Intestinal Anastomosis Research Articles

Prevention of Postoperative Malnutrition with Oral Nutritional Supplements in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Oral nutritional supplements (ONSs) offer support for the nutritional needs of surgical patients. However, their efficacy is contingent upon the nutrient composition, absorption efficiency, and postingestion tolerance. Our study included a cohort of 84 patients who underwent elective open surgery involving at least one intestine anastomosis. To mitigate the risk of malnutrition, 2 groups of 28 patients each received either a high-protein low-osmotic ONS (Group I) or a high-calorie high-osmotic ONS (Group II). A standard diet was used in the control group (Group III). The metabolic effects were evaluated by measuring body weight and relative change in body weight (Δkg) from 24 h (-1 day) presurgery to 28 days postprocedure. Subjective tolerance following ONS consumption on the second postoperative day was also assessed. Our findings showed that, across all groups, the average body weight decreased during the initial 2 weeks postsurgery, subsequently stabilizing or returning to baseline levels by the third and fourth week of observation. Patients receiving ONS demonstrated greater weight gain between days 14 and 28, with Group I exhibiting the highest rate of gain. Low-osmotic ONS displayed superior tolerance and elicited fewer patient complaints postconsumption. Postoperative hospitalization duration did not differ significantly among the nutritional strategies. In conclusion, early administration of ONS supplies essential nutrients and facilitates refeeding, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition. Low-osmotic preparations are better tolerated and contribute more effectively to the restoration of preoperative body weight, despite their lower caloric content.

The Ischemic Tolerance up to Four Hours of Free Jejunum Flap: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

While free jejunum transfer (FJT) following total pharyngo-laryngo-esophagectomy (TPLE) is a reliable reconstruction technique, the jejunum flap is viewed as more susceptible to ischemia than a standard free flap. Animal studies have indicated that the jejunum can tolerate ischemia for as little as 2 to 3 hours. Clinical studies also reported increased complications after the FJT with more than 3 hours of ischemia. Traditionally, our institution has carried out FJT with an initial intestinal anastomosis, followed by a vascular anastomosis, which often results in extended jejunal ischemia time. In this study, we retrospectively examined the actual tolerance of the jejunum to ischemia, considering perioperative complications and postoperative dysphagia. We retrospectively studied 402 consecutive cases involving TPLE + FJT. Patients were divided into five groups based on jejunum ischemia time (∼119 minutes, 120∼149 minutes, 150∼179 minutes, 180∼209 minutes, 210 minutes∼), with each variable and result item compared between the groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify independent factors influencing the four results: three perioperative complications (pedicle thrombosis, anastomotic leak, surgical site infection) and dysphagia at 6 months postoperatively. The mean jejunal ischemia time was 164.6 ± 28.4 (90-259) minutes. When comparing groups divided by jejunal ischemia time, we found no significant differences in overall outcomes or complications. Our multivariate analyses indicated that jejunal ischemia time did not impact the three perioperative complications and postoperative dysphagia. In TPLE + FJT, a jejunal ischemia time of up to 4 hours had no effect on perioperative complications or postoperative dysphagia. The TPLE + FJT technique, involving a jejunal anastomosis first followed by vascular anastomosis, benefits from an easier jejunal anastomosis but suffers from a longer jejunal ischemia time. However, we found that ischemia time does not pose significant problems, although we have not evaluated the effects of jejunal ischemia extending beyond 4 hours.

Anastomotic techniques for small intestinal obstruction in horses. A scoping review.

