Risk factors and outcomes of occurrence of anastomotic leakage and reoperations for its management after colorectal surgery

Background: Anastomotic leakage (AL) is still the most annoying postsurgery complication after colorectal resection due to its serious complications up to death. Limited data were available regarding differences in AL incidence, management, and consequences for different types of colorectal resection. The aim of the present work was to evaluate differences in incidence of AL, incidence of postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay in a large number of patients who underwent elective colorectal resection for management of colorectal lesions. In addition to detect when and what type of reoperation for management of AL occur after colorectal resection. Patients: All 250 included patients underwent elective surgeries for colorectal resection with performance of primary anastomosis for management of colorectal neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases in the period between May 2016 and July 31, 2021. We followed the patients for 90 days; we registered the follow-up findings. Results: the rates of AL occurrence were variable after the different procedures. The lowest rate of AL occurrence was found in patients who underwent right hemicolectomy, then in patients who underwent sigmoidectomy, left hemicolectomy, transversectomy and anterior resection (p= 0.004). A stoma was frequently performed during reoperation (79.5%) which was significantly different between different procedures: 65.5% in right hemicolectomy, 75.0% in transversectomy, 85.7% in left hemicolectomy, and 93.0% in sigmoid resection (p< 0.001). Conclusion Rates, types, time of occurrence and severity of AL vary according to the type of colectomy performed and selective construction of stoma during AL reoperation is currently safely applied with comparable mortality rates for patients who did and who did not have a stoma after reoperation. (AU)

Manejo de perforaciones, fugas y fístulas del tracto gastrointestinal con clip sobre el endoscopio. Experiencia de un centro oncológico Latinoamericano / Management of perforations, leaks and fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract with over the scope clip. Experience at a Latin American cancer center

Introducción. Las fístulas derivadas de enfermedades neoplásicas del tracto digestivo, así como las fugas posteriores a procedimientos quirúrgicos, no son infrecuentes y ocasionan una morbilidad importante cuando se manejan de forma quirúrgica. También durante los procedimientos endoscópicos se pueden presentar perforaciones y, si se logra un manejo no operatorio, se alcanza una adecuada recuperación. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y los resultados de los pacientes con perforaciones, fístulas y fugas del tracto gastrointestinal, manejadas endoscópicamente con clip sobre el endoscopio. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de pacientes con perforación, fuga o fístula postoperatoria, llevados a endoscopía digestiva con colocación de clip sobre el endoscopio, en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología en Bogotá, D.C., Colombia, entre enero de 2016 y abril de 2020. Resultados. Se incluyeron 21 pacientes, 52,4 % de ellos mujeres. La mediana de edad fue de 66 años y del diámetro del defecto fue de 9 mm. En el 95 % se logró éxito técnico. Hubo éxito clínico temprano en el 85,7 % de los casos. El 76,1 % de los pacientes permanecieron sin síntomas a los 3 meses de seguimiento. Conclusiones. El manejo de perforaciones, fugas y fístulas con clip sobre el endoscopio parece ser factible y seguro. En la mayoría de estos pacientes se logró la liberación del clip y la identificación endoscópica del cierre inmediatamente después del procedimiento; sin embargo, en el caso de las fístulas, no se alcanzó el éxito clínico tardío en todos los casos

Introduction. Fistula of the digestive tract derived from neoplastic diseases as well as leaks following surgical procedures are not uncommon and usually cause significant morbidity when are managed surgically. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures may present perforations during their performance; if they are managed non-operatively, an adequate recovery is obtained. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics and the short- and long-term outcomes of patients with perforations, fistulas and leaks of the gastrointestinal tract managed endoscopically with over the scope clip (OTSC). Methods. Descriptive, retrospective study of patients brought to digestive endoscopy with OTSC placement with diagnosis of postoperative perforation, leak or fistula at the National Cancer Institute in Bogota, Colombia, between January 2016 and April 2020. Results. Twenty-one patients were taken for OTSC application for the management of perforations, leaks and fistulas of the gastrointestinal tract, 52.4% of them were women. The median age was 66 years. The median diameter of the defect was 9 mm. Technical success was achieved in 95%. Early clinical success was described in 85.7% of the cases; 76.1% of patients remained symptom-free at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions. Management of perforations, leaks and fistulas with OTSC appears to be feasible and safe. In most of these patients, clip release and endoscopic identification of closure was achieved immediately after management; however, in the case of fistulas, late clinical success was not achieved in all cases

Proteína C reactiva y su progresión en el tiempo para la detección de las fugas anastomóticas / C-reactive protein and its progression over time for the detection of anastomotic leaks

