of inequalities in health care access, experience, and outcomes for individuals with IBD is apparent. This review aimed to describe the inequalities in healthcare access, experiences, and outcomes of care for adults with IBD, to identify research gaps, and to identify future research priorities in this area.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted to retrieve quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods evidence from 3 databases (EMBASE, Medline, and CINAHL) published between January 1, 2000, and September 27, 2023.

RESULTS

Fifty-one studies met the criteria for inclusion. The majority (42 of 51) focused on IBD health outcomes, followed by healthcare access (24 of 51). Significantly fewer investigated patient experiences of IBD healthcare (8 of 51). Most available studies reported on race/ethnic disparities of healthcare (33 of 51), followed by inequalities driven by socioeconomic differences (12 of 51), rurality (7 of 51), gender and sex (3 of 51), age (2 of 51), culture (2 of 51), literacy (1 of 51), and sexuality (1 of 51). Inflammatory bowel disease patients from Black, Asian, and Hispanic ethnic groups had significantly poorer health outcomes. A lack of research was found in the sexual and gender minority community (1 of 51). No research was found to investigate inequalities in IBD patients with learning disabilities or autism.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research, particularly utilizing qualitative methods, is needed to understand health experiences of underserved patient populations with IBD. Cultural humility in IBD care is required to better serve individuals with IBD of Black and Asian race/ethnicity. The lack of research amongst sexual and gender minority groups with IBD, and with learning disabilities, poses a risk of creating inequalities within inequalities.

Persistent perineal sinus following proctocolectomy in the inflammatory bowel disease patient

Prolonged perineal wound healing following proctocolectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a frustrating result for the medical team and patients who were hoping for improved quality of life. Prolonged healing, which lasts more than 6 months following proctocolectomy, is termed persistent perineal sinus (PPS) and typically necessitates further surgical management. Healing of the PPS is difficult due to the resulting "dead space" following proctocolectomy, necessitating the need to fill the void with viable tissue in an area with anatomic constraints. Here we provide a narrative review and comprehensively address the incidence, pathogenesis, and clinical and operative management of a PPS in patients with IBD following proctocolectomy. Operative methods discussed include surgical debridement, flap closure of the perineum, omental flap closure, and gracilis muscle transposition. It is necessary to further investigate and establish a gold standard of care for these patients.

A nomogram based on clinical factors to predict calendar year readmission in patients with ulcerative colitis

Background

Readmission shortly after discharge is indicative of an increased disease severity for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and ineffectiveness to medical therapy, which may contribute to a dismal prognosis.

Objectives

This study aimed to explore prognostic variables with a nomogram to predict unplanned UC-related readmission within 1 year after discharge.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Electronic medical records of all UC patients treated at our center between 1 January 2014 and 31 June 2021 were reviewed. A comprehensive analysis of various characteristics, such as demographics, comorbidities, medical history, follow-up appointments, admission endoscopy, histopathologic features, etc., was used to determine the primary end point, which was unplanned UC-related calendar year readmission.

Results

We found that the unplanned UC-related readmission rate within 1 year was 20.8%. In multivariable cox analysis, the predictors of the Elixhauser comorbidity index [Hazard ratio (HR): 3.50, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.93-6.37], regular follow-up (HR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.16-0.53), any history of corticosteroid use (HR: 3.38, 95% CI: 1.83-6.27), seral level of C-reactive protein (HR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00-1.02), and the UC endoscopic index of severity (HR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05-1.57) independently predicted calendar year readmission after discharge. The established nomogram had a consistently high accuracy in predicting calendar year readmission in the training cohort, with a concordance index of 0.784, 0.825, and 0.837 at 13, 26, and 52 weeks, respectively, which was validated in both the internal and external validation cohorts. Therefore, UC patients were divided into clinically low-, high-, and extremely high-risk groups for readmission, based on the calculated score of 272.5 and 378.

Conclusion

The established nomogram showed good discrimination and calibration powers in predicting calendar year readmission in high-risk UC patients, who may need intensive treatment and regular outpatient visits.

