Single-blinded Randomized Trial of Mechanical Bowel Preparation for Colon Surgery with Primary Intraperitoneal Anastomosis

Abstract Introduction   We report the final analysis of a prospective single-blinded randomized trial designed to investigate whether omission of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation increases the rate of surgical-site infection and anastomotic failure after elective colon surgery with intraperitoneal anastomosis by a single surgeon. Patients and Methods   Patients scheduled to undergo an elective colon or proximal rectal resection with a primary anastomosis by a single surgeon were randomized to receive either oral polyethylene glycol (Group A) or no mechanical bowel preparation (Group B). Patients were followed by an independent surgeon. Results   One hundred and forty nine patients were enrolled. Three patients (2%) were preoperatively excluded because of active immunosuppression and 13 (9%) were excluded from the final analysis. Of the remaining 129 patients, 65 were assigned to Group A and 64 to Group B. Thirty patients (23.2%) developed wound infection, (Group A = 24.6% and Group B = 17.2%; NS). There were three cases of intra-abdominal sepsis a (Group A 4.6%). The anastomotic failure rate was 5.4% (n = 7), four patients in Group A (6.2%) vs. three patients in Group B (4.7%) (NS). When SSI and anastomotic failure were combined, the complication rate in Group A was 35.4% vs. 21.9% for Group B. The NNH was 7.4. Conclusion   Our final analysis shows that a single surgeon will not have a higher rate of either surgical-site infection or anastomotic failure if he/she routinely omits preoperative mechanical bowel preparation. This work was presented in abstract form at the 50th Meeting of the Society of Surgery of The Alimentary Tract.     

Prospective 6 Weeks Follow-up Post-cholecystectomy: The Predictive Value of Pre-Operative Symptoms

Objective  Many patients with symptomatic cholelithiasis report persisting symptoms after elective cholecystectomy. The current prospective follow-up study aims at the identification and valuation of risk factors for negative symptomatic outcome at 6 weeks. Methods  Consecutive patients (n = 183), age 18–65 years, indicated for elective cholecystectomy due to symptomatic cholelithiasis, completed a self-report questionnaire. At 6 weeks post-operatively, the same self-report questionnaires were completed (n = 129). Predictors of the persistence and emergence of biliary and dyspeptic symptoms at 6 weeks post-cholecystectomy were investigated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results  At 6 weeks post-operatively, the report of post-operative biliary symptoms was independently predicted by pre-operative dyspeptic symptoms (OR = 6.60) and bad taste (OR = 3.55). Pre-operative flatulence was an independent predictor of the report of biliary and dyspeptic symptoms ((OR = 3.33) and (OR = 3.27), respectively) and persisting biliary symptoms (OR = 4.21). Predictors of symptomatic outcome were only identified in women, not in men. Conclusion  Patients with pre-operative dyspeptic symptoms, notably bad taste and flatulence, have an increased risk of negative post-cholecystectomy outcomes at 6 weeks. A symptom-specific approach should lead to optimalization of the indication of cholecystectomy and information of patients. Known risk factors for long-term outcomes might be valuable in female patients only.     

Evaluation of morbidity and mortality after anastomotic leakage following elective colorectal surgery in patients treated with or without mechanical bowel preparation

Background

A previous multicenter randomized trial demonstrated that mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) does not guard against anastomotic leakage in elective colorectal surgery. The aim of this complementary study was to evaluate the effects of MBP on morbidity and mortality after anastomotic leakage in elective colorectal surgery.

Methods

A subgroup analysis was performed of a randomized trial comparing the incidence of anastomotic leakage and septic complications with and without MBP in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery.

Results

Elective colorectal surgery was performed in 1,433 patients with primary anastomoses, of whom 63 patients developed anastomotic leakage. Twenty-eight patients (44%) received MBP and 35 patients (56%) did not. Mortality rate, initial need for surgical reintervention, and extent of bowel contamination did not differ between groups (29% vs 40%; P = .497, P = .667, and P = .998, respectively).

