Stoma associated complications after diverting loop ileostomy, end ileostomy or split stoma formation after right sided colectomy-a retrospective cohort study (StoComSplit Analysis).

BACKGROUND: For high-risk patients receiving right-sided colectomy, stoma formation is a safety strategy. Options are anastomosis with loop ileostomy, end ileostomy, or split stoma. The aim is to compare the outcome of these three options. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients who underwent right sided colectomy and stoma formation between January 2008 and December 2021 at two tertial referral centers in Switzerland. The primary outcome was the stoma associated complication rate within one year. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients were included. A total of 20 patients (17%) underwent primary anastomosis with loop ileostomy (PA group), 29 (25%) received an end ileostomy (ES group) and 67 (58%) received a split stoma (SS group). Stoma associated complication rate was 43% (n = 21) in PA and in ES group and 50% (n = 34) in SS group (n.s.). A total of 30% (n = 6) of patients in PA group needed reoperations, whereas 59% (n = 17) in ES and 58% (n = 39) in SS group had reoperations (P = 0.07). Wound infections occurred in 15% (n = 3) in PA, in 10% (n = 3) in ES, and in 30% (n = 20) in SS group (P = 0.08). A total of 13 patients (65%) in PA, 7 (24%) in ES, and 29 (43%) in SS group achieved stoma closure (P = 0.02). A total of 5 patients (38%) in PA group, 2 (15%) in ES, and 22 patients (67%) in SS group had a stoma-associated rehospitalization (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Primary anastomosis and loop ileostomy may be an option for selected patients. Patients with end ileostomies have fewer stoma-related readmissions than those with a split stoma, but they have a lower rate of stoma closure. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial not registered.

Perianal block with ropivacaine as a supplement to anaesthesia in proctological surgery: double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial (PERCEPT).

BACKGROUND: The benefit of a perianal block as an adjunct to general or regional anaesthesia is debated. This RCT aimed to compare pain at 24 h and up to 14 days after proctological surgery in patients with and without a perianal block. METHODS: Between January 2018 and April 2019, patients were allocated to receive a perianal block with ropivacaine or placebo as an adjunct to anaesthesia. Patients, surgeons and assessors were blinded. The primary outcome was pain measured on a numerical rating scale (NRS) after 24 h. Secondary outcomes were need for rescue analgesia, and pain after 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 h. The mean, rest and maximum NRS scores were measured for 14 days. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients were included, of whom 46 and 44 received general anaesthesia with or without ropivacaine respectively, and 23 and 25 received spinal anaesthesia with or without ropivacaine respectively (P = 0·858). The mean NRS score differed significantly at 24 h (mean(s.d.) 1·1(0·1) versus 2·3(0·2); P < 0·001), but not at 1 h (1·4(0·2) versus 2·2(0·3); P = 0·051). The NRS score was lower with use of ropivacaine at 2 h (1·0(0·2) versus 1·6(0·2); P = 0·045), 3 h (0·9(0·2) versus 1·5(0·2); P = 0·022), 6 h (1·1(0·2) versus 1·8(0·2); P = 0·042) and 12 h (1·2(0·2) versus 1·8(0·2); P = 0·034). The use of oral morphine equivalents was 10·2(1·4) and 16·6(2·5) mg with and without ropivacaine respectively (P = 0·028). The mean and maximum NRS scores within 14 days were lower when ropivacaine was used (95 per cent c.i. for difference 0·14 to 0·49 (P = 0·002) and 0·39 to 0·63 (P < 0·001) respectively). There was no injection-associated morbidity. CONCLUSION: Perianal block as an adjunct to general or regional anaesthesia should be recommended for proctological surgery. It yields a reduction in pain, a reduced need for opioids, and a faster recovery with minimal risk of adverse events. Registration number: NCT03405922 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