Risk of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism After Benign Colorectal Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism is a well-established preventable complication after colectomy. Specific guidance on venous thromboembolism prevention after colectomy for benign disease is limited.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the venous thromboembolism risk after benign colorectal resection and determine its variability.

DATA SOURCES

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Guidelines (PROSPERO: CRD42021265438), Embase, MEDLINE, and 4 other registered medical literature databases were searched from the database inception to June 21, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Inclusion criteria: randomized controlled trials and large population-based database cohort studies reporting 30-day and 90-day venous thromboembolism rates after benign colorectal resection in patients aged ≥18 years. Exclusion criteria: patients undergoing colorectal cancer or completely endoscopic surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Thirty- and 90-day venous thromboembolism incidence rates per 1000 person-years after benign colorectal surgery.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were eligible for meta-analysis reporting on 250,170 patients. Pooled 30-day and 90-day venous thromboembolism incidence rates after benign colorectal resection were 284 (95% CI, 224-360) and 84 (95% CI, 33-218) per 1000 person-years. Stratified by admission type, 30-day venous thromboembolism incidence rates per 1000 person-years were 532 (95% CI, 447-664) for emergency resections and 213 (95% CI, 100-453) for elective colorectal resections. Thirty-day venous thromboembolism incidence rates per 1000 person-years after colectomy were 485 (95% CI, 411-573) for patients with ulcerative colitis, 228 (95% CI, 181-288) for patients with Crohn's disease, and 208 (95% CI, 152-288) for patients with diverticulitis.

LIMITATIONS

High degree of heterogeneity was observed within most meta-analyses attributable to large cohorts minimizing within-study variance.

CONCLUSIONS

Venous thromboembolism rates remain high up to 90 days after colectomy and vary by indication for surgery. Emergency resections compared to elective benign resections have higher rates of postoperative venous thromboembolism. Further studies reporting venous thromboembolism rates by type of benign disease need to stratify rates by admission type to more accurately define venous thromboembolism risk after colectomy.

REGISTRATION NO

CRD42021265438.

Towards Equitable Surgical Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review of Disparities in Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Existing evidence for disparities in inflammatory bowel disease is fragmented and heterogenous. Underlying mechanisms for differences in outcomes based on race and socioeconomic status remain undefined. We performed a systematic review of the literature to examine disparities in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease in the United States.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched from 2000 through June 11, 2021, to identify studies addressing disparities in surgical treatment for adults with inflammatory bowel disease. Eligible English-language publications comparing the use or outcomes of surgery by racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and/or institutional factors were included. Studies were grouped according to whether outcomes of surgery were reported or surgery itself was the relevant end point (utilization). Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for observational studies.

RESULTS

Forty-five studies were included. Twenty-four reported surgical outcomes and 21addressed utilization. Race/ethnicity was considered in 96% of studies, socioeconomic status in 44%, geographic factors in 27%, and hospital/surgeon factors in 22%. Although study populations and end points were heterogeneous, Black and Hispanic patients were less likely to undergo abdominal surgery when hospitalized; they were more likely to have a complication when they did have surgery. Differences based on race were correlated with socioeconomic factors but frequently remained significant after adjustments for insurance and baseline health.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical disparities based on sociologic and structural factors reflect unidentified differences in multidisciplinary disease management. A broad, multidimensional approach to disparities research with more granular and diverse data sources is needed to improve health care quality and equity for inflammatory bowel disease.

A risk score model with five long non-coding RNAs for predicting prognosis in gastric cancer: an integrated analysis combining TCGA and GEO datasets

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common carcinomas of the digestive tract, and the prognosis for these patients may be poor. There is evidence that some long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs) can predict the prognosis of patients with GC. However, few lncRNA signatures have been used to predict prognosis. Herein, we aimed to construct a risk score model based on the expression of five lncRNAs to predict the prognosis of patients with GC and provide new potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

We performed differentially expressed and survival analyses to identify differentially expressed survival-ralated lncRNAs by using GC patient expression profile data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We then established a formula including five lncRNAs to predict the prognosis of patients with GC. In addition, to verify the prognostic value of this risk score model, two independent Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, GSE62254 (N = 300) and GSE15459 (N = 200), were employed as validation groups.