Conclusions

No benefit of MBP was found regarding morbidity and mortality after anastomotic leakage in elective colorectal surgery.     

Prevention of Post-operative Leak Following Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy

Purpose  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the preferred treatment for achalasia. Post-operative leaks cause significant morbidity and impair functional outcome. This study assesses the efficacy of intra-operative leak testing on post-operative leak rate. Methods  A retrospective analysis of 106 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic Heller myotomy by a single surgeon between November 2001 and August 2006 was undertaken. Intra-operative leak testing was performed in all patients. Variables associated with intra-operative mucosotomy were assessed by univariate analysis and logistic regression modeling. Results  Intra-operative mucosotomy occurred in 25% of patients. All mucosotomies were repaired primarily and tested with methylene-blue-stained saline. Dor fundoplication was performed in 74% of the patients. There were no post-operative leaks and patients were started on diet day of surgery. Mean LOS was 1.4(±0.7) days. Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that prior myotomy was associated with a statistically significant increase in the rate of mucosotomy (p = 0.033), while previous botox injection (p = 0.193), pneumatic dilation (p = 0.599) or concomitant hiatal hernia (p = 0.874) were not significantly associated with mucosotomy. Conclusion  Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for the treatment of achalasia is a safe procedure. Intra-operative leak testing minimizes the risk of post-operative leaks and expedites post-operative management. Prior endoscopic treatment does not impair operative results. Grant Support: Kelly R. Finan was supported by a research fellowship grant sponsored by Olympus America. Paper presented at the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, Las Vegas, Nevada, April 21, 2007.     

Early detection of anastomotic leak with C-reactive protein increases the chances of anastomotic salvage

Aim

Anastomotic leak results in increased morbidity and affects functional and oncological outcomes after colectomy. Measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) allows early detection of anastomotic leaks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit to the patient of earlier diagnosis and management of anastomotic leaks, namely avoiding takedown of the anastomosis.

Method

Patients with an anastomotic fistula after elective colorectal surgery from 2010 to 2020 were included. Three periods were defined according to progressive adherence to the CRP protocol in our department. A comparison was made between the periods ‘before’ (2010–2013) and ‘after’ (2016–2020) in terms of morbidity, mortality, anastomotic salvage, days spent in hospital within the first postoperative month, timely adjuvant chemotherapy and anastomotic stenosis.

Results

Out of 2655 elective colorectal operations, 171 patients presented with an anastomotic leak and 123 patients were included in the study. In univariate analysis, patients in the ‘after’ group had fewer severe complications (Clavien–Dindo Grade III to IV, 66.7% vs. 56.9; p = 0.017); the difference did not reach significance regarding timely postoperative chemotherapy (p = 0.058) and anastomotic stenosis (p = 0.682). In both, univariate and multivariate analysis, the ‘after’ period increased the chances of preserving the anastomosis (OR = 2.37 [1.08–5.17]) and increased the number of days out of hospital (p = 0.0002).

Conclusion

A CRP-based protocol for the screening of anastomotic leaks after colorectal surgery was related to increased anastomotic conservation, a decreased impact and severity of the leak and a shorter length of hospital stay.     

National Trends and Outcomes for the Surgical Therapy of Ileocolonic Crohn’s Disease: A Population-Based Analysis of Laparoscopic vs. Open Approaches

