A Reappraisal of Outcome of Elective Surgery After Successful Non-Operative Management of an Intra-Abdominal Abscess Complicating Ileocolonic Crohn's Disease: A Subgroup Analysis of a Nationwide Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few prospective data exist on outcomes of surgery in Crohn's disease [CD] complicated by an intra-abdominal abscess after resolution of this abscess by antibiotics optionally combined with drainage. METHODS: From 2013 to 2015, all patients undergoing elective surgery for CD after successful non-operative management of an intra-abdominal abscess [Abscess-CD group] were selected from a nationwide multicentre prospective cohort. Resolution of the abscess had to be computed tomography/magnetic resonance-proven prior to surgery. Abscess-CD group patients were 1:1 matched to uncomplicated CD [Non-Penetrating-CD group] using a propensity score. Postoperative results and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Among 592 patients included in the registry, 63 [11%] fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The abscess measured 37 ±â€…20 mm and was primarily managed with antibiotics combined with drainage in 14 patients and nutritional support in 45 patients. At surgery, a residual fluid collection was found in 16 patients [25%]. Systemic steroids within 3 months before surgery [p = 0.013] and the absence of preoperative enteral support [p = 0.001] were identified as the two significant risk factors for the persistence of a fluid collection. After propensity score matching, there was no significant difference between the Abscess-CD and Non-Penetrating-CD groups in the rates of primary anastomosis [84% vs 90% respectively, p = 0.283], overall [28% vs 15% respectively, p = 0.077] and severe postoperative morbidity [7% vs 7% respectively, p = 1.000]. One-year recurrence rates for endoscopic recurrence were 41% in the Abscess-CD and 51% in the Non-Penetrating-CD group [p = 0.159]. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery after successful non-operative management of intra-abdominal abscess complicating CD provides good early and long-term outcomes.

The effect of metabolic syndrome on postoperative outcomes following laparoscopic colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Among the criteria used to diagnose metabolic syndrome (MS), obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) are associated with poor postoperative outcomes following colectomy. MS is also associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and diverticulosis, both of which may be treated with colectomy. However, the effect of MS on postoperative outcomes following laparoscopic colectomy has yet to be clarified. METHODS: In an academic tertiary hospital, data from all consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy from 2005 to 2014 were prospectively recorded and analysed. Patients presenting with MS [defined by the presence of three or more of the following criteria: elevated blood pressure, body mass index > 28 kg/m2, dyslipidemia (decreased serum HDL cholesterol, increased serum triglycerides) and increased fasting glucose/DM] were compared with patients without MS regarding peri-operative outcome [mainly anastomotic leaks, severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo III and IV)] and mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 1236 patients were included: 508 (41.1%) right colectomies and 728 (58.9%) left colectomies. Seven hundred seventy-two (62.4%) of these procedures were performed for CRC. MS was diagnosed in 85 (6.9%) patients, who were significantly older than the others (70 vs. 64.2 years, p < 0.001), and presented with more cardiac comorbidities (p < 0.001). MS was associated with increased blood loss (122.5 vs. 79.9 mL p = 0.001) and blood transfusion requirement (5.9 vs. 1.7%, p = 0.021). The anastomotic leak rate was 6.6% (with 2.2% of anastomotic leaks requiring surgical treatment), and the overall reoperation rate was 6.9%. The incidence of severe postoperative complications was 11.5%, and the overall mortality rate 0.6%. No differences were found between the groups in overall postoperative morbidity and mortality. Median length of stay was similar in both groups (7 days). CONCLUSIONS: MS does not jeopardize postoperative outcomes following laparoscopic colectomy.

Comparison between open and laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A monocentric retrospective study from a western country.

BACKGROUND: The majority of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) reports arise from Asia and the benefit of this approach in western countries remains unclear. The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative outcomes between LG and open gastrectomy (OG) for gastric cancer in a western center. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2015, all consecutive patients with gastric cancer who underwent either LG or OG were enrolled. Postoperative morbimortality was evaluated according to Dindo-Clavien classification. RESULTS: Over 164 patients, 60 had LG and 104 OG with a mean age of 62 and 65 years, respectively. Total gastrectomy represented 58% of LG and 54% of OG (P=0.749). Operative time was not different in the two groups (160.8 vs. 174.2min, P=0.780) so as intraoperative blood loss (111 vs. 173mL, P=0.057). The rate of severe complications (including postoperative bleeding) was significantly higher in the LG group (40% vs. 23%, P=0.012) so as reoperation rate (27% vs. 6%, P<0.001). There was no statistical difference in terms of postoperative mortality (0 vs. 3%, P=0.252) or length of hospital stay (20 vs. 16 days, P=0.116). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer in western countries appears to be feasible but with a higher rate of severe complications compared to open gastrectomy.

