Integrity Of Anastomosis Research Articles

600. DETECTION OF ANASTOMOTIC LEAK THROUGH THE VALUE OF DRAIN FLUID AMYLASE

Abstract Background Anastomotic leak in cervical anastomosis after esophagectomy has consistently been a serious problem. Esophagram has long been utilized to make sure the integrity of anastomosis before starting oral diet. However, the diagnostic accuracy is limited. Drin fluid amylase collected from the cervical anastomotic site is another useful method for its conveniency in specimen collection and the numerical value. But the clinical interpretation varied. The aim of the study was to share the experience in our facility regarding the diagnostic value of esophagram and drain fluid amylase exam. Methods A total of 116 patients with esophageal cancer were reviewed. All patients received open or minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis, with or without a neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. For the prediction of leak, esophagram and drain fluid amylase were utilized. Esophagram was arranged on the 7th post operative day. And drain fluid amylase was collected twice on the 3rd and the 7th post operative day. We assumed that presence of an elevating trend of the drain fluid amylase level, and the amylase level on the 7th post operative day being more than 80 IU/L, would suggest an anastomotic leak. Results For the entire cohort, the leakage rate was 18.9% (22/116). 67 patients and 48 patients received esophagram exam and drain fluid amylase testing, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for esophagram were 28.6% and 95%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 40% and 91.9%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 88.1%. The diagnostic value of testing drain fluid amylase by using our criteria yielded a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 95%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 95%, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was 91.7%. Conclusion Comparing with esophagram, testing the drain fluid amylase provided an easier and more accurate way to predict the possible anastomotic leak. The criteria for prediction of leak by using drain fluid amylase were presence of an elevating trend (amylase on POD7 / POD3 >1) and the amylase level on the 7th post operative day being more than 80 IU/L.

Fibrin glue and coats compromise the integrity of colonic anastomosis: an experimental trial on rats.

Anastomotic leak remains a dreaded complication in colorectal surgery. Identifying optimal techniques that minimize its incidence is an active area of investigation. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of commonly used hemostatic products on the integrity of colonic anastomoses. Male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups. In the control group (A), the anastomosis was performed using the standard hand-sewn technique in the ascending colon. In group B the hand-sewn technique was reinforced with a collagen-fibrinogen patch, in group C with fibrin glue, and in group D with a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated oxidized cellulose patch. On the 7th postoperative day, anastomotic bursting pressure measurements were obtained. A specimen surrounding the anastomosis was retrieved for histopathologic evaluation. Of the 19 rats, 17 survived and 15 were included in the analysis (5 in each of groups A, B and C). Testing in group D was discontinued following adverse events in the preliminary experiments. The mean bursting pressure of the anastomosis was significantly higher in the control group (A: 221±19.41 mmHg, B: 151±14.42 mmHg, and C: 112±13.57 mmHg; P=0.001). Anastomotic healing parameters were not different between groups. Although experimental data support the use of sealants in defective anastomoses, in this study the reinforcement of colonic anastomosis with fibrin or oxidized cellulose-PEG sealants did not improve either bursting pressure values or anastomotic healing. More data from robust anastomoses of animals and humans are needed before sealing becomes common clinical practice in colorectal surgery.

Advances in robotic lung transplantation: development and validation of a new surgical technique in animal models.

The objective of this study was to describe a novel minimally invasive robotic video-assisted approach for lung transplantation, utilizing a minimally invasive technique with a subxiphoid incision, in an animal experimentation model. Two left robotic-assisted single lung transplants were performed in sheep using a robotic surgical system. A subxiphoid incision was made, and robotic ports were inserted into the thoracic cavity for dissection and anastomoses of the bronchus, artery, and pulmonary veins. The integrity of anastomoses was evaluated, and procedural details were recorded. Both animals survived the procedure, with a mean duration of 255 min and a mean console time of 201 min. Anastomoses were performed without complications, and the closed-chest approach with a subxiphoid incision proved successful in preventing gas leakage. The novel approach demonstrated improved exposure and workflow compared to existing techniques. The minimally invasive robotic video-assisted approach for lung transplantation utilizing a closed-chest technique with a subxiphoid incision appears safe and feasible in an animal experimentation model. Further studies in the clinical setting are warranted to establish its feasibility and safety in human lung transplantation. This approach has the potential to offer benefits over the traditional Clamshell incision in lung transplantation procedures.