Purpose  The laparoscopic approach to Crohn’s disease has demonstrated benefits in several small series. We sought to examine its use and outcomes on a national level. Methods  All admissions with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease requiring bowel resection were selected from the 2000–2004 Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Regression analyses were used to compare outcome measures and identify independent predictors of undergoing laparoscopy. Results  Of 396,911 patients admitted for Crohn’s disease, 49,609 (12%) required surgical treatment. They were predominately Caucasian (64%), female (54%), and with ileocolic disease (72%). Most had private insurance (71%) and had surgery in urban hospitals (91%). Laparoscopic resection was performed in 2,826 cases (6%) and was associated with lower complications (8% vs. 16%), shorter length of stay (6 vs. 9 days), lower charges ($27,575 vs. $38,713), and mortality (0.2% vs. 0.9%, all P < 0.01). Open surgery was used more often for fistulas (8% vs. 1%) and when ostomies were required (12% vs. 7%). Independent predictors of laparoscopic resection were age <35 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.4], female gender (OR = 1.4), admission to a teaching hospital (OR = 1.2), ileocecal location (OR = 1.5), and lower disease stage (OR = 1.1, all P < 0.05). Ethnic category, insurance status, and type of admission (elective vs. non-elective) were not associated with operative method (P > 0.05). Conclusions  A variety of patient- and system-related factors influence the utilization of laparoscopy in Crohn’s disease. Laparoscopic resection is associated with excellent short-term outcomes compared to open surgery. “The views expressed in the article (book, speech, etc.) are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense or the US Government.” “The investigators have adhered to the policies for protection of human subjects as prescribed in 45 CFR 46.”     

Pre‐operative mechanical bowel cleansing or not? an updated meta‐analysis

OBJECTIVES: Pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation has been considered an efficient regimen against leakage and infectious complications, after colorectal resections. This dogma is based only on observational data and experts' opinions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic pre-operative mechanical bowel preparation before elective colorectal surgery. METHODS: EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library and abstracts from major gastroenterological congresses were searched. No language restrictions were applied. The selection criterion used was randomised clinical trials (RCT) comparing any kind of mechanical bowel preparation with no preparation in patients submitted to elective colorectal surgery and where anastomotic leakage, mortality, and wound infection were outcome measurements. Data were independently extracted by the reviewers and cross-checked. The methodological quality of each trial was assessed by the same reviewers. For meta-analysis the Peto-Odds ratio was used. RESULTS: Of 1592 patients (9 RCTs), 789 were allocated to mechanical bowel preparation (Group A) and 803 to no preparation (Group B) before elective colorectal surgery. Anastomotic leakage developed in 48 (6%) of 772 patients in A compared with 25 (3.2%) of 777 patients in B; Peto OR 2.03, 95% (CI: 1.28-3.26; P = 0.003). Wound infection occurred in 59 (7.4%) of 791 patients in A and in 43 (5.4%) of 803 patients in B; Peto OR 1.46, 95% (CI: 0.97-2.18; P = 0.07); Five (1%) of 509 patients died in group in A compared with 3 (0.61%) of 516 patients in group B; Peto OR 1.72, 95% (CI: 0.43-6.95; nonsignificant). CONCLUSION: There is no evidence that patients benefit from mechanical bowel preparation. On the contrary taking colorectal surgery as a whole, pre-operative bowel cleansing leads to a higher rate of anastomotic leakage. The dogma that mechanical bowel preparation is necessary before elective colorectal surgery has to be reconsidered.     

Surgical Site Infections Following Colorectal Surgery in Patients with Diabetes: Association with Postoperative Hyperglycemia

Introduction  Postoperative glycemic control reduces sternal infections following cardiac surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between postoperative glycemic control and surgical site infections (SSI) in patients with DM undergoing colorectal resection. Discussion  A cohort of patients with DM who underwent colorectal resection (April 2001–May 2006) at our institution were reviewed. SSI were defined by Centers for Disease Control criteria. From a study cohort of 149 patients, 24% had poor postoperative glycemic control (defined as a mean 48-h postoperative capillary glucose (MCG) >11.0 mmol/L or 200 mg/dL), and these patients developed SSI at a significantly higher rate than those with a 48-h MCG ≤11.0 mmol/L (29.7% vs. 14.3%; odds ratio (OR) 2.5, p = 0.03). On multivariate logistic regression, 48-h MCG >11.0 mmol/L was significantly associated with SSI (OR 3.6, p = 0.02), independent of the dose and regimen of postoperative insulin administration. In conclusion, 48-h MCG >11.0 mmol/L (200 mg/dL) was independently associated with increased SSI following colorectal resection in patients with DM. Prospective studies are required to validate this relationship, address the role of preoperative glycemic control, and examine strategies to improve glycemic control following colorectal resection. Meeting presentation: Canadian Association of General Surgery, Canadian Surgery Forum, September 8, 2007, Toronto, Ontario, Canada     

Use of mechanical bowel preparation and oral antibiotics for elective colorectal procedures in children: Is current practice evidence-based?

