Clinical features and prognosis of malignant small bowel tumors: Experience from a university hospital in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors (SBT) are infrequent and represent a small proportion of digestive neoplasms. There is scarce information about SBT in Latin America. AIM: To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and survival of malignant SBTs. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of adult patients with histopathological diagnosis of SBT between 2007 and 2021 in a university hospital in Chile. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients [51.9% men; mean age 57 years] with SBT. Histological type: neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (43.7%, n=38), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) (21.8%, n=19), lymphoma (17.2%, n=15) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (11.5%, n=10). GIST was more frequent in duodenum (50%; n=12) and NET in the ileum (65.8%; n=25). Metastasis was observed in 17 cases, most commonly from colon and melanoma. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more often observed in AC (p=0.035), as well as gastrointestinal bleeding in GIST (p=0.007). The most common diagnostic tools were CT and CT enteroclysis with an elevated diagnostic yield (86% and 94% respectively). The 5-year survival of GIST, NET, lymphoma and AC were 94.7% (95%CI: 68.1-99.2), 82.2% (95%CI: 57.6-93.3), 40.0% (95%CI: 16.5-82.8) and 25.9% (95%CI: 4.5-55.7%), respectively. NET (HR 6.1; 95%CI: 2.1-17.2) and GIST (HR 24.4; 95%CI: 3.0-19.8) were independently associated with higher survival compared to AC, adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant SBT are rare conditions and NETs are the most common histological subtype. Clinical presentation at diagnosis, location or complications may suggest a more probable diagnosis. GIST and NET are associated with better survival compared to other malignant subtypes.

¿Ha disminuido la colectomía por crisis de colitis ulcerosa?

Background: Treatment for moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis (UC) includes steroids, biologic therapy and total colectomy. Aim: To describe the features of patients with moderate to severe active UC, their hospital evolution and need for colectomy. Material and Methods: Non-concurrent cohort study of all patients admitted to our institution with a diagnosis of moderate or severe UC crisis between January 2008 and May 2019. Truelove Witts (TW) criteria were used to categorize disease severity. Twelve-month colectomy-free survival was estimated with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Results: One hundred-twenty patients aged 16 to 89 (median 35) years had 160 admissions for acute moderate to severe UC. Median admission per patient was 1 (1-3), and median hospital stay was six days (1-49). Cytomegalovirus and Clostridioides difficile were found in 17.5 and 14.2% of crises, respectively. Corticosteroids were used in all crises and biologic therapy in 6.9% of them. Emergency or elective colectomies were performed in 18.3 and 6.7% of patients, respectively. The need for emergency total colectomy decreased from 24.6 to 7.8% (Risk ratio 3.16, p < 0.01) between de first and second half of the study period. Kaplan-Meier analysis for long term colectomy-free survival in both periods confirmed this decrease (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Medical treatment for moderate to severe UC crises had a 86.3% success and a small percentage required emergency total colectomy. Emergency surgery decreased in the last decade.

Pelvic Venous Congestion Secondary to a Circumaortic Renal Collar in an Adolescent Female: Report of a Case.

We report a 13-year-old girl who presented with a recurrent abdominal pain that started after her menarche. The abdominal palpation revealed tenderness over the left ovarian point. The laboratory study, ultrasonography, and abdominal X-ray were normal. The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a double left renal vein with a retroaortic component, an increased left parauterine circulation, and ipsilateral ovarian vein engorgement. A diagnostic and therapeutic phlebography allowed a selective catheterization of a group of pelvic varicose veins draining to the left ovarian and to the internal iliac veins. There were no complications during the procedure and the symptoms disappeared 2 days later. Circumaortic left renal vein may cause hematuria, proteinuria, pelvic congestion syndrome, and massive hemorrhage during surgery. A conservative treatment is recommended for patients without gynecourological/renal symptoms or with mild hematuria. The endovascular treatment by gonadal venous embolization is safe and effective.

