Stapled End-To-Side Ileocolic Anastomosis in Crohn's Disease: Old Dog, Reliable Tricks? A Retrospective Two-Center Cohort Study.

Objective: Analyze our long-term experience with a less-popularized but stalwart approach, the stapled end-to-side ileocolic anastomosis. Background: The choice of technical approach to ileocolic anastomosis after ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease affects surgical outcomes and recurrence. Yet, despite heterogeneous data from different anastomotic configurations, there remains no clear guidance as to the optimal technique. Methods: In a retrospective cohort design, patients undergoing ileocolic anastomosis in the setting of Crohn's disease between 2016 and 2021 at two institutions were identified. Patient characteristics and surgical outcomes in terms of recurrence (surgical, clinical, and endoscopic) were studied. Results: In total, 211 patients were included. Before surgery, 80% were exposed to at least 1 cycle of systemic steroids and 71% had at least 1 biologic agent; 60% exhibited penetrating disease and 38% developed an intra-abdominal abscess. After surgery, one anastomosis leaked (0.5%). Over 2.4 years of follow-up (IQR = 1.3-3.9), surgical recurrence was 0.9%. Two-year overall recurrence-free and endoscopic recurrence-free survivals were 74% and 85% (95% CI = 68-81 and 80-91), respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio of endoscopic recurrence was 3.0 (95% CI = 1.4-6.2) for males and 5.2 (1.2-22) for patients who received systemic steroids before the surgery. Conclusion: The stapled end-to-side anastomosis is an efficient, reliable, and reproducible approach to maintain bowel continuity after ileocecal resection with durable outcomes. Our outcomes demonstrate low rates of disease recurrence and stand favorably in comparison to other more technically complex or protracted anastomotic approaches. This anastomosis is an ideal reconstructive approach after ileocecal resection for Crohn's disease.

Operative, long-term and quality of life outcomes after salvage of failed re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis.

AIM: Approximately 20%-40% of the patients with re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) experience pouch failure. Salvage surgery can be attempted in this patient group with severe aversion to permanent ileostomy. The literature regarding secondary IPAA revision after re-do IPAA failure is scarce. METHODS: All patients who underwent a secondary IPAA revision after re-do IPAA failure between September 2016 and July 2021 in a single centre were included. Short- and long-term outcomes and quality of life in this patient group are reported. RESULTS: Ten patients who had secondary IPAA revision for re-do IPAA failure were included. All patients had ulcerative colitis. Nine of these patients had pelvic sepsis and one patient had a mechanical issue. Mucosectomy and handsewn anastomosis was performed in nine patients. The existing pouch was salvaged in six patients and four patients had pouch excision and re-creation. Two patients had postoperative pelvic sepsis. Pouch retention rate was 78% in a median of 28 months. None of the patients had short-gut syndrome. The procedure was associated with good quality of life (median Cleveland Global Quality of Life Index 0.8). All patients would undergo the same surgery if needed. CONCLUSION: Secondary IPAA revision after a failed re-do IPAA can be an option in patients with severe aversion to permanent ileostomy if re-do IPAA fails and it is associated with good outcomes. This patient group should be carefully evaluated and referred to specialized centres if required.

Indications, functional and quality of life outcomes of new pouch creation during re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis: A comparative study with existing pouch salvage.

