Intestinal Surgery Research Articles

Clinical application of reconstruction of pelvic floor with pedunculated omentum flap combined with basement membrane biological products in pelvic exenteration with sacrococcygeal bone

Objective: To introduce the experience of reconstructing the pelvic floor with a pedicled large omental flap combined with a basement membrane biological mesh in combined pelvic organ resection for locally advanced or locally recurrent rectal cancer combined with sacrococcygeal resection, and to discuss the feasibility, safety, and near-term therapeutic efficacy of this technique. Methods: For patients with sacrococcygeal resection of combined pelvic organs, a basement membrane mesh was used to rebuild the pelvic floor with a pedicled greater omentum flap to isolate the abdominopelvic cavity. The main operation was to pull the greater omentum, which preserved the double vascular arches, to the pelvic floor to cover the pelvic floor, and then the mesh was used to cover the posterior peritoneal defect and pelvic inlet with absorbable sutures of 2-0 or thicker. Results: In this study, a retrospective cohort study was used to collect clinical data through the China Rectal Cancer Combined Pelvic Organs Resections Case Database. Twenty patients with locally advanced or locally recurrent rectal cancer without extra-pelvic metastasis or only oligometastases underwent combined pelvic organ and sacrococcygeal resection in the Department of Anal and Intestinal Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of the Naval Military Medical University during the period of July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and 10 patients underwent simple basement membrane resection with a simple basement membrane. Among them, the pelvic floor were reconstructed by basement membrane mesh alone in 10 cases (mesh only group), and 10 cases were reconstructed the pelvic floor by pedicled large omental flap combined with basement membrane mesh (omental flap-combined mesh group). The recent outcomes of the two groups of patients were studied comparatively. Comparison of baseline data and intraoperative conditions between the two groups showed no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05); the drain removal time in the omental flap-combined mesh group was 26.7 (19-42) days, which was shorter than that in the mesh only group, which was 40.4 (24-56) days (U=4.125, P=0.001); The empty pelvis healing time in the omental flap-combined mesh group was 29.4 (23~43) days, which was shorter than that of 42.2 (27~58) days in the mesh-only group (U=4.043, P=0.001); the differences were all statistically significant. The postoperative complication rate of grade ≥III in the omental flap-combined mesh group was 1/10, which was lower than that of 6/10 in the mesh-only group; the difference was not statistically significant when comparing the two groups (P = 0.057). Follow-up ended on 09/30/2023, with a median follow-up of 9.5 (3-15) months in 20 patients, and all 20 cases survived during the follow-up period, with no tumor recurrence at the surgical site. Conclusion: In locally advanced or locally recurrent rectal cancer undergoing combined pelvic organ resection with sacrococcygeal, compared with reconstruction of the pelvic floor by basement membrane mesh alone, reconstruction of the pelvic floor and isolation of the abdominopelvic cavity by a pedicled greater omentum flap combined with a basement membrane mesh is safe and feasible.

Longitudinal analysis of urinary I-FABP in extremely preterm infants that develop necrotizing enterocolitis.

Intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) is an intestinal epithelial protein detectable in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The longitudinal behavior of I-FABP following NEC or its association with gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes is unknown. In this secondary analysis of the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial, we compared infants with and without NEC. Urine I-FABP concentrations in matched infants (n = 70) were measured serially using ELISA and compared using paired analysis. In infants with NEC, the associations of I-FABP levels with short-term outcomes and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22-26 months corrected age were determined using non-parametric analysis. Infants with NEC were more likely to have cholestasis, death or severe neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, and lower Bayley-III motor scores. Baseline urinary I-FABP levels were similar between groups. When compared to controls, infants with NEC had urinary I-FABP concentrations that were higher at diagnosis (median 11 vs 2.6 ng/ml, p = 0.006) and lower post-NEC (median 1 vs 5 ng/ml, p = 0.002). Diagnosis I-FABP levels were not associated with gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22-26 months corrected age. In extremely preterm infants, urinary I-FABP was elevated at NEC diagnosis and lower post-NEC compared to matched controls. I-FABP levels were not associated with adverse gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Urinary intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels are increased at diagnosis of NEC and fall to below baseline after NEC in extremely preterm infants. Urine I-FABP levels at NEC diagnosis are not associated with cholestasis, intestinal stricture or obstruction, need for additional intestinal surgery after NEC, or neurodevelopmental outcomes at 22-26 months corrected age. Urine I-FABP levels may be useful in the diagnosis of NEC. Diagnostic I-FABP levels do not predict short-term gastrointestinal or neurodevelopmental outcomes after NEC.