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a significant cause of surgery in adult horses presenting with colic pain. SBOs often require resection and anastomosis. While various techniques for intestinal anastomoses have been developed, it remains uncertain if any fully meet our clinical needs. To conduct a scoping review of publications on anastomosis techniques and outcomes for the treatment of SBO. Scoping review. A literature review was conducted using the CAB, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases. Peer-reviewed scientific articles in English, published between 1992 and 2023, were included. A quality assessment was performed for potentially eligible articles. Experimental studies, case reports, and case series with less than five cases were excluded and relevant data on study methods and sample size were extracted and charted from remaining articles. Anastomosis type and outcome were reported for articles considered potentially eligible for meta-analysis. Articles in which only overall outcome was reported or details on type of anastomosis were not reported were excluded for the final charting. Of 3024 articles, 210 underwent a quality assessment. The most common study designs were case reports and case series (64.3%), followed by experimental studies (17.1%). After further exclusions, 104 articles met the inclusion criteria. In only 42 articles detailed data on type of anastomosis and relative outcome were reported. A total of 23 anastomosis types were reported for the treatment of SBO, with 6 different outcomes evaluated. Both short- and long-term survival rates consistently exceed 70% for all types of anastomosis (jejuno-jejunal, jejuno-ileal, and jejunocaecal). Non-English language studies and conference proceedings were excluded. The body of literature focused on surgical treatment for SBO exhibits low-quality evidence. Several techniques of anastomosis were described for different pathologies. However, there is a lack of homogeneity in reporting outcome for each surgical technique. Furthermore, outcomes considered varied significantly among studies and were sometimes poorly reported, although success rates are generally high. Overall, there is a need for better-structured studies on existing and commonly used techniques before comparing techniques and exploring other innovative approaches.

Comparison of the risk of postoperative wound infection in patients with rectal cancer by laparoscopic versus open Hartmann's surgery

AbstractTraditional Hartmann surgery is used when the patient is in an acute case where it might not be safe to carry out a one‐stage intestinal anastomosis. Laparoscopy has been extensively applied in the treatment of large intestine, which can significantly improve both short‐ and long‐term outcomes. While randomized, controlled studies and reviews have shown that laparoscopy is superior to that of open‐access colectomy, the impact of Hartmann's surgery on postoperative site infections has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to summarize the existing evidence to show that laparoscopy is better than open operation in the area of injury. Methods The Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Libraries were searched from the moment the database was created until November 2023. For binary results, the odds ratio was estimated, and a weighted average of consecutive results was calculated. Our findings indicate that there is a lower risk for SSIs after laparoscopic approach surgery than an open‐access procedure (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.69, p = 0.006); Laparoscopy was associated with a reduction in the risk of dying after surgery (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.84, p = 0.009); The operation time was not significantly different in open and laparoscope (MD, 12.23; 95% CI, −5.63, 30.09, p = 0.18); laparoscopy was used to lower the incidence of SSI after surgery and to lower the mortality rate after surgery than by open‐access surgery. However, the time of operation did not differ significantly among the two methods. However, further controlled trials will need to be carried out to verify the results.

Congenital mesenteric cysts: rare but important entities in abdominal surgery

Mesenteric cysts are rare, benign, intra-abdominal tumors with an incidence of 1 case per 2,50,000 hospital admission. They present with non-specific clinical symptoms and signs which mostly lead to misdiagnosis. In many conditions mesenteric cysts are discovered either accidentally during radiological examination or during laparotomy for management of complications. Mesenteric cysts are usually non-cancerous and can be lined by different kinds of tissues. The exact cause of mesenteric cysts is not known, but there are various theories regarding it. In children they are considered as congenital i.e., due to abnormalities in development of embryonic mesentery and in adults it might be due to lymphatic malformation, occult trauma or infection. Treatment of mesenteric cyst includes enucleation or surgical excision depending on type of cyst. Since the case is very rare, pre-operative diagnosis and treatment is a challenge. We report a case of five-year-old female child with enterogenous mesenteric cyst in the small intestine. The differentials of ultrasound showed para ovarian cyst or mesenteric cyst. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed an attached cystic mass at mesentery measuring 96×28×17 mm (CC×AP×AR). The child underwent exploratory laparotomy with cyst excision and intestinal resection with end-to-end anastomosis of small intestine. The knowledge about these cysts is important because many times they go undiagnosed and cause serious complications like rupture, torsion or intestinal obstruction.

