Geosocial Features and Loss of Biodiversity Underlie Variable Rates of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Large Developing Country: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in developing countries may uncover etiopathogenic factors. We investigated IBD prevalence in Brazil by investigating its geographic, spatial, and temporal distribution, and attempted to identify factors associated with its recent increase. METHODS: A drug prescription database was queried longitudinally to identify patients and verify population distribution and density, race, urbanicity, sanitation, and Human Development Index. Prevalence was calculated using the number of IBD patients and the population estimated during the same decade. Data were matched to indices using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: We identified 162 894 IBD patients, 59% with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 41% with Crohn's disease (CD). The overall prevalence of IBD was 80 per 100 000, with 46 per 100 000 for UC and 36 per 100 000 for CD. Estimated rates adjusted to total population showed that IBD more than triplicated from 2008 to 2017. The distribution of IBD demonstrated a South-to-North gradient that generally followed population apportionment. However, marked regional differences and disease clusters were identified that did not fit with conventionally accepted IBD epidemiological associations, revealing that the rise of IBD was variable. In some areas, loss of biodiversity was associated with high IBD prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: When distribution is considered in the context of IBD prevalence, marked regional differences become evident. Despite a background of Westernization, hotspots of IBD are recognized that are not explained by population density, urbanicity, sanitation, or other indices but apparently are explained by biodiversity loss. Thus, the rise of IBD in developing countries is not uniform, but rather is one that varies depending on yet unexplored factors like geoecological conditions.

The analysis of a large population of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in a developing country reveals that the rising prevalence of IBD is not uniform and is linked to factors not traditionally associated with IBD, such as geosocial features and loss of biodiversity.

Is It Safe to Recommend Cholecystectomy Whenever Gallstones Develop After Bariatric Surgery?

BACKGROUND: Cholelithiasis (ChL) is common after bariatric surgery (BS). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), the preferential treatment, is usually recommended only to symptomatic patients. LC may be, however, beneficial to asymptomatic patients as well. A prerequisite to such a policy is that it must be safe. This study aimed to assess whether, in post-bariatric (Post-Bar) patients who develop gallstones, LC achieves the same results as those reported in the general population. METHODS: A cohort of 376 patients undergoing elective LC had their medical records reviewed. Patients were divided into non-bariatric (Non-Bar) and Post-Bar groups, and then compared for characteristics and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 367 patients, 292 Non-Bar and 75 Post-Bar. Considering characteristics, Post-Bar patients were younger (44.5 ± 11.8 vs 48.4 ± 14.1) and less symptomatic (2.4% vs 19.8%) and had a higher BMI (32.2 ± 4.8 vs 30.8 ± 4.4) than Non-Bar patients. Regarding surgical outcomes, mortality (none), morbidity (1%, only in Non-Bar patients), readmission (1%, only in Non-Bar patients), conversion to laparotomy (0.6%, only in Non-Bar patients) showed no difference between the groups. Operative time (42.6 ± 14.4 min in Non-Bar and 38.2 ± 12.6 min in Post-Bar patients) tended to be lower in Post-Bar patients, p = 0.054. Same-day discharge was higher in Post-Bar patients (98.6%) than in Non-Bar patients (90.4%), p = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Non-Bar patients, LC in Post-Bar patients showed not only similar morbimortality, readmissions, and conversions but also even a higher same-day discharge rate and a trend to lower operative times.

Rectal prolapse surgery in males and females: An ACS NSQIP-based comparative analysis of over 12,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: Rectal prolapse is relatively uncommon in male patients. The aim of this study was to compare males and females who underwent rectal prolapse surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the ACS NSQIP public use file. RESULTS: Among 12,220 patients, 978 (8%) were male and 11,242 (92%) were female. Males were younger, 56 (38-73) vs. 71 (58-83) years, less often white (83% vs. 71%), had lower ASA scores, and underwent more laparoscopic (33% vs. 27%), more open (33% vs. 29%), and less perineal (33% vs 44%) procedures (all p < 0.05). Morbidity (9.9% vs. 10.0%), reoperation (3.4% vs. 3.1%), and readmission (5.7% vs. 6.0%) were not different for males and females. In subgroup analysis by surgical procedure type, there remained no outcome differences. Propensity matched analysis revealed no difference in the use of laparoscopic, open, or perineal procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Males with rectal prolapse are younger, have a different racial distribution, a lower surgical risk profile, and undergo different surgical procedures than females, which appears to be driven by patient age and surgical risk assessment.

