Rectal stump management in inflammatory bowel disease: a cohort study, systematic review and proportional analysis of perioperative complications.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse local single-institution data and perform a systematic review of the literature to calculate precise risk estimates of rectal stump-related morbidity and mortality following subtotal colectomy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's colitis, ulcerative colitis and indeterminate colitis. METHODS: Institutional information systems were interrogated to obtain local patient data. A systematic review of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to identify relevant articles. Fixed-effects or random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was performed to calculate pooled incidence estimates, including local data. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients were included locally and all had their rectal stump closed intra-abdominally. Four patients (8.3%) had a rectal stump perforation and 30-day mortality was 0. Fourteen papers were included in our review alongside local data, with a total of 1330 patients included. Pooled mortality was 1.7% (95% confidence interval, CI 1.0-2.8), pooled incidence of pelvic abscess/sepsis, stump leak and wound infection was 5.7% (95% CI 4.4-7.3), 4.9% (95% CI 3.7-6.6) and 11.3% (95% CI 7.8-16), respectively. Subcutaneous placement of the stump was associated with the highest incidence of stump leak (12.6%, 95% CI 8.3-18.6), and closure of the stump with both staples and suture was associated with the highest incidence of pelvic abscess (11.1%, 95% CI 5.8-20.3). Mortality and the incidence of wound infection were similar across stump closure techniques. There was evidence suggesting considerable heterogeneity and publication bias among studies. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides estimates of morbidity associated with the rectal stump after subtotal colectomy for IBD. A closed intra-abdominal stump seems to be associated with the highest rate of pelvic abscess/sepsis. Further work in form of an international collaborative project would allow individual patient data analysis and identification of risk factors for complications.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of incisional hernia post-reversal of ileostomy.

PURPOSE: Incisional hernia following closure of loop ileostomy is a common problem. Assessment of the proportion of this complication is limited by small sample size and inconsistent reporting. The aim of this review was to provide an estimate of the proportion of incisional hernia following closure of loop ileostomy according to clinical and radiological diagnostic criteria and to investigate the association of bibliometric and study quality parameters with reported proportion. METHODS: A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, ISRCTN Registry and Open Grey from 2000 onwards was performed according to PRISMA standards. Reporting on the type of stoma and mesh reinforcement after closure was mandatory for inclusion, whereas studies on paediatric populations were excluded. Fixed effect or random effects models were used to calculate pooled proportion estimates. Meta-regression models were formed to explore potential heterogeneity. RESULTS: 42 studies with 7166 patients were included. The pooled estimate of the proportion of incisional hernia after ileostomy closure was 6.1% (95% confidence interval, CI 4.4-8.3%). Proportion estimates for higher quality studies and studies reporting on incisional hernia as primary outcome were 9.0% (95% CI 6.3-12.7%) and 13.1% (95% CI 8.8-19.1%). Significant between-study heterogeneity was identified (P < 0.001, I2 = 87%) and the likelihood of publication bias was high (P = 0.028). Mixed effects regression showed that both year of publication (P = 0.034, Q = 4.484, df = 1.000) and defining hernia as a primary outcome (Q = 20.298, P < 0.001) were related to effect size. Method of follow-up and quality of the studies affected the proportion. CONCLUSION: The proportion of incisional hernia at ileostomy closure site is estimated at 6.1%. Reporting incisional hernia as primary or secondary outcome, the method of diagnosis, the year of publication and methodological quality are associated with reported proportion.

Meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of local vs. general anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy.

Controversy exists regarding the best choice of anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy. We aimed to evaluate the peri-operative outcomes of local vs. general anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy. We conducted a systematic search of electronic information sources and applied a combination of free text and controlled vocabulary searches adapted to thesaurus headings, search operators and limits in each of the electronic databases. We defined peri-operative stroke, transient ischaemic attack, mortality and myocardial infarction as the primary outcome measures. We identified 12 randomised controlled trials and 21 observational studies reporting a total of 58,212 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy under local or general anaesthesia. Analysis of observational studies demonstrated that local anaesthesia was associated with a significantly lower incidence of stroke (odds ratio (OR (95% CI) 0.66 (0.55-0.80), p < 0.0001), transient ischaemic attack (0.52 (0.38-0.70), p < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (0.55 (0.41-0.75), p = 0.0002) and mortality (0.72 (0.56-0.94), p = 0.01) compared with general anaesthesia. Analysis of randomised controlled trials did not find a significant difference in the risk of stroke (0.92 (0.67-1.28), p = 0.63), transient ischaemic attack (2.20 (0.48-10.03), p = 0.31), myocardial infarction (1.25 (0.57-2.72), p = 0.58) or mortality (0.61 (0.35-1.05), p = 0.07) between local and general anaesthesia. On trial sequential analysis of the randomised trials, the Z-curve did not cross the α-spending boundaries or futility boundaries for stroke, mortality and transient ischaemic attack, suggesting that more trials are needed to reach conclusive results. Our meta-analysis of observational studies suggests that local anaesthesia for carotid endarterectomy may be associated with lower peri-operative morbidity and mortality compared with general anaesthesia. Although randomised studies have not confirmed any advantage for local anaesthesia, this may be due to a lack of pooled statistical power in these trials.

