Preserve Bowel Length Research Articles

Diverting ileostomy for treatment of ileoanal pouch dysfunction: a technical note

BackgroundThe ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a restorative procedure performed after proctocolectomy to improve quality of life in patients with colorectal conditions like ulcerative colitis, familial adenomatous polyposis, and selected cases of Crohn’s disease and Lynch syndrome. However, severe pouch dysfunction can occur, often necessitating further surgical intervention.ObjectiveThis technical note aims to describe the operative approach and perioperative management for diverting ileostomy as a treatment for dysfunctional ileoanal pouches.MethodsIndications for the procedure include complications such as pelvic sepsis, pouchitis, fistulas, and Crohn’s disease of the pouch. Preoperative planning involves a multidisciplinary team, stoma site marking, and imaging to assess bowel integrity. The surgical technique utilizes laparoscopic access with careful adhesiolysis to minimize bowel injury, with intraoperative pouchoscopy to identify anatomical landmarks. An ileostomy is created by selecting a tension-free small bowel segment and approximating it to a pre-marked stoma site. Attention is given to preserving bowel length to allow for potential future restorative procedures. Postoperative care focuses on stoma management and addressing ongoing pouch dysfunction symptoms.ConclusionsDiverting ileostomy offers symptom relief for patients with pouch dysfunction while avoiding more complex procedures like pouch excision. It is a valuable option in managing pouch failure.

Complete Resection of Necrotic Bowel Improves Survival in NEC Without Compromising Enteral Autonomy

AimsControversy persists regarding operative strategy for necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Some surgeons advocate resecting all necrotic bowel, whilst others defunction with a stoma, leaving diseased bowel in situ to preserve bowel length. We reviewed our institutional experience of both approaches. MethodsNeonates undergoing laparotomy for NEC May 2015–2019 were identified. Data extracted from electronic records included: demographics, neonatal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (nSOFA) score at surgery, operative findings, and procedure performed. Neonates were assigned to two groups according to operative strategy: complete resection of necrotic bowel (CR) or necrotic bowel left in situ (LIS). Primary outcome was survival, and secondary outcome was enteral autonomy. Outcomes were compared between groups. ResultsFifty neonates were identified. Six were excluded: 4 with NEC totalis and 2 with no visible necrosis or histological confirmation of NEC. Of the 44 remaining neonates, 27 were in the CR group and 17 in the LIS group. 32 neonates survived to discharge (73%). On univariate analysis, survival was associated with lower nSOFA score (P = 0.003), complete resection of necrotic bowel (OR 9.0, 95% CI [1.94–41.65]), and being born outside the surgical centre (OR 5.11 [1.23–21.28]). On Cox regression multivariate analysis, complete resection was still strongly associated with survival (OR 4.87 [1.51–15.70]). 28 of the 32 survivors (88%) achieved enteral autonomy. There was no association between operative approach and enteral autonomy (P = 0.373), or time to achieve this. ConclusionComplete resection of necrotic bowel during surgery for NEC significantly improves likelihood of surviving without negatively impacting remaining bowel function. Level of EvidenceIII.

ASO Author Reflections: Preserving Bowel Length and Quality of Life in Oncologic Patients: Importance of Intestinal Resection Strategy.

ASO Author Reflections: Preserving Bowel Length and Quality of Life in Oncologic Patients: Importance of Intestinal Resection Strategy.

Transluminal stenting: An intraoperative adjunct for preserving bowel length in the surgical management of necrotizing enterocolitis

Surgical management of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) presents a morbid dilemma: it requires maximal preservation of the small bowel length to prevent complications such as short bowel syndrome while ensuring the resection of all necrotic and non-viable bowel segments. We performed a retrospective review of four single institution cases that underwent multiple small bowel resections and anastomoses for NEC. Transluminal stenting was used prior to restoring continuity to preserve small bowel length. All four infants had >40% of predicted bowel length after their procedure, and none of the infants in the first three cases required repeat surgery after the stent removal and returned and restored small bowel continuity. The stent in the fourth case is the most recent and will remain in place for six weeks. The mean time to stent removal was 58 days for the first three cases. All four infants are alive with only mild developmental delays and are tolerating oral feeds without any parental nutrition dependency. Our experience shows that transluminal stenting is an adequate bowel lengthening procedure to lessen the risk of short bowel syndrome without increasing mortality.