Introducción. Las fugas anastomóticas son una complicación común y crítica en cirugía gastrointestinal, por lo que su identificación y tratamiento temprano son necesarios para evitar resultados adversos. El uso convencional con un valor límite de la proteína C reactiva ha demostrado una utilidad limitada. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la utilidad de la medición seriada de la proteína C reactiva en la detección de fugas anastomóticas. Métodos. Revisión prospectiva de base de datos retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal mayor con al menos una anastomosis intestinal. Se midió la proteína C reactiva al tercer y quinto día posoperatorio. Las complicaciones se categorizaron según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo. La precisión diagnóstica fue evaluada por el área bajo la curva. Resultados. Se incluyeron 157 pacientes, el 52 % mujeres. La edad promedio fue de 63,7 años. El mayor número de cirugías correspondió a gastrectomía (36,3 %), resección anterior de recto (15,3 %) y hemicolectomía derecha (13,4 %). El 25,5 % tuvieron alguna complicación postoperatoria y el 32,5 % (n=13) presentaron fuga en la anastomosis. El aumento de la proteína C reactiva tuvo un área bajo la curva de 0,918 con un punto de corte de aumento en 1,3 mg/L, sensibilidad de 92,3 % (IC95% 78 ­ 100) y una especificidad de 92,4 % (IC95% 88 ­ 96). Conclusiones. El aumento de 1,3 mg/L en la proteína C reactiva entre el día de la cirugía y el quinto día fue un predictor preciso de fugas anastomóticas en pacientes con cirugía abdominal mayor

Introduction. Anastomotic leaks are a common and critical complication in gastrointestinal surgery. Their identification and early treatment are necessary to avoid adverse results, and conventional use with a cutoff value of C-reactive protein has shown limited utility. The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of serial measurement of C-reactive protein in the detection of anastomotic leaks. Methods. Prospective review of a retrospective database of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery with at least one intestinal anastomosis. C-reactive protein was measured on the third and fifth postoperative days. Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by the area under the curve.Results. 157 patients were included, 52% were females. The average age was 63.7 years. The largest number of surgeries corresponded to gastrectomies (36.3%), anterior resection of the rectum (15.3%) and right hemicolectomies (13.4%). 25.5% had some postoperative complication and 32.5% (n=13) had anastomosis leaks. The increase in C-reactive protein had an area under the curve of 0.918 with an increase cut-off point of 1.3 mg/L, sensitivity of 92.3% (95% CI 78-100) and specificity of 92.4%. (95% CI 88-96). Conclusions. The 1.3 mg/L increase in C-reactive protein between the day of surgery and the fifth day was an accurate predictor of anastomotic leaks in patients with major abdominal surgery

Proteína C reactiva como biomarcador predictivo de fuga anastomótica en cirugía oncológica colorrectal: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo / C-reactive protein as a predictive biomarker of anastomotic leak in colorectal cancer surgery: A retrospective cohort study

Introducción. La fuga anastomótica es la complicación más grave del tratamiento quirúrgico del cáncer de colon por su alta morbimortalidad. El diagnóstico evidente, manifestado por la salida de contenido intestinal por drenajes o la herida quirúrgica, ocurre tardíamente (entre el 6º y 8º día). El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la variación de los valores de la proteína C reactiva postoperatoria para hacer un diagnóstico precoz. Métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, de una cohorte de pacientes con neoplasia, en quienes se realizó cirugía oncológica con anastomosis intestinal, entre enero de 2019 y diciembre de 2021. Se midieron los valores en sangre de proteína C reactiva postoperatoria (1°, 3° y 5° días). Resultados. Se compararon 225 casos operados que no presentaron fuga con 45 casos con fuga. En los casos sin fuga, el valor de proteína C reactiva al 3º día fue de 148 mg/l y al 5º día de 71 mg/l, mientras en los casos con fuga, los valores fueron de 228,24 mg/l y 228,04 mg/l, respectivamente (p<0,05). Para un valor de 197 mg/l al 3º día la sensibilidad fue de 77 % y para un valor de 120 mg/l al 5º día la sensibilidad fue de 84 %. Conclusión. El mejor resultado de proteína C reactiva postoperatoria para detectar precozmente la fuga anastomótica se observó al 5º día. El valor de 127 mg/l tuvo la mejor sensibilidad, especificidad y valor predictivo negativo, lo cual permitiría el diagnóstico temprano y manejo oportuno de esta complicación

Introduction. Anastomotic leak is the most serious complication of surgical treatment of colon cancer due to its high morbidity and mortality. The obvious diagnosis manifested by the exit of intestinal content through drains or the operative wound, occurs late (between the 6th and 8th day). The objective of this work was to study the postoperative C-reactive protein values to make an early diagnosis. Methods. Observational, analytical, retrospective study of a cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery for neoplasia, between January 2019 and December 2021, who underwent oncological surgery with intestinal anastomosis and measured CRP blood values on 1st, 3rd and 5th post-operative days. Results. Two-hundred-twenty-five operated cases that did not present leaks were compared with 45 cases with leaks, with CRP values on the 3rd and 5th day of 148mg/l and 71mg/l in cases without leakage and CRP values of 228.24mg/l and 228.04 mg/l in cases with leakage on the 3rd and 5th day, respectively (p<0.05), CRP value of 197mg/l on the 3rd day has a sensitivity of 77%; CRP value of 120mg/l on the 5th day, has a sensitivity of 84%. Conclusions. The best result for CPR to early diagnosis of anastomotic leak was observed on the 5th day, having the value of 127 mg/l the best sensitivity, specificity and NPV, which would allow early diagnosis and timely management