Bilateral peroneal artery aneurysms.

True aneurysm of the tibial arteries is a rare clinical condition. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with a gradual onset of right calf swelling and pain. Imaging revealed large aneurysms arising from the proximal peroneal arteries bilaterally, measuring 7.4cm and 4cm on the right and left respectively. A detailed medical history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations did not identify evidence of an underlying cause. A surgical reconstruction with an interposition vein graft was successfully performed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary aneurysm of the peroneal artery in the English literature. We undertook a systematic literature review to identify all reported cases of primary aneurysms of the tibial arteries. The clinical presentation, modes of investigation and interventional treatments are discussed.

Effect of beta-blockers on perioperative outcomes in vascular and endovascular surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the role of perioperative beta-blocker use in vascular and endovascular surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement standards. The review protocol was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number:CRD42016038111). We searched electronic databases to identify all randomized controlled trials and observational studies investigating outcomes of patients undergoing vascular and endovascular surgery with or without perioperative beta blockade. We used the Cochrane tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale to assess the risk of bias of trials and observational studies, respectively. Random-effects models were applied to calculate pooled outcome data. RESULTS: We identified three randomized trials, five retrospective cohort studies, and three prospective cohort studies, enrolling a total of 32,602 patients. Our analyses indicated that perioperative use of beta-blockers did not reduce the risk of all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-2.04, P = 0.77], cardiac mortality (OR 2.62, 95% CI 0.86-8.05, P = 0.09), myocardial infarction (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.59-1.35, P = 0.58), unstable angina (OR 1.34, 95% CI 0.41- 4.38, P = 0.63), stroke (OR 2.45, 95% CI 0.89-6.75, P = 0.08), arrhythmias (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.41-1.43, P = 0.40), congestive heart failure (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.77-1.63, P = 0.56), renal failure (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.90-2.45, P = 0.13), composite cardiovascular events (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.55-1.40, P = 0.58), rehospitalisation (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.48-1.52, P = 0.60), and reoperation (OR 1.17, 95% CI 0.42-3.27, P = 0.77) in vascular surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Beta-blockers do not improve perioperative outcomes in vascular and endovascular surgery.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Dual Versus Single Antiplatelet Therapy in Carotid Interventions.

BACKGROUND: The importance of antiplatelet therapy for the management and prevention of ischaemic stroke cannot be overstated. Despite the established guidelines, there is no clear consensus on how to manage antiplatelet therapy during and after carotid interventions. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to undertake a systematic literature review and perform a meta-analysis to assess the effects of dual antiplatelet therapy in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and stenting (CAS). DATA SOURCES: Electronic information sources (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL) and bibliographic reference lists were searched to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting comparative outcomes of dual versus single antiplatelet therapy in CEA and CAS. METHODS: Primary outcomes were mortality and stroke within 30 days of intervention. Secondary outcomes were transient ischaemic attack (TIA), major bleeding, groin or neck haematoma, and myocardial infarction (MI). Dichotomous outcome measures were reported using the risk difference (RD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Combined overall treatment effects were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effects models. RESULTS: Three RCTs and seven observational studies were identified reporting a total of 36,881 CEAs and 150 CAS procedures. In CEA, there were no differences in stroke/TIA/death between single and dual antiplatelet therapy, but there was a significant risk of major bleeding (RD, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00-0.01; p = .0003) and neck haematoma with dual therapy (RD, 0.04; 95% CI, 0.01-0.06; p = .001). In addition, the rate of MI was higher in the dual therapy group than the single therapy group (RD, 0.00; 95% CI, 0.00-0.01; p = .003). In CAS, there was no difference in major bleeding or haematoma formation, but a significant difference in TIA in favour of dual therapy was identified (RD -0.13, 95% CI, -0.22 to -0.05; p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Dual antiplatelet therapy demonstrates advantages over single therapy only in CAS, as indicated by a reduced risk of TIA. Dual antiplatelet therapy was associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications in patients undergoing CEA.

Outcome after Interruption or Preservation of Internal Iliac Artery Flow During Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aorto-iliac Aneurysms.