ANTECEDENTES: Se discute el beneficio del bloqueo perianal asociado a la anestesia general o regional. Este ensayo clínico aleatorizado tuvo como objetivo comparar el dolor a las 24 horas y hasta los 14 días tras cirugía proctológica en pacientes con y sin bloqueo perianal. MÉTODOS: Entre enero de 2018 y abril de 2019 se asignaron los pacientes para recibir un bloqueo perianal con ropivacaína o placebo como complemento de la anestesia. Los pacientes, los cirujanos y los evaluadores desconocían el grupo al que habían sido aleatorizados los pacientes. La variable principal fue el dolor a las 24 horas medido en una escala de numérica (numeric rating scale, NRS). Las variables secundarias fueron la necesidad de analgesia de rescate y el dolor a las 1, 2, 3, 6 y 12 horas. También se obtuvieron las puntuaciones media, en reposo y máxima de NRS durante 14 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes, de los que 46 recibieron anestesia general con ropivacaína, 44 anestesia general sin ropivacaína, 23 anestesia raquídea con ropivacaína y 25 anestesia raquídea sin ropivacaína (P = 0,858). La puntuación media de NRS fue significativamente diferente a las 24 horas (1,1 ± 0,1 versus 2,3 ± 0,2; P < 0,001), pero no en la primera hora (1,4 ± 0,2 versus 2,2 ± 0,3; P = 0,051). La puntuación NRS fue inferior para la ropivacaína a las 2 horas (1,0 ± 0,2 versus 1,6 ± 0,2; P = 0,045), 3 horas (0,9 ± 0,2 versus 1,5 ± 0,2; P = 0,022), 6 horas (1,1 ± 0,2 versus 1,8 ± 0,2; P = 0,042) y 12 horas (1,2 ± 0,2 versus 1,8 ± 0,2; P = 0,034). El uso equivalentes de morfina por vía oral fue de 10,2 ± 1,4 mg y 16,6 ± 2,5 mg (P = 0,028). Las puntuaciones media y máxima de NRS en los 14 días fueron más bajas para la ropivacaína (i.c. del 95%: 0,14-0,49, P = 0,002 y de 0,39-0,63, P < 0,0001, respectivamente). No hubo morbididad asociada a la inyección. CONCLUSIÓN: Se recomienda asociar el bloqueo perianal a la anestesia general o regional en la cirugía proctológica. Este procedimiento conlleva una reducción del dolor, una menor necesidad de opioides y una recuperación más rápida con efectos adversos escasos.

Left lower transverse incision versus Pfannenstiel-Kerr incision for specimen extraction in laparoscopic sigmoidectomy: a match pair analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The ideal location of specimen extraction in laparoscopic-assisted colorectal surgery is still debatable. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of incisional hernias and surgical site infections in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection for recurrent sigmoid diverticulitis by performing specimen extraction through left lower transverse incision or Pfannenstiel-Kerr incision. METHODS: A total of 269 patients operated between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively screened for inclusion in the study. Patients with specimen extraction through left lower transverse incision (LLT) and patients with specimen extraction through Pfannenstiel-K incision (P-K) were matched in 1:1 proportion regarding age, sex, comorbidities, and previous abdominal surgery. The incidence of incisional hernias and surgical site infections were compared by using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: After matching 77 patients in the LLT group and 77 patients in the P-K group, they were found to be homogenous regarding the above mentioned descriptive characteristics. No patients in the P-K group developed an incisional hernia compared with 10 patients (13%) in the LLT group (p = 0.001). All these patients required hernia repair with mesh augmentation. The rate of surgical site infections was 1/77 in the P-K group and 0/77 in the LLT group (p = 1.0). In the P-K group, a wound protector was used in 86% of patients whereas in the LLT group, 39% of the wounds were protected during specimen extraction (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The Pfannenstiel-Kerr incision may be the preferred extraction site compared with the left lower transverse incision given the significant reduction of the risk of incisional hernias.

Is routine MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) justified prior to cholecystectomy?

PURPOSE: We investigated routinely the bile ducts by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreaticography (MRCP) prior to cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate of clinically inapparent common bile duct (CBD) stones, the predictive value of elevated liver enzymes for CBD stones, and the influence of the radiological results on the perioperative management. METHODS: In this prospective study, 465 patients were cholecystectomized within 18 months, mainly laparoscopically. Preoperative MRCP was performed in 454 patients. RESULTS: With MRCP screening, clinically silent CBD stones were found in 4%. Elevated liver enzymes have only a poor predictive value for the presence of CBD stones (positive predictive value, 21%; negative predictive value, 96%). Compared to the recent literature, the postoperative morbidity in this study was low (0 bile duct injury, 0.4% residual gallstones). CONCLUSIONS: Although MRCP is diagnostically useful in the perioperative management in some cases, its routine use in the DRG-era may not be justified due to the costs.

