The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Surgical Management of Crohn's Disease

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

TRIAL REGISTRATION

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

Surgical Emergencies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at risk for undergoing emergency surgery for fulminant disease, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, intestinal obstruction, or uncontrolled gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Unfortunately, medical advancements have failed to significantly decrease rates of emergency surgery for IBD. It is therefore important for all acute care and colorectal surgeons to understand the unique considerations owed to this often-challenging patient population.

Modern surgery for Crohn's disease: When to divert, impact of biologics on infectious complications, and surgical techniques to decrease post-operative recurrence of Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease is a complex condition that confers a significant risk of requiring multiple surgeries. Questions that surgeons must frequently answer include: which patients benefit from diversion? Does monoclonal antibody therapy increase post-operative complications? And, are there surgical techniques that can prevent the recurrence of Crohn's disease? This review examines current data to answer these questions.

Postoperative small bowel Crohn's disease: how to diagnose, manage and treat

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Crohn's disease is a relapsing inflammatory condition and disease recurrence after surgery is common. Significant variation in clinical practice remains despite progress in management of postoperative Crohn's disease. In this review, we summarise current management strategies and guidelines, unmet needs, and research progress in this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been real progress in risk stratifying individuals' postsurgery and tailoring therapies based on their risk; this has been incorporated into current management guidelines in the USA, UK, and Europe. Furthermore, novel noninvasive monitoring tools such as intestinal ultrasound have shown high sensitivity and specificity at detecting disease recurrence and are an attractive point-of-care test. Recent studies are also investigating multiomic biomarkers to prognosticate postoperative Crohn's disease. However, given the heterogeneity within this condition, large multicentre clinical validation across all age groups is needed for clinical translation in the future.

SUMMARY

Ongoing progress in research and the development of novel prognostic and noninvasive disease monitoring tools offers hope for personalised therapy tailored to individual recurrence risk in postoperative Crohn's disease.

Oral Budesonide and low serum albumin levels at surgery are associated with a higher risk of postoperative intra-abdominal septic complications after primary ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease: A retrospective analysis of 853 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The terminal ileum is the most frequent site of Crohn's Disease (CD) that necessitates surgery. Of the postoperative complications (POCs) associated with ileocaecal resection for CD, intra-abdominal septic complications (IASCs) include anastomotic leak, abscesses, and entero-cutaneous fistula. We aimed to identify predictors of IASCs and severe POCs (Clavien-Dindo ≥3) after primary ileocaecal resection for CD.

METHODS

This is a retrospective single-centre cohort study including all consecutive primary ileocaecal resection for CD in a tertiary IBD centre between 2004 and 2021.

RESULTS

A total of 853 patients underwent primary ileocaecal resection for CD. 307 (36.6 %) patients were receiving antibiotics, 253 (29.8 %), systemic steroids, and 178 (21.0 %) oral budesonide at surgery. At 90 days, 260 (30.8 %) patients developed POCs, 62 (7.3 %) severe POCs, and 56 (6.6 %) IASCs. At multivariate analysis, severe POCs were associated with lower preoperative albumin levels (OR1.58, 95 %CI 1.02-2.50, p = 0.040) and a history of cardiovascular diseases (OR2.36, 95 %CI 1.08-7.84, p = 0.030). IASCs were associated with lower preoperative albumin levels (OR1.81, 95 %CI 1.15-2.94, p = 0.011) and oral budesonide (OR2.07, 95 %CI 1.12-3.83, p = 0.021) with a dose-dependent effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent association, dose-dependent effect, and biological plausibility of budesonide and IASCs suggest a robust causal effect. Oral budesonide should be carefully assessed before primary ileocaecal resection for CD.

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.

Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Critically Ill Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Introduction

Admission to the intensive care unit severely affects inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. This study aimed to determine factors associated with mortality in IBD patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed, analyzing data of all IBD patients admitted to the Department of Intensive Care Medicine at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between 2013 and 2022. Bivariate comparisons and multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality.

Results

Overall, 439 IBD patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, representing 0.56% of total admissions. In 98 of these patients, IBD-associated complications were accountable for admission (22.3%). In detail, 39 (40.8%) patients were admitted after IBD-related surgery, 36 (35.7%) due to infections, and 23 (23.5%) due to medical conditions such as bleeding or electrolyte derangement. A total of 16 (16.3%) of these patients died within 90 days after admission. Parameters associated with increased mortality were age (p < 0.001), later age at diagnosis (p 0.026), catecholamine therapy (p 0.003), mechanical ventilation (p < 0.001), renal replacement therapy (p < 0.001), and parenteral nutrition (p 0.002). Prior treatment with anti-TNF therapy was associated with a higher chance of survival (p 0.018). There was no association between prior immunosuppressant therapy and admission because of infections (p 0.294).

Conclusions

16.3% of IBD patients admitted to the intensive care unit died within 90 days after admission. Prior treatment with anti-TNF therapy was associated with a higher chance of survival.

Parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation improves postoperative recovery for patients with Crohn's disease after bowel resection: a randomized, unblinded controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The postoperative inflammatory response is associated with postoperative recovery in surgery. n-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids have been reported to lower inflammation. The postoperative role of parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation on outcomes in Crohn's disease after bowel resection is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate the effects of postoperative parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in Crohn's disease.

METHODS

A prospective randomized, unblinded controlled clinical trial was conducted for patients with Crohn's disease who underwent bowel resection between May 2019 and February 2022. Postoperative complications, complete blood count, serum biochemical values, and cytokine concentrations were compared in patients with and without parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation for 5 d postoperatively.

RESULTS

There were 268 patients randomly assigned in the analysis, with 134 in the control group (a mix of long-chain and medium-chain fats at 1.0 g/kg/d) and 134 in the treatment group (long-chain, medium-chain, and n-3 polyunsaturated fats at 1.2 g/kg/d). Twenty-six did not complete the allocated treatment, and 8 patients were lost to follow-up. The intention-to-treat analysis and the per-protocol analysis showed that there were a significant reduction in overall complication rates (22.4% compared with 49.3%; P < 0.001 and 21.8% compared with 38.2%; P = 0.006) and postoperative stay (8.8 ± 4.5 d compared with 11.2 ± 6.8 d; P = 0.001 and 8.7 ± 4.0 d compared with 11.5 ± 7.3 d; P < 0.001) in patients with parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation compared with patients in the control group. In the secondary outcomes, the mean ± standard deviation of interleukin (IL)-6 (17.11 ± 2.14 pg/mL compared with 30.50 ± 5.14 pg/mL; P = 0.014), IL-1β (2.01 ± 0.05 pg/mL compared with 2.24 ± 0.09 pg/mL; P = 0.019), tumor necrosis factor-α (2.09 ± 0.06 pg/mL compared with 2.29 ± 0.06 pg/mL; P = 0.029), and C-reactive protein concentrations (51.3 ± 4.2 mg/L compared with 64.4 ± 5.3 mg/L; P = 0.050) on postoperative day 5 in the treatment group were much lower than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Parenteral n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation promotes postoperative recovery in patients with Crohn's disease following bowel resection, with fewer complications and reduced inflammatory cytokines. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03901937 at https://classic.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/ct2/show/NCT03901937?term=NCT03901937&cond=Crohn+Disease&draw=2&rank=1.

Long-term behavior and functional outcomes of ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in inflammatory bowel disease with changing phenotype

BACKGROUND

Ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis is the operation of choice after proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis; some patients will develop Crohn's disease. We aim to determine long-term behavior and outcomes of inflammatory bowel disease-ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis after colectomy, where a specialist gastrointestinal pathologist re-evaluated the initial colectomy specimen.