AIM: The aim was to conduct a systematic review of the literature investigating outcomes after interruption or preservation of the internal iliac artery (IIA) during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies reporting IIA management during EVAR. The search identified 57 articles: 30 reported on IIA interruption (1468 patients) and 27 on IIA preservation (816 patients). RESULTS: The pooled 30 day buttock claudication (BC) rate was 29.2% (95% CI 24.2-34.7). Patients undergoing bilateral IIA interruption had a higher incidence of BC than patients with unilateral IIA interruption (36.5% vs. 27.2%, OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.11-2.6, p = .01). During a median follow up of 17 months, the pooled rate of persistent BC was 20.5% (95% CI 15.7-26.2). Of the patients, 93.9% underwent an endovascular revascularization procedure for IIA preservation. Most patients (87.6%) had an iliac branched device, and technical success was 96.2%. Within 30 days of EVAR, 4.3% of internal iliac branches occluded. During a median follow up of 15 months, the pooled occlusion rate at the site of IIA revascularization was 8.8% (95% CI 6.8-11.3). In patients treated with an iliac-branched device, 5.2% of internal iliac branches and 1.7% of external iliac arteries occluded. The pooled BC rate on the side of the IIA revascularization during follow up was 4.1% (95% CI 2.9-5.9). Pooled rates of late device related endoleak type I or III and secondary procedures on the side of the previous IIA revascularization were 4.6% (95% CI 3.2-6.5) and 7.8% (95% CI 5.7-10.7) respectively. CONCLUSION: Unilateral or bilateral IIA occlusion during EVAR seems to carry a substantial risk of significant ischemic complications in nearly one quarter of patients. Bilateral IIA occlusion was related to a significantly higher rate of BC. IIA preservation techniques represent a significant improvement in the treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms and have been associated with high technical success and low morbidity.

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery through the umbilicus is associated with a higher incidence of trocar-site hernia than conventional laparoscopy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been developed with the objective to reduce surgical trauma, decrease associated surgical stress and to improve cosmetic outcome. However, concerns have been raised regarding the risk of trocar-site hernia following this approach. Previous meta-analyses have suggested a trend toward higher hernia rates, but have failed to demonstrate a significant difference between single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery. METHOD: Medline, AMED, CINAHL and CENTRAL were searched up to May 2014. Randomized controlled trials comparing single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery were considered for inclusion. Studies with patients aged less than 18 years and those reporting on robotic surgery were disregarded. Pooled odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the comparative risk of trocar-site hernia following single-incision and conventional laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS: Nineteen randomized trials encompassing 1705 patients were included. Trocar-site hernia occurred in 2.2% of patients in the single-incision group and in 0.7% of patients in the conventional laparoscopic surgery group (odds ratio 2.26, 95% confidence interval 1.00-5.08, p = 0.05). Sensitivity analysis of quality randomized trials validated the outcome estimates of the primary analysis. There was no heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 0%) and no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Single-incision laparoscopic surgery involving entry into the peritoneal cavity through the umbilicus is associated with a slightly higher risk of trocar-site hernia than conventional laparoscopy. Its effect on long-term morbidity and quality of life is a matter for further investigation.

Lack of evidence for use of heparin-bonded grafts in access surgery: a meta-analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of heparin-bonded vascular grafts to offer improved outcomes compared with standard prosthetic grafts in access surgery. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed and eight studies (seven observational studies and one randomized controlled trial) were included. The pooled 6-month and 1-year primary patency was not significantly different between heparin-bonded arteriovenous (AV) grafts and standard prosthetic AV grafts in seven studies reporting on 1,209 access procedures. The assisted primary patency and secondary patency at 1-year was not significantly different either. Heparin-bonded AV grafts offer no distinct advantage over standard prosthetic AV grafts and their preferential use in access surgery cannot be recommended based on the available evidence.

