The Pediatric Data Science and Analytics Subgroup of the Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators Network: Use of Supervised Machine Learning Applications in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Research

OBJECTIVE

Perform a scoping review of supervised machine learning in pediatric critical care to identify published applications, methodologies, and implementation frequency to inform best practices for the development, validation, and reporting of predictive models in pediatric critical care.

DESIGN

Scoping review and expert opinion.

SETTING

We queried CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCO), Cochrane Library (Wiley), Embase (Elsevier), Ovid Medline, and PubMed for articles published between 2000 and 2022 related to machine learning concepts and pediatric critical illness. Articles were excluded if the majority of patients were adults or neonates, if unsupervised machine learning was the primary methodology, or if information related to the development, validation, and/or implementation of the model was not reported. Article selection and data extraction were performed using dual review in the Covidence tool, with discrepancies resolved by consensus.

SUBJECTS

Articles reporting on the development, validation, or implementation of supervised machine learning models in the field of pediatric critical care medicine.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 5075 identified studies, 141 articles were included. Studies were primarily (57%) performed at a single site. The majority took place in the United States (70%). Most were retrospective observational cohort studies. More than three-quarters of the articles were published between 2018 and 2022. The most common algorithms included logistic regression and random forest. Predicted events were most commonly death, transfer to ICU, and sepsis. Only 14% of articles reported external validation, and only a single model was implemented at publication. Reporting of validation methods, performance assessments, and implementation varied widely. Follow-up with authors suggests that implementation remains uncommon after model publication.

CONCLUSIONS

Publication of supervised machine learning models to address clinical challenges in pediatric critical care medicine has increased dramatically in the last 5 years. While these approaches have the potential to benefit children with critical illness, the literature demonstrates incomplete reporting, absence of external validation, and infrequent clinical implementation.

Hitting the Target: Developing High-quality Evidence for Proton Beam Therapy Through Randomised Controlled Trials

The National Health Service strategy for the delivery of proton beam therapy (PBT) in the UK provides a unique opportunity to deliver high-quality evidence for PBT through randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We present a summary of three UK PBT RCTs in progress, including consideration of their key design characteristics and outcome assessments, to inform and support future PBT trial development. The first three UK multicentre phase III PBT RCTs (TORPEdO, PARABLE and APPROACH), will compare PBT with photon radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer and oligodendroglioma, respectively. All three studies were designed by multidisciplinary teams, which combined expertise from clinicians, clinical trialists and scientists with strong patient advocacy and guidance from national radiotherapy research networks and international collaborators. Consistent across all three studies is a focus on the reduction of long-term radiotherapy-related toxicities and an evaluation of patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life, which will address key uncertainties regarding the clinical benefits of PBT. Innovative translational components will provide insights into mechanisms of toxicity and help to frame the key future research questions regarding PBT. The UK radiotherapy research community is developing and delivering an internationally impactful PBT research portfolio. The combination of data from RCTs with prospectively collected data from a national PBT outcomes registry will provide an innovative, high-quality repository for PBT research and the platform to design and deliver future trials of PBT.

Outcomes After Respiratory Extracorporeal Life Support in Teens and Young Adults: An Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry Analysis

OBJECTIVES

A recent study from Germany found that survival after respiratory extracorporeal life support (ECLS) was lower among patients 10-20 years old than 20-30 years old. The objective of this study was to compare survival between teenage and young adult patients who receive respiratory ECLS.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry, an international prospective quality improvement database.

PATIENTS

All patients ages 16-30 years cannulated for respiratory indications from 1990 to 2020 were included. Patients were divided into two groups, teens (16-19 yr old) and young adults (20-30 yr old).

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Primary outcome was survival to discharge. Variables were considered for the multivariate logistic regression model if there was both a statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) and a clinically meaningful absolute difference between the groups. A total of 5,751 patients were included, of whom 1,653 (29%) were teens and 4,098 (71%) were young adults. Survival to discharge was higher in young adults than teens, 69% versus 63% (p < 0.001). Severity of illness was higher among teens; however, survival within each stratum defined by Pao2/Fio2 ratio was higher in young adults than in teens. Use of venoarterial ECLS was higher in teens than in young adults, 15% versus 7%, respectively. Teens were more likely to receive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and this therapy was associated with a longer time from admission to ECLS initiation. After adjusting for variables that differ significantly between the groups, the odds ratio for survival in young adults compared with teens was 1.14 (95% CI, 1.004-1.3).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large multicenter retrospective study, mortality was higher in teens than in young adults who received respiratory ECLS. This difference persisted after adjusting for multiple variables and the mechanism underlying these findings remains unclear.

Gender and authorship of publications from Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI)

Introduction

Pediatric Acute Lung Injury and Sepsis Investigators (PALISI) is a network fostering clinical research to optimize care for critically ill children. We aim to examine the efforts of the PALISI Network to increase gender parity in research, as evidenced by authorship.

Methods

The first and senior authors of all published PALISI articles from 2002 to 2021 were analyzed for gender of presentation. Funding sources, impact factors, professional roles, and location were extracted.

Results

We identified 303 articles, 61 published from 2002 to 2011, and 242 from 2012 to 2021. There were 302 first authors, representing 188 unique individuals, and 283 senior authors, representing 119 unique individuals. Over half (55.6%, n = 168) of the first authors were women. More women were first authors from 2012 to 2021 (n = 145, 60.2%) as compared to the years 2002-2011 [37.7%, n = 23, OR = 2.50 (95% CI: 1.40, 4.45, p = 0.002)]. Senior authors were 36.0% (n = 102) women, with no change over time. Women senior authors had a higher proportion of women first authors (67.7% vs. 32.4%, p = 0.017). No gender differences were noted based on article type or impact factor. The majority of authors came from institutions in the United States. Women had comparatively more NIH and CDC funding but received less funding from foundations and AHRQ.

Discussion

In PALISI publications, first authorship by women has increased over time, such that it now exceeds both the proportion of women pediatric intensivists and women first authors in critical care publications. Senior authorship by women has been stagnant. A multifactorial approach by individuals, institutions, networks, and journals is needed to bring senior women authors to parity.

CT-derived measures of muscle quantity and quality predict poorer outcomes from elective colorectal surgery: a UK multicentre retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

To assess whether preoperative radiologically defined lean muscle measures are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective UK-based multicentre data collection study identified patients having had colorectal cancer resection with curative intent between January 2013 to December 2016. Preoperative computed-tomography (CT) scans were used to measure psoas muscle characteristics. Clinical records provided postoperative morbidity and mortality data.

RESULTS

This study included 1122 patients. The cohort was separated into a combined group (patients with both sarcopenia and myosteatosis) and others group (either sarcopenia or myosteatosis, or neither). For the combined group, anastomotic leak was predicted on univariate (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.43-11.79; p = 0.009) and multivariate analysis (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.41-13.53; p = 0.01). Also for the combined group, mortality (up to 5 years postoperatively) was predicted on univariate (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.64-3.52; p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28-2.89; p = 0.002). A strong correlation exists between freehand-drawn region of interest-derived psoas density measurement and using the ellipse tool (R2 = 81%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Measures of lean muscle quality and quantity, which predict important clinical outcomes, can be quickly and easily taken from routine preoperative imaging in patients being considered for colorectal cancer surgery. As poor muscle mass and quality are again shown to predict poorer clinical outcomes, these should be proactively targeted within prehabilitation, perioperative and rehabilitation phases to minimise negative impact of these pathological states.

