CT-derived measures of muscle quantity and quality predict poorer outcomes from elective colorectal surgery: a UK multicentre retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To assess whether preoperative radiologically defined lean muscle measures are associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer. METHODS: This retrospective UK-based multicentre data collection study identified patients having had colorectal cancer resection with curative intent between January 2013 to December 2016. Preoperative computed-tomography (CT) scans were used to measure psoas muscle characteristics. Clinical records provided postoperative morbidity and mortality data. RESULTS: This study included 1122 patients. The cohort was separated into a combined group (patients with both sarcopenia and myosteatosis) and others group (either sarcopenia or myosteatosis, or neither). For the combined group, anastomotic leak was predicted on univariate (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.43-11.79; p = 0.009) and multivariate analysis (OR 4.37, 95% CI 1.41-13.53; p = 0.01). Also for the combined group, mortality (up to 5 years postoperatively) was predicted on univariate (HR 2.41, 95% CI 1.64-3.52; p < 0.001) and multivariate analysis (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.28-2.89; p = 0.002). A strong correlation exists between freehand-drawn region of interest-derived psoas density measurement and using the ellipse tool (R2 = 81%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Measures of lean muscle quality and quantity, which predict important clinical outcomes, can be quickly and easily taken from routine preoperative imaging in patients being considered for colorectal cancer surgery. As poor muscle mass and quality are again shown to predict poorer clinical outcomes, these should be proactively targeted within prehabilitation, perioperative and rehabilitation phases to minimise negative impact of these pathological states.

Antibiotics as first-line alternative to appendicectomy in adult appendicitis: 90-day follow-up from a prospective, multicentre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Uncomplicated acute appendicitis can be managed with non-operative (antibiotic) treatment, but laparoscopic appendicectomy remains the first-line management in the UK. During the COVID-19 pandemic the practice altered, with more patients offered antibiotics as treatment. A large-scale observational study was designed comparing operative and non-operative management of appendicitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate 90-day follow-up. METHODS: A prospective, cohort study at 97 sites in the UK and Republic of Ireland included adult patients with a clinical or radiological diagnosis of appendicitis that either had surgery or non-operative management. Propensity score matching was conducted using age, sex, BMI, frailty, co-morbidity, Adult Appendicitis Score and C-reactive protein. Outcomes were 90-day treatment failure in the non-operative group, and in the matched groups 30-day complications, length of hospital stay (LOS) and total healthcare costs associated with each treatment. RESULTS: A total of 3420 patients were recorded: 1402 (41 per cent) had initial antibiotic management and 2018 (59 per cent) had appendicectomy. At 90-day follow-up, antibiotics were successful in 80 per cent (1116) of cases. After propensity score matching (2444 patients), fewer overall complications (OR 0.36 (95 per cent c.i. 0.26 to 0.50)) and a shorter median LOS (2.5 versus 3 days, P < 0.001) were noted in the antibiotic management group. Accounting for interval appendicectomy rates, the mean total cost was €1034 lower per patient managed without surgery. CONCLUSION: This study found that antibiotics is an alternative first-line treatment for adult acute appendicitis and can lead to cost reductions.

The management of adult appendicitis during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interim analysis of a UK cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis (AA) is the most common general surgical emergency. Early laparoscopic appendicectomy is the gold-standard management. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) brought concerns of increased perioperative mortality and spread of infection during aerosol generating procedures: as a consequence, conservative management was advised, and open appendicectomy recommended when surgery was unavoidable. This study describes the impact of the first weeks of the pandemic on the management of AA in the United Kingdom (UK). METHODS: Patients 18 years or older, diagnosed clinically and/or radiologically with AA were eligible for inclusion in this prospective, multicentre cohort study. Data was collected from 23rd March 2020 (beginning of the UK Government lockdown) to 1st May 2020 and included: patient demographics, COVID status; initial management (operative and conservative); length of stay; and 30-day complications. Analysis was performed on the first 500 cases with 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: The patient cohort consisted of 500 patients from 48 sites. The median age of this cohort was 35 [26-49.75] years and 233 (47%) of patients were female. Two hundred and seventy-one (54%) patients were initially treated conservatively; with only 26 (10%) cases progressing to an operation. Operative interventions were performed laparoscopically in 44% (93/211). Median length of hospital stay was significantly reduced in the conservatively managed group (2 [IQR 1-4] days vs. 3 [2-4], p < 0.001). At 30 days, complications were significantly higher in the operative group (p < 0.001), with no deaths in any group. Of the 159 (32%) patients tested for COVID-19 on admission, only 6 (4%) were positive. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has changed the management of acute appendicitis in the UK, with non-operative management shown to be safe and effective in the short-term. Antibiotics should be considered as the first line during the pandemic and perhaps beyond.