Computed tomography-measured body composition parameters do not influence survival in non-metastatic colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing interest in studying the impact of altered body composition parameters and colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of computed tomography (CT)-measured visceral obesity, sarcopenia and myosteatosis on survival of non-metastatic CRC. METHODS: Consecutive patients with stage I-III CRC who underwent curative-intent treatment between January 2010 and December 2015 were included. By measuring the visceral fat area, and the skeletal muscle index and radiodensity in the pre-operative staging CT, patients were classified as visceral obese, sarcopenic or myosteatotic. The associations between CT-based body composition parameters and survival were assessed using log-rank tests and a Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 359 patients, 263 (73.3%) were visceral obese, 85 (23.7%) sarcopenic and 80 (22.3%) myosteatotic. Overall (OS), cancer-specific (CSS) and disease-free survivals (DFS) at 5 years were 78.8%, 84.7% and 75%, respectively. Myosteatosis and the combination of myosteatosis and visceral obesity were associated with a reduced DFS (hazard ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.61 and hazard ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.15-2.96, respectively). However, after performing a multivariate analysis including other relevant clinicopathological factors, none of the body composition parameters were associated with any long-term outcome measures, even after stratifying by cancer stage. CONCLUSIONS: CT-measured body composition parameters do not independently influence survival in non-metastatic CRC. There is a need for larger cohort studies with standardized patient selection and methodology to confirm these findings.

Implementation of intracorporeal anastomosis in laparoscopic right colectomy is safe and associated with a shorter hospital stay.

Reconstruction after laparoscopic right colectomy (LRC) can be achieved by performing an intracorporeal (IA) or an extracorporeal anastomosis (EA). This study aims to assess the safety of implementing IA in LRC, and to compare its perioperative outcomes with EA during an institution's learning curve. Patients undergoing elective LRC with IA or EA in a teaching university hospital between January 2015 and December 2018 were included. Demographic, clinical, perioperative and histopathological data were collated and outcomes investigated. One hundred and twenty-two patients were included; forty-three (35.2%) had an IA. The main indication for surgery was cancer in both groups (83.7% for IA and 79.8% for EA; p = 0.50). Operative time was longer for IA (180 [150-205] versus 150 [120-180] minutes; p < 0.001). A Pfannenstiel incision was used as extraction site in 97.7% of patients receiving an IA; while a midline incision was used in 97.5% of patients having an EA (p < 0.001). Hospital stay was significantly shorter for IA (3 [3, 4] versus 4 [3-6] days; p = 0.003). There were no differences in postoperative complications rates between groups. There was a 4.7% and 3.8% anastomotic leak rate in the IA and EA group, respectively (p = 1). Re-intervention and readmission rates were similar between groups, and there was no mortality during the study period. The implementation of IA in LRC is safe. Despite longer operative times, IA is associated with a shorter hospital stay when compared to EA in the setting of an institution's learning curve.

[Management of severe ulcerative colitis: An up-to-date]. / Diagnóstico y manejo de colitis ulcerosa grave: Una mirada actualizada.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the colon, with alternating periods of remission and activity. Exacerbations can be severe and associated with complications and mortality. Diagnosis of severe UC is based on clinical, biochemical and endoscopic variables. Patients with severe UC must be hospitalized. First line therapy is the use of intravenous corticoids which achieve clinical remission in most patients. However, 25% of patients will be refractory to corticoids, situation that should be evaluated at the third day of therapy. In patients without response, cytomegalovirus infection must be quickly ruled out to escalate to second line therapy with biological drugs or cyclosporine. Total colectomy must not be delayed if there is no response to second line therapy, if there is a contraindication for second line therapies or there are complications such as: megacolon, perforation or massive bleeding. An active management with quick escalation on therapy allows to decrease the prolonged exposure to corticoids, reduce colectomy rates and its perioperative complications.

Diagnóstico y manejo de colitis ulcerosa grave: una mirada actualizada / Management of severe ulcerative colitis: an up-to-date

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the colon, with alternating periods of remission and activity. Exacerbations can be severe and associated with complications and mortality. Diagnosis of severe UC is based on clinical, biochemical and endoscopic variables. Patients with severe UC must be hospitalized. First line therapy is the use of intravenous corticoids which achieve clinical remission in most patients. However, 25% of patients will be refractory to corticoids, situation that should be evaluated at the third day of therapy. In patients without response, cytomegalovirus infection must be quickly ruled out to escalate to second line therapy with biological drugs or cyclosporine. Total colectomy must not be delayed if there is no response to second line therapy, if there is a contraindication for second line therapies or there are complications such as: megacolon, perforation or massive bleeding. An active management with quick escalation on therapy allows to decrease the prolonged exposure to corticoids, reduce colectomy rates and its perioperative complications.