Surgical Management of Complex Enteric Fistulas in Crohn's Disease.

Crohn's disease is a chronic, inflammatory bowel condition that can affect the entire digestive tract and in many cases lead to enteric fistula formation. The management of enteric fistulas can be challenging and often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Extralevator Abdominal Perineal Excision Versus Standard Abdominal Perineal Excision: Impact on Quality of the Resected Specimen and Postoperative Morbidity.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal perineal excision (APE) has been associated with a high risk of positive circumferential resection margin (CRM+) and local recurrence rates in the treatment of rectal cancer. An alternative extralevator approach (ELAPE) has been suggested to improve the quality of resection by avoiding coning of the specimen decreasing the risk of tumor perforation and CRM+. The aim of this study is to compare the quality of the resected specimen and postoperative complication rates between ELAPE and "standard" APE. METHODS: All patients between 1998 and 2014 undergoing abdominal perineal excision for primary or recurrent rectal cancer at a single Institution were reviewed. Between 1998 and 2008, all patients underwent standard APE. In 2009 ELAPE was introduced at our Institution and all patients requiring APE underwent this alternative procedure (ELAPE). The groups were compared according to pathological characteristics, specimen quality (CRM status, perforation and failure to provide the rectum and anus in a single specimen-fragmentation) and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Fifty patients underwent standard APEs, while 22 underwent ELAPE. There were no differences in CRM+ (10.6 vs. 13.6%; p = 0.70) or tumor perforation rates (8 vs. 0%; p = 0.30) between APE and ELAPE. However, ELAPE were less likely to result in a fragmented specimen (42 vs. 4%; p = 0.002). Advanced pT-stage was also a risk factor for specimen fragmentation (p = 0.03). There were no differences in severe (Grade 3/4) postoperative morbidity (13 vs. 10%; p = 0.5). Perineal wound dehiscences were less frequent among ELAPE (52 vs 13%; p < 0.01). Despite short follow-up (median 21 mo.), 2-year local recurrence-free survival was better for patients undergoing ELAPE when compared to APE (87 vs. 49%; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: ELAPE may be safely implemented into routine clinical practice with no increase in postoperative morbidity and considerable improvements in the quality of the resected specimen of patients with low rectal cancers.

Less than 12 nodes in the surgical specimen after total mesorectal excision following neoadjuvant chemoradiation: it means more than you think!

BACKGROUND: A minimum of 12 examined lymph nodes (LN) is recommended to ensure adequate staging and oncologic resection of patients undergoing proctectomy for rectal adenocarcinoma. However, a decreased number of LN is not unusual in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation. PURPOSE: We hypothesized that a decreased number of LN in the proctectomy specimen of these patients may be an indicator of tumor response and be associated with improved prognosis. METHODS: A single-center colorectal cancer database was queried for c-stage II-III rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by proctectomy between 1997 and 2007. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the number of LN retrieved from the proctectomy specimen: <12 LN versus ≥12 LN. Groups were compared with respect to demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and the following oncologic outcomes: overall-survival (OS), cancer-specific-mortality (CSM), cancer-free-survival (CFS), distant (DR), and local recurrences (LR). RESULTS: The query returned 237 patients. There were 173 (73 %) males, and the median age was 57 years [interquartile range (IQR) 49-66 years]. The median number of LN retrieved was 15 (IQR 10-23) and 70 (30 %) patients had less than 12 nodes examined. The <12 nodes group was older [60 (IQR 51-71 years) vs. 55 (IQR 48-65 years), p = 0.009] and had more pathologic complete responders (36 vs. 19 %, p = 0.01). No <12 nodes patient experienced a LR, whereas the 5-year LR rate was 11 % in the ≥12 nodes group (p = 0.004). Other oncologic outcomes were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Retrieval of less than 12 nodes in the proctectomy specimen of rectal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation does not affect OS, CSM, CFS, or DR and may be a marker of higher tumor response and, consequently, decreased LR rate.