CPR Quality and Outcomes After Extracorporeal Life Support for Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

AIM

of Study: To determine outcomes in pediatric patients who had an in-hospital cardiac arrest and subsequently received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). Our secondary objective was to identify cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) event characteristics and CPR quality metrics associated with survival after ECPR.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients in the pediRES-Q database who received ECPR after in-hospital cardiac arrest between July 1, 2015 and June 2, 2021. Primary outcome was survival to ICU discharge. Secondary outcomes were survival to hospital discharge and favorable neurologic outcome at ICU and hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Among 124 patients included in this study, median age was 0.9 years (IQR 0.2-5) and the majority of patients had primarily cardiac disease (92 patients, 75%). Survival to ICU discharge occurred in 61/120 (51%) patients, 36/61 (59%) of whom had favorable neurologic outcome. No demographic or clinical variables were associated with survival after ECPR.

CONCLUSION

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who received ECPR for IHCA we found a high rate of survival to ICU discharge with good neurologic outcome.

A survey of patient informational preferences when choosing between medical and surgical therapy for ulcerative colitis: a sub-study from the DISCUSS project

AIM

People living with ulcerative colitis (UC) have two broad treatment avenues, namely medical or surgical therapy. The choice between these can depend on patient preference as well as the receipt of relevant information. The aim of this study was to define the informational needs of patients with UC.

METHOD

A postal survey was designed to capture respondent demographics, treatment experienced within the previous 12 months and informational preferences by rating a long list of items. It was delivered through two hospitals that provide tertiary inflammatory bowel disease services. Descriptive analyses were performed to describe demographics and experiences. Principal component analysis was carried out using a varimax rotation to investigate informational needs.

RESULTS

A total of 101 responses were returned (20.1% response rate). The median age of respondents was 45 years and the median time since diagnosis was 10 years. Control preferences skewed towards shared (42.6%) or patient-led but clinician-informed (35.6%). Decision regret was low for the population (median 12.5/100, range 0-100). Key informational needs related to medical therapy were benefits and risks of long-term therapy, burden of hospital attendance, reproductive health, need for steroid treatment and impact on personal life. For surgery, these were stoma information, effect on daily life, effect on sexual and reproductive health, risks and benefits and disruption of life due to surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study has identified key areas for discussion when counselling patients about treatment decisions around medical therapy and surgery for UC.

Stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy in adults with chronic constipation

Background

The effectiveness of laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR) in patients with defecatory disorders secondary to internal rectal prolapse is poorly evidenced. A UK-based multicenter randomized controlled trial was designed to determine the clinical efficacy of LVMR compared to controls at medium-term follow-up.

Methods

The randomized controlled trial was conducted from March 1, 2015 TO January 31, 2019. A stepped-wedge RCT design permitted observer-masked data comparisons between patients awaiting LVMR (controls) with those who had undergone surgery. Adult participants with radiologically confirmed IRP refractory to conservative treatment were randomized to three arms with different delays before surgery. Efficacy outcome data were collected at equally stepped time points (12, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 weeks). Clinical efficacy of LVMR compared to controls was defined as ≥ 1.0-point reduction in Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life and/or Symptoms (PAC-QOL and/or PAC-SYM) scores at 24 weeks. Secondary outcome measures included 14-day diary data, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), St Marks incontinence score, the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ-12), the chronic constipation Behavioral Response to Illness Questionnaire (CC-BRQ), and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ).

Results

Of a calculated sample size of 114, only 28 patients (100% female) were randomized from 6 institutions (due mainly to national pause on mesh-related surgery). Nine were assigned to the T0 arm, 10 to T12, and 9 to T24. There were no substantial differences in baseline characteristics between the three arms. Compared to baseline, significant reduction (improvement) in PAC-QOL and PAC-SYM scores were observed at 24 weeks post-surgery (– 1.09 [95% CI – 1.76, – 0.41], p = 0.0019, and – 0.92 [– 1.52, – 0.32], p = 0.0029, respectively) in the 19 patients available for analysis (9 were excluded for dropout [n = 2] or missing primary outcome [n = 7]). There was a clinically significant long-term reduction in PAC-QOL scores (− 1.38 [− 2.94, 0.19], p = 0.0840 at 72 weeks). Statistically significant improvements in PAC-SYM scores persisted to 72 weeks (− 1.51 [− 2.87, − 0.16], p = 0.0289). Compared to baseline, no differences were found in secondary outcomes, except for significant improvements at 24 and 48 weeks on CC-BRQ avoidance behavior (− 14.3 [95% CI − 23.3, − 5.4], and − 0.92 [− 1.52, − 0.32], respectively), CC-BRQ safety behavior (− 13.7 [95% CI − 20.5, − 7.0], and − 13.0 [− 19.8, − 6.1], respectively), and BIPQ negative perceptions (− 16.3 [95% CI − 23.5, − 9.0], and − 10.5 [− 17.9, − 3.2], respectively).

Conclusions

With the caveat of under-powering due to poor recruitment, the study presents the first randomized trial evidence of short-term benefit of LVMR for internal rectal prolapse.

Trial registration

ISRCTN Registry (ISRCTN11747152).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10151-022-02633-w.

Factors Associated with Pediatric In-Hospital Recurrent Cardiac Arrest

The objective of this article was to identify demographic and clinical factors associated with early recurrent arrest (RA) (<48 hours) and late RA (≥48 hours) among pediatric inpatients following an initial in-hospital cardiac arrest. A retrospective cohort study of inpatients was performed in a free-standing academic quaternary care children's hospital. All inpatients were <18 years old with a cardiac arrest event requiring ≥1 minute of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with the return of spontaneous circulation sustained for ≥20 minutes at Seattle Children's Hospital from February 1, 2012 to September 18, 2019. Of the 237 included patients, 20 (8%) patients had an early RA and 30 (13%) had a late RA. Older age and severe pre-arrest acidosis were associated with a higher risk of early RA, odds ratios (OR) 1.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.3) per additional year and 4.6 (95% CI 1.2–18.1), respectively. Pre-arrest organ dysfunction was also associated with a higher risk of early RA with an OR of 3.3 (95% CI 1.1–9.4) for respiratory dysfunction, OR 1.4 (95% CI 1.1–1.9) for each additional dysfunctional organ system, and OR 1.1 (95% CI 1–1.2) for every one-point increase in PELOD2 score. The neonatal illness category was associated with a lower risk of late RA, OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1–0.97), and severe post-arrest acidosis was associated with a higher risk of late RA, OR 4.2 (95% CI 1.1–15). Several demographic and clinical factors offer some ability to identify children who sustain a recurrent cardiac arrest, offering a potential opportunity for intervention to prevent early recurrent arrest.

EP.TH.602Exploring decision-making of healthcare professionals in patients with benign large non-pedunculated colonic polyps (BLNPCP) virtually using combined focus group and nominal group technique

Aim

We aimed to elicit key factors that influence healthcare professional decision-making when deciding treatment for BLNPCP.

Background

Benign large non-pedunculated colonic polyps (BLNPCP) may harbour covert malignancy and opinions differ about the optimal treatment modality. There are several options available, including endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal resection, combined endoscopic laparoscopic surgery and surgical resection. Despite widespread availability of endoscopic resection techniques, there are high rates of surgery in the UK.

Methods

Three focus groups of healthcare professionals, comprised of either consultant colorectal surgeons, nurse endoscopists and consultant gastroenterologists, were conducted virtually utilising the Nominal Group Technique. Meetings were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Themes were devolved using the framework approach for qualitative analysis. A priority-ranked list of factors influencing healthcare professional decision-making in this setting was generated.

Results

Five main themes were identified as influencing decision-making: Shared decision making (patient preference, informed consent); Patient factors (co-morbidity, age, life-expectancy); Polyp factors (Location, size, morphology, risk of cancer); Healthcare professionals (skill-set, personal preference); System factors (techniques availability locally, regional referral networks). Nominal Group Technique generated 55 items across the three focus groups. Nurses and gastroentologists ranked patient factors (particularly drug history and tolerance of procedure) and shared decision making (patient preference) more highly then surgeons. Surgeons placed greater emphasis on polyp factors particularly location and the risk of submucosal invasive carcinoma.

