Risk and location of cancer in patients with preoperative colitis-associated dysplasia undergoing proctocolectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of preoperative dysplasia grade, appearance, and site on risk and location of cancer in patients with colitis. BACKGROUND: The ability to predict the presence and location of cancer in colitis patients with dysplasia is essential to facilitate recommendations regarding the necessity and type of surgery. METHODS: Ulcerative and indeterminate colitis patients who underwent proctocolectomy for dysplasia were retrospectively selected. Patient characteristics and findings at colonoscopic surveillance were associated with findings on the surgical specimen by regression analysis. RESULTS: From 1984 to 2007, 348 proctocolectomy specimens with preoperative dysplasia showed cancer in 51 (15%) and dysplasia in 172 (49%) cases. Patients with preoperative high-grade dysplasia (HGD) had cancer in 29% compared with 3% in low-grade dysplasia (LGD) (P < 0.001). Patients with preoperative dysplasia-associated lesion/mass (DALM) had cancer in 25% compared with 8% in flat dysplasia (P < 0.001). In LGD with DALM, the risk of cancer was not significantly higher than in flat LGD (7% vs 2%, P = 0.3), but risk of cancer or HGD was higher with a threefold increase (29% vs 9%, P = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, HGD, DALM, and disease duration were independent risk factors for postoperative cancer. In patients with isolated colonic dysplasia above the sigmoid level, postoperative rectal involvement was limited. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of cancer for patients with HGD or DALM is substantial. Despite low risk of cancer in patients with flat LGD, threshold for surgery should be low given the high prevalence of postoperative pathologic findings. Only in selected cases, colonoscopic surveillance after discussion of associated risks may be acceptable, provided high patient compliance can be assured. Surgery should be considered in all other cases, because it is the only modality that can eliminate the risk of cancer. The location of preoperative dysplasia may allow for the clarification of the need for proctectomy especially in the poor risk surgical patient.

Less than 12 nodes in the surgical specimen after total mesorectal excision following neoadjuvant chemoradiation: it means more than you think!

BACKGROUND: A minimum of 12 examined lymph nodes (LN) is recommended to ensure adequate staging and oncologic resection of patients undergoing proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma. However, a decreased number of LN is not unusual in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that a decreased number of LN in the proctectomy specimen of these patients may be an indicator of tumor response and be associated with improved prognosis. METHODS: A single-center colorectal cancer database was queried for c-stage II-III rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by proctectomy between 1997 and 2007. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the number of LN retrieved from the proctectomy specimen: <12 LN versus ≥12 LN. Groups were compared with respect to demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and the following oncologic outcomes: overall-survival (OS), cancer-specific-mortality (CSM), cancer-free-survival (CFS), distant (DR), and local recurrences (LR). RESULTS: The query returned 237 patients. There were 173 (73 %) males, and the median age was 57 years [interquartile range (IQR) 49-66 years]. The median number of LN retrieved was 15 (IQR 10-23) and 70 (30 %) patients had less than 12 nodes examined. The <12 nodes group was older [60 (IQR 51-71 years) vs. 55 (IQR 48-65 years), p = 0.009] and had more pathologic complete responders (36 vs. 19 %, p = 0.01). No <12 nodes patient experienced a LR, whereas the 5-year LR rate was 11 % in the ≥12 nodes group (p = 0.004). Other oncologic outcomes were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Retrieval of less than 12 nodes in the proctectomy specimen of rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation does not affect OS, CSM, CFS, or DR and may be a marker of higher tumor response and, consequently, decreased LR rate.

Impact of smoking on disease phenotype and postoperative outcomes for Crohn's disease patients undergoing surgery.

