Major Colorectal Surgery Research Articles

Oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation for colorectal surgery: A prospective observational study of surgical site infection and microbial analysis

PurposeSurgical site infections (SSIs) are common in colorectal surgery. Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in conjunction with oral antibiotics (OABs) have been shown to reduce SSI rates. It however is still unclear which OABs to use, and how this can be implemented in practice.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study carried out in Swansea Bay University Health Board during 2019–2021, evaluating the introduction of OABs in a stepwise manner on the incidence of SSI in major colorectal surgery. A control group having MBP only was compared to two OAB groups: one group had MBP plus metronidazole only and the second MBP plus metronidazole and neomycin. A 30-day follow-up after surgery was ascertained via chart review and telephone contact. Logistic regression was performed to estimate the relation between OAB use and SSI, with adjustment for confounding. In a subset of patients, faecal samples were analysed through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing before and after OAB treatment, depicting the impact of the gut microbiome.ResultsIn total 160 patients were analysed: 46 patients had MBP only, whilst 76 patients had MBP plus metronidazole only and 38 patients had MBP with metronidazole/neomycin. The SSI rate in the entire cohort was 33.8%, whilst the adjusted ORs for the single- and dual-OAB groups were 0.76 (95% CI: 0.17–1.81) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.17–1.52). The microbial analysis demonstrated that the relative abundance for many bacterial genera was changed before and after OAB treatment, but no link with SSI development could be shown.ConclusionsIntroduction of OABs in conjunction with MBP in colorectal surgery is feasible, and may potentially lead to lower rates of SSI, as well as altering the community structure of the faecal microbiome. More research is needed, especially considering different OABs and mechanistic studies of the gut microbiome in the context of colorectal surgery.

Functional outcome and frailty in colorectal surgery patients.

Frailty is a recognized risk and predictor of poor health outcomes in older patients undergoing surgery. A significant proportion of elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer-related surgery are nevertheless not routinely assessed for frailty in current clinical practice in Australia. We examined the preoperative use of the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) to predict post-operative functional outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. This retrospective observational cohort study included elderly colorectal cancer patients (n = 227) who underwent elective major colorectal surgery from 2016 to 2020 at Nepean Hospital, Australia. CFS was calculated retrospectively from medical records and the relationship between CFS and functional outcome factors was analysed. Frail patients (n = 111) had a significant postoperative functional decline as demonstrated by discharge to supported care (57% vs. 0.9%), Barthel Index change (P<0.05) and inability to self-manage stoma (P<0.05) compared to non-frail patients (n = 116). Multivariate analysis with adjustment for age, comorbidities as measured by Charlson Comorbidities Index (CCI), and cognitive impairment, demonstrated frailty was the most significant independent predictor of discharge to supported care (OR 109.3). Cognitive impairment and an increased CCI were also found to be important predictors. Preoperative frailty is significantly associated with postoperative functional decline and postoperative adverse outcomes, highlighting the potential utility of CFS in preoperative frailty assessment.