METHODS

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease-ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis were identified from a single-surgeon prospective database containing 1,165 patients accrued from 1991 to 2017 and invited to complete pouch-function and quality-of-life assessments. Medical records were used to obtain clinical outcomes and subjective functional assessments for those unable to be contacted. Data were compared between patients with and without histological assessment disagreement and subsequent inflammatory bowel disease behavior subgroups.

RESULTS

For 138 patients included in the analysis, the median follow-up was 22.5 (range: 5-39) years. A total of 39.1% of patients had histologic diagnostic change after gastrointestinal pathologist review, and 19% and 39% developed Crohn's disease-like disease behavior at 10- and 20-year follow-ups. Pouch function and quality-of-life scores were similar across diagnostic change subgroups. Pouch failure was higher in Crohn's-like disease (31.1 vs 13.0%, P < .05). Intestinal continuity was maintained in 68.9% of Crohn's disease-like patients, 57.9% required biologics. Gastrointestinal pathologist review did not alter the time to new diagnosis (P = .419) or time to pouch failure (P = .320), mean: 11.0 and 11.41 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We describe equivocal patient-reported outcomes in patients with ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis and changing histologic and clinical diagnosis. Although pouch excision and biologic use rates are higher, many Crohn's disease-like patients maintain their pouch. Diagnostic change and pouch failure often occur >10 years after ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis creation. This supports the consideration of ileal-pouch-anal anastomosis after colectomy in carefully selected patients with inflammatory bowel disease, even those with ambiguous histology and the need for close long-term follow-up.

Analysis of the risk of future gastrointestinal surgery in Crohn's disease with stricture

BACKGROUND

Stricture in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) carries a high risk of CD-related surgery in the course of the disease. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of occurrence of CD-related surgery and to determine baseline risk factors predicting subsequent surgery in this patient group.

METHODS

Patients registered with stricturing CD were included. All baseline and follow-up data were collected retrospectively. Patients attended the clinic for follow-up at week 14 to assess their response to infliximab (IFX). CD-related surgery was the observational endpoint. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used.

RESULTS

A total of 123 patients with stricturing CD were included in this study. The cumulative risk of CD-related surgery for years 1-5 after diagnosis was 18.0%, 26.7%, 32.6%, 40.7%, and 46.4%, respectively. Prior gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, low body mass index (BMI), and high platelet count might be risk factors for future CD-related surgery. With 97 participants treated by IFX, prior GI surgery and primary non-response (PNR) to IFX correlated with future CD-related surgery.

CONCLUSION

Prior GI surgery, BMI, and platelet counts were related to future CD-related surgery. Patients who were PNR to IFX had a higher risk of CD-related surgery in the future.

Current Approach to Risk Factors and Biomarkers of Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially Crohn's disease (CD), characterized by a chronic inflammatory process and progressive intestinal tissue damage, leads to the unrestrained proliferation of mesenchymal cells and the development of bowel strictures. Complications induced by fibrosis are related to high rates of morbidity and mortality and lead to a substantial number of hospitalizations and surgical procedures, generating high healthcare costs. The development of easily obtained, reliable fibrogenesis biomarkers is essential to provide an important complementary tool to existing diagnostic and prognostic methods in IBD management, guiding decisions on the intensification of pharmacotherapy, proceeding to surgical methods of treatment and monitoring the efficacy of anti-fibrotic therapy in the future. The most promising potential markers of fibrosis include cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), and fibronectin isoform- extra domain A (ED-A), as well as antibodies against granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF Ab), cathelicidin (LL-37), or circulatory miRNAs: miR-19a-3p and miR-19b-3p. This review summarizes the role of genetic predisposition, and risk factors and serological markers potentially contributing to the pathophysiology of fibrotic strictures in the course of IBD.

Comparison of endoscopic balloon dilation and surgery for duodenal stricture in patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) and surgery in the treatment of duodenal stricture in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study to compare the efficacy and safety among patients with CD-associated duodenal stricture treated with EBD or surgery from October 2013 to December 2021. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate factors associated with recurrence-free or surgery-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 48 eligible patients were included, including 30 patients treated with EBD only and 18 patients treated with surgery. Patients treated with surgery experienced more symptomatic improvement (100% vs. 63.33%, p = 0.003) and significantly longer recurrence-free survival (6.31 [IQR: 3.00-8.39] years vs. 2.96 [IQR: 1.06-5.42] years, p = 0.01) but suffered more postprocedural adverse events (16.67% vs. 0.74% per procedure, p = 0.001). In patients initially treated with EBD (n = 41), a total of 11 (26.83%) required subsequent surgical intervention. Younger age at CD diagnosis (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.81-1.00, p = 0.04) was associated with a higher risk for subsequent surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for CD-associated duodenal strictures was associated with a longer recurrence-free survival. EBD was safe and effective with minimal postprocedural adverse events but led to a high frequency of recurrence.

Focal Cancer in Colitis

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a known complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Widely accepted guidelines recommend that patients with ulcerative colitis diagnosed with CRC undergo total proctocolectomy with or without ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and that patients with Crohn's disease and CRC undergo either total colectomy or proctocolectomy. These approaches are ideal for preventing synchronous and metachronous cancer, minimizing risk of refractory colitis requiring reoperation, and is the appropriate treatment for the vast majority of patients with IBD who are diagnosed with CRC and require surgical intervention. Segmental colectomy, however, may be considered in select patients with IBD and CRC, specifically in elderly patients with short disease duration, in patients with mild colitis identified preoperatively, in patients with high operative risk and prohibitive comorbidities, and in patients whose CRC appears to be sporadic as opposed to colitis-associated. Patients undergoing segmental resection must be closely surveilled postoperatively for dysplasia, recurrent cancer, and refractory colitis.

Deep remission improves the quality of life of patients with Crohn's disease and anoperineal fistula treated with darvadstrocel: results of a French pilot study

BACKGROUND

The injection of allogeneic adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into anal fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease has never been evaluated in "real-life" conditions in France.

METHODS

We prospectively studied the first patients receiving MSC injections at our center and undergoing 12 months of follow-up. The primary endpoint was the clinical and radiological response rate. The secondary endpoints were symptomatic efficacy, safety, anal continence, quality of life (Crohn's anal fistula-quality of life scale, CAF-QoL), and predictive factors of success.

RESULTS

We included 27 consecutive patients. The complete clinical and radiological response rates at M12 were 51.9% and 50%, respectively. The combined complete clinical-radiological response (deep remission) rate was 34.6%. No major adverse effects or changes in anal continence were reported. The perianal disease activity index decreased from 6.4 to 1.6 (p < 0.001) for all patients. The CAF-QoL score also decreased from 54.0 to 25.5 (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, M12, the CAF-QoL score was significantly lower only in patients with a complete combined clinical-radiological response relative to those without a complete clinical-radiological response (15.0 versus 32.8, p = 0.01). Having a multibranching fistula and infliximab treatment were associated with a combined complete clinical-radiological response.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms reported efficacy data for the injection of MSC for complex anal fistulas in Crohn's disease. It also shows a positive impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly those for whom a combined clinical-radiological response was achieved.