Prone or lithotomy positioning during an abdominoperineal resection for rectal cancer results in comparable oncologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There is debate whether performing the perineal part of the abdominoperineal resection in a prone position in comparison with a lithotomy position optimizes circumferential resection margins and, subsequently, cancer outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of patients undergoing abdominoperineal in a prone vs a lithotomy position. DESIGN: A single-center, prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database was queried for patients with stages I to III rectal cancer undergoing abdominoperineal resection in a prone vs a lithotomy position from 1997 to 2007. Patients were compared with respect to demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, perioperative morbidity, and oncologic outcomes. Oncologic outcomes were adjusted for age, ASA class, tumor stage, and use of adjuvant treatments. χ², Fisher exact probability test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank sum test, and Cox regression models were used for the analysis. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The query returned 168 patients (81 prone and 87 lithotomy), with a median age of 63 (interquartile range, 52-74) years and a median follow-up of 42 (interquartile range, 23-69) months. Prone and lithotomy patients were not statistically different regarding demographics, tumor stage, rates of R0 resection, number of harvested nodes, perioperative morbidity, follow-up time, and oncologic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical positioning during the perineal part of the abdominoperineal resection does not affect perioperative morbidity or oncologic outcomes and should be left to the surgeon's discretion.

Benefits of laparoscopy: does the disease condition that indicated colectomy matter?

The benefits of laparoscopic (LC) over open colectomy (OC) have been well characterized for a variety of conditions. Whether the relative benefits of LC differ for different conditions has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study was to identify whether there are differences in benefits of LC for colon cancer (CC), Crohn's disease (CD), and diverticular disease (DD). Data of patients with CC, CD, and DD undergoing elective colectomy from January 2000 to December 2007 were identified from departmental databases. Patients with CC, CD, and DD undergoing LC were matched 1:1 for diagnosis, gender, body mass index, surgical procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists scale, and date of surgery to patients undergoing OC. TNM stage was also matched for patients with CC. Two hundred eighty-nine patients undergoing LC (CC, 93; CD, 140; DD, 56) were matched 1:1 to 289 patients undergoing OC. Median age was 49 years (range, 14 to 91 years) in LC and 52 years (range, 14 to 98 years) in OC (P = 0.35). All other matched criteria were also similar in both groups. The conversion rate to OC was 13 per cent (n = 36). Patients undergoing LC had significantly shorter lengths of stay (LOS) (3 days [range, 1 to 70 days] vs 6 days [range, 1 to 37 days], P < 0.001) and lower estimated blood loss (EBL) (100 mL [range, 10 to 1750 mL] vs 200 mL [range, 10 to 1700 mL], P < 0.001). Median operative time was similar in both groups (LC: 145 minutes [range, 35 to 431 minutes] vs OC: 135 minutes [range, 23 to 485 minutes], P = 0.54). The conversion rate was lower for DD (2%) when compared with CC (18.9%) and CD (13.4%). Improvement in EBL with LC was least pronounced in patients with CD and most pronounced in patients with DD (P interaction < 0.001). In the LC group, patients with DD presented less postoperative complications (P = 0.009). LC results in reduced LOS and EBL with similar complications rates when compared with OC. The benefits of LC are more pronounced in DD when compared with CD and CC.

Hand-assisted laparoscopic right colectomy: how does it compare to conventional laparoscopy?