[Right-sided lower abdominal pain after appendectomy?]. / Rechtsseitige Unterbauchschmerzen nach Appendektomie?

A young male patient presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain 3 years after laparoscopic appendectomy. Clinical and radiological findings were in keeping with acute appendicitis and the diagnosis of stump appendicitis could be confirmed by laparoscopy. This case serves as a reminder of this differential diagnosis and to discuss therapy and prevention of this rare condition.

Long-term results after stapled hemorrhoidopexy: high patient satisfaction despite frequent postoperative symptoms.

PURPOSE: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy has been demonstrated to be advantageous in the short term compared with the traditional techniques. We aimed to evaluate long-term results after stapled hemorrhoidopexy and to assess patient satisfaction in association with postoperative hemorrhoidal symptoms. METHODS: This prospective study included 216 patients with Grade 2 or 3 hemorrhoids, who had stapled hemorrhoidopexy using the circular stapled technique. The results were evaluated by a standardized questionnaire at least 12 months after the operation. The primary end point was patient satisfaction; secondary end points included specific hemorrhoidal symptoms. RESULTS: Followup data were obtained for 193 of 216 patients (89 percent) with a median follow-up of 28 (range, 12-53) months, most of whom (89 percent) were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. The main preoperative symptom was no longer present postoperatively in 66 percent of patients, was relieved in 28 percent, and had worsened in 2 percent. Postoperative complaints included symptoms of hemorrhoidal prolapse (24 percent of patients), anal bleeding (20 percent), anal pain (25 percent) fecal soiling/leakage (31 percent), fecal urgency (40 percent), and local discomfort (38 percent). Bivariate analysis showed significant associations between each of these symptoms and patient satisfaction. Nine patients (5 percent) were reoperated on during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term patient satisfaction was high in most of patients after stapled hemorrhoidopexy for second-degree and third-degree hemorrhoids. However, an unsatisfactory outcome was significantly related to postoperative hemorrhoidal symptoms such as prolapse, fecal soiling/leakage, and new onset of fecal urgency.

Outcome and quality of life after open surgery versus endoscopic stapler-assisted esophagodiverticulostomy for Zenker's diverticulum.

Two techniques for treatment of Zenker's diverticulum, endoscopic stapler-assisted esophagodiverticulostomy and open cricopharyngeal myotomy by transcervical approach, were compared with regard to patient satisfaction and quality of life. Between January 1994 and December 2004 a total of 47 patients with Zenker's diverticulum underwent surgery in our department. Besides the usual retrospective evaluation of details of surgery, all patients were sent a questionnaire on their actual complaints and quality of life according to the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). Twenty patients had the endoscopic procedure (Group A), and 27 the open procedure (Group B). The preoperative symptoms were dysphagia in 96%, regurgitation of undigested food in 60%, cough in 19%, and pneumonia caused by recurrent aspiration in 9%. The length of surgery was on average 32 min (range 5-70 min) in Group A and 106 min (range 45-165 min) in Group B, and the length of hospital stay was 5.5 days (range 1-10 days) and 12.3 days (range 7-25 days), respectively. The results of the questionnaire showed that the preoperative symptoms had disappeared in up to 83%, and 91% in Group A and 100% in Group B would be willing to undergo surgery again. The mean GIQLI was 123 points in Group A and 118 points in Group B (healthy volunteers in the literature, 125 points). Both techniques showed good results in a long-term follow-up with regard to relief of symptoms and patient satisfaction. Both groups had an excellent Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index, comparable to that of a healthy standard population.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery: long-term outcomes and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the outcome of antireflux surgery, we assessed disease-specific symptoms and quality of life of all patients treated by laparoscopic fundoplication at our center between 1992 and 2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative symptoms and details of surgery were evaluated for 186 laparoscopic fundoplications. Disease-specific symptoms and quality of life were assessed using a questionnaire. Of 186 patients, 143 returned the questionnaire. RESULTS: The most common preoperative symptoms under medical antireflux therapy were regurgitation (54%) and heartburn (30%). Indications for surgery were refractory symptoms (88%) and the patient denying long-term medication (42%). The surgical approaches were Nissen fundoplication (98%) or Toupet fundoplication (2%, for heavy esophageal motility disorder). The conversion rate was 10%. There were no deaths, and 6 patients (3%) had to be reoperated. The questionnaire revealed that in 82% of the patients who responded, the preoperative reflux symptoms were gone, and 94% were satisfied with the result and would undergo surgery again. The average gastrointestinal quality of life index was 115 points (healthy volunteers in the literature, 120.8 points). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic fundoplication is a safe antireflux therapy resulting in high levels of patient satisfaction and near-normal quality of life in the long term.