Conclusion

Decision making is complex and multifactorial. These results support the benefits of complex polyp MDTs and patient involvement in the decision-making. The complexity of decision-making may underpin wide variation in practice.

TP7.2.20 Systematic Review and meta-analysis of Interventions for Benign Large Non-Pedunculated Colonic Polyps (BLNPCP)

Aim

To examine the efficacy of treatment options for benign large non-pedunculated colonic polyps (BLNPCP).

Background

BLNPCP may harbour covert malignancy and opinions differ about the optimal treatment modality, be it endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal resection (ESD), combined endoscopic laparoscopic surgery (CELS) or surgical resection (SR). Despite the widespread availability of endoscopic resection (ER) techniques, rates of surgery in the UK remain high.

Methods

This review is reported in line with PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration: CRD42021148944). EMBASE, CENTRAL, and MEDLINE databases were searched from January 2000 to January 2020 to evaluate interventions for treating BLNPCP in adults. The primary outcome was recurrence, adverse events were secondary outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model expressed as a percentage with 95% confidence interval. Quality assessment was performed using ROBINS-I.

Results

Ten studies (2499 polyps in 2327patients) were included (five assessed EMR, four SR, two CELS, two ESD). All studies were at moderate risk of bias. SR, ESD and CELS had the lowest recurrence rates 0% CI:0-1, 1% CI:0-2 and 2% CI:0-12 respectively. EMR had the highest (15% CI:9-22). SR complication rate was 12% CI:7-19, ESD 12% CI:9-15, CELS and EMR 11% CI:0-45 and 7% CI:5-9 respectively. Rescue surgery for complication or finding of invasive cancer was 17% CI:5-35 for ESD, CELS 14% CI:3-30, EMR 11% CI:7-15, SR 4% CI:2-6.

Conclusion

These data provide information that should be taken into account when considering the choice of intervention. It will allow a more robust shared decision-making process to occur.

Risk factors and outcomes for recurrent paediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest: Retrospective multicenter cohort study

AIM OF STUDY

Recurrent in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is associated with morbidity and mortality in adults. We aimed to describe the risk factors and outcomes for paediatric recurrent IHCA.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients ≤18 years old with single or recurrent IHCA. Recurrent IHCA was defined as ≥2 IHCA within the same hospitalization. Categorical variables expressed as percentages and compared via Chi square test. Continuous variables expressed as medians with interquartile ranges and compared via rank sum test. Outcomes assessed in a propensity match cohort.

RESULTS

From July 1, 2015 to January 26, 2021, 139/894 (15.5%) patients experienced recurrent IHCA. Compared to patients with a single IHCA, recurrent IHCA patients were more likely to be trauma and less likely to be surgical cardiac patients. Median duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was shorter in the recurrent IHCA (5 vs. 11 min; p < 0.001) with no difference in IHCA location or immediate cause of CPR. Patients with recurrent IHCA had worse survival to intensive care unit (ICU) discharge (31% vs. 52%; p < 0.001), and worse survival to hospital discharge (30% vs. 48%; p < 0.001) in unadjusted analyses and after propensity matching, patients with recurrent IHCA still had worse survival to ICU (34% vs. 67%; p < 0.001) and hospital (31% vs. 64%; p < 0.001) discharge.

CONCLUSION

When examining those with a single vs. a recurrent IHCA, event and patient factors including more pre-existing conditions and shorter duration of CPR were associated with risk for recurrent IHCA. Recurrent IHCA is associated with worse survival outcomes following propensity matching.

The role of Kono-S anastomosis and mesenteric resection in reducing recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease: a systematic review

AIM

Recurrence after surgery for Crohn's disease is common. Anastomotic configuration may influence recurrence and the mesentery may be key. Recently the Kono-S anastomosis and radical mesenteric excision have been proposed as methods of reducing recurrence. We analysed the literature pertaining to these novel techniques.

METHOD

We searched MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library for, and selected, studies evaluating Kono-S anastomosis and/or radical mesenteric excision in Crohn's disease. We assessed methodological quality and risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for nonrandomized trials. A narrative synthesis was used to summarize the findings.

RESULTS

Nine studies (896 patients) were identified. Apart from one randomized controlled trial with a low risk of bias the overall level of evidence was poor (Grade IV). The Kono-S anastomosis was associated with a lower incidence of endoscopic and surgical recurrence (0%-3.4% vs 15%-24.4% respectively). Complications, particularly anastomotic leak rate, were also lower (1.8% vs 9.3% respectively). Evidence from a single poor quality study suggested that mesenteric excision may reduce surgical recurrence rates compared with mesentery preservation.

CONCLUSION

The existing literature suggests that the Kono-S anastomosis is safe and may reduce endoscopic and surgical recurrence, but level of evidence is mainly poor. One element of the Kono-S technique, preservation of the mesentery, may be detrimental to recurrence. Further, higher quality, studies are required to investigate these techniques. Such studies should consider the impact of the degree of mesenteric resection in addition to the anastomosis on disease recurrence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes after elective surgery for ulcerative colitis

AIM

Approximately 20%-30% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) will undergo surgery during their disease course, the vast majority being elective due to chronic refractory disease. The risks of elective surgery are reported variably. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the outcomes after elective surgery for UC.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted that analysed studies reporting outcomes for elective surgery in the modern era (>2002). It was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (ref: CRD42018115513). Searches were performed of Embase and MEDLINE on 15 January 2019. Outcomes were split by operation performed. Primary outcome was quality of life; secondary outcomes were early, late and functional outcomes after surgery. Outcomes reported in five or more studies underwent a meta-analysis of incidence using random effects. Heterogeneity is reported with I² , and publication bias was assessed using Doi plots and the Luis Furuya-Kanamori index.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included (11 774 patients). Quality of life was reported in 12 studies, with variable and contrasting results. Thirteen outcomes (eight early surgical complications, five functional outcomes) were included in the formal meta-analysis, all of which were outcomes for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). A further 71 outcomes were reported (50 IPAA, 21 end ileostomy). Only 14 of 84 outcomes received formal definitions, with high inter-study variation of definitions.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes after elective surgery for UC are variably defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the range of reported incidences and provides practical information that facilitates shared decision making in clinical practice.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes after elective surgery for ulcerative colitis

AIM

Approximately 20%-30% of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) will undergo surgery during their disease course, the vast majority being elective due to chronic refractory disease. The risks of elective surgery are reported variably. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the outcomes after elective surgery for UC.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted that analysed studies reporting outcomes for elective surgery in the modern era (>2002). It was prospectively registered on the PROSPERO database (ref: CRD42018115513). Searches were performed of Embase and MEDLINE on 15 January 2019. Outcomes were split by operation performed. Primary outcome was quality of life; secondary outcomes were early, late and functional outcomes after surgery. Outcomes reported in five or more studies underwent a meta-analysis of incidence using random effects. Heterogeneity is reported with I² , and publication bias was assessed using Doi plots and the Luis Furuya-Kanamori index.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies were included (11 774 patients). Quality of life was reported in 12 studies, with variable and contrasting results. Thirteen outcomes (eight early surgical complications, five functional outcomes) were included in the formal meta-analysis, all of which were outcomes for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). A further 71 outcomes were reported (50 IPAA, 21 end ileostomy). Only 14 of 84 outcomes received formal definitions, with high inter-study variation of definitions.