Trainee-led emergency laparotomy operating.

BACKGROUND: To achieve completion of training in general surgery, trainees are required to demonstrate competency in common procedures performed at emergency laparotomy. The aim of this study was to describe the patterns of trainee-led emergency laparotomy operating and the association between postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Data on all patients who had an emergency laparotomy between December 2013 and November 2017 were extracted from the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database. Patients were grouped by grade of operating surgeon: trainee (specialty registrar) or consultant (including post-Certificate of Completion of Training fellows). Trends in trainee operating by deanery, hospital size and time of day of surgery were investigated. Univariable and adjusted regression analyses were performed for the outcomes 90-day mortality and return to theatre, with analysis of patients in operative subgroups segmental colectomy, Hartmann's procedure, adhesiolysis and repair of perforated peptic ulcer disease. RESULTS: The study cohort included 87 367 patients. The 90-day mortality rate was 15·1 per cent in the consultant group compared with 11·0 per cent in the trainee group. There were no increased odds of death by 90 days or of return to theatre across any of the operative groups when the operation was performed with a trainee listed as the most senior surgeon in theatre. Trainees were more likely to operate independently in high-volume centres (highest- versus lowest-volume centres: odds ratio (OR) 2·11, 95 per cent c.i. 1·91 to 2·33) and at night (00.00 to 07.59 versus 08.00 to 11.59 hours; OR 3·20, 2·95 to 3·48). CONCLUSION: There is significant variation in trainee-led operating in emergency laparotomy by geographical area, hospital size and by time of day. However, this does not appear to influence mortality or return to theatre.

ANTECEDENTES: Para completar la formación en cirugía general, se requiere que los aspirantes demuestren solvencia en la práctica de los procedimientos comunes efectuados por laparotomía de urgencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los esquemas de formación de los aspirantes en laparotomía de urgencia y su asociación con los resultados postoperatorios. MÉTODOS: Todos los pacientes a los que se realizó una laparotomía de urgencia entre diciembre del 2013 y noviembre del 2017 se obtuvieron a partir de la base de datos de la Auditoría Nacional de Laparotomía de Urgencia (National Emergency Laparotomy Audit, NELA). Los pacientes se agruparon según la experiencia del cirujano; cirujanos en periodo de formación (residentes, speciality registrar) o consultores (incluyendo los que habían completado la especialidad). Se investigaron las tendencias entre los residentes por universidad, tamaño del hospital y hora del día de la cirugía. Se realizaron análisis de regresión univariable y ajustados para la mortalidad a los 90 días y la reoperación, así como análisis de subgrupos para los procedimientos quirúrgicos de colectomía segmentaria, intervención de Hartmann, liberación de bridas y la sutura de una úlcera péptica perforada. RESULTADOS: La cohorte de estudio incluyó 87.367 pacientes. La mortalidad a los 90 días en el grupo de consultores fue del 15% en comparación con el 11% en el grupo de residentes. No hubo aumento del riesgo de mortalidad a los 90 días o de reoperación en ninguno de los subgrupos de las diferentes operaciones cuando la cirugía era efectuada por el residente considerado como el más senior en las listas de quirófano. Los residentes tenían más probabilidades de operar solos en centros de alto volumen (en comparación con centros de bajo volumen; razón de oportunidades, odds ratio (OR) 2,11, i.c. del 95% 1,91-2,33) o durante la noche (00:00-07:59 horas en comparación con 08:00-11:59; OR 3,20; i.c. del 95% 2,95-3,48). CONCLUSIÓN: Existen diferencias significativas en la formación que reciben los residentes en laparotomía de urgencia según el área geográfica, el tamaño del hospital y la hora del día. Sin embargo, estas diferencias no parecen afectar a la mortalidad ni a la tasa de reoperaciones.