Disparities in access to minimally invasive surgery for inflammatory bowel disease and outcomes by insurance status: analysis of the 2015 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample

INTRODUCTION

Despite being the preferred modality for treatment of colorectal cancer and diverticular disease, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been adopted slowly for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its technical challenges. The present study aims to assess the disparities in use of MIS for patients with IBD.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from October 2015 to December 2019 was conducted. Patients < 65 years of age were stratified by either private insurance or Medicaid. The primary outcome was access to MIS and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), and total admission cost. Univariate and multivariate regression was utilized to determine the association between insurance status and outcomes.

RESULTS

The NIS sample population included 7866 patients with private insurance and 1689 with Medicaid. Medicaid patients had lower odds of receiving MIS than private insurance patients (OR 0.85, 95% CI [0.74-0.97], p = 0.017), and experienced more postoperative genitourinary complications (OR 1.36, 95% CI [1.08-1.71], p = 0.009). In addition, LOS was longer by 1.76 days (p < 0.001) and the total cost was higher by $5043 USD (p < 0.001) in the Medicaid group. Independent predictors of receiving MIS were age < 40 years old, female sex, highest income quartile, diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, elective admission, and care at teaching hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Medicaid are less likely to receive MIS, have longer lengths of stay, and incur higher costs for the surgical management of their IBD. Further investigations into disparities in inflammatory bowel disease care for Medicaid patients are warranted.

Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is Intracorporeal Anastomosis Feasible? A Retrospective Cohort Comparison Study

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects all ages and backgrounds, and many individuals require surgical intervention during their disease course. The adoption of laparoscopic techniques in this patient population has been slow, including intracorporeal anastomosis (ICA). The aim of our study was to determine if ICA was feasible and safe in patients with IBD undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy (LRHC). Methods: This is a retrospective, single institution cohort study of elective and emergent cases of LRHC at a single academic center. Patients included underwent LRHC or ileocolic resection for IBD. Exclusion criteria: conversion to laparotomy, resection without anastomosis, or unconfirmed diagnosis of IBD. Main outcomes studied were anastomotic leak rate, surgical site infection (SSI), postoperative length of stay, 30-day readmission/reoperation, and operative time. Secondary outcomes were incisional hernia rates and rates of disease recurrence. Results: A total of 70 patients were included, 12 underwent ICA and 58 extracorporeal anastomosis. Anastomotic leak rate (intracorporeal 8.3% [n = 1], extracorporeal 8.6% [n = 5], P = .97), and SSI rates (intracorporeal 0%, extracorporeal 6.9% [n = 4], P = .36) were similar. Mean postoperative length of stay, rates of 30-day readmission/reoperation and diagnosis of hernia at 1 year were not significantly different. Rates of IBD recurrence and location of recurrence at 1 year were similar. However, operative time was significantly longer in those undergoing ICA (intracorporeal 187 minutes versus extracorporeal 139 minutes, P = < .05). Conclusions: ICA is a safe option in patients with IBD undergoing LRHC.

Biologic use is not associated with postoperative complications in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing stoma reversion

PURPOSE

Stoma creation is a common procedure in patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and early prophylaxis with biologics is recommended for high-risk patients. However, the effect of biologic exposure on morbidity after stoma closure remains unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of biologic use on the occurrence of complications in CD patients following stoma closure.

METHODS

Consecutive patients diagnosed with CD who underwent ileostomy reversal at a tertiary care centre between 1 January 2013 and 1 December 2021, were included in the study. The primary outcome was the occurrence of 90-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The study included 347 eligible patients who underwent ileostomy reversal. There was no significant difference in terms of infectious complications, overall complications or length of postoperative stay between the biologic and non-biologic groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified several predictors of postoperative morbidity, including preoperative haemoglobin levels below 100 g/L, CRP levels above 10 mg/L, anastomotic site, ileostomy-related infectious complications and albumin levels below 35 g/L.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the use of biologics is not associated with adverse outcomes. However, such as high CRP levels, ileostomy-related infectious complications, hypoproteinemia, and hemoglobinemia, should be optimized prior to surgery to reduce postoperative morbidities.

Ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease: robotic intracorporeal compared to laparoscopic extracorporeal anastomosis

Laparoscopy is the first-line approach in ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease. Emerging data has shown better short-term outcomes with robotic right colectomy for cancer when compared to laparoscopic approach. However, robotic ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease has only shown faster return to bowel function. We aimed to evaluate short-term outcomes of ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease between robotic intracorporeal anastomosis (RICA) and laparoscopic extracorporeal anastomosis (LECA). Patients undergoing minimally invasive ileocolic resections for Crohn's disease were retrospectively identified using a prospectively maintained database between 2014 and 2021 in two referral centers. Among the 239 patients, 70 (29%) underwent RICA while 169 (71%) LECA. Both groups were similar according to baseline and preoperative characteristics. RICA was associated with more intraoperative adhesiolysis and longer operative time [RICA: 238 ± 79 min vs. LECA: 143 ± 52 min; p < 0.001]. 30-day postoperative complications were not different between the two groups [RICA: 17/70(24%) vs. LECA: 54/169(32%); p = 0.238]. Surgical site infections [RICA: 0/70 vs. LECA: 16/169(10%); p = 0.004], intra-abdominal septic complications [RICA: 0/70 vs. LECA: 14/169(8%); p = 0.012], and Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complications [RICA: 1/70(1%) vs. LECA: 15/169(9%); p = 0.044] were less frequent in RICA. Return to bowel function [RICA: 2.1 ± 1.1 vs. LECA: 2.6 ± 1.2 days; p = 0.002] and length of stay [RICA: 3.4 ± 2.2 vs. LECA: 4.2 ± 2.5 days; p = 0.015] were shorter after RICA, with similar readmission rates. RICA demonstrated better short-term postoperative outcomes than LECA, with reduced Clavien-Dindo ≥ III complications, surgical site infections, intra-abdominal septic complications, shorter length of stay, and faster return to bowel function, despite the longer operative time.

Update and latest advances in mechanisms and management of colitis-associated colorectal cancer

Colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) is defined as a specific cluster of colorectal cancers that develop as a result of prolonged colitis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Patients with IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are known to have an increased risk of developing CAC. Although the incidence of CAC has significantly decreased over the past few decades, individuals with CAC have increased mortality compared to individuals with sporadic colorectal cancer, and the incidence of CAC increases with duration. Chronic inflammation is generally recognized as a major contributor to the pathogenesis of CAC. CAC has been shown to progress from colitis to dysplasia and finally to carcinoma. Accumulating evidence suggests that multiple immune-mediated pathways, DNA damage pathways, and pathogens are involved in the pathogenesis of CAC. Over the past decade, there has been an increasing effort to develop clinical approaches that could help improve outcomes for CAC patients. Colonoscopic surveillance plays an important role in reducing the risk of advanced and interval cancers. It is generally recommended that CAC patients undergo endoscopic removal or colectomy. This review summarizes the current understanding of CAC, particularly its epidemiology, mechanisms, and management. It focuses on the mechanisms that contribute to the development of CAC, covering advances in genomics, immunology, and the microbiome; presents evidence for management strategies, including endoscopy and colectomy; and discusses new strategies to interfere with the process and development of CAC. These scientific findings will pave the way for the management of CAC in the near future.