Prehabilitation bundle can reduce incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Elective major colorectal surgery is still associated with postoperative morbidity and mortality. Preoperative optimization can potentially reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, which significantly prolong recovery and increase the risk of mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the prehabilitation bundle on postoperative pulmonary complications. All patients undergoing elective colorectal procedure for benign or malignant diagnosis before and after the introduction of the prehabilitation bundle were enrolled in the study. Prehabilitation was focused on nutritional support, regular aerobic and muscle strength exercise, preoperative optimization of anaemia, improvement of oral hygiene including regular chlorhexidine mouth wash, psychological support, restriction of smoking and alcohol consumption. In addition to the general characteristics, compliance with individual measures, incidence of pulmonary complications and length of stay were monitored. A total of 596 patients were included in the study (226 before and 370 after the implementation of the package). After the introduction of prehabilitation, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications decreased significantly - 29 (13%) vs. 17 (4.6%), RR: 0.21-0.67), p=0.001 and shorter length of stay was observed à 9.7 (±8.8) to 7.7 (±5.5) days (p=0.0005). Except for optimization of anaemia, compliance with the individual components of the established bundle was very good. Introduction of a prehabilitation bundle focused on improvement of cardiorespiratory capacity, optimization of diet and oral hygiene, can reduce the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications and shorten the length of stay.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Protocols for Improving Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Major Colorectal Surgery.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have gained recognition as a perioperative care approach for patients undergoing major colorectal surgery. This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of ERAS protocols on outcomes in this patient population. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases for studies published between January 2010 and September 2021. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies assessing the impact of ERAS protocols on patients undergoing major colorectal surgery. Data were extracted, and a qualitative synthesis of the included studies was performed. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria. The implementation of ERAS protocols was associated with several positive outcomes. Compared to traditional care, ERAS protocols significantly reduced the length of hospital stay (mean difference [MD]: -1.64 days, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.21 to -1.08, p<0.00001), postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.46 to 0.71, p<0.00001), and readmission rates (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.38 to 0.85, p=0.006). ERAS protocols also led to a shorter time to return of bowel function (MD: -0.74 days, 95% CI: -1.03 to -0.45, p<0.00001), time to first mobilization (MD: -0.55 days, 95% CI: -0.82 to -0.28, p<0.0001), and time to first oral intake (MD: -0.62 days, 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.28, p=0.0003). Additionally, patients reported higher satisfaction levels with the implementation of ERAS protocols (MD: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.19 to 1.86, p=0.02). This systematic review demonstrates that the implementation of ERAS protocols in major colorectal surgery is associated with improved outcomes. ERAS protocols lead to reduced hospital stays, lower postoperative complications, and decreased readmission rates. Furthermore, they facilitate faster recovery of bowel function, mobilization, and oral intake. Patients also express higher satisfaction levels with ERAS implementation. Healthcare providers should consider adopting ERAS protocols to optimize perioperative care in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery.

Predicting Functional Recovery and Quality of Life in Older Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery: Real-World Data From the International GOSAFE Study.

The GOSAFE study evaluates risk factors for failing to achieve good quality of life (QoL) and functional recovery (FR) in older patients undergoing surgery for colon and rectal cancer. Patients age 70 years and older undergoing major elective colorectal surgery were prospectively enrolled. Frailty assessment was performed and outcomes, including QoL (EQ-5D-3L) recorded (3/6 months postoperatively). Postoperative FR was defined as a combination of Activity of Daily Living ≥5 + Timed Up & Go test <20 seconds + MiniCog >2. Prospective complete data were available for 625/646 consecutive patients (96.9%; 435 colon and 190 rectal cancer), 52.6% men, and median age was 79.0 years (IQR, 74.6-82.9 years). Surgery was minimally invasive in 73% of patients (321/435 colon; 135/190 rectum). At 3-6 months, 68.9%-70.3% patients experienced equal/better QoL (72.8%-72.9% colon, 60.1%-63.9% rectal cancer). At logistic regression analysis, preoperative Flemish Triage Risk Screening Tool ≥2 (3-month odds ratio [OR], 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.73; P = .034, 6-month OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.75; P = .027) and postoperative complications (3-month OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.20 to 3.42; P = .008, 6-month OR, 2.56; 95% CI, 1.15 to 5.68; P = .02) are associated with decreased QoL after colectomy. Eastern Collaborative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 is a strong predictor of postoperative QoL decline in the rectal cancer subgroup (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.45 to 9.92; P = .006). FR was reported by 254/323 (78.6%) patients with colon and 94/133 (70.6%) with rectal cancer. Charlson Age Comorbidity Index ≥7 (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.26 to 5.32; P = .009), ECOG ≥2 (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.36 to 7.20; P = .007 colon; OR, 4.61; 95% CI, 1.45 to 14.63; P = .009 rectal surgery), severe complications (OR, 17.33; 95% CI, 7.30 to 40.8; P < .001), fTRST ≥2 (OR, 2.71; 95% CI, 1.40 to 5.25; P = .003), and palliative surgery (OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.29 to 13.07; P = .017) are risk factors for not achieving FR. The majority of older patients experience good QoL and stay independent after colorectal cancer surgery. Predictors for failing to achieve these essential outcomes are now defined to guide patients' and families' preoperative counseling.

