Incidence Of Anastomotic Stricture Research Articles

Prophylactic Treatment with Proton Pump Inhibitors in Children Operated on for Oesophageal Atresia

Oesophageal stricture is a frequent complication following repair of oesophageal atresia (EA). The aim of this study was to conduct a pre- and postintervention study and analyze the incidence of stricture formation and need for balloon dilatation after introducing prophylactic proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. CHILDREN AND DESIGN: All children operated for EA during 2001 to 2009 (n = 39) were treated with prophylactic PPIs (PPI group) for at least 3 months postoperatively. The frequency of stricture formation in the anastomosis and need for balloon dilatation was registered. A previously published group of children (n = 63) operated for EA during 1983 to 1995 not treated with prophylactic PPI was used as control group. Duration of follow-up time in the PPI group was equal to the one in the control group, and set to 1 year after the last oesophageal dilatation procedure. The PPI and control group were comparable regarding patient characteristics, gestational age and birth weight, prevalence of chromosomal aberration, and VACTERL (vertebral, and, cardiac, tracheal, esophageal, renal, limb) malformations. Also, survival rate and prevalence of surgery were similar in both groups. Mortality was mainly determined by associated malformations. The dilatation frequency needed in each child did not differ between the two groups. The prevalence of stricture formation was 42% in the control group compared with 56% in the PPI group, p = 0.25. Number of dilatations needed varied between 1 and 21, with a median value of 3 and 4, respectively, for the PPI and the control group. The children in the PPI group were significantly younger at the time of dilatation. This difference reflects a change in policy and increased experience. The incidence of anastomotic stricture following repair for esophageal atresia remains high also after introduction of PPI. The results cannot support that prophylactic treatment with PPI prevent anastomotic stricture formation.

A comparative study of handsewn versus stapled gastrojejunal anastomosis in laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

The two basic techniques available in which to perform the gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis during a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) are stapled and handsewn. Few outcomes differences have been noted between the two to recommend one as a superior approach. We present our findings in comparison of the two methods. This is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent LRYGBP at a single institution during a 3-year period. The two different techniques that were used were a linear stapled and handsewn anastomosis with an anastomotic diameter of 18 mm. The groups were compared for postoperative complications, including stricture, anastomotic leak, and the need for early reoperation. All patients were followed up for a minimum period of 8 months. A total of 222 patients were analyzed after excluding 4 patients: 3 for revisional surgery and 1 for conversion to open. There were 99 patients in the stapled group and 123 in the handsewn group. In both groups, patients were predominantly female. The average age was 42.63 in the stapled group and 44.33 in the handsewn group (P = 0.218). Body mass index was 48.23 in the stapled group and 47.91 in the handsewn group (P = 0.733). Stricture rate in the stapled group was 10.1% (10/99) and 4.1% (5/123) in the handsewn group (P = 0.076). Four patients from the stapled group (4.08%) and six from the handsewn group (4.88%) needed early reoperation. One patient in each group had a GJ anastomotic leak (0.9%). There were no deaths. The incidence of anastomotic stricture tends to be lower with a handsewn technique with lower operative time. No difference was appreciated in the anastomotic leak or reexploration rate with either technique.