Bariatric and endo-bariatric interventions for diabetes: What is the current evidence?

Bariatric interventions have shown the best therapeutic benefits in individuals with obesity. They can be classified into surgical procedures (bariatric/metabolic surgery) and endoscopic procedures. Common surgical procedures include sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, bilio-pancreatic diversion with or without duodenal switch and Stomach Intestinal Pylorus Sparing Surgery. Endoscopic procedures include intragastric balloons, transpyloric shuttle, endoscopic gastroplasties, aspiration therapy, duodenal mucosal resurfacing, duodeno-jejunal bypass liner, gastro-duodeno-jejunal bypass and incisionless magnetic anastomosis system among others. However, these procedures are limited by lack of wide availability, high costs, immediate and long-term complications and poor acceptability in some regions. Weight re-gain is a common concern and revisional metabolic surgery is often required. Appropriate pre-operative evaluation and correction of nutritional deficiencies post-surgery are very important. The most appropriate procedure for a person would depend on multiple factors like the intended magnitude of weight-loss, comorbidities and surgical fitness, as well as choice of the patient. Recently, glucagon-like insulinotropic peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP) and the GLP-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide co-agonist-Tirzepatide have shown remarkable weight loss potential, which is at par with bariatric interventions in some patients. How far these can help in avoiding invasive bariatric procedures in near future remains to be explored. An updated and comprehensive clinical review by He et al in the recent issue of World Journal of Diabetes address has addressed the avenues and challenges of currently available bariatric surgeries which will enable clinicians to make better decisions in their practice, including their applicability in special populations like the elderly and pediatric age groups, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and non-diabetics.

Ileal Predominance in Crohn’s Disease Is Associated with Increased Intestinal Surgery and Biological Therapy Use, with Lower Treatment Persistence

Background and aims: Crohn's disease (CD) varies by location, potentially affecting therapy efficacy and surgery risk, though research on this topic is conflicting. This study aims to investigate the independent association between CD location and therapeutic patterns. Methods: We analyzed patients with CD diagnosed from January 2005 to May 2023 registered in the nationwide ENEIDA registry. A univariate Cox regression analysis assessed the association of disease location with biologic use and persistence (with treatment discontinuation as a failure event), as well as the use of intestinal resections. A multivariate model was constructed to evaluate the independent association of disease location with therapeutic patterns, controlling for potential confounders such as sex, age at inclusion and diagnosis, disease duration and behavior, prior surgery or biological therapy, extraintestinal manifestations, and perianal disease. Results: The study included 17,292 patients with a median follow-up period of six years (IQR 2-10 years). Ileocolonic location was associated with a higher biologic use than colonic location (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.22-1.38) and ileal disease (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.16-1.27), independently predicting biologic use (p<0.001). Ileal location was associated with a lower biologic persistence than ileocolonic location (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.21) and colonic disease (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.20), independently predicting biologic persistence (p=0.019). Ileal disease was associated with a higher likelihood of intestinal resections than colonic (HR 2.82, 95% CI 2.45-3.25) and ileocolonic location (HR 1.13, 95% CI 1.05-1.22), independently predicting the use of surgery (p<0.001). Conclusions: CD location with ileal predominance is associated with a distinct therapeutic pattern, including higher biologic use, lower treatment persistence, and increased rates of intestinal resections.

OGC SO32 - Propensity score analysis of the impact of deprivation and the COVID-19 pandemic on Upper Gastro Intestinal (UGI) cancer surgery outcomes