ERAS Protocol Applied to Oncological Colorectal Mini-invasive Surgery Reduces the Surgical Stress Response and Improves Long-term Cancer-specific Survival.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are known to reduce postoperative complications and improve short-term outcomes by minimizing the surgical stress response (SSR). Retrospective reviews of large cohorts suggest that they may also have an impact on long-term oncological outcomes. In 2016, Mari et al published a randomized trial on ERAS protocol and the impact on the SSR; they found that IL-6 was less expressed in patients who undergo laparoscopic colorectal surgery within an ERAS protocol compared with controls. The aim of the present study is to report the long-term oncological outcomes of patients enrolled 5 years after the conclusion of the study. Patients enrolled had received the indication for major colorectal surgery, aged between 18 and 80 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grades I to III, autonomous for mobilization and walking, eligible for laparoscopic technique. In total, 140 patients were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups of 70 patients each. Among these patients, 52 in the ERAS group (EG) and 53 in the Standard group (SG) had colorectal cancer. For them, a 5-year oncological follow-up according to the NCCN16 guidelines was planned. IL-6, C-reactive protein, prolactine, white blood cell count, albumin, and prealbumin were compared between oncological patients in the EG and in the SG. EG showed lower IL-6 on postoperative day 1 (21.2±9.1 vs. 40.3 ±11.3; P<0.05) and on day 5 (14.9±6.2 vs. 38.7±8.9; P<0.05), lower C-reactive protein on day 1 (48.3±15.7 vs. 89.4±20.3; P<0.05) and on day 5 (38.3±11.4 vs. 74.3±19.7; P<0.05), and lower pre-albumine on day 5 (18.9±7.2 vs. 12.3±6.9; P<0.05) compared with SG. Median oncological follow-up was 57 months [46.5 to 60]. There was no statistically significant difference in overall survival (log rank=0.195) and disease-free survival (Log rank=0.089) between groups. Cancer-specific survival was significantly better (log rank=0.038) in the EG compared with patients in the SG. ERAS protocol applied to colorectal laparoscopic surgery for cancer is able to minimize the SSR. As a possible result, cancer-specific survival seems to be improved in patients within enhanced protocols. However, even though there may be an association between an excess of SSR and worse oncological outcomes, the favorable effect of ERAS protocols toward better overall and disease-free survival is yet to be demonstrated.

AB033. SOH23ABS_042. Readmission rates following major colorectal surgery and using clinical photography as a pragmatic solution

Background: Readmissions following colorectal surgery (CRS) have negative clinical, psychological and financial implications. Identifying patients at risk of readmission remains challenging. To determine factors predictive of those likely to require readmission at 40 days following major CRS and to identify novel strategies capable of reducing readmissions.

Opportunities for shared decision-making about major surgery with high-risk patients: a multi-method qualitative study

BackgroundLittle is known about the opportunities for shared decision-making when older high-risk patients are offered major surgery. This study examines how, when, and why clinicians and patients can share decision-making about major surgery. MethodsThis was a multi-method qualitative study, combining video recordings of preoperative consultations, interviews, and focus groups (33 patients, 19 relatives, 36 clinicians), with observations and documentary analysis in clinics in five hospitals in the UK undertaking major orthopaedic, colorectal, and/or cardiac surgery. ResultsThree opportunities for shared decision-making about major surgery were identified. Resolution-focused consultations (cardiac/colorectal) resulted in a single agreed preferred option related to a potentially life-threatening problem, with limited opportunities for shared decision-making. Evaluative and deliberative consultations offered more opportunity. The former focused on assessing the likelihood of benefits of surgery for a presenting problem that was not a threat to life for the patient (e.g., orthopaedic consultations) and the latter (largely colorectal) involved discussion of a range of options while also considering significant comorbidities and patient preferences. The extent to which opportunities for shared decision-making were available, and taken up by surgeons, was influenced by the nature of the presenting problem, clinical pathway, and patient trajectory. ConclusionsDecisions about major surgery were not always shared between patients and doctors. The nature of the presenting problem, comorbidities, clinical pathways, and patient trajectories all informed the type of consultation and opportunities for sharing decision-making. Our findings have implications for clinicians, with shared decision-making about major surgery most feasible when the focus is on life-enhancing treatment.

