The impact of stapling technique and surgeon specialism on anastomotic failure after right-sided colorectal resection: an international multicentre, prospective audit.

Aim Right sided colonic cancers can often obstruct and present as an emergency. The decision to perform an anastomosis following the right hemicolectomy resection is often multifactorial. This study explores whether there are differences in leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the context of emergency right hemicolectomy operations performed for malignancy. Methods A retrospective study was conducted at a 3-site Trust in South-East England between 2017 and 2022. Theatre and Infoflex Cancer records were used to obtain patients who had undergone an open right hemicolectomy for malignancy and their operating surgeon. Discharge summaries and clinic letters were then used to ascertain return to theatre for an anastomotic leak. Results There were 281 patients who had undergone an emergency right hemicolectomy in this time interval. There was a 152:129 female:male ratio. 17 out of 37 patients had an anastomosis undertaken by an Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon. 2 out of the 17 (12%) had an anastomotic leak. 129 out of 244 had an anastomosis undertaken by a Colorectal Surgeon. 17 of the 129 (13%) had an anastomotic leak. There was no significant difference between the leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons (p=0.888). Conclusion The study shows that there is no statistical difference in right hemicolectomy anastomotic leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the emergency setting.

Aim Right sided colonic cancers can often obstruct and present as an emergency. The decision to perform an anastomosis following the right hemicolectomy resection is often multifactorial. This study explores whether there are differences in leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the context of emergency right hemicolectomy operations performed for malignancy. Method A retrospective study was conducted at a 3-site Trust in South-East England between 2017 and 2022. Theatre and Infoflex Cancer records were used to obtain patients who had undergone an open right hemicolectomy for malignancy and their operating surgeon. Discharge summaries and clinic letters were then used to ascertain return to theatre for an anastomotic leak. Results There were 281 patients who had undergone an emergency right hemicolectomy in this time interval. There was a 152:129 female:male ratio. 17 out of 37 patients had an anastomosis undertaken by an Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon. 2 out of the 17 (12%) had an anastomotic leak. 129 out of 244 had an anastomosis undertaken by a Colorectal Surgeon. 17 of the 129 (13%) had an anastomotic leak. There was no significant difference between the leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons (p=0.888). Conclusions The study shows that there is no statistical difference in right hemicolectomy anastomotic leak rates between colorectal and non-colorectal surgeons in the emergency setting.

BackgroundAnastomotic leak following Ivor Lewis esophagectomy is associated with increased morbidity/mortality and decreased survival. Tissue oxygenation at the anastomotic site may influence anastomotic leak. Methods for establishing tissue oxygenation at the anastomotic site are lacking.MethodsOver a 2-year study period, 185 Ivor Lewis esophagectomies were performed. Study participants underwent measurement of gastric conduit tissue oxygenation at the planned anastomotic site using the wireless pulse oximetry device. Associations between anastomotic leaks or strictures and tissue oxygenation levels were analyzed using Wilcoxon rank sum test or Fisher’s exact test.ResultsAmong study participants (n=114), median gastric conduit tissue oxygenation level was 92% (range, 62–100%). There were 8 (7.0%) anastomotic leaks and 3 (2.6%) strictures. Analysis of tissue oxygenation as a continuous variable showed no difference in median tissue oxygenation in patients with and without leaks (98% and 92%; P=0.2) and stricture formation (89% and 92%; P=0.6). Analysis of tissue oxygenation as a dichotomous variable found no difference in anastomotic leak rates [7.5% (n=93) in >80% vs. 0% (n=20) in ≤80%; P=0.3]. There were no significant differences in leak rates in concurrent study nonparticipants.ConclusionsNo significant association was observed between intraoperative tissue oxygenation at the anastomotic site and subsequent anastomotic leak or stricture formation among patients undergoing Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.

