Does sodium hyaluronate- and carboxymethylcellulose-based bioresorbable membrane (Seprafilm) decrease operative time for loop ileostomy closure?

BACKGROUND: Adhesions can result in serious clinical complications and make ileostomy closure, which is relatively simple procedure into a complicated and prolonged one. The use of sodium hyaluronate and carboxymethyl cellulose membrane (Seprafilm) was proven to significantly reduce the postoperative adhesions at the site of application. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and severity of adhesions around a loop ileostomy and to analyze the length of time and morbidity for mobilization at the time of ileostomy closure with and without the use of Seprafilm. METHODS: Twenty-nine surgeons from 15 institutions participated in this multicenter prospective randomized study. 191 patients with loop ileostomy construction were randomly assigned to either receive Seprafilm under the midline incision and around the stoma (Group I), only under the midline incision (Group II), or not to receive Seprafilm (Group III). At ileostomy closure, adhesions were quantified and graded; operative morbidity was also measured. RESULTS: All 3 groups were comparable relative to gender, mean age and number of patients with prior operations (26, 25 and 19, respectively). Group II patients were significantly more likely to have pre-existing adhesions than Group III patients (30.6% vs. 14.1%, p = 0.025). At stoma mobilization, significantly more patients in Group III than in Group I had adhesions around the stoma (95.2% vs. 82.3%, p = 0.021). Mean operative times were 27, 25, and 28 minutes, respectively (p = 0.38), with significant differences among sites. There was no significant difference in the number of patients needing myotomy or enterotomy (29, 27 and 24 patients, respectively), nor in the number of postoperative complications (7, 9 and 7 patients, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: When consistently applied, Seprafilm significantly decreased adhesion formation around the stoma but not operative times without any increase in the need for myotomy or enterotomy. These findings were not seen in the overall study population possibly due to the large number of surgeons using a variety of application techniques.

Massive hemorrhage from solitary rectal ulcer: toward a definitive treatment.

Two recent cases of massive bleeding from a solitary rectal ulcer which occurred in patients at The Mount Sinai Hospital are presented. This unusual complication of a poorly understood condition has been treated in the past by a variety of medical and surgical approaches; no consensus has been reached. In both cases an abdominal rectosigmoid resection was ultimately performed after local control and diversion were unsuccessful. A review of the literature and a discussion of this new approach are presented.

Prospective, randomized, endoscopic-blinded trial comparing precolonoscopy bowel cleansing methods.

PURPOSE: Recent reports have suggested that precolonoscopy bowel preparation is easier to tolerate if a small volume solution is used. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare three oral solutions for colonoscopy to determine any changes in either patient compliance or cleansing ability. METHODS: Four hundred fifty patients were prospectively randomized to receive either a standard 4-liter polyethylene glycol solution, a newer sulfate-free 4-liter polyethylene glycol solution, or a 90-ml oral sodium phosphate preparation. Before and after bowel preparation all patients were weighed, and serum electrolytes as well as phosphate, magnesium, calcium, and osmolarity were measured. In addition, a detailed questionnaire was used to assess side effects and patient satisfaction. Endoscopists blinded to the type and quantity of preparation used scored the type of residual stool and the percentage of bowel wall visualized for each segment of colon and for the overall examination. Nurses recorded all procedure times as well as the quantity of irrigation and aspiration. RESULTS: Four hundred twenty-two age-matched and sex-matched patients completed all phases of the trial. There were no clinically significant changes in weight or in any biochemical parameters. There was, however, asymptomatic hyperphosphatemia in the sodium phosphate group (P < 0.01). The length of time to the cecum was similar for all three groups, with a higher volume of fluid suctioned for sodium phosphate (P < 0.01). Overall, endoscopists scored sodium phosphate as "excellent" or "good" in 90 percent vs. 70 percent and 73 percent after the polyethylene glycol or sulfate-free lavage, respectively (P < 0.01). Particulate or solid stool was found in all segments of the colon more frequently after both large volume preparations than after sodium phosphate (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the frequency or intensity of any of the 11 side effects questioned. Eighty-three percent of the patients who received the sodium phosphate preparation stated they would take this same preparation again, vs. only 19 percent and 33 percent for polyethylene glycol and the sulfate-free lavage, respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The smaller volume oral sodium phosphate was not associated with any clinically significant problem, caused no increase in the incidence of side effects, was preferred by patients, and was more effective in colonic cleansing. However, the hyperphosphatemia seen may limit its use in patients with impaired renal function.

Must early postoperative oral intake be limited to laparoscopy?