Transanal drainage tube for prevention of anastomotic leak after anterior resection for rectal cancer: a meta-analysis / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of transanal drainage tube (TDT) in reducing the incidence of anastomotic leak following anterior resection in patients with rectal cancer. Methods: We conducted a systematic search for relevant studies published from inception to October 2022 across multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. The primary outcomes included total incidence of anastomotic leak, grade B and C anastomotic leak rates, reoperation rate, anastomotic bleeding rate, and overall complication rate. Results: Three randomized controlled trials involving 1115 patients (559 patients in the TDT group and 556 in the non-TDT group) were included. Meta-analysis showed that the total incidences of anastomotic leak and of grade B anastomotic leak were 5.5% (31/559) and 4.5% (25/559), respectively, in the TDT group and 7.9% (44/556) and 3.8% (21/556), respectively, in the non-TDT group. These differences are not statistically significant (P=0.120, P=0.560, respectively). Compared with the non-TDT group, the TDT group had a lower incidence of grade C anastomotic leak (1.6% [7/559] vs. 4.5% [25/556]) and reoperation rate (0.9% [5/559] vs. 4.3% [24/556]), but a higher incidence of anastomotic bleeding (8.2% [23/279] vs. 3.6% [10/276]). These differences were statistically significant (P=0.003, P=0.001, P=0.030, respectively). The overall complication rate was 26.5%(74/279) in the TDT group and 27.2% (75/276) in the non-TDT group. These differences are not statistically significant (P=0.860). Conclusions: TDT did not significantly reduce the total incidence of anastomotic leak but may have potential clinical benefits in preventing grade C anastomotic leak. Notably, placement of TDT may increase the anastomotic bleeding rate.

Importance of comprehensive management of anastomotic site after ultra-low anal sphincter-preservation surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Intersphincteric resection (ISR) surgery increases the rate of anal sphincter preservation in patients with ultra-low rectal cancers. However, the anastomotic site of ISR surgery is at risk for structural healing complications such as anastomotic leakage, anastomotic dehiscence, secondary anastomotic stenosis, chronic presacral sinus, rectovaginal fistula, and rectourethral fistula, which can lead to a persistent defunctioning ostomy or a secondary permanent colostomy. This article systematically describes the preoperative high-risk factors and characteristics of anastomotic site structural healing complications after ISR surgery, as well as the management of the anastomotic site during various stages including hospitalization, from discharge to one month after surgery, from one month after surgery to before stoma reversal, and after stoma reversal. This is to provide a clearer understanding of the risks associated with the anastomotic site at different stages of the healing process and to timely detect and actively manage related complications, thereby reducing the rate of permanent colostomy and truly achieving the dual goals of "survival benefit" and "quality of life improvement" in ISR surgery.

Specimen extraction through natural orifices with Cai tubes in gastrointestinal surgery: a single-institute series of 234 cases / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To investigate the feasibility of Cai tube-assisted natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) in gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This was a descriptive case-series study. Inclusion criteria: (1) colorectal or gastric cancer diagnosed by preoperative pathological examination or redundant sigmoid or transverse colon detected by barium enema; (2) indications for laparoscopic surgery; (3) body mass index <30 kg/m2 (transanal surgery) and 35 kg/m2 (transvaginal surgery); (4) no vaginal stenosis or adhesions in female patients undergoing transvaginal specimen extraction; and (5) patients with redundant colon aged 18-70 years and a history of intractable constipation for more than 10 years. Exclusion criteria: (1) colorectal cancer with intestinal perforation or obstruction, or gastric cancer with gastric perforation, gastric hemorrhage, or pyloric obstruction; (2) simultaneous resection of lung, bone, or liver metastases ; (3) history of major abdominal surgery or intestinal adhesions; and (4) incomplete clinical data. From January 2014 to October 2022, 209 patients with gastrointestinal tumors and 25 with redundant colons who met the above criteria were treated by NOSES utilizing a Cai tube (China invention patent number:ZL201410168748.2) in the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University. The procedures included eversion and pull-out NOSES radical resection in 14 patients with middle and low rectal cancer, NOSES radical left hemicolectomy in 171 patients with left-sided colorectal cancer, NOSES radical right hemicolectomy in 12 patients with right-sided colon cancer, NOSES systematic mesogastric resection in 12 patients with gastric cancer, and NOSES subtotal colectomy in 25 patients with redundant colons. All specimens were collected by using an in-house-made anal cannula (Cai tube) with no auxiliary incisions. The primary outcomes included 1-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) and postoperative complications. Results: Among 234 patients, 116 were male and 118 were female. The mean age was (56.6±10.9) years. NOSES was successfully completed in all patients without conversion to open surgery or procedure-related death. The negative rate of circumferential resection margin was 98.8% (169/171) with both two positive cases having left-sided colorectal cancer. Postoperative complications occurred in 37 patients (15.8%), including 11 cases (4.7%) of anastomotic leakage, 3 cases(1.3%) of anastomotic bleeding, 2 cases (0.9%) of intraperitoneal bleeding, 4 cases (1.7%) of abdominal infection, and 8 cases (3.4%) of pulmonary infection. Reoperations were required in 7 patients (3.0%), all of whom consented to creation of an ileostomy after anastomotic leakage. The total readmission rate within 30 days after surgery was 0.9% (2/234). After a follow-up of (18.3±3.6) months, the 1-year RFS was 94.7%. Five of 209 patients (2.4%) with gastrointestinal tumors had local recurrence, all of which was anastomotic recurrence. Sixteen patients (7.7%) developed distant metastases, including liver metastases(n=8), lung metastases(n=6), and bone metastases (n=2). Conclusion: NOSES assisted by Cai tube is feasible and safe in radical resection of gastrointestinal tumors and subtotal colectomy for redundant colon.

