Successful Management of Ileorectal Anastomotic Disruption With Off-Label Use of Endoscopic Covered Metallic Stent.

Colorectal surgery poses significant risks, with anastomotic disruption being a severe complication. Traditional management involves surgical intervention, contributing to postoperative morbidity and mortality. In this brief report, we present a 54-year-old woman with a history of diverticulitis, multiple surgeries, and anastomotic leak following ileorectal anastomosis. Attempts at managing anastomotic leaks with more minimally invasive approaches have been successful in esophageal surgery with the use of covered metallic stents. However, this approach has been rarely attempted for the management of colorectal anastomotic leaks. Instead of conventional surgical approaches, we employed an off-label use of an endoscopic covered metallic stent, WallFlex™, to successfully manage the anastomotic disruption. The patient's recovery was uneventful, highlighting the potential role of stents in select cases.

Endometrioma Within the Anterior Abdominal Wall Causing Cyclic Abdominal Pain.

Lesions from endometriosis contain endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. The lesions occur in the pelvis but are also found in the bowel, diaphragm, and pleural cavity. Endometriosis within the extraperitoneal abdominal wall is rare, though, and usually within c-section scars (incidence is .03%-.5%). The typical triad includes: mass in the abdominal wall, cyclical pain, and history of previous abdominal surgery. We present the case of a 28-year-old female with a past history of cesarean section and obesity (BMI = 31) who presented with approximately 3 years of abdominal pain which was "waxing and waning" in severity depending on her menstrual cycle. Multiple doctors and US imaging did not reveal a diagnosis. During consultation, she had a palpable 3 cm mass several centimeters above and right of her abdominal incision. She underwent a CT showing an inflamed subcutaneous mass abutting her anterior rectus sheath. She underwent wide excision which confirmed the diagnosis of endometrioma. This case demonstrates the need for good history and physical exam skills, as well as proficiency in reviewing radiographic imaging. Due to habitus and pain, the physical exam was difficult. However, there was a firm mass upon deep palpation. Her initial imaging was "negative," but review of the images revealed only intraperitoneal views and further imaging revealed the mass. There must be high clinical suspicion for this disease because failure to remove all tissue (including the surrounding fibrosis and desmoplastic tissue) or biopsy can lead to spread of residual endometrial cells and recurrence.

Rectal Granular Cell Carcinoma Requiring Abdominoperineal Resection.

BACKGROUND: Granular cell tumors, derived from neural crest cells, are rare tumors infrequently located in the colon or rectum. We will discuss a patient with a rectal granular cell tumor invading the anal sphincters requiring an abdominoperineal resection. METHODS: A 56-year-old male, with anal pain, was found to have a perirectal mass. Pathology from ultrasound-guided transrectal biopsy demonstrated low grade granular cell tumor. The patient underwent a laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection with perineum reconstruction. RESULTS: Pathology demonstrated a granular cell tumor of 4.5 centimeters with tumor invasion of the anal sphincters. Surgical margins were free of neoplasm. DISCUSSION: This is the only documented case of a colorectal granular cell tumor that has required an abdominoperineal resection. On histology, it was considered low grade but its behavior was more consistent with a malignant process. Additional research on malignant granular cell tumors is necessary to help improve treatment options, prevent recurrence, and improve overall survival. His medical course will be followed for disease progression or metastasis.