Sleeve gastrectomy is the most performed bariatric surgery. Post-operative gastric sleeve leaks, although rare, are dreaded complications. This study aims to perform an updated investigation of the factors associated with sleeve leaks. This retrospective cohort study analyzed 692,554 cases from the MBSAQIP database (2016-2021) with CPT code 43,775 for primary sleeve gastrectomy. We excluded emergency operations, conversions/revisions, endoscopic interventions, patient with prior foregut surgery, and open operations. Multivariate logistic regression analysis (STATA version 15) was performed to identify factors associated with sleeve gastrectomy leaks. Out of 692,554 patients, 600,910 (86.77%) patients underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and 91,644 (13.23%) patients underwent robotic sleeve gastrectomy. 1179 (0.17%) developed leaks within 30days; 177(0.19%) were in the robotic group and 1002 (0.17%) in the laparoscopic group with no significant difference in leak rates between two groups on multivariate analysis. Black patients had lower odds of having leaks as compared to white patients (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.68 (0.56-0.82); p < 0.01). Hispanic patients had lower odds of having leak as compared to non-Hispanics. Factors associated with higher leak odds (p < 0.05) included hypertension, GERD, smoking, immunosuppression, increased operating time, and albumin < 3.5g/dl. Higher odds of leaks were observed in years 2016-2019 vs 2020-2021 (OR: 1.44 (1.25-1.65), p < 0.01). Higher odds of leak in operations with general surgeons compared to bariatric surgeons was found (OR: 1.46 (1.04-2.02), p = 0.02); observed only on robotic group on subgroup analysis (OR: 2.2 (1.2-4.2), p = 0.02). Staple line reinforcement, oversewing, and performance of leak test showed no differences in leak rate. Bougie size and distance from pylorus were not associated with changes in leak rate. This study provides updated insights into the factors associated with sleeve leaks, reinforcing information gained from prior studies. A higher association of leak among general surgeons could represent a learning curve for new robotic general surgeons. The overall decreasing trend for gastric sleeve leak is encouraging and may be a sign of improved techniques.

Aims Anastomotic leak and chylothorax are serious complications of cardio-oesophagectomy. The application of a tissue sealant to the anastomosis and ligated thoracic duct could be beneficial in protecting against leaks. We aimed to determine if using Tisseel, a fibrin-based tissue sealant, had any impact on anastomotic or chyle leak rates following cardio-oesophagectomy. Methods All elective cardio-oesophagectomys performed in a tertiary upper GI centre between 01/01/2013 and 01/01/2018 were identified. Patient records were retrospectively analysed to assess basic demographics; whether Tisseel was used; whether anastomotic or chyle leak occurred and if so whether this was managed conservatively or surgically. Results 245 records were available, Tisseel was used in 151 cases (61.6%). Patient demographics were similar between the Tisseel and no Tisseel groups (82.7% vs 77.7% male, mean age 66 vs 65 years). There was no significant difference in anastomotic leak (4.0% vs 7.4%, p = 0.24) or chyle leak (6.6% vs 4.3%, p = 0.44) rates. For patients who had an anastomotic leak there was a significantly lower rate of re-thoracotomy when Tisseel was used (16.7% vs 85.7%, p = 0.021). There was no significant difference in re-thoracotomy rates for chyle leak (40% vs 100%, p = 0.085). Conclusion Our data does not show any significant difference in leak rates when Tisseel is used. However, it does show that Tisseel use is associated with lower rate of re-thoracotomy in patients with anastomotic leak. This could possibly be due to smaller contained leaks. Further work is needed to determine the true benefit of Tisseel use in cardio-oesophagectomy.

Does sacrifice of the inferior mesenteric artery or superior rectal artery affect anastomotic leak following sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis? a retrospective review

BackgroundDespite recent improvements in colonic cancer surgery, the rate of anastomotic leakage after right hemicolectomy is still around 6–7 per cent. This study examined whether anastomotic technique (handsewn or stapled) after open right hemicolectomy for right‐sided colonic cancer influences postoperative complications.MethodsPatient data from the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (StuDoQ) registry from 2010 to 2017 were analysed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed. The primary endpoint was anastomotic leakage; secondary endpoints were postoperative ileus, complications and length of postoperative hospital stay (LOS).ResultsA total of 4062 patients who had undergone open right hemicolectomy for colonic cancer were analysed. All patients had an ileocolic anastomosis, 2742 handsewn and 1320 stapled. Baseline characteristics were similar. No significant differences were identified in anastomotic leakage, postoperative ileus, reoperation rate, surgical‐site infection, LOS or death. The stapled group had a significantly shorter duration of surgery and fewer Clavien–Dindo grade I–II complications. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, ASA grade and BMI were found to be significantly associated with postoperative complications such as anastomotic leakage, postoperative ileus and reoperation rate.ConclusionHandsewn and stapled ileocolic anastomoses for open right‐sided colonic cancer resections are equally safe. Stapler use was associated with reduced duration of surgery and significantly fewer minor complications.