BACKGROUND: There is sufficient evidence to support the use of hand-assisted laparoscopy for sigmoid, total, and proctocolectomy. As a result, the hand-assisted technique has gained acceptance for these relatively complex types of colorectal surgery. For right colectomy, the use of conventional laparoscopy is supported by studies that have demonstrated its advantages over open surgery. Although the hand-assisted technique is also being used by some surgeons for right colectomy, there are few reported data to justify its use. With this deficiency in mind, we performed a study to compare the short-term outcomes of right colectomy performed by either the hand-assisted or conventional laparoscopic technique. STUDY DESIGN: A single-center retrospective analysis was performed. Patients who underwent hand-assisted or conventional laparoscopic right colectomy were identified from a prospectively maintained departmental database. Preoperative clinical information, details of the operation, lymph node count for cancer cases, postoperative morbidity, length of stay, and 30-day hospital readmissions were evaluated. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2009, 43 hand-assisted and 84 conventional laparoscopic right colectomies were performed. Comparison of the hand-assisted and conventional laparoscopic groups revealed no differences in the preoperative clinical variables, including average body mass index (calculated as kg/m(2); 28 and 29), percent obese (33% and 34%), earlier abdominal surgery (30% and 39%), operative time (122 and 126 minutes), lymph nodes evaluated for cancer cases (22 and 21), postoperative morbidity (30%), length of stay (5 days), or 30-day hospital readmission (16% and 11%). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term outcomes of hand-assisted and conventional laparoscopic right colectomy are similar. The decision to perform hand-assisted or conventional laparoscopic right colectomy should be based on the surgeons' preference and not on the perception that one technique is preferable to the other.

Pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant treatment for rectal cancer decreases distant recurrence and could eradicate local recurrence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of pathologic complete response (pCR) (i.e., T0N0M0) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation and radical surgery in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, prospectively maintained colorectal cancer database was queried for patients with primary cII and cIII rectal cancer staged by CT and ERUS/MRI undergoing long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by proctectomy with curative intent between 1997 and 2007. Patients were stratified into pCR and no-pCR groups and compared with respect to demographics, tumor and treatment characteristics, and oncologic outcomes. Outcomes evaluated were 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific mortality, local recurrence, and distant recurrence. RESULTS: The query returned 238 patients (73% male), with a median age of 57 years and median follow-up of 54 months. Of these, 58 patients achieved pCR. Patients with pCR vs no-pCR were statistically comparable with respect to demographics, chemoradiation regimens, tumor distance from anal verge, clinical stage, surgical procedures performed, and follow-up time. No patient with pCR had local recurrence. Overall survival and distant recurrence were also significantly improved for patients achieving pCR. CONCLUSIONS: Achievement of pCR after neoadjuvant chemoradiation is associated with greatly improved cancer outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer. Future studies should evaluate the relationship between increases in pCR rates and improvements in cancer outcomes in this population.

Total abdominal colectomy has a similar short-term outcome profile regardless of indication: data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 30-day postoperative complications rate in patients undergoing elective total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for chronic constipation, neoplastic disorders, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) using the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Database (ACS-NSQIP). The 2007 ACS-NSQIP sample was used to identify the Current Procedural Terminology codes for TAC and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes for chronic constipation, neoplasia, and IBD. Preoperative and intraoperative variables and postoperative complications were compared among the three diagnosis groups. Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact tests were used for analysis. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Seven hundred forty-four patients were identified; chronic constipation was found in 107 (14.4%) patients, neoplasia in 312 (42.3%), and IBD in 322 (43.3%). Patients with constipation were predominantly females (85.2%). The neoplastic group was older and had greater body mass index when compared with the other groups. Patients with IBD presented greater use of steroids, lower albumin and hematocrit levels, and higher morbidity probability. Constipated patients had more neurologic and renal complications when compared with the IBD group (P = 0.01). None of the other categories of complications were statistically different among the diagnosis groups. With the exception of urinary tract infection being higher in the constipation patients compared with IBD (10 vs 4%, P = 0.03), there were no statistically significant differences among the other short-term specific complications. The 30-day complication rate after TAC is similar for chronic constipation, neoplasia, and IBD.

Neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer: the impact of longer interval between chemoradiation and surgery.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a longer interval between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery on perioperative morbidity and oncologic outcomes. METHODS: A colorectal cancer database was queried for clinical stage II and III rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by proctectomy between 1997 and 2007. The neoadjuvant regimen consisted of long course external beam radiation and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease, hereditary cancer, extracolonic malignancy, urgent surgery, or non-validated treatment dates were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups according to the interval between chemoradiation and surgery (<8 and ≥ 8 weeks). Perioperative complications and oncologic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-seven patients were included. Groups were comparable with respect to demographics, tumor, and treatment characteristics. Perioperative complications were not affected by the interval between chemoradiation and surgery. Patients undergoing surgery ≥ 8 weeks after chemoradiation experienced a significant improvement in pathologic complete response rate (30.8% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.03) and had decreased 3-year local recurrence rate (1.2% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.04). A Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the compounding effect of a complete pathologic response on oncologic outcome. A longer interval correlated with less local recurrence, although statistical significance was not reached (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: An interval between chemoradiation and surgery ≥ 8 weeks is safe and is associated with a higher rate of pathologic complete response and decreased local recurrence.