AIM: Whether smoking affects disease distribution, phenotype, and perioperative outcomes for Crohn's disease (CD) patients undergoing surgery is not well characterized. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of smoking on disease phenotype and postoperative outcomes for CD patients undergoing surgery METHODS: Prospectively collected data of CD patients undergoing colorectal resection were evaluated. CD patients who were current smokers (CS) were compared to nonsmokers (NS) and ex-smokers (ES) for disease phenotype, anatomic site involved, procedures performed, postoperative outcomes, and quality of life using the Cleveland Global Quality of Life instrument (CGQL). RESULTS: Of 691 patients with a diagnosis of CD requiring surgery 314 were classified as CS, 330 as NS, and 47 as ES. CS and ES in comparison to NS were significantly older at diagnosis of Crohn's disease (mean, 29.3 vs. 29.2 vs. 26.3 years) (P = 0.001) and older at the time of primary surgery (mean, 42.9 vs. 48.4 vs. 39 years) (P = 0.001) with a greater frequency of diabetes. In all groups requiring surgery, there was a significant change in disease phenotype from the time of diagnosis to surgical intervention. The predominant phenotype at diagnosis was inflammatory which changed to stricturing and penetrating as the dominant phenotypes at time of surgery. All groups had a significant improvement in CGQL scores post-surgery with the greatest benefit observed in NS. Postoperative complications and 30-day readmission rates were similar between all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that in patients with CD, disease phenotype changes over time. This occurs independent of smoking. Smoking does not appear to predispose to complications for CD patients undergoing surgery. CS and ES have a persistently reduced quality of life in comparison to NS post-surgery.

Impact of resident participation in surgical operations on postoperative outcomes: National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether resident participation in operations influences postoperative outcomes. BACKGROUND: : Identification of potential differences in outcome associated with resident participation in operations may facilitate planning from educational and health resource perspectives. METHODS: From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2007), postoperative outcomes were compared for patients with and without resident participation (RES vs no-RES). Groups were matched in a 2:1 ratio, based on age, sex, specialty, surgical procedure, morbidity probability, and important comorbidities and risk factors. RESULTS: RES (40,474; 66.7%) and no-RES (20,237; 33.3%) groups were comparable for matched characteristics. Mortality was similar (0.18% vs 0.20%, P = 0.55). Thirty-day complications classified as "mild" (4.4% vs 3.5%, P < 0.001) and "surgical" (7% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001) were higher in RES group. Individual complications were largely similar, except superficial surgical site infection (3.0% vs 2.2%, P < 0.001). Operative time was longer in the RES group [mean (SD) 122 (80) vs 97 (67) minutes, P < 0.001]. Overall complications were lower for postgraduate year 1-2 residents than for other years. These differences persisted on multivariate analysis adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Resident involvement in surgical procedures is safe. The small overall increase in mild surgical complications is mostly caused by superficial wound infections. Reasons for this are likely multifactorial but may be related to prolonged operative time.

Dysplasia associated with Crohn's colitis: segmental colectomy or more extended resection?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is limited data on the appropriate management of dysplasia in Crohn's colitis. An evidence-based surgical strategy is provided. METHODS: Patients with a pathologic diagnosis of dysplasia in Crohn's colitis from 1987 to 2009 were identified. Patients were classified by dysplasia grade (low grade or LGD, high grade or HGD). Clinical, endoscopic, operative, and pathologic data were retrieved. Factors associated with a final cancer diagnosis were analyzed. Survival data on patients undergoing limited versus radical resection for cancer and HGD was compared. RESULTS: From 1987 to 2009, 50 patients underwent a colectomy for Crohn's colitis-associated dysplasia. The predictive value of HGD for a final HGD or cancer diagnosis was 73%. The predictive value of LGD on biopsy for HGD in the colectomy was 36%. Sixteen patients (44%) who underwent a total proctocolectomy (TPC) or subtotal colectomy (STC) had multifocal dysplasia. Four of 10 (40%) cancer patients had evidence of dysplasia remote from cancer site on pathologic examination. During follow-up, there were 3 cancer-related deaths. One patient died of metachronous cancer after STC. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the risk of cancer in patients with CD dysplasia. Because of the multifocal nature of dysplasia in Crohn's colitis, TPC is recommended in good-risk patients. In specific circumstances, such as poor-risk patients especially in the setting of LGD, close endoscopic surveillance or alternatively segmental or STC with close postoperative endoscopic surveillance, depending upon the individual circumstance, may be discussed.