Abstract Background Deprivation is a complex, multifaceted concept, not synonymous with poverty, but with the potential to widen health inequalities. This study aimed to explore demographic disparities in patients undergoing UGI cancer surgery in a UK regional cancer network during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method Consecutive 881 patients were studied prospectively (median age 67 (24 - 89) yr., 703 m, 178 f; 518 oesophageal, 363 gastric; 837 Adeno-, 44 SCC) over 13 years. The COVID-19 pandemic was defined as the 24-month period from February 1, 2020 to January 31, 2022, during which 118 patients were treated. The demographic profile of the pandemic cohort was compared with that of the 763 patients treated outside this period incorporating a propensity score analysis. Primary outcomes were operative morbidity, mortality, and one-year survival. Wales’ Index of Multiple Deprivation was used to assess deprivation disparity. Results A 24% reduction in the number of cancer operations was observed during the first pandemic year. No difference was observed in age, gender, histology, tumour site, ASA grade, or oncological treatment. During COVID-19 the proportion of patients from the two most deprived quartiles receiving potentially curative surgery fell from 53.2% to 40.7% (p=0.012). No difference was observed in severe morbidity (Clavien-Dindo >3, 22.2% vs. 19.8%, p=0.897), 30-day mortality (2.5% vs. 2.4%, p=0.886), or one-year survival (82.4% vs. 78.8%, p=0.374). Conclusion UGI cancer surgery safely continued during COVID-19, but patients from areas of high deprivation were over 20% less likely to access curative surgical treatment compared with before and after COVID-19. This emphasises the need for bespoke strategies to mitigate the disproportionate impact of any future pandemic on patients living in deprived geographical areas.

In Situ Forming Injectable Gelatin-Based Antibacterial Bioadhesives for Preventing Postoperative Leakage and Abdominal Adhesions.

Postoperative anastomotic leakage (AL) and abdominal adhesions are two major complications after intestinal surgery, with an incidence of 2-25% for AL and 93% for adhesion. Until now, there is no method addressing AL and abdominal adhesions simultaneously. In this work, Bi-PEG-succinimidyl succinate (PEG-NHS), amino-gelatin (Agel) is combined with cefoperazone-sulbactam (SCF) to prepare a multifunctional bioadhesive (SCF/SEAgel) for the postoperative leakage and adhesion prevention. SCF/SEAgel possesses a great sealing capability for tissue, with a bursting pressure of 54kPa. The loaded SCF endows the systems with good antibacterial properties. The in vivo antiadhesion experiments show that SCF/SEAgel possesses better anti-adhesion properties than the commercially used sodium hyaluronate gel. In the cecum leakage model, the SCF/SEAgel effectively seals the leakage with a survival rate of 100%, superior to commercial products (Sainaoning). Meanwhile, it significantly reduces tissue adhesion. Finally, the laparoscopic surgery with dogs shows that the SCF/SEAgel can be injected through minimally invasive surgery, demonstrating its ease of use. Combined with its great biocompatibility, SCF/SEAgel is very promising in intestinal surgery.

Predicting the risk of treatment-requiring retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants in Greece. External validation of DIGIROP prognostic models.

To assess the predictive performance of DIGIROP-v1.0 models in identifying treatment-requiring ROP among infants undergoing ROP screening at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Greece. Retrospective cohort analysis of 640 consecutive screened preterm infants with gestational age (GA) 240/7 to 306/7 weeks and known ROP outcome in the 2nd Neonatology Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (2009-2021). The primary outcome was the development of type 1 ROP according to the Early Treatment of ROP criteria or treatment based on the ophthalmologist's judgement. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) and calibration plots for the DIGIROP-v1.0 models were displayed. The DIGIROP-Birth-v1.0 model correctly identified 35/43 treated infants (sensitivity 81.4% [95% CI, 66.6%-91.6%], specificity 61.5% [95% CI, 57.4%-65.4%], AUC 0.82 [95% CI, 0.75-0.90]). During the postnatal weeks 6-14 the sensitivity of the DIGIROP-Screen-v1.0 model ranged from 82.6% to 100%. Eleven infants, all with severe comorbidities, that is, congenital malformation(s), syndrome(s), hydrocephalus or history of intestinal surgery, that were treated, were missed by the model, but met criteria for screening according to DIGIROP-v1.0 models' recommendations, and to our unit's routine standards. The DIGIROP-v1.0 models resulted in lower sensitivity and higher specificity in this Greek cohort compared with the Swedish development group. Despite higher GA and BW, infants in our cohort had higher incidence of treated ROP than in Sweden, resulting in an under-estimation of their risk for treatment-requiring ROP. Further validation of the DIGIROP-v2.0 models and potential adjusting are recommended to maximize generalizability in populations with different characteristics.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in the conservative management of complete small intestinal obstruction post-gastric cancer surgery: A case report

In this case report, we describe the successful treatment of a patient with complete small bowel obstruction following gastric cancer surgery, employing an integrated approach of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Initial treatment consisted of conventional biomedical interventions, including intestinal obstruction catheterization, but after 16 days without improvement, surgical intervention was recommended. The patient, however, refused surgery and opted for treatments based on traditional Chinese medicine. Comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, flash cupping, oral administration of compound herbal formulas, and enemas using Chinese herbal medicine were implemented alongside modern medical care. The obstruction resolved, and the patient was discharged without requiring surgery. Follow-up revealed no recurrence of the condition. This case highlights the potential of integrating traditional Chinese medicine with Western medical practices in the conservative management of complete small bowel obstruction, offering a reference for clinical application.