CONCLUSION

Outcomes after elective surgery for UC are variably defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the range of reported incidences and provides practical information that facilitates shared decision making in clinical practice.

Atrial fibrillation after resection: a PROGRESS III study

AIM

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia, and is associated with worsening quality of life and complications such as stroke. Previous work showed that 8% of patients develop new-onset AF following colonic resection and highlighted factors that might predict the development of postoperative AF. The development of a new arrhythmia may have a negative effect on longer-term quality of life as well as cancer survivorship. The aim of this study is to accurately quantify the incidence of AF following colorectal cancer surgery and to validate a model to predict its development.

METHOD

The Atrial Fibrillation After Resection (AFAR) study will recruit 720 patients aged 65 or over undergoing resection of colorectal cancer with curative intent. The primary outcome is development of AF within 90 days of surgery. Assessment of cardiac rhythm will be performed using 24-h Holter monitors at baseline, 30 and 90 days after surgery. An electrocardiogram (ECG) will be performed on the day of discharge. Baseline descriptors including model variables and quality of life will be recorded using EQ-5D-5L. The occurrence of complications and other key surgical outcomes will be recorded. An additional blood test for N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) will be performed prior to surgery. Statistical analysis will validate a previously derived model and will test the incremental value of added variables such as NT-proBNP. Finally, an exploratory analysis will assess whether changes in ECG measures between baseline and postoperative ECG can predict subsequent new-onset AF.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide data that may allow us to stratify the risk of developing AF following colorectal cancer surgery. This may inform screening or prophylactic approaches.

Non-randomized studies should be considered for assessing surgical techniques in rectal prolapse: prospective cohort study

AIM

Randomized trials comparing surgical techniques for rectal prolapse are not always feasible. We assessed whether non-randomized comparisons of those who have had surgery with those still waiting would be confounding baseline health status.

METHOD

This was a prospective cohort study in seven UK hospitals. Participants were ≥ 18 years and listed for surgical interventions of equivalent intensity for rectal prolapse. They were defined as short or long waiters (≤ 18 or > 18 weeks, respectively). Time on the waiting list was compared with baseline comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index) and change from baseline in health status (EQ-5D-5L) at the time of surgery.

RESULTS

In all, 203 patients were analysed. Median (interquartile range) waiting time was 13.7 weeks (8.1, 20.4) varying across sites. Baseline comorbidity was not an important predictor of waiting time. Median Charlson comorbidity index was 2 (0, 3) for short and 1 (0, 3) for long waiters. A change in waiting time by a week was associated with negligible improvement in the EQ-5D-5L index of 0.001 (95% CI -0.000 to 0.003, P = 0.106).

CONCLUSION

Negligible change in patient reported health status while on the waiting list and lack of effect of comorbidities in influencing waiting time support the use of non-randomized pre-/post-studies to compare the effects of surgical interventions for rectal prolapse.

The informational and decisional preferences of patients undergoing surgery for Crohn's anal fistula: a qualitative study

AIM

One in three patients with Crohn's disease will develop a perianal fistula, but only a few achieve long-term healing. Treatment is both medical and surgical. Since there is no 'best' surgical procedure, patient preference is important in selecting the appropriate treatment for this condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the informational and decisional preferences of patients when surgical treatment is being considered.

METHOD

Patients who had undergone surgery for Crohn's anal fistula underwent face-to-face semi-structured interviews. These explored the experience of treatments for fistula, of receiving information and of participation in decision-making. Transcripts were analysed by two investigators through inductive thematic analysis. Saturation was assessed for at 12 interviews and then after each subsequent interview.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients completed interviews, and saturation was achieved. Five themes were identified, of which two (desired information and decision-making) were relevant to this study. Other themes included experience of Crohn's disease, experience of receiving information and procedure-specific comments. Participants wanted to have information on any risks, high-level outcomes (e.g. success), impact on day-to-day life and aftercare. Participants felt they did not always receive the information they needed to select the best treatment option. Participants felt uninvolved in treatment decisions and would have liked to trade off operations to reach their treatment goal.

CONCLUSION

Information provided to patients about surgical treatment of Crohn's perianal fistula does not meet their needs. Clinicians should address aftercare, impact on quality of life and the risks and benefits of the any proposed procedure.

A validated severity score for haemorrhoids as an essential prerequisite for future haemorrhoid trials

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of standardised outcomes for haemorrhoidal disease making comparison between trials difficult. A need for a very well validated severity score is essential to facilitate meta-analysis of comparative studies, enabling evidence-based clinical practice.

METHODS

The Hubble trial provides a large cohort of patients with haemorrhoidal disease randomised to rubber band ligation (RBL) or haemorrhoidal artery ligation. The haemorrhoid severity score (HSS) was collected on each patient at baseline, 6 weeks and 1 year after intervention. This allows for the responsiveness of the HSS instrument to be examined and compared with a more specific instrument, the Vaizey incontinence score (also collected). Responsiveness was tested using four methods (effect size, standardised response means (SRM), significance of change, and responsiveness statistic).

RESULTS

The four tests of responsiveness demonstrated that the HSS was more responsive to changes in the patient's health status following both of the interventions compared to the Vaizey questionnaire. For example, between baseline and 6 weeks, the RBL intervention effect size scores and SRM calculations indicated a non-significant small amount of change (0.20 and 0.16 respectively). However, using the HSS, the effect size and SRM demonstrated a large magnitude of change (1.12 and 1.01, respectively) which was significant. Similar results were observed at 1 year. Significance of change scores and the index of responsiveness were also higher for the HSS questionnaire than the Vaizey across both treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

The HSS is a highly responsive tool for the detection of changes in haemorrhoid symptoms. It should form an essential patient-reported outcome tool for future studies on haemorrhoidal disease.

The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus guidelines in surgery for inflammatory bowel disease

AIM

There is a requirement of an expansive and up to date review of surgical management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can dovetail with the medical guidelines produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology.

METHODS

Surgeons who are members of the ACPGBI with a recognised interest in IBD were invited to contribute various sections of the guidelines. They were directed to produce a procedure based document using literature searches that were systematic, comprehensible, transparent and reproducible. Levels of evidence were graded. An editorial board was convened to ensure consistency of style, presentation and quality. Each author was asked to provide a set of recommendations which were evidence based and unambiguous. These recommendations were submitted to the whole guideline group and scored. They were then refined and submitted to a second vote. Only those that achieved >80% consensus at level 5 (strongly agree) or level 4 (agree) after 2 votes were included in the guidelines.

RESULTS

All aspects of surgical care for IBD have been included along with 157 recommendations for management.

CONCLUSION

These guidelines provide an up to date and evidence based summary of the current surgical knowledge in the management of IBD and will serve as a useful practical text for clinicians performing this type of surgery.

Review of current practice and outcomes following ileoanal pouch surgery: lessons learned from the Ileoanal Pouch Registry and the 2017 Ileoanal Pouch Report

AIM

The second Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) Ileoanal Pouch Registry (IPR) report was released in July 2017 following a first report in 2012. This article provides a summary of data derived from the most recent IPR report (2017 Ileoanal Pouch Report. https://www.acpgbi.org.uk/content/uploads/2016/07/Ileoanal-Pouch-Report-2017-FINAL.compressed.pdf).

METHOD

The IPR is an electronic database of voluntarily submitted data including patient demographics, disease, intra-operative and postoperative factors submitted by consultant surgeons or delegates. Data up to 31 March 2017 have been analysed for this report.