Perfusion Assessment in Left-Sided/Low Anterior Resection (PILLAR III): A Randomized, Controlled, Parallel, Multicenter Study Assessing Perfusion Outcomes With PINPOINT Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging in Low Anterior Resection.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green fluoroscopy has been shown to improve anastomotic leak rates in early phase trials. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that the use of fluoroscopy to ensure anastomotic perfusion may decrease anastomotic leak after low anterior resection. DESIGN: We performed a 1:1 randomized controlled parallel study. Recruitment of 450 to 1000 patients was planned over 2 years. SETTINGS: This was a multicenter trial. PATIENTS: Included patients were those undergoing resection defined as anastomosis within 10 cm of the anal verge. INTERVENTION: Patients underwent standard evaluation of tissue perfusion versus standard in conjunction with perfusion evaluation using indocyanine green fluoroscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was anastomotic leak, with secondary outcomes of perfusion assessment and the rate of postoperative abscess requiring intervention. RESULTS: This study was concluded early because of decreasing accrual rates. A total of 25 centers recruited 347 patients, of whom 178 were randomly assigned to perfusion and 169 to standard. The groups had comparable tumor-specific and patient-specific demographics. Neoadjuvant chemoradiation was performed in 63.5% of perfusion and 65.7% of standard (p > 0.05). Mean level of anastomosis was 5.2 ± 3.1 cm in perfusion compared with 5.2 ± 3.3 cm in standard (p > 0.05). Sufficient visualization of perfusion was reported in 95.4% of patients in the perfusion group. Postoperative abscess requiring surgical management was reported in 5.7% of perfusion and 4.2% of standard (p = 0.75). Anastomotic leak was reported in 9.0% of perfusion compared with 9.6% of standard (p = 0.37). On multivariate regression analysis, there was no difference in anastomotic leak rates between perfusion and standard (OR = 0.845 (95% CI, 0.375-1.905); p = 0.34). LIMITATIONS: The predetermined sample size to adequately reduce the risk of type II error was not achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Successful visualization of perfusion can be achieved with indocyanine green fluoroscopy. However, no difference in anastomotic leak rates was observed between patients who underwent perfusion assessment versus standard surgical technique. In experienced hands, the addition of routine indocyanine green fluoroscopy to standard practice adds no evident clinical benefit. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B560. VALORACIN DE LA IRRIGACIN DE LADO IZQUIERDO/RESECCIN ANTERIOR BAJA PILAR III UN ESTUDIO ALEATORIZADO, CONTROLADO, PARALELO Y MULTICNTRICO QUE EVALA LOS RESULTADOS DE LA IRRIGACIN CON PINPOINT IMGENES DE FLUORESCENCIA CERCANA AL INFRARROJO EN LA RESECCIN ANTERIOR BAJA: ANTECEDENTES:Se ha demostrado que la fluoroscopia con verde de indocianina mejora las tasas de fuga anastomótica en ensayos en fases iniciales.OBJETIVO:Nuestra hipótesis es que la utilización de fluoroscopia para asegurar la irrigación anastomótica puede disminuir la fuga anastomótica luego de una resección anterior baja.DISEÑO:Realizamos un estudio paralelo, controlado, aleatorizado 1:1. Se planificó el reclutamiento de 450-1000 pacientes durante 2 años.AMBITO:Multicéntrico.PACIENTES:Pacientes sometidos a resección definida como una anastomosis dentro de los 10cm del margen anal.INTERVENCIÓN:Pacientes que se sometieron a la evaluación estándar de la irrigación tisular contra la estándar en conjunto con la valoración de la irrigación mediante fluoroscopia con verde indocianina.PRINCIPALES VARIABLES EVALUADAS:El principal resultado fue la fuga anastomótica, y los resultados secundarios fueron la evaluación de la perfusión y la tasa de absceso posoperatorio que requirió intervención.RESULTADOS:Este estudio se cerró anticipadamente debido a la disminución de las tasas de acumulación. Un total de 25 centros reclutaron a 347 pacientes, de los cuales 178 fueron, de manera aleatoria, asignados a perfusión y 169 a estándar. Los grupos tenían datos demográficos específicos del tumor y del paciente similares. Recibieron quimio-radioterapia neoadyuvante el 63,5% de la perfusión y el 65,7% del estándar (p> 0,05). La anastomosis estuvo en un nivel promedio de 5,2 + 3,1 cm en perfusión en comparación con 5,2 + 3,3 cm en estándar (p> 0,05). Se reportó una visualización suficiente de la perfusión en el 95,4% de los pacientes del grupo de perfusión. El absceso posoperatorio que requirió tratamiento quirúrgico fue de 5,7% de los perfusion y en el 4,2% del estándar (p = 0,75). Se informó fuga anastomótica en el 9,0% de la perfusión en comparación con el 9,6% del estándar (p = 0,37). En el análisis de regresión multivariante, no hubo diferencias en las tasas de fuga anastomótica entre la perfusión y el estándar (OR 0,845; IC del 95% (0,375; 1,905); p = 0,34).LIMITACIONES:No se logró el tamaño de muestra predeterminado para reducir satisfactoriamente el riesgo de error tipo II.CONCLUSIÓN:Se puede obtener una visualización adecuada de la perfusión con ICG-F. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias en las tasas de fuga anastomótica entre los pacientes que se sometieron a evaluación de la perfusión versus la técnica quirúrgica estándar. En manos expertas, agregar ICG-F a la rutina de la práctica estándar no agrega ningún beneficio clínico evidente. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B560. (Traducción-Dr Juan Antonio Villanueva-Herrero).

A reproducible ex vivo model for transanal minimally invasive surgery.

BACKGROUND: Rectal tumors can be excised through a number of minimally invasive transanal techniques including transanal excision, transanal endoscopic microsurgery, and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). Specialty training is often required to master the nuances of these approaches. This study aimed to create a reproducible transanal excision training model that is suited for laparoendoscopic techniques. METHODS: Frozen porcine rectum and anus with intact perianal skin were commercially obtained. Thawed specimens were then cut to approximately 20 cm in length. The proximal end of the rectum was then everted and suction applied to the mucosa to create pseudopolyps of various sizes (sessile and pedunculated). Larger pedunculated lesions were made by tying the base of the pseudopolyps with 5-0 monofilament sutures to gather more tissue. Methylene blue dye was injected submucosally into the lesions to simulate tattoos. The proximal rectum was then closed with sutures. The model was suspended in a trainer box by clamping the distal end in a ringed clamp and the proximal end to the box. Transanal excisions using TAMIS were then performed. The procedures were done by trained community colorectal surgeons attending courses on transanal minimally invasive surgery. RESULTS: Both partial- and full-thickness excisions of sessile and pedunculated rectal lesions were successfully performed during simulated TAMIS by trained community surgeons learning this laparoendoscopic technique. CONCLUSION: Transanal laparoendoscopic procedures to excise rectal tumors can be successfully and reproducibly performed in an ex vivo porcine anorectal model.