Surgery and paediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

The incidence of paediatric Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is increasing. Surgical intervention is required during childhood in approximately 25% of children diagnosed with CD, and for 10% of those diagnosed with UC. Although there is evidence that the rate of surgical intervention undertaken in children is decreasing since the introduction of biologic therapy, this may only represent a delay rather than true reversal of the risk of surgery. Surgery for CD is not curative and limited resection is the key principle thus preserving bowel length. For UC, subtotal colectomy is relatively curative; ileo-anal pouch anastomosis can be performed to restore bowel continuity.

Neonatal Emergencies II: Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis & Intestinal Obstruction

This review focuses on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, preoperative stabilization and intraoperative management of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) and neonatal gastrointestinal obstructions. IHPS poses medical emergency, which demands adequate preoperative optimization of the intravascular status and metabolic derangements before proceeding with surgery. In contrast, malrotation and volvulus require immediate surgical exploration under ongoing aggressive resuscitation in order to minimize further deterioration and preserve bowel length. Congenital anomalies, associated with disorders such as duodenal atresia, malrotation, volvulus, and anorectal malformations, warrant focused examinations to characterize the defect and severity of functional impairment, but they should not delay interventions for which time is a critical factor. This review contains 2 tables, and 41 references. Key words: neonatal, infantile pyloric stenosis, gastrointestinal, vomiting, metabolic, resuscitation, obstruction, malformation, apnea, rapid sequence.

Abdominal MRI without Enteral Contrast Accurately Detects Intestinal Fibrostenosis in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presenting for surgical evaluation require thorough small bowel surveillance as it improves accuracy of diagnosis (ulcerative colitis versus Crohn's) and differentiates those who may respond to nonoperative therapy, preserving bowel length. MRI has not been validated conclusively against histopathology in IBD. Most protocols require enteral contrast. This study aimed to 1) evaluate the accuracy of MRI for inflammation, fibrosis, and extraluminal complications and 2) compare MRI without enteral contrast to standard magnetic resonance enterography. Adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who underwent abdominal MRI and surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Of 65 patients evaluated, 55 met inclusion criteria. Overall sensitivity and specificity of MRI for disease involvement localized by segment were 93 per cent (95% confidence interval = 89.4-95.0) and 95 per cent (95% confidence interval = 92.3-97.0), respectively (positive predictive value was 86%, negative predictive value was 98%). Sensitivity and specificity between MRI with and without oral and rectal contrast were similar (96% vs 91% and 99% vs 94%, P > 0.10). As were positive predictive value and negative predictive value (85% vs 96%, P = 0.16; 97% vs 99%, P = 0.42). Magnetic resonance is highly sensitive and specific for localized disease involvement and extraluminal abdominal sequelae of IBD. It accurately differentiates patients who have chronic transmural (fibrotic) disease and thus may require an operation from those with acute inflammation, whose symptoms may improve with aggressive medical therapy alone. MRI without contrast had comparable diagnostic yield to standard magnetic resonance enterography.

A Meta-analysis of Percutaneous Drainage Versus Surgery as the Initial Treatment of Crohn's Disease-related Intra-abdominal Abscess.

Spontaneous intra-abdominal abscess formation is a common complication of Crohn's disease. Percutaneous drainage [PD] may avoid surgery and preserve bowel length, although there is no consensus on its efficacy as the initial treatment and the associated outcomes if unsuccessful. This study uses meta-analytical techniques to compare the outcomes of PD alone versus primary surgery for Crohn's-related intra-abdominal abscess. A comprehensive search for comparative studies examining the use of PD and surgery for spontaneous Crohn's-related intra-abdominal abscess was performed. Each study was reviewed and data extracted. Random-effects methods were used to combine data. There were six studies including a total of 333 patients that met the inclusion criteria. Surgery was performed initially in 184 patients, PD was performed in 149. Groups were similar in demographics and abscess characteristics. There was a significantly higher risk of abscess recurrence following PD (odds ratio [OR]: 6.544, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.783-24.010, p: 0.005]. The pooled proportion of PD patients requiring subsequent surgery was 70.7%. There was no significant difference between approaches in post-procedural complication rate [OR: 0.657, 95% CI: 0.175-2.476, p: 0.535], ultimate permanent stoma requirement [OR: 0.557, 95% CI: 0.147-2.111, p: 0.389] or length of hospital stay [difference in means: -1.006 days, 95% CI: -28.762-26.749, p: 0.943]. PD can avoid surgery in up to 30% of patients presenting with spontaneous Crohn's-related intra-abdominal abscesses. However, the suggested advantages over surgery in relation to complications and length of stay were not apparent. Further studies in this area are needed.