Isolated fallopian tube metastasis from colorectal cancer: ultrasonographic features.

We present here the first-reported case of tubal metastasis from colorectal cancer diagnosed by a preoperative pelvic ultrasound. A 53-year-old woman suffering from vaginal discharge was referred to us 2 years after she underwent a partial colectomy for adenocarcinoma. The pelvic ultrasound examination revealed a right pelvic mass of 52 × 24 × 38 mm, independent of the right ovary, which was apparently unaffected. A right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed and the definitive histopathology examination showed a recurrence of the initial adenocarcinoma with a right tubal metastasis. The eventuality of such an unusual site of metastasis should be remembered.

Ambulatory groin and ventral hernia repair.

OBJECTIVE: Ambulatory surgery is not commonly practiced in France today. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility of ambulatory hernia repair in a consecutive series of unselected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2008 to October 2009, 257 patients (238 men and 19 women, median age 65 years) were treated in a same-day surgery unit for 270 hernias (244 groin hernias, 25 ventral hernias and one Spiegelian hernia). RESULTS: For groin hernia, the techniques included the totally extraperitoneal repair (TEP) in 108 cases, the transinguinal preperitoneal (TIPP) approach in 106 cases and other alternative techniques in 30 cases; for ventral hernias, the technique was an open suture in 20 cases, an open prosthetic repair in four cases and laparoscopic repair in one case. Anesthesia was general in 145 cases, local in 121 cases and spinal in four cases. Repair was completed in a same-day surgery setting in 242 (89.6%) cases; hospital stay greater than 23 hours was planned for 21 (7.8%) patients while non-programmed hospitalizations were necessary for seven (2.6%) patients. There were two (0.7%) readmissions and nine (3.3%) benign postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that groin and ventral hernia repair can be performed in an outpatient setting in nearly 90% of unselected patients.

[Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair: prospective non randomized trial in 51 cases]. / Traitement coelioscopique des éventrations. Etude prospective non randomisée de 51 éventrations.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Insertion of a mesh in treatment of incisional hernias reduces the risk of recurrence. A single prospective randomized trial have compared laparoscopic and open approach: there were less postoperative complications and fewer recurrences in the laparoscopic group. Aim of this prospective trial was to control these results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to May 2005, 51 consecutive incisional hernias were operated on by a laparoscopic approach. Incisional hernia was single in 41 and double in 5. It was median in 41 and lateral in 10. Previous hernia repair was noticed in 33.3%. Main criteria was recurrence. We have considered whether one of the following criteria was associated with the risk of recurrence: sex, obesity, previous repair, pre and preoperative sizes of the hernia, uni or multi orificial aspect of the hernia, median or lateral location, mesh size, ratio mesh surface/hernia surface. Others were postoperative mortality and morbidity, duration of hospitalisation and occurrence of late events. RESULTS: At 2 years all patients were followed. Follow up achieved 3 years in 23 cases and 4 years in 9. Recurrence was observed in 7 (13.7%). None predictive factor was disclosed. No death occurred. Median postoperative pain score at D1, D2 and D3 was respectively 3.1+/-1.9, 2.9+/-2.3 and 2.3+/-2.1. Mean postoperative stay was 4.1+/-1.9 days. Seven postoperative complications occurred, al benign. During follow-up 18 events were noticed and of these 8 were chronic abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: This technique could be employed for every type of incisional hernia but peristomial hernias (not assessed in this study) and every patient. Technical improvements ought to be find to reduce recurrence rate.

Laparoscopic liver resection.

BACKGROUND: This paper describes a 10-year experience of laparoscopic liver surgery, including several major hepatectomies for malignant tumours. METHODS: Of 243 hepatectomies carried out between January 1995 and December 2004, 113 (46.5 per cent) were performed by laparoscopy and 89 were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: Twenty-four laparoscopic hepatectomies (27 per cent) were for benign disease and 65 (73 per cent) for malignant tumours, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in 16 patients and colorectal metastasis (CRM) in 41. Minor hepatectomy was performed in 51 patients and major hepatectomy (three or more Couinaud segments) in 38. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 12 patients and perioperative blood transfusion in eight. One patient with cirrhosis who underwent right hepatectomy for HCC with conversion to open surgery died 8 days after surgery. Major morbidity occurred in eight patients (16 per cent) having minor hepatectomy and in 11 (29 per cent) of those having a major resection. The 3-year overall and disease-free survival rates for patients with CRM (mean follow-up 30 months) were 87 (11 patients at risk) and 51 (6 patients at risk) per cent respectively. Corresponding values for patients with HCC (mean follow-up 40 months) were 85 (10 patients at risk) and 68 (5 patients at risk) per cent. CONCLUSION: In experienced hands, the results of laparoscopic liver surgery are similar to those for laparotomy.