Pelvic sepsis after IPAA adversely affects function of the pouch and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic sepsis after IPAA predisposes to pouch failure. There are limited data on long-term pouch function for patients with pelvic sepsis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate functional outcomes and quality of life for patients undergoing IPAA who develop pelvic sepsis and preserve their pouch long-term. DESIGN: This study is based on retrospective analysis of prospectively accrued data. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single-center institution. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing IPAA from 1983 to 2007 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were functional outcomes (urgency, incontinence, bowel movements) and quality-of-life (restrictions, energy, happiness) parameters. RESULTS: Two hundred (6.2%) of 3234 patients developed pelvic septic complications within 3 months of IPAA. In the comparison of complications at the time of IPAA for the 2 groups, patients with pelvic sepsis had higher rates of postoperative hemorrhage (13.5% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001), anastomotic leak (35% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001), wound infection (14% vs 7.4%, p < 0.001), and fistula formation (37% vs 7.1%, p < 0.001). The overall median follow-up was 7 years. Pelvic sepsis was associated with greater pouch failure (19.5% vs 4%, p < 0.001). For patients with follow-up (pelvic sepsis = 144, nonpelvic sepsis = 2677) with a retained pouch, for whom we compared functional outcomes and quality of life, incontinence was worse (never/rare: 69.5% vs 77.8%, p = 0.03). Urgency scores were lower in pelvic sepsis but not statistically significant. The overall Cleveland Global Quality of Life score (and components) in the sepsis group were significantly worse than in the nonsepsis group (0.74 vs 0.79, p < 0.001). Patients who developed sepsis were also less likely to recommend IPAA to others than patients who did not develop pelvic sepsis. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the retrospective analysis and the use of questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic sepsis after IPAA leads to worse functional outcomes and quality of life even when it does not lead to pouch failure. This finding argues for careful attention to preoperative and intraoperative planning and strategies aimed at reducing this complication after IPAA.

Prediction of late-onset pouch failure in patients with restorative proctocolectomy with a nomogram.

BACKGROUND: A proportion of UC patients with restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA develop pouch failure. Accurate risk assessment is critical for making proper evaluation and treatment. Information on factors that may reliably predict pouch failure for the patients requiring referral to a specialized care unit is minimal. AIM: We sought to develop and internally validate a nomogram for the prediction of late-onset pouch failure. METHODS: The study cohort included all eligible UC patients with restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA at the subspecialty Pouchitis Clinic from 2002 to 2009. Inclusion criteria were patients having: 1) inflammatory bowel disease; 2) ileal pouches; and 3) regular follow-up at the Pouchitis Clinic. Demographic and clinical variables were prospectively collected. Multivariable accelerated failure time regression model was developed to predict pouch failure defined as pouch excision or permanent diversion. Discrimination and calibration of the model were assessed following bootstrapping methods for correcting optimism, and the model was presented as a nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 921 patients were included for the model. The mean age for this cohort was 45.5 years old. The mean follow-up at the Pouchitis Clinic was 5.8 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the probabilities for pouch retention are 0.939, 0.916 and 0.907 at 3, 5 and 7 years, respectively. The predictor variables which were included in the nomogram were smoking, duration of the pouch, baseline pouch diagnosis, and pre- and post-op use of biologics. The concordance index was 0.824. The nomogram seemed well calibrated based on the calibration curve. CONCLUSIONS: The nomogram model appeared to predict late-onset pouch failure reasonably well with satisfactory concordance index and calibration curve. The nomogram is readily applicable for clinical practice in pouch patients.

Permanent ostomy after ileoanal pouch failure: pouch in situ or pouch excision?