Wrapping of the omental pedicle flap around esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Esophagogastrectomy for esophageal cancer is the standard surgical treatment as a curative measure or for palliation. Esophagogastric anastomotic leakage and stricture are common life-threatening postoperative complications (more so if the leakage occurs in the chest), and the success of the anastomosis created in the reconstruction of the resected esophagus can highly influence morbidity and mortality. A prospective, randomized study was undertaken on 291 patients treated for carcinoma of the esophagus between January 2004 and December 2008. The study excluded 36 patients (12%) who were inoperable. Patients were assigned to 2 treatment groups that consisted of 128 patients in group A and 127 patients in group B according to a restricted, permuted block randomization plan. Patients in group A underwent an esophagogastrectomy with wrapping of the pedicle omental flap around the esophagogastric anastomosis. Group B patients underwent an esophagogastrectomy with only a stapled technique. Of all 255 patients who received an esophagogastric anastomosis, 226 (89%) were discharged from the hospital within 15 days of operation. There was no significant difference between these 2 groups in regard to the incidence of pulmonary complications, abdominal or thoracic infections, and days of hospital stay. Anastomotic leaks occurred in a single patient from group A (1%) and in 7 patients from group B (6%). In group A, 33 patients underwent transhiatal esophagogastrectomy and 95 had thoracic esophagogastrectomy, which resulted in an anastomotic leakage in 1 (3%) and 0 (0%) patients, respectively. In group B, 42 patients had transhiatal esophagogastrectomy and 85 had thoracic esophagogastrectomy, which resulted in anastomotic leakage in 5 (12%) and 2 (2%) patients, respectively. The leakage ratio of group B was significant greater than that of group A (P < .05). Two patients were excluded during the evaluation of the benign stricture due to hospital mortality. Anastomotic strictures were noted in 8 patients from group A (6%) and 20 patients from group B (16%), and the difference in the incidence of anastomotic strictures between these 2 groups was statistically significant (P < .05). Wrapping of the pedicle omental flap around the esophagogastric stapled anastomosis site decreases the incidence of anastomotic leakage and stricture rate after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, thereby decreasing the morbidity and mortality of the procedure.

Restoration of Digestive Continuity after Hartmann’s Procedure: ASA Score is a Predictive Factor for Risk of Postoperative Complications

Background/aims: Re-establishment of colonic continuity (RDC) following Hartmann’s procedure is associated with high morbidity (anastomotic leak 4–16%) and mortality (0–4%) rates. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the morbidity of RDC following Hartmann’s procedure, and analyse the various factors that may influence the rate of complications.Methodology: From 1996 to 2008, 158 patients were treated by Hartmann’s colectomy. Hartmann’s procedure is generally indicated in cases with infection in the abdominal cavity, combined with a distended or non-prepared intestine, or both. Of the 158 patients, 111 (70.3%) underwent a re-establishment of colonic continuity. The mean patient age was 63.4 years (26–91 years) ; the female/male ratio was 1:64.Results: The mean delay between the Hartmann’s procedure and the RDC was 169.7 days (21–1095 days) and the mean duration of the hospital stay was 16.7 days (8–57 days). The mortality rate was 0.9% and incidence of anastomotic stricture was 3.6%. The morbidity was 38.7%. The majority of patients presenting complications had an ASA score > II, and most of the patients without complications were classified as ASA < II.Conclusions: The RDC is an intervention performed safely after a 3 to 5-month delay with acceptable morbidity and negligible mortality. The ASA score is a determining factor for the risk of complications (p < 0.05).

Incidence of Anastomotic Strictures after Gastric Bypass: A Prospective Consecutive Routine Endoscopic Study 1 Month and 17 Months After Surgery in 441 Patients with Morbid Obesity

Anastomotic stricture after gastric bypass for morbid obesity has been reported as the most frequent complication after surgery. The objective of this study is to determine in a prospective and consecutive endoscopic evaluation the true incidence of this complication early and late after gastric bypass. A total of 441 morbidly obese patients were included in this prospective study. They were 358 women and 97 men, with a mean age of 41 years and a mean body mass index of 43 kg/m2. In all an endoscopic evaluation was performed 1 month after surgery, which was repeated in 315 patients (71.6%) 17 months after surgery, independent of the presence or not of symptoms. Anastomotic diameter was measured and strictures were classified as: (a) mild, with a diameter of 7 to 9 mm, (b) moderate with a diameter of 5 to 6 mm, and (c) difficult or critical with a diameter equal or less to 4 mm. Two methods of dilatation were employed: the endoscope itself or Savary-Gilliard dilators. Patients were submitted to laparotomic resectional gastric bypass in whom a circular stapler 25 was employed for gastrojejunal anastomosis or to laparoscopic gastric bypass, in whom hand-sewn one layer continuous suture was employed. One month after surgery, 23% of patients after open gastric bypass employing circular stapler 25 presented anastomotic stricture, being 22% of them critical. After laparoscopic gastric bypass employing hand-sewn anastomosis, 36% of the patients presented strictures, being critical 10% (p>0.17). Patients with mild or moderate strictures needed one or two dilatations. Patients with critical strictures needed three to five dilatations. There were no complications associated to dilatation. Moderate and severe strictures were symptomatic; however 29% of patients with mild strictures were asymptomatic. Endoscopy was repeated in 71% of the whole group 17 months after surgery, demonstrating normal anastomosis in all. Stricture at the gastrojejunal anastomosis after gastric bypass is the commonest complication early after surgery. Near 60% present a mild stricture (with a diameter between 7 and 9 mm), being 28% asymptomatic. This complication is easily treated by endoscopic procedure if it is diagnosed early (3 to 4 weeks) after surgery. Routine endoscopy 1 month after surgery is the only objective scientific way to determine the real true incidence of this complication.