The search for an ideal method of colorectal anastomosis: A meta-analysis

To compare the anastomotic leakage rates after esophagectomy and reconstruction through different routes for esophageal cancer and analyze the causes for higher anastomotic leakage rate after esophagectomy, systemic lymph node dissection and reconstruction through retrosternal route and its prevention. Data of 1105 cases of esophagectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Patients in group A (n=229) underwent esophagectomy through left thoracotomy and intrathoracic anastomosis, patients in group B (n=716), esophagectomy through right anterio-lateral thoracotomy and cervical reconstruction through posterior mediastinal route, patients in group C (n=160) esophagectomy, systemic lymph node dissection and cervical anastomosis through the retrosternal route. The leakage rate was significantly higher (19.4%) in group C than that in group B (11.9%, P< 0.05) and much significantly higher than that in group A (2.2%, P< 0.01). In group C, there was no significant difference in leakage rate between the patients with hand-sewn or mechanical anastomosis (22.2% vs.11.6%, P=0.133), between the patients who had whole stomach or tube-typed gastric reconstruction (25% vs.15.6%, P=0.146). The leakage rate was significantly decreased from 23.3% to 9.1% after prolonged nasal-gastric drainage for seven days (P< 0.05). The high anastomotic leakage rate after retrosternal reconstruction is mainly due to compression of the stomach in the anterior mediastinum. Prolonged nasogastric drainage is an effective way to decrease the leakage rate after systemic lymphadenectomy.

A large single-institution review of tracheoesophageal fistulae with evaluation of the use of transanastomotic feeding tubes

Effect of thoracic versus cervical anastomosis on anastomotic leak among patients who undergo esophagectomy after neoadjuvant chemoradiation

Biomechanics. To compare the hydrostatic strength of suture and nonpenetrating titanium clip repairs of standard spinal durotomies. Dural tears are a frequent complication of spine surgery and can be associated with significant morbidity. Primary repair of durotomies with suture typically is attempted, but a true watertight closure can be difficult to obtain because of leakage through suture tracts. Nonpenetrating titanium clips have been developed for vascular anastomoses and provide a close apposition of the tissues without the creation of a suture tract. Twenty-four calf spines were prepared with laminectomies and the spinal cord was evacuated leaving an intact dura. After Foley catheters were inserted from each end and inflated adjacent to a planned dural defect, the basal flow rate was measured and a 1-cm longitudinal durotomy was made with a scalpel. Eight repairs were performed for each material, which included monofilament suture, braided suture, and nonpenetrating titanium clips. The flow rate at 30, 60, and 90 cm of water and the time needed for each closure were measured. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline leak rate for all 3 groups. There was no difference in the leakage rate of durotomies repaired with clips and intact specimens at any pressure. Monofilament and braided suture repairs allowed significantly more leakage than both intact and clip-repaired specimens at all pressures. The difference in leak rate increased as the pressure increased. Closing the durotomy with clips took less than half the time of closure with suture. Nonpenetrating titanium clips provide a durotomy closure with immediate hydrostatic strength similar to intact dura whereas suture repair with either suture was significantly less robust. The use of titanium clips was more rapid than that of suture repair.

Aims Expected anastomotic leak rates in the context of general surgery vary depending on type of anastomosis, but generally range from 0.5-18% [1]. This audit aimed to assess anastomotic leak rate after abdominal surgery from an entirely emergency population in a specialised Surgical Unit at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Methods Anastomotic leak rates were audited based on M&amp;M data and patient records between 25/03/2024-02/01/2025. Data including patient demographics, type of join, length of stay, rate of leak/ return to theatre, and mortality were collected. The rate of stoma formation vs anastomosis was not assessed in this audit. Results Overall 78 cases (M=33, F=45) were analysed. Median age of patients was 67.5 years, mean ASA was 2. Leak and return to theatre rates were both determined to be 4% (n=3). Of the three recorded anastomotic leak cases, two were small bowel anastomoses, and one was ileocolic anastomosis. Mortality rate was 4% (n=3); one patient passed away due to other co-morbidities unrelated to the operation. Median length of stay was 10 days. Conclusions It is possible to have an acceptable rate of anastomotic leak in an emergency setting. To further this, it may be beneficial to audit the rates of stoma formation vs anastomosis in managing surgical emergency cases.

