Reanastomosis of a Hartmann rectal pouch: A simplified procedure

A new technique has been described that permits easy location of the rectal stump at the time of colostomy closure for the Hartmann procedure. The routine use of a polypropylene (Prolene) suture to define the location of the rectal stump eliminates tedious pelvis dissection, which could injure the ureter or bladder, as well as entering or thinning the rectal wall distal to the new anastomosis.     

Tissue adhesive treatment of persistent recto-cutaneous fistula following Hartmann procedure

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous fistulas from the rectal stump after Hartmann procedure are not rare. Rarely do they require operative intervention, but they may result in prolonged skin care during hospitalization. PURPOSE: of study: To describe the use of fibrin glue in the treatment of rectocutaneous fistulas occurring after Hartmann procedure. Study design: Ten patients underwent irrigation of the fistulous tract followed by fibrin glue injection. The glue was reconstituted using the usual two syringe admixture technique; the tract was catheterized as far as the rectal stump, and the glue was injected as the catheter was withdrawn to skin level. RESULTS: No complications were noted and the discharge from seven out of ten fistulas dried up completely. CONCLUSION: Biologic glue occlusion of rectocutaneous fistulas simplified local care and decreased hospital stay.     

A novel approach for the treatment of pelvic abscess: transrectal endoscopic drainage facilitated by transanal endoscopic microsurgery access

Background

Postoperative pelvic abscesses in patients submitted to colorectal surgery are challenging. The surgical approach may be too risky, and image-guided drainage often is difficult due to the complex anatomy of the pelvis. This article describes novel access for drainage of a pelvic collection using a minimally invasive natural orifice approach.

Methods

A 37?year-old man presented with sepsis due to a pelvic abscess during the second postoperative week after a Hartmann procedure due to perforated rectal cancer. Percutaneous drainage was determined by computed tomography to be unsuccessful, and another operation was considered to be hazardous. Because the pelvic fluid was very close to the rectal stump, transrectal drainage was planned. The rectal stump was opened using transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) instruments. The endoscope was advanced through the TEM working channel and the rectal stump opening, accessing the abdominal cavity and pelvic collection.

Results

The pelvic collection was endoscopically drained and the local cavity washed with saline through the scope channel. A Foley catheter was placed in the rectal stump. The patient’s recovery after the procedure was successful, without the need for further intervention.

Conclusions

Transrectal endoscopic drainage may be an option for selected cases of pelvic fluid collection in patients submitted to Hartmann’s procedure. The technique allows not only fluid drainage but also visualization of the local cavity, cleavage of multiloculated abscesses, and saline irrigation if necessary. The use of TEM instrumentation allows safe access to the peritoneal cavity.     

Reversal of the Hartmann procedure through only a stomal orifice

We performed reversal of the Hartmann procedure only through the stoma site and we did not use either any other incision nor laparoscopic assistance. A total of 8 patients (7 males), ages between 23 and 80 years, were treated by means of a defined technique. The indications of the Hartmann procedure were sigmoid volvulus (4), sigmoid cancer obstruction (2), rectal trauma (1), and Fournier gangrene (one). The duration from the first procedure was a mean of 5 months (range, 2 to 8 months). The length of the rectal stump was at least 5 cm over the pelvic peritoneum and the body mass indices of all patients were less than 30 kg/m2. The diameter of the stoma opening was a mean of 50 mm (range, 40 to 55 mm). Incision extensions from the stomal orifice (accepted as conversion) were needed for two cases as a result of injury on the intestine and inability to identify the distal bowel stump (25%). The mean operative blood loss and duration of operation were 50 mL (range, 30 to 100 mL) and 65 minutes (range, 45 to 80 minutes), respectively. Fecal discharge of all patients was weighed before hospital discharge and the length of postoperative hospital stay was a mean of 5.5 days (range, 4 to 9 days). Neither anastomosis leakage nor surgical site infections were observed in any of the patients and all had an uneventful postoperative course. The described technique can be the least invasive one than the previously described techniques for the reversal of the Hartmann procedure by only using the stoma site, particularly for nonobese patients with a long distal rectal stump.     