RESULTS

A total of 5352 pouch operations were carried out at 76 UK and four European centres by 154 surgeons over four decades. Recorded procedures have increased over time but data submission is voluntary and underestimates actual volume. Significant variation exists in institutional volume; 73 centres entered data on patients undergoing pouch surgery during the past 5 years. Of these, 44 centres have submitted ≤ 10 cases, with 10 centres submitting one patient and nine centres two cases. Since 2013, minimal access surgery has been employed in 54% of cases. Rectal dissection was undertaken in the total mesorectal excision plane in 69%. J-pouch configuration was used in 99% of cases and 90% of pouch-anal anastomoses were performed using a stapled technique. Including all years, the IPR rate of pelvic sepsis was 9.4% and the rate of pouch failure was 4.7%.

CONCLUSION

The IPR holds the largest voluntary repository of data on ileoanal pouch surgery. The second report from the IPR records marked refinements in surgical technique over time but also highlights wide variation in institutional caseload and outcome across the UK.

Patients with perianal Crohn's fistulas experience delays in accessing anti-TNF therapy due to slow recognition, diagnosis and integration of specialist services: lessons learned from three referral centres

AIM

Crohn's anal fistula should be managed by a multidisciplinary team. There is no clearly defined 'patient pathway' from presentation to treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the patient route from presentation with symptomatic Crohn's anal fistula to starting anti-tumour necrosis factor (anti-TNF) therapy.

METHOD

Case note review was undertaken at three hospitals with established inflammatory bowel disease services. Patients with Crohn's anal fistula presenting between 2010 and 2015 were identified through clinical coding and local databases. Baseline demographics were captured. Patient records were interrogated to identify route of access, and clinical contacts during the patient pathway.

RESULTS

Seventy-nine patients were included in the study, of whom 54 (68%) had an established diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD). Median time from presentation to anti-TNF therapy was 204 days (174 vs 365 days for existing and new diagnosis of CD, respectively; P = 0.019). The mean number of surgical outpatient attendances, operations and MRI scans per patient was 1.03, 1.71 and 1.03, respectively. Patients attended a mean of 1.49 medical clinics. Seton insertion was the most common procedure, accounting for 48.6% of all operations. Where care episodes ('clinical events per 30 days') were infrequent this correlated with prolongation of the pathway (r = -0.87; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights two key challenges in the treatment pathway: (i) delays in diagnosis of underlying CD in patients with anal fistula and (ii) the pathway to anti-TNF therapy is long, suggesting issues with service design and delivery. These should be addressed to improve patient experience and outcome.

Review article: pathogenesis of Crohn's perianal fistula-understanding factors impacting on success and failure of treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

Evidence from groups who have studied fistula aetiology and extrapolation from interventional studies supports a multifactorial hypothesis of Crohn's perianal fistula, with several pathophysiological elements that may contribute to fistula formation, persistence and resistance to treatment.

AIM

An evidence synthesis of current understanding of pathophysiological factors underlying Crohn's perianal fistula is presented, exploring the fundamental reasons why some treatments succeed and others fail, as a means of focussing clinical knowledge on improving treatment of Crohn's perianal fistula.

METHODS

Evidence to support this review was gathered via the Pubmed database. Studies discussing pathophysiological factors underpinning perianal fistula, particularly in Crohn's disease, were reviewed and cross-referenced for additional reports.

RESULTS

Pathophysiological factors that impact on success or failure of interventions for Crohn's perianal fistulae include the high-pressure zone, obliterating the dead space, disconnecting the track from the anus, removing epithelialisation, eradicating sepsis and by-products of bacterial colonisation, correcting abnormalities in wound repair and removing the pro-inflammatory environment which allows fistula persistence. Most current interventions for Crohn's perianal fistulae tend to focus on a single, or at best two, aspects of the pathophysiology of Crohn's anal fistulae; as a result, failure to heal fully is common.

CONCLUSIONS

For an intervention or combination of interventions to succeed, multiple factors must be addressed. We hypothesise that correct, timely and complete attention to all of these factors in a multimodal approach represents a new direction that may enable the creation of an effective treatment algorithm for Crohn's anal fistula.

Variation in practice of pouch surgery in England - using SWORD data to cut to the chase and justify centralization

AIM

Increasing scrutiny on both individual and unit outcomes after surgical procedures is now expected. In the field of inflammatory bowel disease, this is particularly pertinent for outcomes after ileoanal pouch surgery.

METHOD

The Surgical Workload and Outcomes Research Database (SWORD) relies on administrative data derived from Hospital Episode Statistics collected in England. The platform was interrogated for pouch procedures undertaken in England between April 2009 and December 2016 to assess national caseload and, between April 2012 and December 2016, to assess variation in caseload and outcomes after pouch surgery.

RESULTS

In England there is a suggestion that numbers of pouch procedures may be decreasing. Over 80% of Trusts offering pouch surgery do so at very low volume with less than five procedures per year. There is also a clear phenomenon of the occasional pouch surgeon with 126 surgeons undertaking just one pouch operation during the study period of almost 5 years. Laparoscopic practice varies but 60% of pouches overall were done via an open approach. Mean length of stay was 10.1 days and average 30-day readmission rates were 27.4%. Outside London there appears to be an increasing trend for higher volume units to do more adult pouch procedures and lower volume units to do fewer.

CONCLUSION

Low volume units and occasional pouch surgeons present a strong argument for centralization of pouch surgery. Data from England outside London suggest that this may already be happening.

The assessment of online health videos for surgery in Crohn's disease

AIM

YouTube™ is an open-access, nonpeer-reviewed video-hosting site and is used as a source of publicly available healthcare information. This study aimed to assess the thematic content of the most viewed videos relating to surgery and Crohn's disease and to explore the viewer interactions with these videos.

METHOD

A search of YouTube™ was carried out using one search string. The 50 most viewed videos were identified and categorized by source and content themes and assessed for viewer interactions. Video comments were used to describe the usefulness of the video content to viewers.

RESULTS

The majority of videos were uploaded by patients (n = 21).The remainder were uploaded by individual healthcare professionals (n = 9), hospital/speciality associations (n = 18) and industry (n = 2). The median number of likes for patient videos was significantly higher than for hospital/speciality association videos (P < 0.001). Patient videos received more comments praising the video content (n = 27) and more comments asking for further information (n = 14). The median number of likes for 'experience of surgery' (P < 0.001) and 'experience of disease' (P = 0.0015) themed videos were significantly higher than for 'disease management' themed videos.

CONCLUSION

Crohn's disease patients use YouTube™ as a surgical information source. The content of patient-sourced videos focused on surgical and disease experience, suggesting that these themes are important to patients. Current patient developed videos provide limited information, as reflected by viewers requesting further information. Storytelling patient-centred videos combined with clinical evidence may be a good model for future videos.

Scoping Review of Pediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWS) in Resource-Limited and Humanitarian Settings

Pediatric Early Warning Systems (PEWS) aim to identify hospitalized children at increased risk of deterioration by assigning a score based on vital signs and clinical status and guiding interventions using a response algorithm to improve outcomes. When implemented with quality improvement methodology, these systems have been shown to be effective in high-resource settings and have the potential to improve the care of children in humanitarian and resource-limited settings (RLS). The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence for use of PEWS in RLS and identify areas for further research. A review of the current PEWS literature in RLS was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE, Portal Regional da BVS, and TRIP Database. While there is limited research available on this topic, eight studies on the use of PEWS, or a PEWS score in a pediatric population in low- or middle-income countries were identified. Two studies assessed the clinical effect of implementation of PEWS; one reported a reduction in clinical deterioration events and the other a reduction in mortality. The remaining studies assessed the association of a PEWS score with signs of clinical deterioration or mortality without a response algorithm. Further research on the impact of PEWS implementation on inpatient care and outcomes in RLS is needed.

Developing a national colorectal educational agenda: a survey of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland

AIM

In order to develop its education agenda, the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) sought the opinion of its members on current coloproctology training needs. The aims of this study were to canvass multidisciplinary needs and explore the perceived gaps and barriers to meeting them.