Reporting and Methodological Quality of Randomised Controlled Trials in Vascular and Endovascular Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are subject to bias if they lack methodological quality. Moreover, optimal and transparent reporting of RCT findings aids their critical appraisal and interpretation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to ascertain whether the methodological and reporting quality of RCTs in vascular and endovascular surgery is improving. METHODS: The most recent 75 and oldest 75 RCTs published in leading journals over a 10-year period (2003-2012) were identified. The reporting quality and methodological quality data of the old and new RCTs were extracted and compared. The former was analysed using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, the latter with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) checklist. RESULTS: Reporting quality measured by CONSORT was better in the new studies than in the old studies (0.68 [95% CI, 0.66-0.7] vs. 0.60 [95% CI, 0.58-0.62], p < .001); however, both new and old studies had similar methodological quality measured by SIGN (0.9 [IQR 0.1] vs. .09 [IQR: 0.2], p = .787). Unlike clinical items, the methodological items of the CONSORT statement were not well reported in old and new RCTs. More trials in the new group were endovascular related (33.33% vs. 17.33%, p = .038) and industry sponsored (28% vs. 6.67%, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite some progress, there remains room for improvement in the reporting quality of RCTs in vascular and endovascular surgery. The methodological quality of recent RCTs is similar to that of trials performed >10 years ago.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for thromboprophylaxis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on lower limb venous blood flow and its role in thromboprophylaxis. METHOD: Systematic review of randomised and non-randomised studies evaluating neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and reporting one or more of the following outcomes: incidence of venous thromboembolism, venous blood flow and discomfort profile. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were identified. Review of these articles showed that neuromuscular electrical stimulation increases venous blood flow and is generally associated with an acceptable tolerability, potentially leading to good patient compliance. Ten comparative studies reported DVT incidence, ranging from 2% to 50% with neuromuscular electrical stimulation and 6% to 47.1% in controls. There were significant differences, among included studies, in terms of patient population, neuromuscular electrical stimulation delivery, diagnosis of venous thromboembolism and blood flow measurements. CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation increases venous blood flow and is well tolerated, but current evidence does not support a role for neuromuscular electrical stimulation in thromboprophylaxis. Randomised controlled trials are required to investigate the clinical utility of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in this setting.

Meta-analysis of retrojugular versus antejugular approach for carotid endarterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: The retrojugular approach for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been reported to have the advantages of shorter operative time and ease of dissection, especially in high carotid lesions. Controversial opinion exists with regard to its safety and benefits over the conventional antejugular approach. METHODS: A systematic review of electronic information sources was conducted to identify studies comparing outcomes of CEA performed with the retrojugular and antejugular approach. Synthesis of summary statistics was undertaken and fixed or random effects models were applied to combine outcome data. FINDINGS: A total of 6 studies reporting on a total of 740 CEAs (retrojugular approach: 333 patients; antejugular approach: 407 patients) entered our meta-analysis models. The retrojugular approach was found to be associated with a higher incidence of laryngeal nerve damage (odds ratio [OR]: 3.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-7.07). No significant differences in the incidence of hypoglossal or accessory nerve damage were identified between the retrojugular and antejugular approach groups (OR: 1.09 and 11.51, 95% CI: 0.31-3.80 and 0.59-225.43). Cranial nerve damage persisting during the follow-up period was similar between the groups (OR: 2.96, 95% CI: 0.79-11.13). Perioperative stroke and mortality rates did not differ in patients treated with the retrojugular or antejugular approach (OR: 1.26 and 1.28, 95% CI: 0.31-5.21 and 0.25-6.50). CONCLUSIONS: Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to favour one approach over the other. Proof from a well designed randomised trial would help determine the role and benefits of the retrojugular approach in CEA.

The hemodynamic impact of misalignment of fenestrated endografts: a computational study.

OBJECTIVE: The hemodynamic consequences of misaligned stent-grafts (SG) in fenestrated endografts (EG) have not been adequately studied. Our aim was to study the hemodynamic effects of positional variations of SG, investigating the potential influence on the total displacement forces acting on the EG and the shear stress values at the stented segments. METHODS: This was a computational study. An idealized EG model with two renal fenestrations was computationally reconstructed and centrally extended up to the suprarenal level to treat a suprarenal aneurysm. The misalignment of SG was represented by a variable take-off angle between the SG and the EG centerline axis, corresponding to angles of 90°, 176°, 142°, 38°, and 4°, respectively. Accordingly, the maximum EG displacement forces and the shear stress within the stented segments were calculated, using commercially available software. RESULTS: The variable positions of the SG caused no effect on the maximum displacement force acting on the EG, being quite steady and equal to 5.55 N. On the contrary, the values of maximum shear stress acting on the stented segments were influenced by their orientation. The narrow transition zone between the distal end of the mating stent and the target artery showed higher stresses than any other segment. The right-angle take off SG position (90°) was associated with the lowest stresses (12.5 Pa), whereas the highest values were detected at 38° and 142° (16.5 and 16.1 Pa, respectively). The vessel segments distal to the SG exhibited constantly lower stress values (1.9-2.2 Pa) than any other segment. CONCLUSION: We detected differences in the values of shear stress exerted on the stented arteries, depending on different positions that SG can adapt after the deployment of fenestrated EG. The pathophysiologic implication of our findings and their potential association with clinical events deserve further investigation and clinical validation.