Evaluation of early and systematic ultrasound examination to determine postoperative dehiscence after small intestinal surgery (114 cases in dogs and cats).

To evaluate the feasibility and reliability of early ultrasound diagnosis for postsurgical bowel dehiscence and find the most reliable ultrasound criteria for dehiscence identification. Additionally, to determine the impact of early ultrasound detection of leakage in terms of survival and duration of hospitalization. Finally, to assess the need for systematized screening or checkup of the population at risk of dehiscence only. 31 cats and 83 dogs. A retrospective, records-based study was performed on 83 dogs and 31 cats (114 total) undergoing small intestinal surgery. Epidemiologic data, clinical signs, surgical procedures, pre- and postoperative ultrasound findings at 48 to 96 hours, hospitalization duration, complications, and general outcomes were recorded. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify ultrasound findings associated with dehiscence. Dehiscence was suspected by ultrasound for 0 of 31 cats and 7 of 83 dogs (2 of 49 for enterotomy and 5 of 34 for enterectomy). Every suspected dehiscence was confirmed during revision surgery except one enterectomy revision, which was declined by the owner. Neither this case nor those without ultrasound evidence of dehiscence developed clinical signs of intestinal leakage. Direct visibility of wall discontinuity, presence of gas bubbles, and liquid in vicinity of the intestinal surgical site were statistically associated with early dehiscence. Survival rate after the second surgery was 83%. Median hospitalization time after the second surgery for dehiscence was 2 days (minimum, 2 days; maximum, 4 days). Postoperative ultrasound examination between 48 and 96 hours after intestinal surgery allows early and sensitive detection of intestinal dehiscence. Survival rate after revision surgery was significantly higher than that associated with septic peritonitis.

Catheter-related internal jugular vein thrombosis in neonates and long-term consequences: a prospective cohort study.

The incidence of central venous catheter-related thrombosis and the long-term effects of thrombosis on catheterized veins in neonates is unknown. We therefore determined the incidence of central venous thrombosis, identified associated risk factors, and evaluated outcomes at 6 months. We enrolled neonates aged less than 28 days scheduled for major intestinal or cardiac surgery whom we expected to require central venous catheters for at least 48 hours. Catheter size, insertion method, and puncture site were determined by the attending anesthesiologist. The duration of catheterization was also determined by clinical need. Central venous thrombi were diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound imaging within 48 hours after catheter removal; results were not shared with clinicians. Ultrasound examinations were repeated 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. We enrolled 188 neonates over 2 years. The median duration of catheter insertion was 12 days. 128 (68%) of the neonates had central venous thrombi at the catheter site, all of which were asymptomatic. Among patients with thrombi, 29 (23%) had complete vessel occlusion and 5 (4%) had venous stenosis at 6 months after discharge. Thrombi therefore spontaneously resolved by 6 months in 73% of the neonates. CVC/vein diameter ratio, duration of catheterization, and catheter dysfunction were independent risk factors for vessel thrombus. Complete vessel occlusion was most common in patients whose thrombus occupied more than 58% of the vessel at the initial assessment. Covert central venous thrombosis is frequent in neonates who have central venous catheters, and complications are most common in patients who have large intravascular thrombi. Neonates with large intravascular thrombi should be followed, and considered for anticoagulation.

Epidemiological investigation of different types of Crohn's disease patients undergoing first abdominal surgery in the era of biological agents: a population-based cohort study.

