Goodbye Hartmann trial: a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study on the current use of a surgical procedure developed a century ago

BACKGROUND

Literature suggests colonic resection and primary anastomosis (RPA) instead of Hartmann's procedure (HP) for the treatment of left-sided colonic emergencies. We aim to evaluate the surgical options globally used to treat patients with acute left-sided colonic emergencies and the factors that leading to the choice of treatment, comparing HP and RPA.

METHODS

This is a prospective, international, multicenter, observational study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. A total 1215 patients with left-sided colonic emergencies who required surgery were included from 204 centers during the period of March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020. with a 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

564 patients (43.1%) were females. The mean age was 65.9 ± 15.6 years. HP was performed in 697 (57.3%) patients and RPA in 384 (31.6%) cases. Complicated acute diverticulitis was the most common cause of left-sided colonic emergencies (40.2%), followed by colorectal malignancy (36.6%). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3b) were higher in the HP group (P < 0.001). 30-day mortality was higher in HP patients (13.7%), especially in case of bowel perforation and diffused peritonitis. 1-year follow-up showed no differences on ostomy reversal rate between HP and RPA. (P = 0.127). A backward likelihood logistic regression model showed that RPA was preferred in younger patients, having low ASA score (≤ 3), in case of large bowel obstruction, absence of colonic ischemia, longer time from admission to surgery, operating early at the day working hours, by a surgeon who performed more than 50 colorectal resections.

CONCLUSIONS

After 100 years since the first Hartmann's procedure, HP remains the most common treatment for left-sided colorectal emergencies. Treatment's choice depends on patient characteristics, the time of surgery and the experience of the surgeon. RPA should be considered as the gold standard for surgery, with HP being an exception.

Mitigating surgical emergency practice during COVID-19 pandemic?

PURPOSE

To define the change in Emergency Surgical Unit (ESU) workload during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Patient data for a three-week period was prospectively collected for ESU patients during lockdown period and compared to the ESU workload for the same time period prior to lockdown.

RESULTS

Surgical emergencies admissions reduced by 2.5 times during our study period (p value = 0.001). In this changed paradigm, the overall number of surgical emergencies were reduced. A high mortality (n = 4, 5.7%) was noted during lockdown period as compared to pre-lockdown period (n = 1, 0.58%, p value = 0.025). Almost half of surgical admissions were tested for COVID-19 based on their symptoms and more than third (n=14, 38.9%) of them were positive. Gastrointestinal symptoms were common in COVID-19 positive group (85.7%) and only a third (36%) of COVID-19 positive patients needed surgical attention. Chest x-ray findings were comparable to PCR testing in terms of sensitivity and specificity but CT chest was more sensitive.

CONCLUSIONS

It remains unclear how COVID-19 reduced surgical emergencies. A significant proportion of COVID-19 presented with gastrointestinal symptoms. In a new outbreak all General Surgical patients should be tested with CRP and WCC used as a triage adjunct.

KEY WORDS

Coronavirus, COVID-19, Emergency Surgery Pandemic, General Surgery.

The emerging role of microdialysis in diabetic patients undergoing amputation for limb ischemia

Lower limb ischemia in diabetic patients is a result of macro- and microcirculation dysfunction. Diabetic patients undergoing limb amputation carry high mortality and morbidity rates, and decision making concerning the level of amputation is critical. Aim of this study is to evaluate a novel microdialysis technique to monitor tissue microcirculation preoperatively and predict the success of limb amputation in such patients. Overall, 165 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing lower limb amputation were enrolled. A microdialysis catheter was placed preoperatively at the level of the intended flap for the stump reconstruction, and the levels of glucose, glycerol, lactate and pyruvate were measured for 24 consecutive hours. Patients were then amputated and monitored for 30 days regarding the outcome of amputation. Failure of amputation was defined as delayed healing or stump ischemia. Patients were divided into two groups based on the success of amputation. There was no difference between the two groups regarding gender, ASA score, body mass index, comorbidities, diagnostic modality used, level of amputation, as well as glucose, glycerol, and pyruvate levels. However, local concentrations of lactate were significantly different between the two groups and lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio was independently associated with failed amputation (threshold defined at 25.35). Elevated preoperative tissue L/P ratio is independently associated with worse outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing limb amputation. Therefore, preoperative tissue L/P ratio could be used as a predicting tool for limb amputation's outcome, although more clinical data are needed to provide safer conclusions.