Laparoscopy in the last decade of the millennium: have we really improved?

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to evaluate the evolution of laparoscopic surgery during the past decade in terms of variations in the quality (complexity) of the procedures performed and of modifications in patient outcome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 3022 consecutive patients undergoing 99 different laparoscopic procedures at a center specialized in laparoscopic abdominal surgery. All the procedures were classified according to three classes of complexity. Results relating to the first 1511 patients were compared to those of the last 1511 patients. RESULTS: In the second group, medium- to high-class complexity procedures significantly increased, conversion rate was higher only for straightforward procedures, duration of low- to medium-class complexity procedures decreased, only the rate of slight complications increased, and mean postoperative hospital stay was longer. Frequency of conversion in medium- to high-class complexity procedures and severe complications was not different in the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of laparoscopic surgery has improved during the past decade, with no increase in the frequency of conversion or of major complications.

[Can common bile duct lithiasis be removed laparoscopically without external biliary drainage?]. / Le traitement laparoscopique de la lithiase de la voie biliaire principale sans drainage biliaire externe est-il possible?

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the indications, feasibility and results of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones without biliary drainage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1992 and 1999, laparoscopic procedures were performed in 70 consecutive patients, mean age 60 +/- 15 years (range: 18-82). Stone removal was attempted via the cystic duct (n=25) or choledocotomy (n=45). The emptiness of the common bile duct was checked by intraoperative cholangiography or endoscopy. After choledocotomy, closure was performed by interrupted or non-interrupted suture with slowly resorbable thread. Transcystic drainage was used whenever necessary. RESULTS: Nine conversions to laparotomy were necessary (12.8%). Among the 61 patients who had an exclusively laparoscopic procedure, 21 were treated via the transcystic route and 40 through choledocotomy. Biliary endoscopy was possible in only 10 of the 21 patients (47.6%) treated via the transcystic route and in all with choledocotomy. No biliary drainage was used in 16 of the 21 patients treated via the transcystic route and in 39 of the 40 treated through choledocotomy. The 30-day mortality was 1/61 (1.6%). Morbidity was 9.8% and 2 patients underwent a second laparoscopic procedure (one fistula on a choledocotomy suture, one hemoperitoneum of unknown origin). An endoscopic sphincterotomy for residual stone was necessary in 4 patients (4/61, 6.5%), 2 after choledocotomy for an unrecognized stone without biliary drainage. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the feasibility of laparoscopic treatment of common bile duct stones and suggest it can be performed without biliary drainage in most cases.

[Minimally invasive surgery for diverticula of the thoracic esophagus. Results in 11 patients]. / Traitement par vidéo-chirurgie des diverticules de l'oeophage thoracique.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical treatment of diverticula of the esophagus is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity. Few data have been published concerning results of minimally invasive surgery. The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess the results of minimally invasive surgery (either thoracoscopy or laparoscopy) in a first series of patients with diverticula of the thoracic esophagus. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients with symptomatic thoracic diverticula of the esophagus were operated on between December 1992 and March 1999. Five were operated on by right thoracoscopy, 4 by laparoscopy and 2 by thoracoscopy and laparoscopy. The procedure performed varied according to the location and the macroscopic aspect of the diverticulum, as well as of the associated disorders (gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia and/or motor disorders). RESULTS: Postoperative mortality was nil. Three patients developed an esophageal fistula; one with an esophago-bronchial fistula required another operation. Postoperative pain was treated with morphine (median duration 4 days) or IV paracetamol (5 days). Long term results were excellent in 1 patient, good in 6, fair in 2 and poor in 2. These 2 latter patients were operated on another time. One of them was operated on 3 years later for aperistalsis of the esophagus and the other one was operated 4.5 years later for paraesophageal hernia; late results of these operations were fair. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that minimally invasive surgery does not confer significant benefit compared with open surgery in the treatment of diverticula thoracic esophagus.

Plain abdominal radiography as a routine procedure for acute abdominal pain of the right lower quadrant: prospective evaluation.