Insuficiencia intestinal secundaria a síndrome de intestino corto: resultados de un programa multidisciplinario de rehabilitación intestinal / Intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome: impact of a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program

Background: In patients suffering intestinal failure due to short bowel, the goal of an Intestinal Rehabilitation Program is to optimize and tailor all aspects of clinical management, and eventually, wean patients off lifelong parenteral nutrition. Aim: To report the results of our program in patients suffering intestinal failure. Patients and Methods: A registry of all patients referred to the Intestinal Failure unit between January 2009 and December 2015 was constructed. Initial work up included prior intestinal surgery, blood tests, endoscopic and imaging studies. Also demographic data, medical and surgical management as well as clinical follow-up, were registered. Results: Data from 14 consecutive patients aged 26 to 84 years (13 women) was reviewed. Mean length of remnant small bowel was 100 cm and they were on parenteral nutrition for a median of eight months. Seven of 14 patients had short bowel secondary to mesenteric vascular events (embolism/thrombosis). Medical management and autologous reconstruction of the bowel included jejuno-colic anastomosis in six, enterorraphies in three, entero-rectal anastomosis in two, lengthening procedures in two, ileo-colic anastomosis in one and reversal Roux-Y gastric bypass in one. Thirteen of 14 patients were weaned off parenteral nutrition. Conclusions: Our Multidisciplinary Intestinal Rehabilitation Program, allowed weaning most of the studied patients off parenteral nutrition.

Resultados inmediatos y alejados del reservorio ileal con anastomosis reservorio-anal practicado en forma simultánea o diferida con la proctocolectomía en pacientes portadores de colitis ulcerosa / Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis performed simultaneously or delayed with the proctocolectomy: short and long-term results in patients with ulcerative colitis

Objetivo: Analizar las diferencias en los resultados quirúrgicos entre 2 grupos en colitis ulcerosa: proctocolectomía, reservorio ileal y anastomosis reservorio-anal (RIARA), simultáneo con la proctocolectomía (grupo 1) o diferido (grupo 2). Material y método: Estudio retrospectivo en 126 pacientes sometidos a RIARA. En todos los pacientes se confeccionó un RIARA en «J¼, excepto en 4 que se hizo en «S¼. Todos fueron protegidos con ileostomía. Complicaciones Clavien-Dindo II-V fueron registradas. Resultados: Pacientes con una mediana de edad de 37 años (12-61), 72 eran de género femenino (57%). Se practicó proctocolectomía y RIARA en 24 pacientes (19%) y proctectomía y RIARA en 102 (81%). Se observaron complicaciones postoperatorias en 19 pacientes (13%). Infección de la herida y sepsis pelviana, en 4% respectivamente, fueron las más frecuentes. Tres pacientes fueron reintervenidos: 2 por hemoperitoneo y uno por necrosis isquémica del reservorio. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria. No se observó diferencia significativa en la morbilidad postoperatoria entre los grupos. Se observaron complicaciones a largo plazo en 48 pacientes (38%): obstrucción intestinal en 18 pacientes (14%), fístula reservorio-vaginal (FRV) en 9 (12,5%), y reservoritis crónica en 8 (6,9%) fueron las más frecuentes. Al comparar los 2 grupos, se observó mayor frecuencia de FRV en el grupo 1 (p = 0,02). Conclusión: En este estudio no se demostró diferencia en la morbilidad postoperatoria entre el grupo 1 y 2. En los resultados alejados hubo mayor frecuencia significativa de FRV en el grupo 1.

