To drain or not to drain in colorectal anastomosis: a meta-analysis

Background

Currently, many surgeons place a prophylactic drain in the abdominal or pelvic cavity after colorectal anastomosis as a conventional treatment. However, some trials have demonstrated that this procedure may not be beneficial to the patients.

Objective

To determine whether prophylactic placement of a drain in colorectal anastomosis can reduce postoperative complications.

Methods

We systematically searched all the electronic databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared routine use of drainage to non-drainage regimes after colorectal anastomosis, using the terms “colorectal” or “colon/colonic” or “rectum/rectal” and “anastomo*” and “drain or drainage.” Reference lists of relevant articles, conference proceedings, and ongoing trial databases were also screened. Primary outcome measures were clinical and radiological anastomotic leakage. Secondary outcome measures included mortality, wound infection, re-operation, and respiratory complications. We assessed the eligible studies for risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Two authors independently extracted data.

Results

Eleven RCTs were included (1803 patients in total, 939 patients in the drain group and 864 patients in the no drain group). Meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant differences between the drain group and the no drain group in (1) overall anastomotic leakage (relative risk (RR)?=?1.14, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.80–1.62, P?=?0.47), (2) clinical anastomotic leakage (RR?=?1.39, 95 % CI 0.80–2.39, P?=?0.24), (3) radiologic anastomotic leakage (RR?=?0.92, 95 % CI 0.56–1.51, P?=?0.74), (4) mortality (RR?=?0.94, 95 % CI 0.57–1.55, P?=?0.81), (5) wound infection (RR?=?1.19, 95 % CI 0.84–1.69, P?=?0.34), (6) re-operation (RR?=?1.18, 95 % CI 0.75–1.85, P?=?0.47), and (7) respiratory complications (RR?=?0.82, 95 % CI 0.55–1.23, P?=?0.34).

Conclusions

Routine use of prophylactic drainage in colorectal anastomosis does not benefit in decreasing postoperative complications.

     

Prophylactic pelvic drainage after rectal resection with extraperitoneal anastomosis: is it worthwhile? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

The role of prophylactic pelvic drainage in reducing the postoperative complication rate after rectal surgery remains unclear and controversial.

Objective

This review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials was performed to determine whether drainage of the extraperitoneal anastomosis after rectal surgery impacts the postoperative complication rate.

Study eligibility criteria

Study eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic pelvic drainage after rectal surgery.

Methods

The Medline and Cochrane Trials Register databases were searched for prospective randomized controlled trials comparing drainage versus no drainage after rectal surgery. Studies published until December 2016 were included. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK).

Results

Three randomized controlled trials involving 660 patients with extraperitoneal anastomosis after rectal surgery (330 with and 330 without prophylactic pelvic drains) were included. The overall mortality rate was 0.7% (2/267) in the drain group and 1.9% (5/261) in the no-drain group (P = 0.900). The anastomotic leakage rate was 14.8% (49/330) in the drain group and 16.7% (55/330) in the no-drain group (P = 0.370). The postoperative small bowel obstruction rate was significantly higher in the drain than no-drain group (50/267, 18.7% vs. 33/261, 12.6%; odds ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–2.60; P = 0.050).

Conclusions

Prophylactic use of pelvic drainage after extraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis has no impact on the incidence of anastomotic leakage or postoperative death. However, it significantly increases the rate of postoperative small bowel obstruction.

     

Intraoperative colonoscopy for the assessment and prevention of anastomotic leakage in low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage (AL) after stapled anastomosis in rectal cancer surgery is a major concern. Various types of intraoperative anastomotic air leakage tests (ALTs) have been proposed to reduce AL. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) as an intraoperative ALT in low anterior resection for rectal cancer.

Methods

A total of 1266 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 215 patients who underwent IOC as an ALT in rectal cancer surgery were identified. IOC was performed after anastomosis to visualize the anastomosis line and to perform an ALT by insufflating the neorectum. Propensity score matching was used to match this group at a 1:1 ratio with 215 patients who underwent ALT with a 250-mL bulb irrigation syringe. Anastomotic defects that were found intraoperatively were resolved either by means of primary repair of the anastomotic defect, if possible, or by performing a preventive diverting ileostomy.