Colon perforation in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: Report of two cases and review of the literature

Two cases of spontaneous perforation of the colon in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV are reported, and eight cases previously reported in the English literature are reviewed. Emergency surgery for acute free colon perforation in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome should be carried out in the following standard manner: exteriorization of the perforation or resection of the involved colon with end colostomy, and either closure of the rectal stump (Hartmann procedure) or distal mucous colostomy. The reported experience although small, indicates that a high incidence of recurrent perforation can be expected if bowel continuity is reestablished. Permanent colostomy status, therefore, appears advisable, despite the young ages of most of the patients.     

Laparoscopic and open reversal of Hartmann’s procedure—a comparative retrospective analysis

Background

Restoration of intestinal continuity after Hartmann’s procedure has traditionally required laparotomy. This study compares our experience with laparoscopic and open reversal of Hartmann’s procedure.

Study design

All laparoscopic and open Hartmann’s reversal procedures performed between January 1998 and June 2006 were reviewed. Patients with laparoscopic reversal were retrospectively matched by age, body mass index (BMI), and indication to controls with open reversal. Demographic data, perioperative course, and postoperative complications were documented.

Results

We identified 41 patients who underwent laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure and these were matched to 41 patients with open reversal. The groups had similar average age and BMI. The predominant indication for surgery in both groups was diverticular disease. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in eight patients (19.5%), and was due to dense adhesions or difficulty in identification of the rectal stump. Adhesions were significantly greater in the conversion group (p <0.05), and the rectal stump was not marked in any of these cases. The most common short-term complications were ileus and surgical site infection. There were no anastomotic leaks and no mortalities. The mean operative times in the laparoscopic and open groups were 193 versus 209 min, respectively (p = 0.33). The laparoscopic group had a significantly lower estimated blood loss of 166 versus 326 mL (p < 0.0005), shorter time to bowel function return (4.1 versus 5.2 days, p < 0.05), and a shorter hospital stay (6.4 versus 8.0 days, p < 0.05). The major complication rate was also significantly lower in the laparoscopic group than in the open group (4.8% versus 12.1%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann’s procedure is a safe and practical alternative to open reversal. It can be performed with similar operative time, fewer complications, and a faster recovery time. Conversion during the reversal procedure was significantly impacted by severity of adhesions and marking of the rectal stump.     

Surgical treatment in ulcerative rectocolitis . Analysis of a 24 years experience of 50 patients

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease that may be cured by surgery being indicated for emergency situations resulting from complications of fulminant disease and for elective indications. We analyzed the last 24 years experience regarding 50 patients surgically treated for ulcerative colitis in the Center of General Surgery and Liver Transplantation of Fundeni Clinical Institute. The indications for surgery were: failure of medical treatment in 22 patients, acute disease with complications in 20, chronic complications in 8 cases. We used the following surgical procedures: total proctocolectomy in all 2 cases with associated rectal cancer, total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis (one staged or two staged procedures) in 31, and restorative proctocolectomy in 17 cases (in all cases as a 2 or 3 staged procedure). In acute disease with complications we have performed total colectomy with terminal ileostomy, closure of the rectal stump, or exteriorization of the sigmoid stump in a mucous fistula. The gravity of acute complications does not justify the use of palliative procedures such as ileostomy, colostomy or Hartmann procedure because the mortality rate of these operations is higher than the postoperative mortality rate of total colectomy performed in emergency. Even in the elective surgery, when the patients are in a poor condition, nutritionally depleted, taking large doses of steroids or immunosuppressive drugs, we prefer the staged procedure. Total proctocolectomy is performed only in the cases of ulcerative colitis associated with rectal cancer, severe perianal disease, sphincter incontinence. Total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis is indicated when the rectal stump has minimal inflammatory lesions. Restorative proctocolectomy is the surgery of choice for UC, the functional results being comparable with those of total colectomy with ileo-rectal anastomosis, but having the advantage of curing the disease. The global mortality rate was 12% (6 patients).     

SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE HARTMANN'S PROCEDURE

Background: The present study examines the surgical outcome of the Hartmann's and Hartmann-type procedures, the problems with the remnant rectal stump and the issues related to the colorectal anastomosis as well as the differences in patient outcome. Methods: One hundred and five consecutive patients (mean age 66) were evaluated. Surgical morbidity and mortality were analysed with regard to the colorectal pathology and the type of rectal stump remnant. The surviving patients were reviewed according to whether they had second-stage anastomosis. Results: In 65% of cases there were obstructed or perforated malignancies and in 16% complicated diverticular diseases. The peri-operative mortality and morbidity were 11.4% and 24%. respectively. Seventy-two patients had intraperitoneal rectal stumps and stump blowout occurred in three intraperitoneal and one extraperitoneal remnant stumps. Local tumour recurrence (four) and diversion proctitis (three) were diagnosed in the rectal stump among asymptomatic patients. When the second-stage reversal of Hartmann's procedure was considered (35 cases), twice as many were performed for diverticular and other benign conditions as for tumour cases. Conclusions: Although there is a good anatomical basis for advocating extraperitoneal rather than intraperitoneal stumps, in practice the stump blowout rate is not statistically significant (3%vs 4.1%). However, the chances of regaining normal rectal function are much better for benign disease (68%vs 32%—Fisher's exact test, P= 0.004). Complications from second-stage re-anastomosis are not determined by timing of the closure, provided the septic episode has subsided.     

Carcinoma of pelvic pouch following restorative proctocolectomy: report of a case and review of the literature

One of the possible long-term complications following an ileoanal pouch procedure is the development of malignancy in the mucosa of the rectal stump. Only 10 such cases have been reported so far. We report the case of a 23-year-old male who had ulcerative colitis with high-grade dysplasia and underwent an ileoanal pouch procedure. He was found to have a malignancy in the rectal stump 5 years after surgery. The malignancy presented with symptoms of refractory pouchitis. Pouch excision was performed. The risk of developing malignancy in the rectal mucosa after an ileoanal pouch procedure mandates regular follow-up in these patients, with a high index of suspicion especially in patients with delayed onset pouchitis.     

Die Hartmann-Operation

Based on data obtained in a prospective, multicenter trial investigating the surgical treatment of colorectal carcinomas, the aim of this study was to investigate the value and relevance of Hartmann’s procedure compared with alternative surgical approaches in elective interventions and emergency situations in carcinoma of the rectum (n=10,355) and the left hemicolon (n=8,825). Only in 3.4% (n=353) of patients with rectal carcinoma was the Hartmann’s procedure executed with curative intention, indicating that this approach is recommendable only in (1) rare emergency situations (1.66%, n=172), (2) selected cases with elective intervention such as high-risk patients or subjects with poor prognosis, and (3) individuals with rectal carcinoma of the lower third who require deep resection (2+3, 1.75%, n=181). However, Hartmann’s procedure resulted in the lowest mortality (7.5%) of the various procedures aiming for radical resection in the case of luminal obstruction or perforation at the left hemicolon. With palliative intention, 4.3% of patients with rectal carcinoma (n=449) received primary colostomies. At the left hemicolon, palliative segmental colon resection with primary anastomosis maintaining intestinal passage showed the lowest mortality (6.1%) and perioperative morbidity (33.9%) under elective circumstances, whereas Hartmann’s procedure was preferred in emergency situations.     