Aim: To compare the surgical results of both groups: Simultaneous with the proctocolectomy (SRP) (group 1) or delayed after colectomy (DRP) (group 2). Material and methods: Retrospective study on 126 patients submitted to RP. All patients had a J-pouch, except 4 S. All of them protected with a loop ileostomy. The median time between colectomy and IPAA was 5 months (4-6 range). Clavien-Dindo II-V complications were registered. Results: 126 patients had IPAA. Age median 37 years (12-61 range); 72 (57%) women. SRP in 24 (19%) and DRP was performed in 102 (81%). Postoperative complications were recorded in 19 patients (13%). Wound infection and pelvic sepsis were observed in 4% each. Three patients needed early reoperation: two for hemoperitoneum and one for ischemic necrosis of the pouch. There was no post-operative mortality. No significant difference in 30 days postoperative complication rate was found between SRP and DRP. On long-term follow-up: Intestinal obstruction in 18 patients (14%), pouch-vaginal fistula (PVF) in 9 (12.5%) and chronic pouchitis in 8 (6.9%) were the most common complications. PVF was significantly more frequent on group 1. Conclusion: In this series, no significant difference was found in the early surgical results between group 1 and 2. In the long term, PVF was significantly more common in group 1.

[Intestinal failure due to short bowel syndrome: impact of a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program]. / Insuficiencia intestinal secundaria a síndrome de intestino corto: resultados de un programa multidisciplinario de rehabilitación intestinal.

BACKGROUND: In patients suffering intestinal failure due to short bowel, the goal of an Intestinal Rehabilitation Program is to optimize and tailor all aspects of clinical management, and eventually, wean patients off lifelong parenteral nutrition. AIM: To report the results of our program in patients suffering intestinal failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A registry of all patients referred to the Intestinal Failure unit between January 2009 and December 2015 was constructed. Initial work up included prior intestinal surgery, blood tests, endoscopic and imaging studies. Also demographic data, medical and surgical management as well as clinical follow-up, were registered. RESULTS: Data from 14 consecutive patients aged 26 to 84 years (13 women) was reviewed. Mean length of remnant small bowel was 100 cm and they were on parenteral nutrition for a median of eight months. Seven of 14 patients had short bowel secondary to mesenteric vascular events (embolism/thrombosis). Medical management and autologous reconstruction of the bowel included jejuno-colic anastomosis in six, enterorraphies in three, entero-rectal anastomosis in two, lengthening procedures in two, ileo-colic anastomosis in one and reversal Roux-Y gastric bypass in one. Thirteen of 14 patients were weaned off parenteral nutrition. CONCLUSIONS: Our Multidisciplinary Intestinal Rehabilitation Program, allowed weaning most of the studied patients off parenteral nutrition.

[Treatment of a severe Clostridium difficile infection with colonic lavages. Report of one case]. / Ileostomía en asa derivativa y lavado colónico intraoperatorio como alternativa de tratamiento en un caso de colitis grave por Clostridium difficile.

A loop ileostomy with intraoperative anterograde colonic lavage has been described as an alternative to colectomy in the management of cases of Clostridium difficile infection refractory to medical treatment. We report a 69 years old diabetic women admitted with a septic shock. An abdominal CAT scan showed a pan-colitis that seemed to be infectious. A polymerase chain reaction was positive for Clostridium Difficile. Due to the failure to improve after full medical treatment, a derivative loop ileostomy and intra-operatory colonic lavage were performed, leaving a Foley catheter in the proximal colon. In the postoperative period, anterograde colonic instillations of Vancomycin flushes through the catheter were performed every 6 hours. Forty eight hours after surgery, the patient improved. A colonoscopy prior to discharge showed resolution of the pseudomembranous colitis.

Ileostomía en asa derivativa y lavado colónico intraoperatorio como alternativa de tratamiento en un caso de colitis grave por Clostridium difficile / Treatment of a severe Clostridium difficile infection with colonic lavages. Report of one case