Robotic Redo Ileocolonic Resection for Crohn's Disease: A Preliminary Report From a Tertiary Care Center

BACKGROUND

Although the safety of laparoscopic redo ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease has been described before, the safety of robotic redo ileocolonic resection is still unelucidated.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to share our preliminary experience regarding the safety of robotic redo ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

All consecutive adult patients who underwent robotic ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease at our institution between 2014 and 2021 were included. Patients were divided into redo ileocolonic resection and primary ileocolonic resection groups.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline demographics, preoperative risk factors, and intraoperative details were compared between both groups. The primary outcome was conversion to an open approach, and secondary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients were included. Of them, 18 (18.4%) had a redo ileocolonic resection. Patients who had a redo ileocolonic resection were more likely to have a longer duration of disease, associated anoperineal disease, a higher number of previous lines of medical treatments, received total parental nutrition before the operation for correction of malnutrition, and longer time for adhesiolysis. Patients who had redo ileocolonic resection had a higher risk for conversion to open ileocolonic resection [3 (16.7%) versus 2 (2.5%); p value = 0.04]. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the overall length of stay and the 30-day morbidity between both groups. No 30-day mortality or anastomotic leaks occurred in either group.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective nature of the analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Robotic redo ileocolonic resection showed similar short-term postoperative outcomes to robotic primary ileocolonic resection for Crohn's disease. However, conversion rates are higher in robotic redo ileocolonic resection yet seem lower than previously published results in laparoscopic surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C77 .

RESECCIN ILEOCLICA ROBTICA REDO PARA LA ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN INFORME PRELIMINAR DE UN CENTRO DE ATENCIN TERCIARIA

ANTECEDENTES:Si bien la seguridad de la resección ileocolónica laparoscópica para la enfermedad de Crohn se ha descrito antes, la seguridad de la resección ileocolónica robótica aún no se ha dilucidado.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo compartir nuestra experiencia preliminar con respecto a la seguridad de la resección ileocolónica robótica para la enfermedad de Crohn.DISEÑO:Análisis retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Centro de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron todos los pacientes adultos consecutivos que se sometieron a resección ileocolónica robótica por enfermedad de Crohn en nuestra institución entre 2014 y 2021. Los pacientes se dividieron en grupos de resección ileocolónica reconfeccionada y resección ileocolónica primaria.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se compararon los datos demográficos iniciales, los factores de riesgo preoperatorios y los detalles intraoperatorios entre ambos grupos. El resultado primario fue la conversión a abierto y los resultados secundarios fueron las complicaciones posoperatorias a los treinta días.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 98 pacientes. De ellos, 18 (18,4%) tuvieron resección ileocolónica. Los pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva resección ileocolónica tenían más probabilidades de tener una mayor duración de la enfermedad, enfermedad anoperineal asociada, un mayor número de líneas previas de tratamientos médicos, más probabilidades de haber recibido nutrición parental total antes de la operación para la corrección de la desnutrición y más tiempo tiempo de adhesiolisis. Los pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva resección ileocolónica tuvieron un mayor riesgo de conversión a cirugía abierta [3 (16,7 %) frente a 2 (2,5 %); valor p 0,04]. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa con respecto a la duración total de la estancia y la morbilidad a los treinta días entre ambos grupos. No hubo mortalidad a los treinta días ni fugas anastomóticas en ninguno de los grupos.LIMITACIONES:Naturaleza retrospectiva del análisis.CONCLUSIÓN:La resección ileocolónica robótica mostró resultados postoperatorios a corto plazo similares a la resección ileocolónica primaria robótica para la enfermedad de Crohn. Sin embargo, las tasas de conversión son más altas en la resección ileocolónica robótica, pero parecen más bajas que los resultados publicados previamente en la cirugía laparoscópica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C77 . (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

Complementary and alternative medicine mention and recommendations in inflammatory bowel disease guidelines: systematic review and assessment using AGREE II

BACKGROUND

Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for disease management. There is, however, a communication gap between patients and healthcare professionals regarding CAM use, where patients are hesitant to disclose CAM use to providers. The purpose of this study was to identify the quantity and assess the quality of CAM recommendations in IBD clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were systematically searched from 2011 to 2022 to find CPGs for the treatment and/or management of IBD. The Guidelines International Network (GIN) and National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) websites were also searched. Eligible CPGs were assessed using the AGREE II instrument.

RESULTS

Nineteen CPGs made CAM recommendations for IBD and were included in this review. Average scaled domain percentages of CPGs were as follows (overall CPG, CAM section): scope and purpose (91.5%, 91.5%), clarity of presentation (90.3%, 64.0%), editorial independence (57.0%, 57.0%), stakeholder involvement (56.7%, 27.8%), rigour of development (54.7%, 45.9%), and applicability (14.6%, 2.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of CPGs with CAM recommendations were of low quality and their CAM sections scored substantially lower relative to other therapies in the overall CPG. In future updates, CPGs with low scaled-domain percentages could be improved in accordance with AGREE II and other guideline development resources. Further research investigating how CAM therapies can best be incorporated into IBD CPGs is warranted.

Open approach for ileocolic resection in Crohn's disease in the era of minimally invasive surgery: indications and perioperative outcomes in a referral center

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is the first-line approach for ileocolic resection in Crohn's disease (CD), and it is safe and feasible, even with severe penetrating CD or redo surgery. While MIS indications are continually broadening, challenging CD cases might still require an open approach. This study aimed to report rate and indications for an upfront open approach in ileocolic resection for CD. Comprehensive perioperative data for all consecutive patients undergoing ileocolic resection for CD between 2014 and 2021 in a high-volume referral center for CD and MIS, were collected retrospectively. Indications for an upfront open approach were reviewed separately by two authors according to the preoperative visit. Among 319 ileocolic resections for CD, 45 (14%) were open and 274 (86%) MIS. Two or more of the below indications were present in 40 patients (89%) in the open group, while only in 6 patients (2%) in the MIS group (p < 0.0001). Indications for upfront open approach were severe penetrating disease (58%), adhesions at previous surgery (47%), history of abdominal sepsis (33%), multifocal and extensive disease (24%), abdominal wall involvement (22%), concomitant open procedures (9%), small bowel dilatation (9%), and anesthesiologic contraindications (4%). MIS was never performed in a patient with abdominal wall involvement, concomitant open procedure, and anesthesiologic contraindication to MIS. This study can help guide patients, physicians, and surgeons. An abdominal wall involvement or the presence of two of the above indications predicts a high surgical complexity and may be considered as a no-go for the MIS approach. These criteria should prompt surgeons to strongly consider an upfront open approach to optimize the perioperative planning and care of these complex patients.

Fibro-Stenosing Crohn's Disease: What Is New and What Is Next?

Fibro-stenosing Crohn's disease (CD) is a common disease presentation that leads to impaired quality of life and often requires endoscopic treatments or surgery. From a pathobiology perspective, the conventional view that intestinal fibro-stenosis is an irreversible condition has been disproved. Currently, there are no existing imaging techniques that can accurately quantify the amount of fibrosis within a stricture, and managing patients is challenging, requiring a multidisciplinary team. Novel therapies targeting different molecular components of the fibrotic pathways are increasing regarding other diseases outside the gut. However, a large gap between clinical need and the lack of anti-fibrotic agents in CD remains. This paper reviews the current state of pathobiology behind fibro-stenosing CD, provides an updated diagnostic and therapeutic approach, and finally, focuses on clinical trial endpoints and possible targets of anti-fibrotic therapies.

Comparison of surgery rates in biologic-naïve patients with Crohn's disease treated with vedolizumab or ustekinumab: findings from SOJOURN

BACKGROUND

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by relapsing and remitting inflammation that leads to progressive bowel damage. Despite advances in medical treatment for CD, many patients require surgical intervention. Most studies of surgery rates are from patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) treatments, with comparatively little data on the surgery rates of patients treated with vedolizumab and ustekinumab. SOJOURN aimed to estimate the hazard rate and incidence of the first CD-related surgery following initiation of treatment with vedolizumab or ustekinumab in biologic-naïve patients with CD.