Results

The patient characteristics, pathologic outcomes, and operation details showed no significant difference between the two groups. Comparison of the AL rate showed a significant difference between the groups (IOC group without intraoperative leaks vs. non-IOC group without intraoperative leaks 4.3 vs. 11.7%, P = 0.007). The incidence of preventive diverting ileostomy because of a positive ALT was significantly higher in the IOC group than in the non-IOC group (10 vs. 2 cases, P = 0.036).

Conclusion

IOC can be a valuable method for the assessment of stapled anastomosis and has the additional benefit of directly visualizing the anastomosis line.

     

Lack of evidence for tissue hypoxia as a contributing factor in anastomotic leak following colon anastomosis and segmental devascularization in rats

Purpose

Current surgical dogma dictates that tissue ischemia and hypoxia are major contributing factors in anastomotic leak despite scant evidence. The aim of this study was to determine if tissue hypoxia is a feature of anastomotic leakage in rats following colon resection and segmental devascularization.

Methods

Rats were randomly assigned to undergo sham operation, segmental colon devascularization alone, colectomy alone, or segmental devascularization plus colectomy. Tissue hypoxia present at the colon anastomosis site across the various treatment groups was determined at sacrifice on postoperative day 6. Pimonidazole HCl was injected 30 min prior to sacrifice. Anastomotic tissues were examined and scored for healing versus leakage using an anastomotic healing score (AHS). Collagen content, hypoxia, enteric smooth muscle and periendothelial stromal patterning, and apoptosis were evaluated histologically.

Results

No differences in tissue hypoxia were noted in the 16% of anastomotic tissues with poor healing compared to the remaining 84% of rats whose anastomoses healed well. No significant changes were found in cell death in the submucosa of any group. Consistent with previous findings, poor healing was associated with lower collagen content. Submucosal thickness correlated with increased arteriole diameter (R ² = 0.25, p < 0.005).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that tissue hypoxia is not a distinctive feature of anastomotic tissues that fail to heal and leak, even when their blood supply is interrupted. These findings suggest that compensatory factors may mitigate the effects of ischemia and hypoxia during healing of anastomotic tissues and that the process of leakage involves factors beyond their acute effects.

     

Type of incision does not predict abdominal wall outcome after emergency surgery for colonic anastomotic leakage

Purpose

Most literature on abdominal incision is based on patients undergoing elective surgery. In a cohort of patients with anastomotic leakage after colonic cancer resection, we analyzed the association between type of incision, fascial dehiscence, and incisional hernia.

Methods

Data were extracted from the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group database and merged with information from the Danish National Patient Register. All patients with anastomotic leakage after colonic resection in Denmark from 2001 until 2008 were included and surgical records on re-operations were retrieved. The primary outcome of the study was incisional hernia formation, and the secondary outcome was fascial dehiscence. Multivariable logistic, Cox, and competing risks regression analysis, as well as propensity score matching were used for confounder control.

Results

A total of 363 patients undergoing reoperation for anastomotic leakage were included with a median follow-up of 5.4 years. Incisional hernia occurred in 41 of 227 (15.3%) patients undergoing midline incision compared with 14 of 81 (14.7%) following transverse incision, P = 1.00. After adjusting for confounders, there was no association between the type of incision and incisional hernia (transverse incision hazard ratio 1.36, 0.68–2.72, P = 0.390) or fascial dehiscence (transverse incision odds ratio 1.66, 0.57–4.49, P = 0.331). This conclusion was confirmed after propensity score matching, P = 0.507.

Conclusions

In the current study, type of incision did not predict abdominal wall outcome after emergency surgery for colonic anastomotic leakage.

     

The fate of preserved sphincter in rectal cancer patients

Purpose

Sphincter-saving surgery is widely accepted operative modality to treat rectal cancer. It often requires temporary diverting stoma to avoid the complications of anastomotic failure. This study investigates the cumulative failure rate in sphincter preservation for rectal cancer and the risk factors associated with the permanent stoma.

Methods

A retrospective study on 358 patients diagnosed with primary rectal cancer from 2009 to 2013 was conducted at a single institute. Three hundred and thirty-one out of 358 patients with rectal cancer located within 12 cm from the anal verge, who underwent sphincter-preserving surgery, were included in this study. The cumulative rate for permanent stoma was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed, comparing the patients with stoma to the ones without.