A loop ileostomy with intraoperative anterograde colonic lavage has been described as an alternative to colectomy in the management of cases of Clostridium difficile infection refractory to medical treatment. We report a 69 years old diabetic women admitted with a septic shock. An abdominal CAT scan showed a pan-colitis that seemed to be infectious. A polymerase chain reaction was positive for Clostridium Difficile. Due to the failure to improve after full medical treatment, a derivative loop ileostomy and intra-operatory colonic lavage were performed, leaving a Foley catheter in the proximal colon. In the postoperative period, anterograde colonic instillations of Vancomycin flushes through the catheter were performed every 6 hours. Forty eight hours after surgery, the patient improved. A colonoscopy prior to discharge showed resolution of the pseudomembranous colitis.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases in an urban community in Monagas State, Venezuela: a COPCORD study.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and rheumatic diseases in an urban community in Venezuela. We conducted a cross-sectional, community-based study using the COPCORD (Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases) methodology in subjects older than 18 years. Positive cases were evaluated by rheumatologists. We surveyed 3,973 individuals (1,606 males and 2,367 females), with a mean age of 43.7 years (standard deviation (SD) 17.6). Mean duration of education was 8.9 years (SD 3.7), 79.2 % had a monthly income of < US$569, and 46.4 % were working. Excluding trauma, the prevalence of pain in the 7 days prior to interview was 19.9 % (95 % confidence interval (CI) 18.7-21.2 %). Mean pain intensity on a visual analog scale was 6.3 (SD 2.2), and 30.1 % (95 % CI 28.7-31.6 %) had a history of pain. Respondents reported pain in the knees, back, hands, shoulders, and ankles in the last 7 days; 4.7 % described current functional limitation, with 16.5 % reporting limitations in the past. Regarding treatment, 23.9 % received medication, 6.4 % received physical therapy, and 2.6 % received alternative treatment. The main diagnoses were osteoarthritis in 15.0 % (95 % CI 13.9-16.1 %), rheumatic regional pain syndromes in 6.3 % (95 % CI 5.5-7.1 %), back pain in 2.8 % (95 % CI 2.3-3.4 %), rheumatoid arthritis in 0.4 % (95 % CI 0.2-0.6 %), crystal arthropathy in 0.3 % (95 % CI 0.1-0.5 %), fibromyalgia in 0.2 % (95 % CI 0.1-0.4 %), and systemic lupus erythematosus in 0.07 % (95 % CI 0.01-0.2 %). The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was 22.4 %, and the most prevalent disease was osteoarthritis. Pain, in which a patient is receiving treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, and physical disability were associated with the presence of a rheumatic disease.

[An elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in stage II resected colon cancer]. / Un índice neutrófilo/linfocito elevado se asocia a peor pronóstico en cáncer de colon etapa II resecado.

BACKGROUND: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an effective marker of inflammation ana can have prognostic value in surgical patients. AIM: To evaluate the effect of an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on perioperative complications ana overall ana disease-free survival in patients undergoing elective resection for stage II colon cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was obtained from clinical charts, preoperative blood results and hospital records of all patients undergoing an elective curative resection for colon cancer, between 2000 and 2007. Preoperative NLR was calculated. Follow-up was obtained from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database, clinical records and questionnaires. Uni and multivariable analysis were performed to identify associations, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: One hundred twenty two patients with a mean age of 69 years (52% males), were evaluated. Median follow-up was 73 months, and overall survival for 1 and 5 years was 95% and 68%, respectively. On a multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, tumor depth invasion, use of adjuvant therapies and American Society of Anesthesiology preoperative risk score, an NLR > 5 was associated with an increased perioperative complication rate (odds ratio: 3.06, p = 0.033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a worse overall and disease-free survival for patients with NLR greater than five. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative NLR of five or more is associated with greater perioperative morbidity and worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing resection for elective stage II colon cancer.

Un índice neutrófilo/linfocito elevado se asocia a peor pronóstico en cancer de colon etapa II resecado / An elevated neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor prognosis in stage II resected colon cancer

Background: The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio is an effective marker of inflammation ana can have prognostic value in surgical patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of an increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) on perioperative complications ana overall ana disease-free survival in patients undergoing elective resection for stage II colon cancer. Material and Methods: Data was obtained from clinical charts, preoperative blood results and hospital records of all patients undergoing an elective curative resection for colon cancer, between 2000 and 2007. Preoperative NLR was calculated. Follow-up was obtained from a prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database, clinical records and questionnaires. Uni and multivariable analysis were performed to identify associations, and survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: One hundred twenty two patients with a mean age of69years (52% males), were evaluated. Median follow-up was 73 months, and overall survival for 1 and 5years was 95% and 68%, respectively. On a multivariable analysis after adjusting for age, sex, tumor depth invasion, use of adjuvant therapies and American Society of Anesthesiology preoperative risk score, an NLR > 5 was associated with an increased perioperative complication rate (odds ratio: 3,06, p = 0,033). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a worse overall and disease-free survival for patients with NLR greater than five. Conclusions: A preoperative NLR of five or more is associated with greater perioperative morbidity and worse oncological outcomes in patients undergoing resection for elective stage II colon cancer.