Using video-based assessment (VBA) to document fellow improvement in safely completing the jejunojejunostomy portion of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery.

Surgical assessment instruments are used for formative and summative trainee evaluations. To characterize the features of existing instruments and a novel 12-item objective, procedure-specific assessment tool for Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB-OPSA), we evaluated the progress of a single surgical fellow over 17 consecutive surgeries. Seventeen consecutive RYGB videos completed between 8/2021 and 1/2022 by an academic hospital surgical fellow were de-identified and assessed by four board-certified bariatric surgeons using Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills (GOALS), General Assessment of Surgical Skill (GASS), and RYGB-OPSA which includes the reflection of transverse colon, identification of ligament of Treitz, biliopancreatic and Roux limbs orientation, jejunal division point selection, stapler use, mesentery division, bleeding control, jejunojejunostomy (JJ) anastomotic site selection, apposition of JJ anastomotic site, JJ creation, common enterotomy closure of JJ, and integrity of anastomosis. The GASS measured economy of motion, tissue handling, appreciating operative anatomy, bimanual dexterity, and achievement of hemostasis. RYGB-OPSA and GASS items were scored "poor-unsafe," "acceptable-safe," or "good-safe." Change in performance was measured by linear trendline slope. Over the course of 17 procedures, significant improvement was demonstrated by three GOALS items, GOALS overall score, GASS bimanual dexterity, and three RYGB-OPSA tasks: JJ creation, jejunal division point selection, and stapler use. Achievement of hemostasis declined but never rated "poor-unsafe." Overall RYGB-OPSA and GOALS trendlines documented significant increase across the 17 procedures. This examination of a bariatric surgery fellow's operative training experience as measured by three surgical assessment instruments demonstrated anticipated improvements in general skills and safe completion of procedure-specific tasks. Effective surgical assessment instruments have enough sensitivity to show improvement to enable meaningful trainee feedback (low-stakes assessments) as well as the ability to determine safe surgical practice to enable promotion to greater autonomous practice.

Techniques for Diagnosing Anastomotic Leaks Intraoperatively in Colorectal Surgeries: A Review.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common surgically curable malignancies worldwide, having a good prognosis even with liver metastasis. This improved patient outcome is marred by anastomotic leaks (AL) in operated patients of colorectal cancer despite a microscopically margin-negative resection (R0). Various risk factors have been attributed to causing this. Preoperative non-modifiable factors are age, male sex, cancer cachexia, and neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, and modifiable factors are comorbidities, peripheral vascular disease, anemia, and malnutrition. Intraoperative risk factors include intraoperative surgical duration, blood loss and transfusions, fluid management, oxygen saturation, surgical technique (stapled, handsewn, or compression devices), and approach (open, laparoscopic, or robotic). Postoperative factors like anemia, infection, fluid management, and blood transfusions also have an effect. With the advent of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols, many modifiable factors can be optimized to reduce the risk. Prevention is better than cure as the morbidity and mortality of AL are very high. There is still a need for an intraoperative technique to detect the viability of anastomotic ends to predict and prevent AL. Prompt diagnosis of an AL is the key. Many surgeons have proposed using methods like air leak tests, intraoperative endoscopy, Doppler ultrasound, and near-infrared fluorescence imagingto decrease the incidence of AL. All these methods can minimize AL, resulting in significant intraoperative alterations to surgical tactics. This narrative review covers the methods of assessing of integrity of anastomosis during the surgery, which can help prevent anastomotic leakage.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ МЕТОДА ИНТРАОПЕРАЦИОННОЙ ОЦЕНКИ ГЕРМЕТИЧНОСТИ КИШЕЧНОГО АНАСТОМОЗА В ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТЕ НА ЖИВОТНОЙ МОДЕЛИ