Prevention and treatment of postoperative complications of esophageal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Surgery is the primary treatment for esophageal cancer, but the postoperative complication rate remains high. Therefore, it is important to prevent and manage postoperative complications to improve prognosis. Common perioperative complications of esophageal cancer include anastomotic leakage, gastrointestinal tracheal fistula, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. Respiratory and circulatory system complications, such as pulmonary infection, are also quite common. These surgery-related complications are independent risk factors for cardiopulmonary complications. Complications, such as long-term anastomotic stenosis, gastroesophageal reflux, and malnutrition are also common after esophageal cancer surgery. By effectively reducing postoperative complications, the morbidity and mortality of patients can be reduced, and their quality of life can be improved.

Management and outcomes of gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy: results from the 2010-2020 national registry / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Management of gastric leak after sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is challenging due to its unpredictable outcomes. We aimed to summarize the characteristics of SG leaks and analyze interventions and corresponding outcomes in a real-world setting.@*METHODS@#To retrospectively review of 15,721 SG procedures from 2010 to 2020 based on a national registry. A cumulative sum analysis was used to identify a fitting curve of gastric leak rate. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests were performed to calculate and compare the probabilities of relevant outcomes. The logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of acute leaks.@*RESULTS@#A total of 78 cases of SG leaks were collected with an incidence of 0.5% (78/15,721) from this registry (6 patients who had the primary SG in non-participating centers). After accumulating 260 cases in a bariatric surgery center, the leak rate decreased to a stably low value of under 1.17%. The significant differences presented in sex, waist circumference, and the proportion of hypoproteinemia and type 2 diabetes at baseline between patients with SG leak and the whole registry population ( P = 0.005, = 0.026, <0.001, and = 0.001, respectively). Moreover, 83.1% (59/71) of the leakage was near the esophagogastric junction region. Leakage healed in 64 (88.9%, 64/72) patients. The median healing time of acute and non-acute leaks was 5.93 months and 8.12 months, respectively. Acute leak (38/72, 52.8%) was the predominant type with a cumulative reoperation rate >50%, whereas the cumulative healing probability in the patients who required surgical treatment was significantly lower than those requring non-surgical treatment ( P = 0.013). Precise dissection in the His angle area was independently associated with a lower acute leak rate, whereas preservation ≥2 cm distance from the His angle area was an independent risk factor.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Male sex, elevated waist circumference, hypoproteinaemia, and type 2 diabetes are risk factors of gastric leaks after SG. Optimizing surgical techniques, including precise dissection of His angle area and preservation of smaller gastric fundus, should be suggested to prevent acute leaks.

Impact of the vertical division of the rectum on the decrease in reloading of the endostapler for a complete division in colorectal cancer

Background: Despite several improvements in surgical techniques, the intracorporeal division of the distal end of the rectum is still challenging, particularly when it is too deep in a narrow pelvis. Even though it helps avoid spillage, the double-stapling technique (DST) raises concerns regarding safety and anastomotic leakage if multiple stapler firings are essential to complete the rectal division. Objective: To assess the feasibility of vertically dividing the rectum and its impact in reducing the number of reloads essential for that division in non-low rectal cancer patients undergoing total mesorectal excision (TME). Materials and Methods A retroprospective study. Results: From January 2017 to November 2021, a total of 123 patients with sigmoid and rectal cancers were enrolled in the present study; their data were collected and analyzed, and 21 patients were excluded. The remaining sample of 102 subjects was composed of 47 male (46%) and 55 female (54%) patients with a median age of 54 years (range: 30 to 78 years). Only 1 reload was enough to complete the rectal division in 82 (80.39%) cases, and 2 reloads were used in the remaining 20 (19.61%) patients. Anastomotic leakage was clinically evident in 4 cases (3.9%). No statically significant difference was observed when firing one or two staplers. No 30-day mortality was recorded in this series. Conclusion: Our early experience indicates that this type of division has a real advantage in terms of decreasing the number of reloads needed and, in turn, lowering the incidence of anastomotic leakage after partial mesorectal excision (PME) or TME when applied with proper patient selection. (AU)

Tratamiento endoscópico de una fístula aguda tras gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica / Endoscopic treatment of an acute fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy / Tratamento endoscópico de uma fístula aguda após gastrectomia vertical laparoscópica

La fístula gástrica aguda es una de las principales complicaciones vinculadas a la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica (GVL). Existen múltiples opciones terapéuticas para su resolución, siendo el tratamiento endoscópico mediante colocación de clips o stents uno de los más importantes. La aplicabilidad de cada método va a depender del tipo de fístula y del estado del paciente. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 35 años, que desarrolla una fístula aguda posterior a una GVL. Se realiza tratamiento endoscópico con colocaciónn del sistema "over-the-scope clip" (Ovesco®) a nivel del orificio fistuloso, con posterior colocaciónn de stent metálico auto expandible.