Abordaje laparoscópico para la reconstrucción de tránsito intestinal post-Hartmann: experiencia de un centro sobre 30 pacientes / Laparoscopic approach for intestinal passage reconstruction after Hartmann's operation: Experience with 30 patients

Introducción: La reconstrucción de tránsito posterior a una operación de Hartmann (RTH) se asocia a una alta morbilidad y mortalidad cercana al 1%. Pese al creciente uso de la laparoscopia como alternativa en la RTH, existen escasas series a nivel internacional. Pacientes y métodos: La serie prospectiva de pacientes sometidos a RTH por vía laparoscópica fue analizada considerando parámetros demográficos, clasificación ASA, motivo de la cirugía primaria, tiempo entre la cirugía inicial y la reconstrucción, tiempo operatorio, conversión a cirugía abierta, tiempo de recuperación del reposo digestivo, complicaciones, estancia hospitalaria y seguimiento. Resultados: Un total de 30 pacientes con una edad media de 61,5±13 años fueron abordados por vía laparoscópica. La clasificación de ASA fue de 1,8±0,3 y el IMC fue de 26,1±2kg/m2. Un 63% ingresó con diagnóstico de una diverticulitis aguda complicada Hinchey III o IV. El intervalo entre cirugía inicial y la reconstrucción de tránsito fue de 7,1±2 meses. En tres casos fue necesaria conversión a cirugía abierta. La media de recuperación del tránsito intestinal fue de 2,1±1 días y la estancia hospitalaria fue de 5,6±1 días. Las complicaciones a largo plazo fueron un íleo mecánico por bridas y un caso de estenosis anastomótica. Conclusiones: La reconstrucción de tránsito laparoscópica post-Hartmann está asociada a un tiempo de recuperación de la motilidad intestinal corto, así como a una estancia hospitalaria menos prolongada en relación a series de abordaje abierto. Estudios aleatorizados son necesarios para determinar si la reconstrucción laparoscópica es superior a la técnica convencional (AU)

Introduction: Intestinal passage reconstruction after Hartmann's (PRH) operation is associated with a high morbidity and mortality of about 1%. Despite the increasing use of laparoscopy as an alternative in PRH, there is a lack of patient series at international level. Patients and methods: The prospective series of patients subjected to (PRH) by laparoscopy was analysed using the demographic parameters, ASA classification, reason for primary surgery, time between initial surgery and reconstruction, operation time, conversion to open surgery, bowel rest recovery time, complications, hospital stay and follow up. Results: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 61.5±13 years were operated on using laparoscopy. The ASA classification was 1.8±0.3 the BMI was 26.1±2Kg/m2. A total of 63% were admitted due to complicated Hinchley III or IV acute diverticulitis. The interval between initial surgery and the passage reconstruction was 7.1±2 months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three cases. The mean intestinal passage recovery was 2.1±1 days and the hospital stay was 5.6±1 days. The long-term complications were one mechanic ileum due to bridles and one case of anastomotic stenosis. Conclusions: The post-Hartmann laparoscopic passage reconstruction is associated with a short intestinal motility recovery time, as well as a less prolonged hospital stay compared to an open surgery series. Randomised studies are needed to determine whether laparoscopic reconstruction is superior to the conventional technique (AU)