METHOD

A learner-needs analysis was performed between July 2015 and October 2016. A bespoke electronic survey was sent to 1453 colorectal healthcare professionals [ACPGBI membership (1173), colorectal nurse specialists and allied health professionals (NAHPs) (261) and regional chapter-leads (19)] seeking their needs, experiences and barriers to training across the coloproctology disciplines.

RESULTS

In all, 390 responses were received [26.8% overall; 180 consultants/trainees (15%); 196 NAHPs (75%); 14 (74%) chapter-leads]. Lack of funding and difficulties in obtaining study leave were the most frequently reported barriers to course and conference attendance. Transanal total mesorectal excision and laparoscopic training were the top educational needs for consultants and trainees respectively. 79% of NAHP respondents reported education gaps on a broad range of clinical and non-clinical topics. NAHPs lacked information on relevant training opportunities and 27% felt available courses were insufficient to meet their educational needs. Wide heterogeneity in ACPGBI chapter composition and activity was reported. All groups felt the ACPGBI should increase the number of courses offered with coloproctology knowledge updates commonly requested.

CONCLUSION

A series of training needs across the coloproctology disciplines have been identified. These will underpin the development of the educational agenda for the ACPGBI.

A systematic review of online resources to support patient decision-making for full-thickness rectal prolapse surgery

Background

The internet is becoming an increasingly popular resource to support patient decision-making outside of the clinical encounter. The quality of online health information is variable and largely unregulated. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of online resources to support patient decision-making for full-thickness rectal prolapse surgery.

Methods

This systematic review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42017058319). Searches were performed on Google and specialist decision aid repositories using a pre-defined search strategy. Sources were analysed according to three measures: (1) their readability using the Flesch–Kincaid Reading Ease score, (2) DISCERN score and (3) International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) minimum standards criteria score (IPDASi, v4.0).

Results

Overall, 95 sources were from Google and the specialist decision aid repositories. There were 53 duplicates removed, and 18 sources did not meet the pre-defined eligibility criteria, leaving 24 sources included in the full-text analysis. The mean Flesch–Kincaid Reading Ease score was higher than recommended for patient education materials (48.8 ± 15.6, range 25.2–85.3). Overall quality of sources supporting patient decision-making for full-thickness rectal prolapse surgery was poor (median DISCERN score 1/5 ± 1.18, range 1–5). No sources met minimum decision-making standards (median IPDASi score 5/12 ± 2.01, range 1–8).

Conclusions

Currently, easily accessible online health information to support patient decision-making for rectal surgery is of poor quality, difficult to read and does not support shared decision-making. It is recommended that professional bodies and medical professionals seek to develop decision aids to support decision-making for full-thickness rectal prolapse surgery.

Systematic review of surgical interventions for Crohn's anal fistula

Background

Anal fistula occurs in approximately one in three patients with Crohn's disease and is typically managed through a multimodal approach. The optimal surgical therapy is not yet clear. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and assess the literature on surgical treatments of Crohn's anal fistula.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted that analysed studies relating to surgical treatment of Crohn's anal fistula published on MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane databases between January 1995 and March 2016. Studies reporting specific outcomes of patients treated for Crohn's anal fistula were included. The primary outcome was fistula healing rate. Bias was assessed using the Cochrane ROBINS‐I and ROB tool as appropriate.

Results

A total of 1628 citations were reviewed. Sixty‐three studies comprising 1584 patients were ultimately selected in the analyses. There was extensive reporting on the use of setons, advancement flaps and fistula plugs. Randomized trials were available only for stem cells and fistula plugs. There was inconsistency in outcome measures across studies, and a high degree of bias was noted.

Conclusion

Data describing surgical intervention for Crohn's anal fistula are heterogeneous with a high degree of bias. There is a clear need for standardization of outcomes and description of study cohorts for better understanding of treatment options.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations: Results II: Hitching procedures for the rectum (rectal suspension)

AIM

To assess the outcomes of rectal suspension procedures (forms of rectopexy) in adults with chronic constipation.

METHOD

Standardised methods and reporting of benefits and harms were used for all CapaCiTY reviews that closely adhered to PRISMA 2016 guidance. Main conclusions were presented as summary evidence statements with a summative Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (2009) level.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were identified, providing data on outcomes in 1238 patients. All studies reported only on laparoscopic approaches. Length of procedures ranged between 1.5 to 3.5 h, and length of stay between 4 to 5 days. Data on harms were inconsistently reported and heterogeneous, making estimates of harm tentative and imprecise. Morbidity rates ranged between 5-15%, with mesh complications accounting for 0.5% of patients overall. No mortality was reported after any procedures in a total of 1044 patients. Although inconsistently reported, good or satisfactory outcome occurred in 83% (74-91%) of patients; 86% (20-97%) of patients reported improvements in constipation after laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVMR). About 2-7% of patients developed anatomical recurrence. Patient selection was inconsistently documented. As most common indication, high grade rectal intussusception was corrected in 80-100% of cases after robotic or LVMR. Healing of prolapse-associated solitary rectal ulcer syndrome occurred in around 80% of patients after LVMR.

CONCLUSION

Evidence supporting rectal suspension procedures is currently derived from poor quality studies. Methodologically robust trials are needed to inform future clinical decision making.

Surgery for constipation: systematic review and clinical guidance: Paper 1: Introduction & Methods

AIM

This manuscript provides the introduction and detailed methodology used in subsequent reviews to assess the outcomes of surgical interventions with the primary intent of treating chronic constipation in adults and to develop recommendations for practice.

METHOD

PRISMA guidance was adhered to throughout. A literature search was performed in public databases between January 1960 and February 2016. Studies that fulfilled strictly-defined PICOS (patients, interventions, controls, outcome, and study design) criteria were included. The process involved two groups of participants: (i): 'a clinical guidance group' of 18 UK experts (including junior support) who performed the systematic reviews and produced summary evidence statements (SES) based strictly on data synthesis in each review. The same group then produced prototype graded practice recommendations (GPRs) based on coalescence of SES and expert opinion; (ii): a European Consensus group of 18 ESCP (European Society of Coloproctology) nominated experts from nine European countries evaluated the appropriateness of each prototype GPR based on published RAND/UCLA methodology.

RESULTS

An overview of the search results is provided in this manuscript. A total of 156 studies from 307 full text articles (from 2551 initially screened records) were included, providing data on procedures characterized by: (i) colonic resection (n = 40); (ii) rectal suspension (n = 18); (iii) rectal wall excision (n = 44); (iv) rectovaginal septum reinforcement (n = 47); (v) sacral nerve stimulation (n = 7). The overall quality of evidence was poor with 113/156 (72.4%) studies providing only Oxford level IV evidence. The best evidence was extracted for rectal excisional procedures, where the majority of studies were Oxford level I or II. The five subsequent reviews provide a total of 99 SES (reflecting perioperative variables, efficacy, harms and prognostic variables) that contributed to 100 prototype GPRs covering patient selection, procedural considerations and patient counselling. The final manuscript details the 85/100 GPRs that were deemed appropriate by European Consensus (remaining 15 were all uncertain) and future research recommendations.

CONCLUSION

This manuscript and the following 6 papers suggest that the evidence base for surgical management of chronic constipation is currently poor although some expert consensus exists on best practice. Further studies are required to inform future commissioning of treatments and of research funding.

Resource variation in colorectal surgery: a national centre level analysis

AIM

Delivery of quality colorectal surgery requires adequate resources. We set out to assess the relationship between resources and outcomes in English colorectal units.