Feasibility of opioid-free surgery for inflammatory bowel disease.

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery or those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are particularly at risk for opioid-related complications and progression to long-term opioid dependence. The aim of this work is to explore the real-world possibility of perioperative opioid avoidance in colorectal surgery and IBD. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients aggregated from two prospective studies on multimodal postoperative pain control conducted at a single tertiary referral centre. All patients underwent major colorectal surgery with bowel resection. Patients with chronic preoperative opioid use were excluded. Opioid use was measured in oral morphine equivalents (OME) each postoperative day (POD) and cumulatively for the first 72 h. Our cohort of 209 patients included 148 (71%) with IBD and 61 (29%) non-IBD patients. IBD patients required significantly more opioids cumulatively over the first 72 postoperative hours compared with non-IBD patients [median OME 77 mg (interquartile range 33-148 mg) vs. 4 mg (interquartile range 17-82 mg), respectively; p= 0.001]. Five percent of IBD patients achieved opioid-free postoperative pain control during the entire 72 h postoperative period compared with 12% of non-IBD patients. Only 7% of IBD patients avoided opioid use on POD 1 compared with 20% of non-IBD patients (p= 0.02); however the number of IBD patients increased to 16% on POD 2 then 40% on POD 3, closely resembling the non-IBD cohort at 49% (p= 0.22). In the era of modern enhanced recovery protocols and minimally invasive techniques, we show that early postoperative opioid avoidance is feasible in a limited number of IBD patients after colorectal surgery.

Risk factors and therapeutic options for postoperative intra-abdominal septic complication in Crohn’s disease

Background: Approximately 70% of patients suffering from Crohns disease require surgery in their lifetime. The postoperative course is complex, with higher complication rates compared to major colorectal surgery and with a high incidence of Intra Abdominal Septic Complications (IASC).

Perioperative Assessment and Optimization in Major Colorectal Surgery.

The elderly population is the fastest growing segment of the population with the number of people over the age of 65 expected to double by the year 2060. Because many common colorectal conditions increase in prevalence with age, the number of people diagnosed with common colorectal conditions is expected to increase dramatically over the ensuing decades. This trend, commonly referred to as the “silver tsunami,” will result in a substantial increase in the number of colorectal surgery patients with accompanying comorbidities and complex surgical needs.

Impact of COVID on surgical case volume at military treatment facilities with surgical residencies

IntroductionThe Military Health System (MHS) is tasked with the dual mission of providing medical care to beneficiaries while ensuring medical readiness. MHS provides care through a combination of military treatment facilities (MTF) (“direct care”; DC) & off-base civilian facilities (“purchased care”; PC). Given recent concerns regarding low surgical volume at MTFs, we sought to evaluate COVID's impact on elective and non-elective case volume at MTFs with surgical residencies. MethodsRetrospective review of 2017–2021 M2 database was performed on Tricare beneficiaries who underwent bariatric surgery or major colorectal surgery in the DC or PC market at, or, surrounding MTFs with surgical residencies. Procedures were identified using ICD-10 procedure codes and Medicare severity-diagnosis related groups. A detailed analysis was then performed on changes in case volume in the DC and PC markets. Results5,698 bariatric and 5,517 major colorectal procedures were performed during the study period. There was an 84% vs 20% quarterly decrease in elective bariatric surgeries completed in the DC and PC markets from Q1 to Q2 2020. Pre to post-COVID (Q1 2017 – Q1 2020 vs Q3 2020 – Q4 2021) there was a decrease in the percentage of bariatric surgeries completed in the DC market (74.1% vs 55.0%, p = 0.001). Meanwhile, major colorectal surgery quarterly case volume remained unchanged in the DC (137 vs 125, p = 0.18) and PC (146 v 137, p = 0.13) markets, pre- and post-COVID. DiscussionBariatric surgical case volume at MTFs disproportionately decreased during COVID when compared to the PC market and major colorectal cases. Bariatric case volume has rebounded in PC markets surpassing pre-COVID levels while DC case volume remains depressed. Further attention is warranted regarding decreased elective surgical case volume at MTFs.