Purpose

It is well established through randomized trials that oral antibiotics given with or without a mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) prior to colorectal procedures reduce complications, while MBP given alone provides no benefit. We aimed to characterize trends surrounding bowel preparation in children and determine whether contemporary practice is evidence-based.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing colorectal procedures at 42 children’s hospitals (1/2/2007-12/31/2011) was performed. Patients were analyzed for diagnosis, pre-admission status, and inpatient bowel preparation. Bowel preparation was considered evidence-based if oral antibiotics were utilized with or without a MBP.

Results

49% of all patients were pre-admitted (n = 5,473), and the most common diagnoses were anorectal malformations (55%), inflammatory bowel disease (26%), and Hirschsprung’s Disease (19%). The most common preparation approaches were MBP alone (54.3%), MBP + oral antibiotics (18.8%), and oral antibiotics alone (4.2%), although significant variation was found in hospital-specific rates for each approach (MBP alone: 0-96.1%, MBP + oral antibiotics: 0-83.6%, orals alone: 0-91.6%, p < 0.0001). Only 22.9% of all patients received an evidence-based preparation (range by hospital: 0-92.3%, p < 0.0001), and this rate decreased significantly during the five-year study period (27.6% in 2007 vs. 17.3% in 2011, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

According to the best available clinical evidence, less than a quarter of all children pre-admitted for elective colorectal procedures receive a bowel preparation proven to reduce infectious complications.     

Comparison of oral polyethylene glycol plus a large volume glycerine enema with a large volume glycerine enema alone in patients undergoing colorectal surgery for malignancy: a randomized clinical trial

Aim Recent meta‐analyses and randomized clinical trials have concluded that mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before elective colorectal surgery is not associated with a reduction of surgical site infection (SSI). The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the impact of preoperative MBP for colon and rectal cancer surgery in comparison with a single glycerine enema. Method Patients scheduled for radical colorectal resection for malignancy with primary anastomosis were randomized to preoperative MBP (4 l of polyethylene glycol) (group 1, 114 patients) plus a glycerine 5% enema (2 l) or a single glycerine 5% enema (2 l) (group 2, 115 patients). The postoperative incidence of SSI was recorded prospectively. Patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopy or robotic) accounted for 55 and 51 in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Results In all, 229 patients were included in the study, 114 in group 1 and 115 in group 2. At least one SSI was reported in 16 (14.0%) group 1 and in 20 (17.8%) group 2 patients (P = 0.475). Perioperative mortality was nil. The incidence of SSI was comparable also in the 73 patients who had a low anterior resection (seven of 33 vs eight of 40, P = 1.000), and for the 106 patients who underwent a minimally invasive procedure (nine of 55 vs four of 51, P = 0.241). Conclusion A single large‐volume glycerine enema is effective bowel preparation before colorectal resection whether performed by an open or minimally invasive technique.     

Effectiveness of antiresorptives for the prevention of nonvertebral low-trauma fractures in a population-based cohort of women