Results

Temporary diverting stoma was created in 223 (82%) patients. After median follow-up of 42 months, 18 patients (6.6%) persistently used temporary stoma or required re-creation of stoma. Univariate analysis revealed that BMI, tumor location below 4 cm from the anal verge, coloanal anastomosis, anastomotic leakage, and local recurrence were significantly associated with persistent use or re-formation of stoma. Multivariate analysis showed that anastomotic leakage (OR 50.3; 95% CI, 10.1–250.1; p?<?0.0001) and local recurrence (OR 11.3; 95% CI, 1.61–78.5; p?=?0.015) were the independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Patients with anastomotic leakage and local recurrence are at high risk for permanent stoma. Not only should patients be fully informed of possible failure in sphincter preservation preoperatively, but also patient-oriented decision should be made on patient-tailored surgical plan.

     

Influence of pelvic volume on surgical outcome after low anterior resection for rectal cancer

Background

Low anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer is a potentially challenging operation due to limited space in the pelvis. CT pelvimetry allows to quantify pelvic space, so that its relationship with outcome after LAR may be assessed. Studies investigating this, however, yielded conflicting results. We hypothesized that a small pelvis is associated with a higher rate of incomplete mesorectal excision, anastomotic leakages, and increased rate of urinary dysfunction in patients operated for rectal cancer.

Methods

In a single-center retrospective analysis, we studied 74 patients that underwent LAR for rectal cancer with primary anastomosis. Thin-layered multi-slice CT datasets were used for slice by slice depiction of the inner pelvic surface, and the inner pelvic volume was automatically compounded. The primary outcome was quality of total mesorectal excision (TME; Mercury grading); secondary outcomes were anastomotic leakage and urinary dysfunction with regard to pelvic dimensions. Univariate analyses and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for the primary and the secondary outcomes.

Results

Shorter obstetric conjugate diameters were associated with a higher probability of a worse TME quality (110.8 ± 10.2 vs. 105.0 ± 8.6 mm; OR 0.85; 95% CI 0.73–0.99; p = 0.038). Short interspinous distance showed a trend towards an increased risk for deteriorated TME quality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76–1.0; p = 0.06). Anastomotic leakage was associated with anemia (OR 2.77; 95% CI 1.0–7.7; p = 0.047). Association between pelvic diameters or pelvic volume and anastomotic leakage or urinary dysfunction was not observed. Perioperative blood transfusions were administered more often in patients with postoperative urinary dysfunction (OR 17.67; 95% CI 2.44–127.7; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Shorter obstetric conjugate diameter might be a risk factor for incompleteness of total mesorectal excision. Anastomotic leakage seems to be influenced more by clinical factors such as anemia rather than pelvic dimensions. Further studies have to prove the influence of pelvic diameter on local recurrence of rectal cancer after LAR.

     

The small height of an anastomotic colonic doughnut is an independent risk factor of anastomotic leakage following colorectal resection: results of a prospective study on 154 consecutive cases

Purpose

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the influence of morphological characteristics of anastomotic doughnuts on the risk of anastomotic leakage (AL) after double-stapled colorectal anastomosis.

Methods

This single-center prospective study enrolled all patients undergoing double-stapled colorectal anastomosis between December 2012 and December 2015. Maximal diameter and minimal and maximal heights and widths of both colonic and rectal doughnuts were measured by surgeons in the operating room. Their influence on the risk of AL was analyzed on uni- and multivariate models.

Results

One hundred fifty-four patients were included; 92 (59.7%) were operated on for malignancy. Colorectal anastomoses > and <10 cm above the anal verge were performed in 96 (62.3%) and 58 (37.7%) patients, respectively. AL occurred in 17 (11.0%). The minimal height of the colonic doughnut (CD) was the only measurement significantly associated with an increased risk of AL (p = 0.026). A cutoff value of 4.5 mm for the CD determined on the ROC curve (AUC 0.685, p = 0.013) yielded the best sensitivity (61.4%) and specificity (82.4%) to predict AL. On multivariate analysis, a height of the CD <4.5 mm (OR 5.743, 95% IC 1.476–22.346, p = 0.012), malignant disease (OR 8.821, 95% IC 1.051–74.006, p = 0.045), and American Society of Anesthesiologists score >2 (OR 3.408, 95% IC 1.017–11.418, p = 0.047) were the only independent risk factors of AL.