Studies of on intestinal anastomoses have been carried out for many years, both clinical and experimental. However, it is quite difficult to correlate experimental studies with clinical ones since the criteria assessed are often different, and the conclusions made in experimental studies are not always relevant in clinical practice. In addition, a low-traumatic method for intraoperative assessment of the dehiscence of the intestinal anastomosis that has precise numerical criteria has not yet been developed. In this connection, the search for such a method is a highly topical direction. The aim of this research is to develop and study a method of intraoperative assessment of the intestinal anastomosis integrity on an animal model. The study was performed on the cecum of a brush rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani) in vivo. 52 anastomoses were performed. The integrity assessment was made using the hydrotest method accor¬ding to the author's technique (patent for invention No. 2785493). The essence of the technique is to insert directly through the suture line a Foley catheter connected to a system generating a hydrostatic pressure of 50 mm Hg. If significant leakage was detected, the defect was sutured using interrupted method. On the seventh day after the primary surgery, a diagnostic relaparotomy was performed to assess postoperative complications. The study determined that the method of intraoperative integrity assessment makes it possible to detect anastomotic defects and prevent anastomotic leakage.

Current practice on the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy in Italy: the Abdominal Drain in Gastrectomy (ADiGe) survey

Evidence against the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy are increasing and ERAS guidelines suggest the benefit of drain avoidance. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this practice is still widespread. We conducted a survey among Italian surgeons through the Italian Gastric Cancer Research Group and the Polispecialistic Society of Young Surgeons, aiming to understand the current use of prophylactic drain. A 28-item questionnaire-based survey was developed to analyze the current practice and the individual opinion about the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy. Groups based on age, experience and unit volume were separately analyzed. Response of 104 surgeons from 73 surgical units were collected. A standardized ERAS protocol for gastrectomy was applied by 42% of the respondents. Most of the surgeons, regardless of age, experience, or unit volume, declared to routinely place one or more drain after gastrectomy. Only 2 (1.9%) and 7 surgeons (6.7%) belonging to high volume units, do not routinely place drains after total and subtotal gastrectomy, respectively. More than 60% of the participants remove the drain on postoperative day 4–6 after performing an assessment of the anastomosis integrity. Interestingly, less than half of the surgeons believe that drain is the main tool for leak management, and this percentage further drops among younger surgeons. On the other hand, drain’s role seems to be more defined for duodenal stump leak treatment, with almost 50% of the surgeons recognizing its importance. Routine use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy is still a widespread practice even if younger surgeons are more persuaded that it could not be advantageous.

How to examine anastomotic integrity intraoperatively in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy? Methylene blue testing prevents technical defect-related anastomotic leaks.

BACKGROUNDIntraoperative methylene blue testing (IMBT), air leak testing, or endoscopy is used to assess the anastomotic integrity of esophagojejunostomy during open total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has been widely used to treat gastric cancer in the last few decades. However, reports on testing anastomotic integrity in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy are limited.AIMTo explore the effects of IMBT on the incidence of postoperative anastomotic leaks (PALs) and identify the risk factors for PALs in totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy.METHODSFrom January 2017 to December 2019, patients who underwent totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy at the Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether or not they experienced an IMBT, the patients were divided into an IMBT group and a control group. If the IMBT was positive, an intraoperative suture was required to reinforce the anastomosis. The difference in the incidence of PALs was compared, and the risk factors were investigated. RESULTSThis study consisted of 513 patients, 211 in the IMBT group and 302 in the control group. Positive IMBT was shown in seven patients (3.3%) in the IMBT group, and no PAL occurred in these patients after suture reinforcement. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for predicting positive IMBT were body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 8.357, P = 0.009), operation time > 4 h (HR = 55.881, P = 0.002), and insufficient surgical experience (HR = 15.286, P = 0.010). Moreover, 15 patients (2.9%) developed PALs in 513 patients, and the rates of PALs were significantly lower in the IMBT group than in the control group [2 of 211 patients (0.9%) vs 13 of 302 patients (4.3%), P = 0.0026]. Further analysis demonstrated that preoperative complications (HR = 13.128, P = 0.017), totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy (HR = 9.075, P = 0.043), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 7.150, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors for PALs.CONCLUSIONIMBT is an effective method to evaluate the integrity of anastomosis during totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, thus preventing technical defect-related anastomotic leaks. Preoperative complications, totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy are independent risk factors for PALs.