BACKGROUND: The risks and benefits of pouch excision and end ileostomy creation when compared to the alternative option of a permanent diversion with the pouch left in situ when restoration of intestinal continuity is not pursued for patients who develop pouch failure after IPAA have not been well characterized. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the early and long-term outcomes after permanent diversion with the pouch left in situ vs pouch excision with end ileostomy creation for pouch failure. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data. SETTINGS: This investigation was conducted at a tertiary center. PATIENTS: Patients with pouch failure who underwent a permanent ileostomy with the pouch left in situ and those who underwent pouch excision were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were the perioperative outcomes and quality of life using the pouch and Short Form 12 questionnaires. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six patients with pouch failure underwent either pouch left in situ (n = 31) or pouch excision (n = 105). Age (p = 0.72), sex (p = 0.72), ASA score (p = 0.22), BMI (p = 0.83), disease duration (p = 0.74), time to surgery for pouch failure (p = 0.053), diagnosis at pouch failure (p = 0.18), and follow-up (p = 0.76) were similar. The predominant reason for pouch failure was septic complications in 15 (48.4%) patients in the pouch left in situ group and 39 (37.1%) patients in the pouch excision group (p = 0.3). Thirty-day complications, including prolonged ileus (p = 0.59), pelvic abscess (p = 1.0), wound infection (p = 1.0), and bowel obstruction (p = 1.0), were similar. At the most recent follow-up (median, 9.9 y), quality of life (p = 0.005) and health (p = 0.008), current energy level (p = 0.026), Cleveland Global Quality of Life score (p = 0.005), and Short Form 12 mental (p = 0.004) and physical (p = 0.014) component scales were significantly higher after pouch excision than after pouch left in situ. Urinary and sexual function was similar between the groups. Anal pain (n = 4) and seepage with pad use (n = 8) were the predominant concerns of the pouch left in situ group on long-term follow-up. None of the 18 patients with pouch in situ, for whom information relating to long-term pouch surveillance was available, developed dysplasia or cancer. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Although technically more challenging, pouch excision, rather than pouch left in situ, is the preferable option for patients who develop pouch failure and are not candidates for restoration of intestinal continuity. Because pouch left in situ was not associated with neoplasia, this option is a reasonable intermediate or long-term alternative when pouch excision is not feasible or advisable.

A novel data-driven prognostic model for staging of colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop a novel prognostic model that captures complex interplay among clinical and histologic factors to predict survival of patients with colorectal cancer after a radical potentially curative resection. STUDY DESIGN: Survival data of 2,505 colon cancer and 2,430 rectal cancer patients undergoing radical colorectal resection between 1969 and 2007 were analyzed by random forest technology. The effect of TNM and non-TNM factors such as histologic grade, lymph node ratio (number positive/number resected), type of operation, neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and age in staging and prognosis were evaluated. A forest of 1,000 random survival trees was grown using log-rank splitting. Competing risk-adjusted random survival forest methods were used to maximize survival prediction and produce importance measures of the predictor variables. RESULTS: Competing risk-adjusted 5-year survival after resection of colon and rectal cancer was dominated by pT stage (ie, tumor infiltration depth) and lymph node ratio. Increased lymph node ratio was associated with worse survival within the same pT stage for both colon and rectal cancer patients. Whereas survival for colon cancer was affected by ASA grade, the type of resection and neoadjuvant therapy had a strong effect on rectal cancer survival. A similar pattern in predicted survival rates was observed for patients with fewer than 12 lymph nodes examined. Our model suggests that lymph node ratio remains a significant predictor of survival in this group. CONCLUSIONS: A novel data-driven methodology predicts the survival times of patients with colorectal cancer and identifies patterns of cancer characteristics. The methods lead to stage groupings that could redefine the composition of TNM in a simple and orderly way. The higher predictive power of lymph node ratio as compared with traditional pN lymph node stage has specific implications and may address the important question of accuracy of staging in patients when fewer than 12 nodes are identified in the resection specimen.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with endoscopic and histologic inflammation of the distal afferent limb in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) may have a higher risk for prepouch ileitis in the setting of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA). The aim of this study was to compare endoscopic and histologic inflammation in the afferent limb (prepouch ileum) and pouch between IPAA patients with and without PSC. METHODS: In all, 39 consecutive inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and IPAA patients with PSC (study group) were identified and 91 IBD and IPAA patients without PSC (control group) were randomly selected with a 1:2 ratio. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histologic variables were analyzed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gender, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use between the study and control groups. Twelve (30.8%) patients in the IPAA-PSC group had coexisting autoimmune disorders, in contrast to five (5.5%) patients in the IPAA control group (P < 0.001). More patients in the study group had endoscopic inflammation as demonstrated by the higher Pouchitis Disease Activity Index (PDAI) endoscopic scores of the afferent limb and pouch body than those in the control group (P = 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). In addition, more patients with PSC had higher PDAI histologic scores of the afferent limb than those without PSC (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed higher PDAI endoscopy and histology subscores were associated with risk for PSC, with odds ratio 1.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34, 3.79) and 1.61 (95% CI: 1.00, 2.58), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent PSC appears to be associated with a significant prepouch ileitis on endoscopy and histology in patients with IPAA. Pouch patients with long segment of ileitis should be evaluated for PSC.