Acute gastric fistula is one of the main complications associated with laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy (LVG). There are multiple therapeutic options for its resolution, being endoscopic treatment by placing clips or stents one of the most important. The applicability of each method will depend on the type of fistula and the patient's condition. We present the case of a 35-year-old woman who developed an acute fistula after LGV. Endoscopic treatment is performed with placement of the over-the-scope clip system (Ovesco®) at the level of the fistulous orifice, with subsequent placement of a self-expanding metal stent.

A fístula gástrica aguda é uma das principais complicações associadas à gastrectomia vertical laparoscópica (GVL). Existem múltiplas opções terapêuticas para a sua resolução, sendo o tratamento endoscópico com colocação de clipes ou stents uma das mais importantes. A aplicabilidade de cada método dependerá do tipo de fístula e do estado do paciente. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 35 anos que apresentou uma fístula aguda após GVL. O tratamento endoscópico foi realizado com a colocação do sistema de clipe over-the-scope (Ovesco®) no nível do orifício fistuloso, com posterior colocação de stent metálico autoexpansível.

New use of an absorbable adhesion barrier (INTERCEED) for temporary diverting ileostomy in minimally invasive rectal surgery

Objectives: Sometimes, severe adhesion occurs between the rectus abdominis muscle and the ileal intestinal limbs after temporary diverting ileostomy. This can make ileostomy reversal difficult. The aim of the present study is to assess whether absorbable adhesion barrier made of oxidized regenerated cellulose (INTERCEED) could contribute to improved surgical outcomes in stoma reversal. Methods: This was a single-institutional retrospective study. A total of 36 consecutive patients who underwent ileostomy reversal by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. INTERCEED was inserted between the ileal limbs and the rectus abdominis muscle at the time of ileostomy creation in 12 patients. Surgical outcomes of the ileostomy reversal were compared between patients treated with and without INTERCEED. Results:The degree of adhesion formation between the ileal limbs and the rectus abdominis muscles, operating time, and estimated blood loss were significantly reduced in patients treated with INTERCEED compared with those treated by the conventional approach. None of the patients in the INTERCEED group had postoperative complications after the initial surgery and ileostomy reversal. Conclusions: INTERCEED is suitable for insertion between the ileal limbs and the rectus abdominis muscles because of its softness and flexibility. The use of INTERCEED for diverting ileostomy contributes to reduced adhesion formation, operative time, and blood loss in patients, and further research is needed to confirm our results. (AU)

Proteína C reactiva y su relación con las complicaciones posoperatorias en cirugía colorrectal electiva / Association between C-reactive protein and postoperative complications in elective colorectal surgery

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el uso de la proteína C reactiva (PCR) ha adquirido relevancia como identificador de complicaciones posoperatorias La morbilidad en cirugía colorrectal se estima en un 30% de los pacientes operados, lo que demanda medidas para su temprana identificación y terapéutica. Objetivo: describir las curvas de mediciones sucesivas de PCR y su relación con el desarrollo de complicaciones posoperatorias y niveles de glóbulos blancos en una serie de pacientes operados de cirugía colorrectal. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión retrospectiva sobre un registro prospectivo de 2205 pacientes operados por la División de Cirugía Gastroenterológica del Hospital de Clínicas, entre enero de 2019 y julio de 2020. Se incluyeron 69 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Se consignaron datos del seguimiento clínico y dosaje de PCR, recuento de glóbulos blancos, vía de abordaje y desarrollo de complicaciones. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 59 años (DS 13,6; rango 33-85), 31 fueron hombres (43%). La tasa de complicaciones fue del 13,04%; más frecuente fue la fístula anastomótica (fístula, colección), seguida por complicaciones de la herida (hematoma, evisceración). Todos los pacientes mostraron un ascenso inicial del valor de PCR entre el 2° y 3er día, en relación con la lesión quirúrgica, los no complicados presentaron una cinética de descenso y los complicados. curvas de segundo ascenso o no descenso en las mediciones seriadas de PCR, y exhibían valores superiores de PCR cada día Se advirtieron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los valores de proteína C reactiva al 5° día posoperatorio en el subgrupo de pacientes complicados con respecto a aquellos con un curso indolente (28 mg/dL vs. 6,1 mg/dL, p < 0,001; IC: 11,24-39,61). hubo diferencia significativa al 5o día entre complicados y no complicados, independientemente de la vía de abordaje. con un valor de corte de PCR de 10,92 mg/dL obtuvimos una sensibilidad del 87,50% y una especificidad del 100% para excluir complicaciones. Conclusiones: la medición de la proteína C reactiva de forma seriada en los posoperatorios de cirugía colorrectal mostró un correlato con la identificación temprana de las complicaciones en nuestra serie, tanto en sus valores absolutos diarios como en la cinética de su comportamiento. se formula el uso de valores de corte para el alta segura.

