Anastomotic Defect Research Articles

Does the Geometry of a Distal Vein Graft Anastomosis Affect Patency?

Between January, 1988, and December, 1992, 336 autogenous vein bypasses were performed on the vascular service at The University of Iowa Hospital. Routine color duplex surveillance (CDS) identified 25 bypasses with a significant distal anastomotic stenosis that developed between one and thirty-one months postoperatively (mean nine months). These 25 „failing bypasses” underwent a revisional procedure following arteriographic confirmation of the location and severity of the lesion. The intraoperative completion arteriograms performed at the time of the original bypass procedure of these revised bypasses were critically analyzed. The length of the distal anastomosis, as well as the diameter of the distal vein conduit and artery (proximal and distal to the anastomosis) were measured in each case. In addition any anastomotic defect seen on the original intraoperative completion arteriogram was also noted. This same analysis was done for 50 consecutive vein bypasses that have remained primarily patent for two years or more and had normal duplex surveillance studies. Vein/artery diameter, anastomotic length/artery diameter, anastomotic length/vein diameter ratios were calculated for both the groups. Demographic characteristics, risk factors (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), indications for surgery, type of venous bypass conduit, and the outflow of the bypasses were comparable between these two groups. The results are depicted in the following table: [Table: see text] These data indicate that the geometry of the distal anastomosis does not play a significant role in the development of distal anastomotic stenosis. An uncorrected anastomotic defect on the completion arteriogram is a risk factor for bypass failure. Hence, patients with such defects should have these lesions corrected when they are initially identified at the time of the initial bypass procedure.

Endoscopic Management of the Obliterated Anastomosis Following Radical Prostatectomy

Purpose We evaluated an endoscopic technique to treat the challenging problem of an obliterated anastomosis following radical protatectomy. Materials and Methods Four men with a mean 2.25 cm. obliterative defect underwent visual internal urethrotomy along a sternal guide wire passed under direct antegrade and retrograde vision. Men then performed self-dilation according to an increasing interval protocol. Results All 4 men maintained anastomotic patency for a mean followup of 12.5 months and 1 no longer requires self-calibration. There were no complications of this procedure. Conclusions Endoscopic management coupled with self-dilation offers a safe, minimally invasive option for difficult, long obliterative anastomotic defects following radical prostatectomy.

Novel antiadhesion barrier does not prevent anastomotic healing in a rabbit model.

Intraperitoneal adhesions following surgical procedures cause considerable morbidity. Hyaluronic acid/carboxymethylcellulose (HA/CMC) films have been shown to be effective agents in decreasing adhesion formation. However, when there is an inadvertent leak of bowel contents into the peritoneum due to incomplete anastomosis, adhesion formation about a defect in order to prevent further leakage and to promote healing of the wound is important for the prevention of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine if an antiadhesion film (HA/CMC) impairs these potentially beneficial adhesions to bowel anastomoses, thus predisposing them to enteric leaks with subsequent peritonitis. Sixty-four rabbits were divided in two groups, each undergoing a complete or partial (90% anastomosis to simulate anastomotic leak) large bowel anastomosis. Half of each of the above groups were treated by wrapping a HA/CMC film over the anastomosis and the other half were untreated controls. These two subgroups were then further divided equally and sacrificed at either 7 or 14 days for evaluation of anastomosis integrity and strength. The average anastomotic bursting pressures did not change significantly between those groups treated with HA/CMC when compared to untreated controls at 7 or 14 days or in the complete or partial anastomosis group (Student's t test). Adhesion formation to the anastomosis was not impaired in either group independent of HA/CMC film application. This study suggests that while HA/CMC film has been shown to decrease adhesions in other models, healing of a rabbit colonic anastomosis even in the presence of an anastomotic defect takes place, further suggesting that the stimulus for adhesion formation can overcome the antiadhesion properties of HA/CMC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Morbidity, mortality, and early results of single versus bilateral lung transplantation for emphysema

Both single lung transplantation and bilateral lung transplantation have been successful in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Limited availability of donor lungs dictates wider use of single lung transplantation as long as this procedure provides a comparable functional result at less risk. Early morbidity, mortality rates, and functional results were compared in 32 consecutive patients undergoing either single or bilateral lung transplantation for end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When pretransplantation and posttransplantation values of forced expiratory volume in 1 second, single breath diffusing capacity, total lung capacity, arterial oxygen tension, and 6-minute walking distance were compared, statistically significant improvement (p less than 0.01) was seen in both groups. However, significantly higher values (p less than 0.01) were attained for forced expiratory volume in 1 second, single breath diffusing capacity, and arterial oxygen tension in the bilateral transplantation group than in the single lung transplantation group. Patients receiving bilateral lung transplants were at greater risk for postoperative complications, especially cardiac arrhythmias and bronchial anastomotic defects. Actuarial survival for the single lung transplantation group was 93% at 1 year, versus 87% at 6 months and 71% at 1 year for the bilateral lung transplantation group. The optimal transplantation procedure for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has not been determined. Longer follow-up periods are needed to define better the roles of bilateral and single lung transplantation in this group of patients.