33: A SNAPSHOT OF THE CURRENT PRACTICE ON THE USE OF PROPHYLACTIC DRAIN AFTER GASTRECTOMY IN ITALY: THE ABDOMINAL DRAIN IN GASTRECTOMY (ADIGE) SURVEY

Abstract Background and aim Evidence against the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy are increasing. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether this practice is still widespread. We conducted a survey among Italian surgeons through the Italian Gastric Cancer Study Group and the Polispecialistic Society of Young Surgeons, aiming to understand the current use of prophylactic drain. Methods A 23-item questionnaire-based survey was developed to analyze the current practice and the individual opinion about the use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy. Groups based on age, experience and unit volume were separately analyzed. Results Response of 104 surgeons from 73 surgical units were collected. A standardized ERAS protocol for gastrectomy was applied by 42% of the interviewed surgeons. The large majority of the surgeons, regardless of age, experience or unit volume, declared to routinely place one or more drain after gastrectomy. Only 2 (1.9%) and 7 surgeons (6.7%) belonging to high volume units, do not routinely place drains after total and subtotal gastrectomy, respectively. More than 60% of the interviewed remove the drain on postoperative day 4–6 after performing an assessment of the anastomosis integrity. Interestingly, less than half of the surgeons believe that drain is the main tool for leak management, and this percentage further drops among younger surgeons. On the other hand, drain’s role seems to be more defined for duodenal stump leak treatment, with almost 50% of the surgeons recognizing its importance. Conclusion Routine use of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy is still a widespread practice even if younger surgeons are more persuaded that it could not be advantageous. New and stronger evidence are needed to define the role of prophylactic drain after gastrectomy.

Safety and feasibility of intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type Ⅱ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of intrathoracic modified overlap method in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: A descriptive case series study was conducted. The clinical data of 27 patients with Siewert type II AEG who underwent transthoracic single-port assisted laparoscopic total gastrectomy and intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from May 2017 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy was performed as follows: (1) The Roux-en-Y loop was made; (2) The jejunum side was prepared extraperitoneal for overlap anastomosis; (3) The esophagus side was prepared intraperitoneal for overlap anastomosis; (4) The overlap esophagojejunostomy was performed; (5) The common outlet was closed after confirmation of anastomosis integrity without bleeding; (6) A thoracic drainage tube was inserted into the thoracic hole with the diaphragm incision closed. The intraoperative and postoperative results were reviewed. Results: All 27 patients were successfully operated, without mortality or conversion to laparotomy. The operative time, digestive tract reconstruction time and esophageal-jejunal anastomosis time were (327.5±102.0) minute, 50 (28-62) minute and (29.0±7.4) minute, respectively. The blood loss was 100 (20-150) ml. The postoperative time to flatus and postoperative hospital stay were (4.7±3.7) days and 9(6-73) days, respectively. Three patients (11.1%) developed postoperative grade III complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, including 1 case of anastomotic fistula with empyema, 1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of pancreatic fistula, all of whom were cured by puncture drainage and anti-infective therapy. Conclusions: The intrathoracic modified overlap esophagojejunostomy is safe and feasible in laparoscopic radical resection of Siewert type II AEG.

Feasibility and Safety of Amniotic Membrane Implantation in High-Risk Pancreatic Anastomosis: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Due to its unique biological properties, amniotic membrane (AM) implantation is effective in tissue regeneration and fluid leakage prevention. Accordingly, AM may preserve the integrity of pancreatic anastomoses.

Impact of intraoperative colonoscopy on anastomotic leakage detection and prevention in colorectal anastomosis for rectal cancer