BACKGROUND: Salvage of the existing ileal pouch is favored during re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis if the pouch is not damaged after pelvic dissection and there are no other mechanical reasons that may necessitate construction of a new pouch. Excision of the existing pouch may be associated with some concerns for short-bowel syndrome and poor functional outcomes. This study aimed to report indications and compare functional and quality of life outcomes of new pouch creation versus salvage of the existing pouch during re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis between September 2016 and June 2020 were included. The reasons for pouch excision and new pouch creation were reported. Perioperative, functional outcomes and quality of life were compared between patients who had creation of a new pouch versus salvage of existing pouch. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients with re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis (new pouch, n = 63) were included. Most common indications for a new pouch creation were chronic pelvic infection that compromised the integrity and viability of the existing pouch (n = 32) and small pouch (n = 21). No patient developed short-bowel syndrome. The number of bowel movements, daily restrictions and Cleveland Global Quality of Life score scores were similar between 2 groups. Day-time seepage, day-time and night-time pad usage were more common after new pouch creation. Two-year pouch survival rates were comparable (new pouch: 92% versus existing pouch: 85%, P = .31). CONCLUSION: New pouch creation can be safely performed at the time of re-do ileal pouch anal anastomosis. It provides acceptable functional and quality of life outcomes if existing pouch salvage is not feasible.

Ileal Pouch Excision can Be Performed With Similar Outcomes in Obese Patients Compared to Nonobese Counterparts: An Assessment From American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: Failed pouches may tend to be managed with only a loop ileostomy in obese patients due to some safety concerns. The effect of obesity on ileal pouch excision outcomes is poorly studied. In our study, we aimed to assess the short-term outcomes after ileal pouch excision in obese patients compared to their nonobese counterparts. METHODS: The patients who underwent pouch excision between 2005 and 2017 were included using ACS-NSQIP participant user files. The operative outcomes were compared between obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and nonobese (BMI<30 kg/m2) groups. RESULTS: There were 507 pouch excision patients included of which eighty (15.7%) of them were obese. Physical status of the obese patients tended to be worse (ASA>3, 56.3 vs 42.9%, P = .027). There were more patients who had diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) in the obese group (26.3% vs. 11.2%, P = .015; 11.3 vs. 4.4%, P < .001, respectively). Operative time was similar between 2 groups (mean ± SD, 275 ± 111 vs. 252±111 minutes, P = .084). Deep incisional SSI was more commonly observed in the obese group (7.5 vs 2.8%, P = .038). In multivariate analysis, only deep incisional SSI was found to be independently associated with obesity (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.02-7.67). Obese patients were readmitted more frequently than nonobese counterparts (28.3 vs 16%, P = .035). The length of hospital stay was comparable [median (IQR), 7 (4-13.5) vs. 7 (5-11) days, P = .942]. CONCLUSION: Ileal pouch excision can be performed in obese patients with largely similar outcomes compared to their nonobese counterparts although obesity is associated with a higher rate of deep space infection.