Perioperative Assessment and Optimization in Major Colorectal Surgery: Medication Management.

The colorectal surgeon is often faced with medications that can be challenging to manage in the perioperative period. In the era of novel agents for anticoagulation and immunotherapies for inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy, understanding how to advise patients about these medications has become increasingly complex. Here, we aim to provide clarity regarding the use of these agents and their perioperative management, with a particular focus on when to stop and restart them perioperatively. This review will begin with the management of both nonbiologic and biologic therapies used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and malignancy. Then, discussion will shift to anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, including their associated reversal agents. Upon finishing this review, the reader will have gained an increased familiarity with the management of common medications requiring modification by colorectal surgeons in the perioperative period.

Practical Considerations of Perioperative Assessment and Optimization in Major Colorectal Surgery.

Successful outcomes after colorectal surgery result not only from technique in the operating room, but also from optimization of the patient prior to surgery. This article will discuss the role of preoperative assessment and optimization in the colorectal surgery patient. Through discussion of the various clinical models, readers will understand the range of options available for optimization. This study will also present information on how to design a preoperative clinic and the barriers to success.

Steep ramp test protocol for preoperative risk assessment and short-term high-intensity interval training to evaluate, improve, and monitor cardiorespiratory fitness in surgical oncology.

Steep ramp test protocol for preoperative risk assessment and short-term high-intensity interval training to evaluate, improve, and monitor cardiorespiratory fitness in surgical oncology.

Psoas muscle mass index as a predictor of long-term mortality and severity of complications after major intra-abdominal colorectal surgery – A retrospective analysis

Study objectiveDetermine if psoas muscle area measured in routine preoperative computed tomography scans (CT) can be used to identify patients at increased risk of adverse postoperative outcomes after major elective abdominal surgery. DesignRetrospective analysis of data from a single-centre cohort study conducted in York Hospital between the 1st August of 2015 and the 31st of august of 2020. SettingPreoperative clinic. Patients639 patients who attended the preoperative assessment clinic prior to major elective colorectal surgery and had an abdominal CT scan done up to 120 days before surgery. InterventionsNone. MeasurementsPsoas muscle area at the L3 level was measured in preoperative CT scans and normalised to patient height (psoas muscle index). The lowest sex-stratified tertile of psoas muscle index (PMI) was classed as sarcopenic.The primary outcome was 2-year mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative complications assessed using Clavien-Dindo graded major and minor complications, comprehensive complication index (CCI), and length of stay. Main resultsMultivariable regression analysis showed that sarcopenia was associated with 2-year mortality (aOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.03–3.10; p = 0.037) and survival at 2-years was significantly reduced in sarcopenic patients (log-rank test, p = 0.012). Sarcopenia was the only statistically significant predictor of major complications in multivariable logistic regression analysis (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.04–2.74, p = 0.034) and associated with an estimated increase of 16.6% in the comprehensive complication index (CCI) score of patients that had complications in multivariable linear regression analysis. Sarcopenia was not associated with length of stay. ConclusionsSarcopenia defined by psoas muscle mass is an independent predictor of 2-year mortality, major complications and severity of complications after major colorectal surgery and may be used for preoperative risk assessment.