ABSTRACT Background: The use of C-reactive protein (CRP) has gained relevance as a marker of marker of postoperative complications. As the incidence of complications of colorectal surgery is estimated to be of 30%, measures should for their early identification and treatment. Objective: To describe the performance of consecutive CRP determinations and their relationship with the development of postoperative complications and with white blood cell count in a series of patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed using a prospective registry of 2205 patients operated on at the Department of Digestive Surgery of Hospital de Clínicas, between January 2019 and July 2020. A total of 69 patients fulfilling the selection criteria were included. Clinical follow-up data, CRP levels, white blood cell count, type of approach and development of complications were recorded. Results: Mean age was 59 years (SD 13.6; range 33-85) and 31 were men (43%). The complication rate was 13.04%. Anastomotic leak (fistula, fluid collection) was the most common complication, followed by surgical site complications (hematoma, evisceration). All patients showed an initial increase in CRP values between days 2 and 3, in relation with the surgical lesion, and then decreased in those without complications. Patients with complications had second rise or lack of decrease in serial CRP measurements, and higher CRP values each day. There were statistically significant differences between the CRP levels on postoperative day 5 in the subgroup of patients with complications compared with those with an indolent course (28 mg/dL vs. 6.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001; CI: 11.24-39.61). There was a significant difference on day 5 between patients with and without complications, irrespective of the approach. With a cut-off value of CRP of 10.92 mg/dL on postoperative day 5 we obtained a sensitivity of 87.50% and specificity of 100% to rule out complications. Conclusions: Serial determination of CRP in the postoperative period after colorectal surgery was associated with early identification of complications in our series, both in daily absolute values and in the kinetics of its performance. The use of cut-off values for safe discharge is proposed.

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage following total or subtotal colectomy

Introduction: A higher rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) is reported after ileosigmoid anastomosis (ISA) or ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in total or subtotal colectomy (TSC) compared with colonic or colorectal anastomosis. Themain aimof the present studywas to assess potential risk factors for AL after ISA or IRA and to investigate determinants of morbidity. Methods: We identified 180 consecutive patients in a prospective referral, single center database, in which 83 of the patients underwent TSC with ISA or IRA. Data regarding the clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcome were assessed to determine their association with the cumulative incidence of AL and surgical morbidity. Results: Ileosigmoid anastomosis was performed in 51 of the patients (61.5%) and IRA in 32 patients (38.6%). The cumulative incidence of ALwas 15.6% (13 of 83 patients). A higher AL rate was found in patients under 50 years-old (p=0.038), in the electivelaparoscopic approach subgroup (p=0.049), and patients in the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) subgroup (p=0.009). Furthermore, 14 patients (16.9%) had morbidity classified as Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIA. Discussion: A relatively high incidence of AL after TSC was observed in a relatively safe surgical procedure. Our findings suggest that the risk of AL may be higher in IBD patients. According to our results, identifying risk factors prior to surgerymay improve short-term outcomes. (AU)

Safety and prognosis analysis of transanal total mesorectal excision versus laparoscopic mesorectal excision for mid-low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective: To compare the short-term and long-term outcomes between transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (laTME) for mid-to-low rectal cancer and to evaluate the learning curve of taTME. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study. Firstly, consecutive patients undergoing total mesorectal excision who were registered in the prospective established database of Division of Colorectal Diseases, Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital during July 2014 to June 2020 were recruited. The enrolled patients were divided into taTME and laTME group. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, neoadjuvant treatment, intraoperative and postoperative complications, pathological results and follow-up data were extracted from the database. The primary endpoint was the incidence of anastomotic leakage and the secondary endpoints included the 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and the 3-year local recurrence rate. Independent t-test for comparison between groups of normally distributed measures; skewed measures were expressed as M (range). Categorical variables were expressed as examples (%) and the χ(2) or Fisher exact probability was used for comparison between groups. When comparing the incidence of anastomotic leakage, 5 variables including sex, BMI, clinical stage evaluated by MRI, distance from tumor to anal margin evaluated by MRI, and whether receiving neoadjuvant treatment were balanced by propensity score matching (PSM) to adjust confounders. Kaplan-Meier curve and Log-rank test were used to compare the DFS of two groups. Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze and determine the independent risk factors affecting the DFS of patients with mid-low rectal cancer. Secondly, the data of consecutive patients undergoing taTME performed by the same surgical team (the trananal procedures were performed by the same main surgeon) from February 2017 to March 2021 were separately extracted and analyzed. The multidimensional cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart was used to draw the learning curve of taTME. The outcomes of 'mature' taTME cases through learning curve were compared with laTME cases and the independent risk factors of DFS of 'mature' cases were also analyzed. Results: Two hundred and forty-three patients were eventually enrolled, including 182 undergoing laTME and 61 undergoing taTME. After PSM, both fifty-two patients were in laTME group and taTME group respectively, and patients of these two groups had comparable characteristics in sex, age, BMI, clinical tumor stage, distance from tumor to anal margin by MRI, mesorectal fasciae (MRF) and extramural vascular invasion (EMVI) by MRI and proportion of receiving neoadjuvant treatment. After PSM, as compared to laTME group, taTME group showed significantly longer operation time [(198.4±58.3) min vs. (147.9±47.3) min, t=-4.321, P<0.001], higher ratio of blood loss >100 ml during surgery [17.3% (9/52) vs. 0, P=0.003], higher incidence of anastomotic leakage [26.9% (14/52) vs. 3.8% (2/52), χ(2)=10.636, P=0.001] and higher morbidity of overall postoperative complications [55.8%(29/52) vs. 19.2% (10/52), χ(2)=14.810, P<0.001]. Total harvested lymph nodes and circumferential resection margin involvement were comparable between two groups (both P>0.05). The median follow-up for the whole group was 24 (1 to 72) months, with 4 cases lost, giving a follow-up rate of 98.4% (239/243). The laTME group had significantly better 3-year DFS than taTME group (83.9% vs. 73.0%, P=0.019), while the 3-year local recurrence rate was similar in two groups (1.7% vs. 3.6%, P=0.420). Multivariate analysis showed that and taTME surgery (HR=3.202, 95%CI: 1.592-6.441, P=0.001) the postoperative pathological staging of UICC stage II (HR=13.862, 95%CI:1.810-106.150, P=0.011), stage III (HR=8.705, 95%CI: 1.104-68.670, P=0.040) were independent risk factors for 3-year DFS. Analysis of taTME learning curve revealed that surgeons would cross over the learning stage after performing 28 cases. To compare the two groups excluding the cases within the learning stage, there was no significant difference between two groups after PSM no matter in the incidence of anastomotic leakage [taTME: 6.7%(1/15); laTME: 5.3% (2/38), P=1.000] or overall complications [taTME: 33.3%(5/15), laTME: 26.3%(10/38), P=0.737]. The taTME was still an independent risk factor of 3-year DFS only analyzing patients crossing over the learning stage (HR=5.351, 95%CI:1.666-17.192, P=0.005), and whether crossing over the learning stage was not the independent risk factor of 3-year DFS for mid-low rectal cancer patients undergoing taTME (HR=0.954, 95%CI:0.227-4.017, P=0.949). Conclusions: Compared with conventional laTME, taTME may increase the risk of anastomotic leakage and compromise the oncological outcomes. Performing taTME within the learning stage may significantly increase the risk of postoperative anastomotic leakage.