Introducción: La sigmoidectomía por diverticulitis perforada es una cirugía de urgencia comúnmente realizada por cirujanos generales. Está descripta la correlación positiva entre el volumen del cirujano y los mejores resultados postoperatorios. Sin embargo, existe escasa evidencia de la influencia de la especialización en cirugía colorrectal sobre los resultados de la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis perforada.Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de la especialización en cirugía colorrectal en los resultados postoperatorios de la sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis Hinchey III.Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo sobre una base de datos cargada de forma prospectiva.Material y métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes sometidos a sigmoidectomía laparoscópica por diverticulitis perforada Hinchey III. La muestra fue dividida en dos grupos: pacientes operados por un cirujano colorrectal (CC) y aquellos operados por un cirujano general (CG). Las variables demográficas, operatorias y postoperatorias fueron comparadas entre los grupos. El objetivo primario fue determinar si existían diferencias en la proporción de anastomosis primaria, morbilidad y mortalidad a 30 días entre los grupos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes en el análisis; 58 operados por CC y 43 por CG. Los pacientes operados por CC presentaron una mayor proporción de anastomosis primaria (CC: 98,3% vs. CG: 67,4%, p&lt;0,001). Los CG realizaron más estomas (CC: 13,8% vs. CG: 46,5%, p&lt;0,001), presentaron un mayor índice de conversión (CC: 20,6% vs. CG: 39,5%, p=0,03) y una mayor estadía hospitalaria (CC: 6,2 vs. CG: 10,8 días, p&lt;0,001). La morbilidad global (CC: 34,4% vs. CG: 46,5%, p=0.22), dehiscencia anastomótica (CC: 3,5% vs. CG: 6,8%, p=0.48) y la mortalidad (CC: 1,7% vs. CG: 9,3 %, p=0,08) fueron similares entre ambos grupos. Conclusión: La sigmoidectomía laparoscópica de urgencia realizada por CG presenta similar morbilidad y mortalidad postoperatoria que la realizada por CC. Sin embargo, la participación del especialista se asoció a una mayor frecuencia de anastomosis primarias, menos estomas y una estadía hospitalaria más corta.

Anastomotic leaks are among the most dreaded complications after colorectal surgery. However, problems with definitions and the retrospective nature of previous analyses have been major limitations. We sought to use a prospective database to define the true incidence and presentation of anastomotic leakage after intestinal anastomosis. A prospective database of two colorectal surgeons was reviewed over a 10-year period (1995-2004). The incidence of leak by surgical site, timing of diagnosis, method of detection, and treatment was noted. Complications were entered prospectively by a nurse practitioner directly involved in patient care. Standardized criteria for diagnosis were used. A logistic regression model was used to discriminate statistical variation. A total of 1223 patients underwent resection and anastomosis during the study period. Mean age was 59.1 years. Leaks occurred in 33 patients (2.7%). Diagnosis was made a mean of 12.7 days postoperatively, including four beyond 30 days (12.1%). There was no difference in leak rate by surgeon (3.6% vs. 2.2%; P = 0.08). The leak rate was similar by surgical site except for a markedly increased leak rate with ileorectal anastomosis (P = 0.001). Twelve leaks were diagnosed clinically versus 21 radiographically. Contrast enema correctly identified only 4 of 10 leaks, whereas CT correctly identified 17 of 19. A total of 14 of 33 (42%) patients had their leak diagnosed only after readmission. Fifteen patients required fecal diversion, whereas 18 could be managed nonoperatively. Anastomotic leaks are frequently diagnosed late in the postoperative period and often after initial hospital discharge, highlighting the importance of prospective data entry and adequate follow-up. CT scan is the preferred diagnostic modality when imaging is required. More than half of leaks can be managed without fecal diversion.