PURPOSE: This prospective, randomized study was designed to evaluate whether or not early postoperative feeding (claimed as a unique benefit of laparoscopic surgery) is possible after laparotomy and colorectal resection. METHODS: The trial was performed between July 1, 1992 and October 31, 1992 and included all 64 consecutive patients who underwent laparotomy with either a colonic or an ileal resection. In all cases the nasogastric tube was removed immediately after the operation. Group 1 consisted of 32 patients (age range, 15-81 years; mean, 52 years) who received a regular diet on the first postoperative morning. Group 2 consisted of 32 patients (age range, 15-87 years; mean, 52 years) who were fed in a traditional manner. Regular food was permitted after resolution of ileus as defined by resumption of bowel movements in the absence of abdominal distention, nausea, or vomiting. RESULTS: The rate of nasogastric tube reinsertion for distention with persistent vomiting was 18.7 percent (six patients) in Group 1 and 12.5 percent (four patients) in Group 2. Although vomiting was experienced more frequently by patients in Group 1 (44 percent vs. 25 percent, respectively), there was no difference between the two groups with regard to the duration of postoperative ileus (3.6 vs. 3.4 days, respectively). In the 26 patients from Group 1 who did not require nasogastric tube reinsertion, there was a trend toward shorter hospitalization (6.7 vs. 8.0 days, respectively). CONCLUSION: Early oral intake is possible after laparotomy and colorectal resection. Thus, the laparoscopic surgeon's claim of early tolerated oral intake may not be unique to laparoscopy.

Current surgical therapy for mucosal ulcerative colitis.

PURPOSE: There are numerous surgical options for the treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis. METHODS: This article reviews the currently available options for the treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis. Separate discussions will explore both the options in the emergency and elective settings. RESULTS: Patients with mucosal ulcerative colitis may undergo surgery either as an emergency or in the elective setting. Emergency surgery is usually performed for one of the life-threatening complications of ulcerative colitis: fulminant colitis, toxic megacolon, or massive hemorrhage. The most commonly performed procedure under these conditions is a subtotal colectomy with end ileostomy. The rectal stump may be handled in a variety of ways. This procedure avoids proctectomy or anastomosis. Thus, patients will still have all necessary anatomic structures to allow for any of the definitive elective procedures. Elective surgery is performed for intractable disease, complications of medical therapy, dysplasia, or, occasionally, extraintestinal manifestations. In the elective setting, a definitive operation can be done to remove most or all of the disease-bearing colorectum and leave the patient with a means to control fecal elimination. Total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis leaves the patient with diseased bowel but obviates the need for pelvic dissection. Although total proctocolectomy removes all potentially diseased mucosa, these patients have a permanent ileostomy. The stoma can either be a standard Brooke's ileostomy or a continent Kock pouch. The most common definitive procedure currently performed is the near-total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. This option can be completed either with a rectal mucosectomy and hand-sewn anastomosis or with a double-stapled anastomosis, preserving the anal transition zone. This procedure is successful in eradicating almost all diseased mucosa while allowing the patient per anal defecation. Bowel movement frequency, degree of anal continence, and return to social and professional commitments have met with a great deal of satisfaction in most patients. A newer alternative to this procedure employs laparoscopy to facilitate a smaller incision. A one-stage procedure which omits the protective ileostomy and thus saves the patient one operation has also been used with some success in selected cases. CONCLUSION: There are several surgical options for the treatment of mucosal ulcerative colitis. Each one has a role and should be discussed with the patient.

Laboratory parameters as predictors of operative outcome after major abdominal surgery in AIDS- and HIV-infected patients.

Surgeons throughout the country are frequently asked to consult on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients experiencing abdominal pain. Disease processes vary remarkably within this population and often occur with confusing presentations and unusual pathologies related to the immunocompromised state. With the increased awareness and treatment of HIV infection, it can be anticipated that many patients will require surgery for secondary complications of AIDS, in addition to surgical problems unrelated to HIV infection. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with HIV infection underwent major abdominal surgery between 1986 and 1990 at The Mount Sinai Medical Center. Those patients classified as having AIDS had a longer post procedure hospitalization (19 days vs 9 days; P < 0.05) and a higher mortality rate (33% vs 10%). All of the patients who underwent appendectomy survived with few complications. Excluding appendectomy patients, operative mortality was predicted by low serum albumin (P < 0.001). In addition, preoperative hematocrits were considerably lower in non-survivors. Total serum protein and total WBC counts were not predictors of operative outcome.

True duplication of the vas deferens.

We report true duplication of the vas deferens found at routine inguinal hernia repair. This rarity is described in the context of the embryologic model for other vas abnormalities.

Hernioscopy: laparoscopy via an inguinal hernia sac.

The use of laparoscopy in general surgery has expanded to aid in the diagnosis of various intraabdominal conditions. A new application of the laparoscope is described to explore the abdominal cavity for potential gangrenous bowel after reduction of an incarcerated inguinal hernia. Hernioscopy allows for a good view of the entire abdomen including inspection of the colon for serosal changes of carcinoma. Exploration via this technique is accomplished without additional skin incisions or fascial disruptions and with no increased morbidity, when performed during the inguinal herniorrhaphy.

Acute appendicitis in patients with AIDS/HIV infection.

Nine patients known to have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and operated on for acute appendicitis are presented. Six of the nine patients did not have an elevation in the white blood cell count preoperatively. Two patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy prior to exploration. In four cases, a perforated appendix was removed. Seven patients had persistent postoperative fever, while all nine had a significant lack of leukocytosis after surgery. Other than the absence of a preoperative increase in white blood cell count, the presenting characteristics of this group were similar to those expected in immunocompetent patients. However, concern for a possible opportunistic infection etiology and a desire to avoid operating on these patients resulted in an undue delay prior to exploration. The use of diagnostic laparoscopy aided in earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Despite persistent postoperative fever, appendectomy was performed in patients with AIDS/HIV infection without significant increase in morbidity and mortality.