Elective Left Colectomy Research Articles

Hartmann's Reversal is More Complex Than Elective Left Colectomy.

Hartmann's reversal (HR) is associated with significant technical complexity and morbidity. The decision to perform HR is difficult and up to 50% of patients with colostomies do not undergo a reversal. To better guide surgeons and patients with this decision, we sought to assess the surgical risks and outcomes of HR as compared to elective left colectomy (LC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database at a tertiary medical center. Patients undergoing elective Hartmann's reversal and left colectomy between January 2014 and November 2021 were identified. We compared preoperative variables, intraoperative events, and short-term postoperative outcomes. 135 patients were identified: 30 HR and 105 LC. There were no significant differences in demographics or preoperative comorbidities between HR and LC. There were more open and fewer robotic cases in HR (23.3% vs 2.9%, P < .0001; 46.6% vs 76.0%, P < .01). Total operative time was significantly longer in HR than LC (261.8 vs 211.7minutes, P = .02). There was a significantly higher percentage of intraoperative complications in HR (13.3% vs 1.9%, P < .01). There was a significantly higher rate of minor postoperative complications in HR than LC (46.7% vs 26.7%, P = .04), but not major (6.7% vs 5.8%, P = .85). Time to first flatus/bowel movement was significantly longer in HR than LC (3.6 vs 2.5days, P < .001). Hartmann's reversal is a more technically challenging operation than elective left colectomy and is associated with significantly higher rates of intraoperative and minor postoperative complications. Future studies should focus on mitigating these risk factors to optimize patient outcomes.

Hartmann's reversal is associated with worse outcomes compared to elective left colectomy: A NSQIP analysis of 36,794 cases

BackgroundHartmann's reversal (HR) is associated with significant technical difficulty and morbidity. Using the ACS-NSQIP database, we assessed the outcomes of HR as compared to elective left colectomy (LC). MethodsThe 2016–2019 ACS-NSQIP datasets were queried to identify patients undergoing HR and elective LC. Patients’ demographics, comorbidities, and short-term surgical outcomes were evaluated using both univariable and multivariable methods. ResultsThe study included 7,632 HR cases and 29,162 LC cases. The HR group had more patients with ASA grade III (50% vs. 42.4%). HR had more open-operative cases (69.4 vs. 18.5%) and longer mean operative times (213 vs. 191 min) than LC. Postoperatively, the HR group had a longer mean hospital stay (5.5 vs. 4.1 days) and higher complication rate (18.3% vs. 10.3%). HR was associated with increased odds of having a concurrent ileostomy (OR 2.11), deep space/organ infection (OR 1.55), and at least one complication (OR 1.56). ConclusionHR is a more challenging operation with patients who fared worse than their LC counterparts. Consideration should be given to alternatives of the index Hartmann's procedure.

Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluoroangiography Is a Useful Tool in Reducing the Risk of Anastomotic Leakage Following Left Colectomy.

PurposeTo evaluate whether visualization of the colon perfusion with indocyanine green near-infrared fluoroangiography (ICG-NIFA) reduces the rate of anastomotic leakage (AL) after colorectal anastomosis.MethodsPatients who underwent elective left colectomy, including all procedures involving the sigmoid colon and the rectum with a colorectal or coloanal anastomosis, were retrospectively analyzed for their demographics, operative details, and the rate of AL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare patients with and without ICG-NIFA-based evaluation.ResultsOverall, our study included 132 colorectal resections [70 sigmoid resections and 62 total mesorectal excisions (TMEs)], of which 70 (53%) were performed with and 62 (47%) without ICG-NIFA. Patients' characteristics were similar between both the groups. The majority of the procedures [91 (69%)] were performed by certified colorectal surgeons, while 41 (31%) operations were supervised teaching procedures. In the ICG-NIFA group, bowel perfusion could be visualized by fluorescence (dye) in all 70 cases, and no adverse effects related to the fluorescent dye were observed. Following ICG-NIFA, the transection line was changed in 9 (12.9%) cases. Overall, 10 (7.6%) patients developed AL, 1 (1.4%) in the ICG-NIFA group and 9 (14.5%) in the no-ICG-NIFA group (p = 0.006). The multivariate analysis revealed ICG-NIFA as an independent factor to reduce AL.ConclusionThese results suggest that ICG-NIFA might be a valuable tool to reduce the rate of AL in sigmoid and rectal resections in an educational setting.