Results

Based on the characteristics of five lncRNAs, patients with GC were divided into high or low risk subgroups. The prognostic value of the risk score model with five lncRNAs was confirmed in both TCGA and the two independent GEO datasets. Furthermore, stratification analysis results showed that this model had an independent prognostic value in patients with stage II-IV GC. We constructed a nomogram model combining clinical factors and the five lncRNAs to increase the accuracy of prognostic prediction. Enrichment analysis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) suggested that the five lncRNAs are associated with multiple cancer occurrence and progression-related pathways.

Conclusion

The risk score model including five lncRNAs can predict the prognosis of patients with GC, especially those with stage II-IV, and may provide potential therapeutic targets in future.

Creation and Institutional Validation of a Readmission Risk Calculator for Elective Colorectal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Readmissions reflect adverse patient outcomes, and clinicians currently lack accurate models to predict readmission risk.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to create a readmission risk calculator for use in the postoperative setting after elective colon and rectal surgery.

DESIGN

Patients were identified from 2012-2014 American College of Surgery-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. A model was created with 60% of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program sample using multivariable logistic regression to stratify patients into low/medium- and high-risk categories. The model was validated with the remaining 40% of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program sample and 2016-2018 institutional data.

SETTINGS

The study included both national and institutional data.

PATIENTS

Patients who underwent elective abdominal colon or rectal resection were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was readmission within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes included reasons for and time interval to readmission.

RESULTS

The model discrimination (c-statistic) was 0.76 ((95% CI, 0.75-0.76); p < 0.0001) in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program model creation cohort (n = 50,508), 0.70 ((95% CI, 0.69-0.70); p < 0.0001) in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program validation cohort (n = 33,714), and 0.62 ((95% CI, 0.54-0.70); p = 0.04) in the institutional cohort (n = 400). High risk was designated as ≥8.7% readmission risk. Readmission rates in National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and institutional data were 10.7% and 8.8% overall; of patients predicted to be high risk, observed readmission rate was 22.1% in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and 12.4% in the institutional cohorts. Overall median interval from surgery to readmission was 14 days in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and 11 days institutionally. The most common reasons for readmission were organ space infection, bowel obstruction/paralytic ileus, and dehydration in both the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and institutional data.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective observational review.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients who undergo elective colon and rectal surgery, use of a readmission risk calculator developed for postoperative use can identify high-risk patients for potential amelioration of modifiable risk factors, more intensive outpatient follow-up, or planned readmission. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B284. CREACIÓN Y VALIDACIÓN INSTITUCIONAL DE UNA CALCULADORA DE RIESGO DE REINGRESO PARA CIRUGÍA COLORRECTAL ELECTIVE: Los reingresos reflejan resultados adversos de los pacientes y los médicos actualmente carecen de modelos precisos para predecir el riesgo de reingreso.Intentamos crear una calculadora de riesgo de readmisión para su uso en el entorno postoperatorio después de una cirugía electiva de colon y recto.Los pacientes que se sometieron a una resección electiva del colon abdominal o rectal se identificaron a partir de los datos del Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica (ACS-NSQIP) del Colegio Americano de Cirugia Nacional 2012-2014. Se creó un modelo con el 60% de la muestra NSQIP utilizando regresión logística multivariable para estratificar a los pacientes en categorías de riesgo bajo / medio y alto. El modelo fue validado con el 40% restante de la muestra NSQIP y datos institucionales 2016-2018.El estudio incluyó datos tanto nacionales como institucionales.El resultado primario fue el reingreso dentro de los 30 días de la cirugía. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron razones e intervalo de tiempo para el reingreso.La discriminación del modelo (estadística c) fue de 0,76 (IC del 95%: 0,75-0,76, p < 0,0001) en la cohorte de creación del modelo NSQIP (n = 50,508), 0,70 (IC del 95%: 0,69-0,70, p < 0,0001) en la cohorte de validación NSQIP (n = 33,714), y 0,62 (IC del 95%: 0,54-0,70, p = 0,04) en la cohorte institucional (n = 400). Alto riesgo se designó como > 8,7% de riesgo de readmisión. Las tasas de readmisión en NSQIP y los datos institucionales fueron del 10,7% y del 8,8% en general; de pacientes con riesgo alto, la tasa de reingreso observada fue del 22.1% en el NSQIP y del 12.4% en las cohortes institucionales. El intervalo medio general desde la cirugía hasta el reingreso fue de 14 días en NSQIP y 11 días institucionalmente. Las razones más comunes para el reingreso fueron infección del espacio orgánico, obstrucción intestinal / íleo paralítico y deshidratación tanto en NSQIP como en datos institucionales.Esta fue una revisión observacional retrospectiva.Para los pacientes que se someten a cirugía electiva de colon y recto, el uso de una calculadora de riesgo de reingreso desarrollada para el uso postoperatorio puede identificar a los pacientes de alto riesgo para una posible mejora de los factores de riesgo modificables, un seguimiento ambulatorio más intensivo o un reingreso planificado. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B284. (Traducción-Dr Yesenia Rojas-Khalil).