Preserving bowel length with a transluminal stent in neonates with multiple intestinal anastomoses: a case series and review of the literature

Background/purpose In neonatal surgery, preserving small bowel length is important to avoid short bowel syndrome. Our aim was to assess the outcomes of intraluminal stenting of neonatal multiple intestinal anastomoses. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 9 patients (5, single institution; 4, published literature) who received multiple anastomoses stented by a silicon tube. Demographics, surgical anatomy and complications, nutritional outcomes, and follow-up were reviewed. Results Diagnosis was multiple intestinal atresias in 8 patients and necrotizing enterocolitis in 1. A silicon catheter entered either the mucous fistula (5 patients received a jejunostomy/mucous fistula) or a proximal opening on the dilated bowel and was threaded through viable segments of the bowel. The bowel ends were approximated. Stent was externalized in 7 patients. Final mean small bowel length was 63.9 cm. All complications (3 patients, leak/stricture) required surgery. Mean time to stent removal, feeds initiation, and parenteral nutrition (PN) discontinuation was 31.2 days, 17.3 days, and 159 days, respectively. Only 1 patient remains on PN (mean follow-up, 25.4 months). Conclusions Multiple intestinal anastomoses stenting is an excellent technique to avoid short bowel syndrome in the setting of multiple viable segments of gut, such as type IV intestinal atresia or necrotizing enterocolitis. Both our experience and the published literature show no mortality and PN-free survival.

Choledochoduodenostomy in pediatric liver transplantation

Reconstruction of the bile ducts during pediatric liver transplantation is generally performed by a Roux-en-Y CDJ because direct duct-to-duct anastomosis CC is often not possible. Anastomosis of the donor liver bile duct to the duodenum CDD provides another option. We provide preliminary evidence that CDD is an alternative technique for biliary reconstruction when CC is not possible in pediatric liver transplant recipients that have a hostile abdomen or to preserve bowel length. From 2007 to 2008, a total of 19 pediatric cadaveric liver transplants were performed at our center. Four of the 19 had a bile duct reconstruction by CDD. CDD reconstruction was used in patients who received a liver transplant for a diagnosis of PSC, congenital hepatic fibrosis, biliary atresia, and Alagille syndrome. The ages of the patients were 17 and 10 yr and 10 and 17 months. Three grafts were whole cadaveric livers, and one was a reduced left lobe. CDD was used to revise a prior anastomosis in one patient who had a previous Roux-en-Y that was unusable during the retransplant, and another to repair a stricture in a second patient with a CC. We also performed a CDD in a patient with a hostile abdomen from previous surgery, and another patient to avoid short gut syndrome that a Roux-en-Y may have created. All patients are alive with functioning grafts with a follow-up of at least one yr. None of the patients developed clinically significant biliary complications (leak, stricture, cholangitis). Our preliminary experience suggests that CDD is an option for biliary reconstruction in pediatric transplant patients with hostile abdomens or to preserve bowel length.

Pancreatic tissue in congenital segmental dilatation of intestine: case presentation and recommendation for treatment

Segmental dilatation of intestine (SDI) is a very uncommon condition affecting children. The case that we present suggests that SDI may have may histologic findings in common with vitellointestinal remnants. A limited resection or other minimal procedure to preserve bowel length is usually undertaken for SDI. However, this case illustrates that the dilated segments of small bowel should be completely excised, in the same fashion as for vitellointestinal duct remnants, because of the possible presence of ectopic gastric mucosa and exocrine pancreatic tissue.

Multiple jejunoileal atresia and colonic atresia managed by multiple primary anastomosis with a single gastroperineal transanastomotic tube without stomas

Multiple jejunoileal atresia is a challenge to the pediatric surgeon. The aim of the study is to preserve bowel length and prevent the long-term complications of short bowel syndrome. The authors present a rare case of combined multiple jejunoileal atresia and colonic atresia managed by 9 primary anastomoses over a gastroperineal transanastomotic tube. This technique avoided the use of stomas and their attendant complications.