Management, Functional Outcomes, and Quality of Life After Development of Pelvic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Re-Do Ileal Pouch Anal Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: The data on management and outcomes of pelvic sepsis after re-do IPAA are scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report our management algorithm of pelvic sepsis in the setting of re-do IPAA and compare functional outcomes and quality of life after successful management of pelvic sepsis with a no sepsis control group. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This investigation is based on a single academic practice group experience on re-do IPAA. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent re-do IPAA for ileal pouch failure between September 2016 and September 2020 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Management of pelvic sepsis was reported. Functional outcomes, restrictions, and quality-of-life scores were compared between the sepsis and no sepsis groups. RESULTS: One-hundred ten patients were included in our study, of whom 25 (22.7%) developed pelvic sepsis. Twenty-three patients presented with pelvic sepsis before ileostomy closure, and 2 patients presented with pelvic sepsis after ileostomy closure. There were 6 pouch failures in the study period due to pelvic sepsis. Our management was successful in 79% of the patients with median follow-up of 26 months. Treatments included interventional radiology abscess drainage (n = 7), IV antibiotics alone (n = 5), interventional radiology drainage and mushroom catheter placement (n = 1), mushroom catheter placement (n = 1), and endoluminal vacuum-assisted closure (n = 1). Average number of bowel movements, urgency, incontinence, pad use, and seepage were comparable between the pelvic sepsis and no pelvic sepsis groups ( p > 0.05). Lifestyle alterations, Cleveland Global Quality of Life scores, and happiness with the results of the surgery were similar ( p > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its low study power and limited follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic sepsis is common after re-do IPAA, and management varies according to the location and size of the abscess/sinus. If detected early, our management strategy was associated with high pouch salvage rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B823 . MANEJO, RESULTADOS FUNCIONALES Y CALIDAD DE VIDA DESPUS DEL DESARROLLO DE SEPSIS PLVICA EN PACIENTES SOMETIDAS A RECONFECCIN DE ANASTOMOSIS ANAL CON BOLSA ILEAL: ANTECEDENTES:Los datos sobre el tratamiento y los resultados de la sepsis pélvica después de reconfección de anastomosis anal, de la bolsa ileal son escasos.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio es informar nuestro algoritmo de manejo de la sepsis pélvica en el contexto de reconfección de anastomosis anal de la bolsa ileal y comparar los resultados funcionales y la calidad de vida después del manejo exitoso de la sepsis pélvica con un grupo de control sin sepsis.DISEÑO:Este es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Esta investigación se basa en una experiencia de un solo grupo de práctica académica sobre reconfección de IPAA.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva anastomosis anal, del reservorio ileal por falla del reservorio ileal entre el 09/2016 y el 09/2020.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se informó el manejo de la sepsis pélvica. Los resultados funcionales, las restricciones y las puntuaciones de calidad de vida, se compararon entre los grupos con sepsis y sin sepsis.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron 110 pacientes en nuestro estudio, de los cuales 25 (22,7) desarrollaron sepsis pélvica. Veintitrés pacientes presentaron sepsis pélvica antes del cierre de la ileostomía y 2 pacientes presentaron sepsis pélvica después del cierre de la ileostomía. Hubo 6 fallas de la bolsa en el período de estudio debido a sepsis pélvica. Nuestro manejo fue exitoso en el 79% de los pacientes con una mediana de seguimiento de 26 meses. Los tratamientos incluyeron drenaje de abscesos IR (n = 7), antibióticos intravenosos solos (n = 5), drenaje IR y colocación de catéter en forma de hongo (n = 1), colocación de catéter en forma de hongo (n = 1) y cierre endoluminal asistido por vacío (n = 1). El número promedio de evacuaciones intestinales, urgencia, incontinencia, uso de almohadillas y filtraciones fueron comparables entre los grupos con sepsis pélvica y sin sepsis pélvica ( p > 0,05). Las alteraciones del estilo de vida, las puntuaciones de la Calidad de vida global de Cleveland y la felicidad con los resultados de la cirugía fueron similares ( p > 0,05).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio está limitado por su bajo poder de estudio y su tiempo de seguimiento limitado.CONCLUSIONES:La sepsis pélvica es común después de la reconfección de anastomosis anal de la bolsa ileal y el manejo varía según la ubicación y el tamaño del absceso / seno. Si se detecta temprano, nuestra estrategia de manejo se asoció con altas tasas de recuperación de la bolsa. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B823 . (Traducción-Dr. Mauricio Santamaria ).