A novel discrete linkage-type electrode for radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis

Introduction For decades, radiofrequency (RF)-induced tissue fusion has garnered great attention due to its potential to replace sutures and staples for anastomosis of tissue reconstruction. However, the complexities of achieving high bonding strength and reducing excessive thermal damage present substantial limitations of existing fusion devices. Materials and methods This study proposed a discrete linkage-type electrode to carry out ex vivo RF-induced intestinal anastomosis experiments. The anastomotic strength was examined by burst pressure and shear strength test. The degree of thermal damage was monitored through an infrared thermal imager. And the anastomotic stoma fused by the electrode was further investigated through histopathological and ultrastructural observation. Results The burst pressure and shear strength of anastomotic tissue can reach 62.2 ± 3.08 mmHg and 8.73 ± 1.11N, respectively, when the pressure, power and duration are 995 kPa, 160 W and 13 s, and the thermal damage can be controlled within limits. Histopathological and ultrastructural observation indicate that an intact and fully fused stomas with collagenic crosslink can be formed. Conclusion The discrete linkage-type electrode presents favorable efficiency and security in RF-induced tissue fusion, and these results are informative to the design of electrosurgical medical devices with controllable pressure and energy delivery.

Component separation repair of incisional hernia: evolution of practice and review of long-term outcomes in a single center.

To review the long-term outcomes of complex abdominal wall reconstruction using anterior and posterior component separation (CS) techniques in our center. This was a descriptive analytical study. Analysis of data from a prospectively collected database of patients who had undergone Component Separation (CS) repair of incisional hernias was performed. Two techniques were used. Anterior component separation (ACS) and posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (PCS/TAR). Follow-up was clinical review at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months with direct access telephone review thereafter. Long-term outcome data was obtained from electronic records and based on either clinical or CT assessment. Minimum physical follow-up was 6 months for all patients. 89 patients with large incisional hernias underwent CS repair. 29 patients had ACS while 60 underwent PCS/TAR. Mean follow-up was 60 months (range 6-140 months) in the ACS group and 20 months (range 6-72 months) in the PCS group. Twenty-five patients (28%) had simultaneous major procedures including 21 intestinal anastomoses. Twenty-six (29%) of patients had associated stomas. Twenty-seven (30.3%) of the patients had undergone previous hernia repairs. Seromas occurred in 24 (26.97%) patients. Wound infections were more common after ACS. There have been 10 (11.2%) recurrences to date. Component separation repair techniques result in good long-term outcomes with acceptable complication rates. They can be performed simultaneously with gastrointestinal procedures with low morbidity. Appropriate patient selection and use of appropriate mesh are important.

Preliminary results of Polish national multicenter study on colostomy reversal - LICO (Liquidation of Colostomy) study.

Creation of colostomy is still a commonly performed procedure in emergency settings, when intestinal anastomosis cannot be performed safely. Reversing a stoma has been linked with high rates of morbidity and also mortality. The primary goal of the study was to identify the risk of postoperative complications in patients undergoing colostomy liquidation. The secondary goal was to assess perioperative care parameters. The LIquidation of COlostomy (LICO) study is an open multicenter prospective cohort study that began in October 2022 and will continue until December 2023. Data from 20 Polish surgical departments were collected. Overall 45 patients were reported over the initial 3 months; based on that group we performed a preliminary analysis. Mean operative time was 163 min. Patients were operated on by specialists in 93.3% of cases. Complications occurred in 15 (33.3%) patients. Wound infection was the most common complication (17.8%). In 3 (6.7%) cases anastomotic leakage was diagnosed, and in 2 of those cases reoperation was required. The overall mortality rate was 2.2%. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.1 days. Preoperative fasting was used in 53.3% of patients, and the mechanical bowel preparation rate was 75.6%. Only in 8.9% of cases was laparoscopic access used for stoma reversal, and only in 1 out of 45 cases was mesh used for incisional peristomal hernia prophylactics. The stoma site was closed by single sutures in 73.3%, and negative pressure assisted closure was performed in 6.7% of patients. Colostomy liquidation is associated with significant morbidity and minor mortality in the Polish population. Standardized perioperative care should be established for stoma reversal surgery.

Intestinal cystic lymphangioma.