Conclusion

The CD’s minimal height influences the risk of AL. Its routine measurement during operation, along with other risk factors, could help to decide which patients could benefit from a diverting stoma or the creation of a new anastomosis.

     

Risk factors for anastomotic dehiscence in colon cancer surgery—a population-based registry study

Purpose

The aim of this was to assess potential risk factors for anastomotic dehiscence in colon cancer surgery in a national cohort.

Methods

All patients, who had undergone a resection of a large bowel segment with an anastomosis between 2008 and 2011, were identified in the Swedish Colon Cancer Registry. Patient factors, socioeconomic factors, surgical factors, and medication and hospital data were combined to evaluate risk factors for anastomotic dehiscence.

Results

The prevalence of anastomotic dehiscence was 4.3 % (497/11 565). Male sex, ASA classification III–IV, prescribed medications, bleeding more than 300 mL, and uncommon colorectal resections were associated with a higher risk of anastomotic dehiscence. Hospital stay was increased with 14.5 days, and 30-day mortality as well as long-term mortality was higher in the anastomotic dehiscence group.

Conclusions

There are several factors that are possible to know preoperatively or during surgery that can indicate whether an anastomosis is an appropriate option. Anastomotic dehiscence increases hospital stay and long-term mortality.

     

The Effect of Azathioprine on Anastomotic Healing: An Experimental Study in Rats

Purpose

The cytotoxic and immunosuppressive effects of azathioprine, which mitigate the disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease, may compromise the healing of intestinal anastomoses leading to an increased risk of anastomotic leakage. The effect of azathioprine treatment on intestinal healing was tested.

Methods

In an experimental study, rats were randomly given one oral dose of azathioprine (5 mg or 20 mg/kg body weight per day) or placebo. After 28 days of treatment, a left colonic anastomosis was performed. After three days of healing, the breaking strengths of the anastomoses were tested, along with measurements of azathioprine major metabolite concentrations: 6-thioguanine and 6-methyl-mercaptopurine.

Results

There were no significant differences in the anastomotic breaking strength between the three groups.

Conclusions

Daily treatment for four weeks with high or low azathioprine doses has no inhibitory effect on colonic healing in rats.

     

Prediction of anastomotic leak in colorectal cancer surgery based on a new prognostic index PROCOLE (prognostic colorectal leakage) developed from the meta-analysis of observational studies of risk factors

Purpose

To obtain a prognostic index, which has been named PROCOLE (prognostic colorectal leakage), it can predict the risk that a certain individual may suffer anastomotic leakage.

Methods

The methodology consists of a systematic review to identify potential risk factors for anastomotic leakage and a meta-analysis of studies of each of these factors. In the meta-analysis, the prognostic index integrates factors that are statistically significant, which are weighted according to the estimated value of the effect size. The prognostic index was validated using retrospectively collected data from patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery anastomosis at our institution.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of the PROCOLE prognostic index in patients with anastomotic leakage is 1.9?±?6.13, whereas in controls, it is 3.63?±?2.1. The predictive ability of the PROCOLE, assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC), results in an AUC of 0.82 with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) (0.75, 0.89) of the AUC, and it can be considered a good prognostic indicator.

Conclusions

The PROCOLE prognostic index predicts the risk of a certain individual developing anastomotic leakage after colorectal cancer surgery. Specifically, the PROCOLE prognostic index establishes a discrimination value threshold of 4.83 for recommending the implementation of a protective stoma. We have developed free software with a simple interface that only requires the selection of risk factors to obtain the PROCOLE value.

     

Management of postoperative bleeding after laparoscopic left colectomy

Background

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding after left colectomy is an uncommon complication that can lead to critical situation. Diagnostic and therapeutic manoeuvres should be performed in emergency with step-by-step strategy in order to avoid reoperation. This study aims to identify bleeding risks factors and describe a management strategy.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent left colectomy with primary anastomosis, from May 2004 to December 2013. We studied their demographic characteristics, surgical procedures and postoperative courses, more specifically hemorrhagic complications, management of bleeding and outcomes.