Reduction in slippage with 11-cm Lap-Band and change of gastric banding technique.

BACKGROUND: Slippage occurs after 2-18% of gastric bandings performed by the perigastric technique (PGT). We investigated the slippage-rate before and after the introduction of the pars flaccida technique (PFT) and the 11-cm Lap-Band, and the long-term results of the re-operated patients. METHODS: Between Dec 1996 and Feb 2004, 360 patients with a mean BMI of 44 kg/m2 were operated. The PGT (n=168) and PFT9.75 (n=15) groups received the 9.75-cm Lap-Band, and the PFT11 group (n=177) received the new 11-cm Lap-Band. Follow-up rate was 99%. RESULTS: Slippage occurred in a total of 31 patients from all groups (PGT, n=28, or 17%; PFT9.75, n=1, or 7%; PFT11, n=2, or 1%). Average yearly re-operation rate for slippage in the first 3 years postoperatively was 3.8%, 2.2% and 0.9%, respectively. Laparoscopic re-banding was necessary for posterior (n=19) or lateral (n=12) slippage. The late postoperative course after re-banding was: uneventful 58%, weight regain 35% and/or esophageal motility disorder 23%, secondary band intolerance 20%, and one persistent posterior slippage. 8 patients (26%) needed biliopancreatic diversion. CONCLUSION: Since the introduction of the PFT and the 11-cm Lap-Band, we observed a significant reduction in slippage rate and no posterior slippage. Re-banding had a less favorable long-term result than did first-procedure banding.

[Twelve years of laparoscopic cholecystectomy]. / Zwölf Jahre laparoskopische Cholezystektomie Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Studie von 4498 an einer Klinik durchgeführten Cholezystektomien.

UNLABELLED: We studied developments in indication, operation time, conversion rate, morbidity, and mortality from the beginning of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Between 1990 and 2002 we prospectively evaluated 4498 patients undergoing cholecystectomy (CE), of whom 79% were treated laparoscopically (lap). In 6.6%, the procedure had to be converted from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy (con), and 14% were performed open from the beginning (open). During the above time period, the rate of open CE decreased steadily (49% in 1990 to 7.2% in 2002). The average operation time of lap CE remained constant with an average of 74 min (range 20-330). The conversion rate decreased in spite of broader indication for lap CE in even more complicated gallstone diseases, from an initial 9.4% to 2.5%. Among intraoperative complications in lap and con, bile duct lesions remained constant with 5/3856 (0.1%), bleeding which led to conversion decreased from 1.9% to 0.3%, and the rate of gall bladder perforation increased from 12% to 20.5%. Thirty-day morbidity was 2% in lap CE, 5% in con, and 11.5% in open. The mortality was 0% in lap, 0.7% in con, and 1% in open. CONCLUSION: Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy the indication for this minimal-invasive operation steadily increased, the conversion-rate decreased and the complication-rate could be held low. Even with fast laparoscopic experience 7% of all cholecystectomies are technically difficult and remain to be carried out primarily in an open technique. The laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the gold standard in the therapy of gallstone disease.

Ileocecal reservoir reconstruction after total mesorectal excision: functional results of the long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to obtain functional results of the long-term follow-up after TME and ileocecal interposition as rectal replacement. METHODS: The study included patients operated on between March 1993 and August 1997 who received an ileocecal interposition as rectal replacement. Follow-up was carried out 3 and 5 years postoperatively. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test, rank test (Wilcoxon), and chi-square or Fisher's exact test were applied; level of significance, P<0.05. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in the studies. Of these, five were not available and four patients could not be evaluated (dementia 1, radiation proctitis 1, fistula 1, pouchitis 1). Seventeen patients died during the observation period; 12 died of the disease. Recurrence of the disorder occurred in 2 of 35 patients (5.7%); 26 and 18 patients, 3 and 5 years postoperatively, respectively remained in the study. At 5 years, 78% of the patients were continent; mean stool frequency was 2.5+/-1.6 per day. CONCLUSIONS: Functional results and subjective assessment of ileocecal interposition were constant at 3 and 5 years postoperatively. If construction of a colonic J-pouch is not possible due to lack of colonic length, especially after prior colonic resections, the ileocecal interpositional reservoir may offer an alternative to rectal replacement.

[Massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage with anastomosis rupture in pseudoaneurysm of the common hepatic artery follow pancreaticoduodenectomy. An unusual, severe complication]. / Massive Gastrointestinalblutung mit Anastomosenruptur bei Pseudoaneurysma der A. hepatica communis nach Pancreato-Duodenektomie. Eine ungewöhnliche, schwerwiegende Komplikation.

Surgery of pancreatic and biliary tract carcinomas includes an extensive surgical dissection with removal of all neural and lymphoid tissue together with a skeletonization of hepatoduodenal structures. Skeletonization or autodigestion may lead to pseudaneurysms of perihepatic arteries. Rupture of one of these aneurysms may cause a severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Only a few cases of these serious complications are reported in literature.

[Surgical strategies in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]. / Operative Strategien bei Patienten mit chronisch entzündlichen Darmkrankheiten.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are specific inflammatory bowel diseases. Quality of life can be considerably limited. It does not depend on the form of therapy that Crohn's disease is highly recurrent, whereas colitis ulcerosa is curable by proctocolectomy. For both forms of disease surgery is an important option. It has to be included early in the therapy concept and not as last choice. Quality of life in patients with Crohn's disease can be raised significantly by surgery. Meticulous selection of the patients are essential to the policy of surgery as well as a regular aftercare. Best profit for those patients are treatment with an interdisciplinary team, consisting of gastroenterologists, nutrition advisers, psychologists, surgeons and radiologists.

Subjective and functional results after replacement of the stomach with an ileocecal segment: a prospective study of 20 patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The optimal reconstruction procedure after gastrectomy is still a matter of debate. The ileocecal interpositional graft offers an excellent reservoir capacity, the preservation of duodenal passage, and a natural antireflux barrier (ileocecal sphincter). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the quality-of-life outcome in 20 patients undergoing ileocecal interpositional graft (13 subdiaphragmatic reconstruction, 7 intrathoracic reconstruction) after gastrectomy in a University Hospital and a Canton Hospital (mean follow-up 6 months), operative and postoperative morbidity, body weight, reflux, and dumping symptoms. In a smaller series of nine patients we performed functional tests such as gastric emptying measurements, glucose tolerance tests, and manometry of the gastric substitute. RESULTS: The mean gastrointestinal quality-of-life index in the subdiaphragmatic reconstruction group 114, and that in the intrathoracic reconstruction group was 106. Mild reflux and dumping symptoms were noted by no patients in the former group and by two of seven patients in the latter. In the smaller series of nine patients gastric emptying time was faster in the intrathoracic group, but no difference in plasma glucose level was found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstruction after gastrectomy with an ileocecal interpositional graft achieves good quality of life with an acceptable morbidity. The technique seems to reduce the occurrence of postoperative reflux and dumping symptoms.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision of rectal tumors: indications and results.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) allows local excision of rectal tumors located 4 to 18 cm above the anal verge. The technique is not yet generally established because of the necessary special instrumentation and tools, the unusual technical aspects of the approach, and the stringent patient selection criteria. The aim of this prospective, descriptive study was to analyze the currently accepted indications for TEM and to evaluate the use of this procedure for treating rectal cancer. Over a 4-year period 50 patients aged 31 to 86 years (mean 64 years) underwent TEM for treatment of rectal tumors located 12 cm above the anal verge (range 4-18 cm). The local complication rate was 4%. Altogether, 76% of lesions were benign, and 24% were T1 and T2 tumors. Of 12 cancer cases, 4 required reoperation by total mesorectal resection; the other 8 are currently under follow-up management. Over the follow-up period of 30.6 months (range 11-54 months) the recurrence rate of T1 tumors was 8.3%. TEM is a minimally invasive surgical technique that may benefit a small, specific population of patients with rectal tumors. Compared with conventional transanal resection, TEM provides superior exposure of tumors higher up in the rectum (i.e., up to 18 cm from the anal verge). The greater precision of resection combined with low morbidity (10%, relative to that of anterior resection) and short duration of hospitalization (5.5 days) make this technique a reliable and in some cases more effective surgical approach than laparotomy and low anterior resection.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in peptic ulcer perforations.