Before the era of biological agents, most Crohn's disease patients required at least one intestinal resection surgery after diagnosis. However, clinical data regarding the abdominal surgery rates for Crohn's disease patients in the era of biological agents is not yet fully clear and needs to be updated. We retrospectively collected clinical data from 1115 Crohn's disease patients diagnosed and treated medically at The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2016 to January 2024. Using abdominal intestinal resection surgery as a clinical outcome, propensity score matching was employed to eliminate confounding factors. We explored the timing and proportion of abdominal surgery in patients with different Montreal classifications of Crohn's disease during the natural course of the disease, as well as the impact of the duration of the natural course and the use of biological agents on surgical outcomes. Montreal classification type B had the greatest impact on Crohn's disease surgery, especially with a higher proportion of type B3 patients undergoing surgery. Type A1 Crohn's disease patients underwent surgery earlier than types A2 and A3. The occurrence of behavior changes (B Change) during the natural course of the disease is a poor prognostic signal, indicating a significantly increased likelihood of surgery. The duration of the natural course from the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms to diagnosis and clinical observation outcomes did not directly affect the likelihood of surgery in Crohn's disease patients. Compared with Crohn's disease patients who did not receive biological agents, the surgery rate was significantly lower in patients who used biological agents. Additionally, Crohn's disease patients who received biological agents within 1 month of diagnosis had a significantly lower likelihood of undergoing surgical intervention. Moreover, Crohn's disease patients who received biological agent treatment within 19 months of the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms also had a significantly lower likelihood of undergoing surgery than other Crohn's disease patients. In the era of biological agents, the risk of surgical intervention varies among Crohn's disease patients with different Montreal classifications, particularly when there is type B3 disease or a B Change. Clinicians should pay closer attention to surgical indications in such cases. For Crohn's disease patients, shortening the natural course before diagnosis and early use of biological agents after diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of abdominal surgery.

Influence of dental status on postoperative complications in major visceral surgical and organ transplantation procedures—the bellydent retrospective observational study

PurposeThe significance of dental status and oral hygiene on a range of medical conditions is well-recognised. However, the correlation between periodontitis, oral bacterial dysbiosis and visceral surgical outcomes is less well established. To this end, we study sought to determine the influence of dental health and oral hygiene on the rates of postoperative complications following major visceral and transplant surgery in an exploratory, single-center, retrospective, non-interventional study.MethodsOur retrospective non-interventional study was conducted at the Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany. Patients operated on between January 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively enrolled in the study based on inclusion (minimum age of 18 years, surgery at our Department, intensive care / IMC treatment after major surgery, availability of patient-specific preoperative dental status assessment, documentation of postoperative complications) and exclusion criteria (minor patients or legally incapacitated patients, lack of intensive care or intermediate care (IMC) monitoring, incomplete documentation of preoperative dental status, intestinal surgery with potential intraoperative contamination of the site by intestinal microbes, pre-existing preoperative infection, absence of data regarding the primary endpoints of the study). The primary study endpoint was the incidence of postoperative complications. Secondary study endpoints were: 30-day mortality, length of hospital stay, duration of intensive care stay, Incidence of infectious complications, the microbial spectrum of infectious complication. A bacteriology examination was added whenever possible (if and only if the examination was safe for the patient)for infectious complications.ResultsThe final patient cohort consisted of 417 patients. While dental status did not show an influence (p = 0.73) on postoperative complications, BMI (p = 0.035), age (p = 0.049) and quick (p = 0.033) were shown to be significant prognostic factors. There was significant association between oral health and the rate of infectious complications for all surgical procedures (p = 0.034), excluding transplant surgery. However, this did not result in increased 30-day mortality rates, prolonged intensive care unit treatment or an increase in the length of hospital stay (LOS) for the cohort as a whole. In contrast there was a significant correlation between the presence of oral pathogens and postoperative complications for a group as a whole (p < 0.001) and the visceral surgery subgroup (p < 0.001). Whilst this was not the case in the cohort who underwent transplant surgery, there was a correlation between oral health and LOS in this subgroup (p = 0.040). Bacterial swabs supports the link between poor oral health and infectious morbidity.ConclusionsDental status was a significant predictor of postoperative infectious complications in this visceral surgery cohort. This study highlights the importance preoperative dental assessment and treatment prior to major surgery, particularly in the case of elective surgical procedures. Further research is required to determine the effect of oral health on surgical outcomes in order to inform future practice.Trial registrationTrial registered under the ethics-number S-082/2022 (Ethic Committee of the University Heidelberg).

New anti-mesenteric delta-shaped stapled anastomosis: Technical report with short-term postoperative outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease.