Risk of anastomotic bleeding after left colectomy with preservation of inferior mesenteric artery for diverticular disease: preliminary results.

The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) preservation in elective laparoscopic left colectomy for diverticular disease may reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. However, an increased risk of bleeding is assumed. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of colorectal anastomosis bleeding when IMA is resected or preserved during left colectomy. A retrospective study of a prospectively collected database was performed. All patients who underwent elective left colectomy, from December 2018 to September 2020 were included. Patients' data and clinical information were collected and analyzed. Patients were categorized in two groups: IMA resected (IMA-R) and IMA preserving (IMA-P) left colectomy. Perioperative outcomes between the two groups were compared. Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent left colectomy over a period of three years were enrolled: 42 in IMA-R group and 22 in the IMA-P group. There were no significant differences in demographic and intraoperative characteristics between the two groups, except for patients' age and primary disease. Six patients (9.37%) developed anastomotic bleeding during recovery, more frequently in the IMA-P than IMA-R group, although the difference is not statistically significative (13.6% and 7.3%; P=0.406). All bleedings were self-limited and only one needed red blood cells transfusion. Using the bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement (BSLR) has proved to be advantageous in preventing anastomotic bleeding in the IMA-P group. IMA preserving left colectomy seems to be associated with a higher risk of mostly self-limited anastomotic bleeding during recovery. BSLR seems to be effective in this group of patients.

Outcomes of elective left colectomy in renal-transplanted patients: a single-center case-control study (LECoRT study).

Renal-transplanted patients are reported to have a high anastomotic leakage (AL) rate after colorectal surgery. We aimed to define AL-related morbidity and mortality rates after elective left colectomy in renal-transplanted patients. Data were prospectively collected between 2010 and 2015 from patients who underwent elective left colectomy with supra-peritoneal anastomosis in a single French referral hospital. We compared AL rate, and morbidity and mortality rates between renal-transplanted patients and controls. We identified 120 patients who underwent elective left colectomy during the study period. We retrospectively divided this cohort into 20 (17%) kidney-transplanted recipients (KTR-group) and the remaining 100 patients comprised the control group (C-group). There were no significant differences in sex, age, ASA score, body mass index, history of abdominal surgery and benign/malignant disease ratio between the KTR-group and the C-group. The AL rate was approximately four times higher in the KTR-group versus the C-group (25% vs 7%, p = 0.028). Intra-abdominal septic complications (p = 0.0005) and reoperation rates (p = 0.025) were also higher in the KTR-group. The laparoscopic approach was performed less in the KTR-group (35% versus 93%, p < 0.0001). Renal transplantation was identified as a risk factor of AL following elective left colectomy, as well as increased intra-abdominal septic morbidity and higher reoperation rate. Further multicentric studies are required to identify potential independent risk factors of AL after colorectal surgery in these frail populations. The present study was declared on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04495023).

Risk of anastomotic bleeding after left colectomy with preservation of inferior mesenteric artery for diverticular disease: preliminary results

Background The inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) preservation in elective laparoscopic left colectomy for diverticular disease may reduce the risk of anastomotic leakage. However, an increased risk of bleeding is assumed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the risk of colorectal anastomosis bleeding, when IMA is resected or preserved during left colectomy. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed. All patients who underwent elective left colectomy, from December 2018 to September 2020, were included. Patients' data and clinical information were collected and analyzed. Patients were categorized in two group: IMA resected (IMAR) and IMA preserving (IMA-P) left colectomy. Perioperative outcomes between the two groups were compared. Results Sixty-three consecutive patients who underwent left colectomy over a period of three years were enrolled: 42 in IMA-R group and 22 in the IMA-P group. There were no significant differences in demographic and intraoperative characteristics between the two groups, except for patients' age and primary disease. Six patients (9.37%) developed anastomotic bleeding during recovery, more frequently in the IMA-P than IMA-R group, although the difference is not statistically significative (13.6% and 7.3%; p=0.406). All bleedings were self-limited and only one needed red blood cells transfusion. Using the bioabsorbable staple line reinforcement (BSLR) has proved to be advantageous in preventing anastomotic bleeding in the IMA-P group. Conclusions IMA preserving left colectomy seems to be associated with a higher risk of mostly selflimited anastomotic bleeding during recovery. BSLR seems to be effective in this group of patients.