The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether plain abdominal radiographs (PAX) are helpful in the management of adult patients presenting with acute pain of the right lower quadrant (RLQ). A questionnaire was filled in for each patient admitted to our hospital for acute abdominal pain of the RLQ, before and after PAX were obtained. The initial questionnaire indicated the suspected diagnosis and a provisional therapeutic option. A total of 104 consecutive patients were included in this study, 76 of whom underwent surgery. The negative laparotomy rate was 22%. PAX changed the suspected diagnosis and management for six patients (6%), leading in one case to negative laparotomy. Of the remaining five patients, three were operated (two for acute appendicitis and one for small bowel obstruction), and two were treated conservatively for ureteral calculi. This prospective study seems to demonstrate that the indiscriminate use of PAX is not helpful for most patients with acute pain of the RLQ. However, it may be performed in selected patients with clinically suspected small bowel obstruction or urinary symptoms.

Optimal duration of urinary drainage after rectal resection: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Voiding dysfunction is frequently observed after rectal resection and justifies urinary drainage. However, there is no agreement about the optimal duration of this postoperative drainage. The aim of this controlled trial was to compare 1 versus 5 days of transurethral catheterization after rectal resection, with special reference to urinary tract infection and bladder retention. METHODS: One hundred twenty-six patients undergoing rectal resection were included in a prospective randomized study designed to compare the results for patients undergoing 1 day of transurethral catheterization after rectal resection (1-day group) with those for patients undergoing 5 days' catheterization (5-day group). RESULTS: Patients were randomly assigned to the 1-day and 5-day groups (n = 64 and 62, respectively). Clinical findings and surgical procedures were comparable in both groups. Acute urinary retention occurred in 16 patients (25%) in the 1-day group versus 6 (10%) in the 5-day group (P < .05). Urinary tract infection was observed in 13 of 64 patients (20%) in the 1-day group versus 26 of 62 (42%) in the 5-day group (P < .01). Multivariate analysis revealed that after 1 day of catheterization carcinoma of the low rectum and lymph node metastasis were significant risk factors for acute urinary retention (P < .05 for both factors). After selection of patients without low rectum carcinoma, the acute urinary retention rate was comparable in both groups (14% in the 1-day group versus 7% in the 5-day group), but the urinary tract infection rate was significantly lower in the 1-day group versus the 5-day group (14% vs 40, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Our controlled study showed that after rectal resection 1 day of urinary drainage can be recommended for most patients. Five-day drainage should be reserved for patients with low rectal carcinoma.

[Pulmonary resections for cancer in the octogenarian]. / Résections pulmonaires pour cancer chez l'octogénaire.

UNLABELLED: More and more elderly subjects are offered for pulmonary resection. The object of this study was to review the results of excision for cancer in octogenarians. PATIENTS: 51 consecutive patients (44 men, 7 women) with a mean age of 82 years (80-91) were operated on. 31 lobectomies, 2 bilobectomies, 13 pneumonectomies, 1 segmental resection and 4 exploratory thoracotomies were carried out. 17 tumours were classed as stage I, 15 as stage II and 15 as stage III. RESULTS: 38 patients (75%) had uncomplicated post-operative periods; the predicted factors for complication were the existence of weight loss and alteration of respiratory function. 2 patients (4%) died in the post-operative phase. Neither the type of operation, the staging or the existence of cardiovascular dysfunction had any influence on the post-operative phase. The level of the survival at 3 and 5 years was 39% and 16% respectively. 30% of the late deaths were related to intercurrent events. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary excision may be envisaged in an octogenarian who is in good physical and intellectual state with a limited tumour. This surgery in general is applied to a population which probably only marginally consists of octogenarians but the results here justify their inclusion in the indications for selection.

[Diagnostic strategy in abdominal injuries]. / Stratégie diagnostique face aux plaies de l'abdomen.

There is persistent controversy concerning the management of patients with abdominal trauma. The major point is to determine whether or not the abdominal trauma is penetrating. In rare cases (shock, abdominal gunshot wound, peritonitis, evisceration, digestive tract bleeding and abdominal stab out of place) urgent laparotomy remains mandatory. In the other cases, although some centers recommend serial abdominal exams for asymptomatic patients, with the risk of delayed laparotomy, most authors prefer a more aggressive approach. In the case of anterior penetrating abdominal trauma, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, which is an over sensitive method, could be replaced by laparoscopy, which allows both diagnosis and treatment. Triple-contrast CT scan is the first-line diagnostic modality in penetrating back and flank trauma.