Colorectal cancer implant in an external hemorrhoidal skin tag

External hemorrhoidal skin tags are generally benign. Colorectal cancer metastases to the squamous epithelium of perianal skin tags without other evidence of disseminated disease is a very rare finding. We present the case of a 61-year-old man with metastasis to an external hemorrhoidal skin tag from a midrectal primary adenocarcinoma. This case report highlights the importance of close examination of the anus during surgical planning for colorectal cancers. Abnormal findings of the perianal skin suggesting an implant or metastatic disease warrant biopsy, as distal spread and seeding can occur. In our patient, this finding appropriately changed surgical management.

Impact of a dedicated emergency surgical unit on early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis

INTRODUCTION

Emergency general surgery (EGS) accounts for 50% of the surgical workload, and yet outcomes are variable and poorly recorded. The management of acute cholecystitis (AC) at a dedicated emergency surgical unit (ESU) was assessed as a performance target for EGS.

METHODS

The outcomes for AC admissions were compared one year before and after inception of the ESU. The impact on cost and compliance with national guidance recommending early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) within seven days of diagnosis was assessed.

RESULTS

The overall ELC rate increased from 26% for the 126 patients admitted in the pre-ESU period to 45% for the 152 patients admitted in the post-ESU period (p=0.001). With those unsuitable for ELC excluded, the ELC rate increased from 34% to 82% (p<0.001). The proportion of patients precluded from ELC for avoidable reasons, particularly owing to 'surgeon preference/skill', was reduced from 69% to 18% (p<0.001). The mean total length of stay (LOS) and postoperative LOS fell by 1.7 days (from 8.3 to 6.6 days, p=0.040) and 2 days (from 5.6 to 3.6 days, p=0.020) respectively. The higher ELC rate and the reduction in LOS produced additional tariff income (£111,930) and estimated savings in bed day (£90,440) and readmission (£27,252) costs.

CONCLUSIONS

A dedicated ESU incorporating national recommendations for EGS improves alignment of best practice with best evidence and can also result in financial rewards for a busy district general hospital.

Implementation of a novel emergency surgical unit significantly improves the management of gallstone pancreatitis

INTRODUCTION

Emergency surgery is changing rapidly with a greater workload, early subspecialisation and centralisation of emergency care. We describe the impact of a novel emergency surgical unit (ESU) on the definitive management of patients with gallstone pancreatitis (GSP).

METHODS

A comparative audit was undertaken for all admissions with GSP before and after the introduction of the ESU over a six-month period. The impact on compliance with British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines was assessed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients were treated for GSP between December 2013 and May 2014, after the introduction of the ESU. This was twice the nationally reported average for a UK trust over a six-month period. All patients received definitive management for their GSP and 100% of all suitable patients received treatment during the index admission or within two weeks of discharge. This was a significantly greater proportion than that prior to the introduction of the ESU (57%, p=0.0001) as well as the recently reported national average (34%). The mean length of total inpatient stay was reduced significantly after the ESU was introduced from 13.7 ± 4.7 days to 7.8 ± 2.1 days (p=0.03). The mean length of postoperative stay also fell significantly from 6.7 ± 2.6 days to 1.8 ± 0.8 days (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A dedicated ESU following national recommendations for emergency surgery care by way of using dedicated emergency surgeons and a streamlined protocol for common presentations has been shown by audit of current practice to significantly improve the management of patients presenting to a busy district general hospital with GSP.