Backwash ileitis does not affect pouch outcome in patients with ulcerative colitis with restorative proctocolectomy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There has been controversy over the significance of active inflammation of the terminal ileum (also known as backwash ileitis) in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease of indeterminate type for diagnosis and pouch construction. We investigated the impact of backwash ileitis on pouch outcome after restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch anastomosis. METHODS: Data from patients with backwash ileitis (n = 132) were compared with those from 132 matched controls without ileal inflammation for age, sex, and type of proctocolectomies with ileal pouch construction (1- or 2-stage). We evaluated terminal ileal sections from original colectomies of 2213 patients with either UC or idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease of indeterminate type, collected during a 21-year period, for extent and severity of chronic and active ileitis. Clinical pouch outcomes were assessed through a longitudinally maintained clinical outcome database that systematically catalogued all short-term and long-term pouch complications, including pouchitis, sepsis, impaired long-term pouch survival, and conversion to Crohn's disease. RESULTS: Regardless of severity or extent, backwash ileitis was not correlated with any clinical outcome examined, short-term or long-term. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal inflammation is not a contraindication for restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch construction in patients with UC or idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease of indeterminate type. Ileal inflammation with pancolitis is not a useful criterion for classifying otherwise typical UC as colitis of indeterminate type, because pouch outcomes are not affected.

Prone or lithotomy positioning during an abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer results in comparable oncologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There is debate whether performing the perineal part of the abdominoperineal resection in a prone position in comparison with a lithotomy position optimizes circumferential resection margins and, subsequently, cancer outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of patients undergoing abdominoperineal in a prone vs a lithotomy position. DESIGN: A single-center, prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database was queried for patients with stages I to III rectal cancer undergoing abdominoperineal resection in a prone vs a lithotomy position from 1997 to 2007. Patients were compared with respect to demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, perioperative morbidity, and oncologic outcomes. Oncologic outcomes were adjusted for age, ASA class, tumor stage, and use of adjuvant treatments. χ², Fisher exact probability test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank sum test, and Cox regression models were used for the analysis. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The query returned 168 patients (81 prone and 87 lithotomy), with a median age of 63 (interquartile range, 52-74) years and a median follow-up of 42 (interquartile range, 23-69) months. Prone and lithotomy patients were not statistically different regarding demographics, tumor stage, rates of R0 resection, number of harvested nodes, perioperative morbidity, follow-up time, and oncologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical positioning during the perineal part of the abdominoperineal resection does not affect perioperative morbidity or oncologic outcomes and should be left to the surgeon's discretion.

Factors associated with operative recurrence early after resection for Crohn's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Some Crohn's disease (CD) patients develop rapid disease recurrence requiring reoperation. Identification of factors associated with early operative recurrence of CD may help risk-stratify patients and prevent recurrence. METHODS: Prospectively collected data of CD patients undergoing bowel resection for CD with unequivocal evidence of recurrence at reoperation were retrieved. Patients with earlier recurrence (less than median time of recurrence of study cohort) were compared with those who developed later recurrence (greater than median time of recurrence) for patient and disease characteristics and risk factors for recurrence. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors associated with earlier operative recurrence. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (45 female, 24 male) met the inclusion criteria. Median time to reoperation was 38 months (range, 3.3-236 months). One hundred six reoperations in the 69 patients were for abscess/fistula/perforation (n = 45), stricture/stenosis (n = 41), inflammation (n = 17), bleeding (n = 2), and dysplasia (n = 1). Factors associated with early rather than late reoperation included behavior of disease (stricturing, odds ratio (OR) 12.1; confidence interval (CI), 1.8-80.9; penetrating OR, 9.9; CI, 1.4-67.9 rather than nonstricturing nonpenetrating) and the development of postoperative complications at previous surgery (OR, 12.1; CI, 1.2-126.6). CONCLUSION: Earlier recurrence of CD requiring reoperation is associated with specific disease and potentially modifiable operation-related factors such as postoperative complications, i.e., anastomotic leak or intraabdominal abscess. Strategies to reduce recurrence in such patients include the identification of factors that may reduce postoperative complications.