Summary  Observational studies are needed to quantify real-life effectiveness of antiresorptive therapy in the prevention of clinical fractures. Antiresorptive therapies were associated with an overall 32% reduction in low-trauma nonvertebral fracture risk among women 50 and older. Effectiveness may be lower among older women and those without risk factors. Introduction  Randomized controlled trials have shown that antiresorptive therapies reduce the risk of fracture in selected populations, but further study is needed to quantify their real-life effectiveness. The study objective was to determine the association between antiresorptive use and low-trauma nonvertebral fracture in women 50 and older. Methods  The design was a retrospective nested case-control study (density-based sampling) within the Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study. There were 5,979 eligible women with 453 cases and 1,304 matched controls. Results  The current use of antiresorptives was associated with a decreased risk of fracture with OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52–0.91; where OR is the adjusted odds ratio and CI is the confidence interval. Subgroup analysis yielded OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.42–0.89 for ages 50–74; OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.50–1.17 for ages 75+; OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.40–0.83 for those with a major risk factor; and OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.59–1.42 for those without a major risk factor. Major risk factors were prevalent low-trauma fracture, vertebral deformity (grade 2+), and BMD T-score ≤ −2.5. Conclusions  Antiresorptive therapy is associated with a clinically important reduction in low-trauma nonvertebral fracture risk among community-dwelling women aged 50 and older. Antiresorptive therapy may be less effective for women 75 and older and women without major risk factors. See Acknowledgements for complete list of members of CaMos Research Group.     

Resection Versus Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Thermal Ablation Of Solitary Colorectal Liver Metastasis

Purpose  There is scant data in the literature regarding radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) versus resection of colorectal liver metastases. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical profile and survival of patients with solitary colorectal liver metastasis undergoing resection versus laparoscopic RFA. Methods  Between 1996 and 2007, 158 patients underwent RFA (n = 68) and open liver resection (n = 90) of solitary liver metastasis from colorectal cancer. Patients were evaluated in a multidisciplinary fashion and allocated to a treatment type. Data were collected prospectively for the RFA patients and retrospectively for the resection patients. Results  Although the groups were matched for age, gender, chemotherapy exposure and tumor size, RFA patients tended to have a higher ASA score and presence of extra-hepatic disease (EHD) at the time of treatment. The main indication for referral to RFA included technical reasons (n = 25), patient comorbidities (n = 24), extra-hepatic disease (n = 10) and patient decision (n = 9). There were no peri-operative mortalities in either group. The complication rate was 2.9% (n = 2) for RFA and 31.1% (n = 28) for resection. The overall Kaplan–Meier median actuarial survival from the date of surgery was 24 months for RFA patients with EHD, 34 months for RFA patients without EHD and 57 months for resection patients (p < 0.0001). The 5-year actual survival was 30% for RFA patients and 40% for resection patients (p = 0.35). Conclusions  This study shows that, although patients in both groups had a solitary liver metastasis, other factors including medical comorbidities, technically challenging tumor locations and extra-hepatic disease were different, prompting selection of therapy. With a simultaneous ablation program, higher risk patients have been channeled to RFA, leaving a highly selected group of patients for resection with a very favorable survival. RFA still achieved long-term survival in patients who were otherwise not candidates for resection.     

Laparoscopic vs Open Colectomy for Colon Cancer: Results from a Large Nationwide Population-based Analysis

Purpose Laparoscopic colectomy has only recently become an accepted technique for the treatment of colon cancer. We sought to analyze factors that affect the type of resection performed and associated outcomes from a large nationwide database. Methods All admissions with a primary diagnosis of colon cancer undergoing elective resection were selected from the 2003 and 2004 Nationwide Inpatient Samples. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to compare outcome measures and identify independent predictors of a laparoscopic approach. Results We identified 98,923 admissions (mean age 69.2 years). They were predominately Caucasian (81%), had localized disease (63%), had private insurance (56%), and had surgery performed in urban hospitals (87%). Laparoscopic resection was performed in 3,296 cases (3.3%) and was associated with a lower complication rate (18% vs 22%), shorter length of stay (6 vs 7.6 days), decreased need for skilled aftercare (5% vs 11%), and lower mortality (0.6% vs 1.4%, all P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the total hospital charges between the groups ($34,685 vs $34,178, P = 0.19). Independent predictors of undergoing laparoscopic resection were age < 70 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, P < 0.01), national region (Midwest OR = 1.9, West OR = 2.0, P < 0.01), and lower disease stage (OR = 2.5, P < 0.01). Ethnic category and insurance status showed no significant association with operative method (P > 0.05). Conclusions Laparoscopy for colon cancer is associated with improved outcomes in unadjusted analysis and similar charges compared to open resection. We found no influence of race or payer status on the utilization of a laparoscopic approach.     