Introduction and aimThe value of leakage testing during colorectal resections to identify anastomotic leaks or bleeding has not been established. Our aim was to compare the impact of intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) versus insufflation with a syringe, as leakage testing in lower anterior resection (LAR) for rectal cancer, with respect to the incidence of postoperative leakage (PL). Materials and methodsA retrospective study utilizing a prospective database of 426 patients with rectal cancer that underwent elective LAR, within the time frame of January 2015 and December 2019, was conducted. The anastomotic leak test was chosen by the surgeon. The incidence of postoperative leakage was compared between patients that underwent IOC and those that had the syringe leak test, utilizing the logistic regression analysis. Propensity score matching was included. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics or morbidity and mortality rates between the two groups. Four patients were excluded, leaving a patient total of 422. Seventy patients with IOC were compared with 352 that had the syringe leak test. The incidence of postoperative leakage was 5.7% in the IOC group and 12.2% in the control group (p = 0.001). After propensity score matching (n = 221), balancing the characteristics between the groups, the incidence of postoperative leakage was 5.7% in the IOC group and 13.9% in the syringe leak test group (p = 0.001). ConclusionIOC was shown to be a safe method for evaluating the integrity of colorectal anastomosis and was associated with a higher percentage of protective stoma use, appearing to reduce the risk for PL.

Impact of Gentamicin-Impregnated Collagen on the Intra-Abdominal Adhesions and Integrity of Colonic Anastomosis: An Experimental Study.

BackgroundWe investigated the impact of collagen usage in colo-colonic anastomoses on intra-abdominal adhesion and anastomosis safety.Material/MethodsA total of 30 adult albino Wistar rats (aged 6–8 months) weighing 180–230 g in the laboratory setting were used in this study. Rats were divided into the 3 groups, consisting of 10 rats in each group: treated with gentamicin-impregnated collagen, treated with only collagen, and the control group. After 7 days, rats were sacrificed to evaluate adhesion scores and anastomosis bursting pressures. The Evans scoring system was used to rate adhesion levels. Bursting pressures were measured using a handheld tension device, and the scores obtained at the moment of tissue dissection were determined as the bursting pressure.ResultsThe mean adhesion scores were 2.86±0.37 in the control group, 1.80±0.91 in the collagen group, and 1.78±0.83 in the gentamicin-impregnated collagen group, with the control group showing significantly higher scores than the other groups (p=0.010 and p=0.011, respectively). The mean bursting pressure levels were 174.29±44.68 mmHg in the control group, 223±38.6 mmHg in collagen group, and 223.33±42 mmHg in the gentamicin-impregnated collagen group, showing that the mean bursting pressure levels were significantly lower in the control group than the other groups (p=0.027 and p=0.029, respectively).ConclusionsThis study suggests that colo-colonic anastomosis coverage using materials incorporating collagen alone or gentamicin-impregnated collagen increases the safety of anastomosis and reduces intra-abdominal adhesions.

Does powered stapler improve the mechanical integrity of gastrojejunal anastomosis compared to the current techniques? Experimental study in ex vivo porcine models.

Background:Numerous techniques have been described for fashioning gastrojejunostomy (GJ) in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. These include hand-sewn anastomosis (HSA) and mechanical anastomosis; the latter includes circular stapled anastomosis (CSA) or manual linear stapled anastomosis (mLSA). More recently, this list also includes powered linear stapled anastomosis (pLSA). The aim of this study was to analyse if addition of power to stapling would improve the integrity of GJ anastomosis in ex vivo porcine models.Subjects and Methods:The present study included five groups – mLSA1, mLSA2, HSA, CSA, and pLSA. Sequential infusions of methylene blue-coloured saline were performed into the GJ models. Pressure readings were recorded till the point of leak denoting burst pressure (BP). Total volume (TV) and site of leak were recorded. Compliance was calculated from the equation ΔTV/ΔBP.Results:Differences in pouch and intestinal thickness were not statistically significant between the models. BPs were higher in the mechanical anastomosis groups, i.e., pLSA 21 ± 9.85 mmHg, CSA 20.33 ± 5.78 mmHg, mLSA1 18 ± 4.69 mmHg and mLSA2 11 ± 2.94 mmHg, when compared to HSA 9.67 ± 3.79 mm Hg, which was found to be statistically significant (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.03). Overall, the highest BP was recorded for powered stapling followed by circular, and then, linear stapling; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.86). There was no statistically significant difference among groups with regard to compliance (Kruskal–Wallis test, P = 0.082).Conclusion:Despite the limited number of samples, mechanical anastomosis showed a statistically higher BP when compared to HSA, suggesting better anastomotic integrity. The pLSA group showed promising results with the highest BP recorded among all groups; however, this did not reach statistical significance.