Intestinal stenting in preterm, very-low-birth-weight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis and multiple perforations

We present 2 cases of necrotizing enterocolitis with multiple intestinal perforations or areas of segmental bowel necrosis in preterm, very-low-birth-weight infants. We reviewed their charts and researched the related literature. We used SILASTIC (Silmag, Argentina) intestinal stents to avoid multiple formal bowel anastomosis or stomas and longer resections, and to reduce operative time. In the first case, we externalized the stent through the first and last perforation; and in the second, through a proximal jejunostomy and the orifice left after an appendectomy. This method was useful in avoiding short bowel syndrome in both infants, and they were discharged successfully. They are currently 31/2 and 2 years old, respectively, eating without any restriction and with mild developmental delays. Treatment of preterm infants with multiple bowel perforations or areas of bowel necrosis requires a maximal effort to preserve as much intestinal length as possible. Use of the SILASTIC stent technique provides a good treatment variant in selected cases to preserve bowel length, reduce operative time, and avoid short bowel syndrome.

Operative strategies for necrotizing enterocolitis: The prevention and treatment of short-bowel syndrome

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the leading cause of short-bowel syndrome (SBS) in infancy. Studies on the acute medical and surgical management of NEC have traditionally focused on short-term morbidity and mortality, with less emphasis on long-term outcomes. Acute surgical management of NEC involves the often competing priorities of controlling sepsis and preserving bowel length. Bowel-preserving strategies for NEC, designed to limit SBS, are based on peritoneal drainage, limited resection, or a combination of both. Drainage-based strategies are generally favored in smaller neonates, while laparotomy-based strategies are favored in larger patients, especially those with a more limited extent of intestinal injury. Comparisons of drainage-based approaches and resection-based approaches are limited by confounding variables, and neither approach is clearly superior with regard to subsequent SBS. These traditional as well as more creative approaches to bowel preservation have application in NEC, yet they depend on a series of patient and treatment characteristics that include the ability of diseased but viable bowel to recover both absorptive and motility function after acute NEC, the ability of the infant to tolerate appropriately drained intraperitoneal contamination, and the ability of the injured intestine to subsequently undergo intestinal adaptive change. In addition, there are a series of operative options that have been designed to mitigate the impact of SBS once it is established. These procedures are not uniquely applied exclusively for NEC-induced SBS. However, strategies that slow intestinal transit, improve peristaltic function, or enhance mucosal absorptive function each have application in the management of SBS.

Jejunoileal atresia: A 27-year experience

Purpose: In this study, the authors review cases of jejunoileal atresia (JIA) to evaluate their surgical treatment strategy. Methods: Eighty-eight neonates who underwent surgical repair for JIA were divided into four groups for the type of lesion: group I, membranous (n = 23), group II, interrupted (n = 49), group III, multiple (n = 9), and group IV, apple-peel (n = 7). Group I patients were treated with membranectomy or bowel resection and anastomosis, group II with resection of the dilated bowel and one anastomosis, group III with two to six multiple anastomoses to preserve bowel length, and group IV with minimal bowel resection and bowel anastomosis. During surgery a uniform protocol was used to minimize bowel resection and to perform an end-to-end single layer anastomosis using either Halsted horizontal mattress or conventional interrupted sutures. Mortality, morbidity, days for functional recovery, and central venous nutrition (CVN) were included in the review. Results: Of 88 patients, three died of causes unrelated to operation for JIA. Nine patients underwent an additional laparotomy for leakage (n = 4) and obstruction (n = 5). Oral feeding was allowed on day 5.4 ± 4.3 and full caloric intake via the enteric route on day 12.5 ± 10.0. Twenty-one patients required CVN for 32.4 ± 19.1 days. None required a long-term treatment for the short bowel syndrome. Conclusion: This study concludes that efforts to preserve bowel length are laudable to avoid the short bowel syndrome and that an end-to-end single layer anastomosis contributes to early recovery of bowel function.

The complicated septic abdominal wound.

Since 1975, we have treated 21 patients with severe postoperative liquefaction fascial necrosis of the abdominal wall (group A, 13 patients), postoperative fascial necrosis with an associated intestinal fistula(e) within the wound (group B, three patients) and postoperative fascial necrosis with multiple internal bowel fistulae causing continuing peritoneal contamination (group C, five patients). Management in group A included general exploratory laparatomy, drainage of intra-abdominal abscesses, debridement of necrotic fascia, and loose closure of the wound with polyethylene (Marlex) mesh. Treatment in group B consisted of suture closure of exposed bowel fistulae with skin flap coverage. Group C was treated with diverting jejunostomy and suture closure of distal fistulae to avoid hazardous dissection and preserve bowel length. Overall survival was 71%.