Noncosmetic benefits of single-incision laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease: a case-matched comparison with multiport laparoscopic technique

BACKGROUND

Single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) colectomy has gained significant momentum with anticipated benefit of improved cosmesis. Feasibility and safety of SIL colectomy have been shown; however, benefits are not well defined. The purpose of this study is to directly compare outcomes of SIL sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease with standard multiport laparoscopic (LAP) technique.

METHODS

SIL sigmoid colectomy cases performed for diverticular disease between August 2009 and July 2011 were case matched for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous abdominal operation, and need to mobilize the splenic flexure and compared with an equal number of LAP cases. Data analyzed included operative time, estimated blood loss, procedure conversion, incision length, length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-d hospital readmission, and postoperative pain scores.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were analyzed in each group with no significant differences found in the six case-matching criteria. Operative time, conversions, estimated blood loss, surgical site infection, and hospital readmissions were similar. The mean incision length for both groups was 5cm (P=0.72). LOS was 3.7d for the SIL group, which was >1d shorter than that for the LAP group (5.0d; P<0.05). Pain score at post-anesthesia care unit discharge and total amount of narcotic pain medication delivered in the post-anesthesia care unit was significantly less in the SIL group (P<0.05), as was maximum visual analog scale pain score on postoperative day 1 and postoperative day 2 (P≤0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SIL sigmoid colectomy is associated with noncosmetic benefits, including a reduction in early postoperative pain and decreased LOS. These findings may be related to reduced abdominal wall trauma.

Noncosmetic benefits of single-incision laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease: a case-matched comparison with multiport laparoscopic technique

BACKGROUND

Single-incision laparoscopic (SIL) colectomy has gained significant momentum with anticipated benefit of improved cosmesis. Feasibility and safety of SIL colectomy have been shown; however, benefits are not well defined. The purpose of this study is to directly compare outcomes of SIL sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease with standard multiport laparoscopic (LAP) technique.

METHODS

SIL sigmoid colectomy cases performed for diverticular disease between August 2009 and July 2011 were case matched for age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous abdominal operation, and need to mobilize the splenic flexure and compared with an equal number of LAP cases. Data analyzed included operative time, estimated blood loss, procedure conversion, incision length, length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-d hospital readmission, and postoperative pain scores.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were analyzed in each group with no significant differences found in the six case-matching criteria. Operative time, conversions, estimated blood loss, surgical site infection, and hospital readmissions were similar. The mean incision length for both groups was 5cm (P=0.72). LOS was 3.7d for the SIL group, which was >1d shorter than that for the LAP group (5.0d; P<0.05). Pain score at post-anesthesia care unit discharge and total amount of narcotic pain medication delivered in the post-anesthesia care unit was significantly less in the SIL group (P<0.05), as was maximum visual analog scale pain score on postoperative day 1 and postoperative day 2 (P≤0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

SIL sigmoid colectomy is associated with noncosmetic benefits, including a reduction in early postoperative pain and decreased LOS. These findings may be related to reduced abdominal wall trauma.

The evidence for single-incision laparoscopic colectomy: is it time to adopt?

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has advantages over open surgery including shorter postoperative length of hospital stay, early return of bowel function, decreased complications and reduced postoperative pain. Innovative minimally invasive surgery techniques such as single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SIL) have emerged to further enhance outcomes of conventional laparoscopy. This technique uses a single small incision for access of all instruments and specimen extraction. This concept has been proposed to improve cosmesis and enhance recovery. Technological advances have been introduced to overcome the challenges of co-axial instrument movement and collision that is inherent to SIL surgery. The application of SIL techniques to colorectal surgery is in its infancy, but gaining significant momentum. Early case reports and series have shown feasibility and safety. Emerging comparative studies of SIL colectomy to standard laparoscopic techniques are providing evidence of equivalency with potential benefit in outcomes such as reduced early postoperative pain and shortened length of hospital stay. The application of the SIL platform to robotics and transanal surgery demonstrates the broadening scope of this innovative field. However, we must be cognizant of the impact on surgeon training and resident education. In this review we present the current evidence supporting the application of SIL to colorectal surgery.