METHODS

SOJOURN was a retrospective, observational cohort study examining administrative claims data from the Optum® Research Database between July 1, 2017 and March 31, 2020. Included participants were adults with a diagnosis of CD and a claim for vedolizumab or ustekinumab (defined as the index treatment) between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019, with no claims for a biologic in the 6 months before initiation of this treatment. The variable follow-up started on the day after the index date and continued until whichever came first of discontinuation of the index treatment, surgery event, switching of the index treatment, initiation of combination biologic treatment, disenrollment, or March 31, 2020. The time to the first CD-related surgery on biologic treatment was estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The hazard ratio and incidence rate ratio of CD-related surgery for each treatment cohort was compared using a Cox proportional hazards model and a Poisson regression model, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 1,122 included patients, 578 received vedolizumab and 544 received ustekinumab. After 1 year of the variable follow-up, 7.7% of patients receiving vedolizumab and 11.6% of patients receiving ustekinumab had undergone a CD-related surgery. Vedolizumab was associated with a 34.2% lower hazard rate of surgery (hazard ratio 0.658, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.436-0.994, p = 0.047) and a 34.5% lower incidence of surgery (rate ratio 0.655, 95% CI 0.434-0.988, p = 0.044) than ustekinumab.

CONCLUSIONS

This real-world analysis of biologic-naïve patients with CD suggests that vedolizumab is associated with greater effectiveness in reducing the rate of CD-related surgery than ustekinumab.

Nutritional interventions in adult fibrostenotic Crohn's disease: A systematic review

Background

Management of Crohn's disease (CD) using dietary interventions has become an area of increased research interest. There is a lack of specific research exploring if diet and nutrition interventions are beneficial in patients with strictures, as current dietary recommendations in fibrostenotic CD are often based on clinical judgment. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of dietary interventions in fibrostenotic CD on medical and surgical outcomes.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Ovid) was conducted. Studies reporting dietary interventions or nutritional factors in fibrostenotic CD were included. Outcomes for studies assessing dietary interventions such as enteral nutrition were evaluated as changes in (1) CD symptoms (CD Activity Index), (2) stricture parameters on diagnostic imaging, and (3) rates of surgical or medical intervention following dietary interventions.

Results

Five studies were included in this review. Three studies assessed exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN), one evaluated total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and one studied a liquid diet. All included studies evaluated symptoms as an outcome, while diagnostic imaging parameters and surgical outcomes in the studies were either absent or too heterogeneous to appraise improvement post dietary intervention. Included EEN studies displayed similar efficacy, with approximately 60% of patients having symptom improvement. The included TPN study also reported 75% of patients with symptom improvement, while the liquid diet did not.

Conclusion

Exclusive enteral nutrition and total parental nutrition may provide benefit for use as a dietary intervention for fibrostenotic CD. There remains a need for high-quality controlled trials which utilize standardized definitions of strictures.

High-Grade Dysplasia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Indication for Colectomy

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have an increased risk of colorectal cancer and are recommended to undergo increased surveillance compared to the general population. Currently, inadequate evidence exists to guide management of colonic dysplasia discovered during screening of inflammatory bowel disease patients.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to determine the risk of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease with dysplasia on colonoscopy.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

This study was conducted at a high-volume, quaternary referral center with an inflammatory bowel disease program.

PATIENTS

Patients with a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease with colonoscopy within 6 months of colectomy were included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measures included finding of colorectal cancer at time of colectomy.

RESULTS

There were 621 patients, 233 with ulcerative colitis and 388 with Crohn's disease. Of ulcerative colitis patients, 25 had low-grade dysplasia on colonoscopy with 1 (4%) found to have colorectal cancer at colectomy. High-grade dysplasia was noted preoperatively in 14 and colorectal cancer was found in 4 (29%) after colectomy. Compared to no dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia did not increase the risk of colorectal cancer (OR 1.98, p = 0.47), but high-grade dysplasia had an increased risk (OR 19.0, p < 0.001) of colorectal cancer. For the 7 patients with Crohn's disease and low-grade dysplasia, colorectal cancer was found in 1 patient (14%) at colectomy. High-grade dysplasia was noted preoperatively in 4 patients with Crohn's Disease, and colorectal cancer was found in 3 patients (75%) after colectomy. Compared to no dysplasia, low-grade dysplasia did not increase the risk of colorectal cancer (OR 12.4, p = 0.88), but high-grade dysplasia did increase the risk of colorectal cancer (OR 223.2, p < 0.001).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective review.

CONCLUSION

In both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, low-grade dysplasia was not associated with colorectal cancer. High-grade dysplasia was associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer at time of colectomy. While continued surveillance may be appropriate for low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia necessitates surgical resection given the high likelihood of colorectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B887 .

DISPLASIA DE ALTO GRADO EN LA ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL INDICACIN DE COLECTOMA

ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal tienen un mayor riesgo de cáncer colorrectal y se recomienda someterse a una mayor vigilancia en comparación con la población general. Actualmente, existe evidencia inadecuada para guiar el manejo de la displasia colónica descubierta durante la valoracion de pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.OBJETIVO:Determinar el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal en pacientes con colitis ulcerosa o enfermedad de Crohn con displasia en la colonoscopia.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo.AJUSTE:Este estudio se llevó a cabo en un centro de referencia cuaternario de alto volumen con un programa de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.PACIENTES:Pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal con colonoscopia dentro de los 6 meses posteriores a la colectomía.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las principales medidas de resultado incluyeron el hallazgo de cáncer colorrectal en el momento de la colectomía.RESULTADOS:Hubo 621 pacientes: 233 con colitis ulcerosa y 388 con enfermedad de Crohn. De los pacientes con colitis ulcerosa, 25 tenían displasia de bajo grado en la colonoscopia y 1 (4%) tenía cáncer colorrectal en la colectomía. Se observó displasia de alto grado antes de la operación en 14 y cáncer colorrectal en 4 (29%) después de la colectomía. En comparación con la ausencia de displasia, la displasia de bajo grado no aumentó el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal (Odds Ratio 1,98, p = 0,47), pero la displasia de alto grado tuvo un mayor riesgo (OR 19,0, p <0,001) de cáncer colorrectal. Para los 7 pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn y displasia de bajo grado, se encontró cáncer colorrectal en 1 (14%) en la colectomía. Se observó displasia de alto grado antes de la operación en 4 pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn y cáncer colorrectal en 3 pacientes (75%) después de la colectomía. En comparación con la ausencia de displasia, la displasia de bajo grado no aumentó el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal (Odds Ratio 12.4, p = 0.88), pero la displasia de alto grado sí aumentó el riesgo de cáncer colorrectal (Odds Ratio 223.2, p <.001).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio estuvo limitado por su revisión retrospectiva.

CONCLUSIN

Tanto en la colitis ulcerosa como en la enfermedad de Crohn, la displasia de bajo grado no se asoció con el cáncer colorrectal. La displasia de alto grado se asoció con un mayor riesgo de cáncer colorrectal en el momento de la colectomía. Si bien la vigilancia continua puede ser apropiada para la displasia de bajo grado, la displasia de alto grado requiere resección quirúrgica dada la alta probabilidad de cáncer colorrectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B887 . (Traducción-Dr Yolanda Colorado ).