How to evaluate risk and identify stage II patients requiring referral to a medical oncologist: a surgeon's perspective.

The surgical oncologist's ability to identify which patients with stage II colon cancer should be referred to a medical oncologist is subjective and qualitative. It includes assessment of the qualitative aspects of the pathology reports, the patient's suitability to receive potentially toxic medication, and their personal preference. The prognosis of colorectal cancer varies greatly in accordance with disease stage and tumor site. Patients with stage II colon cancer are cured with surgery alone in 75% to 80% of cases. This means that if all patients with stage II tumors are referred to a medical oncologist, a large number will receive treatment that is not necessary and potentially toxic. If none are referred, some will be undertreated. The question is how to identify those who should appropriately be considered for adjuvant therapy. In this article, we will discuss the strengths and limitations of the factors that must be considered when making the decision to refer to a medical oncologist or not.

Downstaging without complete pathologic response after neoadjuvant treatment improves cancer outcomes for cIII but not cII rectal cancers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether downstaging impacts prognosis in patients with cII versus cIII rectal cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified from our colorectal cancer database 295 patients with primary cII and cIII rectal cancer staged by CT and ERUS/MRI who received 5-FU-based chemoradiation followed by R0 surgery after a median interval of 7 weeks during 1997-2007. The median radiotherapy dose was 5040 cGy. We excluded 58 patients with pathologic complete response (pCR) and compared among the remaining 162 patients pathologic downstaging (cII to ypI, cIII to ypII or ypI) versus no pathologic downstaging (c stage < or = yp stage). Outcomes evaluated were 5-year overall survival, 3-year cancer-specific survival, disease-free survival, overall recurrence, local recurrence, and distant recurrence. RESULTS: The median age was 58 years and median follow-up was 48 months. Patients with downstaging versus no downstaging were statistically comparable with respect to demographics, chemoradiation regimen, interval time between neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgery, tumor distance from anal verge, surgical procedures performed, and follow-up time. With the exception of local recurrence rates, downstaging resulted in significantly improved cancer outcomes for cIII but not cII. CONCLUSIONS: Downstaging without pCR is a significant prognostic factor for patients with stage cIII rectal cancer. Tumor response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation should be taken into account when defining the optimal adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for patients with cIII rectal cancer.

Predictive factors of pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates factors associated with a pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Approximately 20% of rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation achieve pCR, which has been associated with decreased local recurrence and improved recurrence-free survival. Means of predicting pCR remain incompletely defined. METHODS: A total of 306 consecutive patients with stage II or stage III rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation then surgery between 1997 and 2007 were identified from a single-institution. Sixty-four patients with concurrent inflammatory bowel disease, hereditary colorectal cancer, other malignancy, urgent surgery, incomplete chemoradiation, or insufficient data were excluded. All patients received neoadjuvant 5-FU-based chemotherapy and external beam radiation. Histologic response was categorized as pCR or not-pCR, which defined the 2 study cohorts. Variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analysis with pCR as the dependent variable. Fisher exact test, chi2, Wilcoxon rank-sum, and logistic regression were used for analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the total patients, 242 were studied, including 58 (24%) that achieved pCR. The 2 groups were statistically similar in terms of age, gender, body mass index, tumor differentiation, radiation dose, and pretreatment stage. On multivariate analysis, an interval ≥ 8 weeks between treatment completion and surgical resection was significantly associated with a higher rate of pCR, which correlated with decreased local recurrence and improved overall survival. CONCLUSION: Despite traditional beliefs that certain patient and tumor factors influence pCR, an extended interval between completion of neoadjuvant therapy and surgery was the single most important determinant in achieving a pCR.