Treatment of refractory perianal fistulas with ligation of the intersphincteric fistula tract: preliminary results.

Several surgical options exist for management of fistula in ano. The goal of treatment is to achieve closure of the fistula while maintaining continence. Sphincter-sparing operations to close perianal fistulas include advancement flap, anal fistula plug, fibrin glue, and fistulectomy. Variable success rates from 30 to 80 per cent have been reported. Ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT), first described in 2007, has a reported success rate from 40 to 94 per cent. The objective of this study was to study our results of the LIFT procedure for refractory perianal fistulas. We conducted a retrospective 18-month review of consecutive patients with refractory perianal disease treated with the LIFT procedure at an academic, tertiary, colorectal practice. All patients undergoing a LIFT procedure for anal fistula from August 2010 to August 2012 were included in the study. The primary end points were success rates at 1 month and 3 months. Secondary end points were postoperative complications and maintenance of continence. Twenty patients underwent LIFT procedures of whom nine had previously failed treatments. Mean age was 45 years and included 12 male and eight female patients. Success rate at 1 month was 70 per cent (14 patients) and at 3 months was 80 per cent (16 patients). Success rates for patients with previously failed attempts were 67 per cent at 1 month and 89 per cent at 3 months. Continence was maintained in 100 per cent of patients. Our data support the use of the LIFT procedure for refractory perirectal fistulas.

Laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal approach for sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laparoscopic-assisted colonic resection has been well described for multiple surgical indications. This typically requires an abdominal incision for specimen removal that is associated with the majority of postoperative pain. We describe the first laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal approach for sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy for the treatment of rectal prolapse. METHODS: Mobilization of the sigmoid colon was performed laparoscopically using a 12-mm vaginal port and 3 additional 5-mm abdominal ports. A laparoscopic stapler was used through the vaginal port to transect the distal sigmoid colon. The specimen was subsequently externalized through the colpotomy to complete the resection and prepare the remaining bowel for intracorporeal, end-to-end, stapled anastomosis. The colpotomy was then repaired, and the colorectal anastomosis and rectocolpopexy were completed laparoscopically. RESULTS: Sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy were successfully performed laparoscopically by using a transvaginal approach without the need for an abdominal incision for specimen removal. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course, complained of minimal pain, and was discharged home on postoperative day 3. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal sigmoidectomy and rectocolpopexy is a feasible option that appears to be associated with little incisional pain and rapid recovery.

Gastric bypass is an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea in patients with clinically significant obesity.

BACKGROUND: We have demonstrated that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in 60% of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. A study was conducted to determine whether weight loss following bariatric surgery ameliorates OSA. METHODS: All 100 consecutive patients with symptoms of OSA were prospectively evaluated by polysomnography before gastric bypass. Preoperative and postoperative scores of Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Respiratory Disturbance Index (RDI), and other parameters of sleep quality were compared using t-test. RESULTS: Preoperative RDI was 40 +/- 4 (normal 5 events/hour, n = 100). 13 patients had no OSA, 29 had mild OSA, while the remaining 58 patients were treated preoperatively for moderate-severe OSA. At a median of 6 months follow-up, BMI and ESS scores improved (38 +/- 1 vs 54 +/- 1 kg/m2, 6 +/- 1 vs 12 +/- 0.1, P < 0.001, postoperatively vs preoperatively). To date, 11 patients have completed postoperative polysomnography (3-21 months) after losing weight (BMI 40 +/- 2 vs 62 +/- 3 kg/m2, P < 0.001). There was significant improvement in ESS (3 +/- 1 vs 14 +/- 2), minimum O2 saturation (SpO2 86 +/- 2 vs 77 +/- 5), sleep efficiency (85 +/- 2% vs 65 +/- 5%), all P < 0.001, postop vs preop; and RDI (56 +/- 13 vs 23 +/- 7, P = 0.041). Regression analysis demonstrated no correlation between preoperative BMI, ESS score and the severity of OSA; and no correlation between % excess body weight loss and postoperative RDI. CONCLUSION: Weight loss following gastric bypass results in profound improvement in OSA. The severity of apnea cannot be reliably predicted by preoperative BMI and ESS; therefore, patients with symptoms of OSA should undergo polysomnography.