A 7-year-old girl, coming from a rural area in Cameroon, presented to the emergency department with a 3-months history of abdominal pain. Her family also reported vomiting and minimal food intake for two weeks. Physical examination showed a palpable and mobile abdominal mass. An ultrasound showed a large intrabdominal multicystic lesion of about 10cm, close to the intestine and with no solid lesions in other organs. A laparotomy was scheduled and a mobile mass dependent on the jejunum was found. The mass caused an intestinal obstruction and was composed of several large cysts with whitish fluid. Excision of the mass and resection of a short segment of small bowel were performed. Intestinal cystic lymphangioma is a rare congenital malformation that normally presents with abdominal pain and distension. Abdominal ultrasonography is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis. Intestinal resection and anastomosis (while the cyst is normally intimate attached to the bowel) is an effective treatment.

Unformed conglomerate debilitating jejunal fistulas and their two-stage surgical treatment via posterolateral laparotomy

To create a method of two-stage repair of high unformed conglomerate delimited debilitating jejunal fistulas via posterolateral laparotomy with low risk of surgical complications. Methodology and treatment outcomes were analyzed in 37 patients with unformed conglomerate high debilitating delimited jejunal fistulas. Of these, 22 patients underwent one-stage treatment through 2 converging incisions and/or two-stage treatment through anterolateral access. They made up a control group. Fifteen patients in the main group underwent two-stage treatment via posterolateral left-sided laparotomy with unilateral disconnection of jejunum with fistula. In most patients of both groups, fistulas complicated surgery for acute adhesive intestinal obstruction. Topography of adhesions that caused acute intestinal obstruction in both groups was studied in 172 other patients. Identical jejunal fistulas and two different surgical approaches made it possible to consider our groups representative. Two-stage treatment via posterolateral left-sided laparotomy reduced mortality from 63.6±10.2% to 20.0±10.3% (t=11.8; p<0.001). This approach simplified intraoperative diagnostics that became more informative. Posterolateral access increased the quality of anastomosis and safety of viscerolysis. A new two-stage approach with posterolateral left-sided laparotomy allowed atraumatic imposing of inter-intestinal anastomosis with proximal disconnection of jejunal fistula. This exclusion turns the fistula into analogue of the definitive Meidl's jejunostomy, unloads the intestinal anastomosis and increases the quality of suture. New strategy reduced the risk of complications and mortality.

Risk factors associated with dehiscence of intestinal anastomosis in patients of the University Hospital of Puebla: Retrospective, Nonexperimental Analytical study

Risk factors associated with dehiscence of intestinal anastomosis in patients of the University Hospital of Puebla: Retrospective, Nonexperimental Analytical study

Influential Factors Affecting Intestinal Anastomotic Leakage and Their Predictive Significance

Background: The occurrence of anastomotic leakage following intestinal surgery stands as a significant contributor to postoperative complications and fatalities. This prospective study was conducted with the aim of assessing different factors associated with the risk of anastomotic leakage. Methods: This study was carried out within the Department of Surgery over the course of one year. It encompassed patients who underwent intestinal anastomosis, whether in emergency situations or as part of routine surgical procedures. The study encompassed a total of 150 patients. Results: Anastomotic leakage was identified in 18.02% of cases, with a higher incidence among males and individuals from a lower socioeconomic background. However, age, gender, and socioeconomic status were not found to be significant risk factors for anastomotic leakage. The incidence of leaks was elevated in patients with chronic illnesses such as malignancy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus (DM), and those on chronic corticosteroid therapy. Additionally, malnourished patients and those with sepsis, as indicated by their blood investigation reports, had a notably higher leak rate. After conducting logistic regression analysis, several independent predictors for anastomotic leaks were identified, including peritonitis (\(p&lt; 0.05;\) odds ratio \(2.156\)), bowel obstructions (\(p&lt; 0.05\); odds ratio \(2.864\)), receiving more than 2 units of blood transfusion (\(p&lt; 0.05\); odds ratio \(2.334\)), serum albumin levels \(&lt; 3.0\) gm/dL (\(p&lt; 0.001\); odds ratio \(8.873\)), corticosteroid therapy (\(p&lt; 0.001\); odds ratio \(4.877\)), serum creatinine levels \(&gt;1.2\) mg/dL (\(p&lt; 0.001\); odds ratio 11.785), surgery duration exceeding 4 hours (\(p&lt; 0.01\); odds ratio 3.0251), and ASA Grading (III &amp; IV) (\(p&lt; 0.01\); odds ratio 3.707). Conclusion: This study has successfully identified key risk factors that influence the occurrence of anastomotic leakage. The findings from this research are expected to be valuable in efforts to mitigate the incidence of anastomotic leakage following surgery.