Chinese expert consensus on protective ostomy for mid-low rectal cancer (version 2022) / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The rate of sphincter-preserving surgery for mid-low rectal cancer is increasing, but anastomotic leakage remains to be one of the common serious complications after operation. How to reduce the morbility and mortality of anastomotic leakage is always a hot and difficult point in colorectal surgery. Protective ostomy is a common method to deal with the above problems in clinical practice. However, some problems such as inappropriate stoma and stoma-related complications etc. become the current clinical challenges. The purpose of this consensus focusing on indication of ostomy, clinical value, ostomy skills, prevention of stoma complications, reversion of stoma and stoma nursing aims to provide guidance for the clinical practice of protective ostomy in the operation of mid-low rectal cancer in China.

Retrospective analysis of short-term curative effect of total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal after radical resection of rectal cancer / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To investigate the safety, feasibility and short-term efficacy of total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal in patients after resection of rectal cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 20 patients who underwent total laparoscopic loop ileoscopic loop ileostomy after radical resection of rectal cancer at Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, or Beijing Chaoyang District Sanhuan Cancer Hospital from October 2019 to June 2020 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Results: All patients had successfully underwent total laparoscopic ileostomy reversal without conversion to open surgery or discontinued operation. No perioperative related death cases were found. In the whole group, the median operation time was 97 (60-145) minutes and the median intraoperative blood loss was 20 (10-100) milliliters. The median Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was 1.9 (1-5) one day after the operation. Nobody needed to use additional analgesic drugs. The median time to grand activities was 25 (16-42) hours, the median time to flatus was 44 (19-51) hours, and the median hospitalization after operation was 6.9 (5-9) days. No patients underwent operation related complications such as operative incision infection, abdominal and pelvic infection, intestinal obstruction, anastomotic leakage, bleeding and so on. Conclusions: Total laparoscopic loop ileostomy reversal appears to be safe, feasible and with promising efficacy for selected patients.

Tratamento não-cirúrgico de fístula de alto débito pós-"bypass" gástrico em paciente portador de superobesidade: relato de caso / Non-surgical treatment of high-output fistula after gastric bypass in a patient with superobesity: case report

Introdução: A cirurgia bariátrica é atualmente o tratamento indicado para a obesidade mórbida e a técnica do bypass gástrico em Y de Roux (BGYR) largamente utilizada em todo o mundo, mesmo para pacientes superobesos. No Brasil, o BGYR é a técnica de escolha da maioria dos cirurgiões bariátricos. As deiscências de anastomose ou da linha de grampeamento estão entre as complicações cirúrgicas mais temidas. Relato de Caso: Paciente com fístula da anastomose gastrojejunal após bypass gástrico em Y de Roux comunicando com a ferida operatória, foi tratado com sucesso com tratamento endoscópico conservador. Após o diagnóstico, o paciente foi submetido à endoscopia digestiva alta em ambiente de centro cirúrgico com passagem de sonda nasoenteral. Onze dias após, foi realizada uma segunda endoscopia com dilatação da anastomose gastrojejunal com vela de Savary-Gillard. A fístula fechou em 21 contando da data de seu diagnóstico. Conclusão: A partir desse relato, conclui-se que a abordagem conservadora de fístulas pós-BGYR em pacientes estáveis com auxílio endoscópico para o posicionamento da sonda nasoenteral e dilatação com vela pode reservar bons resultados terapêuticos para a condução dessa complicação e evitar intervenções cirúrgicas mais complexas.