Handsewn Versus Stapled IPAA in Redo Setting: Indications, Patient Characteristics, Operative, Functional, and Quality-of-Life Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The impact of the type of anastomosis on the outcomes of redo IPAA is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the indications, perioperative outcomes, and functional outcomes in patients undergoing stapled vs handsewn redo IPAA. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This investigation is based on a single academic practice group experience with redo IPAA. PATIENTS: Patients who underwent redo IPAA for ileal pouch failure between September 2016 and May 2020 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Indications, perioperative outcomes, functional outcomes, restrictions, and quality-of-life scores were compared between stapled and handsewn groups. RESULTS: A total of 105 patients underwent redo IPAA for ileal pouch failure of whom 76 (72%) had handsewn and 29 (28%) had stapled reanastomosis. The interval between the index and redo IPAA was shorter in stapled redo IPAA (median (interquartile range), Stapled: 3 years (1-4) vs handsewn: 7 years (3-17), p < 0.001). Handsewn anastomosis was more commonly used after pelvic sepsis (handsewn: n = 57 (76%) vs stapled: n = 13 (45%), p = 0.002). Overall postoperative morbidity was similar between the 2 groups (handsewn: n = 38 (50%) vs stapled: n = 16 (55%), p = 0.635). The number of bowel movements, pad use, daily restrictions, and Cleveland Global Quality of Life scores were similar between stapled and handsewn groups. Although daytime seepage was more common after handsewn anastomosis (handsewn, n = 20 (44%) vs stapled, n = 3 (14%), p = 0.013), nighttime seepage was similar in both groups. Pouch survival rates were comparable: 88% vs 92% (p > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by its low study power and limited follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who had pelvic sepsis after their index IPAA required handsewn anastomosis at higher rates than other redo cases. Although handsewn anastomosis is a more complex procedure, it is associated with morbidity, functional outcomes, and quality-of-life scores similar to stapled anastomosis for redo IPAA. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B580. RECONSTRUCCIN DE ANASTOMOSIS ILEONAL CON RESERVORIO ILEAL CON SUTURA MANUAL VERSUS ANASTOMOSIS CON ENGRAPADO INDICACIONES, CARACTERSTICAS DEL PACIENTE, RESULTADOS OPERATORIOS, FUNCIONALES Y DE CALIDAD DE VIDA: ANTECEDENTES:Se desconoce el impacto en los resultados del tipo de anastomosis se rehace una anastomosis ileonal con reservorio ileal (IPAA).OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio es evaluar las indicaciones, resultados perioperatorios y funcionales en pacientes sometidos a una reconstrucción IPAA con engrapado vs sutura manual.DISEÑO:Este es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO:Esta investigación se basa en la experiencia de un solo grupo de práctica académica sobre reconstrucción IPAA.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes que fueron sometidos a una reconstrucción de IPAA por falla del reservorio ileal entre septiembre del 2016 hasta mayo del 2020.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:se compararon indicaciones, resultados perioperatorios, funcionales, restricciones y puntuaciones de calidad de vida entre los grupos de engrapado y sutura manual.RESULTADOS:Un total de 105 pacientes fueron sometidos a una reconstrucción de IPAA por falla del reservorio ileal, de los cuales 76 (72%) fueron reanastomosis con sutura manual y 29 (28%) con engrapado. El intervalo entre la cirugía inicial y la reintervención de IPAA fue más corto en la reconstrucción de IPAA con engrapado [mediana (IQR), engrapado: 3 años (1-4) vs con sutura manual: 7 años (3-17), p <0,001]. La anastomosis con sutura manual se realizo con mayor frecuencia después de sepsis pélvica [sutura manual: n = 57 (76%) vs engrapado: n = 13 (45%), p = 0,002]. La morbilidad postoperatoria total fue similar entre los dos grupos [sutura manual: n = 38 (50%) vs engrapado: n = 16 (55%), p = 0,635]. El número de evacuaciones intestinales, el uso de paños protectores, restricciones diarias y puntuaciones en CGQL fueron similares entre los grupos de engrapado y sutura manual. Si bien el manchado por la mañana fue más común después de la anastomosis con sutura manual [sutura manual, n = 20 (44%) vs engrapado, n = 3 (14%), p = 0.013], el manchado por la noche fue similar en ambos grupos. Las tasas de sobrevida con reservorio fueron comparables; 88% vs 92% respectivamente (p> 0,05).LIMITACIONES:Este estudio está limitado por su bajo poder de estudio y su tiempo de seguimiento limitado.CONCLUSIONES:Los pacientes que tuvieron sepsis pélvica después de su primer IPAA, requirieron anastomosis con sutura manual en un porcentaje más alto que otros procedimientos de reintervención. Si bien es cierto, la anastomosis con sutura manual es un procedimiento mucho más complejo; este se asoció a una morbilidad, resultados funcionales y puntuaciones de calidad de vida similares en comparación a la anastomosis con engrapado cuando se rehace la IPAA. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B580. (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon).