A novel electrode for reducing tissue thermal damage in radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis

Purpose This study aimed to design a novel electrode for reducing tissue thermal damage in radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis. Material and methods We developed and compared two electrodes (Ring electrode, and Plum electrode with reduced section of the middle fusion area by nearly 80% arising from novel structural design) by performing ex-vivo experiments and finite element analysis. Results In contrast to the Ring electrode group, slightly higher mean strength is acquired with the tensile force and burst pressure results increasing from 9.7 ± 1.47 N, 84.0 ± 5.99 mmHg to 11.1 ± 1.71 N, 89.4 ± 6.60 mmHg, respectively, as well as a significant reduction in tissue thermal damage for the Plum electrode group, with compression pressure of 20 kPa, RF energy of 120 W and welding duration of 8 s applied to the target regions to achieve anastomosis. Besides, the novel structural design of the Plum electrode can counteract the tension generated by intestinal peristalsis and enhance the biomechanical strength of the anastomotic area. The histological observation showed that the fusion area of the two-layer intestinal tissue is tightly connected with decreased thickness. Conclusion The novel electrode (Plum electrode) could reduce tissue thermal damage in radiofrequency-induced intestinal anastomosis.

Outcomes of Early Versus Delayed Feeding in Patients Undergoing Intestinal Anastomosis

Background: Historically, surgeons in the past have opted for delayed feeding after enteric anastomosis. The purpose of our study is to compare early feeding versus delayed feeding after gut anastomosis.Objectives: The study aims to compare the outcomes of early feeding with delayed feeding after intestinal anastomosis including both small and large bowel surgeries.Material and Methods: A total of 120 patients who underwent intestinal anastomosis, either elective or emergency procedures, were included in this randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted for 6 months starting from 1st January-2022 to 30th June-2022. In group A; early feeding started within 6 hours of surgery. In group B, feeding started after return of normal bowel movements usually after 72 hours.Results: Mean age of patients in group A was 42.06 with 46 (76.7%) males and 14 (23.3%) females. In group B, the mean age was 40.43 years with 39 (65.0%) males and 21 (35.0%) females. The primary diagnosis was infections in 27 (45%) patients in group A and 29 (48.3%) patients in group B. Mean time to pass the first flatus in group A was 2.70 days with standard deviation of 2.78 and in group B, it was 3.50 days with standard deviation of 3.33. Mean time to pass first stool in group A was 3.67 days with a standard deviation of 2.44 and in group B was 4.97 days with a standard deviation of 3.65. Mean duration of hospital stay (HS) was 3.06 days with a standard deviation of 2.75 in group A and in group B was 4.43 days with a standard deviation of 4.65. Number of patients (n = 60) being constant for both the groups.Conclusion: Early oral feeding following elective intestinal anastomosis is safe and results in a quicker recovery of normal bowel movements, as well as shorter hospital stay.Keywords: Conventional feeding, Early oral feeding, Intestinal anastomosis.