Anastomotic Considerations in Crohn's Disease

A number of factors should be considered when performing an intestinal anastomosis in the setting of surgery for Crohn's disease. Preoperative risk factors, such as malnutrition, abdominal sepsis, and immunosuppressive medications, may increase the risk of postoperative anastomotic complications and alter surgical decision-making. The anatomical configuration and technique of constructing the anastomosis may have an impact on postoperative function and risk of recurrence, particularly in the setting of ileocolic resection, where the Kono-S anastomosis has gained popularity in recent years. There may be circumstances in which it may be more appropriate to perform an ostomy either without an anastomosis or to temporarily divert an anastomosis when the risk of anastomotic complications is felt to be high. In the setting of total abdominal colectomy or proctocolectomy for Crohn's colitis, restorative procedures may appropriate in lieu of a permanent stoma in certain scenarios.

Segmental Versus Total Colectomy for Crohn's Disease in the Biologic Era: Results From The SCOTCH International, Multicentric Study

BACKGROUND

The extent of resection in colonic Crohn's disease [cCD] is still a topic of debate, depending on the number of locations, the risk of recurrence and permanent stoma, and the role of medical therapy.

METHODS

The Segmental COlecTomy for CroHn's disease [SCOTCH] international study is a retrospective analysis on six tertiary centre prospective databases, comprising all consecutive, unselected patients operated on between 2000 and 2019 with segmental colectomy [SC] or total colectomy [TC] for cCD. The primary aim was long-term surgical recurrence. Secondary aims were perioperative complications, stoma formation and predictors of recurrence.

RESULTS

Among 687 patients, SC was performed in 285 [41.5%] and TC in 402 [58.5%]. Mean age at diagnosis and surgery, disease duration, and follow-up were 30 ± 15.8, 40.4 ± 15.4, 10.4 ± 8.6 and 7.1 ± 5.2 years respectively. Isolated cCD, inflammatory pattern, perianal CD, younger age, longer disease duration and preoperative maximal therapy were more frequent in TC, while SC presented more small bowel locations and perforating disease, required fewer 90-day re-admissions, and fewer temporary and definitive stomas. Morbidity and mortality were similar. The 15-year surgical recurrence was 44% in TC and 27% in SC [p = 0.006]. In patients with one to three diseased segments, recurrence risk was related to the omission of biological therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 5.6), the number of segments [HR 2.5], perianal disease [HR 1.9] and paediatric diagnosis [HR 2.8].

CONCLUSION

When technically feasible, SC is safe and reduces temporary and permanent stoma. Young age, number of locations and perianal disease adversely affect, but postoperative biological therapy significantly reduces, the long-term surgical recurrence.

Perioperative Management of Ulcerative Colitis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patients with ulcerative colitis may require colectomy for severe disease unresponsive or refractory to pharmacological therapy. Managing ulcerative colitis is complicated because there are many factors at play, including patient optimization and treatment, as the guidance varies on the ideal perioperative use of corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologics, and small molecule agents.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic literature review was performed to describe the current status of perioperative management of ulcerative colitis.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed and Cochrane databases were used.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies published between January 2000 and January 2022, in any language, were included. Articles regarding pediatric or endoscopic management were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

Perioperative management of ulcerative colitis was included.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Successful management, including reducing surgical complication rates, was measured.

RESULTS

A total of 121 studies were included in this review, including 23 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, 25 reviews, and 51 cohort studies.

LIMITATIONS

Qualitative review including all study types. The varied nature of study types precludes quantitative comparison.

CONCLUSION

Indications for colectomy in ulcerative colitis include severe disease unresponsive to medical treatment and colitis-associated neoplasia. Urgent colectomy has a higher mortality rate than elective colectomy. Corticosteroids are associated with postsurgical infectious complications and should be stopped or weaned before surgery. Biologics are not associated with adverse postoperative effects and do not necessarily need to be stopped preoperatively. Additionally, the clinician must assess individuals' comorbidities, nutrition status, and risk of venous thromboembolism. Nutritional imbalance should be corrected, ideally at the preoperative period. Postoperatively, corticosteroids can be tapered on the basis of the length of preoperative corticosteroid use.

Redo ileocolic resection for recurrent Crohn's disease: A review and meta-analysis of surgical outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recurrence of postoperative Crohn's disease neccesitating repeat ileocolic resection is a common problem. The aim of this meta-analysis was to present the collective evidence on the surgical outcomes of this procedure.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched for eligible studies that reported the surgical outcomes of redo ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease. The primary outcomes were overall and major complication rates. The secondary outcome was anastomotic leak and conversion rate. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies - of Interventions tool.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 12 studies comprising 1,203 patients (50% men). The weighted mean rate of overall complications was 31.8% (95% confidence interval, 25-38.6) and rate of major complications was 8% (95% confidence interval, 5.7-10.2). The weighted mean rate of conversion was 20.9%, and the weighted mean rate of anastomotic leak was 3% (95% confidence interval, 1.8%-4.3%; inconsistency = 0). Male sex (slope coefficient = 0.0001; P = .01), American Society of Anesthesiologists score >3 (slope coefficient = 0.001; P = .04), smoking (slope coefficient = 0.0001; P = .008), preoperative use of steroid therapy (slope coefficient = 0.0001; P = .009), open approach (slope coefficient = 0.0001; P = .005), and having ≥2 previous resections (slope coefficient = 0.0001; P = .02) were significant risk factors for major complications.

CONCLUSION

Although redo ileocolic resection for patients with recurrent Crohn disease has a relatively high overall complication rate, a majority of these complications are minor and anastomotic leak rate is relatively low. Further prospective multicenter trials are warranted to confirm the conclusions of this meta-analysis.

Postoperative Safety Profile of Minimally Invasive Ileocolonic Resections for Crohn's Disease in the Era of Biologic Therapy

BACKGROUND

There is controversy regarding the postoperative outcomes in Crohn's disease [CD] patients exposed to vedolizumab [VDZ] or ustekinumab [UST]. We aimed to describe our surgical outcomes in patients who underwent minimally invasive ileocolonic resection [MIS-ICR] for CD who had preoperative biologic therapy.

METHODS

All consecutive adult patients who had MIS-ICR for CD between 2014 and 2021 at our institution were included. Patients were divided into four groups: VDZ, UST, anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF], and no biologic group. Timing between the last dose of biologics and surgery was per surgeon's discretion. The primary outcome was intra-abdominal septic complications. Secondary outcomes included all 30-day complications.

RESULTS

A total of 274 patients were identified. Of these, 113 [41.2%] patients had received anti-TNF, 52 [19%] had received UST, and 19 [7%] had received VDZ. There was no difference between the four groups regarding baseline risk factors. There was no difference between the four groups regarding intra-abdominal septic complications [4.4% for no biologic, 5.3% for anti-TNF, 5.8% for UST, and 5.3% for VDZ; p = 0.987], surgical site infection rate, overall 30-day morbidity, overall 30-day readmission, overall surgical and medical complications, urinary tract infection, pulmonary infections, or length of stay. Those results were consistent after a subgroup analysis based on complexity of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective analysis demonstrates an equivalent postoperative safety profile for patients treated with preoperative anti-TNF, VDZ, or UST versus no biologic therapy within 3 months of MIS-ICR for Crohn's disease. Preoperative biologic therapy may not increase complications after minimally invasive ileocolonic resection in Crohn's disease. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm results.