Laparoscopically assisted resection of the lower rectum

We report a new laparoscopic approach to the resection of the lower rectum which has been successfully used in the treatment of a patient with a small rectal carcinoid tumor. Under general anesthesia a pneumo-peritoneum was established with CO₂ gas insufflation and the rectum was mobilized from the sacrum including division of the lateral ligaments under the direct view of the laparoscope. The bowel was divided between the sigmoid colon and the rectum using an endoscopic linear stapler, and the rectum was everted through the anal canal. The lower rectum was transected extracorporeally using a linear stapler and the rectal stump was then returned to the anatomical position. An anvil of a circular stapling device into the oral colon stump through a small skin incision on the left lower abdomen was introduced and the shaft of the device through the rectal stump via anus was inserted. The device was then re-approximated under laparoscopic view and fired. Our procedure described here is applicable to the lower rectal lesion as a minimally invasive, safe, and useful therapeutic tool.     

Combined abdominotranssacral reconstruction of the radiation-injured rectum.

Reconstruction of the rectum by a technic of combined abdominotranssacral proctocolectomy and proctocolostomy is presented as an alternative to the surgical conservatism that has been the time-honored approach to the management of radiation-injured rectum. The procedure has permitted safe accomplishment of rectal anastomosis with as little as a 1 cm distal rectal stump. Satisfactory, true anal sphincteric continence is enjoyed by six patients who have been completely reconstituted, and satisfactory reconstitution in the remaining two is anticipated. These results suggest that reinspection of the traditional approach to the radiation-injured rectum is warranted now that safe and physiologically effective reconstitution can be accomplished by a combined abdominotranssacral technic.     

腹腔镜直肠癌根治术中肠腔脱落肿瘤细胞的临床研究

目的:探讨腹腔镜直肠癌根治术中,手术操作对肠腔脱落肿瘤细胞的影响,比较腹腔镜手术和传统开腹直肠癌根治术中直肠腔内肿瘤细胞脱落的差异。方法:2006年5月至2007年12月我院将60例直肠癌患者分为腹腔镜组和开腹组,每组各30例,行对比研究。比较两种手术肠腔灌洗液标本肿瘤细胞的阳性检出率。结果:送检结果中,阳性标本28例,阴性标本32例。其中腹腔镜组阳性标本9例,阳性率30.0%;开腹组阳性标本19例,阳性率63.3%,总阳性率46.7%。数据经四格表资料的χ2检验,腹腔镜组和开腹组标本阳性检出率差异有统计学意义(P=0.010)。结论:腹腔镜直肠癌手术在无瘤技术方面具有可行性和优越性,强调腹腔镜直肠癌根治术在离断远端肠管前,须先行有效肠腔灌洗。     

The transanal resectoscope: an under-used instrument?

The use of the urological resectoscope in the treatment of rectal tumours has been described in detail. We report the use of the purpose built transanal resectoscope in the treatment of 34 patients. Fourteen patients had villous adenomas and all but one were relieved of symptoms. Of 20 patients with rectal carcinoma, three presented with acute intestinal obstruction and three had rectal stump recurrences. Palliation was excellent in patients with general symptoms, but the results were disappointing for rectal stump recurrences. Transanal resection (TAR) is a novel form of treatment for patients with rectal obstruction. Two patients in this study had their obstruction successfully relieved by transanal resection alone. This allowed formal bowel preparation and full pre-operative assessment. We feel that this technique is under-used and that the results of treatment justify more widespread acceptance of the procedure.     

再手术治疗局部复发性直肠癌33例临床分析

目的总结直肠癌术后局部复发的临床特点，探讨再手术的治疗效果。方法回顾性分析1998年1月。2004年1月间收治的33例复发性直肠癌的临床资料，初次手术行Miles12例，Dixon17例：Hartmann3例，局部切除1例，手术后平均26．5个月复发。再次手术方式包括：Miles9例，Dixon6例，Hartmann 4例，阴道子宫或双附件切除12例，局部切除2例；其中根治性切除15例，姑息性切除18例。结果本组无手术死亡，术中损伤输尿管1例，术后发生肺部感染4例，伤口感染6例，吻合口漏1例，均痊愈出院。根治性手术组和姑息性手术组中位生存期分别为30．2和8．5个月。结论对适宜的局部复发性直肠癌病人行再次手术治疗有一定的疗效，但需严格掌握其适应证，并选择合理的手术方式。     