The double-stapled ileal reservoir and ileoanal anastomosis. A prospective review of sphincter function and clinical outcome.

Fifteen consecutive patients (nine males and six females) who underwent construction of a double-stapled ileoanal reservoir (DS-IAR) were prospectively evaluated. Mean and maximal resting pressures preoperatively, before ileostomy closure, and at 12 months, were 53 and 84 mm Hg, 39 and 62 mm Hg, and 62 and 81 mm Hg. Mean and maximal squeeze pressures at those same time periods were 96 and 153 mm Hg, 111 and 173 mm Hg, and 95 and 168 mm Hg. There were no significant decreases in either resting or squeeze pressure between preoperative values and those obtained 12 months after surgery. However, the length of the high pressure zone decreased from 3.8 cm preoperatively to 2.3 cm at 12 months. This reflects the sacrifice of the cephalad 1.5 cm of the internal anal sphincter necessary to effect this anastomosis at a mean of 1.4 cm from the dentate line. However, this maneuver did not result in poor continence. Eleven patients whose ileostomies were closed for a mean of 9 months, ranging from 3 to 15 months, were evaluated regarding functional outcome. Only one patient had any incontinence and this patient had incomplete circular-stapled tissue rings, which necessitated transanal suture repair of the anastomotic defect. Similarly, three of the four patients who sometimes or rarely use a pad at night had transanal-suture reinforcement. Ten of the 11 patients never wear a pad during the day. No pelvic or perianal sepsis occurred. Stratified squamous epithelium was found in 6 of the 13 distal stapler "donuts" that were examined. In addition, 10 patients underwent biopsy of the tissue immediately caudad to the circular staple line at the time of ileostomy closure; in five, only stratified squamous epithelium was noted. The DS-IAR is associated with excellent objective physiologic and subjective functional results.

Intraoperative digital real-time fluoroscopic arteriography for distal infrapopliteal arterial reconstruction

Intraoperative digital real-time fluoroscopic arteriography for distal infrapopliteal arterial reconstruction

Coronary bypass graft fate: Angiographic study of 1,179 vein grafts early, one year, and five years after operation

A total of 1,179 vein grafts were studied angiographically in 353 (45%) unselected survivors (male, mean age 45.5 years) of 786 coronary bypass operations. Studies were conducted early (0.96 months), 1 year (12.8 months), and 5 years (59.7 months) postoperatively. A previously described technique was used to grade the patency of the grafts, and a new technique was used to assess intimal irregularity, presumably caused by atherosclerosis; this new technique indicated both intimal surface distribution of disease and profile (relief or elevation). Ten percent, 17%, and 26% of grafts were occluded early, at 1 year, and at 5 years, respectively. Distal anastomotic defects were the commonest cause for low grades in the patency classification. Irregularities in patent grafts increased from 9% at 1 year to 42% at 5 years, with 11% of all the 1 year lesions and 20% of all the 5 year lesions having a high profile (more than 50% graft stenosis); of the lesions categorized as showing the widest surface spread, 17% were in high relief at 1 year and 34% at 5 years. Thus, the lesions we believed to be atherosclerotic proliferated in both surface spread and elevation. All severely diseased grafts at the 1 year study had been normal in outline early; 79% at the 5 year study had been disease free at 1 year. All newly occluded grafts at the 1 year study had been normal in outline and 82% had had good patency early; 78% of newly occluded grafts at the 5 year study had been disease free at 1 year and 77% had had good patency. Normal appearance of the intima in grafts studied at 1 year had no prognostic value for 5 year findings. However, 62% of all grafts with the appearance of intimal disease at 1 year showed deterioration by 5 years, and 28% were occluded. The differences between these outcomes are highly significant (p less than 0.0005). In conclusion, the appearance of intimal irregularity compatible with atherosclerosis in a coronary bypass graft 1 year after operation carried a poor prognosis for adverse angiographic change at 5 years. On the other hand, normally appearing intima at 1 year had no predictive valve for the 5 year study despite a generally better prognosis for nondiseased grafts.

Peranal coloanal anastomosis following low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma.

Since 1978, 41 patients (12 percent of all restorative operations) have undergone peranal coloanal reconstruction following anterior resection (LAR) for cancers of the midrectum. Twenty-seven patients (66 percent) were men and 14 patients (34 percent) were women (mean, 58.8 years). The mean distance of the primary tumor from the anal verge was 6.7 cm and 50 percent of the primary tumors were considered highly mobile. In 29 patients, a hand-sewn anastomosis was performed between the colon and the dentate line. In the 12 most recent patients, the anastomosis was performed using a circular stapling instrument. A diverting colostomy should be employed in all cases and is closed approximately three months later. There has been no operative mortality. Morbidity included anastomotic separation (two patients), minor anastomotic defects (three patients), pelvic sepsis (two patients), and bacteremia of unknown origin (two patients). Where fecal diversion was employed, there were no instances of anastomotic leak. Two patients with hemorrhage were returned to the operating room. Thirty-seven of the 41 patients underwent curative resections. Thirty-three percent of the patients had Dukes' C lesions. With a median follow-up of 31 months for the curative resections, 73 percent remain free of disease. Sixty-four percent of evaluable patients have either excellent or good anorectal function nine to 12 months after colostomy closure. Of 26 operations performed by one surgeon, 22 patients (85 percent) are currently evaluable. Nineteen (86 percent) of the 22 have normal or near-normal bowel function. Four guidelines for performing a functionally successful operation are presented. Coloanal reconstruction following LAR, were pull-through operations were previously required, is an excellent sphincter-preserving operation. The functional results one year after the operation are gratifying, with the majority of patients leading an active life with normal bowel function.