State-of-the-art surgery for Crohn's disease: Part II-colonic Crohn's disease and associated neoplasms

Despite advances in medical therapy, surgery continues to play a vital role in the management of Crohn's disease and its complications. Continuing from Part I of this series (small intestine/ileal disease), we focus next on colonic Crohn's disease and associated neoplasms. We will first review the surgical management of medical-refractory Crohn's colitis and its complications and then examine cancer risk, surveillance, and surgical management of Crohn's-associated colorectal dysplasia and malignancy. We conclude with a discussion of restoration of gastrointestinal continuity following colonic surgery for Crohn's disease.

The use of non-transplant biologics in solid organ transplant recipients: A practical review for the frontline clinician

Biologics have become the forefront of medicine for management of autoimmune conditions, leading to improved quality of life. Many autoimmune conditions occur in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and persist following transplant. However, the use of biologics in this patient population is not well studied, and questions arise related to risk of infection and adjustments to induction and maintenance immunosuppression. Guidelines have been published highlighting management strategies of biologics around the time of elective surgical procedures, but this is not always feasible in urgent situations, especially with deceased donor transplantation. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature regarding the use of these agents in solid organ transplant recipients, and specifically address induction and maintenance immunosuppression, as well as the need for alternative infective prevention strategies to create a practical reference for the frontline clinician, when faced with this complex clinical scenario.

Surgical Management of Crohn's Disease

Treatment of Crohn's disease (CD) focuses on providing acceptable quality of life for the affected individual by optimizing medical therapy, endoscopic procedures, and surgical intervention. Biologics have changed the medical management of moderate to severe CD. However, despite their introduction, the need for surgical resection in CD has not drastically changed, with two-thirds of the patients still requiring an intestinal resection. Patient outcomes are optimized by focusing on preoperative management and intraoperative technical aspects to maximize bowel preservation. This article reviews some of the important principles of Crohn's surgery to help guide surgeons when approaching this challenging patient population.

Therapeutic strategies in Crohn’s disease in an emergency surgical setting

Crohn’s disease (CD) remains a chronic, incurable disorder that presents unique challenges to the surgeon. Multiple factors must be considered to allow development of an appropriate treatment plan. Medical therapy often precedes or complements the surgical management. The indications for operative management of CD include acute and chronic disease complications and failed medical therapy. Elective surgery comes into play when patients are refractory to medical treatment if they have an obstructive phenotype. Toxic colitis, acute obstruction, perforation, acute abscess, or massive hemorrhage represent indications for emergency surgery. These patients are generally in critical conditions and present with intra-abdominal sepsis and a preoperative status of immunosuppression and malnutrition that exposes them to a higher risk of complications and mortality. A multidisciplinary team including surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, nutritional support services, and enterostomal therapists are required for optimal patient care and decision making. Management of each emergency should be individualized based on patient age, disease type and duration, and patient goals of care. Moreover, the recurrent nature of disease mandates that we continue searching for innovative medical therapies and operative techniques that reduce the need to repeat surgical operations. In this review, we aimed to discuss the acute complications of CD and their treatment.

Perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated Crohn disease: Results from a referral center retrospective cohort

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated Crohn disease, defined as penetrating Crohn disease associated with intra-abdominal fistula, abscess, or phlegmon, is challenging. In addition, the impact of the minimally invasive approach on postoperative outcomes is still debated. This study aimed to compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated versus uncomplicated Crohn disease.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients with Crohn disease undergoing minimally invasive ileocolic resection from 2014 to 2021 was performed. Perioperative outcomes were compared between patients with complicated Crohn disease (complicated group) and patients without these lesions (uncomplicated group).

RESULTS

Among the 274 patients undergoing minimally invasive ileocolic resection for Crohn disease, 101 (36.9%) had a robotic approach, and 84 (30.7%) had complicated Crohn disease. Complicated patients were more frequently malnourished (32.1% vs 16.1%, P = .004) and had more frequent previous bowel resections for Crohn disease (22.1% vs 9.5%, P = .002). There were no differences between both groups regarding intraoperative complications (1.1% uncomplicated group vs 2.4% complicated group, P = .463), conversion rate (2.6% uncomplicated group vs 4.8% complicated group, P = .463), postoperative morbidity (27.4% uncomplicated group vs 34.5% complicated group, P = .231), intra-abdominal septic complications (4.2% uncomplicated group vs 7.1% complicated group, P = .309), and length of stay (3.8 ± 2.0 days uncomplicated group vs 4.2 ± 3.0 complicated group, P = .188).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive ileocolic resection for complicated Crohn disease is safe and feasible. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

What's New in the Postoperative Management of Crohn's Disease?

Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) often require surgical resection due to complications, such as strictures and abscesses, or disease refractory to medical therapy. To understand the evolving management of patients with CD after surgery, we outline the risk factors for postoperative recurrence, advances in postoperative endoscopic evaluation and characterization of recurrence, noninvasive methods of assessing postoperative recurrence, use of postoperative prophylactic medical therapy including newer biologics, and novel surgical methods to reduce postoperative recurrence. The Rutgeerts score (RS) was developed to predict progression of disease based on endoscopic appearance postoperatively and to guide medical therapy. However, this scoring system groups ileal and anastomotic lesions into the same category. A modified RS was developed to separate lesions isolated to the anastomosis and those in the neo-terminal ileum to further understand the role of anastomotic lesions in CD progression. Additional scoring systems have also been evaluated to better understand these differences. In addition, noninvasive diagnostic methods, such as small bowel ultrasound, have high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of postoperative recurrence and are being evaluated as independent methods of assessment. Studies have also shown a reduction in endoscopic recurrence with postoperative anti-TNFα therapy. However, preoperative exposure to anti-TNFα therapy may impact postoperative response to these medications, and therefore, determining optimal postoperative prophylaxis strategy for biologic-experienced patients requires further exploration. Lastly, new surgical modalities to reduce postoperative recurrence are currently being investigated with preliminary data suggesting that an antimesenteric functional end-to-end anastomosis (Kono-S) may decrease postoperative recurrence.

Update on the mesentery: structure, function, and role in disease

Over the past 5 years, systematic investigation of the mesenteric organ has expanded and shown that the mesentery is the organ in and on which all abdominal digestive organs develop and remain connected to. In turn, this observation has clarified the anatomical foundation of the abdomen and the fundamental order at that level. Findings related to the shape and development of the mesentery have illuminated its function, advancing our understanding of the pathobiology, diagnosis, and treatment of several abdominal and systemic diseases. Inclusion of the mesentery in surgical resections alters the course of benign and malignant diseases. Mesenteric-based scoring systems can enhance the radiological interpretation of abdominal disease. Emerging findings reconcile observations across scientific and clinical fields and have been assimilated into reference curricula and practice guidelines. This Review summarises the developmental, anatomical, and clinical advances made since the mesentery was redesignated as an organ in 2016.

Fifty Years With a Brooke Ileostomy: An Autobiographical Case Report

Permanent Brooke ileostomy continues to be a treatment option for selected patients with inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This case report describes the author’s 50-year experience living with Crohn’s disease and a Brooke ileostomy, including the psychosocial and dietary adaptations required and the management of common complications such as peri-stomal irritant dermatitis, food blockage, and acute infectious diarrhea. Cross-sectional studies indicate that the quality of life with an ileostomy is usually good, but adaptation to an ileostomy is a life-long process.