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery via TriPort Access System with no general anesthesia and without sphincter damage

The aim of this study was to develop a less-invasive transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) operative technique that could be applied in severely ill patients. Modified technique of TEM operation with use of the TriPort Access System in place of the operative rectoscope was designed. Harmonic scalpel and regular laparoscopic instruments were used. Resection of the rectal stump tumor was performed. A 71-year-old male patient with recurrent adenocarcinoma T2N0M0 in rectal stump and ASA 4 was operated using presented technique with good outcome. Total operating time was 25 minutes. There were no adverse events during or after the procedure. Patient was fully mobilized directly after the procedure. Proposed technique can be performed in severely ill patients as it avoids anal sphincter divulsion and therefore general anesthesia. Standard laparoscopic instruments can be used at no extra cost and no need for additional skills.     

直肠癌Miles与Hartmann根治术腹膜外隧道结肠造口38例

为探讨直肠癌Miles与Hartmann根治术腹膜外隧道结肠造口术的疗效,回顾分析38例行该术式治疗的患者的资料。结果显示,38例患者均顺利完成手术,术后未发生造口肠管脱出、回缩,无坏死出血、造口周围感染、造口狭窄、内疝等并发症和后遗症。结果表明,直肠下段恶性肿瘤行Miles、Hartmann根治术腹膜外隧道结肠造口简单易行,并发症少,效果满意。     

弧形切割吻合器在直肠癌前切除术中的临床应用研究

目的 探讨弧形切割吻合器在直肠癌前切除术中的应用价值.方法 回顾性分析2005年11月至2006年8月间收治的57例直肠癌应用弧形切割吻合器进行前切除的临床资料.其中行双重器械吻合前切除术51例;Hartmann术6例.结果 双重器械吻合前切除51例中超低位吻合41例(80.4%),术后均无局部复发;吻合口瘘1例(2.0%),吻合口出血3例(5.9%),直肠阴道瘘2例(22例女性患者,发生率9.1%).行Hartmann术6例,直肠切割吻合处平均距肛缘2.8 cm.结论 弧形切割吻合器应用于低位直肠癌的保肛手术中具有吻合口瘘发生率低的优点.     

Surgical Treatment of Chronic Amebic Colitis

There are limited data concerning the surgical management of chronic amebic colitis (CAC) in the literature. We present our experience with 10 patients with CAC treated surgically. Patients’ records were retrospectively analyzed for age, sex, duration of clinical manifestations, colonoscopic findings, the type of surgical operation, and the postoperative course. Total proctocolectomy and J-pouch construction was performed in two patients who had CAC with severe rectal involvement. Total colectomy and the Hartmann procedure was performed in eight patients with mild to moderate rectal involvement. This treatment was successful in preserving the rectum in four of the eight. Our results suggest that rectal preservation can be a reliable treatment option in patients with CAC who have mild to moderate rectal involvement. Total proctocolectomy and ileoanal anastomosis with pouch construction should be the treatment of choice for patients with CAC who have severe rectal involvement.     

Surgical treatment of radiation-induced rectovaginal fistulas by the continence resection procedure

The results of 24 operations for repairing rectovaginal fistulas secondary to irradiation for pelvic cancer are presented.--Treatment involved subtotal rectal and sigmoid colon resection with restoration of continuity by means of a peranal coloanal sleeve anastomosis between healthy colon and the rectal stump denuded of its mucosa.--The functional result in 20 of 24 patients who underwent this procedure was satisfactory to excellent, only 2 patients had partial rectal incontinence. 2 of these patients (8.3%) died from a heart attack or renal insufficiency respectively. No death occurred from anastomotic leakage.