Comparison of treatment to improve gastrointestinal functions after colorectal surgery within enhanced recovery programmes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Alterations of Prostanoid Expression and Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Functions in Ileus

INTRODUCTION

Intestinal manipulation (IM)-induced inflammation could contribute to postoperative ileus (POI) pathophysiology via the modulation of prostanoid pathways. To identify the prostanoids involved, we aimed to characterize the profile of prostanoids and their synthesis enzyme expression in a murine model of POI and to determine whether the altered prostanoids could contribute to POI.

METHODS

Four or 14 h after IM in mice, gastrointestinal (GI) motility and intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) permeability were assessed in vivo and ex vivo in Ussing chambers. Using high sensitivity liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we characterized the tissue profile of polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolites in our experimental model. Finally, we evaluated in vivo the effects of the prostanoids studied upon IM-induced gut dysfunctions.

RESULTS

We first showed that 14 h after IM was significantly faster than jejunal transit at 4 h post-IM, although it remained significantly increased compared to the control. In contrast, we showed that IM-induced inflammation increase in jejunum permeability was similar after four and 14 h. We next showed that expression of prostacyclin synthase and hemopoietic prostaglandin-D synthase mRNA and their products were significantly reduced 14 h after IM as compared to controls. Furthermore, 15-deoxy-delta 12,14-Prostaglandin J2 reduced the IM-induced inflammation increase in IEB permeability but had no effect on GI motility. In contrast, PGI2 increased IM-induced IEB permeability and motility dysfunctions.

CONCLUSIONS

Arachidonic acid derivative contributes differentially to GI dysfunction in POI. The decrease of 15-deoxy-delta 12,14-Prostaglandin J2 levels induced by IM could contribute to impaired GI dysfunctions in POI and could be considered as putative therapeutic targets to restore barrier dysfunctions associated with POI.

Maximizing Readmission Reduction in Colon Cancer Patients

INTRODUCTION

Multiple studies have identified risk factors for readmission in colon cancer patients. We need to determine which risk factors, when modified, produce the greatest decrease in readmission for patients so that limited resources can be used most effectively by implementing targeted evidence-based performance improvements. We determined the potential impact of various modifiable risk factors on reducing 30-d readmission in colon cancer patients.

METHODS

We used a cohort design with the 2012-2020 American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data to track colon cancer patients for 30 d following surgery. Colon cancer patients who received colectomies and were discharged alive were included. Readmission (to the same or another hospital) for any reason within 30 d of the resection was the outcome measure. Modifiable risk factors were the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) versus open colectomy, mechanical bowel preparation, preoperative antibiotic use, functional status, smoking, complications (deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, stroke, infections, anastomotic leakage, prolonged postoperative ileus, extensive blood loss, and sepsis), serum albumin, and hematocrit.

RESULTS

111,691 patients with colon cancer were included in the analysis. About half of the patients were male, most were aged 75 or older, and were discharged home. Overall, 11,138 patients (10.0%) were readmitted within 30 d of surgery. In adjusted analysis, the reduction in readmission would be largest by preventing both prolonged ileus and by switching open colectomies to MIS (28.0% relative reduction) followed by preventing anastomotic leaks (6.2% relative reduction). Improving other modifiable risk factors would have a more limited impact.

CONCLUSIONS

The focus of readmission reduction should be on preventing prolonged ileus, increasing the use of MIS, and preventing anastomotic leaks.

Strategies to reduce ileus after colorectal surgery: A qualitative umbrella review of the collective evidence

BACKGROUND

Various strategies were proposed to reduce postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. This umbrella review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence on measures to reduce the incidence and severity of postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus to identify systematic reviews that assessed the efficacy of interventions used to prevent postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Data on study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were summarized in a narrative manner.