METHOD

Data were extracted from the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland resource questionnaire to profile resources. This was correlated with Hospital Episode Statistics outcome data including 90-day mortality and readmissions. Patient satisfaction measures were extracted from the Cancer Experience Patient Survey and compared at unit level. Centres were divided by workload into low, middle and top tertile.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were received from 75 centres in England. Service resources were similar between low and top tertiles in access to Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (CEPOD) theatre, level two or three beds per 250 000 population or the likelihood of having a dedicated colorectal ward. There was no difference in staffing levels per 250 000 unit of population. Each 10% increase in the proportion of cases attempted laparoscopically was associated with reduced 90-day unplanned readmission (relative risk 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.97, P < 0.001). The presence of a dedicated colorectal ward (relative risk 0.85, 95% CI 0.73-0.99, P = 0.040) was also associated with a significant reduction in unplanned readmissions. There was no association between staffing or service factors and patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

Resource levels do not vary based on unit of population. There is benefit associated with increased use of laparoscopy and a dedicated surgical ward. Alternative measures to assess the relationship between resources and outcome, such as failure to rescue, should be explored in UK practice.

Prognostic factors affecting outcomes in fistulating perianal Crohn's disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

One in three patients with Crohn's disease will develop a perianal fistulae, and one third of these will achieve long-term healing or closure. A barrier to conducting well-designed clinical trials for these patients is a lack of understanding of prognostic factors. This systematic review sets out to identify factors associated with prognosis of perianal Crohn's fistulae.

METHODS

This review was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42016050316) and conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines along a predefined protocol. English-language studies assessing baseline factors related to outcomes of fistulae treatment in adult patients were included. Searches were performed on MEDLINE and Embase databases. Screening of abstracts and full texts for eligibility was performed prior to extraction of data into predesigned forms. Bias was assessed using the QUIPS tool.

RESULTS

Searches identified 997 papers. Following removal of duplicates and secondary searches, 923 were screened for inclusion. Forty-seven papers were reviewed at full-text level and 13, 2 of which were randomised trials, were included in the final qualitative review. Two studies reported distribution of Crohn's disease as a prognostic factor for healing. Two studies found that CARD15 mutations decreased response of fistulae to antibiotics. Complexity of fistulae anatomy was implicated in prognosis by 4 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review has identified potential prognostic markers, including genetic factors and disease behaviour. We cannot, however, draw robust conclusions from this heterogeneous group of studies; therefore, we recommend that a prospective cohort study of well-characterised patients with Crohn's perianal fistulae is undertaken.

Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland consensus exercise on surgical management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease

AIM

Management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease (fpCD) is a significant challenge for a colorectal surgeon. A recent survey of surgical practice in this condition showed variation in management approaches. As a result we set out to devise recommendations for practice for UK colorectal surgeons.

METHOD

Results from a national survey were used to devise a set of potential consensus statements. Consultant colorectal surgeons were invited to participate in the exercise via the previous survey and the mailing list of the professional society. Iterative voting was performed on each statement using a five-point Likert scale and electronic voting, with opportunity for discussion and refinement between each vote. Consensus was defined as > 80% agreement.

RESULTS

Seventeen surgeons and two patient representatives voted upon 51 statements. Consensus was achieved on 39 items. Participants advocated a patient-centred approach by a colorectal specialist, within strong multidisciplinary teamworking. The use of anti-TNFα therapy is advocated. Where definitive surgical techniques are considered they should be carefully selected to avoid adverse impact on function. Ano/rectovaginal fistulas should be managed by specialists in fistulating disease. Stoma or proctectomy could be discussed earlier in a patient's treatment pathway to improve choice, as they may improve quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This consensus provides principles and guidance for best practice in managing patients with fpCD.

Surgical management of fistulating perianal Crohn's disease: a UK survey

AIM

Around one-third of patients with Crohn's disease are affected by Crohn's fistula-in-ano (pCD). It typically follows a chronic course and patients undergo long-term medical and surgical therapy. We set out to describe current surgical practice in the management of pCD in the UK.

METHOD

A survey of surgical management of pCD was designed by an expert group of colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists. This assessed acute, elective, multidisciplinary and definitive surgical management. A pilot of the questionnaire was undertaken at the 2015 meeting of the Digestive Disease Federation. The survey was refined and distributed nationally through the trainee collaborative networks.

RESULTS

National rollout obtained responses from 133 of 179 surgeons approached (response rate 74.3%). At first operation, 32% of surgeons would always consider drainage of sepsis and 31.1% would place a draining seton. At first elective operation, 66.6% would routinely insert of draining seton, and 84.4% would avoid cutting seton. An IBD multidisciplinary team was available to 87.6% of respondents, although only 25.1% routinely discussed pCD patients. Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha therapy was routinely considered by 64.2%, although 44.2% left medical management to gastroenterologists. Common definitive procedures were removal of the seton only (70.7%), fistulotomy (57.1%), advancement flap (38.9%), fistula plug (36.4%) and ligation of intersphincteric track (LIFT) procedure (31.8%). Indications for diverting stoma or proctectomy were intractable sepsis, incontinence and poor quality of life.

CONCLUSION

This survey has demonstrated areas of common practice, but has also highlighted divergent practice including choices of definitive surgery and multimodal management. Practical guidelines are required to support colorectal surgeons in the UK.

Hubble trial: time to stick to basics for treatment of haemorrhoids?

The results of the Hubble trial, a randomised controlled trial comparing haemorrhoidal artery ligation with rubber band ligation for early-grade prolapsing haemorrhoids, are discussed. The difficulties in defining treatment success are debated along with the trial design highlighting the pitfalls of previous research. A finding that haemorrhoidal artery ligation is not necessarily superior to cheap alternatives has implications for current practice and future commissioning of surgeons.

Life after PROSPER. What do people do for external rectal prolapse?

AIM

A questionnaire completed by members of the ACPGBI in 1997 was a precursor to the PROSPER trial. It showed a significant variation in favoured practice for the surgical treatment of external rectal prolapse. We repeated the same questionnaire to assess how practice has changed since the completion of the trial and its publication.

METHOD

An online survey was circulated to all members of the ACPGBI with identical questions to those used in the original in 1997.

RESULTS

Similar numbers of recipients responded (122/791 [15.4%] in 2014;153/600 [25.5%] in 1997). The median number of operations per surgeon per year was unchanged (6 [0-30] vs 6 [0-25]). The percentage of surgeons who favoured an abdominal approach in fit patients in 1997 rose significantly from 63.5% to 81.7% in 2014 (P < 0.01). Delorme's remains the most popular perineal procedure (78.5% vs 93.3%), but the Altemeier procedure increased from 14.9% to 39.3%. Ventral rectopexy was the preferred abdominal approach in 2014 (48.6% vs 5.9% [P < 0.01]), with 96.3% of these being performed laparoscopically. The number of surgeons carrying out posterior rectopexy decreased from 92.6% to 45.9% (P < 0.01). Only 9.9% of surgeons still undertook resection rectopexy compared with 39.7% in 1997 (P < 0.01). The numbers of surgeons favouring a perineal approach decreased (18.3% vs 36.5%) although the use of a perineal procedure in elderly or unfit patients was unchanged (38.5% vs 37.9%).

CONCLUSION

The surgical management of external rectal prolapse had changed. More surgeons favoured a laparoscopic abdominal approach in 2014 than in 1997 and the use of perineal approaches had decreased. Of these Delorme's operation remained the most popular but the incidence of the use of Altmeier's procedure had increased.

Does percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation improve global pelvic function in women with faecal incontinence?

AIM

Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a minimally invasive treatment for faecal incontinence. Many patients with faecal incontinence have coexisting pelvic floor disorders such as urinary incontinence and vaginal symptoms. We utilized a pelvic floor assessment tool to analyse any effect of PTNS on global pelvic floor function.

