Video-assisted anal fistula treatment: a high volume unit initial experience.

Introduction Perianal fistulas are a common problem. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment is a new technique for the management of this difficult condition. We describe our initial experience with the technique to facilitate the treatment of established perianal fistulas. Methods We reviewed a prospectively maintained database relating to consecutive patients undergoing video-assisted anal fistula treatment in a single unit. Results Seventy-eight consecutive patients had their perianal fistulas treated with video-assistance from November 2014 to June 2016. Complete follow-up data were available in 74 patients, with median follow-up of 14 months (interquartile range 7-19 months). There were no complications and all patients were treated as day cases. Most patients had recurrent disease, with 57 (77%) having had previous fistula surgery. At follow-up, 60 (81%) patients reported themselves 'cured' (asymptomatic) including 5 patients with Crohn's disease and one who had undergone 10 previous surgical procedures. Logistical stepwise regression did not demonstrate any statistically significant factors that may have been considered to affect outcome (age, gender, diabetes, previous I&D, Crohn's disease, smoking, type of fistula). Conclusions Our data have shown that video-assisted anal fistula treatment is safe and effective in the management of perianal fistulas in our patients and this suggests it may be applied to all patients regardless of comorbidity, underlying pathology or type of fistula.

Initial UK experience with transversus abdominis muscle release for posterior components separation in abdominal wall reconstruction of large or complex ventral hernias: a combined approach by general and plastic surgeons.

Introduction Large, complicated ventral hernias are an increasingly common problem. The transversus abdominis muscle release (TAMR) is a recently described modification of posterior components separation for repair of such hernias. We describe our initial experience with TAMR and sublay mesh to facilitate abdominal wall reconstruction. Methods The study is a retrospective review of patients undergoing TAMR performed synchronously by gastrointestinal and plastic surgeons. Results Twelve consecutive patients had their ventral hernias repaired using the TAMR technique from June 2013 to June 2014. Median body mass index was 30.8kg/m2 (range 19.0-34.4kg/m2). Four had a previous ventral hernia repair. Three had previous laparostomies. Four had previous stomas and three had stomas created at the time of the abdominal wall reconstruction. Average transverse distance between the recti was 13cm (3-20cm). Median operative time was 383 minutes (150-550 minutes) and mesh size was 950cm2 (532-2400cm2). Primary midline fascial closure was possible in all cases, with no bridging. Median length of hospital stay was 7.5 days (4-17 days). Three developed minor abdominal wall wound complications. At median review of 24 months (18-37 months), there have been no significant wound problems, mesh infections or explants, and none has developed recurrence of their midline ventral hernia. Visual analogue scales revealed high patient satisfaction levels overall and with their final aesthetic appearance. Conclusions We believe that TAMR offers significant advantages over other forms of components separation in this patient group. The technique can be adopted successfully in UK practice and combined gastrointestinal and plastic surgeon operating yields good results.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio predicts perioperative mortality following open elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES: This study assesses the predictive value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in relation to 30-day and overall mortality following open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs. In addition, it assess assesses any correlation between NLR and age, size of the AAA and gender. METHODS: Patients undergoing elective or urgent open repair of their AAA by a single surgeon during a 10-year period were included. A pre-operative NLR of >5 was regarded as abnormal. RESULTS: 350 consecutive patients underwent AAA repair. 52 had an NLR>5. 30-day mortality rate was 12/52 (23%) in the NLR>5 group and 20/298 (6.7%) in the NLR<5 group (p = 0.0007). All deaths in the NLR>5 group were due to myocardial infarction. The median NLR was higher in those that died within 30 days at 4.2 [IQR: 2.6-7.5] versus 2.8 [IQR: 2.1-3.8] (p = 0.0001). Overall mortality at 10 years, in the NLR>5 group - 26/52 (50%) was significantly greater than that of the NLR<5 group - 102/298 (34.2%) (p = 0.043). Median NLR of those dying during follow-up was significantly higher in those with a baseline NLR>5 at 3.2 (IQR 2.5-4.6) versus 2.6 (IQR: 2.0-3.6) in those surviving (p = 0.00004). No difference was found between NLR and age, aneurysm size or gender. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative NLR>5 appears to be a significant predictor of both 30-day mortality and long-term outcome in elective and urgent open AAA surgery. It is plausible the NLR is identifying a group with sub-clinical cardiovascular disease at risk of peri-operative myocardial infarction.

Extra-anatomical bypass grafting--a single surgeon's experience.

INTRODUCTION: Extra-anatomical bypass grafting is a recognised method of lower limb re-vascularisation in high-risk patients who cannot tolerate aortic cross clamping, or in those with a hostile abdomen. We present a single surgeon series of such procedures and determine relevant outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing femoro-femoral or axillo-femoral bypass surgery between 1986 and 2004. RESULTS: Patency rates for femoral (n = 28; 32%) versus axillary (n = 59; 68%) bypass procedures at 1 month, 1, 3 and 5 years were (92% vs 93%), (69% vs 85%), (60% vs 72%) and (55% vs 67%), respectively. Patient survival rates for the corresponding procedures and time intervals were (96% vs 90%), (96% vs 67%), (85% vs 45%) and (73% vs 38%) and revealed a significantly lower survival rate in those undergoing axillary procedures (P = 0.002). Limb salvage rates were calculated at (100% vs 91%), (96% vs 84%), (96% vs 81%) and (92% vs 81%) with no statistically significant difference found between the two groups (P = 0.124). Two-thirds of the patients who required major amputation died within 12 months of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Acceptable 30-day morbidity, long-term primary patency and survival rates are obtainable in patients suitable for extra-anatomical bypass surgery despite having significant co-morbidities. We have shown 5-year patency rates in those that survive axillary procedures to be as good as those undergoing femoral procedures. Furthermore, surviving patients who evade amputation within a year have an excellent chance of long-term limb salvage.