Clinical risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in Brazilian women and men: the Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS)

Summary  The Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS) is the first epidemiological study carried out in a representative sample of Brazilian men and women aged 40 years or older. The prevalence of fragility fractures is about 15.1% in the women and 12.8% in the men. Moreover, advanced age, sedentarism, family history of hip fracture, current smoking, recurrent falls, diabetes mellitus and poor quality of life are the main clinical risk factors associated with fragility fractures. Introduction  The Brazilian Osteoporosis Study (BRAZOS) is the first epidemiological study carried out in a representative sample of Brazilian men and women aged 40 years or older with the purpose of identifying the prevalence and the main clinical risk factors (CRF) associated with osteoporotic fracture in our population. Methods  A total of 2,420 individuals (women, 70%) from 150 different cities in the five geographic regions in Brazil, and all different socio-economical classes were selected to participate in the present survey. Anthropometrical data as well as life habits, fracture history, food intake, physical activity, falls and quality of life were determined by individual quantitative interviews. The representative sampling was based on Brazilian National data provided by the 2000 and 2003 census. Low trauma fracture was defined as that resulting of a fall from standing height or less in individuals 50 years or older at specific skeletal sites: forearm, femur, ribs, vertebra and humerus. Sampling error was 2.2% with 95% confidence intervals. Logistic regression analysis models were designed having the fragility fracture as the dependent variable and all other parameters as the independent variable. Significance level was set as p < 0.05. Results  The average of age, height and weight for men and women were 58.4 ± 12.8 and 60.1 ± 13.7 years, 1.67 ± 0.08 and 1.56 ± 0.07 m and 73.3 ± 14.7 and 64.7 ± 13.7 kg, respectively. About 15.1% of the women and 12.8% of the men reported fragility fractures. In the women, the main CRF associated with fractures were advanced age (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.06–2.4), family history of hip fracture (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.1–2.8), early menopause (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.02–2.9), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.02–2.7), poor quality of life (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–2.9), higher intake of phosphorus (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.2–2.9), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.01–8.2), use of benzodiazepine drugs (OR = 2.0; 95% CI 1.1–3.6) and recurrent falls (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.2–5.0). In the men, the main CRF were poor quality of life (OR = 3.2; 95% CI 1.7–6.1), current smoking (OR = 3.5; 95% CI 1.28–9.77), diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.2; 95% CI 1.27–13.7) and sedentary lifestyle (OR = 6.3; 95% CI 1.1–36.1). Conclusion  Our findings suggest that CRF may contribute as an important tool to identify men and women with higher risk of osteoporotic fractures and that interventions aiming at specific risk factors (quit smoking, regular physical activity, prevention of falls) may help to manage patients to reduce their risk of fracture.     

Vagal Nerve Dissection During Pouch Formation in Laparoscopic Roux-Y-Gastric Bypass for Technical Simplification: Does it Matter?

Background  In Roux-Y gastric bypass surgery pouch formation is the most demanding part of the operation. The vagal nerve is usually tempted to be preserved although results reporting beneficial effects are lacking. Dividing the perigastric tissue including the anterior vagal trunk may technically alleviate gastric pouch formation. We evaluated the clinical outcome in patients with and without vagal nerve dissection in patients after Roux-Y gastric bypass (RY-BP). Methods  In this study 40 morbidly obese patients undergoing RY-BP have been included. Patients were divided into two groups according to vagal nerve preservation (Group 1, n = 25) or vagal nerve dissection (Group 2, n = 22). Clinical parameters (weight loss, complications, gastrointestinal symptoms), esophageal endoscopy, and motility data (manometry, pH-metry) and a satiety score were assessed. Serum values of ghrelin and gastrin were measured. Results  All procedures were performed by laparoscopy with a 0% mortality rate. One patient of each groups necessitated redo-laparoscopy (bleeding and a lost drainage). All patients significantly reduced body weight (p < 0.01 compared to preoperative) during a median follow-up of 36.1 months. Two patients of Group 2 showed acid reflux demonstrated by pathologic postoperative DeMeester scores. Esophageal body peristalsis and barium swallows did not reveal statistically significant differences between the two groups. Parameters of satiety assessment did not differ between the two groups as did serum values of gastrin and ghrelin. Conclusion  Pouch formation during RY-BP may be alleviated by simply dissecting the perigastric fatty tissue. In this way the anterior vagal trunk is dissected, however, no influence on clinical, functional and laboratory results occur.     