Anastomotic Location Predicts Anastomotic Leakage After Elective Colonic Resection for Cancer

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a potential feared complication after colorectal resection, which is associated with an increased risk of postoperative mortality and frequently requires additional surgery. The aim of this study was to assess major independent risk factors for AL after elective colonic resection for cancer, including anastomotic location. MethodsAmong 1940 consecutive patients referred to our institution for colorectal adenocarcinoma, 1025 patients had elective colonic resection with intraperitoneal anastomosis without diverting stoma. Risk factors were assessed among preoperative, operative, and histological data. ResultsClinical AL was observed in 36 patients (3.5%) with 24 patients requiring revisional surgery (67%). In multivariate analysis, endoscopic impassable tumor and colo-colic or ileo-colic anastomosis were independent risk factors for AL. The occurrence of AL was associated with poor overall (43.1 months vs. 146.4 months; p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (40.5 months vs. 137.3 months; p = 0.003). ConclusionAnastomotic leakage occurs more frequently after colo-colic and ileo-colic anastomosis than after intraperitoneal colorectal anastomosis.The right colectomy appears to be at higher risk of AL, with a greater risk of surgical intervention than after an elective left colectomy. Ileo-colic anastomosis should be avoided in cases of suboptimal conditions.

Smoking as dominant risk factor for anastomotic leak after left colon resection

BackgroundSome risk factors for anastomotic leak have been identified, but the effect of smoking is unknown. MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on clinical leak after left-sided anastomoses. Adult patients who underwent elective left colectomy between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012 were included. Those with stomas and inflammatory bowel diseases were excluded. Primary outcome was anastomotic leak requiring percutaneous drainage or operative intervention within 30 days. ResultsThere were 246 patients included; 56% were female. Most had a diagnosis of diverticular disease (53%) or cancer (37%). Anastomotic leak rate was 6.5% (n = 16). The rate in smokers was 17% versus 5% in nonsmokers (P = .01). Smokers had over 4 times greater chance of leak (odds ratio 4.2, 95% confidence interval 1.3 to 13.5, P = .02). ConclusionSmoking is a risk factor for leak after left colectomy. Consideration should be given to delaying elective left colectomy until smoking cessation is achieved.

Subcutaneous emphysema of thorax, neck and face after elective left colectomy: A case report

INTRODUCTIONAnastomotic leakage is a severe complication after colorectal surgery which causes substantial morbidity and mortality and impairs the oncologic and functional outcomes. The incidence rate varies in the literature from 4% to 26%. Diagnosis is difficult. Clinical presentation and time management are closely related to prognosis. If subcutaneous emphysema is an obvious clinical sign, its etiology is complex to determine, particularly in the post-operative course of colorectal surgery. PRESENTATION OF CASEWe report our experience in the management of a patient with early colorectal anastomotic leakage after left colectomy, whose only physical sign was subcutaneous emphysema of thorax, neck and face. This presentation is not described to date. Emergency CT-scan with injection of contrast revealed a pneumoperitoneum with extradigestive air in the pelvis, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. Suture, drainage and defunctioning ileostomy have been performed in emergency with good results. The subcutaneous emphysema resolved spontaneously without specific treatment. DISCUSSIONThere are many differential diagnoses of subcutaneous emphysema and its etiology is potentially lethal. This case is original by the clinical manifestation of anastomotic leakage in the immediate post-operative course of colorectal surgery; this presentation is not described to date. CONCLUSIONIsolated subcutaneous emphysema after left colectomy should suggest first a post-intubation tracheal wound. This case shows that an anastomotic leakage must be evocated and eliminated in order to provide the best outcome for these patients.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Morbidity After Elective Left Colectomy: Cancer vs Noncomplicated Diverticular Disease

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Morbidity After Elective Left Colectomy: Cancer vs Noncomplicated Diverticular Disease

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Morbidity After Elective Left Colectomy