RESULTS

A total of 26 systematic reviews incorporating various strategies like early oral feeding, gum chewing, coffee consumption, medications, and acupuncture were included. Early oral feeding reduced postoperative ileus and accelerated bowel function return. The most assessed intervention was chewing gum, which was associated with a median reduction of postoperative ileus by 45% (range, 11%-59%) and shortening of the time to first flatus and time to defecation by a median of 11.9 and 17.7 hours, respectively. Coffee intake showed inconsistent results, with a median shortening of time to flatus and time to defecation by 1.32 and 14.45 hours, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Early oral feeding, chewing gum, and alvimopan were the most commonly assessed and effective strategies for reducing postoperative ileus after colorectal surgery. Medications used to reduce postoperative ileus included alvimopan, intravenous lidocaine, dexamethasone, probiotics, and oral antibiotics. Intravenous dexamethasone and lidocaine and oral probiotics helped hasten bowel function return. Acupuncture positively impacted the recovery of bowel function.

Improving Gastrointestinal Cancer Care by Enhanced Recovery Protocol Implementation

Background

Enhanced recovery protocols (ERPs) have become the standard of care for patients undergoing elective small bowel surgeries but have not yet been adequately studied in community hospitals. In this study, a multidisciplinary ERP was developed and implemented at a community hospital to include minimal anesthesia, early ambulation and enteral alimentation, and multimodal analgesia. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the ERP on postoperative length of stay (LOS), readmission (RA) rates following bowel surgery, and postoperative outcomes.

Methods

The study design was a retrospective review of patients undergoing major bowel resection at Holy Cross Hospital (HCH) from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Patient charts for diagnostic-related group (DRG) 329, 330, and 331 were retrospectively reviewed at HCH in 2017 to compare outcomes in ERP versus non-ERP cases. The Medicare claims database (CMS) was also retrospectively reviewed to compare HCH data to the national average LOS and RA for the same DRG codes. Mean values for LOS and RA were statistically compared to determine significant differences between ERP versus non-ERP patients at HCH and national CMS data versus HCH patients.

Results

LOS was analyzed for each DRG at HCH. At HCH, for DRG 329, the mean LOS for non-ERP was 13.0833 days (n = 12) versus 3.375 days (n = 8) (P ≤ 0.001) for ERP. For DRG 330, the mean LOS for non-ERP was 10.861 days (n = 36) versus 4.583 days (n = 24) (P ≤ 0.001) for ERP. For DRG 331, the mean LOS for non-ERP was 7.272 days (n = 11) versus 3.348 days (n = 23) (P = 0.004) for ERP. LOS was also compared to national CMS data. The LOS at HCH for DRG 329 improved from the 10th to 90th percentile (n = 238,907); DRG 330 improved from the 10th to the 72nd percentile (n = 285,423); DRG 331 improved from 10th to 54th percentile (n = 126,941) (P < 0.001). The RA at HCH in ERP and non-ERP cases was 3% at 30 and 90 days. CMS RA for DRG 329 was 25.1% at 90 days and 9.9% at 30 days; DRG 330 RA was 18.3% at 90 days and 6.6% at 30 days; DRG 331 RA was 11% at 90 days and 3.9% at 30 days.

Conclusion

Implementation of ERP following bowel surgery at HCH significantly improved outcomes, in comparison to non-ERP cases, national CMS data, and Humana data. Further research on ERP for other fields and its impact on outcomes in other community settings is recommended.

Electroacupuncture vs Sham Electroacupuncture in the Treatment of Postoperative Ileus After Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer: A Multicenter, Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Despite the adoption of the optimized Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, postoperative ileus (POI) severely impairs recovery after colorectal resection and increases the burden on the health care system.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) in reducing the duration of POI with the ERAS protocol.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial was conducted in China from October 12, 2020, through October 17, 2021. There was a 1:1 allocation using the dynamic block random method, and analyses were by intention to treat. Patients 18 years or older undergoing laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer for the first time were randomly assigned to treatment group by a central system.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned to 4 sessions of EA or sham electroacupuncture (SA) after surgery. All patients were treated within the ERAS protocol.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the time to first defecation. Secondary outcomes included other patient-reported outcome measures, length of postoperative hospital stay, readmission rate within 30 days, and incidence of postoperative complications and adverse events.