Probiotics in patients with severe acute pancreatitis: a meta-analysis

Background  This study focuses on probiotics in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. It assesses whether enteral feeding with probiotics use reduces infected necrosis and death in severe acute pancreatitis. Materials and methods  We searched the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Chinese Biomedicine Database. Quality assessment and data extraction were done by two reviewers independently. The statistical analysis was performed by RevMan4.2.10 software. The result was expressed with odds ratio (OR) for the categorical variable. Results  Four studies were included. The result showed that using probiotics could not reduce the risk of infection pancreatic necrosis (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.13, 2.35]). There is no significant difference between the two groups in mortality (OR = 0.83, 95% CI [0.14, 4.83]), the mean duration of hospital (WMD = −1.20, 95% CI [−13.13, 10.92]) and the required operation (OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.11, 3.07]). Conclusion  The present study showed the enteral feeding with probiotic could not reduce the infected necrosis and mortality. Future large-scale, high-quality, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials are needed.     

Trends and Disparities in Regionalization of Pancreatic Resection

Background The current recommendation is that pancreatic resections be performed at hospitals doing >10 pancreatic resections annually. Objective To evaluate the extent of regionalization of pancreatic resection and the factors predicting resection at high-volume centers (>10 cases/year) in Texas. Methods Using the Texas Hospital Inpatient Discharge Public Use Data File, we evaluated trends in the percentage of patients undergoing pancreatic resection at high-volume centers (>10 cases/year) from 1999 to 2004 and determined the factors that independently predicted resection at high-volume centers. Results A total of 3,189 pancreatic resections were performed in the state of Texas. The unadjusted in-hospital mortality was higher at low-volume centers (7.4%) compared to high-volume centers (3.0%). Patients resected at high-volume centers increased from 54.5% in 1999 to 63.3% in 2004 (P = 0.0004). This was the result of a decrease in resections performed at centers doing less than five resections/year (35.5% to 26.0%). In a multivariate analysis, patients who were >75 (OR = 0.51), female (OR = 0.86), Hispanic (OR = 0.58), having emergent surgery (OR = 0.39), diagnosed with periampullary cancer (OR = 0.68), and living >75 mi from a high-volume center (OR = 0.93 per 10-mi increase in distance, P < 0.05 for all OR) were less likely to be resected at high-volume centers. The odds of being resected at a high-volume center increased 6% per year. Conclusions Whereas regionalization of pancreatic resection at high-volume centers in the state of Texas has improved slightly over time, 37% of patients continue to undergo pancreatic resection at low-volume centers, with more than 25% occurring at centers doing less than five per year. There are obvious demographic disparities in the regionalization of care, but additional unmeasured barriers need to be identified. Work supported by the Society of University Surgeons_Wyeth Clinical Scholars Award and the Dennis W. Jahnigen Career Development Scholars Award.     