Intraoperative prereconstruction arteriography.

Intraoperative arteriography was performed in 57 patients undergoing arterial reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity prior to selection of the site for the distal anastomosis. In 42 patients (74%), this procedure proved to be of significant benefit. Prereconstructive intraoperative arteriography influenced surgery for seven patients in the following ways: (1) two patients had visualization of vessels not demonstrated on the preoperative arteriogram; and (2) five patients had demonstration of occlusive disease that favored selection of a more distal site of anastomosis. In the remaining 35 patients, the tibial vessels and arch were visualized more clearly, so that the degree and extent of disease were better appreciated. This may have important prognostic significance. On postreconstructive arteriography, an additional five patients were shown to have an anastomotic defect that was corrected in the operating room. Intraoperative arteriography is a rapid, safe, and simple procedure that should be considered as an adjunct in reconstructive surgery of the lower extremity.

Randomized prospective evaluation of the EEA stapler for colorectal anastomoses

A randomized, prospective study should be done to evaluate any new procedure or instrument. Our experience with the end-to-end anastomosis (EEA) stapler suggests that an anastomosis can be created in a shorter time than is required for the traditional hand-sewn technique. This difference is even greater when the anastomosis is technically difficult and located deep within the pelvis. There appears to be little difference in the security of a hand-sewn anastomosis compared with that of stapled anastomosis. Postoperative complications appear similar. With the stapler, however, there is an increased risk of intraoperative complications that are not apparent with the traditional hand-sewn technique. These include rectal tears and anastomotic defects. It appears that the EEA stapler can save as many as 12 percent of rectums that otherwise might have to be removed because of technical inability to perform an anastomosis.

ELECTIVE RESECTION FOR DIVERTICULAR DISEASE

A series of 119 patients undergoing elective resection for diverticular disease has been reviewed. The indications for resection were classified into two major groups--those with severe infections ("complicated" diverticulitis), comprising 58 patients, and those with minimal infections, comprising 61 patients. The majority of the resections were limited to the sigmoid colon (101 patients). Fifteen patients underwent left hemicolectomy, whilst three had total colectomy. Thirty-six patients (30%) had a proximal defunctioning stoma--18 prior to resection and 19 at the time of resection. Anastomotic defects were noted in 15 patients (12.6%), but these were of clinical significance only in eight (6.7%). There were two deaths (1.7%) and 17 wound infections (14.3%). The group classified as "complicated" diverticulitis included the great majority of the patients requiring colostomy (32 out of 37), almost all those with anastomotic defects (14 out of 15), and most of the patients who had postoperative complications.

Experimental evaluation of oesophageal muscular cuffs in the repair of oesophageal defects.

The current study was designed to test the value of oesophageal muscular cuffs in the repair of anastomotic defects in the thoracic oesophagus. In 30 piglets, defects involving 25%, 50% and nearly 100% of the anastomosis were created and repaired by means of a cuff derived from the oesophagus musculature. The results demonstrated that his method provides uniformly a leak-proof closure under the most severe circumstances. Oesophageal narrowing at the site of repair was common and depended on the nature of the experiment and not on the technique used. Although experimental data may not be directly transferable to human subjects, this method proved so effective that it might be the potential clinical benefit. Questionable oesophageal anastomoses and fresh oesophageal perforations are the clinical applications suggested.

Pyeloureterostomy reconstruction in human renal transplantation.

Pyelouretersotomy or ureteroureterostomy was the urinary tract reconstructive procedure in 114 of 132 consecutive renal transplants performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital from September 1967 to December 1973. Anastomotic leakage was the only complication related to failure of pyeloureterostomy or ureteroureterostomy. This occurred in nine transplants (7.9%). Since 1970, only four anastomotic leaks have occurred in 79 consecutive pyeloureterostomies or ureteroureterostomies. Six of the nine primary anastomotic leaks were corrected either by retrograde ureteral catheter drainage or re-suturing of the anastomotic defect. Only one patient died as a result of complications following a leak. The operative technique is described with emphasis on the important details believed necessary for consistent success in performing this procedure.

Gastrojejunocutaneous fistula

Two cases of postoperative gastrojejunocutaneous fistula are described and the pertinent literature is reviewed. The use of the technic of serosal onlay patch graft as a definitive surgical procedure for early closure of the anastomotic defect is suggested.