The association of pre-operative anaemia with morbidity and mortality after emergency laparotomy.

Pre-operative anaemia is associated with poor outcomes after elective surgery but its relationship with outcomes after emergency surgery is unclear. We analysed National Emergency Laparotomy Audit data from 1 December 2013 to 30 November 2017, excluding laparotomy for haemorrhage. Anaemia was classified as 'mild' 129-110 g.l-1; 'moderate' 109-80 g.l-1; or 'severe' ≤ 79 g.l-1. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality, return to theatre and postoperative hospital stay. The primary outcome was available for 86,763 patients, of whom 45,306 (52%) were anaemic. There were 12,667 (15%) deaths at 90 postoperative days and 9246 (11%) deaths at 30 postoperative days. Anaemia was associated with increased 90-day and 30-day mortality, odds ratio (95%CI): mild, 1.15 (1.09-1.21); moderate, 1.44 (1.36-1.52); and severe, 1.42 (1.24-1.63), p < 0.001 for all; mild, 1.07 (1.00-1.12), p = 0.030; moderate, 1.30 (1.21-1.38), p < 0.001; and severe, 1.22 (1.05-1.43), p = 0.010, respectively. All categories of anaemia were associated with prolonged hospital stay, adjusted coefficient (95%CI): mild, 1.31 (1.01-1.62); moderate, 3.41 (3.04-3.77); severe, 2.80 (1.83-3.77), p < 0.001 for all. Moderate and severe anaemia were associated with increased risk of return to the operating theatre, odds ratio (95%CI): moderate 1.13 (1.06-1.21), p < 0.001; and severe 1.23 (1.06-1.43), p = 0.006. Pre-operative anaemia is common in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and is associated with increased postoperative mortality and morbidity.

A review of surgical and peri-operative factors to consider in emergency laparotomy care.

Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy are a heterogeneous group with regard to comorbidity, pre-operative physiological state and surgical pathology. There are many factors to consider in the peri-operative period for these patients. Surgical duration should be as short as possible for adequate completion of the procedure. This is of particular importance in the elderly and comorbid population. To date, there are limited data addressing the role of damage control surgery in emergency general surgery. Dual consultant-led care in all stages of emergency laparotomy care is increasing, with increased presence out of hours and also for high-risk patients. The role of the stoma care team should be actively encouraged in all patients who may require a stoma. Due to the emergent and unpredictable nature of surgical emergencies, healthcare teams may need to employ novel strategies to ensure early input from the stoma care team. It is important for all members of the medical teams to ensure that patients have given consent for both anaesthesia and surgery before emergency laparotomy. Small studies suggest that patients and their families are not aware of the high risk of morbidity and mortality following emergency laparotomy before operative intervention. Elderly patients should have early involvement from geriatric specialists and careful attention paid to assessment of frailty due to its association with mortality and morbidity. Additionally, the use of enhanced recovery programmes in emergency general surgery has been shown to have some impact in reducing length of stay in emergency surgical patients. However, the emergent nature of this surgery has been shown to be a detrimental factor in full implementation of enhanced recovery programmes. The use of a national database to collect data on patients undergoing emergency laparotomy and their processes of care has led to reduced mortality and length of stay in the UK. However, internationally, fewer data are available to draw conclusions.

Delay in Source Control in Perforated Peptic Ulcer Leads to 6% Increased Risk of Death Per Hour: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Delay to theatre for patients with intra-abdominal sepsis is cited as a particular risk factor for death. Our aim was to evaluate the potential relationship between hourly delay from admission to surgery and post-operative mortality in patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU). METHODS: All patients entered in the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit who had an emergency laparotomy for PPU within 24 h of admission from December 2013 to November 2017 were included. Time to theatre from admission was modelled as a continuous variable in hours. Outcome was 90-day mortality. Logistic regression adjusting for confounding factors was performed. RESULTS: 3809 patients were included, and 90-day mortality rate was 10.61%. Median time to theatre was 7.5 h (IQR 5-11.6 h). The odds of death increased with time to operation once adjustment for confounding variables was performed (per hour after admission adjusted OR 1.04 95% CI 1.02-1.07). In patients who were physiologically shocked (N = 334), there was an increase of 6% in risk-adjusted odds of mortality for every hour Em Lap was delayed after admission (OR 1.06 95% CI 1.01-1.11). CONCLUSION: Hourly delay to theatre in patients with PPU is independently associated with risk of death by 90 days. Therefore, we suggest that surgical source control should occur as soon as possible after admission regardless of time of day.