Applications of indocyanine greenenhanced fluorescence in the laparoscopic treatment of colonic stricture after necrotizing enterocolitis

BackgroundThe status of anastomotic blood perfusion is associated with the occurrence of anastomotic leakage after intestinal anastomosis. Fluorescence angiography (FA) with indocyanine green (ICG) can objectively assess intestinal blood perfusion. This study aims to investigate whether anastomotic perfusion assessment with ICG influences surgical decision-making during laparoscopic intestinal resection and primary anastomosis for colonic stricture after necrotizing enterocolitis.MethodsPatients who underwent laparoscopic intestinal resection and primary anastomosis between January 2022 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Before intestinal anastomosis, the ICG fluorescence technology was used to evaluate the blood perfusion of intestinal tubes on both sides of the anastomosis. After the completion of primary anastomosis, the anastomotic blood perfusion was assessed again.ResultsOf the 13 cases, laparoscopy was used to determine the extent of the diseased bowel to be excised, and the normal bowel was preserved for anastomosis. The anastomosis was established under the guidance of ICG fluorescence technology, and FA was performed after anastomosis to confirm good blood flow in the proximal bowel. The anastomotic intestinal tube was changed in one case because FA showed a difference between the normal range of intestinal blood flow and the macroscopic prediction. There was no evidence of ICG allergy, anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, or other complications. The median follow-up was 6 months, and all patients recovered well.ConclusionsThe ICG fluorescence technology is helpful in precisely and efficiently determining the anastomotic intestinal blood flow during stricture resection and in avoiding anastomotic leakage caused by poor anastomotic intestinal blood flow to some extent, with satisfactory short-term efficacy.

Primary Anastomosis Versus Stoma for Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis in US Children's Hospitals

IntroductionMultiple studies have documented the safety of intestinal anastomosis after resection for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We sought to evaluate a large population of infants with surgical NEC and assess outcomes after primary anastomosis versus enterostomy. MethodsThe Pediatric Health Information System database was used to identify infants with Bell Stage 3 NEC who underwent an intestinal resection for acute disease between 2016 and 2021. Demographics and preoperative physiology were assessed, and nutritional, infectious, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. ResultsTwo hundred twenty-two infants at 38 children's hospitals were included. Thirty-five (15.8%) were managed with a primary anastomosis. Among infants who underwent a resection within 10 d of their first operative intervention and survived for at least 3 d, a primary anastomosis was used in 26 (13.7%). These patients were older but had similar weight and physiological status at the time of resection as those managed with an enterostomy. The incidence of wound and infectious complications, duration of parenteral nutrition and length of stay were similar after anastomosis or enterostomy. ConclusionsIn a large, geographically heterogenous population of infants with NEC, only 15.8% were managed with a primary anastomosis after intestinal resection. Survivors who underwent resection within 10 d were demographically and physiologically comparable to those who underwent enterostomy and had similar surgical outcomes. While there are clearly indications for enterostomy in some infants with NEC, these data confirm the conclusions of smaller, single-center studies that a primary anastomosis should be considered more frequently.

Effect of Peritoneum Graft on Intestinal Anastomosis Healing After Deserosalization in Dogs

Effect of Peritoneum Graft on Intestinal Anastomosis Healing After Deserosalization in Dogs

The Safety and Efficacy of Early Enteral Nutrition After Paediatric Enterostomy Closure - The EPOC Study

IntroductionKeeping children nil by mouth until return of bowel function after intestinal anastomosis surgery is said to reduce complications. Fasting may extend up to five days, risking malnourishment and usage of parenteral nutrition. This study aims to establish the efficacy and safety of early enteral nutrition in children undergoing intestinal stoma closure. MethodologyA retrospective cohort study of children aged three months to 16 years who underwent an intestinal stoma closure between 1/1/2019 and 31/12/2021 at two tertiary paediatric hospitals was undertaken. Children fed clear fluids within 24 h (EEN) were compared to those commencing feeds later (LEN). The primary outcome was length of post-operative stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes included: time to feeds; time to stool; and complications. ResultsOf the 129 children that underwent a stoma closure, 69 met inclusion criteria: 35 (51 %) in the LEN group and 34 (49 %) in the EEN group. Children in the EEN group had a significantly shorter LOS (92.6 h vs 121.7 h, p = 0.0045). Early feeding was also associated with a significantly decreased time to free fluids (p < 0.001) and full enteral intake (p = 0.007). There was no significant intergroup difference in complications. ConclusionCommencing feeding within 24 h of stoma closure is efficacious and safe, with clear reductions in LOS, time to full feeds and time to stool, and no increase in complications. Further research is required to extrapolate these findings to other populations. Level of evidenceIII.