End-tidal carbon dioxide in the early phase of cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to major colorectal cancer surgery associates with postoperative outcome.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) objectively informs preoperative risk stratification prior to major surgery. CPET facilities are resource intensive and therefore more cost-effective triage methods are desirable for scalability. We tested two dynamic CPET parameters (end-tidal CO<inf>2</inf> (P<inf>et</inf>CO<inf>2</inf>) and heart rate (HR)) to early phase exercise and resting diffusion capacity (DLCO) as potential point of care assessments that could be used outside of formal CPET testing facilities. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 84 patients who underwent CPET prior to elective major abdominal cancer surgery. Data were analyzed for P<inf>et</inf>CO<inf>2</inf> and HR in response to early phase (2 minutes) exercise as well as resting DLCO against postoperative complications and two-year survival. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification into less severe and severe (CD>IIIb) grades. Optimal cut points for predicting outcomes were determined using the Youden Index of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Multivariate regression modeling including both logistic and Cox proportional-hazards model adjusted to age and comorbidity burden was used to analyse the association between the selected parameters and postoperative outcomes. P<inf>et</inf>CO<inf>2</inf>, in response to two minutes of loaded exercise was higher in survivors than in non-survivors (median (IQR) 40.0 (4.2) mmHg vs. 34.5 (5.2) mmHg, P<0.001). There was no association between chronotropic response and postoperative outcome. The optimal cut point for predicting postoperative complications and survival was 38 mmHg and 37.1 mmHg for P<inf>et</inf>CO<inf>2</inf>, respectively. Low P<inf>et</inf>CO<inf>2</inf> was associated with considerably lower odds of survival (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03, 0.47; P=0.003) and additionally increased odds of severe postoperative complications (OR 6.77; 95% CI 1.45, 38.4; P=0.019). Reduced age-predicted DLCO% <80% was associated with increased mortality (HR 5.27; 95% CI 1.09, 25.5; P=0.039). Assessment of DLCO at rest and dynamic assessment of P<inf>et</inf>CO<inf>2</inf> during the early phase of exercise may potentially be developed as inexpensive point-of-care triage tools to scale objective preoperative risk assessment.

Telemedicine Use and Safety after Major Colorectal Surgery

Telemedicine Use and Safety after Major Colorectal Surgery

How can cardiopulmonary exercise testing data from pre-COVID help us improve post-COVID?

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been proven to provide safe and reliable assessment of a patient’s cardiorespiratory function.1 The results have been used to predict postoperative complications in those undergoing major surgery.2 At Barnsley Hospital, all patients planned for major elective colorectal surgery undergo CPET preoperatively and are admitted to the critical care unit postoperatively. The CPET data have not been used as part of a system to risk stratify patients considering postoperative care requirements.

Preliminary Experience With Quadratus Lumborum Catheters for Postoperative Pain Management in Pediatric-Aged Patients With Contraindications to Epidural Anesthesia.

Although neuraxial techniques such as caudal and epidural anesthesia were initially the predominant regional anesthetic technique used to provide postoperative analgesia in children, there has been a transition to the use of peripheral nerve blockade such as the quadratus lumborum block (QLB). We present preliminary experience with QL catheters for continuous postoperative analgesia in a cohort of pediatric patients following colorectal surgery. After institutional review board (IRB) approval, we retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent major colorectal surgery and received QL catheters for postoperative analgesia. The postoperative pain control data consisted of QL catheter characteristics, anesthetic agents, adjuncts, pain scores, and opioid consumption during the postoperative period. The study cohort included eight pediatric patients, ranging in age from 1 to 19 years (median age 11.8 years). The QL catheters were placed in the operating room after the induction of anesthesia. Comorbid conditions in the cohort that were contraindications to neuraxial anesthesia included spinal/vertebral malformations, presence of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, anal atresia, tracheo-esophageal fistula (VACTERL) association, and coagulation disturbances. All patients underwent complex colorectal or genito-urologic procedures. Bilateral QL catheters were placed in six patients, and unilateral catheters were placed in two patients. Four patients received 0.5% ropivacaine and four patients received 0.2% ropivacaine of an initial bolus. The local anesthetic used for continuous infusion was 0.2% ropivacaine in five patients, 0.1% ropivacaine in two patients, and 1.5% chloroprocaine in one patient, with a median infusion rate of 0.11 mL/kg/h. QL catheter infusions were supplemented with intravenous opioids delivered by patient-controlled or nurse-controlled analgesia. The median opioid requirements in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were 1.2, 1.0, 1.1, 0.5, and 0.6 MME/kg on postoperative days 1 - 5. Daily median pain scores were ≤ 2 during the 5-day postoperative course. All catheters functioned successfully and were in place for a median of 79.3 h. Other than early inadvertent removal of two catheters, no adverse effects were noted. Although our preliminary data suggest the efficacy of QL catheters in providing prolonged postoperative analgesia for up to 3 - 5 days following colorectal procedures, attention needs to be directed at measures to ensure that the catheter is secured to avoid inadvertent removal.