Medical treatment for Crohn's disease (CD) has continuously improved, which has led to a decrease in surgical recurrence rates. Despite these advancements, 25% of patients will undergo repeat intestinal surgery. Recurrence of CD commonly occurs on the mesentery side of the anastomosis site. To compare the new anti-mesenteric side-to-side delta-shaped stapled anastomosis (DSA) with the conventional stapled functional end-to-end anastomosis (CSA). This retrospective study included CD patients who underwent ileo-ileal or ileo-colic anastomosis between January 2020 and December 2023. The DSA technique employed a stapler to maintain the concept of anti-mesentery side-to-side anastomosis by performing a 90° vertical closure of the open window compared with the CSA technique. At the corner where the open window is closed, the DSA avoids forming a pouch and creates an anastomosis resembling a delta shape within the intestinal lumen. We compared demographics, preoperative condition, operative findings, and operative outcomes for the two techniques. The study included 175 patients, including 92 in the DSA group and 83 in the CSA group. The two groups were similar in baseline characteristics, preoperative medical treatment, and operative findings except for the Montreal classification location. The 30-days postoperative complication rate was significantly lower in the DSA group compared with the CSA group (16.3% vs 32.5%, P = 0.009). Ileus incidence was significantly lower in the DSA group than in the CSA group (4.3% vs 14.5%, P = 0.033), and the hospital stay was shorter in the DSA group than in the CSA group (5.67 ± 1.53 days vs 7.39 ± 3.68 days, P = 0.001). The DSA technique was feasible and showed comparable postoperative outcomes with lower short-term complications compared with the CSA technique. Further studies on CD recurrence and long-term complications are warranted.

Evaluation of Acute Terminal Ileitis in Hospitalized Patients: Development of a Predictive Model to Distinguish Crohn's Disease from Other Etiologies.

Background/Objectives: Terminal ileitis (TI) is often identified on CT scans in emergency settings. Diagnosing Crohn's disease (CD) as a cause of TI is crucial due to its significant long-term implications. This study aimed to differentiate CD from other causes of acute TI and develop a predictive model for CD diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at Shamir Medical Center including adults diagnosed with acute TI from January 2012 to December 2020. Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease or prior intestinal surgery were excluded. Patients were categorized into CD and non-CD groups based on their subsequent clinical course. A logistic regression model was developed and subsequently validated with additional patients hospitalized between 2021 and 2023. Results: Among 135 patients, 37 (27.4%) were diagnosed with CD. CD patients were younger (median age 27 vs. 39 years, p = 0.003), predominantly male (83.8% vs. 51%, p = 0.001), and had higher rates of chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, anemia, and weight loss prior to hospitalization. Significant laboratory differences included higher platelet counts (p = 0.006) and lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p = 0.001) in CD patients. Radiologic signs of complicated disease were more common in CD (35.1% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001). The predictive model incorporating gender, abdominal pain history, and MCV showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 63.6% in the validation group of 18 patients. Conclusions: This study identified key predictors of CD in patients presenting with acute TI and developed a predictive model with a substantial diagnostic capability. Use of this model for early identification and treatment of CD may potentially improve patient outcomes. Further prospective validation of this model is warranted.

Real-time quantification of laser speckle contrast imaging during intestinal laparoscopic surgery: successful demonstration in a porcine intestinal ischemia model

BackgroundAnastomotic leakage (AL) is a dreaded complication following colorectal cancer surgery, impacting patient outcome and leads to increasing healthcare consumption as well as economic burden. Bowel perfusion is a significant modifiable factor for anastomotic healing and thus crucial for reducing AL.AimsThe study aimed to calculate a cut-off value for quantified laser speckle perfusion units (LSPUs) in order to differentiate between ischemic and well-perfused tissue and to assess inter-observer reliability.MethodsLSCI was performed using a porcine ischemic small bowel loop model with the PerfusiX-Imaging® system. An ischemic area, a well-perfused area, and watershed areas, were selected based on the LSCI colormap. Subsequently, local capillary lactate (LCL) levels were measured. A logarithmic curve estimation tested the correlation between LSPU and LCL levels. A cut-off value for LSPU and lactate was calculated, based on anatomically ischemic and well-perfused tissue. Inter-observer variability analysis was performed with 10 observers.ResultsDirectly after ligation of the mesenteric arteries, differences in LSPU values between ischemic and well-perfused tissue were significant (p < 0.001) and increased significantly throughout all following measurements. LCL levels were significantly different (p < 0.001) at both 60 and 120 min. Logarithmic curve estimation showed an R2 value of 0.56 between LSPU and LCL values. A LSPU cut-off value was determined at 69, with a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.87. A LCL cut-off value of 3.8 mmol/L was found, with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 1.0, respectively. There was no difference in assessment between experienced and unexperienced observers. Cohen’s Kappa values were moderate to good (0.52–0.66).ConclusionReal-time quantification of LSPUs may be a feasible intraoperative method to assess tissue perfusion and a cut-off value could be determined with high sensitivity and specificity. Inter-observer variability was moderate to good, irrespective of prior experience with the technique.