Current status of IBD and surgery of Crohn's disease in Thailand

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) consists of two diseases: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). The incidence of IBD is much higher in Western countries compared to Asian countries, especially in Thailand. The incidence of UC in Thailand is quite low and seems less aggressive than in Western countries. Over the past two decades, the evolution of UC management in Thailand has led to a reduction in hospitalization and colectomy rate. Regarding CD, the majority of patients have an inflammatory phenotype at diagnosis. Diagnosis of CD remains challenging in Thailand as the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is quite delayed, possibly due to unawareness and difficulty in the differential diagnosis between CD and other infectious entero-colitis such as intestinal tuberculosis. With a significant trend to early initiation of immunomodulators and biologics, the cumulative rate of surgery after diagnosis has been improved. To improve the outcomes of CD treatment in Thailand, physicians need more awareness to recognize the disease, which results in early diagnosis, prevention of long-term complications, and reduction in the rate of surgery.

Intracorporeal versus extracorporeal anastomosis for robotic ileocolic resection in Crohn's disease

To date, there is no cohort in the literature focusing on the impact of the type of anastomosis in robotic ileocolonic resections for Crohn's Disease (CD). We aimed to compare short-term postoperative outcomes of robotic ileocolic resection for CD between patients who had intracorporeal (ICA) or extracorporeal anastomosis (ECA). We retrospectively included all consecutive robotic ileocolonic resections for CD at our institution between 2014 and 2020. We compared baseline, perioperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes between ICA and ECA. The analysis included 89 patients: 71% underwent ICA and 29% ECA. Groups were similar in age, sex, body mass index, smoking, CD duration, Montreal classification, surgical history, and previous CD medical treatments. Return to bowel function was achieved sooner in the ICA group (ICA 1.6 ± 0.7 day, ECA 2.1 ± 0.8 days; p = 0.026) despite longer operative time (ICA 235 ± 79 min, ECA 172 ± 51 min; p < 0.001), but no statistical difference was found regarding ileus rate and length of stay. Overall, 30-day postoperative complication rate was 23.6% (ICA 22.2%, ECA 26.9%; p = 0.635). There were no abdominal septic complications, anastomotic leaks, or severe postoperative complications. In conclusion, robotic ileocolic resection for CD shows acceptable 30 days outcomes for both ICA and ECA. ICA was associated with a faster return to bowel function without impact on the length of stay or 30-day complications. Further studies are needed to confirm the benefits of ICA in the setting of ileocolic resections for CD.

ECCO Topical Review Optimising Reporting in Surgery, Endoscopy, and Histopathology

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel diseases [IBD] requires a lifelong multidisciplinary approach. The quality of medical reporting is crucial in this context. The present topical review addresses the need for optimised reporting in endoscopy, surgery, and histopathology.

METHODS

A consensus expert panel consisting of gastroenterologists, surgeons, and pathologists, convened by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation, performed a systematic literature review. The following topics were covered: in endoscopy: [i] general IBD endoscopy; [ii] disease activity and surveillance; [iii] endoscopy treatment in IBD; in surgery: [iv] medical history with surgical relevance, surgical indication, and strategy; [v] operative approach; [vi] intraoperative disease description; [vii] operative steps; in pathology: [viii] macroscopic assessment and interpretation of resection specimens; [ix] IBD histology, including biopsies, surgical resections, and neoplasia; [x] IBD histology conclusion and report. Statements were developed using a Delphi methodology incorporating two consecutive rounds. Current practice positions were set when ≥ 80% of participants agreed on a recommendation.

RESULTS

Thirty practice positions established a standard terminology for optimal reporting in endoscopy, surgery, and histopathology. Assessment of disease activity, surveillance recommendations, advice to surgeons for operative indication and strategies, including margins and extent of resection, and diagnostic criteria of IBD, as well as guidance for the interpretation of dysplasia and cancer, were handled. A standardised report including a core set of items to include in each specialty report, was defined.

CONCLUSIONS

Interdisciplinary high-quality care requires thorough and standardised reporting across specialties. This topical review offers an actionable framework and practice recommendations to optimise reporting in endoscopy, surgery, and histopathology.

Stem cell injection for complex anal fistula in Crohn’s disease: A single-center experience

BACKGROUND

Despite tremendous progress in medical therapy and optimization of surgical strategies, considerable failure rates after surgery for complex anal fistula in Crohn’s disease have been reported. Therefore, stem cell therapy for the treatment of complex perianal fistula can be an innovative option with potential long-term healing.

AIM

To evaluate the results of local administration of allogenic, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (darvadstrocel) for complex anal Crohn’s fistula.

METHODS

All patients with complex anal fistulas associated with Crohn’s disease who were amenable for definite fistula closure within a defined observation period were potential candidates for stem cell injection (darvadstrocel) if at least one conventional or surgical attempt to close the fistula had failed. Darvadstrocel was only indicated in patients without active Crohn’s disease and without presence of anorectal abscess. Local injection of darvadstrocel was performed as a standardized procedure under general anesthesia including single-shot antibiotic prophylaxis, removal of seton drainage, fistula curettage, closure of the internal openings and local stem cell injection. Data collection focusing on healing rates, occurrence of abscess and follow-up was performed on a regular basis of quality control and patient care. Data were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Between July 2018 and January 2021, 12 patients (6 females, 6 males) with a mean age of 42.5 (range: 26-61) years underwent stem cell therapy. All patients had a minimum of one complex fistula, including patients with two complex fistulas in 58.3% (7/12). Two of the 12 patients had horse-shoe fistula and 3 had one complex fistula. According to Parks classification, the majority of fistulas were transsphincteric (76%) or suprasphincteric (14%). All patients underwent removal of seton, fistula curettage, transanal closure of internal opening by suture (11/12) or mucosal flap (1/12) and stem cell injection. At a mean follow-up of 14.3 (range: 3-30) mo, a healing rate was documented in 66.7% (8/12); mean duration to achieve healing was 12 (range: 6-30) wk. Within follow-up, 4 patients required reoperation due to perianal abscess (33.3%). Focusing on patients with a minimum follow-up of 12 mo (6/12) or 24 mo (4/12), long-term healing rates were 66.7% (4/6) and 50.0% (2/4), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Data of this single-center experience are promising but limited due to the small number of patients and the retrospective analysis.

Challenges in Crohn's Disease Management after Gastrointestinal Cancer Diagnosis

Simple Summary

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting both young and elderly patients, involving the entire gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to anus. The chronic transmural inflammation can lead to several complications, among which gastrointestinal cancers represent one of the most life-threatening, with a higher risk of onset as compared to the general population. Moreover, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in this subset of patients still represent a significant challenge for physicians. Thus, the aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current evidence for an adequate diagnostic pathway and medical and surgical management of CD patients after gastrointestinal cancer onset.

Abstract

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with a progressive course, potentially affecting the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus. Several studies have shown an increased risk of both intestinal and extra-intestinal cancer in patients with CD, due to long-standing transmural inflammation and damage accumulation. The similarity of symptoms among CD, its related complications and the de novo onset of gastrointestinal cancer raises difficulties in the differential diagnosis. In addition, once a cancer diagnosis in CD patients is made, selecting the appropriate treatment can be particularly challenging. Indeed, both surgical and oncological treatments are not always the same as that of the general population, due to the inflammatory context of the gastrointestinal tract and the potential exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms of patients with CD; moreover, the overlap of the neoplastic disease could lead to adjustments in the pharmacological treatment of the underlying CD, especially with regard to immunosuppressive drugs. For these reasons, a case-by-case analysis in a multidisciplinary approach is often appropriate for the best diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of patients with CD after gastrointestinal cancer onset.