Transmural inflammation is not pathognomonic for Crohn's disease of the pouch.

BACKGROUND: Transmural inflammation shown by imaging and histology has been considered a hallmark of Crohn's disease (CD). However, the diagnostic and prognostic value of this feature in CD of the pouch has not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of transmural inflammation in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) using in vivo optical coherence tomography (OCT) and histopathology. METHODS: All the patients were recruited from the subspecialty Pouchitis Clinic. The study consisted of two parts: (1) a prospective study with in vivo through-the-scope OCT for the evaluation of transmural disease in patients with normal or diseased pouches and (2) a retrospective pathology re-review for transmural inflammation in excised pouch specimens of CD and chronic pouchitis. RESULTS: This prospective OCT study enrolled 53 patients: 11 (20.8%) with normal pouches or irritable pouch syndrome, 10 (18.9%) with acute pouchitis, 11 (20.8%) with chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis (CARP), and 21 (39.6%) with CD of the pouch. Transmural inflammation, characterized by the loss of layered structure on OCT, was detected in 16 patients (30.2%): 4 with chronic pouchitis and 12 with CD of the pouch. None of the patients with normal pouches, irritable pouch syndrome, or acute pouchitis had transmural disease shown on OCT. Of the 26 patients with pouch failure who had pouch excision, the surgical specimens showed transmural disease in 30% of the CARP patients (3/10) and 12.5% (2/16) of those with CD of the pouch. CONCLUSIONS: Transmural disease in the setting of IPAA is not pathognomonic of CD. Transmural inflammation shown by imaging or histopathology was seen in both CD and CARP. Transmural inflammation of the pouch appeared to be associated with poor pouch outcome.

Diagnosis and management of afferent limb syndrome in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Distal small bowel obstruction following ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) can occur secondary to acute angulation or prolapse of the afferent limb at the pouch inlet, namely, afferent limb syndrome (ALS). The aim of this study is to report our experience in diagnosis and management of ALS in patients with IPAA. METHODS: All patients with ALS after IPAA were identified from prospectively maintained databases. Demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and radiographic features together with its management and outcome were studied. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (12 female) were included. The mean age was 35.6 ± 14.3 years. Most patients presented with intermittent obstructive symptoms. Fifteen patients were diagnosed by pouch endoscopy with features of angulation of the pouch inlet and difficulty in intubating the afferent limb; 12 patients had kinking or narrowing of the pouch inlet identified with abdominal imaging. The median follow-up was 1.3 (range, 0.14-16.1) years. Nine patients underwent empiric balloon dilatation of the afferent limb/pouch inlet. Of nine, four needed repeat dilatations. One patient with repeat dilatation ultimately had pouch excision; another has been scheduled for surgery after failed repeat dilatations. Eight patients underwent surgery, resection of angulated bowel (n = 3), pouchopexy (n = 2), pouch mobilization with small bowel fixation (n = 1), and pouch excision (n = 2). One patient without symptoms did not receive any therapy despite the finding of ALS on pouchoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: ALS was characterized by clinical presentation of partial small bowel obstruction, which can be diagnosed by careful pouchoscopy and/or abdominal imaging. Endoscopic or surgical intervention is often needed and surgical therapy appears to be more definitive.

The role of primary surgical procedure in maintaining intestinal continuity for patients with Crohn's colitis.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates surgical procedures for Crohn's colitis. The risk of recurrence and how it interacts with future avoidance of permanent stoma and quality of life (QoL) is studied. BACKGROUND: Segmental and subtotal colectomy are widely used surgical options in isolated Crohn's colitis. It is not clear which procedure offers the best outcomes. METHODS: Patients undergoing index resection for isolated colonic Crohn's disease (CD) from 1995 to 2009, were identified from a prospectively maintained CD database. Patients were categorized into subtotal colectomy or segmental groups. Demographics, disease characteristics, operative details, morbidity, stoma formation, recurrence requiring surgery and QoL data were extracted. Recurrence and stoma free survival was calculated for each group and independent risk factors for recurrence and stoma formation identified. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients (49 segmental, 59 subtotal) underwent primary colectomy with anastomosis. Segmental colectomy patients had significantly reduced recurrence free survival (P = 0.032) but not stoma free survival P = 0.62 on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, the presence of perianal sepsis (P = 0.032) and >1 medical comorbidity (P = 0.01), but not segmental colectomy, were associated with reduced SFS. There was no difference in Cleveland Global Quality of Life (P = 0.88), or Short Form Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores between groups (P = 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Using a strictly defined cohort of patients, we were unable to identify segmental resection as an independent risk factor for recurrence or stoma formation and no reduction in QoL scores to suggest an adverse effect of recurrence was observed. Segmental colectomy affords good function, and our data supports the practice of a conservative approach with anastomosis in anatomically linked CD.