[Laparoscopic approach for intestinal passage reconstruction after Hartmann's operation: experience with 30 patients]. / Abordaje laparoscópico para la reconstrucción de tránsito intestinal post-Hartmann: experiencia de un centro sobre 30 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal passage reconstruction after Hartmann's (PRH) operation is associated with a high morbidity and mortality of about 1%. Despite the increasing use of laparoscopy as an alternative in PRH, there is a lack of patient series at international level. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prospective series of patients subjected to (PRH) by laparoscopy was analysed using the demographic parameters, ASA classification, reason for primary surgery, time between initial surgery and reconstruction, operation time, conversion to open surgery, bowel rest recovery time, complications, hospital stay and follow up. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 61.5 ± 13 years were operated on using laparoscopy. The ASA classification was 1.8 ± 0.3 the BMI was 26.1 ± 2 Kg/m(2). A total of 63% were admitted due to complicated Hinchley III or IV acute diverticulitis. The interval between initial surgery and the passage reconstruction was 7.1 ± 2 months. Conversion to open surgery was necessary in three cases. The mean intestinal passage recovery was 2.1 ± 1 days and the hospital stay was 5.6 ± 1 days. The long-term complications were one mechanic ileum due to bridles and one case of anastomotic stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: The post-Hartmann laparoscopic passage reconstruction is associated with a short intestinal motility recovery time, as well as a less prolonged hospital stay compared to an open surgery series. Randomised studies are needed to determine whether laparoscopic reconstruction is superior to the conventional technique.

The role of pouch compliance measurement in the management of pouch dysfunction.

PURPOSE: Ileal pouch anal anastomosis is an established option for patients who require total proctocolectomy and restoration of bowel continuity. However, the functional results are not always good and low pouch compliance has been suggested as one possible cause. We aimed to review the results of pouch compliance tests over 11 years to assess whether measuring pouch compliance is a useful diagnostic tool to guide management of pouch dysfunction. METHODS: The results of pouch compliance tests performed between 1996 and 2007 together with the details of symptoms, treatments and outcome were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-one pouch compliance tests were performed. There was no difference in pouch compliance between those with overt pathology (pouchitis, pelvic sepsis or anastomotic stricture) and those with idiopathic pouch dysfunction. In this second group, there was no difference in pouch compliance between patients with and without each of the symptoms of increased defaecatory frequency, incontinence and evacuation difficulties. The results of the compliance testing did not influence the clinical decision making on idiopathic pouch dysfunction (p=0.77) nor diverted pouches (p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Measuring pouch compliance does not offer new information accounting for idiopathic pouch dysfunction and has little influence on the clinical management.

Laparoscopic total colectomy for colonic inertia: surgical and functional results.

BACKGROUND: Total colectomy is the surgery of choice for colonic inertia (CI) when medical treatment has failed. Laparoscopic total colectomy has demonstrated to be a feasible technique. OBJECTIVE: Present our experience in patients with CI who underwent laparoscopic total colectomy (TC) + ileorectoanastomosis (IRA) and evaluate the functional results and medium-term follow-up after this surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients with CI were included in a prospective laparoscopic surgical protocol, from 2002 to 2007. These patients had a complete work-up for chronic constipation (clinical records, barium enema, colonic transit time, defecography, anorectal manometry, small bowel follow through). All patients were evaluated with Wexner's score for constipation pre- and postoperatively, asked if they would recommend surgery to other patients, and if they were satisfied with the procedure (on a scale from 1 to 10). Statistical analysis was carried out using Student's T-test. RESULTS: In this period 20 patients were operated with diagnosis of CI. All patients were females with an average age of 41.5 years (range 18-52 years). Mean operative time was 248 min (range 170-360 min). One (5%) patient was converted to open surgery. The medium time to flatus per anum and feeding was 2 (range 1-6) and 3 (range 2-6) days, respectively. The medium postoperative stay was 7 days. Seven patients (35%) presented surgical postoperative complications (three postoperative ileus, one portal thrombosis, one rectal hemorrhage, one anastomotic leakage, and one hemoperitoneum). There was no postoperative mortality. The average follow-up was 25 months (range 1-60 months). Preoperative Wexner's constipation score was 22.3 (range 19-29 months) pre surgery and at the end of follow-up was 1.8 (range 0-6) (p < 0.01). The medium level of satisfaction was 8 (range 2-10) and only one patient would not recommend surgery to other patients. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic access is a safe technique with satisfactory functional results after medium-term follow-up.