Results

Hemorrhagic anastomotic complication occurred in 47 of the 729 (6.4 %) patients after left colectomy. Neither anticoagulant nor antiaggregant treatment was associated with postoperative bleeding. Among the 47 patients with bleeding, endoscopy was performed in 37 (78.7 %). At the time of endoscopy, the bleeding was spontaneously stopped in nine (24.3 %). Therapeutic strategy used clips in 10 (27.0 %) cases, mucosal sclerosis in 11 (29.7 %) and both in 7 (18.9 %) cases. Four (8.5 %) patients required blood transfusion for treatment of this gastrointestinal bleeding. Five (10.6 %) patients with bleeding were reoperated in this group because early endoscopy showed associated anastomotic leakage. Based on a multivariate analysis, stapled anastomosis and diverticular disease were independent factors associated with anastomotic bleeding.

Conclusions

Postoperative anastomotic bleeding is not so uncommon after left colectomy. This complication should be particularly dreaded in patients who underwent stapled colorectal anastomosis for diverticular disease. With the use of clip or mucosal sclerosis, early endoscopy is a safe and efficient treatment.

     

Local antibiotic decontamination to prevent anastomotic leakage short-term outcome in rectal cancer surgery

Purpose

Anastomotic leakage still presents an issue in rectal cancer surgery with rates of about 11%. As bacteria play a critical role, there is the concept of perioperative local decontamination to prevent anastomotic leakage.

Methods

To ascertain the effectiveness of this treatment, we performed a retrospective analysis on 206 rectal resections with primary anastomosis and routine use of a selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) regimen for local decontamination. SDD medication was administered every 8 h from the day before surgery to the seventh postoperative day. All patients were treated according to the fast-track protocol without mechanical bowel preparation; instead, a laxative was used.

Results

Overall morbidity was 30%, overall mortality 0.5%. In our data, overall rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) was 5.8%, with 3.9% in anterior rectal resection and 6.5% in low anterior rectal resection group. In 75% of cases, anastomotic leakage was grade “C” and needed re-laparotomy. Surgical site infection rate was 19.9%. No serious adverse events were related to decontamination.

Conclusion

Local antibiotic decontamination appears to be safe and effective to decrease the rate of anastomotic leakage in rectal cancer surgery. Further focus should be on perioperative management including bowel preparation and choice of antimicrobial agents for local decontamination.

     

A simple web-based risk calculator (www.anastomoticleak.com) is superior to the surgeon’s estimate of anastomotic leak after colon cancer resection

Background

Anastomotic leak can be a devastating complication, and early prediction is difficult. The aim of this study is to prospectively validate a simple anastomotic leak risk calculator and compare its predictive value with the estimate of the primary operating surgeon.

Methods

Consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency colon cancer surgery with a primary anastomosis over a 1-year period were prospectively included. A recently published anastomotic leak risk nomogram was converted to an online calculator (www.anastomoticleak.com). The calculator-derived risk of anastomotic leak and the risk estimated by the primary operating surgeon were recorded at the completion of surgery. The primary outcome was anastomotic leak within 90 days as defined by previously published criteria. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve analysis (AUROC) was performed for both risk estimates.

Results

A total of 105 patients were screened for inclusion during the study period, of whom 83 met the inclusion criteria. The overall anastomotic leak rate was 9.6%. The anastomotic leak calculator was highly predictive of anastomotic leak (AUROC 0.84, P = 0.002), whereas the surgeon estimate was not predictive (AUROC 0.40, P = 0.243).

Conclusions

A simple anastomotic leak risk calculator is significantly better at predicting anastomotic leak than the estimate of the primary surgeon. Further external validation on a larger data set is required.

     

Short- and long-term outcomes after colorectal anastomotic leakage is affected by surgical approach at reoperation

Background

Anastomotic leakage is the most serious surgical complication following colorectal resection, and surgical intervention is often required. The purpose of the study was to investigate short- and long-term outcomes after reoperation for anastomotic leakage.

Method

Patients with a symptomatic anastomotic leakage following a laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection from January 2009 to December 2014 were identified from our local prospective database. Patients were grouped according to the management of anastomotic leaks: local, lap, or open approach. Primary outcomes were length of stay, chance of bowel continuity, and overall mortality.