Association between surgeon special interest and mortality after emergency laparotomy.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 30 000 emergency laparotomies are performed each year in England and Wales. Patients with pathology of the gastrointestinal tract requiring emergency laparotomy are managed by general surgeons with an elective special interest focused on either the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract. This study investigated the impact of special interest on mortality after emergency laparotomy. METHODS: Adult patients having emergency laparotomy with either colorectal or gastroduodenal pathology were identified from the National Emergency Laparotomy Audit database and grouped according to operative procedure. Outcomes included all-cause 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay and return to theatre. Logistic and Poisson regression were used to analyse the association between consultant special interest and the three outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 33 819 patients (28 546 colorectal, 5273 upper gastrointestinal (UGI)) were included. Patients who had colorectal procedures performed by a consultant without a special interest in colorectal surgery had an increased adjusted 30-day mortality risk (odds ratio (OR) 1·23, 95 per cent c.i. 1·13 to 1·33). Return to theatre also increased in this group (OR 1·13, 1·05 to 1·20). UGI procedures performed by non-UGI special interest surgeons carried an increased adjusted risk of 30-day mortality (OR 1·24, 1·02 to 1·53). The risk of return to theatre was not increased (OR 0·89, 0·70 to 1·12). CONCLUSION: Emergency laparotomy performed by a surgeon whose special interest is not in the area of the pathology carries an increased risk of death at 30 days. This finding potentially has significant implications for emergency service configuration, training and workforce provision, and should stimulate discussion among all stakeholders.

Safe investigation of isolated change in bowel habit with a flexible sigmoidoscopy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Public awareness campaigns have led to increasing referrals of patients to colorectal surgery for possible cancer. Change in bowel habit, is traditionally described as a symptom of a left sided bowel cancer. If this is the case in practice, it raises the potentially attractive option of investigating such patients with flexible sigmoidoscopy only. This study sought to systematically review the literature describing tumour location of patients with bowel cancer presenting with left-sided symptoms to establish the safety of potential investigation of these patients with flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. METHODS: A systematic review of studies reporting both the presenting symptoms of patients with bowel cancer and the location of their cancer in the bowel was prospectively registered (CRD42017072492). MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched with no date or language restriction. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Isolated change in bowel habit (with or without rectal bleeding) was a presenting symptom of 73% (95% CI 41-96%, I2 = 99%) of left-sided cancers but also in 13% (95% CI 2-30%, I2 = 96%) of right-sided cancers. In all patients with cancer who presented with isolated change in bowel habit (with or without rectal bleeding), the cancer was right sided in 8% (95% CI 4-12%, I2 = 69%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a higher than expected risk that if a cancer is diagnosed in a patient presenting with either an isolated change in bowel habit or a combination of change in bowel habit with rectal bleeding, the cancer may be right sided.

Quick and simple; psoas density measurement is an independent predictor of anastomotic leak and other complications after colorectal resection.

BACKGROUND: Radiologically defined sarcopenia has been shown to predict negative outcomes after cancer surgery, however radiological assessment of sarcopenia often requires additional software and standardisation against anthropomorphic data. Measuring psoas density using hospital Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), universally available in the UK, may have advantages over methods requiring the use of additional specialist and often costly software. The aim of this study was to assess the association between radiologically defined sarcopenia measured by psoas density and postoperative outcome in patients having a colorectal cancer resection. METHODS: All patients having a resection for colorectal cancer, discussed by the colorectal multi-disciplinary team in one institution between 1/1/15 and 31/12/15, were retrospectively identified. Mean psoas density at the level of the L3 vertebra was analysed from preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans to define sarcopenia using the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). Postoperative complications and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine patients had a colorectal resection for cancer and 140 of these had a primary anastomosis. Ninety-day mortality and 1-year mortality were 1.1% and 7.1%, respectively. Eighteen (10.7%) patients suffered a Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 complication of which 6 (33%) were anastomotic leaks. In the whole cohort, sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of Clavien-Dindo grade 3 or 4 complications [adjusted OR 6.33 (1.65-24.23) p = 0.007]. In those who had an anastomosis, sarcopenia was associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak [adjusted OR 14.37 (1.37-150.04) p = 0.026]. CONCLUSIONS: A quick and easy radiological assessment of sarcopenia by measuring psoas density on preoperative CT scan using software universally available in the UK is highly predictive of postoperative morbidity in colorectal cancer patients.