Factors associated with ileoanal pouch failure in patients developing early or late pouch-related fistula.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of a pouch-related fistula in terms of timing of its development and its impact on pouch survival is poorly defined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with the time of onset of ileoanal pouch-related fistulas and predictors of pouch failure after the development of fistulas. DESIGN: This study is an evaluation of prospectively collected data from a cohort of patients with pouch-related fistulas. SETTING: Patients were identified from a prospective ileoanal pouch database, with data recorded from 1983 to 2009. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who participated had developed a fistula after ileoanal pouch surgery. Patients were classified according to the time of onset, origin, and target of pouch fistulas into "early" and late" groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Ileoanal pouch failure was the main outcome measure. RESULTS: Three hundred six patients (158 early-onset, 148 late-onset) with 373 pouch-related fistulas were identified. The early-onset group had a higher mean body mass index (P = .013) and more patients in this group developed a postoperative leak (P < .001), whereas diagnosis revision to Crohn's disease was more frequent in the late-onset group (P = .018). Overall, pouch failure occurred in 89 (29%) patients. Major abdominal procedures were more common in the early-onset group (18 vs 6%). There was no difference in pouch failure between the early- and late-onset groups (P = .24). On multivariate analysis, a current Crohn's diagnosis (P < .001), major fistula (P = .022), history of colectomy before ileoanal pouch (P = .005), handsewn anastomosis (P = .008), anastomotic leak (P = .012), and body mass index over 30 (P = .018) were independent risk factors for failure. No individual risk factor for failure was separately associated with either early or late fistula groups. CONCLUSIONS: The timing and etiology of pouch fistula appear to be interrelated. There is a temporal association between procedure-related sepsis and early and delayed diagnosis of Crohn's disease and late fistula development. Cause of the fistula and associated factors rather than timing after IPAA is associated with long term pouch retention.

Management of leak from the tip of the "J" in ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis and management of leak from the tip of the J-pouch after IPAA has not been systematically studied. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report our experience in the diagnosis and management of these leaks following primary IPAA. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective review of prospectively gathered data. SETTINGS: Data were obtained from a prospectively maintained single-institution pelvic pouch database. PATIENTS: Included in this study were patients with a leak from the tip of the J-pouch after primary IPAA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main measures of outcomes after salvage surgery were pouch failure, pouch function, and quality of life. RESULTS: There were 27 (14 male) patients. Median age was 37 years (range, 20-73). Underlying disease in these patients was ulcerative colitis in 22 patients. Predominant symptoms were abdominal pain (n = 15) and fever (n = 5). Twenty patients had either a pelvic abscess detected by CT or MRI or a leak demonstrated at gastrografin enema or pouchoscopy. In 6 patients, the diagnosis was only made at salvage surgery. In 1 patient, the leak-associated abscess was detected during emergent laparotomy for acute peritonitis before salvage surgery. Of 27 patients, 1 had successful CT-guided drainage without the need for further surgery. Another patient had pouch resection with end ileostomy. Salvage surgery was performed in 25 patients by means of pouch repair (n = 23) and new pouch creation (n = 2); 8 patients had a repeat anastomosis. Median time from primary IPAA to salvage surgery was 0.9 years (0.13-9.8). Twenty-four patients with salvage surgery have a functioning pouch after a mean follow-up of 3.2 ± 1.9 years. LIMITATIONS: : The study was limited by its retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS: Leak from the tip of the J-pouch is indolent and diagnosis can be difficult. Satisfactory outcomes in terms of pouch retention may be expected after appropriate surgical management.