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is currently the indicated treatment for morbid obesity and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) technique is widely used worldwide, even for super obese patients. In Brazil, RYGB is the most chosen technique of bariatric surgeons. Although, anastomosis or stapling line dehiscences are one of the most feared surgical complications. Case Report: A patient with gastrojejunal anastomosis fistula after Rouxen-Y gastric bypass communicating with the surgical wound was successfully treated with conservative endoscopic treatment. After diagnosis, the patient underwent upper digestive endoscopy in operating room with introduction of a nasoenteral tube. Eleven days later, a second endoscopy was performed with dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis with a Savary-Gilliard bougie. The fistula closed at the day 21 counting from the date of his diagnosis. Conclusion: From this report, it's concluded that the conservative approach of post-RYGB fistulas in stable patients with endoscopic aid for positioning the nasoenteral tube and dilation with a bougie can reserve good therapeutic results for the management of this complication and avoid more surgical interventions complex.

Clinical value of routine contrast esophagram in the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage for three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis / 中华外科杂志

Objective: To examine the clinical value of routine contrast esophagram (RCE) for the diagnosis of anastomotic leakage (AL) after three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. Methods: Clinical data of 1 022 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent McKeown three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis from January 2015 to December 2019 at Department of Minimally Invasive Esophageal Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital and Institute were analyzed retrospectively. There were 876 males and 146 females, aging(M(IQR)) 48(16) years (range: 36 to 84 years). There were 253 patients (24.8%) with neoadjuvant therapy, and 817 patients (79.9%) with minimally invasive esophagectomy. According to the diagnosis and treatment habits of the attending surgeons, 333 patients were included in the RCE group, and RCE was performed on the 7th day postoperative, while 689 patients were included in the non-RCE group, and RCE was performed when the patients had suspicious symptoms. Taking clinical symptoms, RCE, CT, endoscopy and other methods as reference to the diagnosis of AL, the sensitivity and specificity were used to analyze and evaluate the efficacy of RCE for the diagnosis of AL. The data were compared by U test or χ² test between groups. Results: The incidence rate of AL after three-incision esophagectomy was 7.34% (75/1 022), including 30 cases in the RCE group and 45 cases in the non-RCE group (9.0%(30/333) vs. 6.5%(45/689), χ²=2.027, P=0.155). The diagnostic time of AL was 9(5) days postoperative (range: 4 to 30 days). Among them, 23 cases showed cervical leakages, 50 cases showed intro-thoracic leakages, and 2 cases both cervical and intro-thoracic leakages. The diagnostic time of patients with intro-thoracic leakages was longer than that of cervical leakages (10(4) days vs. 6(3) days, Z=-2.517, P=0.012). Among the 333 patients in the RCE group, 16 cases of RCE indicated leakages including 11 cases of true positive and 5 cases determined to be false positive, while 317 cases indicated no abnormalities including 19 cases developed leakages. The sensitivity and specificity of RCE to detect AL were 36.7%(11/30) and 98.3%(298/333), respectively. The Youden-index was 0.35, and the diagnostic accuracy was 92.8%(309/333). The positive and negative predictive value were 11/16 and 94.0%(298/317), respectively. Conclusions: Routine contrast esophagram after three-incision esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis has low sensitivity and high specificity in the diagnosis of AL. The diagnostic time of AL is the 9th day after surgery. It is necessary to prolong the observation time clinically, and combine RCE with CT, endoscopy and other inspection methods for diagnosis.

Clinical observation on perioperative complications of minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis and minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To compare and analyze the perioperative clinical effects of minimally invasive Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (MIE-Ivor-Lewis) and minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy (MIE-McKeown). Methods: A total of 147 patients who underwent endoscopic esophageal cancer surgery from April 2018 to August 2019 were selected, including 85 patients undergoing MIE-McKeown surgery and 62 patients undergoing MIE-Ivor-Lewis surgery. The measurement data were expressed as (x±s), the comparison of normally distributed measurement data was performed by independent sample t-test, and the comparison of count data was performed by χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test. Results: The operation time of McKeown (M) group and Ivor-Lewis (IL) group were (219.2±72.4) minutes and (225.8±65.3) minutes. The mediastinal lymph node dissection number of M and IL groups were 13.3±4.8 and 11.6±6.5, respectively. The number of left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node dissection were 3.5±1.2 and 3.1±1.4, respectively. The intraoperative blood loss were (178.3±41.3) ml and (163.2±64.1) ml, respectively. The number of patients reoperated for postoperative bleeding were 1 and 0, respectively. The number of patients with postoperative gastric bleeding were 0 and 1, respectively. The postoperative chest tube retention time were (2.8±1.3) days and (3.1±1.2) days, respectively. The number of patients with anastomotic leakage were 7 and 1, respectively. The number of patients with lung infection were 13 and 5, respectively, and with chylothorax were 2 and 1, respectively, without statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The number of patients with hoarseness were 11 and 3, respectively. The total incidence of complication were 41.2% (35/85) and 17.7% (11/62), and the postoperative hospital stay were (14.7±6.5) days and (12.3±2.3) days, with statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: MIE-Ivor-Lewis and MIE-McKeown are safe and effective in treating esophageal cancer, but the complication of MIE-Ivor-Lewis is less than that of MIE-Mckeown, and the perioperative clinical effect of MIE-Ivor-Lewis is better than that of MIE-McKeown.