Results

A total of 249 patients were randomly assigned to treatment groups. After the exclusion of 1 patient because of a diagnosis of intestinal tuberculosis, 248 patients (mean [SD] age, 60.2 [11.4] years; 153 men [61.7%]) were included in the analyses. The median (IQR) time to first defecation was 76.4 (67.6-96.8) hours in the EA group and 90.0 (73.6-100.3) hours in the SA group (mean difference, -8.76; 95% CI, -15.80 to -1.73; P = .003). In the EA group compared with the SA group, the time to first flatus (median [IQR], 44.3 [37.0-58.2] hours vs 58.9 [48.2-67.4] hours; P < .001) and the tolerability of semiliquid diet (median [IQR], 105.8 [87.0-120.3] hours vs 116.5 [92.0-137.0] hours; P = .01) and solid food (median [IQR], 181.8 [149.5-211.4] hours vs 190.3 [165.0-228.5] hours; P = .01) were significantly decreased. Prolonged POI occurred in 13 of 125 patients (10%) in the EA group vs 25 of 123 patients (20%) in the SA group (risk ratio [RR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.27-0.95; P = .03). Other secondary outcomes were not different between groups. There were no severe adverse events.

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this randomized clinical trial demonstrated that in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer with the ERAS protocol, EA shortened the duration of POI and decreased the risk for prolonged POI compared with SA. EA may be considered as an adjunct to the ERAS protocol to promote gastrointestinal function recovery and prevent prolonged POI after surgery.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000038444.

Positive Patient Postoperative Outcomes with Pharmacotherapy: A Narrative Review including Perioperative-Specialty Pharmacist Interviews

The influence of pharmacotherapy regimens on surgical patient outcomes is increasingly appreciated in the era of enhanced recovery protocols and institutional focus on reducing postoperative complications. Specifics related to medication selection, dosing, frequency of administration, and duration of therapy are evolving to optimize pharmacotherapeutic regimens for many enhanced recovery protocolized elements. This review provides a summary of recent pharmacotherapeutic strategies, including those configured within electronic health record (EHR) applications and functionalities, that are associated with the minimization of the frequency and severity of postoperative complications (POCs), shortened hospital length of stay (LOS), reduced readmission rates, and cost or revenue impacts. Further, it will highlight preventive pharmacotherapy regimens that are correlated with improved patient preparation, especially those related to surgical site infection (SSI), venous thromboembolism (VTE), nausea and vomiting (PONV), postoperative ileus (POI), and emergence delirium (PoD) as well as less commonly encountered POCs such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The importance of interprofessional collaboration in all periprocedural phases, focusing on medication management through shared responsibilities for drug therapy outcomes, will be emphasized. Finally, examples of collaborative care through shared mental models of drug stewardship and non-medical practice agreements to improve operative throughput, reduce operative stress, and increase patient satisfaction are illustrated.

Relation of gut microbiota and postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in older patients with colon cancer undergoing elective colon resection: a protocol for a prospective, observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Gut microbiota (GM) appears critical for gastrointestinal symptoms, but whether alterations in GM are associated with increased risk of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGID) in older patients with colon cancer (CC) undergoing elective colon resection remains unclear.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study aims to prospectively recruit 284 elderly patients with CC undergoing elective colon resection. GM of fresh faeces specimens is characterised using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data are collected preoperatively, daily postoperatively during the in-hospital stay, and follow-up visits are scheduled four times within 30 days after discharge. Associations with POGID will be investigated using logistic regression models to calculate ORs with 95% CIs. The models include the adjustment for age, sex, frequency of spicy diet, coffee drinking and tea drinking, tobacco and alcohol history, diabetes, obesity, gastroenteritis, preoperative gut microbial composition. Furthermore, we will use joint modelling for longitudinal data to study several outcome variables simultaneously.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of West China Hospital, Sichuan University (IRB Number: 20201334). The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

It has been registered in PROSPERO, number CRD42019145032. It has been registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry, number ChiCTR2100043646.

A prospective study of specimen eversion to lateral rectum and valgus resection for low rectal cancer

Purpose

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a reverse puncture device (RPD) and specimen eversion of the rectum for resection in total laparoscopic proctectomy.