Near-infrared indocyanine green angiography in recognizing bowel ischemia in emergency surgery: game changer or overrated?

Assessing bowel perfusion in emergency intestinal surgery can prove challenging even for experienced surgeons. The necessity of a technological tool assisting clinicians is undisputed. Near-infrared indocyanine green (NIR-ICG) angiography has been increasingly used in elective colorectal surgery to evaluate intestinal perfusion with promising results. This review aims to answer whether a similar outcome can be observed in acute cases of bowel ischemia. We conducted online research of the literature using keywords such as "indocyanine green", "bowel", "emergency" and "ischemia", to identify articles concerning the use of ICG-angiography in evaluating bowel perfusion during emergency operations. PubMed was the primary database. 11 articles were included in this systematic review with a total of 358 patients. Most papers showed a positive effect after using NIR-ICG-angiography, whereas one study indicated the limitations of the method by exhibiting increased reoperation and mortality rates. Moreover, a significant variation in indocyanine green (ICG) dose and fluorescence identification systems was observed. NIR-ICG-angiography has the potential to become a fundamental tool in emergency intestinal operations. Nevertheless, additional research, especially high-quality, randomized studies, as well as quantification techniques are still needed to support these preliminary observations.

3D printing and intelligent technology increase convenience, reliability, and patient acceptance of ostomy nursing: a randomized controlled trial.

Traditional ostomy bags commonly cause skin allergy and inflammation around the stoma, as well as leakage. This study aimed to examine the effect of a 3D-printed ostomy bag with sensors and stimulators on stoma nursing. This is a randomized controlled trial. This trial involved 113 distinct individuals who undergo colorectal cancer surgery and intestinal obstruction surgery, with resulting stoma. The date of trial registration was January 17, 2019, and the date of first recruitment was May 1, 2019. Patients were randomized into two groups: intelligent 3D-printed ostomy bag (3D group, n = 57) and Coloplast one-piece pouching systems (control group, n = 56). The shape of ostomy and the surrounding skin of all the 57 patients of the 3D group was scanned by a handheld 3D scanner. Then, the ostomy bag chassis (also known as skin barrier) was 3D printed and an intelligent device adhered to the ostomy bag. The wearing time, leakage rate, the Discoloration, Erosion, and Tissue Overgrowth (DET) score, and the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) were observed. In the 3D-printed bag group, the time to wear (0.7 ± 0.4m) was significantly shorter than that of the control group (9.1 ± 3.5m). The leakage rate of 3D-printed bag (1.75%) was significantly lower than that of the control group (16.1%). The DET score for the 3D-printed bag group was also lower than that of the control group, and the AIS score for the 3D-printed bag group was higher than that of the control group. The 3D-printed ostomy bags and the linked computer program can significantly reduce wearing time, leakage rate, and stoma complications. This may improve the quality of home ostomy care for patients and reduce the incidence of skin complications around the stoma.Registration number: ChiCTR1900020752.

The effect of damage control laparotomy on surgical-site infection risks after emergent intestinal surgery