Independent risk factors for postoperative morbidity after colectomy are most likely linked to disease characteristics. Retrospective analysis. Twenty-eight centers of the French Federation for Surgical Research. In total, 1721 patients (1230 with colon cancer [CC] and 491 with diverticular disease [DD]) from a databank of 7 prospective, multisite, randomized trials on colorectal resection. Elective left colectomy via laparotomy. Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors for postoperative morbidity. Overall postoperative morbidity was higher in CC than in DD (32.4% vs 30.3%) but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .40). Two independent risk factors for morbidity in CC were antecedent heart failure (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-6.32) (P = .003) and bothersome intraluminal fecal matter (2.08; 1.42-3.06) (P = .001). Three independent risk factors for morbidity in DD were at least 10% weight loss (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.25-3.40) (P = .004), body mass index (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) exceeding 30 (2.05; 1.15-3.66) (P = .02), and left hemicolectomy (vs left segmental colectomy) (2.01; 1.19-3.40) (P = .009). Patients undergoing elective left colectomy for CC or for DD constitute 2 distinct populations with completely different risk factors for morbidity, which should be addressed differently. Improving colonic cleanliness (by antiseptic enema) may reduce morbidity in CC. In DD, morbidity may be reduced by appropriate preoperative nutritive support (by immunonutrition), even in patients with obesity, and by preference of left segmental colectomy over left hemicolectomy. By decreasing morbidity, mortality should be lowered as well, especially when reoperation becomes necessary.

Outcomes of Right vs. Left Colectomy for Colon Cancer

BackgroundRight colectomy (RC) is generally believed to be a simpler operation with better outcomes than left colectomy (LC). Our study was primarily intended to compare patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes between RC and LC in colon cancer patients, and secondarily to identify factors that increase the risk of developing postoperative abdominal abscess and/or anastomotic leak. MethodsUsing the 2007 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database, we evaluated patients who underwent elective RC and LC for colon cancer. ResultsA total of 50,799 patients underwent elective RC and LC for malignancy during 2007 (RC, 63.5%; LC, 36.5%). Overall, 9.6% were performed laparoscopically (RC, 9.7% vs. LC, 9.5%, P = 0.39). The majority of patients were Caucasian; 54.2% of RC and 46.5% LC patients were female (P < 0.01). RC patients were older (mean age, 70.8 vs. 65.8 years, P < 0.01) and had more comorbidities. While LC had more overall intraoperative complications (RC, 0.30% vs. LC, 1.32%, P < 0.01), RC had higher overall incidence of postoperative complications (28.43% vs. 26.75%, P < 0.01). Mean length of hospital stay (RC, 7.37 days vs. LC, 7.38 days) and in-hospital mortality (RC, 1.37% vs. LC, 1.49%) were similar in both groups. Multivariate analysis identified Native American race [adjusted odd ratio (AOR), 2.02], chronic renal failure (AOR, 1.97), congestive heart failure (AOR, 1.72), chronic pulmonary disease (AOR, 1.40), metastatic disease (AOR, 1.34), male gender (AOR, 1.23), and LC (AOR, 1.12) all independently increased the risk of abscess and/or leak. ConclusionsRC patients were older and had more comorbidities and postoperative complications. Patient characteristics and comorbidities were more important in determining overall postoperative complications than anastomotic types.

Early experience of the compression anastomosis ring (CARTM27) in left-sided colon resection

To evaluate clinical validity of the compression anastomosis ring (CAR™ 27) anastomosis in left-sided colonic resection. A non-randomized prospective data collection was performed for patients undergoing an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27 between November 2009 and January 2011. Eligibility criteria of the use of the CAR™ 27 were anastomoses between the colon and at or above the intraperitoneal rectum. The primary short-term clinical endpoint, rate of anastomotic leakage, and other clinical outcomes, including intra- and postoperative complications, length of operation time and hospital stay, and the ring elimination time were evaluated. A total of 79 patients (male, 43; median age, 64 years) underwent an elective left-sided colon resection, followed by an anastomosis using the CAR™ 27. Colectomy was performed laparoscopically in 70 patients, in whom two patients converted to open procedure (2.9%). There was no surgical mortality. As an intraoperative complication, total disruption of the anastomosis occurred by premature enforced tension on the proximal segment of the anastomosis in one patient. The ring was removed and another new CAR™ 27 anastomosis was constructed. One patient with sigmoid colon cancer showed postoperative anastomotic leakage after 6 d postoperatively and temporary diverting ileostomy was performed. Exact date of expulsion of the ring could not be recorded because most patients were not aware that the ring had been expelled. No patients manifested clinical symptoms of anastomotic stricture. Short-term evaluation of the CAR™ 27 anastomosis in elective left colectomy suggested it to be a safe and efficacious alternative to the standard hand-sewn or stapling technique.