Reporting Templates for MRI and Water-Soluble Contrast Enema in Patients With Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: Experience From a Large Referral Center.

Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) surgery is the reference standard surgical procedure for treatment of ulcerative colitis and most patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. This procedure allows preservation of fecal continence and gastrointestinal continuity. However, it is associated with a wide variety of complications, which often have nonspecific and overlapping clinical presentations, making imaging an important part of workup for pouch dysfunction. The purpose of this article is to propose structured reporting templates for MRI and water-soluble contrast enema (WSCE), based on our referral pouch center's experience, in patients who have undergone IPAA surgery. We review salient surgical technique, pouch anatomy, and imaging protocols, with an emphasis on a systematic search pattern for evaluation of ileal pouch complications using proposed structured reporting templates for MRI and WSCE.

Surgical Management of Ulcerative Colitis.

Ulcerative colitis can be managed by surgical resection of the colon and rectum. The final reconstruction options of traditional end ileostomy, continent ileostomy, ileorectal anastomosis, or ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). We maintain that the IPAA is the gold standard management of ulcerative colitis and should be performed in stages. This article includes descriptions of technique, management alternatives, and intraoperative and postoperative management of pouch issues.

Warm and Humidified Versus Cold and Dry CO2 Pneumoperitoneum in Minimally Invasive Colon Resection: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Peritoneal insufflation with warm-humidified (WH) CO2 gas during minimally invasive surgical procedures is purported to prevent hypothermia and peritoneal desiccation and is associated with decreased postoperative IL-6 levels. This randomized study's purpose was to determine the clinical impact of WH versus cold-dry (CD) CO2 in minimally invasive colon resection (MICR), and to assess perioperative plasma levels of IL-6, TIMP-1, sVEGF-R1, and HSP-70 after MICR. METHODS: Operative and short-term clinical data plus perioperative blood samples were collected on MICR patients randomized to receive either WH (36.7°C, 95% humidity) or CD (room temperature, 0% humidity) CO2 perioperatively. Peritoneal biopsies were taken at the start and end of surgery. Outcomes tracked included core temperature, postoperative in-hospital pain levels, analgesia requirements, and standard recovery parameters. Preoperative and postoperative days (PODs) 1 and 3 plasma protein levels were determined via ELISA. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were randomized to WH CO2 (50) or CD CO2 (51). The WH group contained more diabetics ( P = .03). There were no differences in indication, minimally invasive surgical method used, or core temperature. Pain scores were similar; however, the WH patients required less narcotics on PODs 1 to 3 ( P < .05), and less ketorolac on PODs 1 and 2 ( P < .03). No differences in length of stay, complication rates, or time to flatus/diet tolerance were noted. Plasma levels of the 4 proteins were similar postoperatively. Though insignificant, the WH group had less marked histologic changes on "end-of-case" peritoneal biopsies. CONCLUSION: This study found significantly lower pain medication requirements for PODs 1 to 3 for the WH group; however, because there were no differences in the pains scores between the groups, firm conclusions regarding WH CO2 cannot be made.

MAGE-A3 is highly expressed in a subset of colorectal cancer patients.

The expression of Cancer/Testis (CT) antigens in some tumors and restricted expression in normal tissue make CT antigens attractive vaccine targets. We evaluated the expression of MAGE-A3, PLAC1, GAGE, and CTAG2 in a series of colorectal cancers (CRC). CT mRNA expression was determined via quantitative PCR on paired tumors and normal tissue samples from 82 CRC patients. In addition, plasma antibody titers specific to MAGE-A3, PLAC1, GAGE, and CTAG2 were determined via ELISA. Tissue expression of MAGE-A3 was assessed via a standard IHC protocol. The Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis (significance p < 0.05). Tumor expression of MAGE-A3, CTAG2, and GAGE was compared to the levels of expression in testis. The percentage of samples that had a tumor vs. testis expression ratio above 0.1% was: MAGE-A3 (28%) and CTAG2 (17%) but no tumor presented GAGE expression levels above 0.1%. The expression levels of PLAC1 in tumors were compared to the levels in placenta, and in 12.8% of the samples analyzed, these levels were above 0.1%. Sero-reactivity specific for MAGE-A genes and PLAC1 was noted in 2.4% and 2.6% of patients, respectively. MAGE-A3 and PLAC1 may hold promise as vaccine targets for CRC. Further study is warranted.