METHODS

Patients with faecal incontinence attending our institution who had failed to respond sufficiently to biofeedback were offered a course of PTNS. Patients underwent pre- and post-stimulation assessment with a validated electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire - Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF) for pelvic floor disorders. Scores were compared to assess the effect of treatment on global pelvic floor function.

RESULTS

During the study period pre- and post-stimulation ePAQ-PF data were available for 60 patients (55% of all patients starting PTNS). In this cohort there was a significant improvement in bowel continence, bowel related quality of life, irritable bowel syndrome and bowel evacuation with a large effect size for continence and bowel related quality of life. There was also a significant improvement in non-bowel related symptoms, including urinary pain and stress incontinence, urinary related quality of life and bowel related sexual function. Sixty-five per cent of those who answered the question reported improvement in global health after stimulation.

CONCLUSION

For patients presenting with faecal incontinence, PTNS appears to have a positive effect on bowel related function in approximately two-thirds of patients. However, for treatment responders, improvement appears to relate mainly to improvement in bowel related function rather than a global pelvic floor effect.

Comments to 'Rubber band ligation versus excisional haemorrhoidectomy for haemorrhoids'

OBJECTIVE

To review the efficacy and safety of the two most popular conventional methods of haemorrhoidal treatment, rubber band ligation and excisional haemorrhoidectomy (EH). The original study has now been updated using the same search strategy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL up to October 2010.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials comparing rubber band ligation with EH for symptomatic haemorrhoids in adult human patients were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We extracted data on to a previously designed data extraction sheet. Dichotomous data were presented as relative risk and 95 % confidence intervals, and continuous outcomes as weighted mean difference and 95 % confidence intervals.

MAIN RESULTS

Three trials (of poor methodological quality) met the inclusion criteria. Complete remission of haemorrhoidal symptom was better with EH (three studies, 202 patients, RR 1.68, 95 % CI 1.00-2.83). There was a significant heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 90.5 %; P = 0.0001). Similar analysis based on the grading of haemorrhoids revealed the superiority of EH over RBL for grade III haemorrhoids (prolapse that needs manual reduction) (two trials, 116 patients, RR 1.23, CI 1.04-1.45; P = 0.01). However, no significant difference was noticed in grade II haemorrhoids (prolapse that reduces spontaneously on cessation of straining) (one trial, 32 patients, RR 1.07, CI 0.94-1.21; P = 0.32). Fewer patients required re-treatment after EH (three trials, RR 0.20, CI 0.09-0.40; P < 0.00001). Patients undergoing EH were at significantly higher risk of post-operative pain (three trials, fixed effect; 212 patients, RR 1.94, 95 % CI 1.62-2.33, P < 0.00001) and of delayed complications (three trials, 204 patients, RR 6.32, CI 1.15-34.89; P = 0.03).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The present systematic review confirms the long-term efficacy of EH, at least for grade III haemorrhoids, compared to the less invasive technique of RBL but at the expense of increased pain, higher complications and more time off work. However, despite these disadvantages of EH, patient satisfaction and patient's acceptance of the treatment modalities seem to be similar following both the techniques implying patient's preference for complete long-term cure of symptoms and possibly less concern for minor complications. So, RBL can be adopted as the choice of treatment for grade II haemorrhoids with similar results but without the side effects of EH while reserving EH for grade III haemorrhoids or recurrence after RBL. More robust study is required to make definitive conclusions.

The Influence of Optimal Handheld Load on the Technical Ability to Apply Ground Reaction Forces during Horizontal Jumping in Female Netball Players

Handheld load has been reported to enhance horizontal jump performance, however little is known about its influence on ground reaction forces (GRF), especially in female athletes. This study investigated the effects of individualized optimal handheld loading on the technical and physical ability to apply GRF during horizontal jumping in female netball players. Maximal effort, single standing, horizontal jumps were performed by 13 female netballers. Participants performed the jumps under 2 conditions: 1) unloaded, and 2) loaded. Eccentric mean horizontal GRF significantly increased with loading (p<0.05; Effect Size [ES]= 0.74). The ratio of horizontal-to-total GRF significantly increased (p<0.05; ES=0.57), however resultant GRF did not, suggesting that the technical ability to apply force in the direction of intended movement may be of greater importance than the magnitude of force applied. Jump distance also increased from 188.2±16.1 cm to 196.4±13.6 cm (p<0.01; ES=0.55) with handheld load. In conclusion, individualized optimal handheld loading improved single horizontal jump performance in this population of athletes; most likely through various mechanisms that allowed for increased eccentric horizontal GRFs and the technical ability of force application. Findings could have practical implications for the strength and conditioning coach, trainer and athlete.

Resource implications of running a sacral neuromodulation service: a 10-year experience

AIM

In this study we reviewed our 10-year experience of the medium- to long-term success of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) for faecal incontinence, with particular reference to the resource implications of running such a service.

METHOD

All patients treated with permanent SNS implants for faecal incontinence from 2001 to 2012 were identified from a prospective database. The patients underwent follow up at 3 and 6 months, with annual review thereafter. They were divided into four groups: group 1, patients optimized after two reviews; group 2, patients optimized after further review; group 3, patients who failed to reach a satisfactory state; and group 4, patients who had a good initial result with subsequent failure.

RESULTS

Eighty-five patients underwent permanent SNS with a median follow up of 24 (range: 3-108) months. Group 1 included 30 (35%) patients; group 2 included 27 (32%) patients [median of two (range: 2-6) additional visits]; group 3 included 18 (21%) patients [median of six (range: 3-10) additional visits]; and group 4 included 10 (12%) patients [median interval to failure was 54 (range: 24-84) months]. Twenty-seven per cent of our patients had an unsatisfactory outcome and the cost of follow up for these patients was £36,854 (48.7% of the total follow-up costs).

CONCLUSION

The study highlights the significant resource implications of running an SNS service with a large proportion of patients requiring prolonged review, with more than one-quarter having an unsatisfactory outcome at a substantial cost.

Does sacral nerve stimulation improve global pelvic function in women?

AIM

Many women undergoing sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence have coexisting pelvic floor dysfunction. We used a global pelvic-floor assessment questionnaire to evaluate the effect of sacral neuromodulation on non-bowel related symptomatology.

METHOD

The electronic Personnel Assessment Questionnaire - Pelvic Floor (ePAQ-PF) is a validated Web-based electronic pelvic floor questionnaire. Women with faecal incontinence underwent assessment using the ePAQ. Pre- and poststimulator data were analysed over a 4.5-year period.

RESULTS

Forty-three women (mean age 56.5 years; median follow up 6.8 months) were included. All (100%) had urinary symptoms, 81.4% had vaginal symptoms and 85.7% described some sexual dysfunction. There was a significant improvement in faecal incontinence and in bowel-related quality of life (P < 0.005) as well as in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-related symptoms (P < 0.01) and in bowel-related sexual heath (P < 0.01). Symptoms of vaginal prolapse significantly improved (P = 0.05). There was also improvement in symptoms of overactive bladder (P = 0.005) and in urinary-related quality of life (P < 0.05). A global health improvement was reported in 58.1%, mainly in bowel evacuation (P < 0.01) and in vaginal pain and sensation (P < 0.05). In sexually active female patients, significant improvements in vaginal and bowel-related sexual health were seen (P < 0.005). Improvement in general sex life following stimulation was reported in 53.3%.

CONCLUSION

A Web-based electronic pelvic-floor assessment questionnaire has demonstrated global improvement in pelvic floor function in bowel, urinary, vaginal and sexual dimensions in women following sacral neuromodulation for faecal incontinence.