Results

A total of 113 patients were included. The median follow-up time was 40 months (0–82 months). Overall mortality was significantly associated with UICC stage III–VI disease (vs. UICC stage I–II disease) [adj. HR 5.35 (CI 2.32–12.4), p?=?0.0001] and minimal invasive reoperation compared with open approach [local: adj. HR 0.12 (CI 0.03–0.52), p?=?0.004; lap: adj. HR 0.32 (CI 0.12–0.86), p?=?0.024]. Chance of bowel continuity was significantly increased in younger patients below 67 years [adj. OR 6.15 (1.76–21.5), p?=?0.004] and following a local procedure [adj. OR 7.45 (1.07–51.8), p?=?0.043]. Patients in the open group had significantly longer length of stay and time to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy compared with those in the lap group.

Conclusion

Our data confirms that minimal invasive reoperation for anastomotic leakage is a safe and feasible approach associated with short- and long-term advantages and can be chosen in selected cases.

     

Gastrointestinal tract anastomoses with the biofragmentable anastomosis ring: is it still a valid technique for bowel anastomosis? Analysis of 203 cases and review of the literature

Purpose

Biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) is an alternative to manual and stapled anastomoses performed within the upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of BAR utility for bowel anastomoses based on our own material.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed to a total of 203 patients who underwent bowel surgery with the use of BAR anastomosis within upper and lower gastrointestinal tract between 2004 and 2014. Data for the analysis was collected based on medical records, treatment protocols, and the results of histological examinations.

Results

The study group consisted of 86 women and 117 men. The most common underlying pathology was a malignant disease (n = 165). Biofragmentable anastomosis ring (BAR) size 31 was the most commonly used (n = 87). A total of 169 colocolic or colorectal anastomoses and 28 ileocolic and 8 enteroenteric anastomoses were performed. The mortality rate was 0.5 % (n = 1) whereas re-surgery rate within 30 days was 8.4 % (n = 17). Twenty-eight patients developed perioperative complications with surgical site infection as the most common one (n = 11). Eight patients developed specific complications associated with BAR including an anastomotic leak (n = 6) and intestinal obstruction (n = 2). The mean time of hospital stay after surgery was 12.7 days.

Conclusions

The use of BAR for the GI tract anastomoses is simple and rapid method and it is characterized with an acceptable number of perioperative mortality and complication rates. Based on our experience, we recommend the use of BAR anastomosis in different types of intestinal anastomosis in varying clinical scenarios.

     

Is Early Detection of Anastomotic Leakage Possible by Intraperitoneal Microdialysis and Intraperitoneal Cytokines After Anterior Resection of the Rectum for Cancer?

Purpose

This prospective study assessed methods of detecting intraperitoneal ischemia and inflammatory response in patients with and without postoperative complications after anterior resection of the rectum.

Methods

In 23 patients operated on with anterior resection of the rectum for rectal carcinoma, intraperitoneal lactate, pyruvate, and glucose levels were monitored postoperatively for six days by using microdialysis with catheters applied in two locations: intraperitoneally near the anastomosis, and in the central abdominal cavity. A reference catheter was placed subcutaneously in the pectoral region. Cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, were measured in intraperitoneal fluid by means of a pelvic drain for two postoperative days.

Results

The intraperitoneal lactate/pyruvate ratio near the anastomosis was higher on postoperative Day 5 (P--.029) and Day 6 (P--.009) in patients with clinical anastomotic leakage (n--) compared with patients without leakage (n--6). The intraperitoneal levels of IL-6 (P--.002; P--.012, respectively) and IL-10 (P--.002; P--.041, respectively) were higher on postoperative Days 1 and 2 in the leakage group, and TNF-a was higher in the leakage group on Day 1 (P--.011). In-hospital clinical anastomotic leakage was diagnosed on median Day 6, and leakage after hospital discharge on median Day 20.

Conclusions

The intraperitoneal lactate/pyruvate ratio and cytokines, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, were increased in patients who developed symptomatic anastomotic leakage before clinical symptoms were evident.