Radical Prostatectomy by Open or Laparoscopic/Robotic Techniques: An Issue of Surgical Device or Surgical Expertise?

Radical Prostatectomy by Open or Laparoscopic/Robotic Techniques: An Issue of Surgical Device or Surgical Expertise?

Late morbidity after duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection with bile duct reinsertion into the resection cavity

Reinsertion of the distal common bile duct (CBD) into the pancreatic resection cavity during duodenum-preserving pancreatic head excision (DPPHE) may be an alternative option to Whipple resection or bilioenteric anastomosis when chronic pancreatitis is associated with CBD stenosis. Outcome in 82 patients with chronic pancreatitis who underwent DPPHE with CBD reinsertion was compared with that in 432 who had DPPHE without reinsertion and 50 who had a Whipple procedure or pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). There were no deaths after DPPHE with CBD reinsertion, compared with four (0.9 per cent) after DPPHE without reinsertion and three (6 per cent) after classical resection. Overall morbidity rates were 30, 28.9 and 36 per cent respectively. Fifteen patients (18 per cent) who had DPPHE with CBD reinsertion developed a stricture at the reinsertion site, compared with a long-term stricture rate of 2.3 per cent (ten patients) after DPPHE without CBD reinsertion and 4 per cent (two patients) after PPPD/Whipple resection. Although associated with a high incidence of anastomotic stricture, reinsertion of the CBD into the resection cavity as part of DPPHE can be used to preserve duodenal passage and offers an alternative to extended resection for chronic pancreatitis.

Improved Outcomes Using a Systematic and Evidence-Based Approach to the Laparoscopic Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass in a Single Academic Institution

No standardized approach exists for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). At a newly instituted bariatric surgery program, four experienced laparoscopic surgeons used the systematic and evidence-based approach consisting of multidisciplinary preoperative evaluation, screening, and education; standardized operative technique; inpatient clinical pathway; and close postoperative follow-up. The outcomes were subsequently analyzed to determine if this approach improved the morbidity and mortality. From January 2003 to June 2006, 835 consecutive LRYGBs were performed. The patient population was 85 per cent women with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 50.4 kg/m2 (range 33-96 kg/m2). The mean age was 44 (range 15-67). Sixty-two per cent of the patients had previous abdominal or pelvic operations. The conversion rate to open surgery was 0.2 per cent. The average length of hospital stay was 2.6 days (range 2-13 days). There were no anastomotic leaks or deaths. The 30-day readmission and re-operation rates were 3.2 per cent and 1.8 per cent, respectively. The incidence of anastomotic stricture, marginal ulcer, bleeding, pulmonary embolism, and internal hernia was 0.8 per cent, 3.5 per cent, 4.2 per cent, 0.1 per cent, and 0.4 per cent, respectively. A systematic and evidence-based approach to the LRYGB by experienced laparoscopic surgeons resulted in a lower incidence of complications when compared with the published results from other comparable institutions.

Restoration of intestinal continuity following Hartmann's procedure: the Lothian experience 1987-1992.

Restoration of intestinal continuity following Hartmann's procedure is associated with high morbidity (anastomotic leak rates 4-16 per cent) and mortality (0-4 per cent) rates. A total of 178 patients, under the care of seven different surgical units, underwent reversal of Hartmann's procedure during a 5-year period, representing the largest series yet reported. The mortality rate of the study group was 0.6 per cent, the anastomotic leak rate was 3.9 per cent and the incidence of anastomotic stricture was 6.7 per cent. The median time interval between resection and reversal was 92 days and no relation was found between timing and complications. Anastomotic stricture occurred significantly more commonly in stapled than in sutured anastomoses (P < 0.05); however, leaks were equally common in both types. The mean age of the patients who developed major complications was not statistically different from that of the rest of the study group and there was no difference in premorbid state. The authors believe that the low complication rates reported in this series may be attributable to the high level of operator experience in performing this technically difficult procedure, which was done by a consultant in 66 per cent of cases and by a senior registrar in 33 per cent.