Minimally invasive colorectal resection is associated with a rapid and sustained decrease in plasma levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the colon cancer setting.

BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates tumor growth directly via tumor cell EGF receptors or indirectly via its proangiogenic effects. This study's purpose was to determine the impact of minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR) on postoperative (postop) plasma EGF levels in the colorectal cancer (CRC) and benign disease settings and to see if preoperative (PreOp) EGF levels are altered in cancer patients. METHODS: MICR patients with benign pathology (n = 40) and CRC (n = 48) had blood samples taken PreOp and on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3. In some patients, late samples were taken between POD7 and POD60; these were bundled into 7-day blocks and considered as single time points. EGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and results were reported as mean ± SD after logarithmic transformation. The Student t test was used (p < 0.008 after Bonferroni correction). RESULTS: The cancer and benign groups were comparable except for age. The mean PreOp CRC plasma EGF level (122.9 ± 75.9 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that of the benign group (85.3 ± 38.5 pg/ml) (p = 0.015). The cancer group's EGF levels were significantly decreased on POD1 and POD3 and for the POD31-55 time point (mean EGF level = 63.1 ± 42.2 (n = 10). The benign group's POD3 and POD7-14 EGF levels were significantly lower than the PreOp level; later levels returned toward baseline. Small late sample size limited analysis. CONCLUSION: Plasma EGF levels are significantly higher in cancer patients. MICR is associated with a significant decrease in EGF levels early postop in both cancer and benign settings. Unlike the benign group, EGF blood levels in cancer patients remain low during the second postop month. A larger study with more late samples is needed to verify these results. EGF may have value as a tumor marker.

Minimally invasive colorectal resection for cancer is associated with a short-lived decrease in soluble Tie-2 receptor levels, which may transiently inhibit VEGF-mediated angiogenesis (via altered blood levels of free Ang-1 and Ang-2).

BACKGROUND: Angiopoetin- (Ang-) 1 inhibits and Ang-2 promotes VEGF-mediated angiogenesis via binding to endothelial cell-bound Tie-2 receptor (Tie-2). After minimally invasive colorectal resection (MICR), Ang-1 levels decrease and Ang-2 levels increase, which may stimulate angiogenesis in wounds and residual tumor foci. Soluble Tie-2 (sTie-2) modulates the effects of free Ang-1 and Ang-2 by binding to them. This study assessed perioperative MICR plasma sTie-2 levels. METHODS: Blood samples were taken preoperatively (PreOp) and on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 3 from 50 cancer and 53 benign disease MICR patients. In a subgroup, a fourth sample was taken between POD7 and POD13 and bundled as a single time point. sTie-2 levels (ng/ml) were determined via ELISA. The mean and SD were determined at each time point. The t test used for analysis. RESULTS: PreOp plasma sTie-2 levels were significantly higher in the benign group (27.6 ± 10.2) than in the cancer group (22.9 ± 7.9). A significant drop from PreOp occurred in sTie-2 levels in the cancer group on POD1 (20.0 ± 7.4) and POD3 (21.0 ± 6.6) and in the benign group on POD1 (24.8 ± 9.1). The benign group's POD3 and the cancer group's POD7-13 sTie-2 levels were statistically similar to the PreOp levels while the benign group's POD7-13 level was significantly higher. CONCLUSION: PreOp sTie-2 levels were significantly lower in cancer patients. MICR is associated with a significant short-lived decrease in plasma sTie-2 levels in cancer patients on POD1 and 3, which may briefly inhibit VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. The benign group's early results were similar.