     

The dark side of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer patients aged 75 years or older

Purpose

The rate of postoperative morbidity and mortality is reportedly high in patients aged ≥?75 years with colorectal cancer (CRC). In such patients, a comparison of the short-term outcome between open method and laparoscopy has not been clearly defined in Taiwan. We aimed to compare postoperative morbidity and mortality parameters after open method and laparoscopy in CRC patients aged ≥?75 years.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent surgery for CRC from February 2009 to September 2015 at the Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan and analyzed their clinicopathological factors. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were analyzed for evaluating if laparoscopic surgery offers more favorable outcomes than open surgery in the elderly.

Results

A total of 1133 patients were enrolled and analyzed in this study; they were divided into two groups (open method vs. laparoscopy?=?797 vs. 336). The anastomotic leakage rate was significantly higher in the laparoscopy group than in the open method group (3.3 vs. 0.9%, p?=?0.003). Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates showed no significant difference between these two groups. Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group than in the open method group (10.4?±?8.7 vs. 13.8?±?13.5 days, p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that laparoscopy in patients aged ≥?75 years with CRC had higher anastomosis leakage rate compared with open surgery but is acceptable and offers the benefit of a shorter hospital stay over open surgery.

     

Association of level of anastomosis and anastomotic leak after esophagectomy in anterior mediastinal reconstruction

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate modifiable predisposing factors associated with anastomotic leak in the anterior mediastinal (AM) reconstruction route.

Methods

We reviewed the data on 154 patients who underwent esophagectomy and gastric tube reconstruction using the AM route between 2008 and 2016. The data included computed tomography (CT) scans with sagittal reconstruction of the thoracic section. The level of the esophagogastric anastomosis (LEA) and pretracheal distance (PTD) was measured from sagittal reconstructed CT images. Vascularization of the gastric tube was evaluated by postoperative endoscopy. Variables associated with anastomotic leak were determined using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Anastomotic leak developed in 13 patients (8%). The cut-off level at which the anastomosis was less likely to develop a leak, as determined by Chi-square tests, was 1.5 cm for LEA and 1.3 cm for PTD. On univariate analysis, the factors that were significantly associated with the risk of anastomotic leak included diabetes, hand-sewn anastomosis, the LEA?≥?1.5 cm, and severe mucosal degeneration. On multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.29–17.2), LEA?≥?1.5 cm (OR 20.1, 95% CI 3.15–128), and severe mucosal degeneration (OR 7.2, 95% CI 1.42–36.8) were found to be statistically significant independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Use of the AM route to place the cervical anastomosis within 1.5 cm above the suprasternal notch might avoid excessive pressure on the gastric tube from the surrounding structures, resulting in a reduction in the risk of an anastomotic leak.

     

Selective matrix metalloproteinase inhibition increases breaking strength and reduces anastomotic leakage in experimentally obstructed colon

Purpose

Colonic obstruction causes loss of collagen and impairment of anastomotic integrity by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Unexpectedly, pharmacological MMP inhibition increased anastomotic leakage (AL) in obstructed colon possibly due to the non-selective nature of these compounds and the experimental model applied. We therefore studied the effects of selective MMP inhibition on the healing of anastomoses in colon obstructed by a novel laparoscopic technique.

Methods

Left colon was obstructed in 38 male Sprague-Dawley rats (226–284 g). After 12 h, stenoses were resected and end-to-end anastomoses constructed. Baseline breaking strength was determined in 6 animals on day 0. The remaining 32 rats were randomized to daily treatment with the selective MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-12 inhibitor AZD3342 (n = 16) or vehicle (n = 16). On day 3, anastomoses were evaluated for AL and breaking strength. Isolated anastomotic wound tissue was analyzed on total collagen and pepsin-insoluble and pepsin-soluble collagen by hydroxyproline. The soluble collagens were further differentiated into native, measured by Sircol, and fragmented forms.

Results

Baseline breaking strength was maintained with AZD3342 but decreased by 25% (P = 0.023) in the vehicle group. The anastomotic breaking strength of AZD3342-treated rats was 44% higher (P = 0.008) than the vehicle-treated rats. Furthermore, the AL rate was reduced (P = 0.037) with AZD3342 compared with vehicle treatment. AZD3342 treatment influenced neither the total or insoluble collagen concentrations nor the degree of fragmentation of the soluble collagen triple helices.

Conclusion

Selective MMP inhibition increased anastomotic breaking strength and reduced AL after resection of colonic obstruction.