Tamsulosin reduces the incidence of acute urinary retention following early removal of the urinary catheter after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Objectives To determine the efficacy of tamsulosin in preventing acute urinary retention following early catheter removal after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Methods Between February 2000 and October 2000, cystography was performed on postoperative day 7 after radical retropubic prostatectomy by a single surgeon (group 1). Between September 2001 and August 2002, cystography was performed on postoperative day 8 after radical retropubic prostatectomy by the same surgeon (group 2). The protocol for performing cystography and assessment of extravasation was similar for both groups. Tamsulosin 0.4 mg was administered 3 days before and 4 days after cystography for all men in group 2. Results Of 179 cystograms in group 1, 135 (75%) revealed no extravasation, and the catheters were removed in 130 of these cases. Of 246 cystograms in group 2, 230 (93.5%) revealed no extravasation, and the catheters were removed in 229 of these cases. A significantly greater proportion of men in group 2 had no extravasation ( P = 0.0007). The incidence of acute urinary retention in groups 1 and 2 was 10% and 2.6%, respectively ( P = 0.0018). The incidence of anastomotic stricture was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Our data strongly suggest that tamsulosin significantly reduces the risk of acute urinary retention after attempts at early catheter removal following radical retropubic prostatectomy. Therefore, we recommend administering a 7-day course of tamsulosin therapy when attempting to remove the urinary catheter before postoperative day 8.

Removal of urinary catheter on postoperative day 3 or 4 after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Objectives To determine the feasibility and safety of removing the urinary catheter on postoperative day (POD) 3 or 4 after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP). Methods Between January 2001 and August 2001, gravity cystography was performed on POD 3 or 4 after RRP by a single surgeon (H.L.) on 151 men. The urinary catheter was removed on POD 3 or 4 providing no extravasation was evident on cystography. Urinary catheters were replaced over a guidewire placed into the bladder under flexible cystoscopic guidance in cases of acute urinary retention (AUR). Continence was assessed at 3 months after RRP. Results Of the 151 cystograms performed on POD 3 or 4, 116 (76.8%) revealed no evidence of extravasation. The indwelling catheters were removed in 114 of these cases (98.3%). Twenty-two (19.3%) of the 114 men whose catheters were removed on POD 3 or 4 developed AUR within 48 hours of catheter removal, requiring catheter replacement. Two of these patients required repeated surgery secondary to complications related to AUR. At 3 months after RRP, 75% of the men whose catheters were removed on POD 3 or 4 required no pads or a single pad during a 24-hour interval, and 77.6% reported none or slight bother from incontinence. Of the 37 men whose catheters were removed on POD 7 or later, 1 patient (2.7%) developed AUR, and the catheter was replaced without complications. At 3 months after RRP, 65.7% of men whose catheters were removed on POD 7 or later required no pads or a single pad during a 24-hour interval, and 71.4% reported none or slight bother from incontinence. The incidence of anastomotic stricture in men whose catheters were removed on POD 3 or 4 and POD 7 or later was 12.1% and 22.6%, respectively. Conclusions Most men will have a watertight anastomosis on POD 3 or 4 after RRP. Early catheter removal does not have a negative impact on continence or the rate of anastomotic strictures. Because of the high incidence of AUR, requiring replacement of the urinary catheter, and the potential for disruption of the anastomosis or bladder neck reconstruction, we currently recommend delaying catheter removal until POD 7 or later.