BACKGROUND: Most patients with chronic peptic ulcer disease have Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. In the past, immediate acid-reduction surgery has been strongly advocated for perforated peptic ulcers because of the high incidence of ulcer relapse after simple closure. Simple oversewing procedures either by an open or laparoscopic approach together with H. pylori eradication appear to supersede definitive ulcer surgery. METHODS: In 47 consecutive patients (mean age = 64 years, range 27-91) suffering from acute peptic ulcer perforation the preoperative presence of H. pylori (CLO test), the surgical procedure (laparoscopy or open surgery), the outcome of surgery, and the success of H. pylori eradication with a triple regimen were prospectively studied. RESULTS: Of these patients 73.3% were positive for H. pylori, regardless of the previous use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Thirty-eight per cent underwent a simple laparoscopic repair. Conversion rate to laparotomy reached a high of 32%. The main reasons for conversion were the size of the ulcer, and/or diffuse peritonitis for a duration of over 12 hours with fibrous membranes difficult to remove laparoscopically. In the H. pylori positive patients, eradication was successful in 96% of the cases. Mortality and morbidity rates were greater in the laparoscopic group (p < 0.05). Follow-up (median 43.5 months) revealed no need for reoperation for peptic ulcer disease and no mortality. CONCLUSION: We have found a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients with perforated peptic ulcers. An immediate and appropriate H. pylori eradication therapy for perforated peptic ulcers reduces the relapse rate after simple closure. Response rate to a triple eradication protocol was excellent in the hospital setting.

[Surgery for idiopathic constipation. The modest role of successful surgery]. / Chirurgie bei idiopathischer Obstipation. Der bescheidene Platz der erfolgreichen Chirurgie.

Treatment of idiopathic constipation requires precise definition of the physiological and pathophysiological changes. A colorectal work-up including colonoscopy, colorectal passage, colonic transit study, anorectal manometry, cinedefecography and electromyography help to distinguish between four different forms of idiopathic constipation: slow transit constipation, outlet obstruction, a combination of both problems and irritable bowel syndrome. 70% of patients with chronic constipation suffer from irritable bowel syndrome. In these cases there is no indication for surgery. Patients with pelvic outlet obstruction due to paradoxical puborectalis contraction can be successfully treated with biofeedback. Outlet obstruction due to rectal prolapse, rectocele and intussusception require surgery. Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis is the surgical option for selected patients with slow transit constipation. Where there is a mixed disorder, biofeedback for the outlet obstruction must be applied prior to colectomy for the inert colon. Thorough preoperative physiologic testing is mandatory for a successful outcome. When cases are carefully diagnosed and selected, the operative results are excellent.

Clinical outcome and quality of life after gastric and distal esophagus replacement with an ileocolon interposition.

Mainly because of the loss of reservoir function, loss of sphincter function, and exclusion of the duodenal route, patients who undergo gastrectomy suffer from many adverse effects postoperatively. The ileocecal interpositional graft is an attractive method to use as a gastric substitute after gastrectomy and distal esophagectomy. A pedunculated ileocecal graft is placed between the esophagus and the duodenum. The cecum acts as a reservoir while the ileocecal valve protects against enteroesophageal reflux. The duodenal passage is also preserved. Fourteen patients underwent this operation. The technique-related morbidity was low and the quality of life was good. During a mean follow-up of 6 months, no evidence of severe dumping syndrome or reflux esophagitis was observed. Further prospective randomized studies are warranted to compare this technique with the standard methods of gastric reconstruction.

Gastric intramucosal pH as a monitor of gut perfusion after thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein.

Gastric intramucosal pH (pHi) when measured by a tonometer is a simple and minimally invasive method to determine gut ischemia. In a case of severe mesenteric venous thrombosis, we measured pHi intra- and postoperatively over a period of five days. The goal was to monitor improvement or deterioration of gastrointestinal perfusion in the intensive care unit and to perform a second-look laparotomy if the condition worsened. We observed that gastric pHi is a more sensitive parameter for detecting intestinal ischemia than parameters such as arterial pH, base excess, or lactate. This patient's pHi rose continuously, which allowed us to proceed in a conservative way without any further invasive diagnostic interventions. Thus, the application of a gastric tonometer in cases of mesenteric venous thrombosis may help to reduce costs by preventing unnecessary postoperative diagnostic maneuvers such as angiography, computed tomography, or even second-look laparotomy.