The anti-adhesive effect of anti-VEGF agents in experimental models: A systematic review.

Adhesions constitute a major problem in abdominal-pelvic and thoracic surgery with significant impact in the postoperative quality of life and healthcare services utilization. Adhesiogenesis is the result of increased fibrin formation, impaired fibrinolysis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. Despite the recent advancements, the ideal anti-adhesive agent remains to be determined. To this end, we performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases to identify studies investigating the antiadhesive role of anti-VEGF agents in peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial experimental adhesion models. Fifteen studies were eligible for inclusion with a total population of 602 animals (334 rats, 180 rabbits, and 88 mice). The majority of included studies (11/15) used bevacizumab, while three studies used other anti-VEGF antibodies and one study used an anti-VEGFR-antibody. A rat model was used in nine studies, while rabbit (n = 3) or mouse (n = 3) models were used less frequently. Eleven studies used peritoneal models, three studies used pleural models, and one study used a pericardial model. The scales (n = 12) and interval (Range: 1-42 days) used for the evaluation of adhesions varied between the studies. All studies demonstrated a significant decrease in adhesion scores between the anti-VEGF and control groups up to 42 days postprocedure. VEGF blockade resulted in decreased fibrosis in four out of five studies that used peritoneal models, while the effect on pleural models depended on the pleurodesis agent and was significant between 7 and 28 days. The effect of anti-VEGF agents on anastomosis integrity depends on the dose and the model that is used (inconclusive results).Current data support the anti-adhesive role of Anti-VEGF agents in all three serosal surfaces up to 6 weeks postprocedure. Further studies are needed to confirm the anti-adhesive role of anti-VEGF agents in pleural and pericardial adhesion experimental models and investigate any effect on anastomosis integrity in peritoneal models.

Investigations and time trends in loop ileostomy reversals following anterior resections: a single Australian institution seven‐years' experience

Currently no consensus exists regarding what pre-reversal investigations are required to assess integrity of the rectal anastomosis. The objective of this study was to compare pre-reversal assessments of anastomotic integrity and to evaluate trends that might have influenced timings for reversal. From a prospectively maintained database, patients with colorectal cancer resections between March 2012 and October 2019 were identified. Patient characteristics, pre-reversal contrast enema and flexible sigmoidoscopy findings were recorded, and management of complications were recorded. Time-to-ileostomy reversal and time series for trends were analysed. There were 154 patients included. Pre-reversal contrast enema or sigmoidoscopy detected a possible stricture or leak at the rectal anastomotic site in 11% (15/132) and 15% (18/112), respectively. When both modalities were used there was concordance of 86.1% and a positive likelihood ratio of 5.73. Of 125 (81.2%) ileostomies reversed, the median time-to-reversal was 11.99 months; time series analysis over the 7-year period showed no significant trend for average patient-days from booking to reversal (P=0.60). Cox regression modelling did not identify any influential risk factors for the times taken to reversal. This study supports the use of both contrast enema and flexible sigmoidoscopy in the assessment of rectal anastomosis integrity. Most patients with complications can have their ileostomies reversed. Patients who have adjuvant chemotherapy have a prolonged time to reversal.

Intraoperative testing of colorectal anastomosis and the incidence of anastomotic leak: A meta-analysis.

Background:AL remains one of the most threatening complications in colorectal surgery. Significant efforts are put to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of leakage and to create the strategies to prevent it. We aimed to determine whether intraoperative testing of mechanical integrity and perfusion of colorectal anastomosis could reduce the incidence of AL.Methods:A systematic review and meta-analysis of papers published before November 2019 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases and comparing intraoperative testing of the colorectal anastomosis with standard care were conducted. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used to assess the association between intraoperative testing and AL.Results:A total of 23 studies totaling 7115 patients were included. Pooled analysis revealed intraoperative tests, for integrity (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.34–0.82, P < .001) and perfusion (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22–0.752, P < .001) of the lower gastrointestinal tract anastomoses are associated with significantly lower AL rate.Conclusions:Intraoperative testing for either integrity or perfusion of anastomoses both reduce the AL rate. Studies looking at the combination of these two testing methods of anastomosis, especially intraoperative endoscopy, and indocyanine green fluorescence angiography may be very promising to further reduction of the AL.