The Impact of Urinary Extravasation after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy on Urinary Incontinence and Anastomotic Strictures

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relevance of urinary extravasation as proven by cystogram 18 days after radical retropubic prostatectomy for the degree of postoperative urinary incontinence and the incidence of anastomotic strictures. Patients and Methods: A total of 225 patients underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy at our institution during a 30-month period, 215 of whom received a cystogram a mean 18 days following surgery. Three and 6 months after surgery these 215 patients were evaluated regarding the degree of urinary incontinence and the presence of anastomotic strictures. Results: The cystogram demonstrated a watertight anastomosis in 89% (n = 195; group I), the remaining 11% (n = 24; group II) showed urine extravasation. Groups I and II were comparable with respect to age, preoperative serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), tumor grade and pathological staging. Six months after surgery, there was no statistically significant (p > 0.05) difference between both groups regarding the degree of urinary incontinence and the presence of anastomotic strictures. Conclusions: The presence of urine extravasation 18 days after radical retropubic prostatectomy has no impact on postoperative urinary incontinence and the incidence of anastomotic strictures. Based on these data it is not indicated to leave the catheter in situ beyond that point of time.

Anastomotic Stricture after Radical Prostatectomy

Objectives: Stricture of the vesico-urethral anastomosis is a well-known complication after radical prostatectomy. Dilatation, stricture incision or resection have been proposed for endoscopic treatment. Methods: In a retrospective study of 340 patients with prostatic cancer who underwent a radical retropubic prostatectomy from 1988 until 1996, we looked at the incidence of anastomotic strictures. Results: An anastomotic stricture was found in 24 cases (7%) requiring endoscopic treatment. Based on prospective X-ray studies, we were able to show that the site of stricture is located below the bladder neck musculature in most cases well above the distal urethral sphincter and pelvic floor. No continence problems were encountered following stricture resection in a follow-up of 12–72 months determined by a questionnaire and pad test. Conclusion: The transurethral resection of anastomotic stricture allows for a rather generous tissue resection, which is preferable to incision or dilatation in our hands.

Update on Bladder Neck Preservation During Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy: Impact on Pathologic Outcome, Anastomotic Strictures, and Continence

Objectives. To preserve the bladder neck during radical prostatectomy in an attempt to maintain continence and decrease the incidence of anastomotic stricture without compromising the removal of cancer. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 365 consecutive radical prostatectomies performed from December 1991 through January 1997 was carried out. The records were reviewed in regard to the pathology of the prostate. In addition, the incidence of anastomotic strictures was determined. Urinary function and continence was evaluated in 195 patients by a quality of life questionnaire. Results. (1) Pathology: positive margins were found in 119 patients (32%). The bladder neck margin was positive in 27 (7%), but the bladder neck was the only positive margin in only 2 patients (0.5%). The mean Gleason score for patients with negative margins was 6.4, for those with positive margins 7.2, and for all those with bladder neck margin positive 7.7. The mean Gleason score for the 2 patients with a solitary positive margin at the bladder neck was 9.0. Of patients with a Gleason score less than 7, 81% had a negative margin, 19% had a positive margin, and 1% had tumor at the bladder neck. Of patients with a Gleason score 7 or more, 58% had a negative margin, 42% had a positive margin, and 11% had a positive bladder neck. Patients with a prostate-specific antigen value of less than 10 ng/mL were more likely to have a favorable pathology. (2) Anastomotic stricture: an anastomotic stricture occurred in 5 patients (1%). Three had a previous transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and therefore bladder neck preservation was not possible. (3) Urinary function: 88% of all responders did not wear pads 6 months or more after surgery. Seventy percent of patients did not wear pads less than 6 months after surgery. Ninety percent of patients believed that urinary function did not limit social, physical, or occupational activities. Conclusions. We believe that bladder neck preservation during radical prostatectomy does not compromise surgical margins. The incidence of anastomotic strictures is less than 1% in patients who have not had a previous TURP. The quality of life questionnaire indicates a high level of continence that may be related in part to preservation of the bladder neck.

The use of staplers for anterior anastomoses.

AbstractThe EEA stapler is a convenient, well‐designed, and reliable instrument. It will anastomose the bowel with reliability and speed at least equivalent to hand‐sewn techniques, and probably offers a technical advantage in performing very low rectal anastomoses. Unfortunately, intraoperative misadventures are greater with this device than with hand‐sewn techniques, and its use would seem best restricted to those situations in which it has its greatest advantage. Postoperative complications are not increased by its use, but the long‐term incidence of anastomotic stricture and possibly increased rate of local recurrence need to be clarified.