Fibrin glue obliteration is safe, effective and minimally invasive as first line treatment for pilonidal sinus disease in children.

BACKGROUND / PURPOSE: Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) has an incidence of 1.2-2.5/1000 in children. Onset is around puberty. Symptoms of recurrent abscess and chronic suppuration may interfere with education and social integration. Treatments should cause minimal disruption while having good cure and recurrence rates. Curettage and Fibrin glue obliteration (FGO) show promising results in adults. We present our experience of its use in children. METHODS: Review of all pediatric patients receiving FGO of pilonidal sinus performed by a single surgeon from September 2014 to February 2018. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were identified. Median age was 16 (range 15-17), 55.6% were male. All procedures were completed as day cases. Median operative duration was 14 .1 (6-29) min. Twelve patients required only 1 procedure, 4 required 2 procedures, 1 required 5 procedures and 1 elected for formal excision after 2 FGO treatments. Median return to normal activities was 3 days, with 1 day school absence. Two patients developed minor surgical site infections. Median follow-up was 52 weeks (17-102), during which time there was 1 recurrence (5.6%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates FGO is a safe, effective procedure for pediatric PNS, with results comparable to off-midline flap techniques and without the need for extensive tissue excision and the associated morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A curious case of cololithiasis.

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction that involves cholecystoenteric fistulation and resultant passage of gallstones into the bowel. In the vast majority of cases, the fistula forms between the gallbladder and duodenum leading to small bowel obstruction. We report a case of cholecystocolic fistulation and subsequent large-bowel obstruction in a 75-year-old woman who presented acutely after taking a bowel preparation for an outpatient colonoscopy during the course of an investigation of anaemia and nonspecific abdominal pain. Preintervention imaging revealed a giant gallstone at the rectosigmoid junction, in the presence of a cholecystocolic fistula, and subsequent large bowel obstruction. After a failed period of expectant management, laparotomy and Hartmann's procedure were performed and the patient made an uneventful recovery.

Anti-platelet therapy does not influence the outcome of patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases, an observational study.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of anti-platelet therapy on the outcomes of patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM. Secondary aim was to determine whether anti-platelet therapy influenced histo-pathological changes in CRLM. METHODS: Patients treated with liver resection for CRLM were identified from a prospectively maintained hepatobiliary database during an 11-year period. Collated data included demographics, primary tumour treatment, surgical data, histopathology analysis and clinical outcome. RESULTS: 454 patients that underwent primary hepatic resections for CRLM were included. 60 patients were on anti-platelet therapy. 241 patients developed recurrent disease and 131 patients have died. Multi-variate analysis identified 4 independent predictors of disease-free survival: tumour number; tumour size; peri-neural invasion; and resection margin. The presence of peri-neural invasion and multiple hepatic metastases were independent predictors of poorer overall survival on multi-variate analysis. Uni-variate analysis showed that the use of anti-platelet therapy was associated with larger tumour size (p=0.031) and vascular invasion (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Anti-platelet therapy does not affect the survival outcome in patients with CRLM following liver resection. Anti-platelet therapy is associated with larger liver metastases and vascular invasion on histo-pathological analysis. SYNOPSIS: A large retrospective study looking at outcomes of patients taking pre operative anti platelet therapy who have undergone liver resection for colorectal liver metastases.

Postoperative Ascites of Unknown Origin following Laparoscopic Appendicectomy: An Unusual Complication of Laparoscopic Surgery.

Postoperative ascites is a very rare complication of laparoscopic surgery. Significant iatrogenic injuries to the bowel, the urinary tract, and the lymphatic system should be excluded promptly to avoid devastating results for the patient. In some cases, in spite of investigating patients extensively, no definitive causative factor for the accumulation of fluid can be identified. In such cases, idiopathic allergic or inflammatory reaction of the peritoneum may be responsible for the development of ascites. We present a case of ascites of an unknown origin in a young female patient following a laparoscopic appendicectomy.