IntroductionDamage-control laparotomy has been widely used in general surgery. However, associated surgical-site infection risks have rarely been investigated. Damage-control laparotomy allows for additional opportunities for decontamination. We hypothesized that damage-control laparotomy would be associated with lower surgical-site infection risks compared with laparotomy with only primary fascial closure or with primary fascial and skin closure. MethodsPatients admitted for emergent intestinal surgery from 2006 to 2021 were included. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify surgical-site infection–associated risk factors. Although variables like laparotomy type (damage-control laparotomy, primary fascial closure, and primary fascial and skin closure) were provided by National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, other variables such as number of operations were retrospectively collected. P < .05 was considered significant. ResultsOverall, 906 patients were included; 213 underwent damage-control laparotomy, 175 primary fascial closure, and 518 primary fascial and skin closure. Superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical-site infection developed in 66, 6, and 97 patients, respectively. Compared with primary fascial and skin closure, both damage-control laparotomy (odds ratio, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.13–0.73], P = .008) and primary fascial closure (odds ratio, 0.09 [95% CI, 0.02–0.37], P = .001) were associated with lower superficial incisional surgical-site infection but not organ-space surgical-site infection risk (odds ratio, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.29–2.19] P = .667 and odds ratio, 0.674 [95% CI, 0.21–2.14], P = .502, respectively). Body mass index was associated with increased risk of superficial incisional surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03–1.09], P < .001) whereas frailty was associated with organ space surgical-site infection (odds ratio, 3.28 [95% CI, 1.29–8.36], P = .013). For patients who underwent damage-control laparotomy, the number of operations did not affect risk of either superficial incisional surgical-site infection or organ space SSI. ConclusionHerein, compared with primary fascial and skin closure, both damage-control laparotomy and primary fascial closure were associated with lower superficial but not organ space surgical-site infection risks. For patients who underwent damage-control laparotomy, number of operations did not affect surgical-site infection risks.

Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) versus Longitudinal Intestinal Lengthening and Tailoring (LILT): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Outcomes and Complications

Abstract Background The prevalence of SBS is 3-4 per million. It occurs in about 15% of adult patients who undergo intestinal resection, with 3/4th of these cases resulting from massive intestinal resection and 1/4th from multiple sequential resections. About 70% of patients in whom SBS develops are discharged from the hospital and a similar percentage remain alive a year later. This improved survival rate has been achieved primarily by the ability to deliver long-term nutritional support. Objective To compare between Serial Transverse Enteroplasty (STEP) and Longitudinal Intestinal Lengthening and Tailoring (LILT) in the incidence of complications and clinical prognosis regarding morbidity and mortality in patients with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). Patients and Methods The search was carried out using the electronic national library of medicine PubMed database, Cochrane library and manual reference of articles published on serial transverse enteroplasty (STEP) versus longitudinal intestinal lengthening and tailoring (LILT) in management of patients with SBS. Conclusive search was done and duplicate studies were excluded. Data Sources Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect. EMF-Portal) and all materials available on the Internet till 2022. Results LILT and STEP are both valuable treatment strategies used in the management of pediatric SBS. However, currently, it is not possible to advise surgeons on accurate patient selection and to predict the result of either intervention. There is very limited published data on bowel lengthening procedure exclusively in adults. Most reported series exclusively or predominantly discuss the pediatric population with some adults included in one series and two additional single case reports. Conclusion Both STEP and LILT are potentially safe and effective methods for the treatment of SBS, under the conditions that the surgical techniques required have been mastered and the indications for surgery are observed. This review should be a gateway to open the scope on the field of Autologous Intestinal Reconstruction Surgeries (AIRS) and plan for a more detailed prospective studies with close monitoring of the data regarding outcomes, complications and follow up.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS): A budding concept in neonatal intestinal surgery

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is a multidisciplinary approach, widely used in adults and children for improving patient care with reduced length of hospital stay and medical costs. However, it is poorly established and perceived as unimplementable in neonates. Recently, ERAS guidelines consisting of 17 recommendations for perioperative care in neonatal intestinal surgery are laid down by the ERAS society. To elicit the feasibility of implementing ERAS protocol, we did an observational pilot study in neonates undergoing intestinal surgery at a tertiary centre to know the number of recommendations from ERAS guidelines already being followed routinely.Data was collected for the neonates undergoing intestinal surgery for three months. All the relevant details were noted and analysed to find out the number of recommendations from ERAS guidelines already being implemented and the postoperative outcome of these neonates.Twelve neonates underwent intestinal surgery for obstruction and atresia during the study period. Eight out of 17 ERAS guidelines were already followed as a routine protocol in all these patients. Nine patients were extubated on table, one patient was extubated within 24 hours of surgery and two patients succumbed to death. Ten neonates were discharged from hospital within 6-8 days of surgery. Many recommendations from ERAS guidelines for neonatal intestinal surgery are already being followed routinely, suggesting that the implementation of complete ERAS protocol is easily possible, which may further improve the perioperative outcome with reduced length of hospital stay.