Extended thromboprophylaxis following colorectal surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a comprehensive systematic clinical review

AIM

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) following major abdominal surgery. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and not fully understood. A combination of pathophysiology, patient and surgical risk factors increase the risk of postoperative VTE in these patients. Despite being at increased risk, IBD patients are not regularly prescribed extended pharmacological thromboprophylaxis following colorectal surgery. Currently, there is a paucity of evidence-based guidelines. Thus, the aim of this review is to evaluate the role of extended pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in IBD patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

METHOD

A search of Ovid Medline, EMBASE and PubMed databases was performed. A qualitative analysis was performed using 10 clinical questions developed by colorectal surgeons and a thrombosis haematologist. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was utilized to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

A total of 1229 studies were identified, 38 of which met the final inclusion criteria (37 retrospective, one case-control). Rates of postoperative VTE ranged between 0.6% and 8.9%. Patient-specific risk factors for postoperative VTE included ulcerative colitis, increased age and obesity. Surgery-specific risk factors for postoperative VTE included open surgery, emergent surgery and ileostomy creation. Patients with IBD were more frequently at increased risk in the included studies for postoperative VTE than patients with colorectal cancer. The risk of bias assessment demonstrated low risk of bias in patient selection and comparability, with variable risk of bias in reported outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There is a lack of evidence regarding the use of extended pharmacological thromboprophylaxis in patients with IBD following colorectal surgery. As these patients are at heightened risk of postoperative VTE, future study and consideration of the use of extended pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is warranted.

Anthropometric Assessment After Proctocolectomy Due to Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative changes in patient anthropometric and nutritional statuses after proctocolectomy due to ulcerative colitis (UC) are unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2015 and December 2017, nine patients who underwent proctocolectomy with temporary ileostomy (PTI) for UC at our hospital were enrolled in this study. For the comparison group, eight patients who underwent low anterior resection (LAR) with temporary ileostomy for rectal cancer in the same period were recruited. Data, including body weight; body mass index (BMI); levels of total protein, albumin, cholinesterase, and hemoglobin; and lymphocyte counts, were analyzed. The changes in these parameters before surgery until 6 months after surgery were compared.

RESULTS

Before surgery, the levels of total protein, albumin, cholinesterase, hemoglobin and lymphocyte counts in the PTI group were significantly worse than those in the LAR group. However, significant differences were not identified in these factors at 1 month after surgery. The BMI was significantly lower in the PTI group than in the LAR group until 3 months after surgery. An increase in body weight to greater than that prior to surgery was found from 4 months after surgery in the PTI group. The LAR group did not have any effect of surgery in terms of any factor.

CONCLUSION

BMI appears to be the most useful predictor of clinical and nutritional changes postoperatively.