Methods

In a prospective study from August 2019 to March 2021, 40 patients underwent a procedure with an RPD and specimen eversion of the rectum for total laparoscopic low rectal cancer resection, that is natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES), were included in the NOSES group. Forty patients in the control group underwent conventional laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer and were included in the LAP group. Intraoperative- and postoperative-related indicators, recovery and inflammatory factors, quality of life (QOL) and mental health were compared.

Results

All operations were successfully completed. Compared with the LAP group, the NOSES group showed better short-term outcomes, such as time to eating, postoperative pain, and especially postoperative incision-related complications. At the same time, postoperative inflammatory factor levels, psychological trauma, life-related anxiety and depression scores, and QOL were better in the NOSES group than in the LAP group.

Conclusions

The application of an RPD and specimen eversion of the rectum for total laparoscopic low rectal cancer resection is a technically feasible and safe approach with a short-term curative effect.

Framework, component, and implementation of enhanced recovery pathways

The introduction of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) has led to a considerable paradigm shift towards evidence-based, multidisciplinary perioperative care. Such pathways are now widely implemented in a variety of surgical specialties, with largely positive results. In this narrative review, we summarize the principles, components and implementation of ERPs, focusing on recent developments in the field. We also discuss ‘special cases’ in ERPs, including: surgery in frail patients; emergency procedures; and patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19).

Risk of bias in non-randomized observational studies assessing the relationship between proton-pump inhibitors and adverse kidney outcomes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed as acid-suppression therapy. Some observational studies suggest that long-term use of PPIs is potentially associated with certain adverse kidney outcomes. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess potential bias in non-randomized studies reporting on putative associations between PPIs and adverse kidney outcomes (acute kidney injury, acute interstitial nephritis, chronic interstitial nephritis, acute tubular necrosis, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease).

METHODS

We searched the medical literature within 10 years of 17 December 2020. Pre-specified criteria guided identification of relevant English language articles for assessment. Risk of bias on an outcome-specific basis was evaluated using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Of 620 initially identified records, 26 studies met a priori eligibility criteria and underwent risk of bias assessment. Nineteen studies were judged as having a moderate risk of bias for reported adverse kidney outcomes, while six studies were judged as having a serious risk of bias (mainly due to inadequate control of confounders and selection bias). We were unable to determine the overall risk of bias in two studies (one of which was assessed as having a moderate risk of bias for a different adverse kidney outcome) due to insufficient information presented. Effect estimates for PPIs in relation to adverse kidney outcomes varied widely (0.24-7.34) but associations mostly showed increased risk.

CONCLUSION

Using ROBINS-I, we found that non-randomized observational studies suggesting kidney harm by PPIs have moderate to serious risk of bias, making it challenging to establish causality. Additional high-quality, real-world evidence among generalizable populations are needed to better understand the relation between PPI treatment and acute and chronic kidney outcomes, accounting for the effects of varying durations of PPI treatment, self-treatment with over-the-counter PPIs, and potential critical confounders.

Effect of Postoperative Coffee Consumption on Postoperative Ileus after Abdominal Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous systematic reviews have not clarified the effect of postoperative coffee consumption on the incidence of postoperative ileus (POI) and the length of hospital stay (LOS). We aimed to assess its effect on these postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

Studies evaluating postoperative coffee consumption were searched using electronic databases until September 2021 to perform random-effect meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee were also compared.

RESULTS

Thirteen trials (1246 patients) and nine ongoing trials were included. Of the 13 trials, 6 were on colorectal surgery, 5 on caesarean section, and 2 on gynecological surgery. Coffee reduced the time to first defecation (mean difference (MD) -10.1 min; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -14.5 to -5.6), POI (risk ratio 0.42; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.69); and LOS (MD -1.5; 95% CI = -2.7 to -0.3). This trend was similar in colorectal and gynecological surgeries. Coffee had no adverse effects. There was no difference in POI or LOS between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee (p > 0.05). The certainty of evidence was low to moderate.

CONCLUSION

This review showed that postoperative coffee consumption, regardless of caffeine content, likely reduces POI and LOS after colorectal and gynecological surgery.