Validity of a Novel Chicken and Porcine Model for Laparoscopic Neobladder Reconstruction.

Introduction: Simulation-based training in laparoscopic urology is essential, as these surgeries require a skill set different from routine urologic procedures. We aim to describe and validate the chicken and porcine intestine model for laparoscopic neobladder reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study was conducted at our institute. Twenty novice and 20 trained laparoscopic surgeons were included in the study. The relevant chicken anatomy and surgical steps were described to all the surgeons. The surgeons were asked to fill a nine-point questionnaire after completing the exercise comprising bowel organization, ability to do urethroneovesical anastomosis, suturing time, suturing similarity, quality of suturing, tissue feel, integrity of anastomosis, realism, and usefulness of model after finishing the procedure, and score it on a scale of 1-5. Time taken to perform the entire exercise was noted in addition. An independent expert observer retrospectively rated the urethroneovesical anastomosis on a scale of 1-5. Results: All the participants in the study gave a mean score of 3.5 or more to all the questions asked in the questionnaire. Both the groups rated the usefulness of the model highly with a mean score of 4.6 and 4.45, respectively. The mean score of the questionnaire was 35.9 and 36, respectively, for both the groups. The quality of urethroneovesical anastomosis as observed by an expert was better in the expert group (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The chicken and porcine model for laparoscopic neobladder reconstruction is a useful and effective training tool. This model has face, content, and construct validity to be used as a teaching and training tool in laparoscopic urology.

Pathogenesis of failure in the anastomosis integrity and a prophylactic program in surgical treatment of the colon diseases.

Objective. To establish the impact of intraintestinal pressure on the intestinal anastomosis integrity and to propose a prophylactic measures of its insufficiency in surgical treatment of the colon diseases.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Intraintestinal pressure was measured in 30 patients, using Waldman method during 72 h postoperatively - before and after the transanal lavage (every 4 h). Primary operation - resection of sigmoid colon with formation of a one-barrel colostomy. The restoration intervention was performed in 3 mo with formation of a large-bowel anastomosis in accordance to the method elaborated (n=17), hand-made two-layered large-bowel anastomosis (n=3), and the apparatus large-bowel anastomosis (n=10).&#x0D; Results. There was noted the intraintestinal pressure raising during first 24 - 36 h up to (5.3 ± 0.1) mm Hg with its further lowering during 12 - 20 h down to (2.1 ± 0.3) mm Hg. In 20 min after the transanal drain lavage the intraintestinal pressure have lowered by (3.0 ± 1.3) mm Hg, and in 3 - 5 h - gradually raised. While application of a hand-made two-layered large-bowel anastomosis its insufficiency was observed (n=1) and anastomositis (n=1); and in the apparatus large-bowel anastomosis formation - anastomositis (n=1). While disorder of the intestinal suture healing the intraintestinal pressure have raised in 16 - 60 h up to (11.4 ± 0.2) mm Hg with peak at (16.3 - 17.1) mm Hg, which persisted 12 -18 h. Prophylactic measures were directed towards lowering of intraintestinal pressure and elimination of unfavorable local and general factors.&#x0D; Conclusion. While persisting noncorrected, the intraintestinal pressure in the 16.3 - 17.1 mm Hg borders during 12 - 18 h leads to complicated course of postoperative period. Direct and nondirect methods of decompression of the interintestinal anastomoses constitutes a basic prophylactic principle for it.

Delayed Bowel Perforation after Routine Distal Loopogram Prior to Ileostomy Closure.

Ultra-low anterior resection for low rectal cancer is usually done with a covering ileostomy as a safety measure to reduce the consequences of distal anastomotic failure. In many centres, distal loopogram is performed routinely, prior to the closure of the loop ileostomy, to assess the integrity of anastomosis. Distal loopogram is generally considered a safe procedure with very low complication rates, especially when water-soluble contrast is used. We report two cases of delayed bowel perforation which led to severe sepsis and generalized peritonitis after distal loopogram prior to ileostomy closure. Our cases highlight the potential dangers of distal loopogram. Therefore, the routine usage of this procedure should be scrutinized and the patient needs to be properly counselled prior to the procedure.