Perioperative factors during ileal pouch-anal anastomosis predict pouchitis.

PURPOSE: Pouchitis is the most common complication of IPAA. Identifying factors predictive of pouchitis may improve outcomes by modifying contributing factors and enhancing patient selection. The most objective means for confirming pouchitis is by histology because the clinical and endoscopic diagnoses rely on more subjective assessments. The importance of histological pouchitis in the absence of clinical or endoscopic findings is unknown. METHODS: Prospectively collected data on patients with IPAA and pouch surveillance were evaluated. Patients who developed pouchitis, defined as symptoms of pouchitis confirmed by endoscopic biopsy (group B) were compared with those without any episode of clinical, endoscopic, or histological pouchitis (group A) for pre- and intraoperative factors and outcomes. Asymptomatic patients with histological pouchitis on surveillance biopsies (group C) were further compared with group A. Patients with Crohn's disease were excluded. RESULT: Of the 673 patients with pouch biopsies, 422 (62.7%) were in group A, 161 (23.9%) in group B, and 90 (13.4%) in group C. Mean follow-up was 9.8 (±5.1), 12.4 (±5.4), and 13. (±4.7) years. Of the 43 preoperative factors evaluated, those associated with group B included leukocytosis (P < .001), rheumatologic extraintestinal disease (P < .001), disease proximal to splenic flexure (P = .001), pulmonary comorbidity (P = .004), prior steroid use (P = .006), and age at operation and diagnosis (P = .018 and .021). Of the 10 intraoperative factors evaluated, pouchitis was associated with S-pouch reconstruction (P < .001), transfusion (P < .001), and 2-stage instead of 3-stage operation (P = .05), all surrogates for operative complexity. On multivariate analysis, pulmonary comorbidity (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.62-7.07), disease proximal to splenic flexure (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.18-4.77), extraintestinal disease manifestations (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.01-2.54), and S-pouch reconstruction (OR 1.59, 95% CI 0.99 - 2.54) were associated with pouchitis. Patients in group B had worse outcomes, including more strictures (P = .015), bowel obstructions (P = .019), fistulas (P = .18), and lower quality of life (P < .001). Group C patients had the same outcomes as those in group A and the finding was not predicted by the above-mentioned parameters. CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic, biopsy-confirmed pouchitis have worse long-term outcomes than those without pouchitis. This complication is associated with specific pre- and intraoperative factors. Histological pouchitis incidentally found on surveillance biopsy in asymptomatic patients is of no clinical relevance and does not influence outcome. Identification of these preoperative factors associated with the subsequent development of pouchitis will strengthen patient counseling and may facilitate risk stratification.

Efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment of ileal pouch strictures.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic management of ileal pouch strictures has not been systemically studied. The aim was to evaluate endoscopic balloon therapy of pouch strictures in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients with ileal pouches and to identify risk factors for pouch failure for those patients. METHODS: Consecutive IBD patients with pouches from the Pouchitis Clinic who underwent nonfluoroscopy-guided outpatient endoscopic therapy were studied. The location, number, degree (range 0-3), and length of strictures and balloon size were documented. Efficacy and safety were evaluated with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients with pouch strictures were studied. Stricture locations were at the pouch inlet (n = 96), outlet (n = 73), afferent limb (n = 33), and pouch body (n = 2). A cumulative of 646 strictures were endoscopically dilated, with a total of 406 pouchoscopies. The median stricture score was 1 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-2); the median stricture length was 1 (IQR 0.5-1.25) cm, and the median balloon size was 20 (IQR 18-20) mm. Of 406 therapeutic endoscopies performed, there were two perforations (0.46%) and four transfusion-required bleeding (0.98%). The 5-, 10-, and 25-year pouch retention rates were 97%, 90.6%, and 85.9%, respectively. In a median follow-up of 9.6 (IQR 6-17) years, 131 patients (87.3%) were able to retain their pouches. The number of strictures and underlying diagnosis were independent risk factors for pouch failure in the Cox regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of pouch stricture appears to be efficacious and generally safe to perform in experienced hands. Underlying diagnosis of Crohn's disease of the pouch and surgery-related strictures and multiple strictures were the risk factors for pouch failure.