Mechanical Bowel Preparation for Elective Colorectal Surgery with Primary Intraperitoneal Anastomosis by a Single Surgeon: Interim Analysis of a Prospective Single-Blinded Randomized Trial

We report an interim analysis of a prospective single-blinded randomized trial designed to investigate whether preoperative mechanical bowel preparation influences the rate of surgical-site infection and anastomotic failure after elective colorectal surgery with primary intraperitoneal anastomosis performed by a single surgeon. Patients scheduled to undergo an elective colorectal procedure with a primary intraperitoneal anastomosis were randomized to receive either oral polyethylene glycol lavage solution and enemas (group A) or no preparation (group B). Surgical-site infection and anastomotic failure were investigated. Of 97 patients included, 48 were assigned to group A and 49 to group B. Twelve (12.4%) developed wound infections, six in each group (12.5 vs. 12.2%; NS). Intra-abdominal sepsis was only seen in group A (n = 3, 6.3%). Anastomotic failure occurred in four patients in group A (8.3%) vs. two patients in group B (4.1%) (NS). The overall complication rate in group A was 27.1%, vs. 16.3% in group B. The number needed to harm was 9.3. Our interim analysis of a prospective single-blinded randomized trial suggests that a surgeon may have the same or even worse outcomes when mechanical bowel preparation is routinely used for colorectal surgery with primary intraperitoneal anastomosis. This work was presented in abstract form at the 47th Meeting of the Society of Surgery of The Alimentary Tract.     

Treatment of Thoracic Esophageal Anastomotic Leaks and Esophageal Perforations with Endoluminal Stents: Efficacy and Current Limitations

Background  Intra-thoracic esophageal leakage after esophageal resection or esophageal perforation is a life-threatening event. The objective of this non-randomized observational study was to evaluate the effects of endoluminal stent treatment in patients with esophageal anastomotic leakages or perforations in a single tertiary care center. Methods  Thirty-two consecutive patients with an intrathoracic esophageal leak, caused by esophagectomy (n = 19), transhiatal gastrectomy (n = 3), laparoscopic fundoplication (n = 2), and iatrogenic or spontaneous perforation (n = 8), undergoing endoscopic stent treatment were evaluated. Hospital stay, mortality and morbidity, sealing rate, extraction rates, complications, and long-term effects were measured. Results  Median time interval between diagnosis and stent treatment was 3 and 5 days, respectively. Eighteen patients had futile surgical closure of the defect before stenting, while in 14 patients, stent placement was the primary treatment for leakage. Stent placement was technically correct in all patients. Functional sealing was achieved in 78%. Mortality was 15.6%. Stent extraction rate was 70%. Overall method-related complications occurred in nine patients (28%). Conclusions  Implantation of self-expanding stents after esophageal resection or perforation is a feasible and safe procedure with an acceptable morbidity even if used as last-choice treatment. Dirk Tuebergen and Emile Rijcken contributed equally to this work.     

Metabolic Syndrome after Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery

Background  Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common among morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the impact and predictors of bariatric surgery on the resolution of MS. Methods  Subjects included 286 patients [age 44.0 ± 11.5, female 78.2%, BMI 48.7 ± 9.4, waist circumference 139 ± 20 cm, AST 23.5 ± 14.9, ALT 30.0 ± 20.1, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) 30.1% and MS 39.2%] who underwent bariatric surgery. Results  Of the entire cohort, 27.3% underwent malabsorptive surgery, 55.9% underwent restrictive surgery, and 16.8% had combination restrictive–malabsorptive surgery. Mean weight loss was 33.7 ± 20.1 kg after restrictive surgery (follow up period 298 ± 271 days), 39.4 ± 22.9 kg after malabsorptive surgery (follow-up period 306 ± 290 days), and 28.3 ± 14.1 kg after combination surgery (follow-up period 281 ± 239 days). Regardless of the type of bariatric surgery, significant improvements were noted in MS (p values from <0.0001–0.01) as well as its components such as DM (p values from <0.0001–0.0005), waist circumference (p values <0.0001), BMI (p values <0.0001), fasting serum triglycerides (p values <0.0001 to 0.001), and fasting serum glucose (p values <0.0001). Additionally, a significant improvement in AST/ALT ratio (p value = 0.0002) was noted in those undergoing restrictive surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who underwent malabsorptive bariatric procedures experienced a significantly greater percent excess weight loss than patients who underwent restrictive procedures (p value = 0.0451). Percent excess weight loss increased with longer postoperative follow-up (p value <0.0001). Conclusions  Weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with a significant improvement in MS and other metabolic factors.