In Vivo Modeling of Complicated Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Introduction: There is no adequate and easily reproducible model of complicated necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) that allows to study its etiopathogenesis and test various surgical treatment options in an experiment.Objective: To devise a method for in vivo modeling of complicated NEC using laparoscopy.Materials and methods: Our study was conducted at the premises of the Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Oncology (Scientific Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Kursk State Medical University) in compliance with international ethical standards and guidelines for humane animal treatment. Fifteen immature male rabbits underwent laparoscopy under inhalation anesthesia and then subserosal injection of damaging solutions (33% H2O2, 10% CaCl2, 4% KCl, 70% C2H5OH, 10% CH2O) into the intestinal wall. In 24 hours, we performed laparotomy, assessed pathological changes visually, and resected the section of the intestinal tube at the injection site. Then we performed a single­layer end­to­end intestinal anastomosis. Histological samples were made from a biopsy specimen. Morphological assessment of the changes was performed.Results: The most pronounced macro­ and microscopic changes were found in the animals injected with hydrogen peroxide. We assessed changes in the abdominal cavity 24 hours since the start of modeling and observed a pattern of partial intestinal obstruction and serous peritonitis. The morphological pattern was characterized by acute circulatory disorder in the intestinal wall with ulcerative necrotic defects and perforations.Conclusions: Based on morphological manifestations we devised a method for modeling complicated NEC using laparoscopy. It is easily reproducible in an in vivo experiment, close to the clinical situation, and allows to simulate typical morphological changes during severe NEC.

Does intestinal anastomosis in resection of colon cancer have a significant impact onto early postoperative outcome and long-term survival?

To investigate the influence of anastomosis on the early postoperative and long-term oncological outcomes of patients with primary colon carcinoma (CA). All consecutive patients with the histologically diagnosed primary colon CA (design, prospective multicenter observational study) were registered with regard to patient-, diagnostic-, tumor (Tu) finding-, and treatment-related aspects using a computer-based registry with 60 items to characterize early postoperative and long-term oncological outcome. Basic data: From 2010 to 2016, data from a total of 14,466 patients were documented (mean age, 72.8 [range, 22-96] years; sex ratio, m:f=7,696:6,770).- 717/14,466 patients (4.96 %) were included in a matched-pair analysis. The majority of these patients underwent elective surgery (n=12,620 patients; 87.2 %) regardless of whether a bowel anastomosis or an ostomy was created. In emergency surgery, a bowel anastomosis was possible in a large proportion (n=1,332 patients [72.1 %]). In contrast, in 514 patients (27.9 %) who underwent emergency surgery, an ostomy was created. Interestingly, ostomy had to be created even less frequently in patients who had undergone planned surgery (n=366 [2.5 %]).- Early postoperative outcome: Cases of postoperative mortality were mainly due to general complications. Especially among the patients treated in an emergency situation without intestinal anastomosis, a high proportion died of their pre-existing condition (17.0 %). Patients who underwent ostomy creation or emergency surgery had a worse risk profile (incl. arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and secondary cardiac or renal diseases) which led to the decision to operate without anastomosis. Furthermore, data show no matter which technique had been used, patients that had undergone surgical intervention without anastomosis were more likely to develop complications.- Long-term oncosurgical outcome: The most important factors influencing long-term survival were age, resection status, and tumor stage (according to TNM and UICC). The more advanced the tumor growth, the lower the long-term survival. Patients categorized with the same tumor stage, age,and risk factors had a better chance of survival, if they underwent elective surgical intervention and with intestinal anastomosis. Interestingly, the multivariable analysis showed that older patients and such with distant metastasis benefit from a discontinuity resection. The association of intraoperative and postoperative complications with increased postoperative mortality, as well as preexisting risk factors and perioperative complications is in line with findings of current studies. Furthermore, current studies also agree that older patients and such with reduced general condition benefit from discontinuity resection.